SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY — Donations to Woods Humane Society will be doubled throughout August, up to $25,000, thanks to matching gifts from The Marianne and Stacy Cocks Fund (a Fund of The Community Foundation San Luis Obispo County) and an anonymous donor.

The August Match Challenge comes as the shelter faces a 218% increase in homeless puppies this year. In just the first six months of 2025, Woods cared for more puppies than in all of 2024. The increased demand has strained resources, especially for fragile, ill, or newborn animals requiring extended care.

“Success stories like Reef’s can cost the organization more than twice the amount budgeted for a typical dog or cat as these young, fragile puppies are vulnerable to contagious diseases and often require weeks of care,” says Woods CEO Emily L’Heureux. “As we have responded to the increased number of homeless puppies this year, we have also drawn on our resources to treat more cases of severe and lengthy illness. Woods looks to the community to participate in this August Match opportunity to help us raise $50,000 in essential funds that make it possible to save these young animals’ lives and see them through to adoption.”

To participate in the match, donations can be made online at WoodsHumane.org or in person at Woods locations in San Luis Obispo or Atascadero.