The decision to cancel our Unleash the Love 20th Anniversary Luncheon, scheduled for November 6, 2020, was painful for our dedicated Pet Peeves Board of Directors. The funding raised at the luncheon is crucial to our mission, and the opportunity to honor and thank our supporters, volunteers, rescue groups, and sponsors is irreplaceable. However, for the greater good we must be responsible to our community and remain vigilant against COVID-19.
Sadly, this virus does not erase the needs of the thousands of homeless pets still waiting for loving homes. In fact, the number of pets surrendered to shelters has increased due to the crushing medical and economic impact the virus has had on Long Island families. Despite the reported increase in adoptions and the community’s effort to step up and embrace fostering, this may prove to be a temporary fix at best.
In addition, it is “Kitten Season”. Feral felines continue to give birth in backyards, parking lots, and empty lots, adding more babies to the population who, without rescue and spay/neuter programs, will perish or simply continue to reproduce at a rate that will guarantee starvation, infection, and worse.
While Pet Peeves may not be hosting our annual gathering, we remain committed to doing our part to sustain those working the front lines on behalf of homeless and abused animals. Please consider the different ways to help Pet Peeves, Inc. celebrate this year’s 20
th
Anniversary by posting a favorite photo on Facebook and tagging Pet Peeves, Inc.
Here are some other ways you can help:
- Share our Newsletter by forwarding this email
- Share the link to join our mailing list with your family, friends, and colleagues (www.petpeeves.org/subscribe)
- Like us on Facebook
- Visit our website to stay up-to-date on what’s happening at Pet Peeves.
- Visit a shelter (observing safety protocols) and volunteer to walk a dog. If possible, ask to walk the dog that typically gets no attention or may not walk well on a leash. Perhaps this dog may benefit from consistent walks and training to make him/her more adoptable.
- Have an elderly neighbor? Check in and if they have a pet, offer to pick up food/litter, clean a litter box, or walk their dog.
- Foster a pet; and while the pet is in your care, make every attempt to find him a suitable and loving forever home. A much better alternative than returning your foster to the shelter. You'll find a list of Pet Peeves-supported rescue groups by visiting our Grantees page.
- Contact a local shelter or rescue group and ask if they need sheets/blankets/pet beds/food. Ask for specific needs (horse rescues and wildlife rescues have different needs compared to dog/cat rescues). See a list of Pet Peeves-supported rescue groups by visiting our Grantees page.
- DONATE IN HONOR OF PET PEEVES 20TH ANNIVERSARY by visiting www.petpeeves.org/donate
I am so personally grateful to each of you for your past and current support. It warms my heart to know that together we can look beyond our own needs and hear the cries of the voiceless. With so much uncertainty and loss during these unprecedented times, I am humbled to be part of such a compassionate organization that understands that the act of giving promotes healing on both ends of the leash.
Stay well and safe,
Janine Dion
Pet Peeves, Inc.
Founder & President
