Down East magazine features Maine State Society for the Protection of Animals

Down East magazine features the story of the Maine State Society for the Protection of Animals! On July 15th, the August issue of Down East magazine will hit the newsstands, and in it the love story of the MSSPA will be skillfully told by acclaimed writer Cynthia Anderson, who is originally from Rumford, Maine. Several months ago, the Society sent a story idea to Down East in an effort to catch the interest of the publishers of New England's premiere magazine and bring public attention to the wonderful work accomplished at the South Windham farm facility. When Down East made its decision to run a feature, the Society staff was thrilled. The next step involved celebrated photographer Sara Gray spending a couple of days at the farm snapping shots of everything from staff members mucking stalls and bathing horses to taking calls about abused or neglected animals. Another entire day was spent with writer Cynthia Anderson, who charmed MSSPA staffers. She made them so comfortable that they able to freely share the kind of candid details that make a story real.

The result? Read it for yourself by clicking this link to the story. Better yet, buy the August issue of Down East, read the story and view the touching photographs. Best of all, join the MSSPA at a minimum level of $20.00 between now and the end of August 2008; we will send you a complimentary copy of the August issue of Down East along with your membership materials.

The story comes at a time in the organization's life when recognition and additional funding is critical. In 2007 the MSSPA's operating budget was $1,300,000 and the number of horses in its barns was the highest in its 137 year history. With the cost of everything from processed feeds and bedding to diesel for the tractors skyrocketing, the Society is being challenged to continue its mission of providing superior care for those animals who have been abused, starved, and neglected. The generosity of MSSPA members and donors has always carried the budget forward regardless of the economic circumstances of the day. Now, with the increasing number of horses in dire circumstances, the MSSPA must enhance its own fund-raising activities and increase its membership and donor base. Without increased funding, the MSSPA may someday go the way of the horse-drawn streetcars and fire engines whose animals it was created to protect.

You are invited to join the Maine State Society for the Protection of Animals and be a vital part of the love story featured in Down East. As a member of the MSSPA, you will join thousands of other animal and horse lovers in providing the needs of horses like Candy. A 501(c) (3) tax-exempt organization, the Society can work with you to structure a tax-advantaged gift during your lifetime or afterwards. Please contact the MSSPA through its website or by calling 207-892-3040 to discuss how you can help those animals who deserve the heaven on earth that exists at the MSSPA. Society programs include the "Happy Lifetime" plan that permits you the comfort of knowing that your animals will be cared for in the event of your inability to do so.

The MSSPA is funded entirely by a combination of membership dues, bequests, donations, grants, and fund-raising activities. The Society does not charge for its services and seeks no reimbursement from any public source. The MSSPA farm facility in South Windham, Maine is open to the public, without charge, daily from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM; barns close at 3:00 PM to permit night feeding.