Can you imagine a mother and babies alone and defenseless on a Boulder sidewalk with no shelter, food or protection from the elements?

Neither can I. But that’s what happened to Ruby and her litter of puppies one cold October night. If not for the kindhearted passerby who found this abandoned mom and puppies and brought them to the Humane Society of Boulder Valley, they surely would have died.

As it was, their prospects were grim. They were hungry, weak and shivering from exposure. Ruby had been on the streets trying desperately to protect her little ones. Dehydrated and undernourished, she could barely stand, but she would sacrifice her last bit of strength to make sure they were safe.

Determined to save Ruby and her precious babies, our veterinary team immediately went to work. We gently treated each puppy. With every yelp and tail wag, our spirits lifted. But it was only when the runt showed signs of recovery that we breathed a collective sigh of relief.

We could see that as her body healed her gentle heart opened, her eyes brightened and ears perked up. Ruby and the puppies were ready for adoption. Quickly, the puppies went home with new loving families. Ruby watched her babies leave one by one. Like many older dogs, Ruby was passed by, no one seemed to want her. But our staff continued to shower this courageous momma with love knowing that someone would see that she was special. Then one day Allison came in — she saw something in Ruby’s eyes and the two bonded instantly.

Thanks to the kindness of friends like you, we were able to provide the essential care for Ruby while her body mended. Ruby now has a yard to play in, a warm bed, food to eat and a caring home to call her own. She’s a happy, healthy dog!

But countless other animals are still hurting and at risk. We continue to see thousands of lost and abandoned pets — innocent creatures left alone, roaming the streets and vulnerable by humans who promised to love them. Because of this, our kennels are overflowing and our resources stretched to the limit.

Please, won’t you help come to their rescue by joining in our Annual Holiday Fund Drive today?

Just think what your donation can do...

• $25 can provide nourishing food
• $35 can provide lifesaving vaccinations
• $50 can provide safe shelter and care
• Or any amount can help dogs and cats in need

When you contribute to our Annual Holiday Fund Drive, you’ll help save animals from terrible cruelty and suffering. And you’ll also bring great joy to the caring humans who adopt these furry friends and make them part of their families.

Thank you for your ongoing support that helps bring happy endings to hundreds of deserving animals like Ruby and her puppies every year.

With gratitude for all you do,

Lisa Pedersen, Chief Executive Officer