MARL E-NEWSLETTER FEBRUARY 2008
We cannot thank all of you enough for coming through with dog and cat food in our time of need. Since we moved into the new shelter we are able to hold more animals for adoption for a longer period of time and that takes more food.
But that's GREAT because our adoption rates have really risen and it is so rewarding to see so many animals finding forever, loving homes. Thank you again. Our large dog receiving kennels have increased from 18 to 32. This makes a big difference.
February is Pennies for Paws month. If you have a child going to school please ask him or her if their class or school is participating. Pennies for Paws is a way for students to collect money to help the animals. Since 2000 students in the metro area have collected pennies, nickels, dimes and quarters, etc. for a total so far of $44,000. Way to go kids!!! If their class or school would like to participate have them call me at 601-969-1671.
Get ready for the Easter Bonnet Pet Parade and Pictures with the Easter Bunny Saturday, March 22, here at MARL. Pictures with the Easter Bunny start at 10:30 a.m. and for $15.00 you get 6 color photo's of your pet and or children with our giant rabbit and includes breakfast.
Starting at 12:30 we will have our Easter Bonnet Parade, with prizes for the Prettiest Bonnet, Fanciest Bonnet and the most Pitiful Bonnet. From 1:30 - 2:00 is the Easter Egg Hunt for the kids and pets. Registration fee for the parade and hunt is $10.00 Check out Events at our web site www.msarl.org for additional information.
We still have leaves available on our Tree of Hope on the wall in the vestibule. Each leaf is engraved in memory or honor of a beloved person or pet. Leaves are $150 each. If you would like to purchase a leaf please call Aileene at 601-969-1671.
Valentines Day is coming up real soon. PLEASE, NO CHOCOLATE FOR FIDO OR FIFE! Chocolate contains ingredients that are poisonous to pets.
Well folks, I'm sorry to tell you but our wonderful State of Mississippi has made "Worst in the Nation" again. According to the Humane Society of the United States Mississippi's animal cruelty law is the very worst in the nation.
Mississippi's misdemeanor cruelty statue caps penalties at six months and $1,000. The Mississippi Supreme Court found the statue to be unconstitutional in December 2001. The court, in Davis v. Mississippi, ruled the statute was too vague to be understood by an ordinary person. The law was ruled void against Davis, but not in cases across the state. Confusion over the constitutionality of the statue, coupled with its extraordinarily weak penalties, makes Mississippi the worst in the U.S.A.
Mississippi has no felony animal cruelty provisions.
We have legislation pending this year to improve our situation. The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) invites you to participate in the Mississippi Humane Lobby Day, Wednesday, February 13, 2008 in Jackson to make a tremendous difference for animals. A short briefing on tips for lobbying and an overview of pending animal legislation will prepare you to meet your elected official and advocate for animals.
Location:
Woolfolk Annex Building (across the street from the Capitol)
501 North West Street, Room # 204, Jackson, MS
Date: 2/13/08 from 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Hosted by: Dale Bartlett, dbartlett@humanesociety.org
(757) 469-2896
PLEASE RSVP TO DALE BY FEBRUARY 12, 2008 AT 5:00 p.m.
BIG FIX RIG AT MARL. The Big Fix Rig will be parked at MARL for several months in order to provide very low cost spaying and neutering of cats. If you want to get your cat spayed or neutered or need additional information, please call (toll free) 866-901-7729 for an appointment.
Items needed at the Shelter:
• (10) Pampas Grass plants,
• (10) River Birch trees and top soil
• Small tee shirts and sweaters for our small dogs.
• Fabric made Cat Cubes.
• Paper towels, paper towels and more paper towels.
• Dry adult and puppy chow (Purina, Pedigree or Iams).
• Dry cat and kitten food.
• Gift certificates for Lowes or Office Depot
• Extra large and large Igloo type dog houses.
• Grass hay to use in the doghouses.
• Triple 13 fertilizer.
• Square bales of hay.
Our financial need is great! Our last gas bill was $3,042.00 for the month of January. If you would like to donate you may visit our web site at www.msarl.org and click on the Guidestar button or mail donations to: MARL, 5221 Greenway Drive Ext., Jackson, MS 39204.
Thank you for all you do for us and the animals.
Aileene Maldonado
Programs Manager
MARL
5221 Greenway Drive
Jackson, MS 38204
aileenem@netdoor.com
www.msarl.org
Jackson, MS 39209
601-969-1671