Puppies and Kittens Need Your Help!

Studio City (myFOXla.com) - Animal shelters are facing tough times in this troubled economy... and they're asking you for help on behalf of all the puppies and kittens.

The Bark Avenue Foundation is one rescue group that's feeling the pinch.

Bark Avenue Rescue Director Dawn Vargas blames the economy for a baby boom that's seen them take in about a hundred puppies in the past month alone.

"I think alot of people, when they're losing thier homes, let the dogs into the streets. They have to find a place to live themselves."

It's a daunting and expensive task caring for babies, but they say the alternative is unacceptable.

"We actually go up north from a shelter that has close to 500 puppies and mammas every week... and they're euthanizing at an alarming rate."

Bark Avenue started its puppy rescue program just three months ago and have taken in a hundred in the last month alone.

Now the rescuers need rescuing.

"We found that we're in debt heavily... over our head even with the adoption fee. Just barely covering our medical costs."

Here's how you can help:

Make a pledge online at barkavenuefoundation.org.

You can also mail a donation to:

Bark Avenue Foundation
Attn: 100 Puppies Donation
3940 Laurel Canyon Blvd., Box #1032
Studio City, CA 91604

Bark Avenue's also looking for donations of miscellaneous items, such as kitty litter, crates and kennels, collars, leashes, dog and cat food, dog and cat beds, cleaning supplies, paper towels, heavy duty garbage bags, and gift cards for shelter improvements or office supplies.

Oh, one more thing they're looking for... a commercial washer and dryer. With 60 dogs and 60 cats at any given time, they've got a little laundry to do.

And... don't forget that you can also adopt one of the animals!

If you know someone interested in giving one of their animals a home, please call Dawn Vargas at Bark Avenue Foundation... 213-840-0153.