Saturday, September 27, 2008

Letter to Oprah


I was watching Oprah the other day. I TiVo it, and it was an episode that followed up her puppy mill episode. I know that Oprah surely gets thousands of letters a day asking for her support, but I thought that it could not hurt to try. She does love animals and kids, right? If you think that what we are doing is a good thing, email Oprah and let her know. I say, the more the merrier. Maybe we can get something started here in St. Louis that will help dogs and kiddos all in one. This is the letter we sent her:

Dear Oprah Winfrey,


I am sitting here watching your September 25th show regarding the follow up to your puppy mill show. I am incredibly sad that the puppy mills, as well as the laws in so many states are not better for the helpless animals that need them. I live in St. Louis, MO and have incorporated a non-profit called Creative Animal Rescue and Art Education Center. Our objective is to care for, rehabilitate and find homes for pets in need. We will also be a facility that offers a camp for troubled young people. The young people will learn to help care for the animals, they will observe veterinarians rehabilitating the animals, they will help feed the animals and make sure the facilities are clean. We will also offer art classes throughout the week that will focus on animal related topics. At the end of the week we will have a showing of all of the artwork as well as an educational tour of the rescue camp for family and friends of the youth at the camp. It is our belief that through nurturing, education and care for animals, we will create more responsible citizens. We also believe that the creative aspect of our camp will give the youth an outlet to express their beliefs, frustrations and issues regarding everyday life, as well as how they feel about animals. We will have therapists on hand to council the children and to work with them through their troubles. Our biggest problem is lack of funding. I am currently a foster for another rescue that feeds and takes in strays when foster homes are available. We do not want to start rescuing animals through Creative Rescue until we have a facility in which we can house them. It is important to our mission that there is an educational aspect to our rescue as well. If there is any way you can donate to our cause, we would be so grateful. Thank you so much for caring about the animals and thank you for everything you do.

Sincerely,

Creative Animal Rescue
Amie Simmons


Monday, September 8, 2008

Board Members Needed!

I know this is starting to look like a jewelry blog, but it is how I am raising money for the rescue and to send myself to the Best Friends "How to Start a Sanctuary" workshop. I need a little guidance to say the very least. The feedback we have received has been wonderful, and I am feeling good about the speed at which I am taking things. Thank you everyone for your support. It has really been amazing to see and hear how many people are there for this cause. What we are in great need of, and I am not sure how to find is folks who are interested in being on the board. I mean people who are really interested in giving their time and selves to this cause. Not that it would have to take over your life, but it would have to be something that is near and dear to your heart. If you are at all interested, please contact me. I hope everyone had a great weekend and was able to enjoy this beautiful weather we are having. If you are not having beautiful weather, I am sorry. You should be in St. Louis right now. It is fabulous.