Your Help Matters!

Hugs For Harry is a Bay Area 501(c)3 Non-Profit Rescue finding homes for dogs who desperately need help. We focus on helping senior, and special-needs dogs who are the most vulnerable and in danger of being euthanized.

Our Mission

Our hearts ache for the senior, the special-needs, the overlooked dogs of the Bay Area – the ones who have been deemed "too old," "too fragile," or "too much." We see the beauty in their soulful eyes, the wagging tail that still holds a lifetime of love to give, and we know that every dog deserves a chance to live out their days in comfort, dignity, and surrounded by unwavering love. We are a community built on compassion, dedicated to championing these precious lives.

Learn more →

Help Us Help More Dogs

Volunteer

Open your heart and hands to a dog in need. At Hugs for Harry we rely on compassionate volunteers like you to provide essential care and support to our furry residents. Whether you can walk dogs, help with administrative tasks, or assist at adoption events, your time and talents will make a life-changing difference. Join our family of dedicated animal lovers and experience the joy of giving a homeless dog a second chance.

Sign up to volunteer today and become a hero in a dog's life!

Foster

Imagine opening your heart and home to a gentle soul, a dog who's seen a bit of life and just needs a soft place to land. Fostering with Hugs for Harry isn't just about providing shelter; it's about offering a warm embrace, a comforting presence, and a chance for a fur baby to rediscover the joy of companionship.

Fostering is a gift, a chance to experience unconditional love and the satisfaction of knowing you've given a deserving dog a second chance at happiness.

Adopt

Ready to open your heart and home to a furry friend? At Hugs for Harry, we have so many wonderful dogs just waiting for a loving family. Each one has a unique personality and story, and they all deserve a second chance at happiness.

Browse our adoptable dogs today and discover the perfect match for your family. Your new best friend is waiting!

Donate

Give the gift of a golden opportunity to a senior, special-needs, or hard-to-place dog.

At Hugs for Harry, we specialize in rescuing those often overlooked – the older pups with gentle souls and the dogs with unique needs who require extra care. These deserving animals often face limited options, but with your compassionate donation, we can provide them with vital medical attention, comfortable foster homes, and the unwavering love they deserve.

 FAQs

  • For years, Melanie Jackson has poured her heart into rescuing dogs, driven by an unwavering passion to provide them with loving homes. Now, that passion has blossomed into Hugs for Harry, a registered California nonprofit dedicated to expanding our reach and helping even more dogs in need. HUGS FOR HARRY is a California nonprofit corporation and certified with a IRS 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status. Your generous donations are tax-deductible.

  • Yes indeed! We’re always in need . Besides caring for 7-10 dogs at Hugs for Harry, our foster parents need help with food / beds / crates / bowls /toys.

    So, food, dog beds, blankets, toys, etc are a WELCOME donation!

    You can drop them off at Hugs For Harry’s location in Orinda at 19 Orinda Way, Orinda, Tues - Fri , 10am-2pm.

  • Hugs for Harry fills a vital niche in the East Bay's pet rescue landscape:

    1. We have a specialized focus on Senior, Special Needs, and Hard-to-Place Dogs: While many rescues do excellent work, Hugs for Harry's dedicated focus on senior dogs, those with special needs, and "hard-to-place" cases sets it apart. These dogs often face significant challenges in finding homes due to age, medical conditions, or behavioral issues. They require specialized care, patience, and resources that not all rescues can provide.

      Hugs for Harry fills the critical gap by prioritizing these vulnerable animals.

    2. We Address the Unique Needs of Senior Dogs: Senior dogs often require specific medical care, dietary considerations, and a calm, supportive environment. Hugs for Harry is positioning itself to provide this specialized care, ensuring that senior dogs can live their golden years with dignity and comfort. Many rescues do not have the resources to properly care for senior animals.

    3. We Provide Hope for "Hard-to-Place" Cases: Dogs with behavioral challenges, past trauma, or specific needs are often overlooked or deemed "unadoptable." Hugs for Harry offers these dogs a second chance, providing them with the necessary training, rehabilitation, and loving support to overcome their challenges and find forever homes.

    4. We Fill a Critical Need in the East Bay: While the Bay Area has many rescues, the need for specialized care for senior and hard-to-place dogs remains high. The East Bay, in particular, benefits from a dedicated organization like Hugs for Harry, which can focus on the unique needs of this community.

    5. We Are Creating a Community of Compassion: Hugs for Harry fosters a community of compassion and support for both the dogs and their adopters.

      By providing education, resources, and ongoing support, they empower adopters to provide the best possible care for their new companions.

      This community aspect is vital for the success of adoptions and the well-being of the dogs.