Save us from the Stickers Burrs!

When we moved into our new office in February, we looked forward to having a large yard for the dogs to run around. Unfortunately, we have an immense overgrowth of sticker burrs in our side and backyard, causing irritation and injury to dogs' paws when they run in the yard.

As the summer progresses, our entire yard will become unusable with the spread of the burrs. To ensure we have a location for meet and greets and for the dogs to exercise and play, we need to raise funds to address this problem. We have researched options and have determined that Bob Webster at Shades Of Green’s recommendation detailed below is the most cost-effective and practical solution (*).

The burrs will need to be killed with organic weed killer and then the area can be covered with 1/4" decomposed granite to ensure it is water-permeable, easy to maintain and is safe for the dogs. We have determined that we need 58 yards of decomposed granite to do the entire yard. As time goes on, the sticker's seeds can be brought into the yard by the wind and birds, our plan is to upkeep by spraying the new weeds with organic weed killer.

*Other suggestions to our problem ultimately do not work such as burning (San Antonio Fire Department's 2009 International Fire Code, Section 307.2.2 states, "It shall be unlawful for any person to burn or cause to be burned, any trash, brush, tree limbs, grass, trees, leaves, paper, boards, planks, shavings, or any other combustible material whatsoever within the corporate limits of the city.") Planting new grass is cost prohibitive and because we don't have an irrigation system, not possible. Compost, unfortunately cannot be used because it creates a large amount of mud and the dogs will eat it, which could potentially be harmful. Therefore, our plan is to use 2" of decayed granite to cover the stickers and save our furry friends' toe beans!

We have been focused on the new spay-neuter center, reaching our intake goal of 500 dogs and cats this year while staying within budget. We also need a yard to do meet and greets, take photographs, let the dogs run, and go to the bathroom. We need your assistance to continue meeting our goals and to make this project happen. You can assist us in two ways:

1. Help us raise the funds needed to complete part of the yard. A fundraiser has been set up to achieve this goal.
2. Provide physical assistance with spreading the granite once it is delivered. If you can assist, please let us know right away.

Unanticipated expenses always have a significant impact on nonprofits, but we are doing our best to move forward and fulfill our mission. We are beyond grateful to anyone who can donate funds or their time to help.

Thank you helping protect our dogs!