Project Hope Humane Society of Metropolis

Thank you for your continuing support of the critters of Project Hope!
Project Hope July 2010 Calendar of Events
Desperate Plea for Funds: Project Hope Needs Help Now	As the temperatures go up each summer, so do the number of animals awaiting adoption at Project Hope. Unfortunately, the swelled population of 67 dogs and 77 cats at the no-kill shelter coincide with the time of year when public donations – our only source of income – dwindle to a trickle. “We’re in desperate of need of contributions,” said Project Hope Director Beth Beane. “Our greatest need right now is money, but we also could use cat food, dog food, treats, kitty litter, dishwashing liquid, laundry detergent, bleach, paper towels, and toilet paper.” Project Hope, which receives no government funding, depends on public contributions and fundraisers to operate. On just one day this month, Project Hope took in a Chihuahua-Dachshund mix whose owner could no longer care for him, a Beagle who was weaving in and out of traffic alongside the striking Honeywell workers and an elderly terrier that had been hit by a car. “With so many animals to feed and provide care for, and so many more in need, we haveto ask the public to help us help those animals we’re trying to help,” Groves said. Anyone who would like to make a tax-deductible donation can send it to Project Hope No-Kill Humane Society, P.O. Box 125, Metropolis, IL 62960. “No amount is too small,” Beane said. “Those $10 and $20 donations we get are really what keeps us going and allows us to be able to provide temporary homes for animals that otherwise might not have the chance to find a forever home.”	As part of our efforts to adopt out more animals, Project Hope has lowered our adoption fees for dogs through the end of the month to $50 in what we’re calling a Doggie-Palooza.
Upcoming Fundraisers…	As Project Hope strives to bring in donations, several fundraisers are in the works. Metropolis' own Blake Brown has agreed to donate his talents for a concert at The Dairy near Harrah’s Casino on Aug. 28th. Doors will open at 7 pm, with the concert starting at 8 pm. Tickets will be $10 each. Watch our Project Hope Facebook page or www.projecthopeanimalshelter.com for more details. Other upcoming fundraisers include the Puttin’ 4 Paws Golf Scramble Oct. 2 at The Gambit in Vienna, and Whiskers and Wine in Metropolis Nov. 12. If you have an idea for a fundraiser, please let us know. Our fundraiser chairwoman is Jessica Reeves at jreevesworld@yahoo.com or 270-243-9116.
thank you! thank you! thank you!	A big thanks to Jared English of A1 Automotive for donating a van to Project Hope! The cats and dogs are looking forward to the air-conditioned ride on their trips to the vet!	Project Hope also wants to say thanks to an anonymous donor who graciously gave us a check for $2,500!! This allows us to meet the matching requirements for a grant we received for a new heating and air unit for the shelter!
PlEASE... spay and neuter	Reasons to Spay & Neuter Promote Good Health We've discussed female cats above. Neutering male cats will prevent testicular cancer. It will also vastly reduce the urge to fight other males, which inevitably leads to abscesses, torn ears, and sometimes death. Reduce Potential Behavior Problems Unaltered male cats spray indiscrimately, and their urine has a pungent, musky odor that is extremely difficult to remove from walls, furniture, and drapes. Unspayed female cats also spray - it is a natural instinct designed to attract a mate. In addition, unaltered cats of both sexes will stop at nothing to escape the house for mating purposes. Help Prevent Overpopulation The first two reasons are personal; this one is universal. You may think that because you can find good homes for your cat's babies, that you're not contributing to the problem. Think again. There are simply not enough "good homes" to go around. For every kitten you place in a good home, another cat loses its life in a shelter or pound. If you want the "kitten experience," consider fostering a litter from a shelter for a rescue group. You will have the joy of seeing them in their "cute" period (which lasts only a few months), and you will have the satisfaction of helping, rather than contributing to the problem.
Needing a forever home	Bear They call me "BEAR"--maybe because I'm so cute? I am six years old--young, that is-- and I really need a "forever home." I have all my shots, no heartworms, and being a bit older now, I've outgrown all those puppy habits of chewing up your furniture and being a general nuiance. Please, won't you consider me? I'd love to be your best friend! Won't you call me right now at (618) 524-8939?
on sale now	PAWS-ITIVELY DELICIOUS II Its the Project Hope cookbook, with 230 lip-smacking recipes your family will love--including some just for that special family cat or dog! The cost is $10 + $4 shipping (if needed). See sample recipies and full details at Pawsitively Delicious
For ADOPTION NOW	BRING HOME A NEW FOREVER FRIEND Visit PetFinders.com
a gift of love	Pets with hope Abused and neglected, with special needs. Can you help? LOOK HERE

PET OF THE WEEK

LOOK HERE FOR OUR PET OF THE WEEK.

I was unloved and abused all my life.

My name is Sandy. I am a two year old female domestic short hair cat. I was recently rescued from an abusive home. I am small for my age because I was not fed very much. I was only fed bread and vegetables from leftovers at the dinner table. The left over meat was given to the dogs. Because of this, my two litters of kittens did not survive. I could not produce enough milk to keep them alive. If not for the neighbors, I would not have survived either. I recently spent the happiest and safest, five days of my life. They were all at the Lone Oak Animal Clinic. I was safe and loved and well fed for the first time in my life. I cannot go back home. I do not want to. I need a new home. But, I have a problem. I have recently discovered that I am a diabetic. Yes. It happens to cats too. But it is not as bad as it sounds. I have responded well to diabetic cat food. Project Hope has many people that donate to them. If you cannot afford the special food that I need, they can provide it for us. Since I was unloved and abused all of my life, I have a lot of love to make up for. I was kicked at lot, I do not understand the concept of playing. All of my time was spent trying to survive. But I can more than make up for my lack of play, by sitting in your lap and purring. Perhaps in time I will be able to play, but for now, love is what we can share. I am litter box trained, so if you reward me with an indoor home that I would prefer, I promise not to have any accidents. My paws are getting tired, but before I go I want to tell you something else about me. My snout is short and my tongue is a little longer than normal. The result is, my tongue hangs out. So perhaps my physical fitness is not purrfect, but I promise the companionship I can provide is.

LOOK HERE FOR OTHER ANIMALS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS.

HELP THEM HEAL

At a local pound, an otherwise healthy puppy was put down for no other reason than it had a broken leg. The leg could have been healed. The life cannot be returned.

In response, Project Hope has launched a new fund called "Help Them Heal". This fund will be used for animals who are injured, but have a good prognosis with the help of surgery. Society members held a roadblock this past Saturday, and all proceeds went to this fund. If you wish to contribute to this fund, send your donations to Project Hope, P.O. Box 125, Metropolis, IL, 62960, with the words "Help Them Heal" notated. Project Hope can also be reached by phone at 618-524-8939, Tuesday through Saturday, 1-5 p.m.

If Not For You
I would've given up on life, if not for your kind eyes.
I would have used my teeth in fear, if not for your gentle hand.
I would have left this life believing that all humans don't care
… there is no such thing as fur that isn't matted
... skin that isn't flea bitten
… good food and enough of it
... beds to sleep on
... someone to love me, to show me I deserve love, just because I exist.
Your kind eyes…
Your loving smile…
Your gentle hands…
Your big heart saved me!
You saved me from the terror of dying on the street.
You have soothed away the memories of my old life.
You have taught me what it means to be loved.
I have seen you do the same for others just like me.
I have heard you ask yourself in times of despair, “Why do I do it… When there is no more money... No more room... No more homes???” I see you open your heart a little bigger... stretch the money a little tighter... make just a little more room... to save one more… like me.
I tell you this with all the gratitude and love that shines in my eyes. It is the best way I know how to remind you why you go on trying....

I AM THE REASON
The others before me are the reason,
As are the ones who come after.
Our lives would've been wasted...
Our love never given...
I WOULD HAVE DIED THAT DAY IF NOT FOR YOU!

Author Unknown

PROJECT HOPE CELEBRATES ADOPTION SUCCESSES!

Remember the tale of Marvin, the puppy found nearly starved to death in a southern Illinois cemetery last year? Well, Marvin has now been adoped into a new loving home.

Also, a dog named Scruffy, who had been at Project Hope for more than a year, found a new home when a couple in Indiana spotted him earlier on our websidte and fell in love. It had to be love for them to drive about 8 hours to come and meet Scruffy. He went home with them that very day. In a phone call several days later, Scruffy's new mom and dad advised that he's doing so great that they're considering a return trip to Project Hope to get Scruffy's sister, Scarlett. Be sure to advise anyone seeking to adopt an animal to visit this webside. Thjey just might find true love.

PET OF THE WEEK

LOOK HERE FOR OUR PET OF THE WEEK.

Belle finds a home!

The dog who has lived at Project Hope longer than any other resident finally has a new home. Belle is a very sweet, docile black lab that has been with us for nearly six years. The couple who decided to adopt her read about her in the Paducah Sun article covering Pawsitively Posh. They had already adopted another Project Hope dog named Jade, and after reading about Belle's long wait, decided to make her a part of their family!

THANK YOU, JERRY YATES!

Thank you so much for allowing us to help you on the electrical project. We all enjoyed the electrical work. We installed a 100 amp service to the building and ran conduit and wires for 12 lights and 4 outlets and everything worked out fine.
It has been a pleasure working with you and if we can help in the future, please let us know.

Jerry Yates

Jerry Yates and freinds.

New Fundraising Opportunity For Project Hope

If you’ve got an item you no longer want, that might bring some money for Project Hope, just drop it by the new eAuction Depot eBay drop-off store at 5153 Hinkleville Road next to Subway, near Kentucky Oaks Mall (across from Lowes). They do all the posting, shipping and sell it for us. Project Hope receives most of the money. The Project Hope Humane Society account is already set up--just be sure to tell them it’s for Project Hope.

Make A Tax-Deductible Donation
Or Commemorate A Pet
On The PawPrints Pathway

Donations to Project Hope Humane Society are tax-deductible. Checks should be sent to Project Hope, P.O. Box 125, Metropolis IL 62960.

We're also still offering tiles along our PawPrints Pathway. For a donation of $25 or more, you can have a tile personalized with a dedication to a beloved pet (either one that has passed away or one that is still living) that will be incorporated into a display on a wall at the shelter. If you'd like to send a picture of your pet, we'll paint a likeness on the tile.

	Click on the picture below to download your contribution form.
Tre, a three-legged cat awaiting adoption at Project Hope Humane Society in Metropolis, poses with the gift-wrapped “Gifts of Purpose” and sample tiles for the “Pawprints Pathway” being offered in conjunction with the shelter’s fundraising campaign.

Your Donations Make A Difference!

LOOK HERE FOR THE STORY OF MARVIN, ONE LUCKY LITTLE PUP.
LOOK HERE FOR THE STORY OF PURR-CY, ONE EQUALLY LUCKY LITTLE KITTEN.

NOTE: You do not need any account with PayPal to make a donation, as long as you have a credit card.

WE NEED CAT LITTER!

Our supply of cat litter at the Project Hope Animal Shelter is running extremely low. If you could take the time and drop off a bag or two of cat litter it would be greatly appreciated.

Trust me, the cats have told me so.

Thanks!

Do You Have The Right Stuff?

Do you have what it takes to be a foster parent, or have you ever thought of fostering a dog or cat? The shelter has many animals that are eligible for fostering. Fostering can help reduce stress while providing needed training for the pets.

The animals sheltered at Project Hope need your loving touch, someone to play with them, someone to help keep their homes clean. Won't you consider sharing a little of your time with them? Click here to download our volunteer form.