Greetings SSP supporters! Don’t let the “Winter Blues” get you down – SSP has the cure right here, to warm your heart and melt the cold weather away. We are pleased to bring you the Winter edition of the SSP Newsletter. We ask that you pause a moment with us, to reflect upon all that we have accomplished in the last year. Then set your sights on the year ahead – there is exciting work to be done, and we’re glad you’re a part of it!

2006 Year in Review

This past year has been nothing short of amazing for Saving Shelter Pets. In 12 months we have grown from a little forum with a few dozen members (and a big dream) to a small but well-respected force in the Atlanta area rescue community. Along the way, we have achieved a number of impressive milestones, including:

• Launching a website and an on-line discussion forum
• Incorporating the SSP organization
• Applying for (and receiving!) 501(c)(3) non-profit status
• Establishing the Bernie’s Buddies and Puppy Promises programs
• Developing a number of on-going funding sources – Flea Market, eBay, Amazon, iGive, GoodSearch, and the Google Ads, and proceeds from several artists and independent businesses
• Establishing and maintaining a presence on MySpace, which has connected us with many new friends and supporters

AND – We saved the lives of so many deserving animals! Hats off to the Transport Committee for a job well-done in 2006! The final tally for the year is as follows:

• 617 dogs and puppies
• 115 cats and kittens

Included in those figures are dogs that were helped by two very special SSP programs. The Puppy Promises program, launched in April, kept 136 puppies from ever seeing the inside of a shelter, and sent them to safe rescue instead. Also, the program paid to have their 22 mammas spayed – so these girls would never again need to fear being dumped at a shelter, simply because they were pregnant. The Bernie’s Buddies fund paid for extended boarding and heartworm treatment for 11 dogs, who would never have made it to rescue without this life-saving program.

Looking Ahead to 2007

There are exciting plans for 2007 at Saving Shelter Pets. We will be growing all of our existing programs, and implementing some new ones too! Here is a sample of what you can expect in the coming year, from the committees who are leading the effort:

Transport Committee: SSP has developed solid relationships with a number of Atlanta area shelters, vetting and boarding facilities local to these shelters, local fosters and volunteers, and also receiving rescues for dogs and cats in need. We intend to carry on these relationships and also build new ones in the coming year, with a goal to save even more animals! This committee is always in need of additional  volunteers, either “on the ground” (local to the Atlanta area) or in the “war room” (our Transport Committee forum).  Please e-mail info@savingshelterpets.com if you are interested.

Puppy Promises Committee: SSP will continue its successful collaboration with the Murrray County facility, and hopes to help even more dogs and puppies than last year. Additionally, the Puppy Promises program has been expanded to a second location. Castaway Critters, in Blairsville, GA, is working with the local shelters in their area to bring this wonderful program to them.

Spay/Neuter Committee: SSP has launched its first low-cost spay & neuter program on January 1st, 2007. The program is currently offering certificates to low-income residents of Dougherty County, Georgia and will go on to offer the same assistance to a different needy county each month.

Fundraising Committee: In addition to the on-going fundraisers started in 2006 (mentioned above), this committee is preparing to solicit numerous celebrities for financial or other support. Also, a number of holiday-themed fundraisers are in the works.

Grant-Seeking Committee: The committee is currently researching philanthropic funding sources (foundations, corporations, governmental groups). They will cultivate relationships with prospects, and submit proposals for funding where appropriate. It is anticipated that SSP should be able to secure some funding in the second half of 2007.

In conclusion, the SSP organization extends a sincere, heartfelt “thank you” to each of our supporters for all that you have done to help us in the past year. You are the lifeblood of this group – we couldn’t possibly do it without you! Let’s continue to work together, to make a difference for the animals again in the coming year!