All Species Kinship (A.S.K.) is a federally recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that offers direct-outreach animal assistance programs throughout Southern MI. A.S.K. is looking for interested educators and students that would like to have their classes make Valentines cards for chained and neglected dogs.
Last season, over 10 local schools participated and over 200 dogs were given Valentines with kind messages written on them. Toys and treats were also distributed to each dog found!
The message is simple; A.S.K. wants people to make their dogs a part of the family, by bringing them inside. The objective of the Valentine-for-backyard-dogs campaign is to create awareness through:
Making pet guardians think about their chained dogs through a gentle approach
Reminding everyone that dogs have hearts too and can have a better quality of life off the chain.
Educating students about neglected backyard dogs
Giving students an opportunity to bring a smile to a pet owners face and make a difference in the quality of care dogs receive
Each Valentine will be hand-delivered with treats, by A.S.K. volunteers throughout Battle Creek's inner city neighborhoods and surrounding communities.
Directions:
- Card creators should only put their first name (or no name) on their cards to ensure their privacy
- Cards may be written from any perspective (see card examples). Make sure that cards have a message. A gentle message from a child can make a person think about their dog's quality of life.
- Slogan examples include: "Bring me inside, make me a part of the family", "I have a heart too, and need your love", "Make me a real part of the family, let me live inside too!" "You said I was part of the family, but I'm alone out in the cold", "I can't protect the family from the backyard! Bring me in!" "A chained dog is a lonely dog" "Love is a day without chains" "Woof! Un-chain me and bring me inside" "Happy Valentines, from your dog, I need love too" "A dog is a man's best friend, and our friends aren't kept outside"
- Cards are DUE BY FEB. 14. Call A.S.K. (877-596-7776) and leave a message indicating where your cards can be picked up from. An A.S.K. rep will pick up your creations as soon as they are finished!
**Take a picture of your class holding their cards and we will try to get it published in the local News too!! Please enclose picture copy with your completed cards**
If you are interested in making Valentines, please let us know! Contact A.S.K. tollfree at 877-596-7776. A.S.K. will pick up Valentine's from you as soon as they are finished! | 
Active Jan 8, 2009 to Feb 14, 2009