If you know someone who wants a dog, but they don't have the money to afford one, the Wagging Tail Foundation can help.

The Foundation helps low-income households adopt a canine family member by taking over the routine costs of dog ownership. Such costs include veterinary care, food, grooming, hygiene, and transporation.

Any person interested in adopting a dog through the Foundation can apply by writing to them using the contact information on their website. All applicants are interviewed and carefully screened.

The Foundation was started by Lisa Bernhard, a former New York City attorney who found life as a writer living atop a mountain in rural Vermont. The inspiration came to her during a wait in a veterinarian's office. "I watched a woman come in with an ill animal she could not afford to treat," say Bernhard. "The vet office wouldn't do the procedure for free and it occurred to me that there should be a fund to help out people who can't afford to pay for care or treatment."

Wagging Tail Foundation is seeking donations to get itself going. It is a qualified charity defined under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, and contributions are deductible for income tax purposes. "If we can persuade everyone to just send one dollar, we can really make a huge difference in people.s lives."