The Ava Area Animal Welfare League Junior met on April 19. Members in attendance were: Karen Davis, Mary Chipps, Ali Hall, Paul McKee, Marilyn Alms, Pat Patton, and Barbara Andrus.
Members adopted our official missions statement to read as: The mission of AAAWLJ is to promote pet health and the well being of animals in our area and to help reduce pet overpopulation by providing funding/access for low cost spay/neuter programs, and to promote adoptions from the local pound.
In keeping with our mission, the AAAWLJ was awarded a $2,500.00 grant from the Missouri Department of Agriculture to help reduce the cost for pet spay/neuter to qualifying individuals in our community. This money is awarded through the Missouri Dept. of Agriculture and the “Pet Friendly” grant program. This grant program helps humane societies, animal shelters and non-profit rescue groups provide low-cost spay and neuter services to their communities.
You can make a difference for the pet population by purchasing “I’m Pet Friendly” license plates. The license plates, which cost $25 for the emblem use and $15 for the plate fee, support spay and neuter initiatives in licensed animal shelters and non-profit agencies. Your donations are greatly appreciated and will make a difference in the health care of dogs and cats across Missouri. For more information about the “I’m Pet Friendly” license plates visit dor. mo.gov/motorv/plates/#preview.
The winning Middle School class collecting the most ‘Best Choice” labels was the 6th Grade. The Middle School students collected a total of 2005 labels with the 6th grade bringing in over 900 labels. This class will be rewarded in May.
We will be having our fundraiser during the Ava City Wide Yard Sale. Our new location will be next to Jane’s Beauty Shop (former American Family Insurance building) across and down from Ava Drug. Start collecting items you could donate to help us with our community program.
Members planted shamrocks in decorative and small pots for sale at the Ava Farmer’s Market. Plants will be ready to purchase on Saturday, May 14. Members willing to help at the market should call Pat at 683-4369.
Kim and Greg Thorsen sent a wonderful donation in memory of Murrell Alms.
Our next meeting will be a walking/visiting meeting to the Ava Animal Clinic. We will meet at Karen Davis’ classroom at 3:30 p.m. on Tuesday, May 10 and walk to the clinic. Members wishing to drive over to the clinic may do so as well. This will be an opportunity for members to view this facility.
