My name is Dawn. For the past six years I have run a rescue and Facebook group called Dawnie Lu's Guinea Pig Rescue currently out of Carbondale Illinois.

This past January repairs were finally completed in the back half of the rescue that was infested with mold in the walls. Less than 5 hours after completion, an ice storm came thru and a huge limb off an approximately foot long tree came crashing down on the roof damaging the roof, the just completed back half of the rescue and snapped the trusses as if they were nothing. Being an act of mother nature, insurance would not cover any of the repairs.

Roof repairs have slowly begun again, as funds are minimal and the weather below freezing, but clearly not fast enough. Upon moving furniture this week it is clear that mold has yet again started to invade the rescue. I have tried to remain positive but a few nights ago another washer went out and with no extra funds and an approximate 100 loads of laundry needing to be cleaned for the guinea pigs weekly, I have had to start washing their cage laundry by hand 🤮. Between the rescue and my job I already must stay awake 3 nights a week to get cages cleaned, and at 51 years old I cannot physically bend over the tub anymore in order to wash 100 loads a week nor do I have the extra time to do so.

I'm at a loss at what to do. So I am raising the white flag so to speak and asking everyone and anyone who is able, to help me fund a new washer and dryer (the dryer currently takes 120 min to dry full loads) and help get the repairs to the roof, trusses and drywall moving quicker before the mold takes over the whole rescue. They say rescuing is not for the weak. These words have never been more true as they are right now. As I continue to try to be strong for myself and the current 57 piggies here today, we ask for your help so as I may continue to rescue for years to come. Thank you everyone. Much love to y'all ❤️