Friend to Friendless Cats and Dogs
Who knew that the TV personality with the mega watt smile, Jocelyn White, grew up surrounded by animals on a farm in Arkansas? From a toddler, the star and producer of WFAA's "Designing DFW" has adored dogs, horses, pigs and cats. Today, she is a major player in the SPCA, the non-profit organization that places rescue animals.
"My Dad brought me up on conservation and nature," Jocelyn said, which explains why her social conscience, added to her love of animals, was the potent combination that landed her on the board of the SPCA.
It is, she says, the go-to place for animals in crisis, such as the 28,000 exotic creatures, from hedgehogs to wallabies, that the SPCA rescued from dire circumstances in Arlington. All were placed – either adopted or given to zoos or rescue groups. The SPCA even constructed three species-appropriate environments to care for them until all found homes.
"My Dad brought me up on conservation and nature . . ."
Space was – and is – a problem. The SPCA admits approximately 9,000 pets each year. With only two facilities serving North Texas, the organization desperately needs more room. And it relies entirely on donations.
Plans are in place to renovate a large building, which will cost $6 million to start construction on a $15 million project. The Rees-Jones Foundation has generously pledged a matching grant of $4 million. Jocelyn White and Tricia Linderman are serving as co-chairs of the "Raise the Roof" committee, which must raise $2 million by the end of September for construction to begin.
"The people of North Texas are so generous," said Jocelyn. "I know in my heart they will come forward. "
For information about the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and how to make donations, see spca.org or our link. And don't miss "Designing DFW" on Saturday, June 12, WFAA TV 11 a.m.
The Magnificent Facility to Come
Dog avenues and cat condos are some of the winsome spaces that will serve as temporary homes for rescue animals at the new planned SPCA facility – badly needed space that will help visitors see clearly the pet they just can't live without. The large building off of I-30, west of downtown, will take $15 million to renovate, and the Rees-Jones Foundation has pledged a matching grant of $4 million.
Jocelyn White and Tricia Linderman are serving as co-chairs of the "Raise the Roof" committee, which must raise $2 million by the end of September for construction to begin, which will take $6 million. Enjoy images of the renderings – and help raise the roof! To make donations or for more information about the SPCA and the Rees-Jones gift, go to spca.org or see our link.
Dogs and Cats to Take Home
Cuddly cats, magnificent dogs. Here are some wonderful photos of our furry friends who need homes, and the SPCA does a special job of caring for them until they can be adopted. Look among them to find the one you can't resist, or if you can't take one home, consider making a donation to help build the SPCA's new home.
Dogs: Oakley, Banjo, Jerry, Captain, Fly, and Sugar. Cats: Chubby Chase, Fixer, Otis, Davey, Chloe, and Erika To see about adopting one of these or others at the SPCA, or to make a donation, go to spca.org or see our link.
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