Melissa's Birthday Campaign

Every year as my birthday approaches my wonderful friends and family ask, "what do you want for your birthday?" As I have gotten older that question has gotten harder and harder to answer. I tend to buy myself (most of) what I want. I don't have to cross my fingers and hope for that "Ice Bird" anymore. I also feel like I'm past the age where I like much of a fuss to be made over my birthday. I'm not freaked out by them, I just feel that I've had quite a few really good ones and any real fuss should wait till the next big one (which will be here soon enough).  

I use the ASPCA website a fair amount (they have great dog training advice -- lord knows I need that) and while browsing I discovered that you can donate your birthday to the ASPCA.  It seems like just the thing for me. Over the past year and a half Jimmy and I have had the pleasure of adopting 3 dogs. One of them, Winter, was a rescue from a puppy mill. Sadly, she is no longer with us. If you don't know her story, Jimmy posted a tribute to her here: http://mjames04.blogspot.com/2014/12/winter-shura.html  

I still think about her and miss her every day.  

It is with her in mind that I am donating my birthday to the ASPCA to help save animals lives. Your donation will help the ASPCA provide life-saving programs and services to millions of animals nationwide. The ASPCA is very important to me and I appreciate your help as we fight to give abused and homeless animals a second chance at life. In lieu of birthday gifts, please support me by making a donation and help me make a positive impact in the lives of animals! Thank you!