Page 72 - South Mississippi Living - April, 2016

KIDS woof woof
D GTALES story by Lynn Lofton
Dhotos courtesy of Humane Society of South Mississippi and Gulf Coast Search and Rescue Team
p
kids section — a dog as a mascot and dogs performing serious work.
The Humane Society of South Mississippi (HSSM) recently celebrated its first shelter mascot. The ceremony included the unveiling of a new wall display in the adoption lobby that features photographs of Trout, the seven-year-old Labrador/Australian shepherd mix who will serve as an ambassador of HSSM and its mission for 2016.
The opportunity to become the shelter mascot is part
of HSSM’s annual fundraising event, Rock N’ Roll Over. Participants may bid during a silent auction to have their pet become HSSM’s reigning mascot. Laura and Ron Ladner of Pass Christian were the highest bidders during last year’s event, securing the position of HSSM mascot for Trout, who they adopted in 2008 from Jackson Friends of Animals based in Jackson, Miss.
“We’re really excited to be a part of this amazing program,” said Laura Ladner. “Ron and I have so much respect for HSSM and everything they do for the homeless dogs and cats in our community. Trout and his two sisters are rescues, and they’re so full of love and have brought so much joy to our lives. Seeing how happy they are reinforces our commitment to helping organizations such as HSSM. And Trout is loving being the center of attention!”
In addition to being featured in the lobby display, the HSSM mascot receives a professional photo shoot, the cover of HSSM’s calendar, a personalized theme song written
by award-winning songwriter Jimmy Robins, a feature
page on HSSM’s website, a facebook fan page, and special
ogs are not only man’s best friend, they’re kids’ best friend too. Many children
grow up with family dogs who provide companionship and unswerving loyalty and devotion. To honor the Coast’s children, we present two positive dog tales in this special
DOG TROUT has been named as shelter mascot. BELOW: Owners Laura and Ron Ladner bid on this title for their dog Trout at the Rock N’ Roll Over fundraiser for HSSM.
72 SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living • April 2016 FOR MORE REFLECTIONS OF THE GULF COAST >> www.smliving.net