It was heartbreaking for animal lovers everywhere when news broke that a Burien house was raided Oct. 6 in a case of animal hoarding. Officials found 38 dogs in varying stages of distress, 9 of which had to be euthanized straightaway.

“We saw it in the paper and they (the animal shelter) said that they really needed donations to help the dogs,” says Madeline. “We knew that we definitely wanted to donate.”

Madeline and her friend, Annie, are both 10-year-old fifth-graders at Marvista Elementary School in Normandy Park and together raised $155, which they donated to Burien’s Community Animal Resources Education Society (CARES). CARES is overseeing the care, housing and ultimate adoption of the dogs.

Both girls were inspired to help based on their own devotion to dogs. Madeline counts her corgi, Twinky, as a best friend as does Annie of her Chihuahua, Captain Widgetmeyer.

“I love dogs,” says Annie. “They’re fun to cuddle with and it feels like they really understand us.”

A few years ago, they began walking neighborhood dogs after school and on weekends to earn money. It was their personal savings along with contributions from neighbors that they donated to CARES.

“We went to about 20 houses (soliciting money). It was nice because sometimes we went to houses and met new friends while we were talking,” says Annie.

“It really touches you that their hearts are in the right place. It’s great that they’re not thinking about themselves, but how they can help others,” says Debra George, director of CARES.

CARES has dealt with two major animal crises since opening in June. In August, CARES began handling the aftermath of a cat hoarder, which was quickly followed by the recent canine situation. George estimates that CARES is currently overseeing the care of 48 animals. Due to space limitations, animals are currently boarded offsite at PJ’s Pet Ranch in SeaTac. A new CARES facility is planned to open in Burien next January, which will allow for on-site housing.

“The money helps provide medical care, food, beds and more,” says Jamie Murray, office manager for CARES. “Some of these dogs, like a few Chihuahuas, have post-traumatic stress issues (following the dog hoarding experience).”

Murray was working the day Annie and Madeline delivered the donation in person.

“We had no idea they were doing this. They came in with a big jar full of quarters and bags of money and took turns counting it out,” says Murray. “The whole thing was amazing and I was so touched that I was crying. It’s the highest donation we’ve gotten and it really helps.”

Murray recounts the girls’ excitement as they practically bounced up and down at being able to help. Their enthusiasm has not waned since making the donation. They are already organizing to raise additional funds.

And perhaps lobby to adopt one of the dogs when they become available.

“I sort of want to adopt another dog to be with Twinky, but my parents won’t say yes. I try not to ask too much,” Madeline says wistfully as her mother good-naturedly laughs in the background.