K9 Rescue Group says it is no longer considering closing its doors after an urgent call out for donations saw a huge response from the community.
Last month, the Nambeelup-based dog rescue put out a desperate call for donations after its regular donations dropped by 51.3 per cent since December, which is believed to be caused by donors feeling the pinch of the rising cost of living.
With the rescue’s kennels also at capacity and eight to 10 surrender requests coming in every day, K9 was facing a monthly gap in its expenses of $10,000 — and there were concerns it would not be able to sustain its operations long-term.
But after a strong community response to their call for help, closing its operations is now “unlikely”, according to treasurer Graham Carter.
“We’ve certainly now got at least a 12-month runway,” he said.
“And during that time, with all the activity going on, all the inputs in terms of putting together some business plans and putting together some income strategies, I really do hope we probably have avoided that closure, because it really did get that close to the wind.”
Mr Carter said more than $81,000 had been donated, with $55,000 into their vet bills fund — K9’s biggest expense.
Donations included $50,000 from local businesses, with one business also donating a water tank and pump for the rural property, which doesn’t have a direct water supply.
Mr Carter said K9 was “overwhelmed” by the community’s “absolutely amazing” support.
“Every donation made, every single dollar donated, is so important to K9 because we want to be here for another 100 years,” he said.
“We certainly don’t want to be in a situation where we’re looking at options that wouldn’t be good for the community, and the fact that we’ve had that response … (is) just amazing.
“It’s an ongoing challenge, but we’re not where we were a month ago.”