SPHL Mississippi RiverKings

"Pups 'N Pucks" Night this Saturday, February 18

Published on February 16, 2012 under SPHL (SPHL)
Mississippi RiverKings News Release


SOUTHAVEN-The RiverKings invite dog lovers and their canines to attend a special "Pucks & Pups" night this Saturday, February 18th as the team faces off against the Louisiana IceGators at 7:05 p.m.

The RiverKings will also sponsor a special event during the game for Dachshunds and their owners: the RiverKings "Weenie Dog Race" during an intermission at center ice. Of course, "pups" of all sorts and sizes are welcome to attend the game in a night that promises plenty of two and four-legged fun. All dogs must be registered with the RiverKings by filling out a waiver form and providing a copy of the most recent rabies and vaccination forms.

Additionally, the RiverKings will host Save1Pet foster and rescue organization as the MVP Nonprofit Organization of the night and pets available for adoption through the organization. The two organizations teamed up for the first time seven years ago.

"For the last 4 years our biggest fundraiser is held during the holiday season and we seek donations to send children from local orphanages, Boys and Girls Clubs, Magnolia School in Horn Lake, Impact Missions, and House of Grace to a hockey game so they can experience a fun night out just being a kid," Save1Pet co-founder Denise Novak said.

"It just keeps getting bigger each year. Being able to have a fundraiser to help Save1Pet's animals in need and at the same time give so many children a night to remember the rest of their life is priceless."

Save1Pet was formed in 2004 to support and assist local animal shelters by increasing adoptions and awareness about pet adoption. In its first year, Save1Pet found loving homes for over 300 animals from the Olive Branch Animal Shelter, and in 2005 they rescued over 150 strays and pets that had been surrendered by caregivers.

"There is a quote that says, "˜Saving one pet won't change the world, but surely the world will change for that one pet,'" Novak said. "The author is unknown, but the message is so prevalent that it has become our mantra. Due to overpopulation, there are so many animals that just need someone to notice them and give them a chance. They are often scared, hungry, hurt and needing a safe place. We can't save them all, but by opening our hearts and our homes we can give that one animal a safe place."

Save1Pet holds adoption events at every Saturday at local Petco and PetSmart stores and twice a month at the Memphis Farmers Market following its opening in mid-April. In October, the group hosts a special event at the Memphis Farmers Market and invites all Save1Pet adoptive families and their pets to come out and enjoy games, contests, fun and fellowship.

Save1Pet also visits classrooms and YMCAs to help educate young people about proper care and responsibility pets require.

"Our inspiration comes from the countless stray and neglected animals in our tri-state area," Novak said. "If you could ask the 1,250 animals that have passed through our hands, they would tell you they are thankful to now be in loving homes. We do much more than just save lives. We help to educate the public on animal care, spay and neuter, heartworm prevention, what to do if you lose or find a pet, etc. I really believe it is a calling and in my blood."

Novak recalled how, as a child of eight years old, her father brought home her first rescue dog, "King," who was living in the Missouri Pacific railroad yard in St. Louis, Mo. She fell in love not only with King, but with rescuing animals in general.

"There are so many ways to work in rescue," Novak said. "Fostering, special events, taking pet photos, adoption events, transporting animals to vet visits or adoption days, writing thank you notes, bookkeeping, fundraising, networking, Facebook; there's something to do for just about anyone at any age!"

Save1Pet volunteers foster rescue animals in their homes, as the organization doesn't operate a facility. They also use referrals from previous adopters to find homes for more animals.

"Quality time is given to each animal in our care in our personal homes," Novak said. "We always appreciate getting updates and photos from our adoptive families about our fur kids that have gone home. It's always rewarding when you find that match of pet and people who fall in love for the rest of their lives. It not only gives that pet a home, but it also gives that family someone to love and cherish as well."

To adopt a pet or to join Save1Pet's efforts to reduce pet overpopulation through spaying, neutering, and teaching responsible ways to treat and care for all animals, call 662-890-7299, email save1pet@yahoo.com or visit their web site at www.save1pet.org or the Save1Pet Facebook page.

The RiverKings continue their search for teens who are shining stars in their communities by encouraging fans to nominate deserving teenagers for the team's "Teen Star"award. The top three nominees will be recognized and awarded at the Friday, March 16th RiverKings game.

To find out more about RiverKings fundraising, Face Off Field Trip presented by Belhaven University, or other RiverKings events, call 662.342.1755 or email hockey@riverkings.com.

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