Conference misery::feline

            
    
    I don't know about these particular groups, but you may want to contact:
    
    			Humane Society of the U.S.
    			2100 L St. N.W.
    			Washington, D.C.  20037
    
    There must be an 800 number to call, but I do not have the number.
    You are right to 'investigate' any group that looks for money.  You
    want to make sure that your donation is going to a legitimate non-
    profit organization.  Is is always a good idea to donate to local
    shelters.  It is surprising how many there are close to home.  The
    fact that the donation address is removed from the actual shelter
    location may or may not be significant.  For instance, you could donate
    to the National headquarters address of the Humane Society and
    designate monies for particular programs or areas of the country. 
    There are also area addresses.  Often if there is a disaster like a
    hurricane or earthquake, regional addresses are given to funnel money
    to help the animals affected in that area.
    
    However, sometimes a non-local address means that some fund-raising
    group is involved and therefore, many donation dollars may be eaten
    up in administrative costs.  So, again, you need to check out the
    agency to which you want to donate.  First, try calling at the local
    address and ask questions.
    
    You make want to search this notesfile for more information on shelters
    and donating.  This subject has been discussed in a few different
    notes.  Do not be discouraged, and make sure your dollar counts!
    
    Regards,
    
    Eleanor
    

    Thought you might be interested in the short article in Cat Fancy
    April 1994 on one of North Shore Animal League's programs (posted
    here without permission).
    
    
    Senior Pets For Seniors Program a Hit
    
    Senior citizens who want to adopt pets, but are worried about the
    financial burden, can now enjoy the benefits of pet ownership
    without any of the financial worries.
    
    Through the North Shore Animal League International in New York, a
    senior citizen seeking a pet contacts the Senior for Seniors hot line.
    Following a telephone interview with a personal adoption counselor, the
    senior schedules an appointment to visit the North Shore Animal League
    shelter.  Free transportation is provided, if needed.
    
    Together, the senior and counselor find a match.  The happy adopter
    receives not only a new companion but also a starter kit of supplies
    and the League's assurance of support, including many free services,
    throughout the pet's life.  These services include animal medical care,
    grooming, foster care (when the adopter's health makes it difficult to 
    care for the animal), a 24-hour hot line and even emergency food, when 
    needed.  All the benefits are provided at no cost to the senior
    citizen.
    
    In six months, the program has successfully placed more than 100 senior
    pets with senior citizens.  Many of these memorable and heartwarming
    adoptions have been featured in newspaper articles and on local radio 
    and television shows.
    
    If you are interested in finding out more about this program, call
    Jill Wendrow at (516) 944-6161, or write to the North Shore Animal
    League International, Senior for Seniors Program, Dept. CF, 
    14 Vanderventer Ave., Port Washington, NY 11050.
    
    
    
    Sure wish we had something like that around here.
    
    Jan
    
    

    
    It's nearing the Holiday Season, which must be the Sweepstake Season,
    right :-)
    
    I got this a sweeptake thingy in the mail from 'The North Shore
    Animal League', address: PO Box 10082, Des Moines, Iowa 50340.
    
    Partial Text: 	The North Shore Animal League
    			Saving homeless pets for over 50 yrs!
                	Founded in 1944 to save homeless pets -
    			find them new homes with loving families - 
    			and support low cost spaying. This model 
    			shelter doesn't believe in destroying pets.
    			-- this followed by list of various states
    			organizations' addresses if I want info 
    			on it -- which of course I could do, BUT
    
    	Would any Noter here share any info you know about this
        entity?
    
    Thanks.
    		
    	

    I have entered the North Shore Animal Sweepstake in the past...I do
    believe it is a valid animal rescue league and I did want to donate
    to them.
    
    Well...after I sent my first sweepstake in...I got on their mailing
    list and received sweepstake entries every week for over two year.
    Some would say "you have make it to the second drawing... please send
    in another donation to be in that drawing."   But yet some would be
    new sweepstake entries.  This went on and on...until I got sick of
    seeing the enelopes arrive every week.  
    
    I don't mind donating to shelters...BUT I sure can't afford to do it
    on a weekly basis and I never ever saw the "winners names" of any of 
    the sweepstakes I entered.
    
    Sandy

    I hope the base noter does not mind but, since this has become the
    main topic housing the North Shore Animal League notes, I have 
    changed the title to reflect that.  The original title was "Are
    These People for Real?"
    
    This note is keyworded NORTH_SHORE_ANIMAL_LEAGUE.
    
    Typing SHOW/KEY FULL NORTH* will be sufficient to bring up this 
    not in a search.
    
    Jan
    Modertor, FELINE