San Diego, December 26, 2018 – Over 45,000 homeless animals end up in our local shelters every year.  That is why Friends of SNAP is pleased to announce it has received a grant from PEDIGREE Foundation to support its rescue and rehome program, of primarily chihuahuas and chihuahua blends, the second most euthanized dog breed in the shelter system.

Friends of SNAP, a self-funded entity, has a close relationship with local shelters who notify them about adoptable pups in this smaller category, that are “at risk” or in need of extra TLC.  Depending on space in foster homes, Friends of SNAP pulls as many dogs as possible. While in foster care, these dogs are given the chance to feel like a “regular” dog with frequent outings to the beach, socializing at adoption and major community events, and the all-important freedom ride with the wind in their face.  With this $1,050 grant, Friends of SNAP will be able to offset the cost of transporting these pups throughout San Diego County, as the group works toward finding them forever homes.

“This overbred dog breed is often maligned as difficult and we work hard to dispel this belief so these small dogs can get a fair shake, but in reality, there are more in the system that can ever be placed, and when we don’t have room for one more rescue, there are sleepless nights,” said Carla Bartolacci, Friends of SNAP lead volunteer.  The grant from PEDIGREE will help fund the rides from location to location in the quest to adopt out these dogs to approved homes.

The most immediate use was transporting the rescues to walk the parade route at the Annual Holiday Pet Parade in the Gaslamp District downtown San Diego. There is a curiosity factor that comes with these little dogs dressed in costumes and sweaters, that draw people to them.  This provides an opportunity to share the important work of Friends of SNAP, educate the public on the plight of this misunderstood breed, and accept applications from interested parties. A required two-week trial period is arranged upon approval of application, to ensure that the placement works for both dog and household.

Please join us in celebrating the 20 pups placed in forever homes in 2018 and the 20 who took their place for a second chance at life!  Visit https://www.facebook.com/friendsofsnap/ to view current adoptees.