Help homeless animals in Richmond this holiday season by making a donation through the RAPS Holiday Giving Tree at the Richmond Animal Shelter. The Giving Tree has gifts for either your pet at home or the animals at the Richmond Animal Shelter. When you donate funds, either for a toy, food or medicine for a shelter animal, your name will be put on a Giving Tree ornament as a ‘Thank you’ from RAPS.  Come spread some holiday cheer at the Richmond Animal Shelter (12071 No. 5 Rd., Richmond).

By Marianne Moore

Deanna loves animals, especially cats.  So, when Jason, a McKesson Medical Imaging employee and long-time RAPS supporter, arranged for a RAPS coin collection can to be set up in McKesson’s cafeteria, Deanna, who is the cafeteria Manager, put her love of animals to work.  She put her own spare change into the can and encouraged cafeteria staff and customers to do the same.  They quickly needed a bigger coin container! In just one year, McKesson cafeteria customers donated $850 to RAPS! 

To make their donating more personal, they decided to sponsor Mitch, a gentle, green-eyed stray who’d made his way to RAPS’ cat sanctuary one cold wintry day. Sponsoring a cat costs only $15 a month and provides much needed support for the many cats in RAPS' care.  Kim, another McKesson employee, was touched by Mitch’s story and quite taken with photos of the handsome little guy. As soon as she was able to move to a home where she could have a cat, Kim came to meet Mitch at the sanctuary.  It was love at first sight for both of them, and Mitch is now living happily in Kim’s home, where he charms everyone he meets. 

George and Darlene are two of RAPS' trusted volunteers.  Like many RAPS supporters, they work all day and then come care for the dogs at the RAPS City Shelter after work.  In the evenings, George and Darlene throw on their walking shoes and walk every dog and socialize with them in the front yard.  This socializing has helped even the most frightened dogs make friends with other dogs and people.  On top of their unwaivering dedication, their greatest attribute is their '"dog sense." They are often called the RAPS dog whisperers for their intuitive sense for what each individual dog needs.  The shelter dogs have benefitted so much from these two dedicated volunteers.  We are very lucky to have them!  

Thank you so much to all our volunteers who make our homeless animals feel safe and cared for at the RAPS City Shelter and the RAPS Cat Sanctuary.

Dec. 13, 2008 at the Richmond Animal Shelter

On Saturday, December 13, 2008, the Richmond Animal Shelter is holding a Food & Toy Drive and Shelter Supplies Collection. The shelter will be accepting donations of high-quality cat, dog and small rodent food as well as cat and dog toys for the shelter animals. In addition, donations of shelter supplies are needed and will be gratefully accepted. The shelter requires donations of the following supplies: bleach, laundry soap, paper towels and toilet paper, dish soap and gasoline gift cards. Donations can be dropped off at the Richmond Animal Shelter at 12071 No. 5 Road in Richmond.

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Adoption Profile:  Max the Cat
Max the Cat is currently in foster care and will be returning to the shelter soon. Here is what his Foster Mother has to say about him: Max is 10 years old, but doesn't seem to feel like a senior. He loves to be brushed and to be with people. He can be very gentle and quiet, but he loves to play. I think he would make a great companion in a one cat home.  Max is a very lovely cat who deserves his forever home!

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A Big 'Thank You' !!!

RAPS' business supporters are making the holiday bright!

RAPS would like to express our deepest gratitude to Bosley's Pet Food Plus stores for their continued and unwaivering support.  In addition, Bosley's has generously donated food and toys for the shelter animals.  This makes such a big difference at our shelters.  Thank you Bosley's!

RAPS is extraordinarily thankful to Meow & Bark Avenue in Steveston for their successful holiday fundraiser this last month.  Meow & Bark raised funds to support all the programs at the RAPS shelters, and we are truly grateful for their support.  Thank you Meow & Bark!
 
Tis the season for Santa!  RAPS would also like to thank Vancouver Animal Wellness Hospital, True Carnivores and Island Veterinary Hospital for each hosting 'Pet Photos with Santa' to raise funds for RAPS and other local animal organizations.  The community involvement of these dedicated businesses has been a tremendous help to RAPS this holiday season.  Thank you!

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