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Big donations for some ‘Tiny Paws’
Turlock Starbucks drop-off locations for dog rescue supplies
Tiny Paws
Tiny Paws is a foster-based rescue for dogs from across the region weighing 25 pounds and under (Photo contributed).

Tiny Paws Rescue and Sanctuary may be based out of Oakdale, but it certainly doesn’t mean that they aren’t making an impact in surrounding communities, including Turlock. In fact, Turlockers have come out in full force to donate goods to the organization in recent weeks with the help of local Starbucks stores.

Tiny Paws is a foster-based rescue for dogs from across the region weighing 25 pounds and under. In just over three months into 2023, the organization has already had to rescue and foster over 50 dogs. CEO Michelle Sandoval and volunteer Rhonda Webber are both Turlock residents, and their story was shared with Trinity Amador-Stewart, manager of the Starbucks on the corner of Canal Drive and Golden State Boulevard. An avalanche of positivity proceeded.

Tiny Paws 2
Doggy Donations are currently being accepted at three local Starbucks locations until May 4, with the goodies to be sent to the Tiny Paws Rescue and Sanctuary and other surrounding animal shelters, who are all experiencing an overflow of pets.

“I go into my local Starbucks here on Canal and Golden State just about every morning,” Webber said. “Trinity saw my shirts and my hats and offered to put up a board advertising the dogs that we have for adoption in her store. And in came a girl named Victoria [Vargas] that works at the store and she offered to get involved and decided to do a fundraiser for our rescue. The district manager saw it, so he mentioned it to other Starbucks in the area and they decided to put up donation boxes also. It all happened pretty fast.”

For the past two weeks, the Starbucks locations at 824 N. Golden State Blvd., 2012 E. Canal Dr. and 2201 W. Main St. have set up “Doggy Donation” boxes, accepting donations of puppy pads, toys, leashes, harnesses, food, treats and collars.

“Starbucks is committed to its mission of values as well as supporting our local community,” Amador-Stewart said.

Despite not having promoted the fundraiser much, the boxes at all locations nearly overflowed multiple times. The supplies are much needed for the shelter, as Webber explained that there has been a sharp rise in pets being brought in due to returns or after being rescued from less-than-ideal living conditions.

“Shelters everywhere they're so overwhelmed,” Webber said. “So that's where we're at, all full right now. And as fast as they come, for example, I'll have three going out this week but I have two more coming in. It's gotten really bad since the COVID ended. People have returned a lot of dogs and didn't realize what they were getting themselves into now that they're returning back to work.”

Because of the constant flow of pets coming through their doors and the doors of others, Tiny Paws and the three Starbucks locations have extended the fundraiser to May 4. Tiny Paws works closely with area animal shelters, and plan on donating any extra items to neighboring organizations in need.

“It was only supposed to be for two weeks, but it's done so well,” Webber said. “They all spoke and decided to extend it for a couple more weeks and we’re just very thankful for Starbucks.”

Webber also encouraged the public to look into helping further by inquiring about fostering or adopting. Those interested can get more information by messaging “Tiny Paws Rescue And Sanctuary” on Facebook.