Thank you so much for you interest in supporting Friends of Duke Rescue!
Without the generosity of donors such as yourself we would not be able to pursue our mission to care & advocate for animals in need through fostering, adoption, education, activism in animal welfare legislation, spay/neuter promotion and outreach that builds an involved, compassionate community.
Every dollar we take in gets us one step closer to giving another animal a chance to thrive; a chance to know the love and care of a family who values them, a life they may otherwise not find. Your donation is one of hope and we are so grateful for your desire to be a beacon of light for animals who often have only known darkness. It is because of you that we can continue to bring to life our dream of never leaving an animal behind.
Our Sponsorship Levels
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Your donation covers the cost of a checkup, standard vaccinations and spay/neuter for numerous dogs & cats, ensuring they start their journey to a forever home on healthy paws. Diamond donors have their name or business logo displayed on our website (and/or Facebook), and on the front of our next informational brochure.
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Your donation helps transport dozens of animals to the safety of Friends of Duke Rescue, because sometimes the safest place for our furry friends includes a change of scenery. Platinum donors have their name or business logo displayed on our website (and/or Facebook) and in our next informational brochure.
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Your donation buys food, keeping all the Friends of Duke well fed and healthy during their time with us and as they transition to their forever homes. Gold donors will have their name or business logo displayed on our website (and/or Facebook) and will be listed in our next informational brochure.
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Your donation helps with all the extras that our four-legged friends require: leashes, bowls, litter, training pads, collars/harnesses, and of course, toys! Silver donors will have their name or business logo displayed on our website (and/or Facebook)
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Your donation will support all of the above and go toward general operating costs. Bronze donors will have their name or business logo displayed on our website (and/or Facebook).
Donation can be made via check/money order made payable to "Friends of Duke Rescue" and mailed to P.O. Box 1182, St. Albans, VT 05478 or via Venmo (@friendsofdukerescue) and Paypal (paypal.me/friendsofdukerescue). We are a 501(c)3 non-profit; please email us at friendsofdukerescue@gmail.com if you would like a receipt for tax purposes.
Duke’s story unfortunately isn’t rare or unique. Duke was found five years ago in the "care" of a local family that didn’t view him as anything more than an object. He was malnourished, afraid and tied up in a cow stall with twine that was so tight around his neck he had open wounds. He appeared to have broken ribs and was in pain, yelping when we would touch certain areas. He was existing but he certainly wasn’t living. It was never even a question or up for debate. Then and there, Duke became a part of our founder Samantha Barrette & her partner's family; they took him home that day and promised him that the second half of his life would be different. And it was.
From there on out Duke’s life was filled with nothing but love. He had several canine and feline brothers and sisters, daily outdoor activities and a whole army of humans who loved him relentlessly. He was always excited for an adventure and was even able to travel cross country with his favorite humans by his side. Nothing made him happier than sunbathing on the porch with the wind in his ears listening to the cars go by. He hiked VT's tallest mountains, he swam in many lakes & rivers (howling as he paddled) and even visited the Atlantic ocean.
Sadly, Duke left this world in February of 2022. His old, broken body gave up on him before his spirit was ready. Though it completely shattered the hearts of all who knew him, there is peace in our understanding, with certainty, that Duke left this world confident that he was deeply cherished. He knew he had family. He was valued and he mattered. He died with dignity and his last memory was not in a stall with twine around his neck, hungry - it was being held and kissed by his humans who loved him. Because of the everlasting impression he left on all who crossed his path, we keep his legacy alive by offering dogs & cats in need the same opportunity to know a beautiful life. Animal welfare is an uphill battle but even changing one life is making a difference. Duke sure made a difference in the lives of anyone he met, and we will do everything we can to pay it forward.
