MARL E-Newsletter September 2011

Dear Friends of MARL,

According to the calendar summer is over and fall is on its way. Not in Mississippi with our heat and humidity! We still need to make sure our pets have plenty of cool fresh water and shade from the sun. Our heat lasts well into October.

Our 7th Annual Fur Ball
Mark your calendar for our 7th annual Fur Ball, with the theme of "Pets and the City," and in honor of Miriam Weems, a long-time supporter of MARL. The Fur Ball will be held at the Renaissance in Ridgeland, Thursday, September 29, 2011 at 7:00PM. Music will be provided by The Chill and we have a great silent auction planned which will include a 14k gold and turquoise bracelet from R. Tomasino Jewelry, a Viking microwave oven and our Best in Show cookbook signed by Miriam Weems and much more. Please check our website at www.msarl.org for additional information.

Our Beloved Fred
MARL also lost a much loved 4-legged staff member this week. Fred our shelter dog passed away the other day. Fred came to us from Rankin County Animal Control and no one ever claimed him. Fred was about 14 years old and was a cross between a Redbone hound and a Bloodhound. That nose of his could smell out a sausage biscuit from the far end of the shelter and with those sad eyes what else could you do but share.

When Fred came to the shelter, we tried to put him in one of our runs, but he would have none of it. His howls of protest were unbearable and so Ric, one of our staff members, brought him to his office and then home with him every night. Since then, Fred and Ric have been inseparable and going to schools to educate children on proper pet care. Fred loved the spotlight and often would greet customers visiting the shelter at the front door.

We are all going to miss Fred, he was such a vital asset to the shelter and a dedicated 4-legged employee.

Pet Safety!
With school back in session, we want to make sure our pets are safely behind the fence or in the house so they don't try to follow the children. Our pets want to go where we go. Be safe, not sorry. Please make sure your pet is wearing a collar and I.D. tag. So many animals come into the shelter without any means of identification. If they were wearing a collar and I.D.tag, we could call the owner immediately. Such a simple solution!

Please be sure you are prepared for a disaster; hurricanes, tornados, etc. Always have a crate/cage and a disaster kit ready. You will also need a 3 day supply of pet food and water, medications they need, their favorite toy and a leash. Always remember that our human shelters will not accept pets, so plan ahead.

At the Shelter
Speaking of shelter animals, we have so many beautiful dogs, cats, puppies and kittens in need of a loving forever home. If you have room in your home and heart, please come to the shelter and adopt one or two of our precious pets. Spread the word that we have the perfect pets for anyone looking for a little love in their life.

Operating the shelter is very expensive. We could not do it without your help; water bills, electric bills, veterinary expenses, etc. Please be assured that we watch every penny spent and try to be good stewards of your donations. Please donate as much as you can to help the animals in our care. You can donate through our web site at www.msarl.org or send donations to MARL, 5221 Greenway Drive Ext., Jackson, MS 39209.

In addition to financial assistance we also need the following:

• 25 galvanized steel water buckets (6-8 quart size)
• Dry adult dog food (Purina or Iams)
• Dry Puppy Chow (Purina or Iams)
• Dry Cat and Kitten Chow
• Horse feed
• Halters
• Salt licks
• Treats and toys for our animals
• Paper towels, paper towels and more paper towels
• Toilet paper
• Hand sanitizers
• Kleenex
• First aid kit
• Copy paper
• Scotch tape
• Ball point pens

Thank you for supporting MARL. The animals are counting on us and we are counting on you. Once again, thank you.

Aileene Maldonado
Programs Manager, Editor
aileenem@netdoor.com