This winter nonprofit groups are reaching out to community members in need of food, medical care or clothing. One group is providing those services to the pets of unhoused and low-income people.
MEDFORD, Ore. – This winter nonprofit groups are reaching out to community members in need of food, medical care or clothing. One group is providing those services to the pets of unhoused and low-income people.
Rogue Valley Street Dogs holds an outreach event every other Friday on 1032 W Main Street in Medford. The volunteer-run group meets face-to-face with community members and their pets, setting up free spay and neuter services and giving out vaccinations, pet food, harnesses, leashes, blankets and toys.
“People love their animals, and they want to take care of their animals,” Laurie Cuddy, the president of RVSD, said. “The lack of access to care–and to funds–is just huge.”
The group was started in 2013 as the Street Dog Project, functioning as part of the Friends of the Animals (FOTAS) in Jackson County. Founders J.W. and Nancy Lyon moved from Whidbey Island in Washington and noticed many non-neutered dogs on the streets of the Rogue Valley.
“Spay and neuter is our main priority,” Cuddy said. “That’s the best way to prevent the overpopulation, cut down on disease, and help the dogs and cats live better lives.”
Cuddy said the well-being of cats and dogs often directly affects that of their owners: “For many of the people we work with…[pets] are their closest connection. They are their one stable relationship, and they just mean everything to them.”
RVSD spayed and neutered more than 500 animals in 2024. Cuddy hopes with more volunteers, they can expand their outreach.
“We’re a really small organization, but I’m proud of the work we do,” she said.
Anyone looking to learn more about outreach or volunteer opportunities with RVSD can visit their official website.
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