AARF Newsletter

Introduction
This newsletter covers the winter quarter of 2008 and early 2009 happenings. It’s in a slightly new format, and feedback is appreciated. (Note: this link will open your email application and create a pre-addressed email message; Javascript must be enabled in your browser.)
This has been a busy year with many great new happenings, as our President reports.
Adoptions and crucial spay/neuter programs continued on pace with last year. In 2008, we had 214 adoptions, which meant that needy or unwanted dogs and cats were given forever homes. Close to 200 spay/neuter surgeries were performed which on our small island is crucial to limiting the number of unwanted puppies and kittens. In addition, AARF continued with education programs.
Funding for all these activities comes largely from very generous donations and fund-raising events. One of our largest fundraisers (and one which serves Anguilla’s needy as well as providing for some fun bargains) is the annual Yard Sale. We also have a Bingo night (great fun by the beach!) each year. Our latest Bingo night was this last November.
This year heralded the new AARF Shelter space in Morlens Veterinary Hospital. This new space is right by the front door and gives AARF personnel a working office space to meet potential adopters, centralize our files, and supplies, showcase adoptable animals and a way to centralize communications for the many volunteers who work at the shelter. Morlens continues its expansion and renovation; we look forward to more comfortable spaces for the animals and improved treatment areas for them.
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President’s Report
Anguilla Animal Rescue Foundation (AARF) Announces Successful 2008
AARF President, Suzie Donahue, reports that 2008 was another very successful year for the organization that is dedicated to finding homes for homeless dogs and cats, education and a flourishing spay & neuter project now beginning its 6th year.
AARF’s spay & neuter program, which assists in controlling the unwanted births of puppies and kittens, has provided surgeries for almost 1050 dogs and cats since the program began in the summer of 2003. AARF sponsored 193 surgeries in 2008, which included animals adopted in late 2007 and 2008, as well as approximately 20% that were need based surgeries. The US$20 adoption fee that was introduced in November of 2005 and includes the spay/neuter of the animal once it reaches 4 – 6 months, the initial veterinary examination, the first set of vaccinations and a flea and tick bath – a value of up to US$150.00 depending on the animal that is adopted – has been supported well by the public.
One of AARF’s principal activities is to accept unwanted puppies and kittens at least 6 weeks of age that are eating on their own, as well as older dogs and cats at no charge. If the animal is in good condition and people friendly, AARF will try to find a home for it. In early Spring of 08, working with Morlens Veterinary Hospital in Sandy Hill, AARF was finally able to open their long desired shelter at Morlens. Dr Patrick Vanterpool was generous enough to provide AARF a dedicated space in his newly modernized veterinary hospital allowing AARF an office area as well as room to board the unwanted animals that AARF has available for adoption. Once the homeless animal has 2 days of observation, & receives his /her veterinary exam, initial vaccinations, worming and a flea/tick bath then shelter volunteers have 10 business days to find a good home for the animals. Sadly, if no home can be found, the animal is humanely euthanized. The committed shelter volunteers are at the AARF shelter from 10 -1 Mon – Friday and can be reached at 476-2731 if you have any questions or concerns about adopting or surrendering an animal to AARF.
In 2008, 214 of the animals surrendered to AARF were adopted, mostly to on-island homes. Of the remaining that had to be euthanized, most were either too sick or wild to be adopted. 2008 also saw an outbreak of an airborne virus on Anguilla called Distemper and that along with Parvo (another highly contagious virus) were responsible for many of the puppies and older dogs that had to be humanely euthanized by the Foundation. Both of these usually fatal diseases can be prevented by making sure that your dog is protected through 3 sets of vaccinations given at 3 week intervals after he/she is 8 weeks old. In addition several feral (untamed) cats or kittens were trapped by residents who brought them in to be humanely euthanized.
Our two primary committees, Education and Fundraising were also extremely active during the past year. The Education committee continues its successful program of school visits and hopes to address service and school clubs in 2009. The fundraising committee has done a monumental job of raising the monies needed to continue our spay and neuter program through two yearly fundraising events – Fall Bingo and our upcoming Yard Sale Extravaganza on March 21 at the Agriculture Centre.
AARF would like to thank all of those who adopted animals throughout the year and we wish them much happiness with their very lucky pets. We would also like to thank Dr. Patrick Vanterpool at Morlens Veterinary Hospital for the use of his premises, equipment and unstinting support. In addition, AARF thanks Dr. Linda O’Brien, Amy Williams & Maria Forman for their many instances of support and assistance while they were employees of Morlens and the other staff members who worked diligently with AARF volunteers to care for and find homes for the animals that AARF cares for. Thanks must go as well to the volunteers who assist in our many projects. Finally AARF would like to thank you, the general public, for your incredible financial and moral support.
We look forward to working with Dr. Mary Allen Bradley and Dr. Rommel Umali who are the new veterinarians at Morlens Veterinary Hospital, and a year filled with much activity. We urge everyone to join us in our goal to make Anguilla a better place for the cats and dogs that live here.
If you are interested in adopting a puppy or kitten or know of puppies or kittens that need homes, or volunteering, please call AARF at 476-2731 or come visit the AARF Shelter at Morlens Veterinary Hospital in Sandy Hill.
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Upcoming Yard Sale
AARF’s yard sale will be held on Saturday March 21st at the Agriculture Centre in The Valley from 9 a.m. until noon. Mark your calendars!
All the sale’s proceeds go to AARF, and this is one of our biggest events of the year, fundraising-wise. Goods have been coming in all year and have been sorted and prepared for the sale by a dedicated group of AARF volunteers.
All sorts of household goods are sold at great prices, including: clothing, jewelry, books, CDs, DVDs, electronics, games, linens, furniture, art and more.
We invite everyone who reads this in time to drop on by for the sale, and suggest that anyone interested in shopping to arrive early, as the good items go quickly. If you don’t know where the Agriculture Centre is, here is a partial map (from the Anguilla Guide).
We are still looking for donated items! Any clean clothing and/or household items that aren’t needed any more, would be greatly appreciated. Drop them off at Anguilla Techni-Sales Monday-Friday from 9-noon or 1-4 pm.