Speak! Rescue and Sanctuary is based in St. Louis, but the rescue saves dogs from all over the United States that likely wouldn’t have had a chance otherwise. Each year, somewhere between 65% and 85% of the pups rescued are special needs cases. They are often blind and/or deaf, often as the result of merle-to-merle breeding. Or the dogs have severe medical needs ranging from heart surgeries to brain procedures, advanced imaging to malnourishment. Some pups were brought in to the vet be euthanized because they just weren't "perfect." We are a foster-based rescue so all dogs are in loving, committed foster homes until they are ready to find their forever families. Last year alone, we took in 119 dogs and our animal care bills were $108,000. This year we are on track to rescue even more dogs with even more extensive costs.