I'm starting a fund

[Peaches]

Well, I'm taking action.
After the episode with the paralyzed cat I discovered (I posted about it in Life Probs and Help), I decided to start working on getting a no-kill shelter started in my county, which would be the only one.
Our county "shelter" (if you can even call it that) is basically death row for any stray around. The person who cares for it is a little old man who is there from 8 am until noon. The cats and kittens are often infested with fleas, mites and have parvo or distemper and the dogs cost $35 to adopt and are often unhealthy, unruly and diseased. It's in sad sad shape. The only service they offer is "getting rid of the unwanted."
I'm starting the "Blacky Rescue Foundation" to collect funds for a privately run, no-kill surrender and adoption center. Once I get the word out, I'm sure within the next year, I might purchase a building and get it zoned and insured. I'm enlisting the help of my townspeople, friends and other shelters. Also, I've decided that any art or writing commisions I'll be doing will go to the fund. I hate to solicit help, but I know my area badly needs it, and I have others to tesify that. Anyone with suggestions, please message me. I appreciate any comments/suggestions/links anyone can dig up. '>
As always, thank you!
(P.S. I have the ASPCA's link to start a shelter.)

[Drake Blackpaw]

Good luck with this, it is a very worthy cause.

[Sskessa]

Wow, I'm impressed. It's so good to hear about people caring about animals. I work at a no-kill shelter myself, and I can tell you (as if you didn't know) it's one of the most rewarding things there is.
Now, for some advice. Make absolutly sure that you out yourself out there. The difference between a shelter that works and one that doesn't is when people know you exist. Put yourself out at events, have fundraisers whenever you can. For instance, my shelter has an info booth at an SPCA event. Also, the even is near Whole Foods, which generally attracts vegetarians and vegans and others who will sympathise.
Many, many people want to have animals, it's just a matter of letting them know the best place to get them.
Our shelter even goes to malls to do gift-wraping for donations.
I'm so glad you're doing this, and I'll try to help out any way I can. On Sunday I''ll actually be at that info booth and I can ask the founders for some more tips.

Edit-I'll tell you what I can do right now, I could make you a website. You could put up pictures of the animals that were availible. Keep us updated.

[Savaaha]

Its not going to be easy but I wish you the best of luck. When you do get it going look into having a vet who may volunteer his time and skill into a spay/neuter program for thos who cant afford to have that done on thier pet.

[Otto Lupo]

Best of luck on your wonderful venture. '> I think is its great.

[User_of_Shadows]

Just remember even if you have a no kill shelter, there are times when an animal should be put to sleep, I know it would be a hard decision to make but... if an animal you recieved is in pain and will not be able to recover sometimes it is just best to put it to sleep. goodluck though on your venture I wish you success

[Peaches]

The hardest part will be getting the funding for a building. I may take out ads asking a farmer along the main route to spare an acre of land for exchange with some service (possibly training or grooming their dog?) I'm also looking at grants. I live in a rural community, so there are a lot of farmers that have 100's of cats on their farms. I'm planning on a small building made with a cement foundation and cinder blocks, with four rooms. I'm ranging the cost for the building cages and supplies at around $30,000. I currently have collected $12.06. '> Making progress.
The shelter will have a dog room, a cat room, a misc/training/class room and an office. I already have an animal waiting list. Tomorrow, I'm going to go speak with my vet, a retired policeman and the county's friends of pets organization. I need a board of directors. '>
And I like that gift wrapping idea!
I'll keep updating. I'm going to go to another county's humane society to get more info and find out how everything works. '>