Fur-Ever Homes dog rescue group may be forced to close after costly vet bills bite

Alocal dog rescue group that opened a new shelterlast month needs donations to keep the building open.

Since it was founded in 2011, Fur-Ever Homes Rescue Society has rescued more than 2,500 dogs from Calgary, southern California and Mexico, but until now, they had to rely exclusively on foster homes.

Theyopened theResQ Centre in northeast Calgary on Nov. 1 and more than100 dogshave already come through its doors.

But the registered charitynow says its struggling,after taking on a dozen medical cases last month that cost more than $10,000, on top of its construction costs for the new shelter.

"We're in a very bad position financially right now and we are going to be forced to close our doors if we can't raise some money to cover the cost of our rent," says founder Carmen Elaraj.

"This rescue centre has been a dream of ours for years and all of our volunteers have worked really, really hard to make it what it is," she said.

"To close our doors would mean that, you know, a lot less dogs are going to have our help next year and that's really devastating to all of our volunteers."

Closure would be 'devastating'

This year, the society has taken in many local dogs surrendered by owners.

"I think because of the economy, peopleare forced to turn in their pets, and so this year we have seen an influx in owner surrenders," Elarajsays.

Elarajsays the centre hopes to raise up to $15,000, which would cover the shelter's rent for six months.

The society has started aGofundmecampaign, which has raised close to $5,000 by noon on Wednesday.

Alison Stephens started volunteering with the group two months ago, and is nowfostering dogs ather house and volunteering at the new rescue centre.

She says it would be devastating to see the centre close.

"I have fallen in love, quite frankly, with everything that goes on here, and the sense of community that comes from being part of something greater than yourself," Stepehens says.

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