The Haven News Fall Winter 2021

FALL 2021

THE HAVEN

News

IN THIS

ISSUE

KITTIES TAKE A ROAD TRIP ESTATE PLANNING HAPPY TAILS VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT ARTISTS 4 PAWS

559 S. Section St. • Fairhope, AL • (P) 251.929.3980 • www.havenforanimals.org

Kitties Take A Road Trip

HAVEN’S ALABAMA KITTIES FIND HOMES IN MASSACHUSETTS Eleven lucky kittens at The Haven recently found loving homes in Springfield, Massachusetts, thanks to dedicated volunteers Maggy Grant and her husband, Tom Alie. Michael Graham, The Haven’s Executive Director, arranged for the kittens to be transported to the Dakin Humane Society, which had a shortage of adoptable kitties.

Maggy and Tom drove the Mobile Adoption Rescue Unit (MARU, Jr.) from Eleven lucky Fairhope to Springfield, a 23-hour, nonkittens recently stop trip, in June.

found loving homes thanks to a few dedicated volunteers.

“They stayed in their carriers, but we stopped to make sure they had adequate food, water, and cuddles,” said Maggy.

It was a long, but good trip. The reason for the trip? Maggy explained, “They really don’t have extra kitties in that area, as the spay and neuter program has been very successful. People had already put in applications to adopt them.”

The felines were good companions on the long trip. “One carrier, right behind the front seat, held three cute tabby kittens named Blue, Yellow, and Green. They were so funny. They would either be rolling around playing, or sound asleep with no noise. When I poked a finger through a hole in the carrier, six little paws came out. They were such a joy.”

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Upon arrival at Dakin, the staff there were expecting people from Alabama, with Southern accents. Not Maggy and Tom, who

are originally from New Hampshire. Maggy said the kittens were quickly taken inside to be cared for, and the Dakin people kindly loaded up the van with things The Haven could use.

The trip home was more leisurely, with some good experiences. Maggy said they loved helping The Haven’s kittens to find new homes far away. “We enjoy volunteering for The Haven, anytime the jobs fit into our schedules, as we have full-time jobs. Who would think we’d be celebrating our anniversary by driving a vehicle full of kittens to Massachusetts?”

Anyone interested in volunteering for The Haven is encouraged to contact the adoption center. The Haven’s mission could not be accomplished without dedicated volunteers, such as Maggy and Tom.

ESTATE PLANNING FOR THE HAVEN AND YOUR PETS The Haven for Animals and Kyla Kelim, a local attorney, say that it is imperative that you plan for your pets’ future in your estate plans. Ms. Kelim, a Haven friend and an expert in estate planning with Aging in Alabama, reminds us to plan ahead. “Make sure to set aside some funds to ensure your pet’s continued well being. Often, we forget to include our beloved furry family members in our estate plans.”

When doing your estate planning, please include The Haven as well. A bequest to The Haven will ensure that homeless animals will continue to be cared for and that your giving spirit continues. The Haven has an ongoing need for additional funding. By including The Haven in your estate plans, you will help to ensure that The Haven’s animals will be cared for long after you are no longer here in person to help.

For more information, you may contact your personal attorney or Ms. Kelim at 855-353-7529 or by email at attorney@elderconsults.com. The Haven’s website is www.havenforanimals.org.

Happy TAILS

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A Little TLC and PT

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This is a short story about a determined kitten and his family, by his foster mother, Maggy Grant.

“On July 15, Deliya and her litter of 3 kittens moved into our home, their foster home.

Deliya is a sweet, loving tabby who is a terrific momma cat! Salsa is the smallest of the litter but more than makes up for it with her spicy personality. She loves to run and jump on her siblings. When Bean isn’t asleep, she is exploring the guest room. She loves to sit inside boxes and is always up for a wrestling match with Salsa and Burrito.

Burrito is the largest of the kittens, with a determination that matches his size. For some reason, Burrito’s leg muscles didn’t gain the strength that his sisters’ did, so he is wobbly and needs a little extra help. Three times a day he puts on his kitty harness — recycled mask — and we do feline physical therapy. His back leg strength has improved so well that he can now push himself up from a crouched position. He often tries to take off at a run! This morning he stood on his own, a big accomplishment for him. Although we are still working on his balance, we are certain that with physical therapy and lots of love, Burrito will be just fine.

If you are considering fostering, I hope you will. This is why I do it: My heart says one can never have too many animals, but my head doesn’t agree. Fostering allows me to have “more” animals without the forever commitment that I have with my two cats and dog. Money can’t buy happiness, only dust catchers and clothing I will probably never wear. Being a foster and giving to The Haven gives me a sense of making the world a better place, one animal at a time.”

MILKSHAKE’S STORY Written by Angela, edited by Carolyn

Milkshake, a very young-acting 10-year-old black and white dog, was liked by everyone at The Haven. As small dogs are adopted quickly (she weighs 30 pounds), they were sure she would have a home soon. However, as the months went by, she was passed over time and time again because of her age. When The Haven staff looked for a family to foster her, Katie Beckmann of Spanish Fort responded.

Katie said, “My daughter Caroline and I were looking for a dog to foster, not adopt, and had a puppy in mind. Milkshake was at the very end of the row and her entire body was shaking. We decided that moment to take her home with us.” It sounds as though she was well named!

Milkshake adjusted to her new foster home so quickly that she soon quit shaking all the time. It wasn’t long before Katie realized that they all loved her and couldn’t give her up to another adopter. “She is so funny! We always wanted another dog. She is the perfect dog for us. She is fun, likes to go on walks, loves children, and is a great size.

She makes us laugh and has made herself right at home,” she remarked.

When looking for a dog to adopt, please consider an older dog. Milkshake is a great example of the joy an older dog can bring.

Volunteer Spotlight Dedicated volunteers keep non-profits like The Haven running smoothly. They also inspire others to become volunteers.

Besides her passion for and previous experience with animal rescue and welfare aligning with The Haven’s mission to save homeless animals and lower euthanasia rates, Carolyn Speed said volunteer dedication was why she began volunteering for The Haven.

For at least 15 years, Carolyn has worked both on-site and remotely. She writes press releases and articles, helps with public relations, and has done various tasks for many events, including MMOR. She enjoys doing what she can wherever she’s needed.

“Volunteering is a wonderful way to share your talent, and it benefits you as well as the organization,” Carolyn said. “The best part about volunteering is knowing that I am doing my share in saving homeless animals and contributing to The Haven’s mission.”

ARTISTS 4 PAWS Artists4Paws was a wonderful art show at the Eastern Shore Art Center and an online auction during the month of August. The very successful event was a benefit for The Haven, which has taken in a tremendous number of homeless animals recently. The art was created and donated by local professional artists and students of art center classes. Even a puppy, Lucky Ducky, made some cute paw print art.

Co-Chair Nancy Raia, Community Outreach Director for the art center, organized the event to honor her late friend, Susan Wright, who volunteered at the center for six years and also loved her Haven kitties.

Co-Chair was well-known news anchor Rose Ann Haven from WKRG, a sponsor of the event.

“We are completely blown away at the support from many people and organizations for Artists4Paws. To see the community unite for the animals in such a huge way represents how we can all make a difference when working together,” said Michael Graham, Executive Director of The Haven. “Artists4Paws brought in muchneeded funding for homeless animals, for which we are so grateful. It also greatly increased our visibility and made hundreds of new friends for The Haven.

Thank you to everyone involved.”

Mystic Mutts of Revelry FEBRUARY 19, 2022

ADOPTION SHELTER LOCATION 559 S. Section Street Fairhope, AL 36532 (P) 251.929.3980 www.havenforanimals.org

ADOPTION SHELTER HOURS Mon - Tues: 10am - 4pm Wed: Closed to the Public Thurs - Fri: 10am - 4pm 4th Sat of Each Month: 10am - 1pm Sun: Closed to the Public

SHELTER ON WHEELS off-site pet adoption events held the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Saturday of every month.

1st - Petco, Daphne 2nd - Daphne Animal Shelter, Daphne 3rd - Pet Supermarket, Daphne

CONNECT WITH US

Please see changes in hours and services on our website due to COVID-19.

The Haven is a no-kill, 501(c)3 non-profit who shelters and finds adoptive homes for abused, neglected, and homeless animals, treating them with love, respect, and medical care. Through education and volunteer programs, we promote community awareness of pet overpopulation and responsibility.

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