I know it has been some time since I have had a chance to catch up with everyone, but just because I haven’t written doesn’t mean there isn’t much to write about! Over the past few months I have had the opportunity to meet some great people and pets. My favorite was a Rottweiler/Chihuahua mix named Sinister. Odd combination, I know, but what a great puppy!

We are still working with Cabarrus (N.C.) County Meals on Wheels, along with our private applicants. Another great partner we found is My Sugar Bean, which specializes in all-natural dog treats. The owner has been providing us with holiday dog treats for Meals on Wheels pet owners. Their treat baskets have been the cutest I have ever seen, and Petey absolutely loves them! If you own a dog, be sure to visitwww.mysugarbean.com for some pawiches or pupsicles.

Also, Petey’s Promise is happy to announce that National Hot Rod Ass’n Top Fuel (the fast ones!) driver and noted animal lover Cory McClenathan has agreed to be our official spokesperson. We are so happy to be associated with Cory, and we can’t wait to see what the future holds for us.

The most exciting part of our January has been submitting our official 501 (c) (3) application with the IRS. It has been a long and strange journey, but we are almost there!

In the meantime, we are running our first donation drive of 2009 – Share the Love With Our Four-Legged Pals!

In honor of February and Valentine’s Day, we want everyone to participate in our new “Share the Love” contest. Upload a picture and a short description of your pet to our Facebook Petey’s Promise Group page. You can tell us how you rescued your pet, their best trait or trick, or just simply how much they mean to you.

To increase your odds of winning (and to make it more fun) we have added a few twists!

• For every 5 additional people that upload photos of their pets and mention your name, you will receive 1 extra entry into the drawing.
• For every donation you make on PayPal, you will receive an extra 2 entries.
• A donation of pet food or supplies is worth an extra 2 entries as well.

Two winners will be drawn from all of our entries on March 3rd. Our prize pack is in the works, and for locals near Petey’s Promise Intimidator tickets are available; for out-of-towners we have pet coupon cards and/or gifts.

We are also working on several new fundraisers for the Spring, so stay tuned for updates.

*Please remember to allow at least 48 hours for returned phone calls and emails.