What happened to January through November? I can't believe it is December already

This has been a year of firsts for MARL. We had our first Pictures and Breakfast with the Easter Bunny, our first summer camp, and our first full year in our new shelter. I think we learned something new about ourselves and the shelter everyday.

For the first time we have a full-time veterinarian on staff. After our beloved Dr. Dukes passed, an opportunity arose for us to hire Dr. Mary Fooshee, who got her feet wet and muddy from day one. She can now make the trek up to the barn and back blindfolded, through mud, muck and manure. Dr. Fooshee is treating so many of our animals thus allowing so many more to go up for adoption.

One of our staff members, Mary Crosby grooms many of our animals and on Mondays we have a volunteer groomer, Helen Gardner. Speaking of volunteers we couldn't get through our Sundays without Jennifer Lynn, Janna Bridges and Courtney Sherman. And how do you thank Sue Haynes and her group of volunteers at Petsmart? They work so hard and sometimes we can't even get a chance to say "Thank you."

Another group that needs to be acknowledge is Friends of MARL, who put together a wonderful and exciting Fur Ball this year. They still have room for some more recipes for the cook book and pictures of your pets. Call Rebbecca Ezell at 601-898-3869 for more information.

Each and everyone of our staff members work hard to provide the best care for our animals. Some wash towels, towels and more towels and then get the pleasure of folding all of them, just to start over again. Dishes, litter boxes, water bowls, all have to be disinfected, plus the cages and runs. It's an all day job, but one our staff does gladly.

I have to admit there is a lot of pride in working for the Mississippi Animal Rescue League and so many of our staff never get mentioned by name, but without each and everyone of them we could not function.

Now for a little Christmas Cheer. Next Saturday, December 6 is Pet Photo's with Santa again. Dress those four legged and two legged babies in their Christmas finest and bring them to the shelter. The hours are 10:30 - 3:30 and Jolly Ole St. Nick will be here to greet and pose with them all. For $15 you get six 4 x 6 color prints, with easy pickup at Deville Camera.

Needed at the shelter are:
• Puppy chow
• Kitten chow
• Toys
• Laundry detergent
• Gift cards for Office Depot
• 12% sweet feed
• Crimped oats
• Mineral Salt Licks
• Square bales of hay
• Leaf blower
• Gasoline powered weed eater

The best gift that all of us could have is Peace on Earth in these troubled times. We wish all of you a Blessed Holiday and in remembering the animals in need, please remember the little children that may not have a Christmas. When you buy a toy, please buy two and give one to Toys for Tots.

Thank you for all you do for MARL and the animals in our care.

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