Zipper is looking for a running partner

Zipper is a playful boy with a lot of energy.  He'd make a good running buddy, or maybe he would like to play frisbee with you.  He's currently playing and sleeping at one of our great boarding partners, Pampered Pooch Playground, but he would really love it if he had a real home to go to.  Zipper plays well with other dogs and is fine with cats. If you would like to meet Zipper, please let us know at dogs@pethavenmn.org

Adoption Update Monday

None of our dogs were adopted this holiday week, so I'm bringing you an update on a recent adoptee.

Ella, formerly Emma, is a medium-sized, mixed breed dog who came from Red Lake with her sister Lola.  They were said to be German Shepherd mixes, but looking at Ella's recent pictures and knowing that she weighs  29 pounds at eight months of age -- let's just say that we're skeptical.

Here's a brief update from her new mom:

She LOVES playing in the snow and playing with all her toys.  We took her to the vet yesterday and they said she is perfectly healthy and has already grown to 29lbs.!  We are excited to take her home to Iowa over Christmas so she can meet the rest of our families.

  

Here's Toby!

Toby was adopted a couple of years ago.  You can see from the pictures that he is living the good life and loving it.

With his Beagle nose, he can cause a little havoc.  Last Christmas Eve, he ate his grandma's birthday cake, so his mom had to call all over town trying find a new one -- an unmanageable feat on a holiday.  She ended up baking a new cake in the wee hours of Christmas morning.

This year, Toby will be spending the holiday with his foster foster mom.  Laura knows she will not be able to leave any treats within reach of this motivated boy and hopes he will spend his time happily snoozing as in the picture below.

Adopted Dog Monday!

We had a busy adoption day on Saturday.


Hailey's delighted to be in her forever home with her Basset Hound/Springer Spaniel sister, Molly. The two hounds will share a fenced yard and two nice parents.  Hailey came to us from the Animal Humane Society in Golden Valley.  She could not be placed through them because she had a history of nipping at small children, but we were able to place her with a couple without young kids.

Our lovely Shepherd mix from Red Lake, Daisy, found a new home. She'll be living with a young Irish Wolfhound.  Her doting dad enjoys visiting area dog parks, so Daisy is sure to have a fun, busy life.  She's a calm and beautiful dog who has many friends and admirers at Pet Haven.  Thank you to Karen Good at Red Lake Rosie's Rescue for giving this girl a second chance.

Mac Daddy is happily at home with another small Poodle mix, Pickles.  The two dogs met and played together beautifully at the Petco adoption event and are looking forward to many eventful days ahead.  Pickles has his own Facebook page, co-authorized by his mom, so we're thinking that perhaps Mac Daddy will have one, too.  Mac Daddy was a stray picked up by Minneapolis Animal Control and taken to Camden Animal Hospital for treatment of a broken leg. The leg healed and he found rescue with us.

Dakota was returned to Pet Haven recently because of changes in his owner's life. Dakota spent a few days in foster care and went home with his new forever family after the adoption event.  He's the perfect 'family dog' and will have two young boys to love in his new home.

Adoption Day tomorrow!

We'll be at the Minnetonka Petco tomorrow, Saturday, December 19, from 10 until noon.  It's our last Adoption Event of this year, so if you are out and about doing some last minute shopping, stop by and meet our adoptable dogs!

"I will never do that!"

Most people who work in animal rescue have said, at one time or another, "I would never give my dog (or cat) up!"  Options like living in a car; begging, borrowing or stealing; or the flexible, "I'd do absolutely anything" are frequently mentioned.  There is a kind of snobbery amongst Those Who Rescue against Those Who Surrender, a feeling that if people truly loved their pets, they would not give them up.

The realities of life are not so easy, not so clear-cut.  The fact is that sometimes very good, very caring people are faced with situations that make it impossible or unkind for them to keep a beloved animal companion.  Many of these people, if asked when life was flowing along smoothly, would have told you the same things that the rescue people so confidently speak.

We recently took a Pet Haven dog back. Dakota was adopted five years ago.  Dakota's guardian loves him dearly, but some significant and difficult changes in his life meant that Dakota was spending twelve or more hours a day all alone while the man worked.  The man came home each night to a dog who was so happy to see him that it somewhat assuaged his guilt for the long, lonely hours beautiful Dakota had just spent waiting for him.

Eventually, the man made the painful decision that Dakota needed more in his life, that it would be selfish to keep his beloved companion for those few short moments they spent together each day.  The conversations between the man and Ann, our Intake Coordinator, were heart-wrenching.   The day Dakota was dropped off, he left some of his own shirts so Dakota would have the scent of home, of his person with him as he moved into his new life.  

It is hard to imagine having to do what Dakota's owner did this week.  But it is not unimaginable.  Not anymore.  One of our Dog Division volunteers said in an email that "After reflecting upon why (Dakota's story)  has so touched me, I guess it is because this could be me."  It could be any of us. Even those of us who say we would take drastic measures to keep our animal friends with us.


Dakota's dad acted out of love for this happy, friendly dog.   Dakota has adapted easily to his foster home  and he already has a lovely family coming to meet him at our adoption event on Saturday, so his journey into a new life will probably be a quick one.  


Pet Haven's lifetime commitment to its dogs and cats provides a safety net for all who come through our program.  The story of Dakota and his dad will stay in our hearts for a long time, and remind us that "never" can creep up on any of us, even as we deny that sad possibility. 

Pet Haven Ink newsletter is available!

The latest issue of our print newsletter, Pet Haven Ink, is now available. You can download a copy from our website. We have some great stories in our latest newsletter along with photos from our recent Fall Benefit which raised $30,000, all of which will go directly towards our adoption and spay/neuter programs.

If you would like to receive a hard copy of our newsletter, consider becoming a Pet Haven member. Annual dues are $25 (which is also tax-deductible). Click here to learn more about Pet Haven and to become a member.

Hank is back

Hank, our Beagle friend, has come back to us.  He was adopted by a nice family a few months ago, but it seems that once the kids were back in school and Hank spent much of his day all alone, he got a little nervous.  Threw up a lot, showed signs of separation anxiety, was generally not a happy boy.  Hank has asked us to make sure that his next home has at least one other dog and that we give him at least one parent that either works a part-time job, works from home or is retired.  He prefers not to have time on his paws to think about being lonely.

Pet Haven hosts animal welfare leadership seminar

Reposted from the Animal Welfare Leadership blog:


Saturday morning at the Doubletree Hotel in St. Louis Park, more than 50 people from 12 different animal welfare organizations came together to discuss Leadership. There are so many of us working tirelessly to rescue and rehome dogs and cats. So many of us share the vision of a day when there will no longer be a need for us to euthanize healthy, adoptable dogs and cats. We as a community must come together to address the pet over population problem. Every year 6- 8 million animals are surrendered to shelters. Every year 4 million are euthanized for lack of homes ... that's one animal every 8 seconds (source: HSUS).

It was exciting to see leaders from so many organizations come together. This was a kick off session to simply determine if there was an interest. The response was overwhelming. The first half of the session focused on leadership development which I led/facilitated. We spent some time reflecting on what leadership means to us and also what our dream is for a better world for animals and humans. Some wonderful ideas were provided which I will share soon once I compile them. I then provided an overview of various leadership frameworks.

During the second half of the session we had 4 guest speakers: Kathie Johnson (Director of Animal Services, Animal Humane Society) talked about the Pet Overpopulation in Minnesota; Dr. Kim Culbertson (of Animal Humane Society and Minnesota Spay Neuter Assistance Project) talked about HVHQSN - High Volume High Quality Spay Neuter; Nancy Minion (Second Chance Animal Rescue) provided an update on the puppy and kitten mill legislation in Minnesota; and Rachel Anderson and Lara Peterson (A Rotta Love Plus) presented on Pitbull 101 and also shared about the education/outreach work they are doing on behalf of pitbulls.

I've decided to start this blog as a quick way for us to remain connected and to help spread the word so we as a community can come together to work towards our shared vision of a home for all healthy, adoptable animals.

Many, many thanks to those of you that came yesterday and for our invited speakers. I am truly, truly excited about the collaboration. Ongoing sessions will be developed and plan to stay tuned for when our next leadership gathering will take place in 2010!

From "Leading from within":

- Leaders find and Listen to their Inner Voice
- Leaders Listen and Attend to Others
- Leaders Cultivate an Organization's Creative Imagination
- Leaders Evoke Conversations that Matter
- Leaders Foster Renewal
- Leaders Tell Stories and Inspire Shared Vision


Let's all stand together and be a stronger voice for both humans and animals!

With gratitude for all who dedicate so much of their hearts, time and resources,
Marilou Chanrasmi
President, Pet Haven of Minnesota


P.S. Groups represented at our kick off session were: Pet Haven, Retrieve a Golden of Minnesota (RAGOM), A Rotta Love Plus (ARLP), Animal Humane Society, Chuck & Don's Pet Food Outlet, Animal Folks MN, Voters for Animals, Second Chance, Minnesota Spay Neuter Project, Minnesota Spay Neuter Assistance Project, Red Lake Rosie's Rescue, Beltrami Humane Society.

Leadership illustration by John S Dykes.

Update on Koda: Another Happy Ending for a Pet Haven Dog

Koda is a Dalamation/Lab who was returned to Pet Haven in May after four years.   He was another casualty of a difficult economy.  His guardian was having to work so much that poor Koda spent most of his day alone.    In November, his new family came along to adopt him.  Here is a brief update from his dad.  Tucker is Koda's canine brother.


Koda is doing very well.  He has a lot of energy though usually he and
Tucker run around throughout the house and tire each other out.
(Aside from) a run-in with a farm cat in Iowa, he is very healthy and
energetic (he learned that cats have claws).

He is very good with the kids and has taken to sleeping on my
3-year-old daughter's bed.  He is a very good guard dog though he gets
particularly wound up when it comes to large, white trucks.


Koda also gets an a occasional ride in a small  airplane for a weekend at the family cabin.   


We at Pet Haven are always thrilled to learn that one of our dogs is living the good life!

Santa Photos with your Pet

On Saturday from 11 AM - 4 PM you can have a photo taken of your pet with Santa at the Richfield Petco.

Cost: $8.95 + tax, of which $5 will be donated to Pet Haven!
Location:
Richfield Petco
710 West 66th
Richfield, Minnesota
(66th and Lyndale)

How about taking a trip out to Richfield on Saturday with your furry friend and letting your pup show you just how cute s/he is :) And at the same time, you could support homeless dogs and cats!

Photo borrowed from Flickr :)

Once in Love With Amy

Always in love with Amy.... there's an old song that begins this way.  If you're old enough, you might be singing it when you meet this cute white miniature Poodle.   Even if you don't remember the song, you will still enjoy meeting Miss Amy.

Amy is seven years old -- just hitting the prime of her life.  She is a girl who would be perfectly happy being your one-and-only dog.   (She asked me to tell you that other dogs are just an annoyance.)

If you have a warm lap and would like to share it with Amy, please let us know at dogs@pethavenmn.org.

Amy thanks you!!


 

Adoption Day tomorrow!

Please join us at the Eden Prairie Petco store (8020 Glen Lane) as we have an Adoption Event there on Saturday, December 5 from 10 a.m. - noon.

Many of our dogs will be there.  It's a great opportunity to meet them (and us).  If you're looking to add a new member to your family before the holidays get too hectic,  now would be a good time for that.

The perfect holiday gift!

A Share Card is the perfect gift to give in place of a material item. It lets the recipient know that you are thinking of them, honors them, and helps a non-profit orgainization fulfill its mission. When you purchase a Share Card, you receive the Share Card itself which gives information about the organization as well as the efforts the Share Card donation supports. In addition, you will receive a greeting card featuring a piece of artwork from one of the artists of Partnership Resources, Inc. The Share Card and greeting card can either be mailed to you or directly to someone else as a gift.

You can purchase a share card for Pet Haven online by clicking here.

Pet Haven along with A Rotta Love Pluswill be the featured non-profits on Friday, 12/4 and Saturday, 12/5. Be sure to stop by and say hi.

For more info, visit the Twice the Gift website.

Meet Cinnamon

Cinnamon is a recent surrender to Pet Haven.  It was a reluctant and very sad surrender.  The only reason Cinnamon needed to find a new home is that the children in her home developed some severe allergies to their beautiful girl.  Below is a letter from the couple who offered Cinnamon respite foster care over the Thanksgiving weekend.   Cinnamon is staying at Auntie Ruth's until we can find her a regular foster home.   If you are interested in meeting this nice family dog, please email us at dogs@pethavenmn.org.

Cinnamon is a friendly, eager to please Chesapeake Bay Retriever mix.  She adores people and is very affectionate, but not kissy.  She came from a house with several children and so is comfortable with high-energy households, but she’s just fine at taking an afternoon nap with you, too.  She wants to be a part of your life.  She’s simply a very good dog with a cute doggy smile.

Cinnamon is a very polite young lady; she will walk on a loose leash (unless there is a rabbit nearby), will gently take treats out of your hand, and can be separated from a toy, rawhide, or her food bowl with no fuss or discussion.  She can’t be persuaded to climb on the couch, but would love you to join her on the floor once in a while and just lay with her head in your lap for hours.  She is happy lying on a cool part of the floor with you in sight.  She’ll leave the kitchen at meal times if you just point your finger at her bed.  She is housetrained.  She is not interested in open toilets, food on the kitchen counter, open bags of dog food or treats on a chair, loose socks, or dirty dishtowels.

Cinny would be best in a house with a yard, because she is somewhat curious and likes to walk around.  Like many retrievers, she will play fetch with a tennis ball until exhaustion (yours).  She will either wait for you to take the ball from her, or if you’re too slow, she’ll toss it back to you!  She is usually more interested in a ball than in food or treats.  Cinnamon is not comfortable in a kennel. She doesn’t fight, but she’ll whine piteously.  Whining and standing by the door is her signal when she needs to go outside, too.

If you’re looking for a dog that is young enough to play, go for a jog or hike with you, and old enough to be disciplined and stable, Cinny is your girl.

I Need You!

Since none of my Pet Haven dog friends were adopted this past week, our bloggers handed over the laptop so I could tell my story. Maybe after reading it you would want to bring me home with you.

My name is Herman.  I was adopted out of the Humane Society in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.  I thought it was a good thing because I was going to a home.  It turned out not to be a good place for me and the people who I thought were mine let me go.  I ran around for a while by myself.  After a few days of feeding myself in this little town, I got wind that I was going to be shot as a stray dog.   Someone who wasn't as mean called  Animal Control and they came to get me in their truck.

In case you don't know, Animal Control is NOT a place you want to be.  It is cramped and you don't get to stay there very long anyway, if you know what I mean.  Lucky for me, a nice lady who knew me at the Humane Society called Pet Haven and asked if they would take care of me until someone really great who would love me forever found me.

I'm a little over a year old.  I am part German Shepherd and part Hound. Don't you love my floppy ears?Kids and other playful dogs I like.  Cats annoy me but I suppose I could try to get along with them if I had to.

I am really eager to start my new life with a person or persons who will love me.  You can foster me or you can adopt me.   If I could put in a request, I would like you to have an active life.  I like a good snuggle on the couch as much as the next guy, but I also like to get out and see the world, run and play and check everything out in the big city that is now my home.

Email the Pet Haven people at dogs@pethavenmn.org if you would like to meet me.  I'll be waiting!

Hallmark Hall of Fame Television Movie Inspires National Pet Fostering Program

“A Dog Named Christmas” premieres Sunday, Nov. 29 on CBS (photo credit: Erik Heinila)

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (Nov. 11, 2009) — This holiday season Hallmark Hall of Fame and CBS are partnering with Petfinder.com to launch the first-ever “Foster A Lonely Pet for the Holidays” program inspired by the movie A Dog Named Christmas, premiering on Sunday, Nov. 29, at 9 p.m. ET/PT on CBS Television Network.

Based on Greg Kincaid's popular novel, the movie tells the story of a developmentally challenged, kind-hearted young man who sets out to convince his family – and their whole rural community – to participate in a local animal shelter's inaugural “Foster a Dog for Christmas Program.” Bringing this inspiring tale to life, Petfinder.com is working with more than 2,000 shelters and rescue groups across North America to give families the chance to welcome an adoptable pet into their home for the holiday season.

This effort will help ease the burden on shelters, give homeless pets some attention and affection, and provide families an opportunity to experience the joys of having a pet in their home.

Interested individuals can visit http://www.petfinder.com/foster-a-lonely-pet to find participating shelters and rescue groups near them. Staff and volunteers at the participating organizations will be available to answer questions about the fostering process and help select a pet who will be a good match for the foster family.

To learn more about fostering with Pet Haven email dogs@pethavenmn.org and check out our website.

On Sunday, Nov. 29, on CBS at 8 CST, television viewers will learn about this pet fostering program on the Hallmark Hall of Fame world premiere of A Dog Named Christmas during a PSA at the end of the broadcast.

For more info on the movie checkout the Hallmark Hall of Fame website.

Vote for Pet Haven!

What is Chase Community Giving?

Chase Community Giving is a program run by Chase that will allow Facebook users to vote for local charities and non-profits, and help direct Chase corporate philanthropy dollars to eligible organizations in the following focus areas: education, healthcare, housing, the environment, combating hunger, arts and culture, human services, and animal welfare. The grassroots campaign aims to inspire a new way of corporate philanthropy.

The eligible charity receiving the most votes will be awarded $1 million, the top five runners-up will receive $100,000 each and the 100 finalists, including the top winners, will be awarded $25,000 each. Additionally, a special Advisory Board led by prominent national philanthropists will allocate $1 million to the nominated charities of its choice.

In order to vote you do need to have an account on Facebook! If you aren't already on facebook we encourage you to sign up and join the I support Pet Haven Facebook group AND take a second to vote for Pet Haven for the Chase Community Giving program.

Voting for Round 1 ends on December 11, 2009 so vote now and help us spread the word!

We're Thankful for You

We want to take this space today to thank you for your support for Pet Haven's dogs.

The Dog Division Leadership Team puts countless hours and much heart into rescuing and rehoming our dogs.    Thank you.

Our foster parents give of their time, their love and sometimes the serenity of their homes to offer shelter to dogs waiting for their forever homes.   Thank you.

Other volunteers who make phone calls, answer emails, transport dogs, distribute food and supplies, and organize our adoption events are indispensable.  Your cheerful help makes life better for us all, both dog and human.  Thank you.`

Our veterinary clinics, Bloomington Veterinary Hospital, Cottage Grove Vet, Lake Harriet Veterinary and Plymouth Heights Pet Hospital give excellent care to our dogs.  Thank you.

Our boarding partners - Pampered Pooch Playground, Auntie Ruth's Animal Care and Wellness Center, and Downtown Dogs - offer us a foster slot for a dog. We often call on them to care for a dog whose foster family is on vacation, too.  The dogs have a blast and are loved in these doggie daycares. Thank you.

Last but not least, to all  who offer support both moral and material, thank you. Happy Thanksgiving!!

Senior Dog's Prayer

Prayer of a Senior Homeless Dog

One by one they pass my cage,
Too old, too worn, too broken, no way.
Way past his prime he can't run and play,
Then they shake their heads slowly and go on their way.

A little old man, arthritic and sore,
It seems I am not wanted anymore.
I once had a home, I once had a bed,
A place that was warm, and where I was fed.
Now my muzzle is grey, and my eyes slowly fail,
Who wants a dog so old and so frail?



My family decided I didn't belong,
I got in their way, my attitude was wrong.
Whatever excuse they made in their head
Can't justify how they left me for dead.
Now I sit in this cage, where day after day,
The younger dogs get adopted away.



When I had almost come to the end of my rope,
You saw my face and I finally had hope.
You saw through the grey, and the legs bent with age,
And felt I still had life beyond the cage.
You took me home, gave me food and a bed. And shared your own pillow with my poor tired 
head.                                                             

We snuggle and play, and you talk to me low,
You love me so dearly and want me to know.
I may have lived most of my life with another,
But you outshine them with a love so much stronger.





I promise to return all the love I can give,
To You, my dear person, as long as I live.
I may be with you for a week or for years,
We will share many smiles, you will no doubt shed tears.
And when the time comes that God deems I must leave,
I know you will cry and your heart will grieve. 









And when I arrive at the Bridge, all brand new,
My thoughts and my heart will still be with you.
And I will brag to all who will hear,
Of the person who made my last days so dear.

 Author Unknown


Pet Haven has many senior dogs like the ones pictured here that would love to come home with you. Do you have room in your heart?

All About Chuck

Imagine what it's like to live with your family for thirteen of your fourteen years and suddenly find yourself looking for a new home. All by yourself.   This is what happened to the Maltese/Poodle cross named Chuck.


Chuck's family had young grandchildren and Chuck, like many small and older dogs, did not enjoy having the kids show up and try to poke and prod him like he was a stuffed toy.  It made him grumpy.

Because Chuck was adopted from Pet Haven many years ago and Pet Haven has a lifetime commitment to its dogs and cats, Chuck was able to find a foster home when his family decided to surrender him.
When Chuck came back to us last April, he had a reputation for being snappy with people and with other dogs.  Seven months later, he has gotten used to his new life and since he doesn't have kids pestering him, he is loving life.

Outgoing and curious when meeting new people, Chuck loves to go on a car ride, or just snuggle up with you.  Just seventeen pounds, he's the perfect size for sitting on your lap.  He passed his recent check-up with flying colors.  "He's in good shape for a dog of his age", the doctor said.   Chuck does show some signs of kidney disease, which is common in older dogs and cats, so he is on a special food and will need to stay on that to keep him in tip-top senior condition.

If you lead a quieter kind of life and are looking for a cute companion to share your days and nights, please email us at dogs@pethavenmn.org

Adopted Dog Monday!

Jake, the young Pointer mix is at home with his new mom and dad.  It took sensitive Jake several days to warm up to them, but his parents worked hard to win his trust.  The family stopped by our adoption event at Petco on Saturday, to show Jake off and fit him for a sweater.  He has short fur and winter is coming!

Mukwa, our giant black lab went home on Saturday.  His new Husky brother, Yukon, is so happy to have a new playmate.  Mukwa's mom recently lost a mellow senior dog.  While a new dog never replaces one we have lost, they do fill a space in your home and heart.  Mukwa has a nice fenced yard to play in and we are certain there is plenty of love for him in his new household.

Our girl from Red Lake Rosie's, Emma, went home on Saturday, too!   She will have a big fenced yard to play in and two doting parents.  Emma recently started Obedience class at The Canine Coach.  Her new mom and dad are planning to help her finish the course.   Little Emma is only seven months old, so she still has some growing and learning to do.   Her forever home is a great place do to it in.

Buckles, the happy senior CockaPoowho hides his age so well, found a terrific new home.  His plans are for a lot of snuggle time mixed in with car rides and some good walks, too.

We're happy for our four adoptees and wish them well in their new lives.

Dog Adoption Tomorrow 11/21

Dog Adoption Tomorrow (Saturday)

Pet Haven will be having a dog adoption event tomorrow (Saturday). Stop by between 10 am and Noon. We will be at the Richfield Petco. Their address is 710 West 66th Street, Richfield, MN. 612.861.1335.

Come and meet some of our great dogs. Maybe Saturday will be the day you meet the next canine love of your life!

  

Safety First!

Did you know that the safest place for your dog to enjoy a ride with you is in a sturdy plastic crate? In a collision, the hard sides will help protect your dog, even if the crate itself rolls. Dogs have been known to survive a car crash only to escape from a damaged car and be hit on the road by another car.

Dogs should never ride in the front seat of a car with airbags. Even an impact at low speed can inflate the airbag, which can injure or even kill your canine friend. I recently heard of a beloved family dog who was mortally injured in just such an accident.

If you don’t have a crate or have a dog who will not ride in one, you can buy a safety harness that fastens to the car’s seatbelt. While not providing as much protection as a crate, it is a pretty good alternative and will keep the dog in place in a crash.

Besides protecting your dog in case of an accident, confining your dog to the backseat can help prevent one, too. A dog trying to sit on your lap while you are behind the wheel or burrowing down around your feet is a hazard and it is hard to correct inappropriate behavior while you are traveling on the freeway at 60 m.p.h.

Taking a car ride with your dog can be a lot of fun. Make it a safe time, too.

Panel Discussion on Homeless Animals

A few months ago, Pet Haven received a request from a professor at Concordia University to participate in a panel discussion on homeless pets. These types of discussion in our community are critical to increasing the awareness around homeless pets and the challenges are community faces with regards to homeless pets and the overpopulation crisis. Mary Ann Cameron, our Cat Adoption Director, will be representing Pet Haven on the panel. Sally Morton, our Dog Adoption Director, will also be there to answer questions. We are thrilled to be invited to participate in these discussions.

Each year, Concordia University, St. Paul recognizes "National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week" (Nov. 15-21) with a Convocation speech addressing these important social and political issues. This year, Concordia will be hosting a panel discussion on Homeless pets and animals.

The distinguished speakers will examine many of the challenges they face in trying to rescue homeless animals, operate shelters on tight budgets, and find people to adopt these pets. In addition, the speakers will also talk about how the recent recession and home foreclosure situation has affected pets and companion animals. The panel will include:

Mary Ann Cameron: Pet Haven of Minnesota
Kimberly Carrier: The Pet Project
Tammy Noack: Animal Humane Society
Christopher Nelson: Feline Rescue

This should be a fascinating discussion--please try to attend.

Where: Concordia University, St. Paul (275 Syndicate Street N/corner of Hamline and Marshall)
Room: Buenger Education Center (BEC)
When: Wednesday, November 18
Time: 12:00-1:00

For further information: contact Dr. David Woodard: 651-641-8713 or woodard@csp.edu. You may also visit their website for more information on their Wednesday Convocation Series.

Double your difference for homeless animals TODAY!

Make a Donation to Pet Haven. Today, TUESDAY, 11/17 from 8 AM CST through 8 AM WEDNESDAY, 11/18 your donation will be matched. GiveMN.org is sponsoring Give To the Max Day, a day intended to inspire unprecedented levels of charitable giving in the state of Minnesota! When you make your donation, not only will the funds you contibute help care for the animals in need but your funds will be matched. The Saint Paul Foundation, Minneapolis Foundation and Bush Foundation have committed $500,000 in matching contributions to support community needs in Minnesota and to cover transaction fees so that 100% of all donations go to the nonprofit organizations.

Give to the Max Day will feature:

- The perfect match. Every donation made on Give to the Max Day at GiveMN will receive a portion of a $500,000 match.
- Zero transaction costs. Transaction costs for gifts made on Give to the Max Day at GiveMN will be covered, so 100 percent of gifts will go straight to nonprofits.
- A little friendly competition. Grants will be awarded to the three nonprofits that have the largest number of individuals who make donations during Give to the Max Day at GiveMN.

Double the difference you make for homeless dogs and cats by making a donation between 8 AM CST on Tuesday, 11/18 and 8 AM CST Wednesday, 11/19.

Any amount helps. With YOUR help we can put an end to pet overpopulation.

Click HERE to make a donation.

Fall Benefit Preliminary Numbers are In!!

I am thrilled to share preliminary numbers for our Fall Benefit! This is our third year in a row to sell out! Much to our surprise, our first year in 2007 was a sell out and we were able to raise ~$14,000 for homeless dogs and cats. In 2008, we sold out again, and raised a little over $20,000 ... again ALL going directly for our adoption program and spay/neuter initiatives.

This year, despite the struggling economy, we were able to raise almost $29,000!! We were able to do this because of the support and generosity of so many individuals and companies! Many, many thanks to everyone who helped make our third annual Fall Benefit a HUGE success.

As we finalize numbers and as we get photos from Sarah Beth Photography who donated her time to take photos of the pet fashion show (presented by Lulu & Luigi), I will post additional information on our website. For now, I have heard from many who are anxious to hear how we did ... so I didn't want to keep you waiting and to let you know that because of your support and generosity we will be able to continue rescuing and rehoming dogs and cats, spaying/neutering, and advocating on behalf of companion animals.

Stay tuned ... more info and photos to come on the Fall Benefit!

Panel Discussion on Homeless Animals

A few months ago, Pet Haven received a request from a professor at Concordia University to participate in a panel discussion on homeless pets. These types of discussion in our community are critical to increasing the awareness around homeless pets and the challenges our community faces with regards to homeless pets and the overpopulation crisis. Mary Ann Cameron, our Cat Adoption Director, will be representing Pet Haven on the panel. Sally Morton, one of our Dog Adoption Directors, will also be there to answer questions. We are thrilled to be invited to participate in these discussions.

Each year, Concordia University, St. Paul recognizes "National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week" (Nov. 15-21) with a Convocation speech addressing these important social and political issues. This year, Concordia will be hosting a panel discussion on Homeless pets and animals.

The distinguished speakers will examine many of the challenges they face in trying to rescue homeless animals, operate shelters on tight budgets, and find people to adopt these pets. In addition, the speakers will also talk about how the recent recession and home foreclosure situation has affected pets and companion animals. The panel will include:

Mary Ann Cameron: Pet Haven of Minnesota
Kimberly Carrier: The Pet Project
Tammy Noack: Animal Humane Society
Christopher Nelson: Feline Rescue

This should be a fascinating discussion--please try to attend.

Where: Concordia University, St. Paul (275 Syndicate Street N/corner of Hamline and Marshall)
Room: Buenger Education Center (BEC)
When: Wednesday, November 18
Time: 12:00-1:00

For further information: contact Dr. David Woodard: 651-641-8713 or woodard@csp.edu. You may also visit their website for more information on their Wednesday Convocation Series.

Double your end of year donation on November 17th!

Make a Donation to Pet Haven on TUESDAY Nov. 17 through GiveMN.org. Multiply your donation by matching funds available at GiveMN.org ONLY on TUESDAY November 17th.
Mark your calendar now so you don’t forget!

If you are planning on an end of year donation, we would like to encourage you to maximize your donation by going to GiveMN.org or Razoo.com from 8:00 a.m. Tuesday to 8:00 a.m. Wednesday. There is no cost to you to use the website.

What is GiveMN?
GiveMN.org is a smart way for donors to discover, support, and engage with charities that are close to their hearts. The online giving platform allows donors to find and support organizations that match their philanthropic goals and easily keep track of their donations in one online location.

Give local. Find your perfect Minnesota match, such as Pet Haven.
Give fast. Make online donations quickly and easily via credit card to any nonprofit.
Give smart. Record all online contributions and store receipts for tax purposes.