Scratchmybelly.org

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Scratchmybelly.org

ScratchMyBelly.org is a non-profit founded to save animals from high-kill shelters in Southern California and the streets of Baja California. Join us.
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Scratch My Belly Rescue focuses on saving dogs on the day they are to be euthanized at high-kill shelters, dogs surrendered from owners in crisis health situations, and abused and severely neglected dogs from Southern California and Baja California. Our goal is to rehabilitate the neglected, injured and sick. We also help healthy animals find forever homes. Every year, about 10 million pets are br

ought to animal shelters across the US and more than 2 million of those are put to sleep. Economically distressed areas and the mindset that selling puppies will make one rich results in too many of the current popular breeds, physical and mental issues in many offspring, and sickness when puppies are not vaccinated and kept in unclean conditions. Parent dogs suffer by being bred over and over and are eventually dumped when they can no longer produce puppies. People adopt these puppies without any concern by the sellers for how the dogs will be raised or live. Many grow up without training or socialization and they wind up in animal shelters. There are areas in Southern California where dogs are not protected in homes and they roam freely, eventually being picked up as stray. Our goal is to rescue dogs who are at the end of their time in a shelter or on the streets in Tijuana when other rescues have not responded to save them. We rescue all breeds as long as we have fosters to bring them into a home. We rescue puppies, adults, and some senior dogs. Every dog is fully vetted and gets the care needed to be sure they are healthy before they are made adoptable. We also take in some owner surrenders, focusing on dogs whose owners have medical or financial emergencies that force them to relinquish. We look for just the right home for each and every dog. We do home checks of fosters and adopters and dogs are part of the rescue for their entire life - if they ever have to be surrendered, they are to come back to Scratch My Belly. Donate, foster, adopt. Save a life with us today.

11/01/2024

Anyone able to help out and take a pup from RB to our vet for a visit in San Marcos tomorrow (10am-2pm).

10/31/2024

🐾 Meet Boo Boo! 🐶💙

Boo Boo is a sweet little guy and he’s ready to make his debut and find his forever home! He is one of 3 boys and with this adorable face, Boo Boo is sure to bring happiness and love to his new family.

If Boo Boo looks like your perfect match, send us a message! 💌

10/30/2024

Introducing Violet: Your New Best Friend! 🐾🤍

Meet Violet, the sweetest little pug pup who’s looking for a loving forever home! 🏡✨ She’s got all the charm of a pug and a personality that’s ready to bloom with her new people. 🌼

Violet needs a home with children aged 8 and older, where she can be safe and happy. No doggie doors please.

If you’re ready to open your heart to this little bundle of love, send us a message! Let’s find Violet her perfect match. 💌💖

10/28/2024

📣 Introducing Chonk: This Pup is Ready for His Forever Home! 🐾💖

Meet Chonk, the adorable and meaty little guy who’s ready to steal your heart and become your newest family member! 🐶✨ Chonk is full of personality. From his cute wrinkly face to his expressive eyes, he’s got all the makings of a best friend for life.

Chonk is looking for a loving home with kids 8 years and older, where he can play and enjoy his new family. 🏡💕 Due to safety concerns, we ask that there are no doggie doors in the home.

If you’re looking for a loyal companion with a BIG heart, Chonk is your boy! Ready to make this lovable pug a part of your family? Reach out to us today and fill out an adoption application (link in bio)📲💬

10/27/2024

Join Our Team and Help Save Lives!

Rescue takes a village, and we’re seeking dedicated volunteers in San Diego and Southern California to join our team. If you’re ready to make a difference and grow with us, we’d love to hear from you!

Ready to help? Send us a message to learn more. Let’s work together to give these deserving dogs a second chance! ❤️

10/25/2024

Feel Good Friday Update: Rio’s Road to Recovery 🌟

Swipe to see Rio’s incredible transformation! ➡️ When we took Rio in, he was in such dire condition: he had a dangerously high fever, pale white gums, and was completely covered in ticks. 😢 Despite his struggles, this boy never lost his will to fight.

With a lot of determination, love, and the unwavering support of our incredible community, Rio has made an amazing recovery! 💛✨ Thanks to the dedication of his rescue efforts and the generosity of our supporters, Rio received the urgent care he needed. And look at him now—sporting a fresh haircut and full of life! 🐾

Rio is a testament to the miracles that can happen when we come together. He’s getting so close to being ready for his forever home, and we couldn’t be prouder of his progress. 💪❤️

Let’s continue spreading hope and making miracles like Rio’s possible for more pups in need! 🙌 Please consider donating or fostering so we can keep giving these deserving dogs a second chance at life.

10/24/2024

They are very cute 😉❤️ pick up at 10 am in Chula Vista! Ride to Rancho Bernardo. Any takers? Please DM us!

10/24/2024

Dear SMB followers!

This is Mercedes, she is a SMB alum and was just diagnosed with lymphoma. Her adopters are very special people to us, they are not just amazing humans that always help out when they can in every single way but they have adopted THREE of our babies over the years.

We want to help them get as much information as possible to give Mercedes a better chance at fighting this.

They started chemo this week and we are waiting to find out if B-cell or T-cell.

If you have good information to share about your experiences with standard or alternative treatments please post it here or DM us!

10/22/2024

Marco needs a temp foster from 10/26-11/6 in San Diego. He is a fearful dog so he needs someone with a calm household and experience. If you can help us, please DM us ASAP 🙏

10/22/2024

Polly is on the lookout for a foster or foster-to-adopt! 🐾✨ This 1-2 year old Frenchie/English Bulldog mix is an absolute joy. She’s dog-friendly, great with people, and brings all the charm you’d expect from her breed. With her funny, stubborn personality, and loving nature, Polly will keep you laughing and melt your heart — all while snoring up a storm. 😴💕

This sweet girl is in need of a foster or foster-to-adopt family who can give her the care and cuddles she craves. Could that be you? Let’s get Polly into a home where she can truly thrive! 💖

🐶 Dog-friendly
👫 Great with people
💌 DM us to learn more or apply to foster Polly today (link in bio)!

10/21/2024

Ride needed for Clark!

FOSTER FOUND 🙌 Now we need. Ride from San Diego (east county) to murrieta area.

Can anyone help??? We will cover gas 😉

10/20/2024

SOS we need an emergency foster for Clark immediately. Location San Diego! Can anyone help?

10/19/2024

This is just one shelter ALONE! We need fosters! We need help! For each dog that comes in, one needs to be adopted, rescued or euthanized to make space. Please consider helping a local rescue.

10/19/2024

Penny’s journey from foster pup to beloved family member shows just how powerful fostering can be. 🐾

When you foster, you’re not only giving a dog a second chance at life, but you’re also gaining a new kind of joy and companionship that enhances your own life. Whether it’s for a few days or a few weeks, fostering helps dogs learn to love, and it brings so much love into your home too. ❤️

Want to be a part of that transformation? DM us or sign up through the link in our bio to learn more about fostering and how you can make a difference!

10/19/2024

Weekend Vibes from mama Muffin!!! Anyone else feeling the same way????

10/18/2024

Our boy Gucci is having a few days sleepover at Canela’s home (formerly known as Pandora - SMB alum) while foster mama Molly is out of town. They are off to a great start and are already BFFs 🐶🐶. Many thanks to Yesenia for helping us out! This is just one example of our Temp Foster program where you can cover small periods of time while a regular foster is out of town. Want to know more? DM us or head over to our website!

10/17/2024

Poppy has been spayed and is ready to mingle! Poppy is a young female pug, spayed and ready to come to San Diego. We are looking for a foster home or better foster to adopt. No doggie doors will be approved. Breed experience is a plus 😉 to apply go to our website ScratchMyBelly.org/forms

10/17/2024

Fresh in this week! Look at cutie patootie Clark 🥰🥰🥰. Can’t believe we don’t have a line of people for him because he is AMAZING!!!! Share Clark for for we home!

10/15/2024

‼️⚠️‼️Graphic images ‼️⚠️‼️

💔 URGENT HELP NEEDED FOR IRIS 💔

Our sweet girl Iris, who was cruelly dumped late one night and left with a major medical issue, is facing yet another tough battle. After undergoing extensive surgery to repair her pr*****ed va**na (likely from forced breeding), she has unfortunately suffered a relapse. 😔

Iris is back at the vet for another surgery, and we’re doing everything we can to ensure she pulls through. Despite everything, Iris has remained so resilient—her spirit is strong, even while she’s been fighting off other health challenges like giardia and ehrlichia.

But we need your help to cover her medical bills so that other dogs in our care, like Stevie, Rosie, Mandy, and Sandy, don’t go without. 💕 Every donation, share, or tag makes a huge difference for Iris and her friends.

🙏 Please consider donating today (link in bio) to help Iris on her road to recovery and give her a chance at the happy, healthy life she deserves.

And if your company participates in Giving Tuesday, we’d be so grateful if you nominated Scratch My Belly for donations.

Together, we can make sure Iris and others like her get the care they need. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your support! 💖

10/13/2024

We are thrilled to share some amazing news about sweet Olive! 🐾 After patiently waiting for her forever family, her foster family has officially fallen head over heels in love with her and decided to make her a permanent member of their home. 🏡❤️

This beautiful girl now has a family to call her own, and we couldn’t be happier for her. Stories like Olive’s remind us how crucial fostering is in giving dogs a second chance at life and love. A huge thank you to all of our foster families who open their hearts and homes to make rescues like Olive’s possible.

Here’s to happy endings and a lifetime of love for Olive! 💕🐶

10/12/2024

Happy is Looking for his Foster or Forever Home! 🏡💛

This sweet little guy lives up to his name—Happy is always radiating good vibes! At 6-8 years old, this mellow and easy-going Yorkie is dog and cat friendly and just waiting to be the perfect companion for a lucky family.

Happy is quiet, gentle, and such a love bug, making him the perfect addition to any home that’s ready for a loyal and low-maintenance buddy. 🐾 Whether you’re looking to foster or adopt, Happy is sure to brighten your days with his sweet and calm personality.

Could you be the one to give Happy the loving forever home he deserves? Or perhaps you can offer him a temporary foster home while he continues his search? 🙏🏽

📩 DM us if you’re interested in fostering or adopting this charming little guy! See link in bio for foster or adoption applications.

10/11/2024

🐾 Polly, Lucky, and Picachu are still waiting for their forever homes! 🐾 These three sweet pups, along with many others, are ready to find a family to call their own. 💖

Right now, we’re facing a heartbreaking challenge in 2024. Adoption rates are lower than ever, and too many amazing, good dogs are being euthanized simply because there aren’t enough homes. It’s a crisis we can all help change.

Please consider adopting instead of shopping. When you adopt, you’re not just saving one life – you’re making space for another dog in need. The love, loyalty, and joy these rescue pups bring are beyond measure.

Click the link in our bio to see all the available pups waiting for their second chance, and let’s work together to give them the happy, loving homes they deserve. 🏡🐶

Every adoption is a win, and with your help, we can make 2024 a year of hope and new beginnings for these wonderful dogs! 🌟

10/11/2024

Because it is Friday and we all need some puppy cuteness overload to finish up the long week! Muffin’s babies are growing so fast. They will be ready for adoption in approx 3.5 weeks (with pending neuter/spay at 16 weeks).

10/10/2024

A Rescue Story Full of Love and Friendship

When we rescued Violet (formerly “Frazzle”) from SBC City Shelter in 2015, we had no idea what an incredible journey her life would become. Fast forward nine years, and it’s been nothing short of a dream! This all-star diva has been living a life filled with love, joy, and adventure, all thanks to her amazing adopter, Debbie.

We just received these darling photos from Debbie, and it’s heartwarming to see Violet thriving in her forever home. Her life is a testament to what happens when kind people open their hearts to foster and adopt.

Beyond saving lives, rescues create lasting connections. We’ve been blessed with friendships like Debbie’s, built through the shared love for these incredible dogs. Seeing Violet’s journey unfold reminds us why fostering is so vital—it gives dogs like Violet the chance to live the lives they truly deserve.

If you’ve ever thought about fostering or adopting, Violet’s story is proof of the magic that happens when we give these dogs a second chance. Thank you to everyone who has been part of this beautiful journey.

Address

P. O. Box 3879
Rancho Santa Fe, CA
92067

Telephone

+18583442423

Website

http://www.scratchmybelly.org/, https://form.jotform.us/form/52377166480157, https://www.petfinder.com/search/dogs-for-a

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Videos

✨ Thank You from Muffin and Her Pups!✨ We want to extend a huge THANK YOU to everyone who has purchased items from our Amazon Wishlist for Muffin and her babies. Your generosity means the world to us and is helping ensure that this sweet mama and her little ones are well taken care of. 💕 As a token of our gratitude, enjoy this video of Muffin enjoying her first meal after giving birth. 🥰 She’s now caring for her 5 healthy puppies, while we hold space in our hearts for the 2 that crossed over. 🐶🐶🐶🐶🐶🪽🪽 It’s not too late to help! If you’d like to support Muffin and her pups, you can make a donation or purchase something off our wishlist. Every little bit goes a long way in helping these precious babies thrive. 🌸 Check the link in our bio to donate or see our wishlist: https://www.amazon.com/registries/gl/owner-view/384TFVI8LKRFH?share=false Thank you for your love and support! 🙏💖

Muffin had her babies! Please consider donating or purchasing supplies through our Amazon wishlist to support momma and babies. https://www.amazon.com/registries/gl/guest-view/384TFVI8LKRFH

Are you ready for this????

Are you guys ready????!!!!! Miracles do happen when you have your community behind you 🙌 Our boy Rio is still at the vet but today we know that we can start treatment and he will have a bright future! This could have not happened without you support 🙏 So instead of making this a long post, we will just have you enjoy this video and we hope your hearts will be filled with so much joy like we feel right now. #thankful

Violet update

Update on Violet: This morning, she reached her final destination where she will receive all the love and attention she needs until she finds her new forever home. Here's what we've observed so far: Violet has shown significant fear towards some men, exhibiting growling and lunging behavior. We're unsure of the cause, as she was a perfect puppy while under my care (yes, she was my personal foster). We're giving her the weekend to decompress before taking her to the vet, to avoid adding further stress. The past few days have been emotionally intense, as we are deeply attached to our dogs and it's hard when we feel we haven't met their needs. However, every sad story has a silver lining: 1. We are committed to ensuring Violet finds her happy ending. 2. Throughout this rescue journey, we've seen people shine in their efforts to help a pup in need. 3. Experiences like this inspire us to strive for even better placements in the future (luckily, 99% of our adopters are amazing). A heartfelt thank you goes out to Maritza and Jeffrey for their round-trip from Palmdale to Bakersfield, Murrieta, and back to Palmdale, where they live. To Eleanor, for caring for Violet until Rina could pick her up and transport her to Steven, who is providing overnight care. Steven will then take Violet to the Yuyos, where she will receive the reassurance and love she needs to trust people again. And a special thanks to Cindy for promptly offering to cover transport costs.

Learning to be a dog

A breeder mama learning to be a dog! Ginger (aka Izzy) is ready for her next chapter! She came to us defeated and unsure about life as a dog… with the help of many special people, she now knows what love and snuggles are, and that toys are for playing ❤️ Ginger is between 4-6 yrs old, spayed, vaccinated, chipped. She is good with other dogs and people and will need a little help to finish up with her potty training. If you would like to make Ginger part of your family, please head over to our website and click on forms. #frenchbulldog #frenchiesofinstagram #frenchie #rescue #rescueorganization #rescuedog #mustlovedogs #rescuelove #dogsofinstagram #dogstagram #dogsofinsta #scratchmybellydogrescue

Donn and Jamie are thriving under Mama Gia's steadfast care and unwavering commitment to their well-being.

Our Sunday Reflection As we gather on this Sunday to reflect on the week gone by, it's undeniable that it has been one filled with challenges. Personally, I found myself grappling with doubts about my ability to lead our rescue efforts and sustain our dedication to the well-being of dogs, a commitment we've upheld for nearly 11 years. Contemplating failure is never easy. It forces us to revisit our motivations, questioning why we embarked on this journey in the first place and whether we possess the resilience to continue fighting a seemingly endless battle. It prompts us to consider the sacrifices we've made and where we can improve to make a greater impact. Yet, in the face of adversity, we find solace in small rituals. For me, it begins with a comforting cup of coffee, a reminder that each day is a precious gift denied to many. And amidst the uncertainty, there's the unwavering belief that while we may not be able to save every dog, we can certainly make a profound difference in the lives of those we do rescue. This past week, our beloved Mama Gia faced a perilous health scare. After giving birth to five puppies, including one who was not fully formed and tragically losing two, her condition deteriorated rapidly. With her lethargy and pale gums raising alarm, we rushed her to the vet, uncertain of what lay ahead. Despite having undergone thorough examinations and tests prior to crossing the border, including ultrasounds and blood panels, Mama Gia required urgent intervention upon her arrival. Yesterday, however, Mama Gia reminded us of the resilience that defines our cause. In her valiant fight for survival, she showed us that every question, every fear, and every doubt is worth confronting. The journey hasn't been without its financial strain, as we find ourselves grappling with nearly $1000 in veterinary bills for Mama Gia and her little family. Yet, perhaps this is the universe's reminder of the profound purpose that guides our steps. If you missed our

Miracle and Warrior

Miracle and Warrior are up for adoption! They are the sweetest most amazing puppies ever! Please help us share them or fill out an application at Scratchmybelly.org No doggie doors (because of wildlife) No children under 5

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Our Story

ScratchMyBelly.org is a non-profit that was founded to save dogs from high-kill shelters in Southern California, from homes where an owner has suffered a critical life-changing situation requiring them to give up their dog, and from the streets of Tijuana, Mexico, where dogs are neglected and abused.

Scratch My Belly is a “death-row” rescue - our primary effort in saving shelter dogs is to take the dogs that are going to be euthanized at the last minute - when we are their last hope. We do not go to a shelter to look for the most adoptable dogs and pick the cute ones. We take the ones nobody else wants, when they are desperate and scared and sick. When we are needed most. Our goal is to get the dogs into safe, happy foster homes where they can recover physically and emotionally. We provide all the vet care needed to make sure the dogs are healthy before we go through a process to find each one its own perfect forever home.

We strive to meet the highest ethical standards in rescue and require home checks for both foster and adoptive homes and we take dogs back for the lifetime of the dog. Our foster program includes support with food, crates, beds, toys, leashes, collars, harnesses, baby gates and anything else needed to make a foster home successful. We are contracted with over a dozen veterinarians so that dogs can receive care as close as possible to a foster’s home. Most of all, we focus on quality, not quantity, of adoptions. That means it may take longer to find the right home for a dog, but it also means we have almost no returns.

Join us. Volunteer. Foster. Donate. It takes a village to save each and every life.

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