Hello Everyone,

My apologies for a long email, but I'm making up for lost time!

Although the year got off to a slow start for the FMAS traveling road show (we've had only the once-a-month PETCO events), we have a very busy time coming up over the next two months. We need MUCH help with staffing these events, so if you can spare some time, it would be greatly appreciated.

You can also help us by spreading the word about the events to people you know. The more the word gets out, the more the shelter benefits in many ways! Please also let people know that we have various pet-themed items for sale at our info table to help raise funds for the shelter.

As always, we would love to have you drop by our table for a visit, even if you can't work at the event. In fact, the more people who visit our table, the more it encourages others to stop by, too!

If you have foster animals who are friendly, please consider bringing them to an event. You can stay if you like to meet the potential adopters and also have a part in the screening process (the shelter manager still has the final say). Contact me a week before an event if you are interested.

For more information, or to offer your help, please email me at grendel8@comcast. net.  (Also see "What Does Helping Out at an FMAS Event Involve?" at the end of this email.)

Thanks, and I hope to see you soon!

Louise

 

NOTE: Event times are listed below. Add 1 to 1 1/2 hours (depending on location) to the start and finish times for setup and breakdown.

Saturday, April 21, 10 am to 2 pm (FILLED)

PETsMART Charities Adoption Event

PETsMART, 4 Cellu Dr. (off Amherst St.), Nashua

We recently became adoption partners with the PETsMART store in north Nashua, and this is our first in-store event with them. Partnerships benefit the shelter in many levels, and in return, we are asked to set up our information table inside their store. Our requirements for visits are somewhat flexible, and although it is subject to change, we are planning possibly four regular visits and three special events this year.

 

Saturday, April 28 (and the last Saturday of every month), 10 am to 2 pm

PETCO Partnership Adoption Event

PETCO, 1049 So. Willow St., Manchester

In keeping with our partnership agreement with PETCO, we visit the Manchester store once a month. (On occasion, we are even asked to help judge pet contests, which are a lot of fun!)

 

Saturday, May 5 (Waiting for times)

Woman's Softball League (Waiting for name info)

Youngsville Park, Candia Rd., Manchester

Every Spring, the softball league collects a truckload of donations for our shelter. We are presented with these items on the season's opening day.

NOTE: For this event, we need at least one volunteer with a good working knowledge of shelter operations, and one or more volunteers who can bring his or her own rescued dog (from any shelter group). Other volunteers may apply, too. All dogs must be current on rabies shots, and enjoy crowds as well as being fawned over and mauled for long periods.

 

Saturday, May 5, 10 am to 4 pm (1st shift 8:30 am to 1 pm (FILLED), 2nd shift 1 pm to 4 pm)

Sunday, May 6, 9 am to 3 pm (1st shift 8:45 am to 12 pm, 2nd shift 12 to 4 pm)

CFA Cat Show, sponsored by the Seacoast Cat Club.

Everett Arena, 15 Loudon Rd., Concord

We have been invited back to this fun and huge event. Attendees are asked to bring a pet food or item donation which will be given to the shelter at the end. After you admire the feline attendees, you can visit the many different vendors to purchase the purrfect gifts and items for yourself and your own pets!

 

Sunday, May 6, 10 am to 4 pm

PETsMART Spring Annual Adoption Event

PETsMART, 4 Cellu Dr. (off Amherst St.), Nashua

During May 4th - 6th, PETsMART celebrates National Adoption Weekend with this big in-store event as the kickoff to Be Kind to Animals Week. (FMAS will be visiting on the 6th only.)

 

May 19, 10 am to 2 pm

Sears Holdings Pet Adoptions Event

Sears Essentials, 5 Garden Lane, Londonderry

The folks who own Sears, Sears Essentials, and K-Mart hold this annual Adoption event at some of their stores, and they have invited us back this year. This will most likely be an outdoor event. At least one experienced events volunteer is needed. Other volunteers may apply, too. (No cats, possible volunteers' dogs.)

 

May 26 (and last Saturday of every month)

PETCO Partnership Adoption Event

PETCO, 1049 So. Willow St., Manchester

A regular in-store event.

 

What Does Helping Out at an FMAS Event Involve?

Well, I thought you'd never ask!

First of all, the newbies are paired with the old timers until they have gained enough working knowledge of the shelter to answer the public's questions. An event may or may not involve bringing animals, which are usually cats. We don't normally bring shelter dogs, but sometimes we encourage volunteers to bring their own rescued dog (from any shelter or rescue group) if it can tolerate the manhandling. We may also have a simple table setup, or a more complex one depending on the size of the event or venue. Any of all of the following tasks may occur:

1. Help with transport, setup and/or breakdown of the information and animal displays.

2. Provide information to the public about the shelter and its residents.

3. Hand out brochures and forms as needed.

4. Answer basic questions about proper animal care, and particular areas such as spaying/neutering and declawing. Refer people to seek professional help where appropriate.

5. Sell a variety of pet-themed items, and occasional raffle tickets, to the public to raise funds.

6. Participate in special events, such as judging contests, as representatives of FMAS.

7. Enjoy the event! Ample break time is always given to take part in activities or visit other areas at the site.