Leslie learned a lot about Clarence's sweet and shy personality from his foster parent. She was happy to discover how well he adapted after arriving at his forever home! Clarence has gone from hiding in the bathtub to curling up on Leslie’s chest at night. His progression exemplifies the lovely bond that can develop with a little patience and understanding. Clarence and Leslie's other elderly cat Penny also peacefully share their home. The established personality that comes with adopting an older cat like Clarence is one of the most rewarding aspects of adopting a senior. Leslie enjoys coming home to a pet who doesn’t require a lot of activity, especially given her long work hours. Clarence's cuddly presence is a constant source of comfort and joy in her life: she says that “adopting Clarence really has been the best decision”! Leslie encourages people to "take a chance" and bring a senior dog or cat into your life. They are wonderful creatures who can provide joy, companionship, and improve your quality of life. Seniors can bring an amazing capacity for love and an established personality to their new homes, which often make them ideal companions for those who prefer a more peaceful lifestyle. Adopting an older cat like Clarence does much more than just give an animal in need a second chance; it will also enrich your life with a wonderful companion! Visit www.citydogsrescuedc.org/adopt to learn more about adopting a senior pet. 
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 The Sausage Puppy Litter Hakuna Matata: It Means No Worries for the Rest of Timon’s Days Timon and his Lion King siblings were found in the wild when they were so small that they couldn’t have survived on their own. After making the trek to the DC area Timon’s siblings acted like normal little baby kittens, but Timon, the runt, was not as playful and couldn’t keep up. Sadly, it turned out that his behavior was due to a congenital defect that caused his rib cage to curl into his chest, not leaving enough space for his heart & lungs to grow. Unable to breathe properly, the only chance to give little Timon a good life was a major operation to address his condition (pectus excavatum). Luckily, Timon couldn’t have ended up in better hands. His foster mom, Kathy, is a kitten expert who has fostered over 100 kittens and chose to volunteer for CDCK because we place an equal value on dogs and cats, even ones with medical needs that are more likely to be overlooked by others. So many of you gave generously, and Timon was able to receive life saving surgery. Expert medical care and lots of TLC allowed Timon to heal, play with his siblings, and head to happiness in his forever home.
The sad truth is Timon – and other kittens like him – would not have survived without people like you stepping in. But knowing that a cat like Timon can go from at-risk to nearly good-as-new in a loving forever home fuels CDCK’s work for the future.
Taaj immediately contacted her volunteer foster assistant and took Kielbasa to the vet, who confirmed that he and likely his other two siblings, Chorizo and Salami, all had Parvo, an incredibly contagious and deadly virus that can infect puppies and dogs that aren’t fully vaccinated. Taaj and her sister ended up also taking in the other two puppies. With three darling – but very sick – puppies on their hands, they nursed them through their treatment. Thankfully, the CDCK community came together to raise the necessary funds to save the Sausage Puppies’ lives. Even when they were sick it wasn’t hard to see how sweet, fun, and rambunctious these little puppies were and how much they deserved to be saved. Taaj and sister took shifts so the puppies could get around the clock care. They gave them IV drips and got them past Parvo and healthy enough to be adopted. Thanks to our generous donors and volunteers, Taaj and her sister had the critical resources they needed to nurse the Sausage Puppies to health. Amazingly, Taaj didn’t grow up around dogs: she didn’t even like dogs until she was an adult, but she’s now fostered 16 dogs! Even still, up until bringing the Sausage puppies home, she hadn’t fostered puppies before. She originally didn’t think she could handle puppies – much less three sick ones. But as an experienced foster mom and a mainstay in the CDCK foster program, she did everything she could for these babies, knowing she had the full support of the CDCK community.
Opening your home to a foster dog or cat means opening your heart to the joy an animal brings to a caregiver. Volunteer fosters are one of the most important stops in an animal’s journey to get to a forever home. Fortunately, fostering an animal doesn’t usually mean dealing with serious medical problems. It may seem scary to take on the responsibility of fostering or adopting a City Dog or City Kitty that’s had medical issues, you can know that the CDCK family has your back. Our team is filled with people who have been in those shoes before. They have advice on hand and will be able to provide you and your animals with what you need. The rescue world brings us all together to help these animals and it’s amazing to see the lives they’re able to live with your help. If it’s one thing all CDCK fosters, adopters, volunteers, and supporters count on, it’s that there’s no love like the love of a rescue animal! If you’re looking to help a City Dog or City Kitty, consider applying to foster or adopt, make a donation if you can, or like and share us on social media, or volunteer. Everything makes a difference in rescuing more vulnerable animals!  Amazing Sabrina with her beloved family dog Rizzo!  Sabrina’s artwork expresses the impact that City Dogs & City Kitties Rescue has on the lives of people touched by the thousands of animals CDCK has saved. For most kids, their 13th birthday means blowing out candles, having a party, and becoming a teenager. For Sabrina of Bethesda, and other Jewish teens, their 13th birthday is marked with a Bar or Bat Mitzvah, which signifies their entry into adulthood and ability to lead their communities. Sabrina studied with a religious teacher for the better part of a year, delivered a speech in front of her whole congregation at Temple Sinai in DC, and completed a charitable project benefitting City Dogs & City Kitties Rescue that related to her Torah portion. From interacting with street cats in Jerusalem to playing with her family dog Rizzo, Sabrina really connects with animals. With her Bat Mitzvah Torah portion focused on 2nd chances and Moses smashing the 10 Commandments, choosing a project that gives animals a second chance connected everything. Sabrina’s family friend runs an organization that teachers kids how to be philanthropists. That was how Sabrina started researching the different ways to help animals. CDCK’s mission resonated with her the most – and we couldn’t be more grateful that it did. When she learned that CDCK's biggest need was money, she sprung into action. With some help from family and friends, Sabrina spread the word far and wide asking for donations. (She also got creative and used cat food wrapped in pink tissue paper as decorations at her Bat Mitzvah!) Folks who she knew – and some she didn’t – donated so generously because they knew how much Sabrina cared. And they really wanted to commemorate her Bat Mitzvah. When all was said and done, Sabrina raised over $5,000 to help fund CDCK’s new Intake and Operations Center! It is clear that Sabrina’s amazing accomplishment isn’t by accident. In Sabrina’s family, community service is a legacy. Her great-grandfather helped get the Smithsonian institution off the ground (he even has a brick in the castle on Washington, DC’s National Mall!). And her parents are so happy that Sabrina found something she’s passionate about and an area where she can make a huge difference. Sabrina is such a remarkable teen. She isn’t the kid who you’ll find up in front of a group of people, and she may never be the loudest person in the room. But when it comes to animals, it’s clear that it’s her passion and something she’ll be involved in for the rest of her life. To commemorate Sabrina’s hard work, CDCK will dedicate a transport of animals to the DC area in her honor. She’ll also be a Guardian Level donor in the CDCK fundraising campaign. Sabrina shows that any animal lover can make a difference at any age. Thank you so much to Sabrina and her family!  Sabrina and her brother always enjoy spending time with Rizzo! That’s just one reason Sabrina chose to help CDCK with our work to save animals in need.
Described by her parents as a “kidapreneur,” Isabella closed a library book this past May knowing her next chapter. There on the pages, she saw the joy a lemonade stand brought and decided to make it her reality. She also knew she wanted to serve someone beyond herself. “We asked her if she wanted to help children, animals or people and she decided right away – it would be animals,” her mother Jennifer says. The furry love runs in the family, with Isabella watching as Jennifer walks and helps board neighborhood pups. “After speaking with members of our community, one organization’s name came up over and over – City Dogs & City Kitties Rescue. So that’s where we decided to donate the proceeds.” The family whipped up fresh cups of lemonade and set them out for sale at $2 a pop near their local metro station in Kensington, Maryland. Fifteen percent of the sale price would go to the Rescue, and one hundred percent of anything additional would be donated as well. Once the table was ready, Isabella stood proudly behind it and waited for customers. Then, the magic rolled in. First in the form of a $10 bill. And then $5, $20, and on, and on, and on. “What struck me was how generous everyone passing by was,” says her father Mark. “This entire thing was spurred by her, and we simply helped. She loves it, can’t stop talking about it.” Isabella loves helping animals so much that she has gone on to hold several more lemonade stands over the summer raising more than $170 for CDCK! And every time, people are struck by the pure, raw enthusiasm she embodies. The young helper has even been invited several times to participate at a local food truck night. During the first event, a bakery owner purchased a glass and let Isabella in on a secret: running lemonade stands was the catalyst for her own love of operating a business that brings people joy. As a special token, she gifted Isabella a cupcake in her honor. This is the power of the ripple effect. On the family computer, Isabella helped choose toys and medical equipment off CDCK’s Amazon Wishlist to help us care for the dogs and cats the rescue saves from shelters. When asked how she hopes her startup will inspire others, Isabella’s young wisdom shines through: “I hope this helps people do what they love to do!” she beams. Looking to spark joy while helping dogs and cats in need? Join Isabella for her upcoming lemonade stand on September 15th in Kensington, Maryland. Proceeds will benefit City Dogs & City Kitties Rescue. Isabella chooses items to gift rescue dogs
and cats off CDCK’s Amazon Wishlist.  Full of adventure, Joey leaps and bounds across the leaf-riddled forest floor. His feline senses are in full effect as his paws propel him at a tremendous speed. Sun-strewn and quiet, the forest sets the stage as the perfect proving ground for Joey and his chase for mischief. Suddenly, Joey’s carefree adventure came to a halt--a bone-crushing one. Although we may never actually know the events leading up to Joey’s traumatic event, when he was found caught in an animal trap, we do know this extraordinary kitten would have a journey ahead of him that would test his nine lives. With his front right leg severed, and his front left crushed, Joey found himself at the mercy of nearly everything. He was found and rushed to a nearby veterinarian clinic. As a stray, Joey received what services he could–his front right leg area patched up enough that he would recover with his crushed left arm largely untouched. Now, bouncing around on his two hind legs, Joey quickly gained a reputation for himself and became well-known at the shelter he was placed in.
It wasn’t long until this peculiar and sweet kitten found himself a home. Over the course of a little more than a year, Joey had a roof over his head, a full bowl of kibble, and a loving family member. Shortly thereafter, Joey’s luck ran out--again. By no fault of his own, Joey was abandoned back where it all started, the clinic that treated his injury from the trap. When he was dropped off at the clinic it was closed and he was left outside without a crate or any form of shelter. Defenseless and still grappling with his disability, Joey was able to find refuge under a nearby shed to stave off predators and the elements until he was found. With the first chapter of his journey now coming full circle, the shelter reached out to their rescue partner, City Dog City Kitties Rescue (CDCK). With a network of more than 600 volunteers, the rescue services at CDCK provide newfound freedom and a second chance at life by transferring pets from under-resourced, at-risk rural shelters to loving families living in the nation’s capital. For the last 10 years, CDCK has provided forever homes for nearly 9,000 pets, as well as, established a strong foster network that acts as interim caretakers for more than 200 dogs and cats at any given time. When Joey first arrived in Washington, D.C., he was placed with his interim caretaker, CDCK foster Patricia. It was immediately apparent that Joey was still full of spirit despite having to be an absolute survivor. Instantly Patricia noticed a terrible laceration on his front left wrist. With the crushed leg relatively untouched by medical care, Joey utilized the soft underside of his arm almost as though it was a walking stick--and without the naturally-provided protection of the pads of his paws, suffered a further injury on his front leg. While Patricia and CDCK rescue determined what best next steps in Joey’s care were needed, Joey quickly adapted to his new foster home and lived completely oblivious to his disability. Hopping along for so long, the strength of his back two legs now enabled him to propel up onto nearly anything. With Patricia’s keen and loving attention she could easily begin to determine which out-of-sight “meows” were playful or signaled a need for help to get back down from a newly conquered height. With a care plan being developed for Joey, Patricia would take him to a local D.C. veterinarian’s office to bandage up his remaining left front leg and try to provide temporary relief. Clearly, this kangaroo-kitty needed more treatment than just bandages (which often fell off with his exploring)--it was determined that despite his front left leg being completely crushed, keeping the leg with an installed medical rod would regain Joey’s ability to use his paws as a crutch, versus his sensitive wrist. Five thousand dollars. That was the price tag for Joey to get back to his normal. In a world where orthopedic surgery on cats is extremely rare, the community behind CDCK understood and recognized the amazing journey Joey had survived and the years ahead he would have filled with tenacity and love for his family. CDCK’s community of alumni adopters, volunteers, employees, and friends raised the full amount necessary for Joey’s life-improving surgery. Patricia shared, “Joey has had a lot of angels in his life. You wouldn’t be able to tell him that he was any different than any other animal...he can be such a sweet rascal. He is pleased to befriend both cats and dogs and his mobility hasn’t been slowed despite his differences. As time went on it occurred to me that Joey and I grew to a point where we just really knew one another and became a duo. I can tell when Joey needs my help from the next room and I can simply tap my shoulder to get him down into my arms and then safely on the ground...then he’s off to the next adventure. I knew then I was completely foster-failing this kitty and wanted to be his forever family.” Patricia, now Joey’s full-time forever Mom, expressed her gratitude to CDCK for being a compassionate, volunteer-driven organization. She continues to volunteer her time as an intake coordinator for the rescue, when she isn’t busy trying to keep up with her kangaroo-kitty, Joey. To learn more about how you can support the City Dogs City Kitties Rescue organization by adopting, fostering, donating, or sharing your talents by volunteering, please contact The Administrative Staff at info@citydogsrescuedc.org or (202) 567-7364. For more information on the rescue itself, please visit https://www.citydogsrescuedc.org. 
Bella, Sue, and Bill are back from their trek and sharing their adventure with us. They learned a lot about camping, running, and carriage riding with a dog...
 Leah, Carlyn, and Gracie reunited. We have the most exciting news!! Gracie is safely back with the rescue!! Dedicated volunteers, lost dog lead Carlyn K., Gracie's foster Leah W., and Jessica and Mark M. NEVER gave up on a happy homecoming.
  
Saturday night, October 20, Leah answered a promising call about a sighting in Rosslyn along the Mt Vernon trail. Leah and animal control responded, but it was too dark outside to thoroughly search. The next morning, Leah and Carlyn returned to the spot along the trail, set and baited a trap, and placed a camera (the Kuder Cam) that would alert Carlyn whenever there was activity. As Carlyn said, "Kind of a shot in the dark as far as location goes but it’s worth a try." First there was a squirrel. Then a fox who very much enjoyed the daily feeding. And... lots of nail-biting and lost sleep. Midnight Monday, two weeks later, we got our big break. Gracie made an appearance on the Kuder Cam! We were elated! Carlyn and Leah returned each night to stake out the area and keep the trap baited. All they could do at this point was wait until Gracie captured herself. Any other move would most likely scare her. Gracie was lost between two major thruways (I-66 and the GW Pkwy) and they couldn't risk her running away and into danger.
 Gracie. Finally safe and secure. Big thanks to the many volunteers and the public who handed out flyers, got the word out on social media, and reported sightings. Thanks to your efforts we were able to narrow down her location. And a BIG round of applause for Carlyn, Leah, Jessica, and Mark for their unwavering faith and dedication to bringing Gracie home. We're lucky to know you!
5:00 AM Thursday, Oct 25. Gracie, Carlyn, and Leah at VCA SouthPaws ER making sure she unscathed from her adventure.
By Yasmina Ahdab Are you interested in fostering but are worried it doesn’t fit your schedule? Hear what City Dogs Rescue & City Kitties (CDR&CK) fosters have to say. Cat foster Trudy R. says, “fostering is not too different from any other normal day, except it is extra fun! There is just more cuteness and adorableness in your life.” Amelia F. adds, “it is basically a typical day for me, but with the awesomeness of having a cat!”  Paroma with foster dog Sprocket out and about in D.C. Most of CDR&CK’s fosters have full-time jobs. Like other dog owners, they organize a midday break through dog walkers, enroll in daycare, or come home during lunch. “After a long-day at work, I am delighted to come home to my foster dog and my own dog, Pablo,” says Paroma C. who spends her evenings “hanging out, snuggling, and playing games with the two pups!” With a minimum two-week commitment, fostering is the perfect way to discover how a dog or cat might fit into your normal life! “These fosters become a part of your routine. Even if I am late from work or very busy one day, then that’s not an issue since dogs are the most forgiving animals. They will always love you,” says Patricia B.  Caeul and City Kitty Marshmallow. Are you interested in fostering a cat but are worried about leaving him or her alone all day? No need to worry! City Kitties often fosters out two cats at once, so they can entertain one another while you are busy. If you’re not up for two fosters, we can assure you that your foster cat will enjoy their lazy day of napping. Enrich your life while saving theirs. “Fostering is the best way to start your mornings. My foster kitties have given me nothing but endless love and cuddles. Their faces light up with excitement each day,” says Caeul L. Are you someone who likes to exercise and be outdoors? Some people choose to foster younger more active dogs who enjoy spending time outside. Foster, Jess H., always makes sure to include her foster dog in her own workouts. Sometimes she even takes them on adventures to lakes or parks. It’s awesome always having a travel buddy!  Rachael and her dog, Autumn, take foster Ginger on an adventure. Want a break from the same old, same old? “These animals have fun and cool personalities. Everyday is new,” says cat foster Jess P. “I really get to see these animals evolve and grow on a daily basis.” Dog foster Patricia B. asks, “Who can resist so many extra moments of joy and happiness?” Fostering is also a wonderful way to meet more people. Tracy W. makes sure to put CDR’s “Adopt me” vest or bandanna on his foster dog for their daily walks. “I am continuously stopped by people passing by and have even gotten a couple dogs adopted that way.” Fosters who provide a temporary home give these dogs and cats the opportunity to escape high-kill and overcrowded shelters. You are giving them the chance to live while building unforgettable memories and warm fuzzies knowing you saved a life. To learn more about fostering, and to apply, visit: www.citydogsrescuedc.org/foster.html.  Sara and Warren with bonded pair foster dogs, Sukie and Henry. By Yasmina Ahdab  Interested in fostering but not quite sure what to expect? Hear what City Dogs Rescue & City Kitties (“CDR&CK”) fosters have to say. “It is a lot harder to never say hello,” says Patricia B., because without fosters we simply can’t rescue dogs and they remain at the shelter at risk of euthanasia. Many of the dogs and cats that need fosters are just days, if not hours away from being euthanized. Fosters provide a lifeline to these animals. “You can give them the opportunity to enjoy and experience the beauty of life. This also opens up space for even another dog or cat to be saved!” says Laura, a CDR&CK foster. All the rewards. In addition to being their lifesaver, longtime foster Leah W. has been “blown away by how incredibly open and sweet these adorable creatures are. They are merely looking to be loved and cared for!” By providing a dog or cat with a temporary home, you are giving them the chance to experience happiness in everyday life. Leah feels that “nothing compares to seeing your foster settle in, soak in love, grow, and just flourish. In the process, your heart will melt and open.” Patricia B. loves that her fosters “express their gratitude through kisses and cuddles.” and says “Fostering requires you to give up a little space in your home and in return gain endless space in your heart.” She finds fostering to be remarkably rewarding and that it pays back in countless ways (particularly through the endless love and cuddles these fosters shower you with!). Have a busy schedule? Many of our fosters work a full work-week, and like other dog owners, arrange a midday break via dog walker, or plan on using daycare for their foster dog. With a minimum two-week commitment, it's a great way to see how a dog might fit into your normal life. Are you someone who likes to exercise and be outdoors? City Dogs Rescue always has young active dogs who would love to spend time outside with you. If you're interested in fostering a cat but are worried about them being alone during the day, City Kitties often fosters two cats out at once, so they can entertain each other while you are at the office. If you are unsure if you can manage a long-term pet, then fostering “is a fabulous way to dip your toe in and to learn about the process of having a dog or cat,” says Tracy W, who has fostered many dogs with us. Jillian M. fostered as a way to dive into having a dog of her own. “I grew up with dogs but realistically, my parents were the true caretakers. Being responsible for an animal who is so completely dependent on you was a whole new experience for me and as my fosters learned to “dog” I learned how to be a good dog guardian each step of the way,” says Jillian M. Concerned about costs?No need to worry! CDR&CK covers approved vet visits, medications, or training sessions you may need. “Ultimately, you only need to provide food, shelter, and immeasurable love!” says Laura. Join a Supportive Community! Laura and Tracy both feel that “every dog they have fostered has been wonderful, and just a pure delight. However, if you happen to come across a foster that has any behavioral or health issues, then no problem - CDR&CK is more than supportive.” CDR&CK provides a free foster training, taught by professional dog trainers and has an active online community where any foster or alumni can seek out answers to their questions. There's also a group of volunteers dedicated to helping each foster help their foster pet adjust to their new environment, so you are always supported. Leah states “CDR&CK is a true community, where people are open to helping and learning from one another.” Learn More and Apply!Fosters who provide a temporary home give dogs and cats the chance to escape high-kill shelters. You are giving them the opportunity to live and creating beautiful friendships in the process. To learn more about fostering, and to apply, visit: www.citydogsrescuedc.org/foster.html
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About Us
City Dogs & City Kitties Rescue saves adoptable dogs and cats in overcrowded and high-kill shelters, where resources are severely limited. We offer a lifeline to as many of these wonderful pups and kitties as possible. City Dogs & City Kitties Rescue 1812 1/2 11th St NW Washington, DC 20001 Administrative Office Hours: We are not a shelter and do not accept animal surrenders at our location, nor do we have adoptable animals onsite. All of our adoptable animals are in private foster homes. Due to COVID-19 we have closed traditional office hours. Visit our contact page for information about foster supply pick up. City Dogs Rescue has federal tax exemption under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, effective September 21, 2011.
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