Time has passed and once more NTXGD looms on the horizon. North Texas Giving Day is Thursday, September 17, 2026. This is the event that determines the future of Texas Independent Rhodesian Ridgeback Rescue for the upcoming year. If my luck should hold I have at least a couple more years of service in this well-worn hide, mentally maybe not so much! The simple reality is that my personal contribution to the operation of our facility and overall operation of the rescue becomes more challenging with each passing day. In order to maintain the quality of service for our clients, both 4 footed and 2 footed, require an ever-increasing dependency on contract labor.
We are extremely fortunate to have two individuals (Amber & Will) that maintain the interior of the kennel building and the building & grounds. It is unreasonable to expect these services on a volunteer basis. The compensation we provide is far less than the benefit we receive. Even so, we can only continue with your support. This year your contributions are more important than ever before.
When the cost of contract labor is combined with the increased cost of veterinary service, especially for the senior dogs, the financial demands exceed our funding resources. Our budget for the entire year of 2026 was exceeded in the first quarter. How did that happen? Spring storm damages, emergency veterinary care, and new fencing to prevent future medical emergencies. We must also be prepared for the ever-increasing operational expenses such as water, electricity and waste removal. Recent increases in fuel costs have affected every aspect of our operation from mowing the grass to transporting dogs to new homes, trips to the vet’s office and picking up dogs that need to be rescued.
As we have stated, we need your help now, more than ever, to continue the sanctuary and care of those special needs dogs that other rescues are not designed to care for. The ones that are too old, too broken or too distressed to be placed in a foster home. For many years TIRR operated on hopes and prayers, taking in and providing care with only faith to cover the cost. Thanks to the generosity of the Ridgeback community and our very special adopters and supporters, the past couple of years have allowed us to progress from reactive care to proactive care. Though this care has added years to the lives of many dogs it has also resulted in additional expenses for medications, special diets and therapies.
No contribution is too small or too large, and all contributions go directly to our mission. There are no administrative fees or overhead. Once more we look to our long-term supporters and invite all to participate in this campaign and share in the joy that can only be found in the eyes of a dog who has found hope & health where there was none.
Please share - who we are, our mission and our needs with as many people as possible, friends, relatives, associates, etc.