We're finally raising our adoption fees. Here's why.

For the past eight and a half years, SWCR's adoption fees haven't gone up a single penny. They've been $175 for dogs between ages 1 and 9; $225 for puppies under age 1, and $125 or less for senior dogs age 10 and above. But during the same period, SWCR's costs — especially veterinary costs, which are 85 percent of our total expenses — have increased relentlessly.

We're certainly not alone. Nationwide, dog owners now spend an average of $852 per dog, per year, on veterinary care alone, according to the American Pet Products Association. That's up 30% just since 2010!

Dog rescue groups can easily pay a lot more. Many of the collies and shelties we rescue haven't received vet care for years. They have injuries that were neglected and diseases that were never diagnosed. When they come to us they need a lot of care, all at once. Many also need to be spayed or neutered.

So our new adoption fees, which take effect immediately, are as follows:

Dogs between ages 1 and 9, $225.
Puppies under age 1, $275.
Senior dogs age 10 and above, $150 (negotiable depending on age and health).

In setting these fees, we also looked at those currently charged by other rescue groups in the region. We were surprised to discover minimum adoption fees of $250, rising to as much as $375 for younger dogs. So we believe our new fees now are more in line with those of our colleagues.

A NEW WAY TO HELP SWCR RAISE MONEY…

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You can use your same account for Amazon.com for AmazonSmile. So shop, shop, shop and help SWCR too!!!

DUKE - A MIX

Sex: Male
Color: Tri
Variety: Smoth
Age: 8 months
Rescued: Lubbock TX March 2014
Fostered: Albuquerque NM
Bio: Duke is an 8 month old smooth collie mix, with probably a lot more mix than collie to him. Duke is at least 30 pounds underweight, perhaps more. Not being sure where or when his next meal will be, he is very food aggressive, seriously challenging any four-footed critter in the area of food. The rest of the time, he is a happy boy, friendly and playful, but with little training. He needs to be the only dog in the house. He is fully vetted, can sit and stay, and can use a doggy door. Does anyone have room for this nice looking guy? If so, please contact Arlene Starkey at arlenestarkey@q.com or 505-892-8538.

HUNTER

Sex: Male
Color: Sable and White
Variety: Rough
Age: 5
Rescued: Midland TX February 2014
Fostered: Alamogordo NM
Coordinator: Kathy Wallis at katwallis1@msn.com

ABIGAIL

Sex: Female
Color: Sable and White
Variety: Rough
Age: 8-10
Rescued: El Paso TX January 2014
Fostered: Alamogordo NM
Coordinator: Kathy Wallis at katwallis1@msn.com

Abby has some health issues to be fixed before she can be spayed and adopted.