Thank you... merci... gracias... arf... meow!

Nothing says «thank you» like the grateful, bright eyes of a cat or dog who has just found a new home and loving family after having been abandoned or, worse, subjected to cruelty. One can never get enough of these moments. 

We'd like to share these grateful, bright-eyed moments with all who care about animals. Unfortunately, they're too numerous to name individually. This is a good thing, on the other hand, because it demonstrates how many of us genuinely care about pets. 

For instance, our shelter recently held its annual fundraising event, Gimme Shelter. We are happy to report that it was a tremendous success and that participants had a lot of fun bidding on different items through live and silent auctions. We want to thank every single volunteer who lent us a hand in putting together this event, every single food supplier, every single sponsor and donor who provided us with financial support and items for the auction, and everyone else who supported us through their time and encouragement - including this newspaper. Putting together such a successful event wouldn't have been possible without all of you. 

Thank you also to our regular donors, volunteers and temporary adoption families, who value the life of pets by supporting the SPCA LL, one of only two no-kill shelters in the province. 

Thank you to every pet owner who understands that a pet is a living, breathing, feeling being with an individual personality and unique needs.

 Thank you-s are also in order for every individual and family who chooses to adopt a pet from a shelter. These animals never asked to be abandoned, mistreated or to live by themselves out in nature. They often don't quite understand what is happening to them, and yet they are willing to adapt with a loving spirit to a new family, environment and set of rules. Thank you to those who understand that the adaptation goes both ways. Thank you also to all who are willing to learn from their pets - we can teach them about good manners, but we all know how much they can teach us about love, forgiveness, playfulness and being true to ourselves!

 Thank you to all who are willing to let an abandoned pet adopt them after roaming in their neighbourhood - because adoption can go both ways too. 

Thank you to those who make sure their cat or dog is spayed or neutered, since this avoids a lot of misery for the pet population at large. 

Thank you also to vets, individuals and families who help out with health care for pets with special needs, and to those who adopt a pet with a disability. For instance, we asked for your support a few months ago for Nelly, a shepherd/dane mix who spent several weeks in the woods, on her own, and came to us with health problems. After two surgeries, her back leg had to be amputated.  We are delighted to report that Nelly is now fully recovered and living with a family who fell head over heels in love with her. She even made friends with the family cat. It takes the time, money and efforts of dozens of people to make sure pets like Nelly can have a good life. Thank you to all of you.

There aren't enough words to express how grateful we are to all of you. On behalf of all of us at the SPCA LL, humans and animals alike, thank you... merci... gracias... arf... and meow!