An open letter to friends of GAIN

You have seen them on your way to work, the store, taking your kids to school; they seem to be everywhere. The number of sick, starving, and homeless dogs and cats on Guam is staggering and increases every day as unsterilized pets run the streets. Some are adult animals whose human families no longer want them or cannot care for them. Many get lost and never make it home. Too many kittens and puppies are born because owners did not have their pets spayed or neutered in time. The truth is that there just are not enough homes for them all. The lucky ones get a chance at a permanent home, while the rest become part of a tragic surplus of pets. What happens to this "surplus"? Some are hit by cars, become wounded in fights, and others suffer abuse by uncaring people. They get sick. They starve. Most of them die.

Some of the fortunate animals end up in the shelter, where trained caregivers make every effort to find them new homes. However, the numbers tell a tragic story. There are many more pets in the shelter than there are people able to provide loving homes. Thousands of pets are euthanized every year for one painfully simple, tragic, and preventable reason: no one wants them. This is a heartbreaking waste of life. If you have always wished you could do something to help, now is your chance.


In its first year, GAIN’s sterilization program had over 1,200 animals sterilized with the help of several local veterinary clinics. This program is making great strides but support is needed to ensure the positive effects of these efforts continue for generations to come. As we enter this program’s second year, we are seeking to bring a new level of awareness about responsible pet ownership to the community and further the education of pet care, animal welfare, and sterilization.

So, you may ask, what can I do to help? You can help with the development of a community education and interaction center. This center will permit volunteers to conduct school presentations and allow a place for children to learn about animals. It will also provide an area for our trained volunteers and staff to interact with families and answer questions. We would like to install computers with programs designed to match adoptable animals with potential families and provide interactive educational games.

To ensure this dream becomes a reality, we need your help with this fundraiser to transform an unused building at the shelter into an education center. Make your fundraising page, create or join a team of five, and others will donate or become members underneath you. Prizes will be awarded for the top three teams, top three individuals, and the one that acquires the most new members. The prizes will be given in October at Dogtoberfest, a pet extravaganza celebrating the efforts of the community.

Thank you for taking the time to read this request. The community will greatly appreciate your help with this cause for years to come.

Sincerely,
GAIN Membership Committee

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**Guam Animals In Need is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization and all donations are tax deductible to the full extent allowable by law.