A New Name for an Old One

Have I really been gone this long from Blogger-land? Last week was a mad rush of getting ready for a three day out-of-town conference. Then back home for four whole hours before re-packing and leaving to spend three more days at the river. Whew!

I've been trying to catch up both at work and at home ever since, and find that I could sure use a long weekend to recover from my long weekend!  Now that my chin is finally (barely) above water, I'm looking forward to seeing what's been happening with everyone.  I'll be visiting your blogs soon!

In the meantime, here's some local news. The St. Charles Humane Society, a group I've worked with for many years, has decided to change it's name. There were so many organizations using "St. Charles" as part of their name, and so much confusion about it, that a whole rebranding became necessary. However, the group has existed with it's original name since 1973, so it may be tough for them to get the public to understand that they aren't a brand new shelter.

In any event, henceforth, they will be known as the Five Acres Animal Shelter.  Along with the new name, they've adopted a new logo and launched a new website.  The site looks great, so if you can, stop by for a virtual visit.

Here's the new logo:

For those familiar with the group, not to worry. Five Acres Animal Shelter remains a no-kill shelter offering the same programs as before, including their pet food pantry program called Animeals, created for families in financial distress.

It's a huge undertaking to make a change like this. New stationary, new envelopes, new signs, new logo, and new web address are only the beginning. The biggest challenge of all will be getting the public to understand and embrace the "new" Five Acres Animal Shelter.

My fingers are crossed for them. They do wonderful work!

Tough Times

Image courtesy consumeraffairs.com

I've always loved Charles Dicken's story, "A Christmas Carol". No matter the version, his message of love shared by the fulfillment of true generosity is one we should keep in mind year round. Especially these days.

Times are tough for people. There are a multitude of programs in the community soliciting food to help those in need. I hope those of us fortunate enough not to go to bed hungry each night can do something that makes a real difference for families who could use a helping hand.

And where people suffer, so do animals. I've blogged before about Animeals, a pet food pantry sponsored by the St. Charles Humane Society. It's still in action and busier than ever, since more and more families are at risk of losing beloved pets due to job losses and the national financial meltdown.

When you share your blessings with others, please consider donating pet food, too. And if you don't have a local pet food pantry, inquire at regular food pantries. Recognizing need, many of these organizations will also accept pet food donations.

Because everyone deserves a meal.