$13K for 13 Years Fundraiser
Celebrate 13 Years of Rescue with Us!
DC Shiba Inu Rescue is turning 13! To honor this incredible milestone, we're launching our 13K for 13 Years fundraiser — a community-driven campaign to raise $13,000 by May 11th, marking 13 years of saving and advocating for Shiba Inus in need.
We're calling on our amazing supporters to help us reach this goal and continue the mission that’s brought hundreds of dogs into loving homes. Whether you've adopted, fostered, volunteered, or simply cheered us on — this is your chance to be part of our legacy.
Any donation amount will get your name on our 13k for 13 yrs page!
Special Recognition for Donors of $1300+
Anyone who donates or raises $1300 or more will receive a permanent dedication on this page — honoring a beloved dog or family with five photos and a short write-up celebrating their story.
Every Gift Matters
All donors, no matter the amount, will be proudly listed on our page to show the incredible collective effort behind this milestone. Because every dollar, every name, every act of kindness counts.
Watch our fundraising thermometer rise as we get closer to our goal — and help us reach it by May 11th!
Be a part of our 13-year legacy. Donate today and help us build the future of rescue.
Three Ways to Reach the $1,300 Dedication Level:
1️⃣ Make a lump sum donation of $1,300
2️⃣ Utilize your company’s matching gift program to reach a total of $1,300
3️⃣ Collect group donations in honor of your cause—friends and family can contribute and note that their donation goes toward your dedication.
Examples include a Facebook Fundraiser or simply having supporters write a note on their check or app donation.
Why Your Support Means More Now Than Ever
Like many rescues across the country, DC SIR is facing unprecedented challenges:
Rescue insurance has increased by 84% since 2020
Longer wait times for vet appointments mean dogs stay in our care longer, requiring nutrient-dense raw food, supplements, and additional daily care
Veterinary costs, supplements, and raw food prices have risen significantly
Even basic supplies are more expensive than ever
At the same time, we’ve seen a decline in donation volume
We're also feeling the impact of national trends:
1️ Overwhelming Intake Numbers
More families are surrendering pets due to financial strain, behavioral challenges, or housing issues
People passing away without plans for their pets
2️ Decline in Adoptions
Post-pandemic, adoption rates have dropped
Many “COVID adopters” are returning pets as life circumstances change
Dogs are staying in rescue longer, increasing costs and stress
3️ Soaring Veterinary & Care Costs
Vet bills have skyrocketed, and spay/neuter appointments are harder to get due to vet shortages
4️ Reduced Funding & Volunteer Support
With inflation affecting families, donations and grants are harder to secure
Volunteers are stretched thin, and burnout is high
Your generosity ensures that we can continue providing exceptional care, medical support, and safe forever homes to Shibas in need—today and for years to come.
Thank you for your unwavering support of DC SIR. Together, we make a difference—one Shiba at a time.
Our $1,300 Donors
Kristina L.
In Memory of Steve Nguyen
Beloved husband, father, and “grandpawrent” to Umi (‘16) and Tomo (‘18). He found joy in the simple things—walking, gardening, meditation, and lovingly dehydrating raw snacks for the Shibas. A Japanese maple aficionado, he nurtured both plants and relationships with equal care. A life well-lived, guided by kindness and inspired by the Metta Sutta. His gentle spirit lives on in the loving-kindness blessing: "May all beings be happy, may all beings be well, may all beings be peaceful, and may all beings be free."
The Muse Family
In Honor of DC SIR Alum Misa
Misa brought joy, love and snuggles back into our lives after the loss of a beloved senior Shiba. We are grateful to DC Sir for getting her healthy, taking care of her, and their continued support and education! Thank you and keep up the great work!
Kristina L.
In Honor of Umi
Petite but full of personality, Umi has now spent more time with her forever family than she ever did without them. Now in her golden years, she enjoys long naps on an ever-growing collection of comfy beds and blankets, good eats, a big yard, and making her presence known to every passerby.
Rhodes Family
In Honor of Kiyoko
In honor of our beloved Kiyoko, whose playful spirit, boundless joy and loving heart brighten every day. May this donation help give other Shiba Inus the chance to find a home as full of love as hers. Our family hopes that others may experience the love and warmth Kiyoko has brought to our lives.
Kristina L.
In Honor of Tomo
From fearful to flowing, Tomo (Buddy) has learned to navigate the world with more ease and confidence alongside his family. When he’s not sunbathing or grounding outside, he’s using his warm brown eyes to charm his way to his favorite snack—cheese..
Jacqueline & Nelson
In Memory of Ryan Lanford & Joyce Pittman
My husband and I have two Shiba Inus adopted through another rescue, but we've always support DC SIR for their mission, unwavering dedication. and the life-changing work they continue to do. This gift is made in memory of our son Ryan and my mother Joyce, who both shared a deep bond with the Shiba's we've loved and lost. It is our honor to support DC SIR so they can continue making a lasting difference. .
Sharlene and Dan
In Memory of Delia, Kenji and Keiko
In Honor of Cleo and Rika
We adopted Kenji from DCSIR at the beginning of the rescue to keep our first shiba, Delia, company. After she passed away we adopted Keiko (former puppy mill) and both dogs participated in DCSIR events for many years. Now we have Cleo and Rika thanks to DCSIR! DCSIR has been a part of our family!
Keith & Carol M.
In Honor of Chika & Obi
This gift is in honor of Chika & Obi who came to us through DC SIR (and Rosie who benefited from the knowledge we gained through the relationships we built with the volunteers). Thank you! We are hopeful that this gift will give other Shibas the opportunity to find their forever homes.
Val G.
In Memory of Mishka, Maki and Chiba
In Honor of Tarou
In memory of my firstborn Mishka who traveled the world with us, patronized restaurants in EU, was asked if he was a "half-fox” when strutting the streets and learned new languages to communicate in dog parks. Later, I adopted DCSIR Maki, 14 yoa, but they didn’t get along and had to be walked separately. Snowmageddon was a nightmare… After they both passed, I adopted DCSIR Chiba who lounged on every chair & bed in the house. After covid, DCSIR big boy Tarou (55 lbs) arrived and is enjoying the good life...
Helene R.
In Honor of Halo & Luna
Halo (15) is my sister’s Shiba, and my Luna’s (6) best friend. Life is an adventure with these lovable Shibas. They adore long walks, lying by the fireplace, belly rubs, giving endless kisses, and being the resident huntresses. While neither is a rescue, discovered DCSIR and was immediately impressed with the amazing & unwavering work they do for this remarkable breed. May this gift help other Shibas leave behind a world of fear & despair and experience the love and devotion of an amazing forever home.
Meet our other Donors!
Kumo B.
Tara S.
Yoko T.
Yufang W.
Emma K.
Catherine G.
DC SIR Alumn Satou
Daniel R.
James A
Andrea S.
Virginia D.
Nicole F.
Archie the Shiba