| Let's Focus on FOCAS (our "roots") President's Message published in the Spring 2002 issue of The Scoop Eighteen years of service and still going strong, thanks to the generous financial support of our donors and the unwavering commitment of our volunteers. Fortunately, our community of friends keeps growing. No better time than now to introduce the newest members of FOCAS and The Scoop readers to the bond that brought and has kept us together . . . the well-being of animals. When FOCAS was founded 18 years ago, membership consisted of a handful of volunteers. Its resources were meager; its determination unfaltering; its purpose clear: to promote the general welfare and natural conservation, protection, and preservation of all species of animals. FOCAS' most immediate outreach . . . rescued and abandoned animals in need of compassion and care. As financial support grew, FOCAS channeled that support not only for the special needs of shelter and rescued animals, but also in educating and expanding public awareness to "Adopt an animal and save a life" and the commitment that goes with it. Our non-profit organization depends on volunteers. FOCAS volunteers work at: assisting with on-site shelter adoptions, organizing and managing off-site adoptions, cleaning cages, washing dishes and litter pans, walking dogs, grooming animals, managing a dog obedience program, transporting animals in need of special medical care to veterinary hospitals, transporting animals for adoption by rescue groups, networking with rescue groups, fund raising events, publishing The Scoop, writing descriptions and taking pictures for animals listed on www.Petfinder.com, grant writing, managing the spay/neuter "hot line" and temporary fostering of animals, including those with special needs. Our faithful contributors make it possible for FOCAS' ongoing support of: spay/neuter programs, veterinary services, surgeries and critical care for animals, medical supplies and equipment, computer chips for tagging animals, air conditioning units for shelter surgical, examination and post-op rooms, shelter' requests to provide financial support for modernization of dog kennels, fans to augment appropriate air circulation in non-air conditioned shelter environments, fostering programs, supplies for the care and feeding of "bottle babies" of all kinds, and cardboard carriers and leashes for animals. As you can see, both lists seems endless. The needs are great. Your support is priceless! If you haven't already, please consider becoming a FOCAS volunteer. Whatever time or talent you can donate will be greatly appreciated and will go a very long way to bringing comfort and care to animals. FOCAS would welcome members with PR, accounting, grant writing, printing, and legal expertise to offer guidance from time to time. FOCAS takes seriously its responsibility for sound fiscal stewardship of the funds it raises and the generous donations that you entrust to us. That is why our goal is to insure that both be used exclusively for the well-being of animals. FOCAS is committed to both upholding its mission and honoring your trust. Thank you for allowing us to be instruments of your generosity and compassion. Carol M. Burrows, FOCAS President
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