"We can do no great things...only small things with great love." - Mother Teresa

Thank you for visiting my fundraising page! This page was created specifically to raise funds for the Pet Telethon which airs the evening of February 15, 2009, however, with the Holiday Season upon us, I thought there was no time like the present to start spreading some much needed cheer! And you can be sure that all the furry kids on this list are nothing but nice, though I can't say the same for my own!

As the first, and one of only two NO KILL SHELTERS in the KC metro area, the Humane Society of Greater Kansas City is very dear to my heart. I have had the honor and great pleasure of volunteering at the shelter and working on various sponsorship committees for annual fundrasing events since Fall 2007.  On a (semi) bi-weekly basis I am given the gift of baring witness to the miracles which result from the unconditional love, sacrifice, and devotion showered upon those  innocent, thrown away souls by the most committed and professional group of Staff, Administration, Board of Directors, and Volunteers that I have ever had the pleasure of learning from, and working near. They greet each day with passion and purpose, yet without any promise of or request for, personal financial reward, though it is ever so deserved.

HSGKC offers a safe haven without the threat or burden of euthanasia, coupled with a chance at adoption for thousands of stray and abandoned pets each year. HSGKC also provides low cost spay/neuter and veterinary services for companions of lower income families. Educational programs are also offered throughout the community. These valuable programs were created in an effort to teach the value of all life through one's own experience and insight. The knowledge acquired fosters empathy and compassion within individuals and groups, and therefore benefits all of society.  Through the established Gabriel Fund, the HSGKC saves the lives of countless pets  who are relinquished by their owners due to the financial barrier which often arises due to the nature of a very necessary and needed surgery or treatment as a result of an accident or other medical emergency. For example, it is only through the generosity of the Gabriel Fund that I have been given the great joy and blessing that is Otis. He was relinquished to HSGKC by his former owner while he suffered from the very contagious and often fatal Parvo Virus (vaccine preventable!).  If not for HSGKC and the Gabriel Fund, he would not have lived more than a few more hours. After one month of intensive care and proper medical treatment, he was strong enough to join "general population." I strolled in to the shelter on my usual Saturday and was swiftly introduced to the fear-biting, un -potty trained, neurotic, fire breathing, most adorable, long haired Chihuahua that ever lived. He curled up in a ball and fell asleep in my arms. It was love at first sight. I am so lucky  and grateful that he chose me. (Though Dan threatens Divorce court if I am ever again so lucky.)

So Otis makes five. Our other pups, Petey and Capt'n took to him in immediately. Our two cats, Fatty and Guealer, have yet to cast their final vote.

Many thanks for your support -- and don't forget to forward this to anyone who you think might want to donate or adopt too!

Donating through this website is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to support my fundraising efforts. Remember, there is no amount that is too small. The value is in the giving. Thank you so very much for your thoughtful consideration.

Save a life - adopt a shelter pet! If your heart is set on a pure-bred dog, please consider checking shelters first as there are many, many available- and due to the currenct economic climate, now more than ever. Also, weigh the many advantages of an older (ie. one year and up) dog. Brownies honor you won't miss a thing by not having had to live through potty training or having had to sacrifice your  best  pair(s) of shoes as the coveted new chew toy.  And finally, we must all face the difficult truth that all puppy breath turns stinky eventually.