Hi folks,

I know I'm late with the E-Newsletter. It seems that I came down with a bad case of spring fever. Every time I started the newsletter I got wrapped up watching the birds and the blooms in my back yard. When I looked at my green car, I saw that it had been re-colored yellow from all the pollen.

Pets also may suffer from the problems associated with pollen and may need a trip to the vet for help with their allergies. Don't forget that your pet need monthly treatment to protect them from fleas and ticks.

Anyone living in Mississippi is very familiar with our summertime insect, the mosquito. This tiny creature creates havoc for people and pets. It is far more than just a nuisance; mosquitoes carry many types of diseases. In dogs, one of the most dangerous diseases the mosquito is responsible for is HEARTWORMS. All it takes is one bite, and all it takes to prevent it is a $10.00 shot given twice a year by your veterinarian. House dogs need protection also.

Spay and Neuter
With spring in FULL BLOOM, so are the animals. The need to spay or neuter is never greater than now. Far more animals are being born than there are homes for them. We may take in as many as 125 animals a day.

Unfortunately there are not 125 homes available every day. While we pride ourselves on our high adoption rate, five to maybe nine adoptions a day is fantastic. Some days we adopt out only one or two, and there is only so much space to hold them. While I know that I am preaching to the choir, please pass the word to your friends whose pets have not been fixed.

Wild New-Born Animals
I have to mention baby animals. Nearly every year someone comes in the shelter with a baby deer or baby bird that they have found and no mother in sight. The mothers are out feeding and will return when you leave. If a baby bird in on the ground and fully feathered the mother is still feeding it and teaching it how to fend for itself. Unless there is a cat or other danger, please leave it alone. As for the deer the mother sees you, but will not come near her baby as long as you are there. Mother nature can take care of their babies, much better than we can. These are wild animals and not pets.

Needed at the Shelter
Once again, we are being over run with horses. The owners just can't afford to feed them and bring them to us, while others just abandon them and we get called to rescue the animals. Some are skin and bones. The cost to help these animals is unreal We have to give Coggins test, veterinarian care, clean feet and shod, and special feedings for some. We really need your help with hay, 12% sweet feed , and salt and mineral licks.

As you know our greatest need is financial. With a budget of over $850,000 we are hard pressed to meet the needs of all the animals. It has been rough this year. Puppies, kittens, dogs, and cats, plus all the horses that are coming in daily.

All of our money must come from donations, we do not get any city, state or federal funds. The animals depend on us and we depend on you. PLEASE be as generous as you can. You can donate by going to our website at: www.msarl.org and click on the Guidestar button or mail your donation to: MARL, 5221 Greenway Drive, Ext, Jackson, MS 39204

• Hay, Hay, Hay, and more Hay! Square bales only
• Dog and puppy food (Purina or Pedigree)
• Cat and kitten food (Purina)
• Oval toilet seat covers for our cats
• Salt Licks (about 8)
• Mineral licks (about 8)
• 12% Sweet feed
• Washing powder (Tide or Cheer)
• Gift certificates for Lowes, Home Depot, Office Depot and gas cards.

Thank you for all you do for the animals and your devotion to the Mississippi Animal Rescue League.

Remember a dog wags his tail with his heart.

MARL
Aileene Maldonado
Programs Manager
aileenem@netdoor.com
www.msarl.org