December 2009
Hi, my name is Catherine MacNeill
and I am the Chair of your local animal shelter Advisory Committee and
I am writing to give you an update on what is happening at your shelter
and to ask for your help.
Our shelter, which is a branch
of the Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (OSPCA),
provides care and a temporary home for lost and abandoned animals in
the very large County of Lennox and Addington. In the last twelve
month period, the shelter has cared for over
800 animals.
Not too long ago, a woman said
to me that she would never support the shelter because “the animals
were there for a reason.” Although I was shocked almost speechless
by this statement, I was able to tell her about the heartbreaking experiences
of rescues from puppy mills and other abusive situations, such as kittens
and puppies abandoned and left to fend for themselves in fields or empty
apartments. These animals did not do anything to deserve this treatment.
They were at the shelter because they needed care and sheltering.
Although the shelter recently
received, on a one-time basis, special grant money designated specifically
for much-needed facility upgrades and repairs, e.g., dog kennels, a
cat gazebo, etc. operating costs at the Napanee shelter is not supported
by any tax dollars from the Municipal, Provincial or Federal governments.
Care for the animals relies solely on donations from ordinary people
like you and me.
At this point in the budget
year, your shelter is facing a projected year-end deficit of $48,000.
It needs financial assistance so that services to the animals and to
the County are not affected. Help from the community is needed desperately.
There are many happy stories
about shelter animals and before closing I wish to leave you with one.
Hunter is a huge lab cross brought to the shelter after he was found
running along the 401 highway with a chain dangling from his neck.
He was cold, hungry and most-of-all terrified. A search for the
owner was unsuccessful. A big friendly dog but without proper
‘manners’ Hunter remained at the shelter for months, slowly becoming
depressed and losing his love of life. Finally, friends of my
son mentioned that they were looking for a dog to be a companion to
their elderly dog and to be a lifelong friend to them. They went
to see Hunter and now, two years later, Hunter has learned many things
and is a delight to be with and a firm family member.
The most amazing people staff
and volunteer at the shelter. I hope that you drop in to meet
them. They really care about what they do, but they can’t do
their work without your financial help
Please make a difference in
an animal’s life – give as generously as you can. It’s easy,
either go online at www.lennoxaddington.ontario.ca or drop in to the shelter at 156 Richmond
Boulevard or complete and mail the tear-off at the bottom of this letter.
Thank you for helping any way
you can.
Sincerely,
Catherine MacNeill
Chair
Advisory Committee
L&A OSPCA, Napanee Branch