One Week Challenge to Save Lives

We are 18 days away from closing on the new AARF Central facility. So far, we have received wonderful feedback about our new pet center. Everyone who hears about AARF Central is excited about the programs and services that we'll be able to offer to Atlanta's pets, both those waiting for homes and those that have already found their families.

But how can we translate those good wishes into help? For the last 8 1/2 years, I have never had to ask more directly for your help. Without you, and I mean all of you, we can't open AARF Central. We can't help more pets escape the euthanasia rooms in shelters. We can't help more dogs come in from the backyard chains and into the house. We can't help more cats find the comforts of a window ledge and a comfy pillow instead of the dangers of dodging cars and having three litters of kittens a year.

I know every one of you cares about the pets in Atlanta that need help. You wouldn't even take the time to read this if you didn't. But now I need you to translate that care and compassion into action. Here's my challenge to you.

For the next week, from today (September 26) to next Sunday (October 3), I am asking you to think about how much a life is worth. Is it worth the $5 fancy coffee? Is it worth the $12 pizza? Is it worth the $40 shoes? In one week, how much can you save to save a life?

• If we can get at least 75 people to think that giving up $100 of take-out food and convenience store soda this week is worth it to save lives for years to come, then we will be able to sign the closing papers and give Atlanta's pets a new place to feel safe.

• If we can find 150 people who think that the life is a pet is worth more than a new pair of shoes or a new fall jacket, we can move in and start renovations.

• And if we can find 400 people who think that pet overpopulation is a problem we can fix, then we can be open by the end of the year, helping pets and their people.

On Sunday, October 3, visit the AARF website to download a pledge form or tile form, write out a check for the amount that you saved this week or donate online, and help us. And if you don't need a full week to decide that a life is worth something to you, there is no need to wait until next week.

I am asking you today to give us one week of coffee, fast food and trips to the mall. Please don't assume that you don't need to donate because someone else will. Because if everyone assumes that, then no one helps. And so far, most people are assuming that someone else will help, so very few have. In return, for that one week, I pledge that we will save pets for weeks, months and years to come. I think it's a fair trade. I hope you do, too.

**I want to say thank you so much to the people pledged their support before we announced the launch of AARF Central. Please visit the AARF Central page to see the people who have already decided that saving lives is worth their investment.**