Dogs and Cats Abandoned to Wilderness Face Uncertain Futures as Donations to D.E.L.T.A. Rescue Dip

Los Angeles, CA — At a time when millions of Americans are drastically tightening their belts to survive the economic downturn, pleas for charitable donations are increasingly going unanswered. But for one group of lost souls, even the smallest donations can mean the difference between life and death. D.E.L.T.A. Rescue (Dedication and Everlasting Love to Animals)

They’re the animals domesticated dogs and cats, primarily that have been abandoned to the wilderness, left to their own devices in harsh conditions and unable to fend for themselves. And there’s only one organization in the nation dedicated to finding those abandoned pets and nursing them back to health: D.E.L.T.A. Rescue  a 501(c)(3) non-profit founded by actor and animal activist Leo Grillo.

The animals’ stories are heartbreaking. Coquetta, a small black-and-white dog, gave birth in the desert hundreds of miles from southern California, only to watch her entire litter die from exposure. Soon after, she was hit by a car and left for dead, her hip and leg shattered. D.E.L.T.A. Rescue found her and brought her to its 115-acre Super Sanctuary, the largest no-kill, care-for-life sanctuary in the world. There, D.E.L.T.A. veterinarians performed emergency surgery in one of the sanctuary’s two hospitals, and the staff provided the care and love Coquetta seemed never to have known. Today Coquetta is almost fully healed and, in spite of her trials, loves to be around people.

DELTA Rescue Super Sanctuary

ABOVE PICTURE – BEFORE SURGERY

For every Coquetta, however, there are countless other animals struggling to survive in deserts and forests in which they were never meant to live. Grillo and his organization have been rescuing and caring for such animals since he founded D.E.L.T.A. Rescue in 1979, and in the time since, D.E.L.T.A. Rescue has become a first-responder to disasters and massive rescue situations all over the country. In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, Grillo’s organization partnered with Feed The Children to get truckloads of dog and cat food to the animals left behind by families fleeing the hurricane. Disaster response teams have also called on D.E.L.T.A. Rescue during Southern California’s devastating wildfires.

But with the nationwide proliferation of smaller animal rescue organizations, Americans are being bombarded with appeals for donations. For D.E.L.T.A. Rescue, that means fewer funds with which to rescue and care for dogs and cats found in the wild.

D.E.L.T.A. Rescue Super Sanctuary

ABOVE PICTURE – AFTER Surgery at D.E.L.T.A. Rescue Super Sanctuary

“D.E.L.T.A. Rescue goes out to where animals are alone and suffering, with absolutely no one else to help them,” Grillo explained. “If D.E.L.T.A. Rescue doesn’t come for them, nobody will. That’s what makes our organization different from virtually every other animal rescue organization out there. It’s why our work — and the continued donations of concerned citizens — are so vitally necessary.”

To learn more about D.E.L.T.A. Rescue, or to make a tax-deductible donation to help the organization continue its work, visit http://www.deltarescue.org or write to D.E.L.T.A. Rescue, P.O. Box 9, Glendale, CA, 91209.

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16 Responses to “Dogs and Cats Abandoned to Wilderness Face Uncertain Futures as Donations to D.E.L.T.A. Rescue Dip”

  • Sarah:

    This is a great cause! Leo has organized a wonderful (and sustainable) refuge. I know anyone who sees it will agree and it would also serve as a great model for animal rescuers is any state.

  • Mindee:

    Thank you D.E.L.T.A. Rescue for all you do!!

  • Debbie:

    Animals were created by God for us to take care of and keep them safe. Not to be taken out to the desert and dumped or discarded like they try and do to homeless people. Delta Rescue is a kind and loving, safe place taking care of the discarded wounded pets.

    For all the city leaders that are trying to harm this organization, shame shame on you. I will be praying that God will continue to protect Delta Rescue and that those who would cause harm, or hurt to any of these animals that God will cause defeat in all that they do, and expose them for what they really are.

    What has this world come to that people are so cruel and mean and full of hatred for one another and to our pets.

  • L&K:

    Dear Leo,

    My wife and I are Christians, we do the very best to adhere to those principles laid down by Christ. We have NEVER been let down nor have gone starving or been in lack of need. God protects his own. God will protect you as He has done us if you follow His precepts and teachings, otherwise there is NO other way out and up!

    I am saying this to try and encourage you and to tell you that you have a unique responsibility to help dogs, cats and others who have been dumped by cruel and uncaring people. YOU, Leo, are a light in this world and as long as you continue to care for all of these little ones,

    We truly believe that God will reward you for being a good steward of those He has entrusted to you. We do what we can on this end and have 6 dogs and 6 cats to feed and care for not to mention the high cost of medical care.

    Please do NOT give up the fight and remember this: God will renew your strength when you need it most-trust me on this. I have remembered years past and the Christmas stocking you hang for the dogs and will be sending out a “little extra” with this month’s donation. Hang in there, my friend; for my wife and I have been through horrors that we cannot speak about to this day; YET-HERE WE STILL STAND!

    Take care and remember that you have people praying for you and your “kids.” Take care & may God bless you richly and give you the strength and courage to stand against the evil that comes against you and the pressures of your “calling.”

    Sincerely,
    L & K

  • S.J.G.:

    Dear Leo,

    I wrote to many animal groups/ environmental groups to take my name off their mailing lists but no deal. I looked the records & salaries on Charity Navigator. Ridiculous salaries, and they keep sending me junk! You and your staff are the real deal– heart & soul. I will send donations your way, not to CEO’s making $799,000 a year! Keep up the good work. God bless you — the animals know who loves them!!

    S.J.G.

  • John:

    Cool organization!!

  • mary caracciolo:

    Dear Leo,
    Bless you for all you do.

  • David Bott:

    May God bless you and the poor animals that you rescue.

  • GEORGIA:

    LEO THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU… I RECEIVED DONATION LETTERS WITH YOUR STORIES IN MY HOME MAIL AND I TRY TO DONATE AS MUCH AND AS OFTEN AS I CAN.

    PLEASE KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK.

    THANK YOU AGAIN

    GEORGIA

  • Redfeather:

    I have rescued over 30 cats and 7 dogs, one squirrel and several turtles here in Texas. I even stopped traffic on our country road so the turtle could cross. It did take a nudge to get it started. It was in the middle of a 2 lane country road. Everyone trying to avoid it. I just knew I had to stop to help it. I guess I am crazy that way. If I don’t stop then I later see the animal dead on the road. I wish drivers would slow down esp.at night and maybe stop and lend a helping hand. I did try to help a snapping turle once. I took off my flip flop. My intention was to nudge the turtle to get him going. He was the size of a medium dog. He spun around so fast and took my one flip flop with him. He later dropped it as he got to the other side of the road. So I am very careful now with snapping turtles. But I am just that way. Where there is a needy animal, I am there.

  • I could listen to your NPR Radio interview a thousand times and love every minute of hearing the history of how you got started rescuing animals and about your efforts to save the lives of beloved animals. A huge shout out of love, admiration and respect to you, Leo Grillo and your team of animal experts and rescuers! Blessed by God, God, bless you all.

  • Sharon Bouchard:

    I just watched a tv show about your sanctuary. I love Leo and all the animals. I can tell that he is a true animal lover. I hope everyone makes a monthly donation, as I intend to do. I share the same gift/burden of an overwhelming love for all animals. I own 4 dogs and a cat. They were all rescued from bad situations. I want to thank you for your dedication and unconditional love!!

  • vya bochenek:

    Leo – I have been a supporter for over 25 yrs. God Bless all you do and continue your rescue- the animals need you.

  • Paula C.:

    Leo,

    I too am truly passionate about animals! All of mine are rescues, some of which we’ve had for years. I’ve recently rescued two new dogs. One we took to the vet and tried our hardest to save, but to no avail. We were heartbroken. The other one, a cocker, I took to the vet also where he was treated for 3 days. I was able to find another loving home for him with my chiropractor’s sister. In addition, our little twelve year old pomeranian had to be put down a couple weeks ago due to a major medical condition. I have been devastated over losing him! We still have 3 cats and 3 dogs. I will NEVER turn my head and look the other way if I know about an animal being neglected or abused! My heart and home will always remain open. God always provides somehow as I know he does for you operating on a much larger scale.

    Saw your animal sanctuary on animal planet this morning. My husband and I were amazed and so happy to know that kind of place actually exists. I never knew before! We would love to come and visit your sanctuary in the near future. God bless you for what you do for the animals! Great is your reward!

  • Helen C.:

    Leo,

    I saw a program one weekend when I was off work. They were talking about the good work you do for the animals. I was awe struck. I had no idea the love and care you give the animals. I think your sanctuary is wonderful!!!

    I have 5 dogs. “My Precious Goliath” passed away November 30,2011. He was yellow lab mix. I was devastated when he died. He followed me everywhere in our house. He loved his mom, and I loved him the same.I had him since he was 6 weeks old. He had turned 12yrs in July 2011. Unfortunately, he had lung cancer. I found out about it after he broke his leg in July,2010. I had his leg amputated the first week of September. He was gone by November. I can never be prepared for the death of any of my kids. I love them like children. I think people should keep their animals for there life.

    I pray for these animals that are abandoned and hurt. I believe that God will bless Delta.

    I will pray for Delta too and do my part when I can.

  • Charmaine T.:

    I got your mailing today, and Leo, the letter you wrote about Herc was the most touching and heartbreaking one ever. What I liked best is YOU SEND NO FREE JUNK, I WANT ALL the money to go to the care of animals only, and your group does that. I am very moved and am sending a donation now, and will continue to donate. I know thousands of loved family pets are being dumped and abandoned as the economy worsens. The sadness for the family children and the confusion and grief of the animals which are dumped is also heartbreaking. I live in a rural area where people drop off cats, and think they “could live in a barn and catch mice”. NO, they all die, diseased and starving usually. I rescued a male kitten years ago and Marshall became the most loving animal companion ever. Keep up your good work!