Friends rely on your memberships and contributions to help the animals at Placer County Animal Shelter. Our first 14 months have been heavily subsidized by a very generous patron, who enabled us to start-up the organization. However, we can no longer expect our patron to indefinitely continue this level of financial assistance. So, we ask you to support us with your donations. These funds make a real difference ? a life-or-death difference - to the pets given up for adoption at the Placer County Animal Shelter.

In August, we received approval of our non-profit status from the State of California. We expect the federal government also will grant us non-profit status in January. This means that your donations to Friends will be tax deductible in 2000.

Thank you in advance for your support.

For the pet that has everything, finding that special Christmas gift can be a daunting task. Well, don?t despair! Friends just made it easier! Consider stuffing their stocking with a gift certificate for a microchip!! These rice-sized implants coded with a serial number link a pet to its owner should they become lost or stolen. To aid in the recovery of a lost pet, the 800# to report a missing pet has expanded to over 150 countries. These chips are available at a cost of $25, which includes the insertion of the chip and the registration fee. To order, send a self-addressed, stamped envelope and $25 check payable to Friends of the Shelter to 11251 B Avenue, Auburn, CA 95603.

Microchips are also great gifts for birthdays (owners or pets), ?new pet? parties, and for those occasions when you just want to give something special to someone who loves their pet.