IT PAYS TO BE A TEACHER’S PET AS STUDENTS ‘PAY IT FORWARD’ FOR REAL PETS
02/27/2008
By:
Joy Eubanks
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MOREHEAD CITY, N.C.— Having seen the need for educating the community about feline leukemia and FIV (an AIDS-like virus in cats), one teacher in Carteret County went above and beyond by helping raise $1,250 through 2008 calendar sales for the Greenville-based non-profit organization, Marley Fund.
Tiffany Mayo, the advisor for the National Honor Society at West Carteret High School, rescued a cat named Bonnie, who then tested positive for feline leukemia and FIV. Mayo contacted the Marley Fund, which was able to place Bonnie in the Marley House, a shelter for FeLV-positive kitties. Bonnie continues to reside at the Marley House and is described as “affectionate” and “a very large girl” at 14 pounds.
Mayo, who was impressed by the Marley Fund’s quick and helpful assistance in the placement of this cat, decided to help out the Marley Fund in return through the sale of calendars. She wanted to involve her students as well, and the National Honor Society’s very successful calendar-selling team was formed.
“I wanted to help the Marley Fund because of the tremendous work they do
with cats around the country,” Mayo said.
Of the help received, Joy Eubanks, president and founder of the Marley Fund, said, “I wish that we could find an angel like Ms. Mayo in every county. The support of the WCHS NHS has meant the world to our organization. It is not every day that we find those truly dedicated souls to help animals that are carriers of this fatal virus.”
The Marley Fund is dedicated to making a difference in the fight against feline retroviruses, including both feline leukemia and feline immunodeficiency viruses, through public service, promoting awareness and educating the public.
Marley Fund calendars are glossy, full-color calendars that feature a different cat each month. Featured cats are selected each year from contest entries submitted by proud pet owners from across the country. As well as being decorative, the calendars also provide an array of information about feline retroviruses and how to keep cats healthy. Calendars are $10 each.
To purchase a calendar, or for more information about the Marley Fund, please visit: www.marleyfund.com or phone 252-215-0925. Information about entering a photograph of a cat in the 2009 calendar contest can also be obtained at the Fund’s web site.
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