Happy New Year and Thank You!

As we begin 2009 I wanted to take the time to thank all our volunteers and supporters for all you have given and done on behalf of abandoned, abused and neglected animals. I am honored to be serving my second term as President of Pet Haven and to be part of an incredible group of passionate and compassionate people. Words cannot do justice for the spirit of fire inherent in so many I have met over the past year – from volunteers to adopters to partners to members and supporters. From the bottom of my heart… thank you!

Our mission has four key components, all of which are equally important: 1) to rescue and re-home dogs and cats, 2) spay and neuter, 3) promote responsible care of companion animals through education, and 4) advocate on behalf of companion animals. I am so proud of what we have been able to do together this past year on behalf of homeless animals. Without your support Pet Haven would not be able to continue our work.

Every dog, cat, puppy and kitten who came through our foster program was truly given a second chance. And in the process they touched the hearts of so many. As critical as our adoption program is, we cannot adopt our way out of the pet overpopulation and we remain committed to spay/neuter efforts. In 2008, Pet Haven distributed over $16,000 in spay/neuter grants to other rescues. Our largest fundraiser and our second Fall Benefit was a huge success raising over $20,000 which goes directly towards helping homeless animals. Our Outreach team has been extremely busy with helping spread the word about responsible companion animal ownership, the importance of spay/neuter, the overpopulation crisis, black dog and black cat syndrome and myths around bully breeds. Most recently, Pet Haven partnered with Twice the Gift in a holiday fundraiser and raised over $2600. Many thanks to volunteers and the Pohlad Family Foundation for making it a big success! And in 2008, our advocacy team has been gearing up and will be actively involved in efforts around puppy and kitten mill legislation.

I look forward to 2009 and what we together as a community can do on behalf of homeless animals. Thank you for caring. Thank you for giving so much of yourselves. And thank you for believing that yes, we all can, and do, make a difference not only in the lives of companion animals, but for each other.

With deep gratitude,
Marilou Chanrasmi
Marilou@pethavenmn.org