THE LONG & SHORT OF IT Official Publication of Basset Hound Rescue of Georgia, Inc. ** Please Visit Our Web Site: http://bhrg.org ** Volume 1-15 Winter 2015 Inside This Edition of The Long & Short Of It U U U U U 2014 Sherlock Hounds Bash Recap - Held in October, our 20h Annual Basset Bash was another howling success! Relive all the fun with this story! 2015 Spring Fling Dinner Auction - Our 9th Annual Spring Fling is almost here! See this page and inside for all the details! Thank You, BHRG Donors - Turn to page 6 for our annual Treasurer’s report and a list of donors who have gone above and beyond to help us pay for those expenditures. Special FUNdraisers - Turn to the back cover of this issue of The Long & Short of It for a story about some unique fundraisers! ...and Much More! Special Feature Come one, come all to our 9th Annual Spring Fling Dinner Auction! Our 9th Annual Spring Fling Dinner Auction is just around the corner and you don’t want to miss it this year!!! The festivities are scheduled for Saturday, May 16, 2015 at 6pm at the Marriott Perimeter Center (246 Perimeter Center Pkwy NE). Our wonderful auctioneer, Hugh Miller, will be joining us once again as we enjoy an evening of fun supporting Georgia’s homeless basset hounds. Remember that you do not have to be a basset hound lover or even a dog lover to enjoy the Spring Fling. We offer items for all types of people from gift cards to kitchen baskets to vacations! So bring your friends, family, and co-workers and take advantage of special discounts that will be available for groups of 8 and 10! If you register before May 1st 1st, your Dinner Auction Reservations are available for just $55 a person (includes dinner), $430 for a table of 8, or $530 for a table of 10. After May 1st, reservations are $60 a person, $470 for a table of 8, or $580 for a table of 10. Consider purchasing a table and bringing your business associates, office friends, fellow animal-loving friends, or extended family for an exciting, fun-filled evening! Dinner will include your choice of pecancrusted chicken, bistro filet with Jack Daniel’s demi glaze, or vegetarian ravioli. All come with salad, bread, and dessert. Stay Overnight After Dinner! News & Notes New App Supports BHRG Don’t just take your dog for a walk… Take your walk FOR a dog (or two)! Go to WoofTrax.com, download the app, and support BHRG every time you walk your dog. We currently only have a handful of folks walking to support BHRG. The more supporters we have download and use the app, the more money we raise for BHRG! The app is available in Android and Apple stores - look for Walk For A Dog. Without our BHRG Vets... Acers Mill Veterinary Clinic, All Pets Veterinary Hospital, Animal Hospital of Whitfield Co., Animal Medical Clinic (2 locations), Animals First Vet Hospital, Ark Animal Hospital, Bowden Animal Clinic, Braelinn Village Animal Hospital, Bullard Animal Hospital, Chateau Animal Hospital, Colbert Animal Hospital, Commerce Veterinary Clinic, Covington Veterinary Clinic, Evans Animal Hospital, Hamby Road Animal Hospital, Heart of Georgia Animal Care, Lake Dow Animal Hospital, North Roswell Veterinary Clinic, Red Barn Vet Hospital, Riverside Animal Hospital, Satilla Animal Hospital, Shallowford Animal Hospital, Southwood Animal Hospital, Town & Country Veterinary Clinic (3 locations), Veterinary Care of Valdosta, and Village Vets (2 locations)...more of our rescues might have to pass to the Rainbow Bridge. The Marriott Perimeter Center has offered BHRG a special overnight rate for May 16th - the group rate is $90 and deadline for reservations is April 24, 2015. Call 770.394.6500 today. In Closing If you’ve ever considered becoming a We Need Your Donations! volunteer for BHRG, now is the time! In We cannot have an Auction without donations! Do you have a timeshare, gift fact, we REALLY hope you’ll consider basket, sports tickets, artwork, dog toys, gift card, jewelry, or electronics you becoming a foster home for a needy Basset!! can donate? No item is too big or too small for the Auction and we need Please visit our web site at bhrg.org and donations of all types. All donations are tax deductible and the money raised browse through the many opportunities to will directly benefit the homeless hounds in Georgia. Contact BHRG Events help, then fill out a volunteer Coordinator Leslie Crickenberger at [email protected] or 706.207.8449 form. You’ll be glad you did!! to make a donation to the Auction. continued on next page Basset Hound Rescue of Georgia, Inc. Page 1 Help BHRG While You Surf the Net! You can find all sorts of goodies online at bhrg.org (consider the Official BHRG t-shirt or an embroidered baseball cap), make a donation through PayPal, check out our event calendar (and mark your calendars for our Spring Fling), even access a copy of this newsletter. Wait! Before you head to Amazon.com, swing by bhrg.org and use the link from our site. Browsing from our site to Amazon.com and making a book, music or video/ DVD purchase will benefit our rescue organization. Buy school books, a computer game or your favorite CD or DVD...Amazon contributes a percentage of each item purchased from our link to their site! (Use your frequent flyer credit card and make it a double win-win!!) Another easy way to help our BHRG Bassets is through our partner, Helping Udders. Merely indicate BHRG as your rescue group of choice. Cool dog stuff not found in stores! 10% to 50% (!) of each purchase goes to rescue! Shop with over 600 retailers at the iGive mall and BHRG’s hounds will rake in the cash! Register at http://www.igive.com/ bhrg and choose BHRG as your designated charity. Then, shop via the links on iGive.com. It’s that easy! New users who make a purchase within 45 days of registering generate a $5 bonus for BHRG. Have you heard of Good Search? Now you can earn funds for Georgia’s homeless Bassets every time you search the web! Head to goodsearch.com and choose Basset Hound Rescue of Georgia - BHRG as your charity. GoodSearch uses Yahoo’s search engine - you’ll find what you’re looking for, and BHRG earns 1 cent for every search! Page 2 continued from page 1 BHRG is currently accepting donations for our Live & Silent Auctions and gift cards for our exciting Bidding Frenzy! We need donations now (by May 1st) so we can preprint our Auction Catalog and create visual displays for the items. Think about your family, friends, and co-workers…what sort of connections do they have? Could someone you know get a donation for us? Here are a few ideas... We’re Looking for LIVE Auction Donations! Do you own vacation property or know someone who does? Can you donate a week’s stay at a condo at the beach or a romantic mountain weekend? Can you donate something each month for a year? Do you own a restaurant? How about “Lunch for 2 each month for a year”? Work at a Florist? Why not donate “a seasonal bouquet each month for a year”? How about a night out on the town? Pull your connections together to create a fun basket for two. Dinner for 2, 2 theater tickets, a hotel stay in the city, 2 spa certificates. You get the idea! We all need a relaxing night out every now and then! Do you work for a vet’s office? Will your veterinarian donate an annual vaccine package? Are you crafty, or do you make furniture? Homemade, one-of-a-kind items are always BIG hits at our Spring Fling. How about a custom BHRG dog bed? What about a personalized set of dog bowls or cookie jar? Experiences!! Thing about the things you may never purchase for yourself. A hot air balloon ride, NASCAR racing experience, zip-lining in the N. GA mountains, Broadway tickets, or some other once-in-a-lifetime experience? And SILENT Auction Donations! Don’t have an item for our Live Auction? We’re also accepting items for our Silent Auction and Bidding Frenzy - remember, no item is too small! Attendees browsing the Silent Auction tables last year! Coffee Lover’s Delight - How about an assortment of coffee blends, coffee mugs, a warm throw for those chilly mornings (or evenings)? Through the Grape Vine - Wine is always a big hit! Create a basket with an assortment of wines, wine glasses, and wine accessories. Let’s Get Physical - Let’s face it - we could ALL use a little exercise. What about a basket with hand weights, kettle balls, workout DVD, resistance bands, and a yoga mat and socks? Themed Dinner - Include some gourmet food items, cookbooks, utensils, and provide the lucky winner with a tasty meal. Did you receive a holiday or birthday gift that just isn’t you or maybe a duplicate gift? How Donations can be mailed to: about donating that item for BHRG the Silent Auction? As long as c/o Leslie Crickenberger it hasn’t been used, that item 148 Fox Hall Trail could raise money for the hounds! Think about these items you may have Athens, GA 30601 put away: Bath products; Purses and other Deadline for donations to be included accessories; Household Items - Vases, Framed Prints, in the Spring Fling is May 1st. Area Rugs, Decorative Items; Jewelry, Books, Collectibles; Kitchen Items - Waffle Irons, Blenders, etc.; Electronics - DVD Players, Gaming Consoles, Printers, etc. No item is too small. We can use smaller items to put together themed baskets of our own! Or feel free to make a suggestion for a theme based on your donation! Basset Hound Rescue of Georgia, Inc. continued from page 2 Bidding Frenzy A very exciting part of the Spring Fling Dinner Auction is the Bidding Frenzy. During this event, all gift cards we have acquired will be auctioned off at face value to the first bidder, so you have to be quick! In just 2 minutes, thousands of dollars can be raised for the hounds! But we need gift cards to have this exciting feature at our event! All sorts of gift cards are needed, and businesses are happy to support the charitable organizations supported by their patrons. Most business have funds allocated for their managers to use to support community charities. Think of the places where you do business: Restaurants, Coffee Shops, Car Washes, Department Stores, Pet Supply Stores, Groomers, Vets, Spas, Nail Salons, Boutiques, Bookstores, Stores, Grocery Stores, and more. Keep in mind that many businesses and organizations in our community will donate items or gift cards. All you have to do is ask! Visit www.bhrg.org/auction.htm for more information and ideas about donation items and to let us know that you have a donation. (Donations received after May 1st will be saved for the Basset Bash in the fall.) For questions about donation items, contact Leslie Crickenberger at 706.207.8449 or [email protected]. Donations can be mailed to BHRG, c/o Leslie Crickenberger, 148 Fox Hall Trail, Athens, GA 30601. Auction Sponsorships Put your company in the spotlight by becoming an Auction Sponsor. We have set up several levels of sponsorships so you’re sure to find something that suits your business Platinum Sponsorship $500 - You will receive a full page color ad, a sign at the Auction, a sign in the middle of every table featuring your name/logo, and special mention in the Auction Catalog and at the Auction. This is our highest level of sponsorship still available and is a great way to promote your business. Gold Sponsorship $200 - You will receive a quarter page color ad, a sign in the middle of every table featuring your name/logo, and special mention in the Auction Catalog and at the Auction. Cash Bar Sponsorship $500 - You’ll receive your name/logo on a banner at the Cash Bar during the event, special mention in the Auction catalog, at the Auction, on our website, and in our newsletter. Champagne Toast Sponsorship $600 - A favorite part of every Auction is our Champagne Toast. By sponsoring this portion of our evening, you will receive a sign in the ballroom, special mention in the Auction catalog, at the Auction, on our website, and in our newsletter. Catalog Ads < < < Memorial Ad - For $30, you receive a business card size ad in memory of a special hound (or other pet). Half Page - $65 - Choose between a horizontal (5.5” x 4.25”) or vertical ($4.25” x 5.5”) ad. Full Page - $100 - 5.5” x 8.5” YES! I would like to be an Auction Sponsor and/or place an ad in the Auction Catalog! Sponsorship Options Platinum $500 Gold $200 Cash Bar $500 Champagne Toast $600 For information on becoming an Auction Sponsor, please fill out a Sponsor form (at right), or contact our Events Coordinator, Leslie Crickenberger, at 706.207.8449 or [email protected]. You may also register online at bhrg.org/auction_sponsor.htm. Advertisement Options Make Your Reservations Today! Contact Person _______________________________ You haven’t seen anything like our Auction - don’t miss out on fun times like the fast-paced Heads N Tails raffle (you could win some cold hard cash!), the reveal of BHRG’s Vet of the Year and Volunteer of the Year, and the friendly competition of BHRG supporters jockeying for Live and Silent Auction items. Gather some family or friends and send in your reservation form today. Get ready for some food, fellowship, and FUNdraising for BHRG’s homeless hounds...send in your reservations early to take advantage of discounted ticket sales! We look forward to seeing you on May 16th. Phone Number (_____) ________________________ Day Night Cell Email Address _______________________________ Address ____________________________________ Full Page $100 Half Page $65 Memorial $30 Business Name _______________________________ City/State/ZIP ______________________________ Make checks payable to BHRG & mail with this form & ad artwork to: BHRG - Auction Sponsorship P.O. Box 680322, Marietta, GA 30068-0006 Questions??? Call 706.207.8449 or email [email protected]. Deadline for Sponsorships: May 1, 2015 Basset Hound Rescue of Georgia, Inc. Page 3 Recapping 2014’s Sherlock Hounds Basset Bash! On Saturday, October 25th, hundreds of BHRG supporters and their hounds gathered at Fowler Park in Cumming, GA, for our 20th Annual Basset Bash. Attendees traveled from across the country to participate in this special Sherlock Hounds-themed Bash. BHRG raised over $20,000, which goes straight to the rescue and care of homeless Bassets in Georgia. In a new twist this year, Bash attendees (hounds and humans alike) participated in a mystery sleuth game called “The Case of the Bungled Beef Bone.” Our winners, the Battles, were treated to two first-class seats at an Atlanta Falcons Competing in the game. From Basset games to our jam-packed raffle table to a Bash photo booth, Mystery Sleuth Game there was fun to be had for all. The main focus of the Bash, of course, was our adoption tent where our wonderful Adoptions Coordinator, Lisa Weisenberger, helped our foster hounds find their forever homes - and after all was said and done, 8 lucky hounds were on their way to being the king and queen at their new homes! There Were Games and Contests! Nothing says entertainment like a Basset dressed in a tutu, or as a ladybug or bee, a cheerleader, Sherlock Holmes, or Wonder Woman. Bassets participated in several games including the super sleuth sniffer game, an agility maze (it’s amazing what a Basset will do for a treat!) that included a tunnel and hurdles, and the ever-popular costume contest. 2014 also saw the return of the fan-favorite longest ears and biggest paws contests. Congratulations to all our winners!! What Did Ya Say? Oops! Stuck Basset! 2014 Basset Royalty Were Crowned BHRG fosters Sam and Evie were crowned King and Queen of the Bash due to their huge medical accomplishments they made in their foster homes. Sam overcame a severe case of mange that covered the majority of his body, and Evie struggled with chronic ear infections that were so severe she had to be hospitalized. We are proud to say Sam has found a wonderful, loving forever home since the Bash! Unfortunately, Evie continues to struggle with chronic ear infections and will undergo a second surgery soon. She is being looked after by her Bash Royalty wonderful foster dad, Keith Gillis. Raffle Basket... Fantastic Raffle Prizes Were Awarded er, Cooler One of the highlights of every Bash is the “Pawction” tables...and this year’s tables did not disappoint. Everyone loves a good raffle and the tables were overflowing with items this year. From hand-crafted items donated by our über-talented BHRG supporters to “baskets” brimming with goodies, deciding which items to choose for your raffle tickets was mind-boggling. The choices featured everything from jewelry to baskets full of houndie treats, but the most sought after raffle was a custom Moon Doggie coffee basket with BHRG alums, Sam and Evie, decorating the packaging. Cruise Raffle The biggest raffle of the day was the cruise raffle. The winner was awarded a $700 Royal Caribbean Cruises gift certificate to be used on a cruise to any location. BHRG Fosters Melody & Logan Gray had the lucky ticket and will soon be cruising to an exotic destination. Congrats, Melody and Logan! We’re all envious, considering the weather we’ve had in Georgia the past month. Handmade Bed Fit For Bash Royalty continued on next page Page 4 Basset Hound Rescue of Georgia, Inc. continued from page 4 Photo Booth Shenanigans If you missed the Bash photo booth, you really missed out! Attendees visited a free photo booth complete with props - silly hats, boas, giant sunglasses, and even a Basset face mask (we admit that one was a little on the creepy side). BHRG supporters and their hounds got into the spirit and took all sorts of crazy pics. We’ve shared a few of the funnier shots here - including one featuring the BHRG Trustees. The booth was an absolute blast and we hope to have it back for the next Bash in October. Extra Special Memories We finished this year’s Bash with a BHRG alumni group photo. This was the second year we asked BHRG alums to join us on the Bash stage, and we continue to be touched by our extended BHRG family. Bash Photo Booth Craziness BHRG Alumni GroupPhoto Annual Memorial Service Bassets who passed in the last year were also remembered during our annual Memorial Service, led by Monsignor Patrick Bishop. Every year, we take time at the end of the Bash to remember all of the hounds that we have lost this year. The names of hounds who left us for the Rainbow Bridge were read aloud to close out the Bash. 2014 Bash Sponsorships and Donors A huge thanks goes out to our 2014 Bash Sponsors! This year, we added a Park Sponsor (thank you, Raleigh Hound) and DJ Sponsor (In Memory of Foster, Huck) to help cover costs associated with our new location at Fowler Park. A+ Premium Pet Care, Alliance OB/GYN, PC., Architectural Accents, Britt & Associates, DEX Industries, Inc., Doc’s Food and Spirits, Gray Hounds, Perk-N-Pooch, Righteous Hound, Senior Houndsabound, Shallowford Animal Hospital, and Williamsburg Travel Leaders were all 2014 Bash Sponsors. Thank you so much for your support. We couldn’t do it without you. And of course, we couldn’t have been successful without our 2014 Donors who made our HUGE raffle table a remarkable success! Thank you to Keith Gillis, Josh & Kristin Echelbarger, Cindy Wilson, Zac & Leslie Crickenberger, Brick & Julie Bills, Wil & Patty Mullins, Nikki Henderson, Kaelin Broaddus, Donna Farner, Charle & Marci Thomas, Barbara Heimanson, Erin Fusetti, Michele Welt, Diane Ward, CJ & Patti Nellums, Susan Woodward, Matt & April Foust, Cindy Peters, Sandra Willis, Gayla Hogan, Ashley Kraynak, Becky Clutter, David & Christine Jones, Shannyn Bowen, Cyndi Hessler, Senior Houndsabound, Peggy O’Brien, Michelle Salyers, Margaret Lewis, Brian & Kelley Anglin, City Market, Brenda Keefe, Beth Wilson, Jay & Stacey Harris, and Terri Davis. And Many More Thank Yous We would also like to thank the many volunteers that worked hard to ensure that the Bash was a success. From selling merchandise and raffle tickets to helping our hounds find forever homes, our volunteers were all over the Bash making sure all activities ran smoothly. Because BHRG is an all volunteer organization, we rely heavily on our volunteers to keep us going. Your support is appreciated and you are a valued piece of our organization. Thanks for all you do to support BHRG so that we NEVER have to say no to a homeless hound in Georgia! Basset Hound Rescue of Georgia, Inc. See You In October! We hope everyone enjoyed the Bash as much as we did and we hope to see all of you and your hounds at the 2015 Bash - mark your calendars NOW for October 24th - we’ll be returning to Fowler Park in Cumming. Organizer’s Note: Do you have comments about the Bash or suggestions for the next Bash? Contact Events Coordinator, Leslie Crickenberger, at [email protected] or 706.207.8449. Page 5 We Couldn’t Do Anything Without Your Support! As Always...We The majority of monies donated (and net proceeds from the sale of BHRG collectibles) is used to pay for are used for other expenses including hearthworm/ NEED Foster Homes! veterinary expenses. A small amount of donations flea/tick preventatives as well as tags/collars, crates/ We would like to reiterate AGAIN that our single greatest need in addition to monetary donations is that of FOSTER HOMES for the Bassets. As of this writing, we have over 30 dogs in foster care or kennels... many of our foster homes are doubling and trippling up. Our numbers might be low but are sure to increase this spring, when we typically see an uptick in intake. Here are some facts that maybe you hadn’t thought of when considering whether or not you want to try fostering: U We have less than 25 full-time foster homes (we often have nearly 60 dogs in foster care). Of those, all work full-time jobs outside of the home and/or are raising young children. U DID YOU KNOW??? BHRG has never turned away a shelter hound. Last year, that cost us nearly $37,000 in boarding fees. This year, we’re already boarding hounds as we’re out of space yet again!!! U As a foster home, you are responsible for the dog’s basic daily needs, such as quality food and shelter. A fenced area large enough to allow the hound plenty of room to run and play safely is a must. Your foster’s basic health requirements such as shots and spay/neuter as well as heartworm and flea preventatives are paid for and supplied by BHRG. U In general, foster hounds stay in your home from one week to several months. If you’ve ever considered becoming a foster home, now’s the time! What if BHRG was forced to say no to your hound in need?!? If you are interested in more information on fostering a hound for BHRG, check out our web site at bhrg.org. Or, call us today at 770.499.1164 or e-mail Laura Diers, our Foster Home Coordinator, at [email protected]. It is a truly rewarding experience to work with these rescued Basset Hounds!!! Page 6 Treasurer’s Report supplies, and shelter fees. We also use donations to cover our outrageous boarding expenses (won’t you consider becoming a foster home?!?). Administrative expenses such as insurance, postage, printing, telephone bills and fees associated with various events are also covered by donations. BHRG does not have any paid employees...we are all volunteers who believe money raised should go to the hounds! BHRG has an adoption donation of $250*. This helps defray the cost of spaying/neutering, vaccinations, heartworm testing and preventative medications. We are extremely grateful to our veterinarians for the discounts we receive, especially when a hound needs special care and/or requires additional medications and treatments. Your donations and t-shirt, etc. purchases help offset the difference between the adoption donations and the extraordinary expenses that can add up with just a few heartworm positive hounds (or the expenses of emergency care). Don’t forget...as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, all donations to BHRG are 100% tax deductible! TOTAL EXPENDITURES $159,994 * Senior hounds (those 8 years and older) may be adopted for a tax-deductible adoption donation of $100. Previous adopters will have this fee waived. Puppies who have not yet been altered require a $300 donation; however, per our spay/neuter agreement, $50 is refunded upon receipt of the vet-signed portion of the agreement. BHRG’S ADOPTION FEES WERE EFFECTIVE September 2008! (1.1.14 through 12.31.14 - Unaudited) Auction Expenses $15,581 Bash Expenses $5,037 Boarding $36,674 Computer Expenses $419 Liability Insurance $527 Licenses & Fees $330 Merchandise Expenses $657 Microchipping Expenses $1,629 Miscellaneous $606 Newsletter Expenses $3,212 Office Expenses $483 Pet Care (collars, tags, etc.) $4,047 Postage $857 Preventatives $1,933 Shelter Fees $1,746 Telephone Expenses $698 Vehicle Expenses $6,438 Vet Bills $79,120 Many, Many, MANY Thanks to Our Supporters! Every year, our biggest thanks goes to the loyal supporters who generously send donations to help defray our costs! We would also like to thank our Georgia Peach sponsors, as well as the many folks who sponsor a hound, donate (or solicit) items for, or make a donation at one of our annual events. (We HOPE we haven’t missed anyone, but we’ve been really busy with all the hounds. Your donations are ALWAYS appreciated!) Our thanks to: Pam Aiken, All State Giving Campaign (Debra Hatfield), Charles & Jennifer Ammons, AT&T Employee Giving Campaign (Kevin Pebley, Debra Smith, and Lisa Sullivan), Shannon Baker, Bank of America United Way Campaign (William Sechrist), Benevity Community Impact Fund (Russell Clarke and Derek Nixson), Neville Bhada, Ann Brannen (in honor of Lou), Barry & Cristle Bray (in memory of Steve Johnson), Patricia & David Brooks, Steven Cahill, Michael & Frances Carey, Stacy Chapman, Clayton County School Foundation (Leighann Moore), Christine Colborne (in honor of BHRG and in memory of Rufus, Buddy, Blue, Belle, Bessie, Ellie Mae, Samantha, Jackson, Princess, and Fieldstone), Stephen Couch (in honor of Shane & Alison Boyer), John & Anne Dickson, Doc’s Food & Spirits (Doc’s Luau/Anniversary Party/Chili Cook-Off) (Ellen Thompson), Carey Fewox, Suzanne Fitch, Erin Fusetti dba Maggie & Me, LLC, Jason & Lisa Gordon, Lynn (& Chica, BHRG 2012) Gunerman (Merry Christmas to all the hounds and volunteers of BHRG), Jean Harris (in memory of Ginger, Chip Fletcher & Nikki Henderson’s dog who shared her home with many BHRG foster hounds), Mary Beth Hebert, John Hood, Joyce Huang, Donnie Jarrell, Jimmy & Vicki Johnson (in honor of Rosemary Glennie), Johnson & Johnson Matching Gifts Program (Suzanne Fitch), Andgelia & Carl Kelly, Chris & Lisa Killingsworth, Robert & Jenna Kopp (in memory of Joy Johnson Kopp and in honor of Dolly Rosebud and Dixie Diva hounds), Mary & Randal Kraemer, Kroger, Sabra & Martin Neff (Merry Christmas to Ellen Thompson), Melissa Legg & Rick Reeves, Lori Lewis (in memory of Nicole Madeline), Elizabeth Magestic, David & Katherine Mason (in memory of Bob Hunter), Catherine McCloy, Claire McDougall (in memory of Katie Mae), Emilie Miller, New South Foundation (Sany Walker Catts), OSS/iGive, Mel & Mary Beth Ottum, Nancy Patterson, Stephen Pirkle, Victoria & Roland Rondeau (in honor of Marci Thomas), Michelle Salyers, Barbara Shuptrine & Jennifer Ammons (honoring Cooper & Jed), Silicone Valley Community Foundation (Chevron) (Robert Sevin), Marla Smith, Christa Tinsley Spaht (in memory of Savannah Knight), Mary Ann Spell, Richard & Shirley Sroka (for BHRG Frankie & Stuart), Ryan Stoner (for Sloane’s vet bills), David & Toni Strawn, LeAnn Sutherland, The Bell Family Foundation (Katherine Bell McClure), The Clorox Company Foundation-Employee Giving Campaign (George Hay), The Gumbo Foundation (Tracey Hogan), Marilyn & Charles Thomas (for Mattie’s care), Marci Thomas , J.C. Thomason, Carrie Thurman (in honor of Marci Thomas’ birthday), TRUist (Chris, Julie, & Abagail Carter), and Cindy Wilson dba Wilson Reporting. Every person who has considered a donation to our organization deserves a big, slobbery thank you from the hounds of BHRG (and its volunteers, too)! We definitely could NOT do anything without your generosity! To say “thank you” doesn’t seem like enough. Basset Hound Rescue of Georgia, Inc. Thank You to Our 2014 Georgia Peach Sponsors! Have you ever been perusing the available hounds section of the BHRG website and wondered what that little banner that reads “I have a peach!” means? Well, those lucky hounds have found a generous benefactor who sponsors them each month! We’d like to give a big shout out to thank our 2014 Georgia Peach sponsors. The following folks sponsor at least one basset hound each month. Their $25 monthly donation helps cover the cost of vet expenses, collars, tags, heartworm preventative, and flea and tick preventative. Extra Special Donors As a non-profit corporation, BHRG is always grateful to be on the receiving end of special gifts that help to offset our extraordinary veterinary bills and expenses. This year, we were lucky enough to have several extremely generous folks raise money for BHRG in unique ways. “The Five” (Hank, Joshua, Nessie, Gideon & Lyla Miller), Andrea White, Arthur Wilds, Bar- + Thank you to Paige Griffith and Edward Stephen for asking the guests at their bara & Russell Robinson, Brenda Keefe, Brian & Kelley Anglin, Brick & Julie Bills, Christine 2014 wedding to donate to BHRG in Colborne, Clark & Darlene McDonald, Coleman, Knox, and Mae (Mimi a/k/a Gigi Dianne), lieu of gifts. Congratulations to Paige Danica Walker, David Bishop, Debbie Young, Doc’s Food & Spirits, Ellen Thompson, Donald and Edward and many, many thanks to Lee, Donna Calendine, Doug & Angie Rubel, Elizabeth Brown, Elizabeth Jones, Emilie Miller, Bill & Alice Garrity, Beth Marshall, Eric Herrli & Steven Campeau, Fiona Kaplan & Kyle Garwick, Gerard Spell, Gregory D’Avis, Edward Stephen, Peter & Danielle Heather & Colin Rochford, Heather Short Moore & Ryan Moore, Jim & Joy Hargus, Jimmy Stephen, Brenton Teveit & Sandra Crowder, Karin & Scott Samuel, Kathleen Cannon, Katie Kandalec, Kevin Walker, Kimberly Griffith, Beverly Trottier, Mary Jane & Green, Larry & Kathy Johnson, Lauren Gilstrap, Leslie Crickenberger, Lorne & Sheila George, Terry Turner, and Nelda Wright for their Marci Thomas & Charles Walker, Mary Ann Spell, Mary E. Smith, Mary Relfe Russell Torrey, generosity. Mary Zellers, Matt & Keri James, Meliisa Legg & Rick Reeves, Mike & Missy Headrick, Rita & + Thank you to the folks who supported Alex Bailon, Robert Moore, Sandra & Justin Gardner, Sarah Elder, Scott Robison, Scott Woodard, Ellie’s Fund (described in the last “The Sean & Jennifer Gallagher, Sharon Heartley, Sherry Laemmermann, Susan Woodward, Tara Long & Short Of It”): Donna & Mario Guffrey, Teresa & John Moffet, The McCaffrey Family, Tom & Stephanie Vickers, Valerie Edwards, Delaguardia, Therese Francin, James Wendy Knight, Wesley & Laura Diers, and Whitney Harper Owens, Hamp & Susan Thorton, Clifford Walsh, Rhoda WeltIf you’ve always wanted to help a specific basset hound but didn’t know how, our Georgia Wasserstrom, and Lynn Welt. Peach program makes it possible for you to “virtually adopt” a hound until he or she finds a “forever” home. (The only bassets not available for the program are those with an “Adoption + Our thanks also go out to Dr. James & Pending” label next to their names - those hounds are spoken for and will be joining their Shelly Barber, Jamin Bercaw, Jo Ann & forever family soon.) Join our Georgia Peach sponsors and “be a peach” for one of our needy James Hardegree, Marcia Larson, Kevin basset hounds. Visit http://bhrg.org/georgia_peach.htm for details. & Kate Makocy, and Edward & Roberta Winnicki for donating in memory of Dan Strawbridge. Just This Side of Heaven... by Paul C. Dahm Just this side of Heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge. When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine and our friends are warm and comfortable. All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing: they each miss someone very special, someone who was left behind. They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; his eager body begins to quiver. Suddenly, he breaks from the group, flying over the green grass, faster and faster. You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into those trusting eyes, so long gone from your life, but never absent from your heart. Then you cross the Rainbow Bridge together... To The Bridge We would like to extend our sympathies to the BHRG families who have had basset friends pass to the Rainbow Bridge in the last year (there were 34 names on the list during the Bash Memorial Service this past October). Our sincere condolences to all the BHRG families who have lost a basset in the past few months. They are with us such a short time in the overall span of our lives but they can make such an impact on all those around them. Basset Hound Rescue of Georgia, Inc. Reward Program Supports BHRG! Kroger Community Rewards Shop at Kroger? Help BHRG easily by linking your Kroger Plus card to our community rewards account. Simply register with our non-profit number (33281) at www.krogercommunityrewards.com. U Use your Kroger Plus card every time you shop at Kroger. U Kroger sends BHRG quarterly checks. Win-Win! U Don’t forget to renew every year on August 1st! Have questions? Email Patti Nellums at [email protected]. Page 7 The Long & Short Of It NONPROFIT ORG US POSTAGE PAID ATLANTA GA PERMIT NO. 823 Official Publication of Basset Hound Rescue of Georgia, Inc. P.O. Box 680322 Marietta, Georgia 30068-0006 MOVING? Don’t forget to let us know your new address whenever it changes! Call 770.499.1164 and select option 9 or send an e-mail to [email protected] . Please include your new mailing address, phone number, and e-mail, when applicable. ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED And, remember...your gifts are always 100% tax deductible because BHRG is a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation! Dedicated to Saving Georgia’s Abandoned Basset Hounds Basset Hound Rescue of Georgia, Inc. Special FUNdraisers Holiday Gift Program for BHRG Foster Hounds The BHRG Trustees want to give a BIG shout out to BHRG Volunteer Marci Thomas. Marci created and organized a special holiday project this past fall called the Holiday Hounds. Thanks to Marci and her dedication to organizing the masses and soliciting donations, all BHRG foster hounds received a nice care package for the holidays. Thanks to everyone who donated their time, money, and items so that this was a success. It was very heartwarming for our foster families. Aiken Enjoying His Holiday Hounds Bed Marci & Raleigh Hound Celebrate at the 2014 BHRG Bash BHRG Trustees Julie Bradley, Founder Rosemary Glennie, President Leslie Crickenberger April Foust Stacey Harris Lisa Weisenberger *** Call Us *** 770.499.1164 *** Our Address *** P.O. Box 680322 Marietta, GA 30068-0006 ** Newsletter ** BHRG - Newsletter P.O. Box 680322 Marietta, GA 30068-0006 [email protected] Spring T-Shirt Sale After the success of last summer’s BHRG t-shirt FUNdraiser, Marci Thomas went to work organizing another amazing t-shirt sale. With support from around the country (and with far-flung supporters in Canada and Hungary), the latest t-shirt sale raised over $5,000 for the hounds. WOW! Thank you, Marci and the Thomas hounds, for pouring your heart into this labor of love! Thanks, too, to the talented Kristin Echelbarger for the art and to Katie Herman for the design that featured a famous quote from Groucho Marx, “Outside a dog, a book is man’s best friend. Inside a dog, it’s too dark to read.” Latest Shirt Design
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