MSSPA prepares to host its 2nd Animal Well Fair
The Maine State Society for the Protection of Animals is calling all volunteers and friends to lend a helping hand with the Animal Well Fair, scheduled to be held at the Society’s River Road farm on Sunday, October 11th from 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.. The public is invited, without admission expense, to attend the Animal Well Fair and help celebrate the importance of animals in our lives. Animal welfare agencies and professionals will gather in the big barn at the River Road Farm facility to welcome the public, distribute information, provide demonstrations, and collaborate on ways to protect and provide for the animals who enrich our world.
Officials from Maine’s Animal Welfare Program of the Maine Department of Agriculture will be on hand to talk about their role in keeping Maine animals safe from abuse and neglect. They will provide updates about proposed legislation for the upcoming legislative session and solicit information from the public to improve the lives of Maine animals. The Windham Police Department’s Canine Unit, always a crowd pleaser, will provide visitors to the farm with some remarkable demonstrations of canine officers at work. Today’s canine officers are highly trained, valued members of the law enforcement community. Their ability to aid human officers in identification and apprehension of offenders is cost effective and amazing. Award winning photographer Duncan Miller joins us this year, displaying some of the most gorgeous animal images – horses are his favorite subjects – to be found anywhere. Mrs. Kelly Rich of the Windham School Department will provide information about the value of humane education and its successful incorporation into today’s curricula. Representatives of local shelters and rescue organizations will welcome your interest in their work, as well.
In addition to discussions about improving the lives of Maine’s animals through collaboration and communication, there will be food for purchase under the big top (thank you to Southside Premium Pizza; 892-4993), merchandise on sale (is it possible that Christmas is just around the corner?), and prizes drawn for MSSPA fabulous raffle items. This year, the Society will again offer free family-friendly fun activities for the smallest of animal lovers. Pumpkin painting, face painting and child-centered activities help to make the Animal Well Fair fun for all.
The very best reason to mark your calendar for the Animal Well Fair is the chance to see the special horses stabled in the big barn at the MSSPA and the other animals who make their homes with the Society while waiting for their forever homes. You might say hello to our California boy, Mikey, who has acclimated to his new life in Maine and is thriving. Meet Old Man Winter, recently rescued from horrendous neglect; Luke, the very sociable Palomino; our dear fillies, Nutmeg and April, as well as all the others filling the Society stalls. Thanks to the generosity of so many of Society members and donors, the horses are also filling their stomachs with good hay and nutritious feed.
FMI or if you would like to volunteer at the Animal Well Fair, please contact Meris Bickford by calling 207-892-3040 or email: MerisBickfordMSSPA@roadrunner.com No matter what – don’t miss the Society’s Animal Well Fair!