“Feline Friend-Z” Tue October 27th, 29, 30 and 31, 2009

Animal Protection Center of Southeastern Massachusetts
announces “Feline Friend-Z”

New non-profit animal shelter extends adoption center hours and offers reduced adoption fees to increase adult cat adoptions Adoption fees will be reduced to $100 for all cats over six months old (a $50 reduction). In addition, all bonded adult pairs (that’s two cats that came to the center together) will also be available at the single adult cat adoption fee of $100.

WHAT: The Animal Protection Center of Southeastern Massachusetts (APCSM) will be hosting a “Feline Friend-Z”, in an effort to find forever homes for their resident cats and to raise awareness about the newly formed non-profit’s animal shelter. “Feline Friend-Z” will feature reduced adoption fees for adult cats and extended adoption hours while providing an opportunity for the community to visit the shelter, meet the new team and acquaint themselves with the many adult cats that are in the APCSM’s care.

The APCSM is hosting the “Feline Friend-Z” as a means to inform and encourage potential adopters about the benefits of bringing an adult cat into their homes. Often, the playfulness of a kitten overshadows their older felines, but adopting an adult cat allows for a better match of the cat’s personality to the adopters and their lifestyles.
Community members interested in adopting a new friend are encouraged to visit the adoption center and to also visit www.apcsm.org <http://www.apcsm.org/> for more information about the adoption process and available pets.

WHEN: Tuesday October 27th, 4 – 8pm
Thursday October 29th, 2 – 8pm
Friday October 30th, 2 – 4pm
Saturday October 31st, 12 – 4pm

WHERE: Animal Protection Center’s Adoption Center, 1300 West Elm St Ext, Brockton
The Animal Protection Center of Southeastern Massachusetts (APCSM) is an open admission animal care and adoption facility, with focus on prevention of cruelty to animals, education and helping the community. Each year, over 4,000 animals in the area find themselves with nowhere to turn. The APCSM is committed to providing these homeless animals with humane and compassionate care in their time of need. For more information, visit www.apcsm.org <http://www.apcsm.org/> .

Press Release by: Chuck Givonetti, Board of Directors Clerk
Animal Protection Center

Paws In The Park Success For “APCSM”

Sunday October 11th was a beautiful fall day and the Animal Protection Center of Southeastern Massachusetts benefited from the sunshine and warm weather, along with hundreds of animal lovers who came out to support the 1st Annual Paws in the Park benefit event, held at Borderland State Park.

Volunteers, and community businesses orchestrated a fun and well-organized event for participants. The APCSM reached their initial goal of $50,000, and with an event as successful as Paws In The Park, they demonstrated that they’re well on their way to getting this new organization off the ground.

The APCSM, recently formed to step in and take over the MSPCA’s closing shelter in Brockton, is a tight knit group of animal experts, local business leaders, animal lovers, and volunteers, and they’re opening their doors-and organization- with an invitation for more people from all backgrounds to step forward and become a part of what they’re hoping to do to help animals.

Paws In The Park attracted dogs of all shapes and sizes, and ages. When I first arrived I recognized Sheena, a beautiful, sweet shelter dog. Sheena is an eleven years old girl who’s been looking for a new home for months-she’s a well behaved, and lovable girl, who is looking for a home without cats or kids. Although tired from the dog walk, she rested and was enjoying being out in the sunshine, laying in the grass, and being around people for the day.

While Sheena took a break for pictures, I got a chance to chat with Megan Plante, who works at the shelter and was there when it was the MSPCA. I was curious to know what happened to the animals in the shelter when the MSPCA’s management ended at the end of September. “Some were transferred,” she said, “Rabbits went to a rabbit rescue, and some animals, like Sheena, stayed in the shelter.”

Afternoon activities at Paws In The Park included a canine agility demonstration. Amy White, a volunteer who helps run agility classes at the shelter, was helping direct dogs owners through the agility course with their dogs. “This is a great way for beginners to see first hand if they’d like to sign up for classes” said Amy. Dogs of all sizes were walking up the double wide planks, and having fun.

The Pet Pantry, a group of teens from the Easton area, were collecting pet food donations and promoting their efforts to help area pets stay in their homes. Jessica Stone said “We collect pet food donations and money, and we buy pet food and supplies and donate them to area food pantries, so families struggling financially can feed their furry friends too!” To join their efforts go to: www.helpfeedpets.org or call 508-587-3752.

The best part of the day was talking with so many interesting people and meeting so many beautiful dogs. For more information on the Animal Protection Center of Southeastern Massachusetts go to apcsm.org.

All photos are the property of SouthShorePet.Com and Pam Weber.

Pet Fashion Show Organized By Local Teens

You’re never too young to make a positive impact on the lives of our animal friends.

I was impressed and inspired by six animal welfare activists between the ages of eight and twelve years old whom collaborated to host a fundraiser fashion show for dogs to benefit the Scituate Animal Shelter.  The fashion show team Mikaela Kelly, Morgan Tedeschi, Madison Muha, Brooke Dubois and Sam and Megan Pender relied on their friends and family to participate with their dogs for a five-dollar donation.

The event was held September 1st at 1:30pm in the Walnut Tree Hill neighborhood in Scituate and drew a crowd of more than one hundred people. To raise additional funds the team also set up face painting, paint your own dog biscuit, a bake sale and sold tickets for twenty-five cents to take a turn on the zip line set up in their yard.  “I liked the face painting the best,” said three-year old fashion show participant and budding philanthropist Lexi Washburn.

The fashion show featured twenty-four dogs across various breeds.  Some of the contestants dressed as famous athletes, hula dancers, ladybugs and cheerleaders.  The categories included Small Dog, Medium/Large Dog and Best in Show. The winners included Sammi the Corgi, Sonny the Chocolate Labrador Retriever and Mia the Shia Poo, respectively.  Each winner received a generous gift bag and a Golden Sneaker trophy.

When asked what inspired them to hold a fundraiser Mikaela Kelly explained, “I went to the animal shelter to volunteer but I am not old enough. They gave me a list of ideas to help them and we have been planning this event since June.”

The even was a tremendous success raising $550 for the Scituate Animal Shelter.

Eyes That Speak Concert For Animals

Concert! *Eye’s That Speak~ Benefit ~ New England Wildlife

This musical group performs and donates all the money to help animal groups-Great for kids and Adults of all ages.

MassArt Students’ Artwork Shines At NEAFA Gallery Opening

By Tonia Evans

The New England Arts For Animals kicked off another art exhibition in Weymouth on Sunday, this time to reveal the selected artwork for the 2010 Calendar -which will go to print this summer. The gallery opening was held at the New England Wildlife Center in the Catbird Cafe, from 4-7pm, and consisted of a casual mingling of supporters and artists alike.

Read more

Pictures Gallery-Maggie’s Dog House Event

By Tonia Evans

We had so much fun at this event, but everyone was very cold, being outside. A lot of locals came out and we got to meet lots of friendly and beautiful dogs.

The vendors had a variety of products and there were pet sitters and dog walkers available too. Pet owners seemed like they have a lot of fun. Tracy Woodman, writer of Trendy Tails, took pictures of the canine police dogs, but the pictures don’t really do the demonstration justice, as these dogs are so well trained that I recommend seeing them in action when you can-it’s very impressive. Enjoy!

Tonia