Sound the Trumpets! Not only are we all still alive after the Doomsday prediction this weekend, but THANKS TO YOU and everyone pitching in to donate, we will be closing on the DDB Good Newz Rehab Center this Friday, May 27th! Again, we'd like to thank all our generous donors; without you, we would not be getting off the ground.

We are taking one of our rescued chained dogs with us to closing, Sloane (pictured above), a German Shepherd who spent too many winters chained in the PA cold. Sloane indeed went from rags to riches when he not only came to live inside with us, but now will travel to be in a photo shoot for the Hampton Roads Magazine who is doing a story about the takeover!

We currently have $176,507 in hand, and really need another $7,500 for closing. Can you please help with this immediate goal? If you've already donated, can you send another $10 to add to the pot?

Thank you so much!

IT'S CRUNCH TIME. LET'S DO IT! http://www.dogsdeservebetter.org/ddbcenter.html

WHEN WE GET ON THE GROUND, WE WILL NEED YOUR HELP in the following ways! We have immediate need for the following volunteer services:

• Large truck to move all office materials and office foster family materials
• Volunteers to load truck in Tipton, PA
• Volunteers to unload truck in Smithfield, VA
• Fence materials and building team in Smithfield, VA
• Building renovation team
• A small temporary housing facility for dogs

You can donate directly through our website, call us at 877.636.1408 to donate, or mail a donation to P.O. Box 23, Tipton, PA 16684:

http://www.dogsdeservebetter.org/ddbcenter.html

Please follow us on Facebook to keep abreast of all the latest news and information!

https://www.facebook.com/dogsdeservebetter?ref=ts

Please, Please, please go to Care2 and vote for DDB to win $15,000 for the center! Vote for Dogs Deserve Better, Zip Code 16686

http://tinyurl.com/3zmoepc

University of Lincoln, Nebraska students
Jamie Ruzicka and Joslyn Hopkins did an Animal Awareness Campaign as a part of thier senior project at UNL. They are bringing awareness to issues that new pet owners might not know about before adding an animal to their family.

As the final project of their college education, they wanted to combine their skills with a gesture of goodwill to a subject that they are devoted to and continue to advocate for the recognition of both the benefits of bringing a companion animal into the home as well as the sorrowful plight that faces many homeless animals every day. Their mission was to make thoughtful, appealing posters and buttons readily available to rescues, veterinary clinics and pet stores that promote responsible adoption; these operations might not have the time or resources to have informational posters designed for them. As graphic designers, they believe in the power of design to communicate and educate the public. They concentrated on presenting helpful information on each poster without having it be too overwhelming at the same time.

They have made eight 2x3 foot posters and 10 different button designs. Additionally, they have designed a website, that makes these resources available as well as giving clear, concise information about the challenges and misconceptions about animals in our shelter system. The website includes links to both local and national organizations, rescues and veterinary clinics that participate in companion animal advocacy by promoting adoption, low cost or free spay and neuter programs and responsible pet ownership.

You are able to download our posters off the site to print and hang anywhere to spread the message. You are also able to order 1-inch buttons displaying a diversity of breeds by contacting us through email to sell at fundraisers, your store, or just to wear! Proceeds will go to local shelters. The first charity we have designated as the recipient of their button sales is Dogs Deserve Better.

http://www.reasons2rescue.com/

Thank you Jamie and Joslyn for your continued support to DDB.

From Rep Melody Whitworth:
Skipper, formerly named "Spike" has been fostered at my house for over a year. Skipper was found on an outer road chained to a tree with another dog "Walker." Skipper was very skittish when he came off the chain, very jumpy, he did not like to be petted or have any affection.

In a year's time he has come a long way and now loves to snuggle! Skipper has been at multiple adoption events, has been the pet of the week, is the profile pic for Dogs Deserve Better MO facebook page, is the poster child for the Christmas Sponsorship program on the DDB website, is on Petfinder, etc., etc.

But even after all of this exposure, he had not ever had as much as an inquiry......Until now!!! A wonderful grad student named Hanna has been watching Skipper on Petfinder for the last 6 months! She was waiting to fill out an application after she moved into a more pet friendly rental unit. She was thrilled after all this time that he was still available.

Skipper now lives with Hannah and her two roommates and they love him to pieces and think that he is absolutely perfect! I am very particular when adopting to students, especially when living in a college town but this girl is very responsible, did her due diligence, thought things through, her parents approved, and she even now wants to volunteer for DDB! This is just proof that there is a home out there for every one of our fosters.

Some times "time" is all we have on our side. This was such a happy day for everyone involved. Have a Happy Life Skipper!

Thanks for bringing chained dogs into the home and family with us for the past nine years. We couldn't do it without your support.

Remember, if you or someone you know has room in the family for a pet and have often pondered bringing a dog into your life, fostering is a fantastic way to prepare yourself for the day that you decide to make that commitment. Dogs Deserve Better is seeking qualified foster families for dogs that have been rescued from sad, heartbreaking situations. These dogs are so grateful for a family and truly are deserving of an opportunity to learn that people truly can be a dogs best friend! Dogs Deserve Better will furnish everything that you need to care for your foster Dog while they await adoption; all you need is love, patience and a secure fenced yard to participate in this rewarding experience.

If you would like to become a foster parent, please fill out the foster application below. We are always in need of great foster homes..

http://www.dogsdeservebetter.org/foster.html

Deana Whitfield,
National Volunteer Coordinator
Dogs Deserve Better

http://www.dogsdeservebetter.org/donations2.html