Clayton News Daily

Dr. Karen Thomas, volunteer veterinarian for Noah’s Ark, in Locust Grove, proposed the concept for a 13-month calendar featuring animals housed there. Calendar sales are being conducted as a fund-raiser for the non-profit facility. 

Noah’s Ark Animal Rehabilitation Center and Children’s Care Home –– a non-profit organization in Henry County –– is asking residents in the Southern Crescent area to show their support for animals at the facility, one calendar entry at a time.

The popular attraction, located at 712 L.G. Griffin Road in Locust Grove, is selling its 2012 calendars, for $15, plus $1.05 tax.

Animals featured include llamas, bison, tiger cubs and peacocks.

“This beautiful, full-color, spiral bound, 13-month calendar features different Noah’s Ark animals each month,” said Diane Smith, assistant to Noah’s Ark Director, Jama Hedgecoth.

Proceeds, she said, will help provide feed and care for more than 1,000 animals.

Noah’s Ark has housed orphaned or abandoned animals, as well as those in need of care following injuries, since its opening in 1990.

Dr. Karen Thomas, a volunteer veterinarian, who is owner of Three Counties Animal Hospital, in Riverdale, and chairperson of the board of directors at Noah’s Ark, devised the concept for the calendars.

She said she based it on her previous volunteer work with the Girl Scouts of the USA organization. The inaugural endeavor at Noah’s Ark is seeing some signs of success, she said.

“We started with an order of 350 calendars, and it’s obvious that they’re going to sell out, so we’ve ordered another 250 calendars,” said Thomas.

The veterinarian said economic pressures have forced leaders at Noah’s Ark to come up with new methods to generate funding help.

“Donations are down, and we’re looking for ways that people can give, and receive something at the same time,” she said. “So, we have the calendar, we have private tours, overnight safaris in the summer, and this past summer, we also started trying to do a crafts fair every month.”

Susan Crane, administrator at Noah’s Ark, said the calendars are in the process of being printed, and will be ready by Nov. 1.

“The response has been amazing,” said Crane. “At the last count, which was Friday, we had 100 pre-orders online. People are on board with our efforts, and it shows support for what we do.”

Thomas said plans are in the works for the calendars to be produced annually.

To order a calendar by credit card, call (770) 957-0888. To pay by PayPal, visit the registration page on the Noah’s Ark web site, at www.noahs-ark.org.