Greetings!
Thank-you to all who have visited since we reopened our shelter to the public on May 15th. Members of the public have always been enthusiastically welcomed here at the Rhode Island SPCA and having visitors once again adds a sense of energy and purpose that helps ease the burdens we encounter as we fulfill our mission. I like to keep my messages upbeat and there is never a shortage of positive news to report, particularly in the Spring. Notably this month, with the help of a marvelous group of puppy and kitten foster parents, we have placed or are in the process of placing dozens of puppies and kittens for adoption. We had a significant number of applications on file that had not been filled and it was great to be able to reach out to folks who have been patiently waiting for an opportunity to adopt.
Much of our work, however, is quite serious and can be emotionally draining. Our law enforcement officers respond to cruelty complaints on a regular basis. I am proud to be able to report that we have exceptional officers in the field. At the same time, the situations that they deal with are challenging and range from responding to incidents of animal assault and neglect to investigating unlicensed groups and individuals who are offering diseased puppies for sale through social media and online platforms. We continue to work to address these societal problems every day and on a positive note, we do so with the firm belief that we are making a difference.
We will continue to use our best efforts to provide protection and care for the animals in the State of Rhode Island and we are thankful for the puppies and kittens that add joy to our work. We are particularly grateful to you, our supporters. It has been wonderful to be able to interact with you once again and you really do help to keep us motivated.
We have missed you!
|
|
Wayne M. Kezirian, Esq.
President and General Agent
|
|
You may have received our Spring into Action Newsletter Appeal a few weeks ago and for those who have donated so far, thank you!
We are fast approaching $13,000 but would love to see that amount tripled in order to support our brand new Animal Health Center, to expand our ongoing efforts with animal cruelty law enforcement, and to bolster our humane education programming.
|
|
|
Ugh, little did I know when I wrote to you last month that my life would be changing. The Rhode Island SPCA is holding its 19th Annual Paws in the Park dog walk (this time in person rather than virtually) on September 18th and now I am in training.
Happy romps in the woods are a thing of the past while I practice walking calmly on a leash. The problem is that I enjoy chasing squirrels and sniffing at the base of trees much more than I enjoy walking on a leash so this isn’t my cup of tea and progress has been slow. Even so, it is nice to be out in the fresh air and I do enjoy being with my humans.
I understand that there will once again be a contest to name an 'AmbassaDOG' for the Paws in the Park event but, alas, I am not eligible for that award because I am related to an employee. I can’t wait to meet the pup who wins the award this year. Last year’s winner, Willow, was an exceptional young lady. It will take me a long time to be in the running to become a therapy dog like her, but it is nice to have a goal to shoot for. For now, it will be interesting to see if I can walk on a leash as well as the 2021 AmbassaDOG does. No matter what, I will be all gussied up and looking pretty at the dog walk event in September and I hope to see you there.
Please mark September 18th on your calendar and hope for a nice day!
Until next time,
Lily
|
|
Our annual Spring Raffle is ON until July 15th! If you received your tickets in the mail and haven’t had a chance to send them in, now’s your chance! Whether you mail them in or drop them off at the shelter, every dollar supports our programming and increases your chances of winning FOUR fabulous prizes!
1st prize ~ $500 cash & a custom portrait of your pet!
2nd prize ~ $250 Target gift cards!
4th prize ~ Li’l Rhody Gift Basket!
|
|
|
Looking to make a difference in the lives of the animals and the people who love them in our community? If so, let's talk!
We are expanding our medical team at the RISPCA Animal Health Center and are looking to hire a Veterinarian and Veterinary Technician to join our pack! .
In addition, we are also looking to hire new animal care attendants for the shelter.
|
|
|
Our foster homes are full of animals that our volunteers are caring for and we could use your help! Please consider donating an item or two from our Foster Care Wish Lists. We're especially in need of KMR milk replacement formula for kittens.
|
|
|
Save the Date! ~ 19th Annual Dog Walk |
|
We are so excited to announce that our 19th Annual Paws in the Park Dog Walk will be on Saturday, September 18 at Rose Larisa Park in Riverside!
Also, be on the lookout for our announcement for the 2nd annual AmbassaDOG photo contest to find this year’s “cover dog”! Stay tuned for more exciting details about the event!
|
|
|
The girls from troop #723 Barrington, RI received their animal care badge when our Humane Education team held a lesson on proper animal care and pet responsibility.
They learned all about our shelter and about our 151 year history. It looks like we have many future volunteers and vets!
Thank you to Brownie Troop #723 and their leaders Alexa Tedoldi & Doreen Scanlon for including us in this very special day!
|
|
|
Local Library Partnership |
|
Our Humane Education team is happy to announce a new partnership with the East Providence Library! We will meet with youngsters aged 3-8 years old throughout the summer for their “Tales and Tails” reading program.
We will also be working with older kids (gr. 6-12) discussing lessons such as “Doggone Safety” and “Futures With Furry Friends”. We will conclude the partnership with a project presentation night in August at the library. Learn more>>>
|
|
|
Over the weekend, we’ve been sharing with you the story of Cap, a 5 month old pup in need of extensive medical care and rehabilitation.
With surgery complete, he has now begun his long recovery in his loving foster home. We will continue to update you on his progress and his silly antics over the next few months.
|
|
|
Exciting things are happening in the Humane Education department at the RISPCA!
This summer we will offer 4 weeks of summer camp - Caring Kids Critter Camp where It’s Cool to be Kind! As of yesterday, we are SOLD OUT!
We can’t wait to meet our humane campers and share all of the activities we have planned!
|
|
|
Happy Tails ~ Tessa & Summit |
|
Do you remember this shy bonded pair of senior ladies? We're happy to share that they are doing great in their new home!
"Just checking in. well over a year later...Tessa and Summit are doing fine and run the show around here.."
.
|
|
|
We are the Rhode Island SPCA ~ There are many organizations throughout the country and the world that have “SPCA” and/or “Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals” as part of their name. We often hear from intended local donors who believed that they had made a donation to the Rhode Island SPCA but had mistakenly directed their donations to an unrelated organization. The Rhode Island SPCA is an independent organization and we are not affiliated with any other SPCA. If you find our work to be worthwhile and plan to support our efforts, please be sure that you direct your contribution to the Rhode Island SPCA. ~ Thank you for your support
|
|
Founded in 1870, the Rhode Island SPCA is the oldest humane organization in the state of Rhode Island and the third oldest in the United States. As a private, non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, we rely on donations from individuals, businesses, and foundations, and we are not affiliated with any national humane organization.
|
|
|
Rhode Island SPCA | 186 Amaral Street, Riverside, RI 02915
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
