Dear
Animal Lover:
A year
and a half ago, many people helped us obtain SnuggleKitties and
SnugglePuppies for our Dog and Cat Shelter. These wonderful stuffed
animals with a beating heart and heat pack have made a tremendous
difference for the motherless kittens and puppies that come in. They
also help those that have been abused and/or abandoned and for every
frightened animal that comes to the shelter. The stuffed companions are
also given to each animal that is in recovery from their spaying or
neutering performed by the Shelter veterinarian.
The SnuggleKitties and SnugglePuppies are in constant use. Due to
repeated washings we need to replace 5 of them and we need an additional
15 new ones to insure that every animal that needs one will have it
available. We located a company that will sell them to us for $16.50
each, which includes the shipping, if we order 20 at a time. Total
monetary amount needed for the Snuggles is $330.
The
shelter also does not have a budget for the batteries (unfortunately,
they are not re-chargeable) or the heat packs. Only the contributions
collected and specified for this use can be applied to the maintenance
costs. I have voluntarily taken on the mission to collect the
approximately $5,000 needed each year for the maintenance items.
Batteries are ordered in quantities of 1,000 costing us 66¢ apiece, plus
a small shipping fee. Heat Packs are 84¢ each and are ordered in lots
of 480 per box ($403.20) with a shipping fee of $31.00 per box, for a
total of $434.20 for each box purchased.
While I
use my lunch hour each day to visit businesses to raise the funds, I am
also asking individuals for help. If you work for a company that
matches your contribution to a non-profit organization, please ask them
to consider matching, particularly in the need of the additional 20
SnuggleKitties and Snugglepuppies. Several companies did this at our
start-up, which was critical in getting the 37 SnugglePets that the
shelter has today.
Speedy
came to the shelter motherless and lost his little brother on Christmas
Eve. As you can see by the picture, he found great comfort in his
SnuggleKittie and used it constantly for several weeks after his brother
died. The animals arrive at the shelter terrified, and often starving.
Being able to cuddle up to an object that is soft, has a beating heart
and is warm, literally makes the difference between life and death. The
staff has informed me that many go into the adoption room much quicker
as they are able to calm down and de-stress when they get a
SnuggleKittie or Puppie upon arrival.
So far
we have raised $2,500, but still need $2,500 for batteries and heat
packs. Every donation, regardless of amount, counts toward helping the
animals. Remember, donations and gifts are tax deductible!
Please help us!
Elaine Kristiansen – Volunteer/Foster Parent
Contact:
Dog and
Cat Shelter
c/o Cel
84 East Ridge Road
Sheridan, WY 82801
