Animal rescue groups to hold raffle, bake sale

By: Mike Conley | McDowell News
Published: November 20, 2008

Tough economic times can make it tough for animals too.
That is why the Healing Hearts Small Animal Rescue and the Mercy Animal Rescue are holding a fund-raiser this Saturday at the Old Fort Depot. The special event will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Both non-profit organizations seek to find good homes for abandoned animals. Healing Hearts Small Animal Rescue Inc. specializes in the rescue and rehabilitation of small mammals (hamsters, gerbils, ferrets and others), birds, reptiles, small exotics (such as sugar gliders and hedgehogs), small breed dogs and a limited number of cats. Healing Hearts is funded solely through donations and fund-raisers.
The recent economic crisis has made it even more difficult for volunteer organizations that seek to help homeless and neglected animals.
"We are having a greater number of pets needing help due to home foreclosures and loss of jobs," said Vicky Tate, director of Healing Hearts Small Animal Rescue. "Some of these pets are being abandoned in homes while others are being set out in the streets to fend for themselves."
Susan Menard of Mercy Animal Rescue said adoptions and support are down while abandonment is up.
"Just this week, someone abandoned a box of 12 Lab-mix puppies at the Dollar General in Nebo," said Menard. "This is not appropriate. We have a desperate need for foster-care givers right new. We are urgently trying to find someone who can foster these puppies."
To help the animals out, Healing Hearts and the Mercy Animal Rescue will hold a raffle, bake sale and pet adoption day at the Old Fort Depot. Trainer Jason Nations will be on hand to answer your dog-training questions.
The items to be raffled include: two meals at Mustard's in Old Fort, two spaghetti dinners from Moondoggie's, a grill donated by Frisbee's in Old Fort, a candle donated by Pinwilz in Old Fort, a $10 gift certificate from John's Grocery Store, a $10 gift certificate from Whistle Stop, $10 gift certificate from the Sweet Shop, a $20 gift certificate from Flick Video, $25 off a grooming at Pet Works, a two-night stay at Kozy Kritters, a hand-carved wooden stool, a handmade fleece blanket, a shampoo and cut from Picture Perfect, a hair cut from Reflections, a spa day and a large bag of Science Diet dog food from the Animal Hospital of Marion, handmade birdhouses and more.