I’m very excited to let you know that GoodDogz.org is BETA testing our new online NING community! We are in the process of a re-design and the social community will be a huge, new offering for dog lovers. Exciting stuff. Please leave a comment if you would like an invitation to test!
We’ve been in the process of selling our house and buying something with more land for our pups. So, posts have been a little sporadic. Please hang in there - as things slow down, I’ll start writing more!
In the meantime, here’s part of an email I received from a good friend about the animal welfare efforts in Maricopa County, AZ. This is one way to “git ‘er done”!
Maricopa County was spending approx. $18 million dollars a year on stray animals, like cats and dogs. Sheriff Joe offered to take the department over, and the County Supervisors said okay. The animal shelters are now all staffed and operated by prisoners. They feed and care for the strays. Every animal in his care is taken out and walked twice daily. He now has prisoners who are experts in animal nutrition and behavior. They give great classes for anyone who’d like to adopt an animal. He has literally taken stray dogs off the street, given them to the care of prisoners, and had them place in dog shows. The best part? His budget for the entire department is now under $3 million. Teresa and I adopted a Weimaraner from a Maricopa County shelter two years ago. He was neutered, and current on all shots, in great health, and even had a microchip inserted the day we got him. Cost us $78.
The prisoners get the benefit of about $0.28 an hour for working, but most would work for free, just to be out of their cells for the day. Most of his budget is for utilities, building maintenance, etc. He pays the prisoners out of the fees collected for adopted animals.
May 4-10 is Be Kind to Animals Week sponsored by American Humane! The 2008 Be Kind to Animals Week marks the 94th annual observance of the oldest event in the nation celebrating the companionship, friendship and love that animals bring into people’s lives.
They are seeking caring kids who exemplify what it means to show kindness and compassion for the animals in their community. This year marks the first year that American Humane will recognize teens by opening up the contest for youth up to age 17.
American Humane is seeking nominations of kids, ages 6-17, who are working hard in their communities to improve the lives and welfare of animals. Kids who volunteer to help at their local shelter or go the extra mile to help animals in need should be nominated. The 2008 winners will be announced during Be Kind to Animals Week.
Here are the rules - No purchase is necessary. Contest rules and nomination forms can be found at www.americanhumane.org/bkaw. Nominations must either be submitted online by April 15, 2008, or postmarked by April 15, 2008. Nominees must be between the ages of 6 and 17 at the time of nomination and will be divided into two age groups: 6 to 12 and 13 to 17. One grand prize winner and two runners-up will be selected from each group. Grand Prize winners will each receive $2,000. All winners and runners-up will be featured in American Humane press materials and on American Humane’s website. Winners will be announced during Be Kind to Animals Week, May 4-10, 2008. For more ideas about celebrating Be Kind to Animals Week and for the complete contest rules, visit www.americanhumane.org/bkaw.
This post made me smile. Many thanks to the author for sharing it. This is why I love what I do.
Beth consults with businesses and non-profits on social media tool selection and strategy and helps her clients find effective ways to leverage these new mediums to meet business goals.
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