It’s that time of year again… for the annual Tybee Island Polar Bear Plunge! That’s right, your favorite animal rescuers will brave the cold waters to show their support for animal rescue. You’re invited to join us at the South End of Tybee Island at 10 am on New Year’s Day. We’ll have a table with information. Brave souls are invited to join us in the water at noon, otherwise, feel free to come chat with our volunteers and find out what a crazy and dedicated group we have (hot beverages and warm food items are also welcome!).

Tips for First Timers:

• Wear a swimsuit underneath your clothes
• Beware that wet jeans are hard to take off after the plunge
• Wedding gowns, dresses and skirts can make your return to land hazardous
• Bring a towel and dry clothes for after the plunge

Those wishing to take the plunge as part of the CPR group are requested to purchase one of our Home 4 the Holidays red T-shirts and bring their own stuffed animal (live pets are not allowed on the beach).

We hope to see you there!

With all the news of out-of-control children causing chaos and making poor decisions around the country, what a relief it is that our children here are able to do something positive with their actions.

Last week, Coastal Pet Rescue received an unexpected Christmas gift from the 3rd Graders at Jacob G. Smith Elementary School. The students initiated a community service project to provide funds for our homeless pets. This year, the project raised $400. This is the fourth year the students have chosen Coastal Pet Rescue as the beneficiary of the project. Our president, Lisa Scarbrough, will be speaking with them at their career day on February 1st.

Across town, a 6th Grade class at Oglethorpe Charter School also wanted to brighten Christmas for our homeless pets. This morning, Lisa and Comet visited the class and were presented with a few boxes of much-needed supplies and toys. The class’ teacher, Christina Henry, said the project was determined by the students. She initiated an assignment in which the students were to pick a cause they could contribute to in a way other than monetarily. They were graded for locating contact information and contributing was optional. We are so thankful that the students chose on their own to help our homeless pets.

At a time where children are usually focused on what they are wanting or getting for Christmas, it brings such happiness and hope that these schools are instilling a sense of community spirit to their students. We applaud the educators and staff who continue to give of themselves and facilitate the services of their students.

Fostering can last two to six weeks on average. Coastal Pet Rescue will pay all veterinary costs and provide crates, food, bedding, collars, leashes, bowls and toys as needed. If you can spare a little room in your home and your heart, you can be a foster parent. Click here to get started today! Pets needing foster homes are listed on the forum.

A few folks have asked what opportunities are available during the week. Some ways you can help at the CPR ranch:
Walking dogs
Cleaning outdoor dog pens
Playing with and socializing pets
Cleaning previously used crates
Prepping crates for SNAC spay days
Clerical work
Bathing pets
The “ranch” is located back behind Georgetown, a mile from the WalMart on Hwy 17. The hours vary with whatever you may want to work so long as Lisa is on site. You will have to sign a release waiver before volunteering. Please contact lisa@coastalpetrescue.org if interested in helping at the CPR Ranch.

This week is National Volunteer Recognition Week, and CPR recognized 22 outstanding volunteers for their dedication to Coastal Pet Rescue throughout 2006. Volunteers recognized include: Suzanne Anderson-Kern, Jean Baker, Jackie Blazier, Kelly Cillo, Pat Ehsanipoor, Ray Emerson, Kathy Emerson, Heather Erwin, Todd Erwin, Brenda Gibbons, April Hanson, Diana Knight, Tim Knight, Sherry Montgomery, David Moreland, Maari Olsen, Sarah Osborn, Bud Rosser, Pat Uhl, Chris Uhl, Lori Wechsler, and Denise Winner-McKenzie. We congratulate the volunteers on their award and look forward to adding more names to this list next year.