Local animal rescue is turning pets into calendar models | Pets

Richmond Animal League (RAL), the area's oldest no-kill animal shelter,  is giving pet owners a chance to showcase their furry friends in a 2012 wall calendar.   The fundraiser will benefit all of the cats and dogs in the care RAL.  The contest is open to all pet owners--not just RAL alumni.  In fact, pet owners from as far away as Arizon and Michigan have joined the fun. 

It works like this:  you submit a photo of your pet, get a free, secure, easy to use fundraising web page, and spread the word that your pet deserves a spot on the calendar.  Every dollar is a vote!  The top 12 fundraisers will see their pets in the color, 12-month calendar.  The top fundraiser will get the cover spot, the month of their choosing, and a professional photo shoot for their pet. 

The competition is adorable.  We have Petunia, whose owner had to say goodbye to her in February after having her for more than 10 years.  We have Marshall, an old hound dog from West Virginia who now helps his owner, Josh Ricky, take shelter dogs out on long walks and adventures.  Then there is Moses, who was once at a kill shelter.  His owner, Kathy Walton, says this of him:  "When I was first contacted about Moses it was a toss-up as to whether he would die of natural causes or live long enough for the euthanasia doctor to make her weekly rounds."  Now Moses is thriving and is in the running for a spot on the calendar!

Visit here to register your pet!  Upload a photo, personalize your page, set a fundraising goal, and share the news with your friends and family.  All "votes"/donations are tax deductible and benefit Richmond Animal League. RAL is a 501(c)(3) non-profit dedicated to saving lives of homeless pets in the Richmond area. 

The contest runs until August 15th.  All entries must be received by July 1.  For more information please contact Tarra Balcom at ralcalendar@gmail.com.