1 January 2012 Volume 1, Number 1 VICTIMS OF HARD TIMES Over the past year, many people have experienced major changes due to economic hard times. Many have lost jobs, faced foreclosure or had to sell their home and downsize in order to keep a roof over their head. Due to simply needing to survive themselves, many owners could no longer afford to properly care for or even feed their animals. This forced shelters and rescues to take in significantly more owner surrenders than ever before. Friends of the Animals of Jessamine County, Inc. has noticed the increase as well. We are getting many more calls every day asking if we can take in someone's longtime pet or help them find it a good home. When we visit shelters looking for animals to pull, we see so many that are confused and sad, wondering why their family left them at that place and when they'll return for them. As animal lovers, it's hard to imagine what it must feel like to be forced to abandon your loved one in a loud, strange, crowded place. Not many people are aware of our efforts, but Friends tries to help in any way we can so that families don't have to endure such tragedy. Although we can’t help them all, we have a pet food bank that helps provide food for families who can’t afford it. We are always glad to accept donations for our Pet Food Bank (cat/dog food, cat litter, etc.) or monetary donations so we can help others in need. There are ways the community can help those in need so that their pets don’t become the victims of economic hard times. WE ENCOURAGE YOU TO VISIT OUR NEW WEBSITE Since our organization began we have been searching for a volunteer that knew how to create a website and who would volunteer their time to keep it updated. Our search is now over! Miranda Gregory, who started volunteering with our group after she adopted Sarah Beth (now known as Ciara) said that she would love to help us with creating a website since she had prior experience with website design. Miranda and Lesley Boysel tag teamed the project; as Lesley came up with the information, Miranda would create the pages and add graphics to them. This has become a big Are you looking to Volunteer? Look no further! Friends of the Animals of Jessamine County, Inc. is now taking volunteer applications. It is simple - follow this link OUR FEATURED PETS
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J January 2012 Volume 1, Number 1
VICTIMS OF HARD TIMES
Over the past year, many people have experienced major changes due to
economic hard times. Many have lost jobs, faced foreclosure or had to sell
their home and downsize in order to keep a roof over their head. Due to
simply needing to survive themselves, many owners could no longer afford
to properly care for or even feed their animals. This forced shelters and
rescues to take in significantly more owner surrenders than ever before.
Friends of the Animals of Jessamine County, Inc. has noticed the increase
as well. We are getting many more calls every day asking if we can take in
someone's longtime pet or help them find it a good home. When we visit
shelters looking for animals to pull, we see so many that are confused and
sad, wondering why their family left them at that place and when they'll
return for them. As animal lovers, it's hard to imagine what it must feel
like to be forced to abandon your loved one in a loud, strange, crowded
place. Not many people are aware of our efforts, but Friends tries to help
in any way we can so that families don't have to endure such tragedy.
Although we can’t help them all, we have a pet food bank that helps
provide food for families who can’t afford it. We are always glad to accept
donations for our Pet Food Bank (cat/dog food, cat litter, etc.) or monetary
donations so we can help others in need. There are ways the community
can help those in need so that their pets don’t become the victims of
economic hard times.
WE ENCOURAGE YOU TO VISIT OUR NEW WEBSITE
Since our organization began we have been searching for a volunteer that
knew how to create a website and who would volunteer their time to keep
it updated. Our search is now over! Miranda Gregory, who started
volunteering with our group after she adopted Sarah Beth (now known as
Ciara) said that she would love to help us with creating a website since she
had prior experience with website design. Miranda and Lesley Boysel tag
teamed the project; as Lesley came up with the information, Miranda
would create the pages and add graphics to them. This has become a big
Are you looking to Volunteer?
Look no further! Friends of the Animals of Jessamine County, Inc. is now taking volunteer
Here's a note from Bethany's mom, Tara: "Fostering is a wonderful service to do for homeless animals. There are many who
have been neglected, abused or are frightened in a sheltered environment. Therefore fostering is a critical key in assisting an animal to find a permanent home.
I started fostering two years ago for Friends Of The Animals Of Jessamine County. They not only welcomed me with open arms, but my 8 year old daughter, Bethany, as well. She has assisted me with pulling from shelters, working adoption events, transporting, grooming, walking, and simply trying to gain a frightened animal's
trust. Fostering has taught Bethany to be compassionate, responsible, and thoughtful. She loves all of the foster’s we have had, but understands we are
preparing them for another home. Fostering has brought Bethany and me closer. Also allowing us to meet so many wonderful, animal loving, people. We often hear from our previous fosters' owners and they tell us time and time again how grateful
they are for what we do. The immense feeling of saving a life is everlasting. Fostering can be long or short term and you decide which animal and how many
(yes, some fosters have multiples). The food, vaccinations, etc. are provided from Friends of the Animals Of Jessamine County. If you would like to open your home
and heart to an animal in need, please contact a Friends representative”.
The week of MLK, Jr. Day, Bethany's class was asked to draw a representation of their dream. When Bethany came home with her
drawing, her mom knew that volunteering with animals was making an everlasting impact on her daughter. Bethany's drawing read "I have a
dream that everyone would take care of sick animals and animals in the shelter." Friends is so thankful for all of their volunteers, but especially to
the ones who are using it as a teaching opportunity for their children. Education is the key to change.
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Friends pulled Livvy (pka Olivia) from a local shelter in August 2011. She was estimated to be around 6 months old at the time. We knew from the beginning that
Livvy was a special girl and would need extra care, but we were prepared to do what it took to get her healthy again. Livvy was diagnosed with Demodex mange while at the shelter and received 2 treatments prior to being brought into Friends. She was placed into a foster home where we knew she would receive the love and medical
treatment she needed. Back to the vet she went two more times until her treatments were completed. Skin scrapes confirmed that Livvy was mange-free and ready for her new home! Livvy's first outing to PetSmart was a huge success! Everyone that saw those bright blue eyes immediately fell in love with her. She was adopted that day to a young couple that adored her. Everything was grand in Livvy's life until a
few weeks ago. After repeated trips to the vet and no clear diagnosis, the couple contacted Christy for help. Livvy was pulled back into Friends so she could get proper
treatment. Her mange was back, and in full force. The sores had developed into a severe bacterial infection that needed immediate treatment. After several days of
hospitalization and very strong antibiotics, Livvy was sent home to rest and let her sores heal. Livvy is now on her second round of Demodex treatment for the second
time. Her bright blue eyes have become dull and her hair is gone, but once again, we are committed to making her better. Livvy has stolen the heart of everyone who has
heard her story. We knew from the beginning that Livvy was a special girl who would need extra care....
