9.21.05

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Fellow Defenders of Animals:

RMAD’s crucial work continues, despite the Katrina tragedy. Our hearts go out to each and every being – human and animal – who lost their life or was displaced by the storm. It’s important to realize that while tragedies of this magnitude occur on a regular basis, we are all doing so much to assist. It’s also important to realize that RMAD is *you*. You are empowered to make a difference, whether it be adopting an animal to make room for the hundreds coming from Louisiana to Colorado, reaching out to the public about the hellish existence farm animals endure, or relocating imperiled prairie dogs. RMAD’s small staff does the work of much larger groups on a fraction of the budget, but we couldn’t exist without your support and help.

Tonight is a great time to meet up with people and discuss issues like this. We’re meeting at Ping’s Favorite starting at 4:30 p.m. (see below) to continue building a community of animal advocates. There is no agenda except a good time but it’s a chance to express yourself among compassionate minds. We’d love to have you there.

The office has been particularly vibrant this past week. We’ve had a lot of small successes that add up to big ones and boost our confidence and state of mind.

First, Patagonia found our www.BoycottNalgene.com page and called us for more information on cruelty-free bottles. They are seeking an alternative to the Nalgene bottles they have used for a long time.

We assisted in a situation where a pit bull had been tied to a tree and left to die. Because no authority or animal group except RMAD offered help, we got our lawyer friend Madeline Duncan involved. She contacted Jefferson County animal control who in turn found the dog, injured and distraught, but alive. Despite being having been abandoned days before and having bloodied his paws in an attempt to free himself from the tether, he lovingly accepted the home of a rescuer (which counters the position so many cities are taking that pit bulls are ruthless killers.) Many thanks to Madeline for her help and to Karen, for tirelessly pursuing this situation until it was resolved.

Donna has spent a considerable amount of her off hours assisting citizens with feral cat issues. She helped a Denver resident who also received absolutely no help from local humane societies and animal control. This is a trend that needs to stop!

So much goes on behind the scenes that it’s difficult to account for everything we do. We plan protests, support campaigns, organize events, answer dozens of calls and emails; our volunteers are tabling, designing and running websites, writing brochures, helping with mailings, writing grants, rescuing animals, handing out fliers, and more. We do a vast amount of work and there is more to be done. 2005 has been a huge year for our organization and we can only continue to grow from here.

We’re always here to talk, so if you have any questions, concerns or bad jokes, please give us a call (303-449-4422).

Donna and Chris
Calendar:

Wednesday, September 21: Happy Hour and Food
When: We have the party room reserved starting at 4:30.
Where: Ping's Favorite Chinese, 1635 28th St (In the corner of the strip mall where Video Station is, near Qdoba's).
Drinks are discounted (including the Flaming Volcano!). You can also order appetizers and/or dinner; Ping's has a wide variety of vegetarian and vegan choices, and we’d like to support a local establishment. We get together like this to help build community and get to know each other better. All are welcome! Please contact Mike Stabler for more info at mikes@rmad.org

Saturday, September 24: Fur Demo
Winter is fast approaching and sadly, fur sales will soon be on the rise for the season. Please help us spread the truth about fur, in Denver.
Here's the scoop about fur:
http://www.furisdead.com/feat/ChineseFurFarms/
http://www.hsus.org/wildlife/issues_facing_wildlife/fur_and_trapping/
http://www.furisdead.com/getActive.asp
http://www.furisdead.com/photos-traps.asp
http://www.bancrueltraps.com/
When: 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM. Posters and leaflets will be provided. Bring an umbrella just in case!
Where: Marks Lloyds Furs, 263 Josephine between 2nd and 3rd in Cherry Creek See directions below.
Directions: From I-25 take Speer South to University. Turn Left (North, see Whole Foods Market on your Right after you turn onto University). University turns into Josephine after you cross 2nd. Marks Lloyds will, be on your Left just before 3rd. Don't forget to buy a parking ticket to place on your dash board from one of the green parking boxes marked with a (P) that are located on each block. From 6th Avenue going East, or 8th Avenue going West. go South on York (a one way street) to 3rd. Turn Left (East) on 3rd. Josephine is the next street. Marks Lloyds is behind Little Ollies which you will see on the corner of 3rd and Josephine. Call 303-807-1886 if you need help with directions.

Saturday, October 1: Farm Sanctuary Walk for Farm Animals
When: Registration: 9:00 a.m. Walk: 9:30 a.m.
Where: Civic Center Park (1437 Bannock), Denver
Picnic to follow. For more information, contact Harriet (719-276-2201), denver@walkforfarmanimals.org) or visit www.walkforfarmanimals.org.

Saturday, October 8: Ringling Brothers Circus Animal Vigil
When: 6:45 p.m.
Where: Denver Coliseum
More details to follow!!

Tuesday, October 11: Howard Lyman Talk
When: 7:30 p.m.
Where: Ramaley C250, CU, Boulder, http://www.colorado.edu/campusmap/map.html?search=ramaley&x=9&y=9
Not to be missed!!

Sunday, October 9: Prairie Dog Coalition Bowl-A-Thon
Help the prairie dogs and have fun at the same time!
When: Sunday, October 9, 2005 3-5pm
Where: SPLITZ Bowling Center, 10685 Westminster Blvd. Westminster
Details: All bowlers are graciously asked to get a minimum of 10 sponsors of $10.00 each. There is a $6.00 entry fee payable at the door that includes: 2 games, shoes, prizes and FUN! Please contact the Prairie Dog Coalition office to reserve your space to bowl and get a sponsor sheet at 720.938-0788 or info@prairiedogcoalition.org Bowl-A-Thon pledge sheets and instructions can be found at www.prairiedogcoalition.org/events/shtml

Friday, November 25: Fur Free Friday
When: 11:00 a.m.
Where: Cherry Creek
More details to follow!!
Ongoing: Vegetarian Parents of Denver Meeting
Vegetarian Parents of Denver meet the second Saturday of every month. We discuss a variety of issues, share resources and are even starting an organic food buying club. We welcome parents of children of any age. Bring the kids and we have a babysitter watch them in another room. Our next meeting is June 11 at 10 a.m.- 12 p.m. You can call 303 355 5272 or e-mail Laura Patrick (veganmom2002@yahoo.com) for directions. Or join our online discussion group at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/compassionate_future/.