Starfish on the Beach

Life seems to get more hectic with each passing year and often good intentions make it to the end of the list.  We want to help, but the situation seems so overwhelming and we just don't have the time to make a commitment to a charitable organization. At times we all think what difference could I ever make? There was a very short anecdote in Reader's Digest many years ago that has an answer.  It told the story of a young girl who was walking on the beach throwing the stranded starfish back into the ocean. A passerby mocked her saying "you can't save them all" to which she wisely replied, "No, but I can save this one." Yes, you might not save every dog, cat, rabbit, guinea pig or other homeless animal in Los Angeles, may as well the world, but you could help this one. . . and that makes a difference.

Here are the stories of two individuals who made a difference and helped their starfish make it back
to the sea.

Corbel, Sunkist & Fumo
Rosanna did more than save three kittens.  It definitely will have a ripple effect.  First, she single-handedly has prevented the birth of 21,000 more homeless cats from these three kittens and their offspring (read cold hard facts). Also, by spaying/neutering these precious three, there is now more room for the cats already in shelters, increasing their chances of getting a forever home.  She also freed up the money to help other animals already in the shelter system. She made more of a difference than she may realize by helping just these three. (Read her story)

Abandoned Bessy
Young Bessy was found by the Burbank airport, running in the street. She had recently had puppies, although it was unclear if she had them while lost or was thrown out of the house after having them; or had simply run away. Even though Bessy's story does have a happy ending it points to the problem of pet abandonment and its consequences.  Turning your pet loose instead of into the shelter does not increase its chances of survival. There are many hazards on the street that may speed the demise of your pet and actually keep it from finding a new, safe home.  (Read her story)

While the Bill Foundation deals primarily with rescuing dogs at risk in the Los Angeles Shelter system, we do what we can to help those individuals who become unintentional rescuers, people who can't turn their back.  We offer a page on our website and a link to it from our main dog page (see private adoptions).  We also offer advice and even a space at our Sunday fair when space permits (see what to do if you help a stray)