December 2004
Dear Members, Friends and Supporters,
Two years have passed since our last “real” newsletter. Last year time ran out to create one, and this year the excuse is the same; however, I felt that I owed you some sort of communication to tell you what has been going on and perhaps explain why communications have been so lacking.
As far as statistics go, 2003 showed an increase in annual income over 2002 of approximately $4,000 for a total of $43,212.30. Of this, $16,080.75 came from the adoption of 162 dogs and three cats, and the balance from grants received from the St. Deny Foundation and the Huff Animal Protection Trust, along with public contributions. In keeping with our non-profit status, expenditures for 2003 totaled $47,681.74, leaving a deficit for the year of $4,469.44.
2004 to-date (as of 11/30/04) is remarkably similar to 2003 in income, our having deposited receipts of $42.777.98 and paying out expenses of $41.951.97. We have adopted out 132 dogs and two cats through November with perhaps a dozen more to complete by the end of the year. Taking into account the accrued expenses for December, we will again show a deficit for the year, although perhaps not quite as great as that in 2003.
Every cent of income goes to help the animals…vet bills that average $2,000 per month; dog food $10,000 annually, vaccines and other medicines and supplies exceed $4,500 per year, plus other incidental but necessary expenses that make up the small difference. No money is or has ever been spent for “employees.” We can’t afford such luxuries. Which brings me to another point…
Volunteers…we have none. I am discarding the original draft of this letter from this point on in favor of the following, which is perhaps even more of an expose than the first draft, and perhaps even “more than you wanted to know.” But it’s time to “come clean.” I cannot candy-coat things any longer. Those who know me, know that I communicate most effectively in a no-nonsense, straightforward manner, perhaps too straightforward at times, but at least you know exactly “where I’m coming from.” Here goes…
When I was introduced to ASL back in 1995, it was a small “group” of individuals involved mostly with doing just what the name of the organization implies…servicing the needs of animals in the community. Funding was minimal, and the focus was toward educating the public about spay/neuter and health care maintenance of owned pets, as well as helping owners get their pets spayed or neutered when funds allowed. There was little fostering or rescuing of needy pets to speak of.
At the request of the then board of directors, I was asked to foster a small dog rescued on Rudy Road by a young couple who spent several weeks catching the stray dog, only to be unable to keep her once they had her. I named her “Dusty,” and I remember her dearly…a small gray husky mix that was the best little mole-catcher I ever saw. That was the first step in a long journey to the present, wherein ASL has grown to become one of the major rescue/foster organizations in SW Michigan with an average of 70 dogs in foster care. And although the focus is on dog rescue, I also have close to 30 cats, about a dozen of which are fosters available for adoption. All the foster animals are at my home, and I have been caring for them essentially by myself with only sporadic and occasional help in the nature of “special projects,” such as spring or fall clean-up. The “by myself” part is the crux of my message to you today.
My personal health has undergone some major changes this past year with the onset of arthritis in both my wrists and my hip/pelvic joints. I would have thought I was too young for this, but I guess not. I have been on pain meds for months now (anti-inflammatories do not help), but they only seem to help relieve the pain in my hips. I use magnetic braces for my wrists, and don’t let anyone ever tell you that magnets don’t help arthritis. They do wonders. Although I have joked about putting my order in early for a Hoveround, it’s really not a joke, and the physical limitations under which I have been operating for the past year are taking their toll.
Some of you reading this may be disappointed that I’m not describing happy adoption tales (there are many to be sure) or even tugging at your heartstrings with some sad stories (and there are those, too), but I really felt it was time to “come clean” and acknowledge the difficulties I and ASL are facing. I guess the bottom line is that if you want ASL remain in the forefront of rescuing animals that would otherwise die, I have to have some help. I knew Caryl Beck of Pets Alive for many years. She began her rescue work in the 60’s with lofty goals and ideals and with the animals’ best interests at heart. By the 90’s, Caryl had lost some of those ideals for reasons some of which we will never know. She became hardened and cynical, even rude to the very public from whom she needed support. I parted my association with Caryl for that very reason, but after only eight years of doing full-time rescue work myself, I am beginning already to take on some of Caryl’s negativity. I don’t like to admit it, but it’s true. It’s frustrating whenever someone calls with a pet they “need to get rid of” or a stray they “can’t keep,” I would like to cheerily say, “Oh, yes. Bring it here. I’ll take care of it for you,” but I can’t. It’s both physically and financially impossible. ASL and I cannot take on all the responsibilities for these animals in which others should share.
The bottom line is that because there seems to be no one locally interested enough or willing to help with the care of the foster animals here, and because of the deterioration of my personal health, I am not going to be able to continue caring for all these animals. It appears time for ASL to revert to its original focus…to indirectly rather than directly help animals in need. The fact of the matter is that I have pretty much been running a “one-woman show” here for too long. Some of you know that. Most of you do not and have thought there is a staff of volunteers that help with the animals. I wish, but not so.
I am extremely proud that ASL has saved and re-homed almost 1,000 dogs and cats in the past eight years. It’s not as many as I would like to have saved, since hundreds still die or become research subjects every week. There just aren’t enough rescue people and organizations with available space to save them all. I will grieve for the thousands that will not be rescued in the future, but I cannot continue to do this alone.
I hope you will recommend to all your friends, relatives and neighbors looking to add a pet to their families that they first look into adoption of a “rescue” animal and not “buying” a pet from a breeder (questionable quality) or a pet store (the worst source with puppies coming from horrific “puppy mills”.) The best source for such pets is through where tens of thousands are listed in all types, breeds, colors and sizes. This is a nationwide Internet service with almost 10,000 shelters and rescues posting their animals available for adoption.
Most importantly, remind all the current pet caretakers you know about the importance of spaying and neutering their pets. The benefits are enormous and extend beyond the obvious goal of controlling overpopulation. The health benefits conferred on the pets, both physical and emotional, are immeasurable.
In closing, the remaining ASL fosters require ongoing support and care, and they will receive it…with my help and yours. Thank you to those who have sincerely offered to help but were unable for honest reasons. Thank you for all your past and continuing financial support. Most of all, thank you for allowing me to “confess.” Unfortun-ately, however, sharing the truth with you is not going to “…make me feel all better…” in a physical sense. It’s not going to make it easier to bend, stoop, lift or carry, which has already become difficult at best and at times extremely uncomfortable (hurts like hell.) The list goes on and on, but I’m not going to burden you further with depressing facts. The dogs and cats are all healthy and will remain well cared for. I can’t say that they are all “happy,” as most of them would be a lot happier out of here and in homes of their own. I hope their wishes, which I share, will come true in the coming year.
I hope, too, that someone will come forward to take the reins of ASL during that time so that the principles fostered by the caring people that formed this organization over 15 years ago, together with further outstanding accomplishments in their honor, will continue.
Since this “holiday letter” is actually coming to you after the holidays, I will trust that you all experienced a joyous Christmas, and that the New Year will bring you good health, much happiness, peace, contentment and the blessings of both temporal and spiritual prosperity.
With warm regards,
LOIS KARASEK
President/Treasurer