GREECE, N.Y. — A foster-based animal rescue organization in Greece is getting ready for one of its largest fundraisers of the year, which is badly needed due to the financial strain that COVID-19 has caused the nonprofit.

Zoey Eyerman loves caring for Puddin,’ a 10-week-old Australian Cattle Dog.

“She loves to cuddle. And she definitely stays by your side the whole time,” Eyerman said.

It’s not her dog, but one of many animals being fostered for the organization Greece Residents Assisting Stray Pets (GRASP).

The nonprofit doesn’t have a physical shelter, and depends on volunteers like Eyerman to care for the animals until a forever home can be found.

“I like fostering because of the experience. And spending time with the puppies. It’s really fun,” she said.

But while there’s no shelter, there are still costs GRASP must cover. Primarily, veterinarian costs for the animals.

That brings us to the home studio of Denyse Clark. Normally, she photographs babies or senior portraits, but as the vice president of GRASP, she’s helping with a special project on this particular Saturday.

“It’s different every year, that’s for sure,” Clark said. “Working with puppies is as challenging as working with children, maybe even more so.”

Puddin’ and her two sisters are the subjects for a calendar GRASP will sell to raise money, one of its largest fundraisers each year.

And right now the group needs the funds more than ever, with COVID-19 impacting most of its other fundraising efforts.

“We’ve had to segway into getting very creative without being able to do in-person events. So this has become even more important for us,” Clark said.

Clark says residents can financially support them online, or by volunteering to foster.

Something Eyerman highly encourages.

“It’s very exciting to get a new puppy or kitten to foster, and it’s a great experience I get to experience,” she said.