{"id":40667,"date":"2016-01-06T06:00:49","date_gmt":"2016-01-06T11:00:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/jacksonvillemom.com\/?p=40667"},"modified":"2016-01-05T13:26:03","modified_gmt":"2016-01-05T18:26:03","slug":"want-hate-people-drink-coffee-save-animals","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/jacksonvillemom.com\/in-around-jax\/want-hate-people-drink-coffee-save-animals\/","title":{"rendered":"All I Want To Do Is Hate People, Drink Coffee, and Save Animals"},"content":{"rendered":"

Growing up, I had three siblings. Monica, a sister four years my junior; Misti, a\u00a0small-but-important-step-away-from-feral cat; and Mac-named for Paul McCartney and my Grandaddy-a pit bull\/ ehhhhh, questionably American Bulldog mix. Misti and Mac were both rescues–she from under a house, he from the Humane Society of the Treasure Coast<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Back then, I liked both of them more than Monica most days. My feelings toward my human sister, luckily, have changed over the years; my feelings for my fur brother and sister have not. I’m thirty-three now and remain one of those girls\u00a0who still only manages to tolerate people<\/em> I’ve known for years–but instantly loves any animal I glimpse through the window of my car. I earned the volunteer hours for my college applications at the animal shelter in my hometown, then adopted a cat of my own when I was a sophomore at Florida State, followed by a dog when I was a senior. Luca is 11 now and has begrudgingly accepted her role having shifted from Mama’s happy hour wing woman to family pet and puppy\u00a0sister.<\/p>\n

\"Even<\/a>
Even though our two girl squad has added a Mr. and baby over the years, adopting my rescue dog, Luca, is one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. And who can say that about most of the decisions they made in college?!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

My husband tolerates the\u00a0warm, fuzzy place that warm, fuzzy bodies with cold, wet noses take up in my heart–and the multitude of Facebook shares for animal adoptions, kill-shelter stats, and volunteer opportunities that go along with it. My toddler is following right in his Mama’s footsteps (Well, except maybe the people- hating part- Kid is a lover.) His first word, other than the usual Mama and Daddy, was “Dog,” and he spends car rides meowing from his car seat at all of downtown Jacksonville’s many street\u00a0cats.<\/p>\n

When we celebrated his first birthday last June, the theme choice was obvious- “Mac Doggy Dogg and Tha Dogg Pound,” and we knew right away that, instead of presents, we wanted our guests to celebrate him by donating to a cause close to our collective heart: Shelter Pets. We chose Friends of Clay County Animals<\/a>\u00a0because they’re one-stop-do-it-all shop for animals is in need right here in our backyard. Formed by a small group of shelter volunteers, FOCCA uses fundraising and public education to assist with medical care, enrich shelter environments for pets and potential families, promote adoptions, and reduce euthanasia due to injury, illness, and shelter overcrowding.\u00a0One of their main goals is to help the animals adopted from the shelter receive life-saving heartworm treatment. The group is currently treating several heartworm positive dogs and has paid for several life-saving surgeries.<\/p>\n

Prior to FOCCA, a large number of adoptable dogs were euthanized due solely to the cost<\/em>\u00a0alone<\/em> of heartworm treatment. (I don’t know about you ice queens–but that fact alone just about breaks my heart) Now, through\u00a0their\u00a0continued fundraising efforts, when a heartworm positive dog is adopted from the shelter, their treatment is completely funded<\/em> by FOCCA. That’s not just saving money, peeps–that’s straight up saving lives.<\/p>\n

\"Friends<\/a>
Friends of Clay County Animals helps shelter pets in need–and those pets need YOU to help Friends of Clay County Animals. (That was my Jerry Maguire moment: #helpmehelpyou)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Unfortunately for the real world, the need for charitable giving and volunteerism\u00a0doesn’t end with the close of the holiday season. These sweet dogs and cats need human help all year long, one year after another. You know that mug you drink your coffee out of? The one your BFF bought you off Etsy that says “Be The Change?” Here’s how you can take that sweet sentiment from resolution to reality:<\/p>\n

Volunteering:<\/h3>\n

No matter how much or how little time you have to offer, there is something for everyone to do who wants to get involved! Some of the volunteer opportunities available to you through FOCCA and the shelter include: walking, bathing, fostering, assisting with fundraising and events, providing the shelter animals with love and attention, training, kennels, and transporting animals to events or vet appointments. Getting started is super easy:\u00a0simply attend an hour long shelter orientation (held at least the first Saturday of every month at 10:30am. Please check the Clay County Animal Care and Control website<\/a> or Facebook page<\/a> for details and\u00a0questions) and decide which location works best for you.<\/p>\n

\"FOCCA<\/a>
FOCCA is a great option when teaching your kids about how to give back–be it a neighborhood blanket drive, fostering a kitten, or even volunteering a couple of Saturdays a month.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Fostering and\u00a0Bow Wow Breakouts:<\/h3>\n

Fostering is not a lifetime commitment, but a commitment to save a life. By opening your heart and home to an animal in need, you save not only their life but also\u00a0the life of another animal that can then have their cage. You can foster a dog or cat who desperately needs a temporary home until they are adopted\u00a0or\u00a0kittens who require bottle feeding–even\u00a0sick animals who will not do well in the shelter. It’s completely up to you. (If you are interested in fostering, please email foccafoster@gmail.com).<\/p>\n

If you can’t commit to having another animal in the house right now, consider joining the Bow Wow Breakout Club!\u00a0This program is perfect for someone that cannot foster or adopt at the moment but would like to enrich the life of a shelter dog. Sign an adoptable\u00a0dog out of the shelter for the day and go have fun–sidewalk cafe, dog park, hanging out in your backyard–even a few hours away from the stress and noise of shelter life can make all the difference\u2026 for both of you!<\/p>\n

\"This<\/a>
This adorable pup is a prime example of what FOCCA makes possible. Howie was hit by a car and his leg was broken. Thanks to donations and volunteer efforts, he received the treatment he needed, was able to heal in a foster home, and has since been adopted! Yay, happy endings!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Donating:<\/h3>\n

Tax-deductible donations may be sent by Paypal<\/a> to friendsofclaycountyanimals@gmail.com or by check to\u00a0Friends of Clay County Animals,\u00a0P.O. Box 8075,\u00a0Fleming Island, FL 32003. Cash donations can be made in person at any adoption or fundraising event. (For a list of upcoming events, please check FOCCA’s website<\/a> or Facebook page<\/a>)\u00a0Any size donation is greatly appreciated and goes directly to the animals–for example, just $15 buys a pet in Foster care heartworm preventative. They\u00a0are also always in need of towels, fleece blankets, and bleach, which\u00a0can be dropped off at the shelter during business hours (Or email them\u00a0to arrange pick up!). FOCCA also has fun fundraising events throughout the year, like Pints for Pets and their upcoming Doggone Easter Egg Hunt–plus an Amazon Wishlist (HERE<\/a>) with items starting at under\u00a0$5. That’s less than Starbucks money, Mama.<\/p>\n

\"You<\/a>
You can also help raise money for the animals FOCCA helps by attending one of their fun socials- like their annual collaboration with Bold City Brewery, Pints For Pets.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Sponsoring An Event:<\/h3>\n

Some event ideas include a birthday or holiday gathering where guests are encouraged to provide tax deductible gifts to FOCCA instead of to the normal gift recipient; a learning experience for a scout troop or sporting team to tour the shelter to learn how they can help; or an off-site collection drive for much-needed donations. FOCCA is open to hearing any ideas you have to enrich the lives of the animals they\u00a0care for. If you, or a group you are involved in, has\u00a0an interest in sponsoring an adoption or fundraising event, please contact friendsofclaycountyanimals.amy@gmail.com.<\/p>\n

So the next time you remind your kiddos about the Golden Rule (“Do Unto Others\u2026”), remember that it extends to your fur babies, too. If your dog jumped your fence tomorrow, wouldn’t you want a group like Friends of Clay County Animals on their team?<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n