Cozy Cat Caper Mystery Series: "Buy in July" Event Supports Animal Rescue

Animal Rescue Programs

Guest post by mystery author Marla Bradeen (aka Paige Sleuth)

When in search of a new furry family member, most animal lovers think first of adopting from local shelters and rescue organizations. These places are always at capacity, and I sadly doubt I will live to see the day when the cat and dog overpopulation problem ceases to be an issue. Here in Las Vegas alone, there are an estimated 200,000 feral and stray cats. That number is overwhelming to me, and it highlights the importance of spaying and neutering. Luckily, we have an organization here helping with that effort. The Community Cat Coalition of Clark County aims to fix as many local cats as possible using a program known as TNR, or Trap, Neuter, Return. Through TNR, feral cats are temporarily captured, spay/neutered and vaccinated, and then released back into their communities. To help support their mission of humanely reducing the feral cat population, during the month of July I'm donating $1 from every Paige Sleuth book purchase (for books over $0.99) to this wonderful organization. If you haven't heard of Paige Sleuth before, she's my alter ego, and she writes the Cozy Cat Caper Mystery series. More information about her, her July book giveaway, and details for downloading your free copy of Murder in Cherry Hills, Cozy Cat Caper Mystery book 1, are at the end of this post.

TNR is not a new concept for members of the animal rescue community, and even more people are familiar with the importance of spay/neutering pets (thank you, Bob Barker). Animal foster programs are also quite common, and also a great way to help an animal in need if you're not ready to make the long-term commitment of adopting. But there are also many secondary rescue programs out there that aren't as widely known. Some are so creative and heartwarming that I'd like to spotlight a few I've come across.

Pups on Parole. I absolutely love this concept. As part of this program, abused dogs are paired with qualified prison inmates until they're ready to be adopted out. Most of these dogs need a lot of tender loving care to get over some traumatic experiences, and the inmates work with them until they've learned how to trust people again. The dogs are also acclimated to a bathroom schedule and taught some basic essentials for life on the "outside" (such as how to walk on a leash), all with the goal of giving them a second chance at finding a loving home. But the dogs aren't the only ones benefiting from the program. Anyone who has ever had a pet knows how they can give your life purpose and structure, two qualities that can only help those who may have made some bad choices but are attempting to turn their lives around.

Paige Sleuth's rescue cats and cover models enjoying some time outside

Seniors for Seniors. Those actively involved with rescue know how challenging it can be to find homes for older animals. This effort strives to combat that challenge by matching senior animals with human seniors. Several variations of this program exist. Some give out starter kits (such as a litter box and food bowls) with every animal adopted out, and some are more of a long-term foster program, where the organization pays for everything, but the senior opening their home to the animal handles all care required. Either way, I think this is a fantastic approach to placing older animals in loving environments, and also a wonderful opportunity for humans in their golden years.

Reading to Shelter Animals. The idea behind this program is simple: Children read books to shelter animals. The animals benefit from some much-needed human attention, and the children get to practice their reading skills without fear of judgment. As an author, how can I not love it?

Now it's your turn! Tell me, are there any unique programs centered around animal rescue in your area? Are you involved with any, or have you adopted or worked with a critter enrolled in such a program? Let me know in the comments!

Paige Sleuth is a pseudonym for mystery author Marla Bradeen. She plots murder during the day and fights for mattress space with her two rescue cats at night. When not attending to her cats' demands, she writes. She loves to hear from readers, and welcomes emails at paige.sleuth@yahoo.com.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marlabradeenauthor/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/marlabradeen/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/14207326.Paige_Sleuth

Amazon: Cozy Cat Caper Mystery Series

As part of Paige's second annual "Buy in July" event, where $1 from every July book purchase (for books over $0.99) will be donated to animal rescue, she's hosting a book giveaway this month. Enter below for your chance to win one of Paige's books plus a surprise mystery book. And follow the link in the first entry option to claim your FREE copy of Murder in Cherry Hills, the first book in the Cozy Cat Caper Mystery series. Good luck and happy reading!

a Rafflecopter giveaway