At the beginning of this year, Animals First Aid tried to build a dedicated fund for Vera Vita and Jelena—two women caring for animals who have nowhere else to turn.

Our goal was $10,000, enough to help sustain their work throughout the year. We raised only half of that.

By May, every dollar was gone.

Since then, we have done everything possible to keep helping month by month. But this month, for the first time, we simply have no funds left for them.

We cannot take money entrusted to us for other animals and other projects and move it here. Yet Vera and Jelena cannot wait. Animals still need to eat. Veterinary bills still have to be paid. Sick dogs and vulnerable puppies still need care today.

In an ordinary year, these are the kinds of costs Animals First Aid could help cover. But this year has been exceptionally hard on our supporters, our partners and AFA itself. Now two rescuers who have always found a way forward are in a desperate bind.

Vera’s dogs have nearly finished food bought on credit, leaving a €570 debt. Costa survived surgery to remove a tumor and is finally eating normally again, but €273 remains due for his operation—before his follow-up blood work. Another €85 is owed for Pak.

That is at least €928 already due, with further medical costs still to come.

Vera told us that many of these animals would not even be alive without the support she has received. Now she fears watching them become hungry and sick because there is no one else to turn to.

Jelena has been overwhelmed by puppies who each need three vaccinations. Within a month, a litter of six must be sterilized. One dog has been coughing for a long time and needs specialist endoscopy.

She is also struggling to buy food and pay even one helper a day. Her helpers take turns because she cannot afford them all. When she cannot pay anyone, Jelena must care for every animal alone.

Animals First Aid, in partnership with Vera Vita and Jelena, is asking you to help restore the lifeline that ran out far too soon.

A gift of $50 will help put food back in bowls. A gift of $100 will help meet urgent vaccination and veterinary needs. A gift of $250 will make a powerful contribution toward Vera’s debt or Jelena’s coming medical care.

These are needs we would normally cover. This year, we cannot do it without you.

Please help now. Vera and Jelena have never stopped fighting for these animals. We cannot let an exceptionally difficult year break the lifeline so many lives depend on.