Ask any animal rescue organization and they will say that their job is not easy. Animal rescue can be heartbreaking or heartwarming, but either way it’s emotional.
This month, GRASP, Inc. (Greece Residents Assisting Stray Pets) celebrates 20 years of rescuing homeless pets.
Formed because of one woman’s passion for animals, GRASP, Inc. became a 501(c)(3) non-profit animal rescue group on February 16, 1996 with the primary mission to save homeless animals in Greece from euthanasia.
Barb Pingree, with support from her husband, family and some good friends, began trying to find homes for stray pets that found themselves at Greece Animal Control and were not claimed.
Times were tough, money was tight, and many of the original members used their own funds to help pay the bills. They published a newsletter describing the group, its hopes and dreams, hosted fundraisers and did all that they could to raise awareness and money.
The group persevered and began to grow thanks to assistance from more volunteers, donors and local businesses. As GRASP grew, so did the number of animals they could help. Working on their home computers, volunteers got the word out to many more people and today, with social media, the group has many new followers, volunteers, donors and adopters.
“It’s hard work that at times seems never ending, but it is so rewarding,” said Teresa Fletcher, secretary on the seven-member GRASP Board of Directors. “When you see that homeless pet go to their new home, you know that your effort helped make it possible and that it’s one more animal given a second chance.”
On February 16, 2016 GRASP celebrated its 20th anniversary at its monthly volunteer meeting with Founder Barb Pingree as the guest speaker. Sandy Cadwell, Deb Helfer and Julie Lowe – some of the original volunteers, joined her. The group reminisced and paid tribute to Pingree and those who started it all 20 years ago.
To learn more about GRASP and its volunteer opportunities and adoptable animals, or to make a donation, visit www.graspinc.org and follow GRASP on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GRASPinc.
Provided information and Photo
