Saratoga News

Photograph by Robert Scheer

Cheryl Kleder holds one of the Pet Network's homeless cats.

Pet Network finds homes for unwanted dogs, cats

By Carolyn Leal

The Pet Network, an animal-rescue organization based in Saratoga, faces closure unless donations materialize, says vice president Cheryl Kleder.

"Our donations for the last few years have gone down, and our expenses have gone up," Kleder says. "Just to exist costs close to $1,000 a month. We only have enough money for one more month. We're in dire need. This is the worst it's ever been."

The 7-year-old Pet Network has placed thousands of animals with adoptive families, Kleder says. "We get a lot of people who can't keep animals anymore [because] there's been a death in the family or a divorce, and we get stray animals that people dump. We get them doctored up, spayed and neutered and ready for adoption."

The nonprofit Pet Network holds pet fairs each Saturday at pet stores in the area. "We bring the animals and try to find homes for them," Kleder says.

It costs a minimum of $50 to adopt a dog, more if the dog is registered. The price reflects the cost of spaying or neutering and shots, Kleder says. "We don't let anything go out unaltered."

The Pet Network also needs foster homes for animals awaiting adoption. "People say they would love to foster, but it's a real commitment," Kleder says.

The Pet Network is an alternative to the Santa Clara County Humane Society, where most unwanted pets end up. "We're a no-kill organization," Kleder says. "We don't want them euthanized."

Kleder got started in the pet rescue business with a group in Los Gatos called the Rescuers. After that group disbanded, six of the volunteers, including Kleder, started the Pet Network. "The rest have moved or quit, and I'm the only one left," she says.

Kleder is so devoted to animals that she's currently paying $30 a day out of her pocket to board three dogs--two terriers and a bulldog mix--who are awaiting homes. One of the dogs went to an improper home and ended up at the Humane Society after being hit by a car. She had a Pet Network tag on her collar, so the Humane Society called Kleder.

Humane Society staffers also call if they think Kleder can help place a dog living on borrowed time. "If a dog is getting close to D-Day, they call and say, 'Can you take this dog?" she says.

Often, her answer is yes.

The Pet Network has about 25 volunteers who take animals to pet fairs for adoption and who help people find lost pets.

The Pet Network also offers solace when pets die. "They were so wonderful when my dog was hit by a car," says Didi Smith of Saratoga.

"It's a love," says Kleder, "for all of us, not just me. Everyone is totally committed.

"People will stop by and donate blankets and food. We have great support in the community, but we need more. I hate to see this fold."

To contact the Pet Network, call 450-2452.