The “Why” Behind the Wishlist

If you follow RPM on social media, you may notice that we post our wishlist needs every single week. You might wonder, “Why do they need so much stuff?” or “Why does a specific kind of cat litter matter?” You might even wonder why there is toilet paper on our list (it’s not for the dogs, they haven’t quite mastered that skill yet).

We get it. It’s important to know where your donations are going.

The reality is that we are a 24/7 medical and boarding operation, and we go through supplies faster than most people can imagine. To put things in perspective: we go through roughly 1,000 lbs of food every week. A box of 100 syringes? We’ll use them all in a single day. 

It’s not just the medical supplies that save lives. When someone donates toilet paper or trash bags, they are helping pay for a dog’s heartworm treatment or a cat’s entropion surgery. We would much rather spend our rescue dollars on a vet bill than on a grocery run. These donations keep our money where it belongs: on the animals.

Here is the “why” behind some of the items that often make the wishlist:

● Royal Canin Mother & Babycat Cat Food: Weaning is a dangerous time for a kitten’s gut. This food is high-calorie and easy to digest, which helps prevent “fading kitten syndrome.”

● 1ml and 3ml Syringes: When an animal weighs only one pound, medicine is dosed by the drop. In these cases, accuracy is life or death. 

● REScue & Bleach Tablets: In a rescue, one case of Parvo or Panleuk can be a disaster. These aren’t just household cleaners; they are hospital-grade disinfectants that kill the viruses regular soap can’t touch. 

● 13 & 60-Gallon Trash Bags: We deal with a massive amount of waste daily. We need heavy-duty bags that won’t rip when they’re full of soiled bedding. 

● Non-Clumping Litter: Kittens are like toddlers, they eat everything. Clumping litter expands when wet, which can be fatal if swallowed. Non-clumping litter keeps their curious tummies safe. 

● Avery 8160 Labels: These are crate “passports.” They keep a pet’s identification and medical information visible for drivers and partners during transport. 

● Pill Pockets: Giving medication to a scared dog is difficult. Hiding a pill in a treat makes it a positive experience for the dog and much easier for our staff and foster parents. 

● Black Medication Bags: Some medications are light-sensitive. These bags keep the medicine safe and ensure a foster parent has everything properly organized. 

● Towels & Blankets: Keeping our animals comfortable is the top priority, and linens can only survive the industrial washing machine so many times. We always need fresh bedding to keep our kennels and cattery soft and dry. 

Every donation, no matter how small it may seem, makes it possible for us to keep moving forward. It may not feel glamourous to donate a box of labels, syringes, or towels, but we could not save lives without them. 

From our pack to yours, thank you!

Shop our Amazon and Chewy wishlists here: 

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/18RXMPT9AB6MX

Chewy Wishlist: https://www.chewy.com/g/rescued-pets-movement_b69795761#wish-list

Want to join the movement?