Sunday, February 19, 2012

Essential Pieces Tribute Dinner 2-18-12

On Saturday February 18, 2012, during the Essential Pieces benefit dinner, we honored two very special Friends of Ark's animals: Karen Stairs who materializes like an Angel from above when we need an animal rushed to the vet, among her other wholly unselfish deeds she does for us and the feral kitties of our community. And Chelsea Green, a remarkable, loving & compassionate young woman who is unselfish with her time & energy when it comes to helping animals. We're so very fortunate to have these Ladies as friends and co-volunteers, and the only ones that can possibly appreciate Chelsea & Karen more are the animals they help. Here's the presentation of Appreciation Award to Chelsea:

Wednesday, February 1, 2012

BAKE SALE February 4th

February 2012 Sanctuary News

The past 2 months have been very busy for us at the Ark. We have had so many rewarding experiences we thought we would share a few of them with you.

Last spring we had taken in an 8 year old Australian shepherd named Tasha. She was in deplorable condition when she arrived. She was missing most of her fur and she had a yeast infection, not to mention she was 8 and had not been spayed. Tasha went into foster care where she received the medical treatment she needed and deserved and was spayed. After 5 long months of hard work and medications she was ready for adoption, but there were drawbacks. She was 8 years old, very nervous and hated to ride in the car.

Finally after 8 months of waiting Tasha's dream finally came true. She was adopted just before Christmas to a very loving, kind, patient and gentle woman. Tasha now runs and plays in big open spaces; she now gets regular vet care and regular grooming. If her mom sits in the back seat with her, she will even take a very short car ride as long as mom holds her. Tasha acts like a puppy sometimes at 8 years young. Life just couldn't get any better.

Dutchess is a 13 year old arthritic cat that came to the Ark and we all had our doubts that someone would adopt her. The first few weeks she was miserable, she cried all the time. Her cries were heard by a very dear lady who offered her a home. Once Dutchess was in her new home, her new owner called to tell me she was fitting right in and she even held the phone up to Dutchess so I could hear her purring. For Dutchess and her new owner 13 is just a number, not a reason not to adopt.

Manny is a 7 year old Dachshund, his story broke my heart. He belonged to a small child who passed away and was surrendered to the Ark about a year ago. Manny had been adopted twice and returned both times thru no fault of his own. Manny is one of the sweetest, kindest dogs I have ever met. After being returned the second time, I promised Manny that he would never be adopted out be returned again, even if that meant keeping him myself.

Finally about 3 weeks ago the phone rang. Someone was interested in Manny! They came to visit with him and decided they wanted to give him a home. Manny has been in his new home for about 2 weeks now. He has been back for a visit and he is so happy. He gets to sleep in bed with his new mom and dad, but, more importantly, they have a grandson that has filled the void in Manny's heart, and in return Manny has filled the void in Hannah's heart . Hannah is another Dachshund the family owns. Hannah was grieving the loss of her canine playmate Cricket. Manny saw Hannah and went and curled up in the bed with her and took a nap. Hannah and Manny are now the best of friends.

Everyone at the Ark is touched by each and every animal that we take into our care. We love seeing our babies get a second chance at life. We simply make the connection; it is the wonderful caring people who open their hearts and their homes to these special animals and give them the lives they deserve. You are all Angels.

Every week we receive pictures and updates on the animals we have adopted. They always brighten our day and remind us of why we are here. Keep the pictures and updates coming, we love it!

For the month of Jan. the Ark took in $450.00 in donations and fundraising. Our expenses were $1392.32.

We took in 2 dogs and 1 cat.

We adopted out 8 cats and 3 dogs.

We currently have 49 cats and 2 dogs

Please join us on Sat Feb.4 outside Hollywood Pet Salon for a BAKE SALE. We will also be serving, soup, chili, baked beans and pulled pork. Our volunteers will be armed with hand and feet warmers and electric blankets.

Join us Wed, Feb. 8 at the Horn of Plenty for lunch and dinner; reservations are recommended.

We will also be having our annual Essential Pieces Tribute Dinner at the Elks Lodge on Feb. 18th. Details for all our fundraising benefit can be found on our website: www.ArkSanctuary.com.

Thank you for your continued support and thank you for reading our column.