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February 2021 Newsletter
brought to you by
Contents:
Updates and a Look Ahead -
Bill DaGiau
Jo-Ann Clark is recognized by Senator Hassan
PAW-SITIVE NOTES
-
Jo-Ann Clark
Amazon Smile; You Shop We Benefit
Annie's Angels Program Information
Updates and a Look Ahead
Bill DaGiau
 Rather than "reinventing the wheel" I'm going to share with you exactly what I shared with my Board of Directors in this month's Directors Report. I couldn't be more proud of the work that we do and I couldn't be more honored to work with such an amazing team. I am happy to report that between January 1 and 31, 2021 Annie’s Angels has received and assisted with 50 requests compared to January 2020 of 46 requests, up 8% from last year. As always, this month’s funds were distributed for medical and general assistance.
I am also happy to share that so many of our fiscal sponsor families, the ones we are helping raise money for a special need, are either at or about to reach their goals!
Liam’s Van Fund was able to pay the down payment on Liam’s gently used van. Catherine will make payments and we will continue to fundraise with them for future payments, repairs, insurance, or any other miscellaneous van related expenses.
The Barr Family Medical Fund, through another round of fundraising was able to raise enough to have installed a gently used track system for Ethan’s Hoyer lift, making it easier to transport him around the home, take baths, even putting Ethan to bed will be less of a muscle strain for mom and dad.
Azalea’s Golden Guardian Fund has raised enough for the purchase of Azalea’s Golden Doodle seizure dog. She can now go on the list to receive it. Once received Medicaid will pay for the dog’s training. In the meantime, we will continue to help fundraise for miscellaneous dog expenses such as vet bills, kennels, food, toys etc.
Emily’s Medical Assistance Fund has been raising money for her upcoming 12-week hospital stay following her spinal fusion surgery. These funds will help mom and dad pay bills, pay for Boston parking, and meals during this time.
Christine’s Hope has raised enough for Christine to schedule half of her 20 therapy visits to Project Walk. She is continuing to raise money to schedule the final 10 visits!
Finally, Nicole’s Emergency Medical Fund will be closing very soon. Thanks to the help of Nicole’s supporters, she and her family have been able to take the time she needs to rest, recuperate, and rehabilitate. This family has been able to rally around Nicole without worrying about the household bills. Thanks to all this support, Nicole is on course to go back to work in February!
I can’t begin to describe how all this feels. I can’t begin to tell you how important Annie’s Angels has been to these and the rest of our Angel families.
I can tell you this, we need to make the 14 th
Anniversary Heavenly Ball the best it can be. We need to make the Motorcycle Raffle a massive success. We need to do all the things that keep people supporting us, supporting our families. Thank you for your commitment. Let’s keep the momentum going!
Moving on, here is what has happened in just the first two days of February. I know people are excited about Heavenly Ball and the Motorcycle Raffle. Ticket for both will go one sale soon!
I would like to thank Urban Tree Service and Golden Financial for returning as event sponsors. They normally sponsor Rye By The Sea but with that event cancelled for 2021 these two amazing businesses have decided it would be important to continue supporting Annie's Angels even if their event was cancelled. They are now sponsors of the Motorcycle raffle. With good fortune Rye By The Sea will return next June!
Thanks to Give With Liberty! The employees of Liberty Mutual Insurance have an option to donate to their favorite charities through payroll deductions. Liberty Mutual matches donations at the end of the year. I just received the final donations and matching for 2020 bringing the Give With Liberty 2020 total to more than $5,000.00!
Finally, be kind, be generous, be the person you are looking for in others.
Annie's Angels is Angel Hands; Angels Hearts working together to help friends in need.
Thanks to YOU we are able to ease some of the stresses that come with a doctors diagnosis. We just  can't do this good work without YOUR support. Please help Annie's Angels continue our mission, help Annie's Angels remain a beacon of hope by making a one time or recurring monthly contribution on our website, A
nniesAngels.org. Consider making a tax deductible contribution to Annie's Angels
or visit the Our Families
tab on the website and select a particular family to help. Get updates about "your family" on the website or follow them on social media to see how your contributions are working, and thanks again for your continued support.
Back in November 2020, Jo-Ann Clark was recognized as Granite Stater of the Month for her work with Chris  Pets for Vets. Apparently Jo-Ann let this nomination skate under the radar until we were invited to attend a virtual event honoring all 12 of the Granite Staters' of the Month for 2020! Here is an article that appeared on Senator Hassan's website... Senator Hassan Recognizes Jo-Ann Clark of Stratham as November’s Granite Stater of the Month
WASHINGTON – Following the observance of Veterans Day last week, U.S. Senator Maggie Hassan today recognized Jo-Ann Clark of Stratham as November’s Granite Stater of the Month. Ten years ago, Jo-Ann lost her son, Army Specialist Christopher Journeau, to suicide after he returned home from Iraq with undiagnosed Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). After learning about the benefits that companion animals can bring to veterans who suffer from PTSD, Jo-Ann started an organization in her son’s name to fund adoptions of shelter animals by veterans. Chris’ Pets for Vets helps veterans adopt local shelter animals and covers the adoption fees to ensure that cost is not a barrier to any veteran seeking a companion animal. Since starting the organization in 2015, Jo-Ann has helped approximately 400 veterans adopt companion animals from shelters throughout New Hampshire. Senator Hassan launched the “Granite Stater of the Month” initiative in 2017 to recognize outstanding New Hampshire citizens who go above and beyond to help their neighbors and make their communities stronger. To nominate a New Hampshire citizen to be a “Granite Stater of the Month,” constituents can complete the nomination form here.
To read the statement Senator Hassan submitted to the Congressional Record honoring Jo-Ann as November’s Granite Stater of the Month, see below.
Ms. HASSAN. Mr. President, I am proud to recognize Jo-Ann Clark of Stratham as November’s Granite Stater of the Month. Jo-Ann is a Gold Star mother who ten years ago lost her son, Army Specialist Christopher Journeau, to suicide. After learning about the benefits that companion animals can bring to veterans who suffer from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), the same condition that Christopher suffered from, Jo-Ann started an organization in her son’s name to fund adoptions of shelter animals by veterans. Jo-Ann’s son, Christopher, served a year in Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom and returned home with undiagnosed PTSD. When Christopher took his own life six months later, Jo-Ann was devastated. Over time, she learned about the symptoms of PTSD and recognized that her son had exhibited these symptoms when he returned home from his deployment. During her research, Jo-Ann also learned that for some people, a companion animal can help to mitigate the impacts of PTSD. Jo-Ann began to research national organizations that help veterans adopt pets, but she found that many veterans faced significant hurdles in the process. In response, Jo-Ann founded Chris’ Pets for Vets to make it easier for veterans to adopt companion animals from local shelters. Among other things, the organization pays the pet adoption fees to ensure that cost isn’t a barrier for any veteran. Since its founding in 2015, Jo-Ann has helped approximately 400 veterans adopt companion animals at various shelters throughout New Hampshire. And despite health concerns that she herself has faced, Jo-Ann has invested an incredible amount of her time and energy into making Chris’ Pets for Vets a success. Jo-Ann’s determination to turn her own loss into productive and positive support for veterans has helped hundreds of veterans avoid the confusion and despair that accompanies PTSD. Her commitment is also consistent with the Granite State’s long tradition of military service and support for veterans. Jo-Ann understands the importance of supporting veterans in every aspect of their lives, and through Chris’ Pets for Vets, she is both honoring her son’s memory while making a real difference in veterans’ lives. I am honored to recognize her efforts.
CHRIS’ PETS FOR VETS
PAW-SITIVE NOTES
By Jo-Ann Clark
Adopting a puppy brings on a whole new set of challenges, in a good way! This is a new beginning and adjustment for both you and your puppy. I thought this article entitled “Bringing Home a New Puppy: First 6 Months” may offer some insight to those who may have or are considering adopting a puppy. The rewards can be endless for both and can lead to many years of feeling the unconditional love of a sweet hearted pet! Happy reading!
 Bringing Home a New Puppy: First 6 Months
So, you’ve decided to adopt/rescue a new puppy. Congratulations; the canine population thanks you for your contribution! Probably one of the most rewarding experiences you will ever have, this decision you’ve made will continue to benefit you for years to come.
Now- what to do from here? First, before anything else, understand no puppy should be separated from either mother or litter prior to four weeks at the absolute earliest. This is a crucial time when puppies both develop important social skills with brothers and sisters that will last the rest of their lives, and also get important nutrients from mother’s milk. Step 1: Social Skills & Socialisation
You can continue to work on your puppy's social skills from the minute you step out of your car! Out of  every single training skill you will ever work on with your dog, socialisation is by far the most important. Proper socialisation is what separates a friendly, happy dog, always overjoyed to play and greet others, from a fearful dog that hides from strangers- or worse, lashes out in defense. It’s always easiest to start socialising any dog during puppyhood. Introduce your new puppy to family, children, and strangers. Don’t forget other pets! Make sure every encounter is a happy one by providing plenty of enthusiastic praise along with toys and treats. Step 2: Potty Training
This is usually one of the first things new pet owners think of after taking their puppy home. Potty training is a simple process if done consistently with constant supervision! Keep in mind- both your puppy's mind and bladder are still developing. He’s not going to catch on right away and accidents will happen, no matter how experienced of a trainer you are. With consistency, constant supervision and praise, your pup will have it down before you know it! Step 3: Vaccinations
Vaccinations are an important part of raising your puppy, just like they are for human children. Though there are several you should consider, canine distemper virus, canine adenovirus (which causes infectious hepatitis) and canine parvovirus are core vaccines that should be administered to every puppy every three years, according to the Australian Veterinary Association. You might also talk with your veterinarian about: - Heartworm
- Measles
- Parainfluenza
- Bordetella Bronchiseptica
- Kennel Cough
Step 4: Walking Your Puppy
Depending on the age, your puppy might be a little uncoordinated at first (like a human toddler), but this won’t last long. He also might not be able to walk very fast, so remember to slow down for him! You can introduce the leash and collar (preferably harness at that age) any time you want. If they can walk, they can meet the leash. Again, proper training is going to take time- especially if your young pup’s brain is still developing! Collars apply pressure on the neck and trachea; it is especially important to avoid this with a puppy. By no means should you use slip collars or prong collars on young puppies. Step 5: Crate Training
Most people think of potty training when it comes to the crate, and it certainly can be very useful. More importantly, a properly sized dog crate keeps your puppy safe when you can’t observe him. Like small children, puppies will put absolutely anything in their mouths, and nothing is off limits as far as chewing. Electrical wiring can pose a special danger. Source: www.everydaypets.com.au/blogs/all/bring-home-a-puppy
 For more information about Chris’ Pets for Vets or to make a tax deductible donation, please see: chrispetsforvets.org and scroll down to “Donate Today” Save a Pet, Save a Vet
Do You Shop Online?
Try smile.amazon.com
!
Do you shop online? Do you shop on Amazon? If you do, please click the banner below to enter smile.amazon.com. Be sure to follow this link to Annie's Angels
and select us as your preferred charity! By doing this you will help Annie's Angels raise much needed funds.
You shop, we benefit! It won't cost you a thing. Thanks for your support.
Going to amazon.com does nothing for your charity. You MUST go to smile.amazon.com to help Annie's Angels. If CHROME is your preferred browser you can visit www.nevernotsmile.org
to add an extension so every time you go to your amazon page from your desktop it will automatically bring you to smile.amazon.com
Thanks for your support!
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