Animal shelters compete for much-needed funding

A dozen local animal rescue groups are participating in an international shelter challenge, and pet lovers can help without spending a dime out of their pinched wallets.

More than 70 grants are being offered through the Animal Rescue Site’s $100,000 Shelter Challenge, with awards ranging from $1,000 to $20,000.

Aside from the top overall vote-getters — chosen by visitor’s to the nonprofit’s Web site — the contest is also offering grants for the “most touching story,” the top vote-getter during each of the contest’s 14 weeks and $1,000 for the top winner from each state.

Leading the way locally is PAL Humane Society in Apple Valley, which was ranked 21st in the state as of Monday out of roughly 1,000 California entries.

“We have a good following,” said PAL President Kathi Schlintz, who was encouraged by the support.

If PAL were to win any of the prize money up for grabs, Schlintz said they’ll use it to expand their Education in Prison program, bringing difficult dogs together with inmates at the federal prison in Victorville and with 9- to 18-year-olds at the juvenile detention center in Apple Valley. The funds would help buy more videotapes and training materials on subjects such as shelter management and dog bite prevention, so that inmates can be coached to pass tests and earn certificates so they can get jobs in animal care when they’re released.

Animal lovers can vote once a day through Dec. 20 by clicking on the “Shelter Challenge” tab along the right-hand side of the group’s Web site, at www.TheAnimalRescueSite.com.

For the full story, read Tuesday's edition of the Daily Press. To subscribe to the Daily Press in print or online, call (760) 241-7755 or click here.

Brooke Edwards may be reached at (760) 955-5358 or at bedwards@VVDailyPress.com.