It started as an idea to "vacation with a purpose"
Then we added PUPPIES
(of all ages)
And the trip to Oxford, Mississippi, is swelling into a mission supported by members of New Deal Grange #447 in Greenbelt, MD, and other Patrons from across the nation.
The trip includes time for volunteering at the Oxford-Lafayette Humane Society shelter, which services more than 4,000 annually and connects with rescue operations throughout the country to keep their no-kill promise by getting dogs and cats from the area where large swaths of the domestic pet population is unaltered and there are many strays, to areas where there is a need for domestic animals for adoption, often in the Northeast.
We will spend time cleaning and providing care to animals and assisting the staff in other duties.
By April 28, dogs will be selected to take a freedom ride from the shelter to their new adoptive families or foster families in the Washington, D.C., region. They will prepare for the journey, set to begin on Sunday, April 30 and arrive at their new homes ready to play and snuggle on Monday, May 1.
What can you do?
Sponsor a dog
Soon we will have a link through which you can make donations to the shelter in the name of this project to sponsor a dog who will be part of this transport or make a general donation in the name of the Patrons' Paws project.
Foster or Adopt a dog
See a dog that you believe would make a great addition to your family or wish to serve as a foster and help the dog find a home? Please contact Amanda Leigh Brozana at albrozana@gmail.com or by phone at (301) 943-1090 as early as possible so we can make appropriate arrangements for transportation and coordinate with the shelter to match you with the right foster or potentially hold the dog you wish to adopt. An adoption or foster application is forthcoming as we consider working with an already established rescue or directly with the shelter depending on the number of dogs and potential fosters/adopters we are able to match.
Donate items of need (or money) for the Oxford-Lafayette shelter
DO ANY OF THESE THINGS THROUGH OUR DONATION REGISTRY that includes a way to donate generally or for specific needed items (starting at $1) or to sign up to foster or adopt a dog! You can even identify secondhand products you have to donate like leashes and dog shampoo or things you can make for the shelter pets like "Adopt Me" vests.
Contact Amanda Leigh Brozana at albrozana@gmail.com or (301) 943-1090 or Victor Barreto at ctech25@gmail.com by THURSDAY, APRIL 20 about picking up or receiving donations for the project.
Have talent, will craft for homeless pets
As part of the trip, we would love to deliver lots of toys and other items to the shelter.
Do you have old t-shirts or sweatshirts laying around that you've been meaning to drop off at a clothes collection bin? Instead, break out your scissors and braiding skills (or divide up the tasks among family members) and make some cotton rope toys that will enhance shelter dogs' lives and help kick off your spring cleaning by clearing out space in your dresser drawers.
Simply cut strips length wise from the neck to bottom of shirt then tie three or more strips at the top and begin braiding. Finish with a simple double knot and you'll have made a great toy that can be donated for this project or to your own local shelter. If you want more of a challenge, follow the steps on this video from anticruelty.org.
Caring for homeless animals is just one form of modern husbandry Grange members take on in their communities. For the strays who have found themselves in the Oxford-Lafayette shelter, in a state with no Granges today, this outreach can impact both the animals and humans devastated by the effects of domestic animal overpopulation in the South.
Credits:
Created with images by metalandrew - "dog sorrow pet" (main header image) All other images from oxfordpets.com Video from anticruelty.org