Our Challenge to You

Since the passing of Betty White last week, we’ve started seeing animal welfare groups on social media asking that you make a donation in her honor for her birthday. She would have turned 100^th this January 17^th. I like to think she’ll laugh at this and say, “Look! I’m STILL fundraising for animals… I told you I’d never retire!”

Most people seem to know she was a kind and funny person who loved animals, but not everyone knows she dedicated much of her life to animal causes. This article from Today One of Betty White’s Greatest Legacies is Helping Animals (today.com) reads like a Who’s Who in the world of animal welfare and honors her for her many contributions. Did you know she’s partly responsible for that statement in movie credits that says no animals were harmed during the making of this movie? Or that when she passed away, she was an honorary zookeeper with the American Association of Zoo Keepers? It’s crazy how many organizations she’s helped over the years and the impact her life has had on animals around the world!

Anyway, at JPI we didn’t start a campaign for local animal rescues because of the stories we read online. We’re dedicated to giving back to our communities year-round. This year as part of our end of year giving, we carved out some time and money to help local rescues overwhelmed by animals in need because of an unfortunate human-caused situation. Through “The 12 Pawesome Days of Christmas” we collected donations of food and supplies for four local rescues, made a small contribution to each of their veterinary accounts, purchased blankets and other needed items, and dedicated much of December to letting others know how much these organizations do for animals who sometimes have no other hope.

Local rescues generally operate on a shoestring, surviving in large part through the generosity of their volunteers. When they ask for help, it’s usually so they can say yes to more animals. In honor of Betty White’s upcoming birthday, we’d like to challenge you to give where your spirit moves you. If you have a heart for animals, we know of a few great local organizations who would WELCOME any contribution you make.

YOU Can Help! Check out the Wish Lists below and purchase a needed item or two. Donate a gift card from your favorite pet supply source. Call their vet and put money on their account! (PRO TIP: They especially appreciate this one!) Forgotten Dog Rescue “We save the dogs that need help the most, the dogs whose time has run out, the dogs who have lost all hope — the forgotten dogs.” Wish List: Dog food (preferably corn free), crates, blankets, towels, collars, leashes, Thundershirts, Kongs, Nylabones, puzzle toys, office & cleaning supplies Vet Information: The Fix Machine in Kennewick 509-530-2218 Mikey’s Chance “Our Mission …to provide a safe haven for dogs in desperate circumstances within our community and surrounding area.” Wish List: Gas Cards, gift cards to Paw’s or EFC, blankets, elevated dog beds, canned food, no hide treats & chews, bully sticks, Kong toys, Omeprazole, Safe-guard dewormer Vet Information: Vista Vet in Kennewick 509-783-2131 Silver Cloud Special Cat Sanctuary “Our mission …to provide a safe haven for special needs cats including seniors, FiV+, FeLV+, and differently-abled.” Wish List: Wet & dry cat food and kitten food, scoopable litter, and potty pads. Vet Information: Kennedy Vet in Milton Freewater 541-938-9306 Silver Cloud’s bill jumped to $8000 as cats taken in from TCAS needed significant care. Tumbleweed Cat Rescue “Our focus is on reducing the time animals spend in public shelters and to assist with public education and outreach promoting responsible pet ownership.” Wish List: Nitrile gloves (needed when caring for contagious cats… they’re using A LOT), wet wipes, puppy potty pads Vet Information: Paw’s Claws and Hooves in West Richland 509-578-1729 You can help us make a difference!