Carolyn Law, Event Co-chairman and Public Relations Coordinator for the new TAILS Humane Society in DeKalb, Illinois, writes to Joe after the shelter's Grand Opening.

May 23, 2005

Dear Joe:

Our sincerest thanks to you for making TAILS' Grand Opening celebration so truly special, not only for TAILS Humane Society, but also for the 1,200 visitors we attracted to the event over the two days, thanks in large part to you. From the keynote address at the formal dinner for major donors, right through a full day of photos and book signing on Saturday, your contribution to our once-in-a-lifetime event was both memorable and tremendously successful. TAILS Humane Society greatly appreciates your willingness to do just about anything we asked of you, your flexibility and easy competence in the public eye, and most of all, your dedication and outspoken commitment to the ideals we share about shelter adoptions and humane treatment of all creatures.

But I really want to offer some words of recommendation to other humane societies, shelters, and animal welfare organizations around the United States who, like TAILS, understand that nonprofits must maximize "friend raising" opportunities in the short term to achieve fund raising goals in the long term. Here's an example: As designated Benji escort, I was honored to spend two exhaustingly intensive days with America's Top Dog and Joe Camp. Never have I had such an experience. For two days, I was literally surrounded constantly by smiling people. Without exception, regardless of age, race, or nation of origin, Benji inspires good feeling, some nostalgic, some on the cuteness factor alone, but virtually everyone we encountered knew Benji and more to the point, felt good about Benji. That measure of openness makes audiences receptive to the important message Joe Camp and Benji were invited to represent at our shelter opening--shelter adoptions reduce pet store sales of puppy mill animals, and we must never ever stop working toward our foals for the greater good.

Some important facts about your impact on our grand opening and beyond. During the two days, 25 pets were adopted into loving, forever homes. All but one adoptable dog left our care. Sales of Benji-related merchandise were brisk and netted over $2000 for TAILS. Then, over the next two weeks, foot-traffic through the new shelter was steady every day, resulting in nearly 60 new volunteers and additional adoptions. What I had heard about you is certainly true for us: Joe and Benji empty shelters! Our two-week total for adoptions was 37 pets, including a rabbit, a parrot, and hard-to-place cats. Last year's total for the entire month of May was only 21 animals. Yes, our new shelter is a wonderful asset in itself, but I'm confident that our success, not just for one weekend but for who knows how long to come, is in part the result of benji's association with us and your tacit endorsement. The benefit we enjoy from your appearance here has already exceeded my most optimistic hopes.

Joe, we've awoken to a new day for animal welfare in DeKalb County, and we are so pleased that you and Benji were there to share it with us. We launched a brand new tag line that weekend, too: Where good things happen every day! Thank you for delivering exactly what you promised and thereby making that slogan so splendidly real.

My warmest regards,

Carolyn Law
Grand Opening Co-chair and Public Relations Coordinator for the Board of Directors