Summer is just around the corner!  While we here at the RISPCA are looking forward to enjoying the beautiful summer weather, we won't lose sight of our goal of finding homes for our adoptable animal friends.   We are proud to have had a stellar adoption rate again in 2009 and thank our hard working staff for their dedication and commitment that helps make this possible. 
We would also like to thank you, our supporters.   Without your help, we would be unable to maintain such a high adoption rate.  Your continued support allows us to give second chances to our deserving animal friends and bring joy to thousands of adopters.  Without your contributions, we would be unable to maintain our community outreach programs and give the animals awaiting adoption the quality care they deserve.  While this past year has been difficult, we are so thankful for your continued donations, words of encouragement, and countless hours spent volunteering. 

Though we are proud of all we have done in the last year and thankful for the overwhelming community support we receive, there is still work to be done.  Special events are not only a great way to bring our supporters together to celebrate their commitment; they also allow us to raise the funds we need to continue to "speak for those who cannot speak for themselves."  Last year, our signature dog walk event was moved from October to August.  We received such an overwhelming positive response that our 8th annual walk will also be held in August with a few minor changes.

This year, the RISPCA's Annual Howlin' Hounds Summer Walk will be held in memory of our shelter mascot, Marvin.  For those who don't know, Marvin was relinquished to the RISPCA twice before he was finally adopted by the Director of the RISPCA; Dr. E.J. Finocchio.  Throughout his lifetime, Marvin visited hundreds of nursing homes, schools and hospitals and was able to raise over $170,000 for the RISPCA through sales of his artwork and book telling his inspirational story.  Marvin was able to overcome disability and loneliness to bring joy to all who were lucky enough to meet him.  He was truly one of a kind and missed by many.  However, thanks to all of the wonderful friends he made during his lifetime, Marvin's mission will continue.  The Marvelous Marvin Memorial Walk is scheduled for Saturday, August 28, 2010 at Goddard State Park in Warwick, RI.

 

We invite you to join us at the walk to celebrate Marvin's life and raise funds to benefit the homeless animals in our care!  The RISPCA's annual walk attracts animal lovers from throughout the state.  Last year, we had over 300 participants and 200 dogs in attendance.  Don't have a dog? You can still have a great time at the RISPCA walk without a canine companion!   As always, there will be plenty of fun activities for pet lovers of all ages including a beautiful  1 mile walk through Goddard Park, prizes, contests, raffles, games, and much more!

Please visit our website to learn more about the Marvelous Marvin Memorial Walk.  There, you will find information about registration and a full list of the day's activities.  You can also download a pledge form to start collecting pledges today!   Or, to make registration and fundraising even easier, you can create your own personalized (free) on-line fundraising page at www.firstgiving.com/rispca.  You don't even have to leave your house to start raising money for the RISPCA's animal friends; all you need to do is set up your page and email the link to all of your friends, family and co-workers.  They can give right on-line using Firstgiving's secure site.  It is that easy!

We look forward to seeing you at the Marvelous Marvin Memorial Walk.  We invite you to bring your friends, family, dog, and just maybe your newly adopted RISPCA dog.  We wish you all a safe and happy summer and hope to see you there!

 

Sincerely,