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impact today

Support our mission by contributing a donation.

Why give?

  • Be a Hero to the Forgotten:

    Senior and special needs dogs are often overlooked by adopters, making them some of the most vulnerable in the shelter system. Your donation shines a light on these deserving souls, showing them that they are worthy of love and a forever home. You become their hero.

  • Heal Broken Hearts and Bodies:

    Special needs dogs often require extensive and costly veterinary treatment, rehabilitation, and sometimes even specialized equipment. Your generosity directly funds these critical needs, helping them overcome physical challenges, manage pain, and live fulfilling lives. You’re not just donating money; you're giving them the gift of mobility, comfort, and a second chance.

  • Give a Senior Dog a Golden Opportunity:

    Many senior dogs are abandoned or surrendered in their twilight years, often due to circumstances beyond their control. Your donation offers them a loving home, specialized medical care, and the chance to experience joy and comfort in their remaining time. We believe every senior deserves dignity and love, no matter their age.

  • Extend a Life Filled with Love:

    For many of these dogs, we are their last hope. Your contribution helps us provide the necessary medical care to manage chronic conditions, ensuring their comfort and extending their time with us. You're giving them the precious gift of more time, filled with love and compassion.

  • Help Us Expand Our Reach:

    We dream of helping even more senior and special needs dogs. Your donation helps us grow our facilities, increase our staff, and expand our programs, allowing us to rescue and care for more vulnerable animals in need. You're helping us reach more hearts in need.

  • Make a Tangible Difference:

    Every dollar you donate goes directly towards the care of our dogs. From life-saving surgeries to daily medications, your contribution has a real and immediate impact on their well-being. You can see the direct results of your kindness.

Spotlight: Bubah Lou and RayRay

These two aren't just dogs; they're a gentle reminder that senior dogs matter and love is healing, even in the darkest of times.

Your donation today can help us find this bonded pair a loving home where they will be safe and together.

Make a donation.

Partner with us in our mission: We are dedicated animal lovers committed to rescuing the forgotten and providing exceptional care for senior , hard-to-place, and special-needs dogs.

Your donation makes you a vital partner in our mission, joining us in our commitment to giving these deserving animals the lives they deserve. You become part of our family of lifesavers!

 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. We've taken the step to formalize our efforts, becoming a California nonprofit corporation and are eagerly awaiting our 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status from the IRS. Once received, your generous donations will become tax-deductible, allowing us to continue our mission with even greater impact.

  • 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.