Community

Furbabies, Not So Furry Babies Provide Unconditional Love

Published

2 years ago

October 11, 2022

Arlinda Smith Broady

Post-pandemic pet surrenders at higher rates than adoptions.

When governments mandated that people shelter in their homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, many employees who could do their jobs from home were doing just that. Kids were put into virtual learning environments and pets were wondering why their humans never left the house.

Some of those humans without furry companions decided it would be great to have animal companionship to fill the void of no water cooler gossip or lunches with coworkers. Furthermore, dog walking remained an accessible form of physical activity. And people may have sought out pets to reduce levels of stress, anxiety and loneliness caused by the pandemic and the lifestyle changes it necessitated, according to a report from Best Friends, a pet advocacy organization.

Several studies have reported that public demand for acquiring or fostering a new pet grew shortly after March 2020. Despite people commonly spending more time at home during the pandemic and many reports indicating that the demand for pets grew as a result of COVID-19, shelter data shows that raw numbers of adoptions from shelters and rescues were actually lower in 2020 than in 2019.

Planned PEThood

Nobody knows that better than Laura Frost, Director of Organizational Development for Planned PEThood of Georgia.

“During the onset of the pandemic, when everybody was closing down, there was this amazing surge of animal rescues. You saw stories on every news outlet about how shelters were emptied, and everybody adopted a cat or a dog… you know, it was just wonderful,” said Frost.

“It was something that had never really happened before, because [now] everybody was at home and had time for the pets, and they wanted companionship.”

While most people who had been in animal welfare for a long time were celebrating this unprecedented swell of love for strays, they knew that the other shoe would drop eventually. But Frost said that, like her, they tried to be hopeful and optimistic.

“We knew it was probably going to hit the fan at some point. I think that’s what everybody is starting to see now, as people begin to enter the workforce again and they are not at home,” she said. “Families and kids went back to school, the world shifted, maybe people lost jobs or moved or whatever it may be. They are starting to surrender the animals to shelters.”

Now that the humans are gone a good portion of the day, those pets that were lavished with attention may have separation anxiety, Frost explained. “The dog or the puppy that gave so much love during the pandemic maybe wasn’t trained really well…” and now they’re ripping up the carpet and becoming a problem.

While many dogs and cats are coming in, not nearly as many are going out. “We’ve got animals being surrendered on a larger scale than we were accustomed to because, sadly, those animals would have been euthanized. A lot of the animals that were adopted during the pandemic would have never made it out,” Frost said.

She added that she believes some people are concerned about inflation and their finances and may not be willing to take on a new financial obligation.

“The shelters are kind of stuck. They’re lowering adoption fees and getting creative,” Frost said. “They’re using social media and doing all these things to try and get the animals adopted, but it’s a supply and demand issue. Right now, the supply is really high and the demand is really low.”

Furkids

Another non-profit organization dedicated to animal welfare, Furkids was founded in 2001 when Atlantan Samantha Shelton discovered a hungry mother cat and her three kittens quivering on her porch. Local animal control told Shelton the family would likely be euthanized, as they did not have space, but Shelton was determined to save the felines.

What started out as a cat rescue has now found homes for more than 50,000 animals in the metro area. Headquartered in Cumming with an adoption center in Peachtree Corners, Furkids has partnered with Petco and PetSmart to offer adoptions at several retail outlets in the area.

Help is available

Both organizations work with the community to the benefit of our furry friends. Offering low-cost spay and neuter clinics and other pet assistance, they strive for a world where no pet is euthanized.

“For a lot of people, it might be a struggle to care for their animals, whether it’s at the beginning stages of adopting the animal and needing to get it spayed or neutered or vaccinated, or just learning what they need to do to be a good pet owner,” Frost said. “Maybe they have a five- or seven-year-old pet and it’s gotten an ear infection and they’re strapped for cash and they’re struggling,” said Frost.

Frost wants pet owners to know that there is help. Many organizations in the area offer training and low-cost solutions that can help pets and their people get through the rough patches — and many food banks offer pet food.

“Those are the kinds of programs that we really strive for,” said Frost. Planned PEThood has a rescue and adoption program that places 1,000 to 1,200 animals a year and its low-cost spay and neuter clinic has performed close to 80,000 surgeries since it began offering them.

“Where most clinics maybe do two or three a day, we’re going to do about 60,” said Frost, adding that the clinic doesn’t handle more specialized surgeries.

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Arlinda Smith Broady

Arlinda Smith Broady is part of the Boomerang Generation of Blacks that moved back to the South after their ancestors moved North. With approximately three decades of journalism experience (she doesn't look it), she's worked in tiny, minority-based newsrooms to major metropolitans. At every endeavor she brings professionalism, passion, pluck, and the desire to spread the news to the people.

Community

Holiday Glow Event Offers Chance to Give Back While Celebrating the Season

Published

19 hours ago

November 20, 2024

Shawne Taylor

The City of Peachtree Corners and Intuitive have partnered to support local non-profit, Because One Matters, at this year’s event.

It’s time again for one of Peachtree Corners favorite annual traditions: The Holiday Glow Lighting and Concert on the Town Green.

With live musical performances, trackless train rides, fun holiday activities and sparkling Christmas Tree and Menorah lightings — along with complimentary hot chocolate for guests — this festive, all-ages celebration has become a holiday tradition for many families in and around the city.

Kids and adults can immerse themselves in the joyful atmosphere, mix and mingle with neighbors, friends, family and entertainers and experience the magic of the season beneath the night sky and twinkling holiday lights.

Partnership for a special cause

Special for this year, the City of Peachtree Corners has partnered with Intuitive to support Gwinnett County non-profit, Because One Matters, at the event.

The organization provides assistance to children and families in the foster care system through donations and fundraising.

“[The] holiday event … is a good place to partner with companies like Intuitive and non-profits like Because One Matters to get their message out and allow more people to be involved [in helping] a good cause,” said Louis E. Svehla, director of communications for the city.

“Intuitive came to us, wanting to be more involved in the community,” Svehla continued, “We [looked at] a list of all of the non-profits that are [located] in the city or that help assist in ways in the city … and they [chose] Because One Matters.”

A custom-designed holiday ornament

Together, the city, the company and the non-profit decided to partner for the Holiday Glow event and do a limited-edition ornament — custom-made, custom-designed and hand-numbered to 200 — making it available as a gift to anyone who brings an item to donate from the organization’s wish list.

The city designed the ornament with input and agreement from both Intuitive and Because One Matters.

“And now here we are,” said Svehla. “It’s our first time offering a limited-edition ornament for people at the event who donate clothing, toiletries, things that [the organization] needs — it’s not a cash donation. And we’re hoping that we can do this every year, whether it’s a different company or a different non-profit, to do a series of [Holiday Glow event] ornaments to bring companies in, to support locals, to support non-profits and make sure we’re giving back.”

Because One Matters

With a mission of helping children in the foster care system as well as children and families in need, Because One Matters runs a variety of service programs throughout the year.

Their Wrapped in Love Closet initiative provides those families the opportunity to shop for new or like-new clothing items, toys and books, all free of charge. They also provide kids entering foster care with a duffle bag filled with essential items to increase comfort and security during their earliest days of placement.

Foster, adoptive or kinship families who would like to participate in the program, can find information on the Because One Matters website. For individuals, families or local businesses who would like to assist, a variety of donation, fundraising and volunteer opportunities are available.

During Holiday Glow, guests who bring an item to donate from the organization’s wish list will receive one of the special Holiday Glow ornaments in return — a great way to make giving back part of your holiday festivities.

“We are thrilled to be part of the Holiday Glow event and deeply grateful for the City of Peachtree Corners and Intuitive’s incredible partnership,” said Andrea Barclay, CEO of Because One Matters. “Their support not only brings joy to the community during this festive season but also helps raise awareness and vital donations for our mission. Together, we’re making a meaningful impact for the children and families we serve.”

The donation wish list

New underwear for girls (sizes 2T–14)
New bath towels & washcloths (no white towels, please)
New boy clothes (sizes 7–18)
New girl clothes (sizes 2T–12)
New boys’ boxers (no briefs; sizes 2T–14)
Bath body wash (for sensitive skin)
Non-spicy toothpaste
Single toothbrushes
Ikea bags
New girls’ & boys’ shoes (all sizes)
$50 store gift cards for teens
Pjs for girls & boys (all ages)

In addition to the food, fun and festivities, the crowd will enjoy live performances from:

Simpson Elementary Chorus
Peachtree Elementary Chorus
Pinckneyville Middle Band
North Metro Academy of Performing Arts Chorus and Dance
International Charter Academy Chorus
Chabad Enrichment Center Chorus

The Town Green offers free parking directly on-site or in nearby parking areas, which are accessible by a short stroll on the center’s nature path. Guests can also access the Town Green via Peachtree Corners’ landmark bridge, which connects to The Forum and the city’s pedestrian and bicycle trail system.

Community

PCBA Awards $3,500 to Georgia Alliance for Breast Cancer

Published

2 weeks ago

November 4, 2024

Peachtree Corners Magazine staff

Group of women holding a large check representing a donation from PCBA to GABC

The Peachtree Corners Business Association (PCBA) donated a check for $3,500 to the Georgia Alliance for Breast Cancer at their October Business After Hours event. The organization was selected by the PCBA Community Outreach Committee and board, who are dedicated to identifying and selecting charities whose mission aligns with supporting the community.

Georgia Alliance for Breast Cancer — formerly It’s the Journey — is a registered 501c3 non-profit that supports Georgia’s breast cancer community by raising funds for breast health and breast cancer programs throughout the state.

Since 2002, the organization’s Georgia 2-Day Walk for Breast Cancer has raised over $19 million to fund 554 grants that provide breast cancer education, screening, early detection, support services and continuing care for Georgians. Their mission is to engage with Georgia’s breast cancer community to increase access to care and reduce disparities in cancer outcomes.

“Since [our] donations are made possible through our members and sponsorships, we wanted to award this check at our recent PCBA Business After Hours Speaker’s event, allowing our members the opportunity to celebrate with us and learn how this organization supports our community” said Lisa Proctor, PCBA president. “This check represents the first of three charities we raised money for at our annual charity event, Tailgates and Touchdowns, in August of this year. We will be awarding a check to the Neighborhood Cooperative Ministries in November and Spectrum Autism Support Group in December.”

Supporting the community

“We are so proud of our continued commitment to supporting our community,” Proctor continued. “The PCBA has donated over $162,000 to local deserving charities and awarded 19 scholarships to outstanding graduating high school seniors in our metro Atlanta community since the inception of our community outreach program in 2013.”

Four women at a PCBA meeting — photo courtesy of the Peachtree Corners Business Association

Funds for the PCBA Community Outreach program are raised throughout the year from PCBA memberships, sponsorships and an annual charity event. Donations and scholarships are awarded during monthly events so that members have the opportunity to learn more about the selected organizations.

For more information about the Peachtree Corners Business Association, visit peachtreecornersba.com.

Community

Peachtree Corners Dedicates Memorial Garden to its First Lady

Published

3 weeks ago

October 29, 2024

Arlinda Smith Broady

A green sign with white lettering and white post for the Debbie Mason Overlook Garden in Peachtree Corners

Although Debbie Mason, the first First Lady of Peachtree Corners passed away in January 2023 just shy of her 72nd birthday, she left a lasting legacy on the community.

Her obituary summed up her attributes beautifully.

“If Debbie Mason believed in a cause, she could be counted on to work toward it tirelessly. Debbie was known to her family as a full-time mom, part-time Wonder Woman and occasional miracle worker. To her friends and community, she was a professional volunteer, fearless leader and perpetual truthteller.

Before starting her family, she worked as a legal secretary, where she began honing her exceptional organizational skills and trademark charisma, which made her the most formidable fundraiser. PTSA president, Scout den leader, drama club mom, sports team mom, volunteer organizer, teen-driving advocate, recycling and beautification champion — whatever her kids were involved in or called to her heart, she made it a priority.

A consummate ‘mover and shaker,’ there was little in her sphere of influence that didn’t receive a bit of ‘the Debbie Mason touch.’ She and Mike were founders of the Fox Hill Homeowner’s Association, where she worked to build community on the street she called home for 36 years. Hanging holiday decorations, throwing her annual Halloween party and even going door-to-door gathering signatures to have sewers installed in the neighborhood, Debbie spent so much of her time and energy in service of others.”

A loving memorial

At a memorial service in her honor, several members of the community stood around brainstorming a way to truly respect the impact she had on those around her.

“There were a group of us that just kept talking to each other and saying, what else can we do?” said Lynette Howard. “Debbie inspired us. She did so many things for us, and she gave up great things to the city. And the city was something that she just … it was her pride and joy, and she wanted to make sure that everybody was embraced and hugged in this city.”

Ribbon cutting with Mayor Mike Mason at the Debbie Mason Memorial Garden — Ribbon cutting ceremony with Mayor Mike Mason at the Debbie Mason Memorial Garden dedication, photo courtesy of City of Peachtree Corners

A public garden in Debbie Mason’s name was born from that discussion. And a little less than two years later, a dedication was held on Saturday, October 24 to commemorate the Debbie Mason Memorial Garden.

Her obituary went on to include her love of gardening and the outdoors.

“To nurture was her nature; she loved to look after her home and garden. Visitors often commented on how warm and welcoming the house made them feel and how beautifully decorated it was. She was an artist, viewing the backyard garden as her canvas and the flowers, plants and pots as her paints. Working in the garden restored her soul; it was her special place. She was brilliant, an independent thinker, honest, direct and utterly unique. There will never be another one like her.”

A plaque at the Debbie Mason Memorial Garden

Local residents and guests at the garden dedication

A legacy that will live on

As in life, her kindness, dedication and joy will live on.

“With the opening of this garden today, she will leave an imprint that will be enjoyed by Peachtree Corners citizens for generations to come,” said Dave Huffman during the ceremony.

Debbie inspired those around her to make a positive impact on the city, as seen in the garden project. The Debbie Mason Memorial Garden Committee: Bob Ballagh, Pat Bruschini, Lynette Howard, Dave Huffman, Sarah Roberts, Gay Shook and Robyn Unger worked together to answer questions, prioritize goals and honor Debbie’s legacy.

Large blue vase with colorful faux flowers at the Debbie Mason Memorial Garden — photo credit: Rico Figliolini

To ensure the garden design and features aligned with Debbie’s passions and the community’s input, the committee thought about things the garden shouldn’t be: hectic, feeling noisy, unkempt, sad, forgotten, without a purpose, ostentatious, gaudy, overdone, devoid of interactive things.

“Did we accomplish it?” Howard asked the crowd during the ceremony.

The thunderous applause proved that Debbie would have approved.