The holiday season is a time to think of light and hope during the cold dark days of winter. It is a time of reflection and gratitude for things past, and also time to plan a better future.

As 2009 comes to a close, there is much to be thankful for: the overwhelming successes of the many new programs and initiatives launched by Animal Ark is truly inspiring. Growth of important programs like the Twin Cities Pet Fix, Feline Feral Friends, and Animal Ark’s Rescue Partners Program are reaching thousands more animals each year. At the same time, we have been reaching more people with the expansion of our web site, blogs, online communities and Animal Wise Radio program.

While we are spending time being thankful for these successes, we are also thinking of and planning for the special challenges ahead.

One of the greatest challenges we will face in 2010 is the urgent need to pass legislation to regulate Minnesota’s puppy mill industry. For years, Animal Ark has been on the forefront of efforts to clean up puppy mills in Minnesota. Whether conducting boots-on-the-ground inspections at large-scale puppy factories, rescuing victims of puppy mills or testifying before the legislature about the atrocities found at these facilities, Animal Ark has been a leader in bringing this issue to the forefront of public debate.

We have made amazing progress in a short time, and have strong, viable bills on which we have worked currently sitting in the Minnesota House and Senate. There is a good chance to pass them this coming year. However, it will take a massive effort and we will need your help and support to get it done.

In spite of the bad economy and the growing need to help animals at the Animal Ark Shelter, we cannot ease up on this and other efforts. The time is now to get a puppy mill bill passed in Minnesota. We cannot rest. We need to increase our efforts again.

Please consider a holiday gift to Animal Ark. Additionally, please contact your Minnesota Senators and Representatives and urge them to support Senate File 7 and House File 253.

By doing so, you can be a beacon of light and hope to animals currently trapped in terrible conditions at puppy & kitten mills in our state.

Your gift will also help us serve about 90,000 meals to homeless pets this year. We will also reduce the killing of healthy dogs and cats at other shelters by spaying or neutering as many animals as possible. Your gift can provide needed medical care. Every $80 donated helps us spay or neuter one animal.

Unlike large, multimillion dollar shelters, 71% of our modest operating budget goes to daily animal care, 11.5% to veterinary care (for a total of 82.5% spent on direct animal care), 12.5% to management and only 5% to fund-raising. Your generous donation will go where you want it to - directly to help the homeless animals.

We can only make a difference if you choose to help us. Homeless companion animals cannot survive without caring people like you. Thank you in advance for your generous support!

Wishing your family peace and light during the holiday season and the coming year
Mike Fry, Executive Director