2014 kicked off on a busy note with regular activities (fundraising and volunteering), as well as some fun stuff (barn hunting classes). Hannah took some big steps, while Ossa learned to step again. And Isabella finally got the gift she had been waiting for, for months.
February was a relatively calm month at rescue. Those are very rare and we are always thankful for them. Donna celebrated her birthday … and we celebrated her and the rescue by putting together our “Home” video as a gift. Haven’t seen it yet?
By now, you’ve read about and seen the photos from our Fall Vol Day last Saturday. Donna was blown away from the turnout and commitment of so many to help her with the dogs. There were a couple of years after Jimmy passed that it was just her and another friend/volunteer or two wrapping kennels. Suffice it to say, it took forever – and there wasn’t anyone around to walk and spend time with dogs. She wanted to thank everyone personally. Here goes ..
Mama Donna doesn’t have time to go online and do much, but she asked that we share her direct thank you with all of the volunteers who came out and busted butt last Saturday during Volunteer Day … and on any given day. We really do have a rockin’ group of volunteers – and can always use more! If you live in the Atlanta area and would like to help out, please complete our volunteer application.
Mama Donna hugging Sadie
I want all of you to know how much I appreciate what all of you do for me and the dogs every day. Saturday was over and beyond the normal things you do for the rescue but all of you are appreciated every day.
Auctions, t-shirts sent out, taking applications, Facebook, PayPal, driving dogs to the vet, taking care of sick dogs we find, begging for donations, raising money, scooping and water on the weekends – all the weekday/weekend warriors! So much is done for the rescue I just get a little emotional when I have to talk about it.
There are no words that could ever express my gratitude for all you do for me and the dogs and ask for nothing in return. The rescue could not operate without all of you! This year has been the best year ever for the rescue, thanks to all of you, and we have more good things coming our way.
Then the others who have come to the rescue who just jumped right in! … Sandy,who I felt she has been there forever! Abby, who has been out several times and may be thinking, ‘What have I done,’ but even talked someone into coming with her! The K’s, as we call you, with our little Pippa. Lily, Mike and little Carson, who is so adored. Jennifer, who brought Susie, who Terry spoiled rotten … as if she already wasn’t … along with Pumpkin and Chuckie. Morgan, who made a special trip to see Oscar!
The weekend warriors – thanks to all of you!
(You are) so loved and, because of all of you, there are so many more in great homes that would never have made it out of the shelters. Each of you should be so proud for being a part of saving so many dogs from the shelter.
When I see all the dogs who are so loved, I know why I do this.
The food was great; all of you worked so hard. I am eating leftover fruit and salad today for lunch! Peach cobbler – how good was that! The ice cream man in my driveway! Yum!!!!!!!
Sally – a special thanks to you for helping with the inside dogs! Letting them lay in your truck! The grilled food was the best! I know you are recovering (and) that was a long day.
The clean up crew, who helped me take down the tent and throw away garbage and letting Skip have a little bite of burger. Skip now runs to the spot where the grill was! Please tell Britt thanks so much. We need to have adjustments at the next event.
Tomorrow is Donna’s birthday. We tried to keep this video under wraps until then, but just couldn’t …
Here’s the personal home video the volunteers put together for her for her birthday. It’s a short glimpse into the life of the rescue she and Jimmy founded more than 10 years ago and that we, the volunteers, are so proud to be a part of. We are missing so many dogs and will probably create more of these, but … for now … Welcome to our world and thank you for supporting us.
If you would like to wish her a happy birthday or leave her a gift (donations to the dogs only, please), you can do so by signing her page and/or visiting our donations page and mentioning “Happy Birthday” in the special notes.