Jackson Free Press

Many Jacksonians are still in mourning since Ann Herlihy closed Fondren Traders late last year, the shop where many of us bought so many gifts (most of my staff gifts used to come from there). But many people didn't know that Ann has another passion beyond art and design: She loves animals and helps rescue them. After continually seeing Ann walking her three pups around Fondren, I asked her if she would do a DogBlog for the Jackson Free Press. Ann had taken my writing classes, and I know she is good writer; she is also very funny. And closest to my heart: She loves animals as much as I do, and hates to see them abandoned and mistreated.

Ann's been doing her blog for the JFP for a few weeks now, featuring various pets at the Mississippi Animal Rescue League who need homes; so far, both Happy and Rosie have found homes. (Go read about Harley, a black lab, right now on her blog.) Ann's blog is also honest and conversational as you'll see, and apropos for these hard times, as she seeks the next step in her life and career and shares her ups and downs with JFP readers.

Most importantly, though, honor Ann's efforts to help animals by doing your part: Adopt a pet if you can, and if you have pets, please make sure they are spayed or neutered, and please heed the leash laws, for the safety of your animals, as well as your neighbors.