Please read this first. Thank you.

I refer to MEANT FOR EACH OTHER on my maggie s davis channel and in other places on my website. The NEIGHBORCARE MFEO project to benefit Animals in Need led straight to the OPEN WIDE THE DOOR mission, featured on YouTube. How could it not have a page of its own!

In 2010, I mailed the MFEO letter (see below) to those individuals I know who have/love animals. Watching the MFEO videos I've made on behalf of animals in need of adoption, you might be inspired to launch a MFEO program of your own in your own community -- no matter where in the world you live -- village or suburb, countryside or city.

The response form is a reference sample, only, except for those MAINE RESIDENTS who would be happy to reply!

MAINERS, do print out the form and reply!

If you are moved to start a Meant for Each Other type service, already are making efforts to do so, and -- after reading the letter and the response form below -- have questions, wherever you live, I'd be delighted to talk with you. NOTE: you must have passion for this work to keep the service going. There are many tests!

TIPS and REMINDERS regarding starting a MFEO-like service in your own community:
1) MFEO is, by choice, not a 501(c)3. We are limited only by the extent of our imaginations and our desire to serve.
2) People learn of MFEO via word-of-mouth, not advertising.
3) Folks do not have to sign up to be called upon. Though simple computer data is stored, we are a non-paperwork model.
4) When someone I call or email can't help, I thank that person for listening to my request and then ask if they are glad to forward the request by phone or email to others they can think of who might be happy, or at least willing. When possible, I use photographs and videos in emails I send, to personalize the Animal in Need i'm serving at the time.
5) A sixth sense is key to building your network. For example, if you meet folks on dog walks who are happy to pet your dog companion and would like to tell you about their animal friends, forget you don't know them. Tell them about your service for animals. In essence, you DO know these individuals, in a true way, heart to heart. Often I discover gold when I speak up: "strangers" delighted to join in, any way they can.

Even when I'm not with my dogs, I see folks with a kind face and step right up, asking about the animals in their lives. Almost always they DO have animals in their lives. Don't be shy! Your passion for helping Animals in Need, if it is strong enough, will overcome your shyness. (Remember to talk to folks in your neighborhood, community centers, parent meetings, at work -- you name it!)

NOTE: If you do start a project in your community, please choose your own name and logo for it, though feel free to use the MFEO letter and response form for inspiration (not verbatim!) and as a model for your own good work.