Rambo goes home!

April is starting out right with the adoption of our longtime canine resident Rambo! Rambo had been at PARL since August 2010 and with the combined efforts of staff and volunteers he remained happy during his long shelter stay. On April 2^nd, Rambo left the shelter to start a life with his new family. I think I speak for all of us when I say WOOHOO!!!! 

Many of you reading this should have received our Spring Appeal in March. (If you didn't and would like to be added to our print mailing list, please send your information to bgoldberg@parl.org)  It included initiatives for 2011 that aim to increase adoptions and enrich the lives of animals at PARL. We will meet these goals by widening the reach and scope of the Foster Care Program and establishing creative animal enrichment programs. It is my pleasure to report that much progress has been made in both areas. The staff has been working with a nationally recognized animal behaviorist, Katenna Jones. The training she has and will continue to provide will ensure that PARL animals receive training and much needed stress -relieving solutions. 

In this issue you will also read about an example of our expanded foster care program called "Foster to Adopt." This program aims to ensure that the human and animal are the right fit before making the forever commitment of adoption. This is especially helpful for animals that have medical or behavioral issues since they need a home where there is an added commitment to address these issues effectively.  The "Foster to Adopt" program gives a potential adopter the opportunity to see if they have what it takes. In the case where the placement wasn't suitable we are then provided with information on how the animal acted in a home setting. This is helpful when determining how to best serve that animal in the future.

I would like to end by thanking all of you for your generous support from our Spring Appeal.  It certainly isn't all about the money but the reality is we wouldn't be able to do the work we do without it. Thanks for choosing PARL as your animal charity to support. 

Carmine DiCenso

Executive Director