Dancers and Dogs are kicking off the new year with a January fundraiser. And while the money will help keep the program running, it will also be helping a Muttcracker from their holiday collaboration.
Remember in December when we introduced you to the shelter dogs from the Stray Rescue of St. Louis who were posing with ballet dancers? If you do, then you may be interested in learning that to kick off January, Dancers and Dogs, the group behind those photos, has announced their newest fundraiser. For every shirt sold, $2 will go to the medical expenses of one of their featured Muttcrackers, as well as the running of the program itself.
For those wondering what a Muttcracker is, it is the pups who posed with the ballet dancers in their Nutcracker costumes. Those shelter dogs were affectionately referred to as Muttcrackers, and now one of those pups is looking for a little help from her fans.
In the post from Dancers and Dogs on Instagram, they shared that for their January fundraiser, they were offering a vintage style shirt. The shirts come in four styles and a variety of colors, all featuring a silhouette of a dog that seems to be dancing next to the words, “Will Dance for Cookies.” They also explained that the Muttcracker pup who would be getting medical help is Queeny, who arrived at the shelter with a leg injury, as well as a condition known as Caval Syndrome.
For those unfamiliar with Caval Syndrome, it is an advanced condition of heartworm disease. It is a life threatening problem, as it means that the dog’s heart has been over run with heartworms to a point that there are so many worms in the pulmonary artery that they can migrate to other areas. This condition can lead to anemia, jaundice, problems with the liver, heart failure, and even death.
With the help of the Stray Rescue and Dancers and Dogs, Queeny is getting the help she needs, but of course medical procedures cost a lot of money. And with the help of this fundraiser, there is hope that the lovely Muttcracker will be able to get the medical treatments she needs not only for the Caval Syndrome, but also to help with her leg injury.
During the series of photos featuring the pups of the rescue and the ballet dancers from the Nutcracker, Queeny was paired with the Snow Queen (of course). The sweet pup was described as having a goofy smile, which we think is adorable, while also being ready for a forever home.
We love seeing what Dancers and Dogs is doing to help rescue dogs not only find new homes, but also receive the care they need. And with this January fundraiser, not only do people get the chance to help the group and Queeny, but they even get to snag an adorable shirt while they are at it.
Of course, the goal of the fundraiser is also to help keep the overall program running, which will allow them to help many other rescue dogs looking for new homes. And we think that’s a cause worth getting the spotlight.
Hopefully, with more attention, Queeny and any of the other Muttcrackers still waiting for homes will get all the help and love they need and deserve, while also helping to keep the program running for other pups in need. And we have to give credit to Dancers and Dogs for doing something not only magical, but also heartwarming and truly inspiring.
What do you think of what Dancers and Dogs is doing for rescue pups? What do you think of this fundraiser? Tell us your thoughts in the comments.