PAWPRINTSTHE MOBILE SPCA - A NO-KILL ADOPTION GUARANTEE HUMANE SOCIETY FEBRUARY 2007

How Much Is That Doggie in the Window?

by Marcia Mathis

When you walk by a pet store that advertises "Puppies ForSale", don't you want to go inside and look at those adorable cud-dly balls of fur? But consider what's behind the sign. The sad factis that the chances are good those puppies inside were born tomothers who live in the horror that is a puppy mill.

No one who loves animals would want to read stories about theappalling conditions in which mother dogs are kept by irresponsiblebreeders whose only reason for being is to make money. Everyonehas seen exposes on Sixty Minutes and Dateline that show in graph-ic detail the inhumane environment in which animals are raised whentheir owners view them as nothing more than machines that fueltheir livelihood. They exist all over the United States and the prod-uct of these horrific businesses end up in pet stores, diplayed inclean cages wearing trendy collars and bearing exhorbitant pricetags. There are such dealers in our area. Standing outside, look-ing in, one forgets (if they ever knew) the atrocities that occurredthat brought that adorable puppy to that sparkly store, wagging histail and begging for a perfect home.

“Puppy Mill” continued on page 5

2006 Silent Auctionby Marcia Mathis

A steady flow of Mobile SPCA supporters through the 2006Silent Auction resulted in another successful fundraiser, ultimatelyproviding our group with over $5,000.

And not only did we make a lot of money, but it was fun! HeldNovember 9th at Stewartfield on the Spring Hill College Campus,the evening was a delightful mix of music, camaraderie, beveragesand wonderful food, catered by the always superb Naman's

“Auction” continued on page 6

Adoption Options WorkshopComing in February!

The Mobile SPCA, City of Mobile Animal Shelter, Petfinder.comand the PETCO Foundation are presenting an all day seminar,February 25, for animal welfare professionals. Speakers from topshelters and universities will speak on increasing adoptions, work-ing with veterinarians and training for shelter dogs. Mobile SPCAmembers receive a reduced fee for registration of just $10.Registration includes workshops, educational material, lunch,Adoption Options t-shirt and a gift from The PETCO Foundation.Anyone interested in attending can register at http://www.petfind-er.com/adoptionoptions, call 732-254-6553 for info or emailjanine@mobilespca.org.

Maddie Pet Rescue ProjectYear 3 Grant Awarded!

Just before going to press we received word that we had beenfunded for 2007. Our adoption goals this year are very high mak-ing our job this year even more daunting. We will have details of lastyear’s Project in the next newsletter including numbers, goals andwhat we accomplished and what we need to accomplish in 2007.Please see page 6 for the adoption clinic schedule for 2007 andmark your calendar now. We will need your help to make 2007 asuccess.

2007 Photo Contest Announced! Winners will appear in the

See details page 3.

INSIDE:Photo Contest .................page 3Adoption Schedule...........page 6Nursing Home Visits ........page 7Pet Palooza.....................page 8

MobileBaymonthly

SERVING MOBILE & BALDWIN COUNTIES

Elizabeth Flott, Humane Officer, recently spoke to members ofFirst Baptist Church of Mobile's Education In Enrichment (EIE) program on the history and purpose of the Mobile SPCA.

Lynn Chance accepts a check for $678 from SaralandElementary School student Natalie Hovey. Natalie was chosen asthe overall Red Ribbon Leadership Award winner for her school.Her program “Pennies for Pets” benefitted the Mobile SPCA.

Above: The Mobile SPCA and the Maddie’s Pet Rescue Projectshared a booth at the Greater Gulf State Fair in October. Below:Volunteers from Girl Scout Troop 535 pitched in to clean cagesand vehicles. Front Row from left: Lauren Moore, Ashley Hallford,Hannah Burns, Kristen Copeland, Sarah Hinton, Sarah Peacock,Alissa Hadden, Alex Foresman. Back Row from left: JulieHallford, McKenzie Greer, Lauren Condon, Lisa Peacock.

OKAPI 4H Club members collect pet food and supplies for theMobile SPCA for their Christmas Project. These girls collectedfood, toys, leashes, collars - you name it!

Above: Mobile SPCA volunteers marched withour adoptable dogs in theHoliday and ChristmasParade in downtown Mobilein December. Left: Maddieand parade goers at thehuge dog adoption inBienville Square after theparade.

2007 Mobile SPCA Photo Contest Entry FormAttach to back of photograph. One per photograph.

Name ___________________________________________________

Address _________________________________________________

City _____________________________ State _____ Zip _________

Phone___________________________________________________

Photograph Title ___________________________________________This form must be securely attached to the back of the photo.The Mobile SPCA reserves the right to use any photograph

entered in the contest for publicity purposes.

ENTRY FEE: $7.00 for each photograph entered.

Make checks payable to the Mobile SPCA.

DEADLINE: Entries must be received by Feb. 28, 2007

MAIL OR DELIVER ENTRIES TO: Mobile SPCA

620 Zeigler Circle West • Mobile, AL 36608c/o PHOTO CONTEST • Tues. - Sat. 10 am - 3 pm

The top ten finalists will be determined by a panel of judges and will be published in theMay issue of the Mobile Bay Monthly. Winners will be determined by public voting.Winners will be notified by mail and will be announced in the September issue of theMobile Bay Monthly. The public is invited to vote for their favorite photograph for $1.00per vote. There is no limit to the number of times a person can vote. Votes must be post-marked by June 15.

MobileBaymonthly

SERVING MOBILE & BALDWIN COUNTIES

1st Place Prize - $100 • 2nd Place Prize - $75 • 3rd Place Prize - $50

1. Entry fee is $7.00 per photograph. ($30.00 fee for returnedchecks.) There is no limit to the number of photographsentered.

2. Each entry must be an original photograph taken by the personentering, identified by an ENTRY FORM permanently attachedto the back of the photograph.

3. No names will be allowed on the front of the photographs.4. Photos will not be returned unless accompanied by a self-

addressed stamped envelope. Entrants may also come by theMobile SPCA office to pick up their photographs until June 15,2007. The SPCA is not responsible for lost photos.

5. Any deviation from these rules will result in the photograph notbeing judged, and forfeiture of the entry fee. Decisions made bythe Exhibition Committee will be final.

6. The MOBILE SPCA reserves the right to disqualify any photo-graph that the Exhibition Committee feels may have endan-gered the animal in its staging.

7. Prizes will be awarded after June 15, 2007. Winners will be noti-fied by mail and will appear in the September issue of theMobile Bay Monthly.

8. The top 10 photographs will be selected by a panel of judges.The ten finalists will be published in the May issue of MobileBay Monthly. The public is invited to vote for their favorite pho-tograph for $1.00 per vote. There is no limit to the number oftimes a person can vote. Votes must be postmarked by June15, 2007.

9. The Mobile SPCA reserves the right to use any photographentered in the contest for publicity purposes.

RULES FOR THE PHOTO CONTEST

MOBILESPCA &

present the

Be Kind To AnimalsPHOTO CONTEST

A competition of photographs of companion animals. Winning photos will appear in the Mobile Bay Monthly

MemorialsMemorial for Peaches & Abby

You will always be in my heart.I love you always & forever

MaMa u

In memory ofLevi Hall

Jan Everett, Nattalie KinzerPat Law, Shelia Wilkinson

(Four of the Fearsome Fivesome)u

In memory ofOur buddy

Rascal GreissSam and Maggie Metzger

uIn memory of

Carol Fountain’s catGidget

Jahala Woodsu

In memory ofVikki and Bill Finch’s dog

BudBertice, Ray and McLeod Turner

uIn memory of

Michele Gates’ dogMax

Who died 9-14-06Windsor Place Ladies

uIn memory of

Richard Anthony PristeraBud and Connie McLean

uIn honor of

Our grandmotherAnne Yeend

Rachel and Hillary Tapleyu

In memory ofDr. and Lisa Fondren’s dog

BoogerAnd congratulations on theArrival of four new puppies

Tracy D. Holcombeu

In memory ofKelli Patrick and Mandy Davis’

Black DogJohn W. Mincy

uIn memory ofRick Rebert

W. Lynn Dossett

In honor ofBreck Pappas’17th birthday

Raymond and Suzanne Pappasu

In honor ofMr. and Mrs. Steven Harris

John and Joan Duffyu

In memory ofClementine and Maggie

lovingly cared for companions ofLarry and Evelina McGeeDianne, Andrew, Brenna

and Colin McGeeu

In memory ofBrandy

beloved Golden Retriever ofMatthew and Michelle Henesy

Tom, Andrea and Wenkuan Richu

In memory ofmy girl

Blossomshe will never be forgotten

Suzanne Sealyu

In memory ofKelsey

The Kellett family’s very specialdog and great companion

Mary C. Trainoru

In memory ofJoey Latunski’s

Chi ChiLinda and Bill Pahlman

uIn memory of

Janine’s beloved dog and bestBuddy

Art and Karen Greenu

In memory ofBuddy

Jeannie CooleyLea Kuebleru

In memory ofJo Jo

Loving cat of Carolyn BeardMissed by all of her family

Bob and Helen Linzey

In memory ofBarbara Grubb’s beloved dog

MelissaAlton Lott and Dee Hyland

uIn memory of

Spencerthe much-loved pet of

Betsy and Dick Otts andAll of their family

Ingrid, Jones, Heather and Randyu

In memory ofButch

John E. Nicholsu

In memory ofSara Lilley’s beloved cat

AndyGrace Dixonu

In memory ofFrederick C. Woods

Celia Mann Baehru

In memory ofRachel Guyton’s wonderful cat

SiamDebra and Pat Guyton

uIn memory ofRobert Pipes

Patricia A. Mitchellu

In memory ofour sweet kittyMoonbeam

Bob and Carolyn Fillinghamu

In memory ofJanine Woods’ beloved

BuddyHe will be missed

Krisha Howellu

In memory ofFred Woods

Gregory and Natalya Petersonu

In memory ofBuddy

Janine’s faithful friend and theSweetest dog ever

Jahala, Barkley and Ernie

In memory ofSusan Weller’s beloved dog

FoxyGrace Dixonu

In honor ofDr. Albert S. GastonAnne and Bill Yeend

uIn memory of

MollyAnne and Bill Yeend

uIn memory of

Anne and Billy Yeend’sprecious dog

MollyArt and Karen Green

uIn memory of

MollyJanine Woodsu

In memory ofGrace Miller Davis

Robert and Pat Meaheru

In honor ofBea James

Happy Birthday andMerry Christmas

Janie Wrayu

In honor of Peggy ReynoldsMerry Christmas

Janie Wrayu

In honor of my mother

Bonnie HowardSusie Papeu

In memory ofBuddy

Our sweet friend and companionof Janine Woods

Ray, Susie, Alex, Breck, JaneBarlett and Jack Pappas

uIn memory ofMr. Woods

Donna Turner

In honor ofAngela Barrett

Bountiful BowmakerJanine Woodsu

In memory ofCharles Jones

Ruth and Lewis Pattersonu

In honor ofBill Woolley

who found and cared for MutleyJohn G. Cherry, Jr.

uIn memory of

MollyDevoted companion toAnne and Billy Yeend

Bob and Fontaineu

In memory ofBuddy

devoted to Janine Woodsa great lady who caresBob and Fontaine Ward

uIn memory of

Ed and Poppy Fields’ dogCurly

Martha O’Harau

In honor ofJohn F. ReynoldsPeggy Reynolds

Merry ChristmasIn honor of

Stephanie & GarrettWilliamson

Norman and Ruth Bergeru

Merry ChristmasIn honor of

Anneke DeuschleCathy and Jeff Deuschle

uIn memory of

my 17-year-old catYeager

my companion and buddyhe will be missed

Rusty Knappu

In memory ofParley

Lewis and Nan Wilderu

In honor ofDr. and Mrs. Jerry A. Bush

Marilyn K. Reeceu

In memory of Poppy Field’s dog

CurlyEdward E. Fields

uIn memory ofSusan Martin

John Binkley and Joyce Langley

In memory ofBelle Starr

James and Janice Spangleru

In memory ofFrederick Woods

Benita Hatfield McNideru

In memory ofButch

John E. Nichols, Sr.u

In memory ofBarbara Wood’s

TashaJanie Wrayu

In honor ofLynda CraneJ. A. Canteyu

In memory ofBonzi

Nan and Joe Costellou

and many other local shops refuse to sell dogs and cats becauseof the simple fact that hundreds of thousands of these animals areeuthanized every single year because there are not enough homesto care for them. These stores are content to make their living fromsupplies, grooming and veterinary care for well-loved pets withoutinflating their profits by purchasing dogs from puppy mills. Theseare the pet stores who deserve our business.

Every single person can make a difference. It's not enough tosimply refuse to purchase a pet store dog. You can do even moreby refusing to shop there and by urging your friends and family todo the same. You can encourage state and federal officials to stopthe mass production and exportation of traumatized dogs by passing new laws and demanding that existing laws be enforced.Write letters to the editor about puppy mills and pet stores that usethem and educate others about how these businesses contributeto pet overpopulation. And contact our member of the U. S. Houseof Representatives and both U. S. Senators, asking them to urgethe USDA to strictly enforce the Animal Welfare Act and to supportefforts to increase funding for USDA/Animal Care.

Mother dogs who live their whole lives in a cage at a puppy millhave no voice to speak for themselves. They have to count on us.

“Puppy Mill continued from page 1Don't be misled by the owner's claim that the dogs inside were

not bred in puppy mills. A pet store owner or employee should behappy to show you the breed registry papers and health certificateswhich will list the breeder's name and address. If this documenta-tion is not forthcoming, you have indeed found puppies raised in apuppy mill.

The puppies are the lucky ones. Their mothers unfortunatelywill never have the life they hope to have. That's why where theycame from is kept secret...because if a pet lover knew the life theirnew purchased puppy's mother lived to bring him here they'd neverbe a part of it.

Puppy mills should not be confused with legitimate, responsi-ble breeders. A fancier who follows a breeding plan, produces alimited number of litters per year and raises the puppies (and par-ents) with plenty of human contact, loving care and socializationskills is not remotely in the category of a puppy mill. In fact suchreputable breeders are as vocal as shelter workers and volunteersin their discouragement of pet stores that obtain their puppies frompuppy mills because they know the difference between responsiblecare and motivation only by profit rather than commitment.

Pet stores such as PetSmart, B & B PetStop, Pet Supplies Plus

For mysweet Buddy(1990-2006).Thanks forsharing yourshort life with me.

In memory ofScooter Morris

Beloved cat of Cindy MorrisJan and Roger Bailey

uIn memory ofSusan Martin

Jerry Alan and Gloria Bushu

In honor ofLouise Greer

Dr. and Mrs. A. Les Greeru

In memory ofKatie Welch

William B. Welch, Jr.u

In memory ofBob and Brenda Howard’s

beloved dogHeidi

Grace Dixonu

In memory ofJanine Woods’

BuddyLaura Adamsu

In memory ofBilly and Anne Yeend’s

MollyLaura Adams

“Auction” continued from page 1Catering. Two big tables spanning two dining areas were coveredwith a delicious array of heavy hors d'oeuvres while a bar nearbyoffered up wine, beer and soft drinks.

While perusing the wide array of donated auction items, guestswere entertained by live music provided by Tom Thomas andFriends.

Throughout Stewartfield was a selection of great items suitablefor gifts or individual purchase. From fine silver, jewelry and porce-lain collectables, gift certificates and original artwork to vacationget-aways at the Gulf Shores Surf & Racket Club . . . we had it all.Bidding was open from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. to allow plenty oftime for guests to select and watch the bidding process on theiritems.

Our Silent Auction is a yearly event and a wonderful way to helpraise funds for ever-present expenses while enjoying time withfriends, volunteers and supporters. Though donations are activelysolicited prior to each auction, please keep the Mobile SPCA inmind throughout the year if you come across items that would helpthe cause at our next function.

Above right: Karen Green, Sonny Geron and Art Greenenjoy the bidding, food and company at the 2006 SilentAuction. Right: Tom Thomas and friends donated their timeto entertain our guests. (Left to right) Tom Thomas, KarlBetts, Steve Varnes and John Kline.

Mobile SPCA Adoption Clinic ScheduleSat., Feb. 3 Maddie Valentine Adoption* Mobile SPCA Office 10 to 3Sat., Feb.17 MSPCA Valentine Adoption PetSmart 9 to 3Sat., Mar. 3 Maddie March Mutt Madness* Colonial Mall Bel Air 10 to 3Sat., Mar.17 MSPCA St. Patrick’s Day PetSmart 9 to 3Sat., April 14 It’s Raining Cats and Dogs * 850 Government St. 10 to 3Sat., April 21 MSPCA Adoption PetSmart 9 to 3May 5 & 6 Spring National Adoption Weekend* PetSmart 9 to 3Sat., May 19 MSPCA Adoption PetSmart 9 to 3Sat., June 9 Pet Palooza Adoption & Pet Fair* Mitchell Center 10 to 3Sat., June 23 MSPCA Adoption PetSmart 9 to 3Sat., July 7 MSPCA Adoption PetSmart 9 to 3Sat., July 21 MSPCA Adoption PetSmart 9 to 3Sat., Aug. 4 Dog Days of Summer* 850 Government St. 10 to 3Sat., Aug. 18 MSPCA Adoption PetSmart 9 to 3Sat.,, Sep. 1 MSPCA Adoption PetSmart 9 to 3Sept. 15 & 16 Fall National Adoption Weekend* PetSmart 9 to 3Sat., Oct. 6 MSPCA Adoption PetSmart 9 to 3Sat., Oct. 20 Maddie Adopt A Shelter Pet Adoption* Colonial Mall Bel Air 10 to 3Sat., Nov. 3 MSPCA Adoption PetSmart 9 to 3Sat., Nov. 17 MSPCA Adoption PetSmart 9 to 3Sat., Dec. 1 MSPCA Adoption PetSmart 9 to 3Sat., Dec. 15 Maddie Santa Parade Adoption* Bienville Square 11 to 4

*Maddie Pet Rescue Project Coalition event

Sarah Glover Sarah is in the 5th grade at UMS-Wright.

She is a sweet girl with a big heart whosefavorite channel on TV is Animal Planet. Sheenjoys playing piano, tennis, horse-back rid-ing and playing with her turtle Betsy as wellas our three cats, Bea, Otis and Ernie. Thisspring Sarah rescued four, abandoned, four-week old kittens that we fed replacement milk with bottles until theywere all able to eat solid food. She also found homes for all of thekittens with the help of her classmates. Sarah is always finding boxturtles, frogs, lizards and other creatures in the yard. She makeshabitats for them, names them, feeds them, observes them for ashort while, then lets them go. You see it is no surprise that Sarahwould give up gifts on her 10th birthday in favor of donations forthe SPCA. She loves animals! Sarah wants to be a marine biologistwhen she grows as well as a nature photographer.

Travis Parnell Travis Parnell of Satsuma and Mobile SPCA volunteer Ramona

Cavazos hold Travis' new puppy, Season's Greetings. Travis and hismother, Cheryl Parnell, adopted the new puppy at the MobileSPCA's Perfect Pooches pet adoption January 6 at PetSmart.Travis made straight A's on his last report card and received $20for his hard work. Here he donates the $20 to the Mobile SPCA.

Nursing Home Visitation ScheduleFeb. 11 Beverly Healthcare (Fairhope) • 108 South Church StreetMar. 11 Sea Breeze Health Care Center • 550 Congress StreetApr. 15 Murray House • 1257 Government StreetMay 20 Stacey Manor • 1045 Novatan RoadJune 10 Cogburn Health • 1448 Tuscaloosa StreetJuly 8 Cogburn Health • 8002 Grelot RoadAug.12 Gordon Oaks • 3151 Knollwood DriveSept.9 Hearthstone At Heritage Woods • 3440 Hillcrest RoadOct. 14 Lynwood Nursing Home • 4164 Halls Mill RoadNov.11 Knollwood Pointe • 5601 Girby RoadDec. 9 Grand Bay Convalescent Home • 13750 Hwy 90 West

Atria Regency Visitations - Wednesdays 5:30 Pm4720 Morrison Drive

February 28 • March 28 • April 25 • July 25August 29 • September 26 • October 24

The Mobile SPCA, a no-killadoption guarantee humanesociety, is a Maddie’s PetRescue Project Partner.

Photos With SantaPhotos with Santa in December at PetSmart brought a large

number of pet enthusiasts out for pictures with their beloved pets.We especially thank Roger Bailey, Pat Marquis, Alan Anthony andJim Lee for their role as Santa Claus and their patience with the vari-ety of pets they encountered. And, as always, our great volunteerswho were Santa’s helpers. We also appreciate PetSmart for givingus the opportunity to take part in this always fun event.

Bay Area Strings ConcertBeautiful & Successful

by Lori Anbuhl

It was an evening of beautiful music and a great cause thatbrought many supporters out for our first ever Holiday StringsBenefit Concert. The Mobile SPCA presented a special holiday con-cert performed by the Bay Area Strings Community Orchestra theevening of December 14 at the St. Joseph’s Chapel on the campusof Spring Hill College. Under the direction of Scott Wright, theevening’s music ranged from classical to popular holiday fare. BayArea Strings Community Orchestra, is an ensemble of string play-ers of all ages and is part of Mobile Symphony, Inc. Proceeds fromthe sales of tickets will benefit the Mobile SPCA’s adoption andspay/neuter programs.

The Mobile Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals620 Zeigler Circle WestMobile, Alabama 36608

Non-ProfitOrganization

U. S. PostagePAID

Mobile, ALPermit No. 1157

MEMBERSHIP: Angel - $100.00 Patron - $75.00 Business - $50.00Family - $20.00 Individual - $15.00

PLEASE: Send me information about monthly giving

Membership ....................$ ——————

General Contribution ........$ ——————

Spay/Neuter....................$ ——————

Animal Rescue.................$ ——————

Memorial .........................$ ——————

Cruelty Investigation.........$ ——————

TOTAL.................................$ ——————

Name _________________________________________________________________________

Address _______________________________________________________________________

City _________________________________________________ State _______ Zip _________

Phone (Home) _________________________ (Work) __________________________________

e-mail address _________________________________________________________________

Mobile SPCA • 620 Zeigler Circle West • Mobile, AL 36608 • (251) 633-3531 • Fax (251) 633-3549 • spca@mobilespca.org

New location! Lots more room! Would you like to be a vendor? Please call

the Maddie Project office at 432-4159, emailjanine@mobilespca.org or go to

maddie-alabama.org for more information.

PET FAIR &SUPER ADOPTION

Saturday, June 9 • 10 am until 3 pmMitchell Center on USA Campus

Pet Palooza