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78 l Macon Magazine october/noveMber 2013 h o l i d a Y G u i d e 2 0 1 3 Because so many pets are regarded as family members, it is normal to grieve for them. Our pets accept and love us unconditionally and never pass judgment. Upon the loss of a pet, pet owners need to let their feelings of grief play out by sharing and discussing their loss with others who truly understand their pain. A memorial service helps them to properly deal with their loss, while giving them the opportunity to celebrate their pet's life. That's why Hart's Petuary began an annual tradition of hosting a memorial celebration service in 2011. In the past two years, the service has been a source of healing and comfort for more than 400 pet owners. The event includes the reading of healing and inspirational poetry on pet loss, a candle ceremony, a video tribute set to music, a balloon release and light refreshments. This years' service will be held on Thursday, Nov. 7, at 6:30 p.m. at Hart's at the Cupola, 6324 Peake Road. Hart's "Rainbow Paws and Santa Claws" Christmas tree will be on display at the Memorial Celebration event and will continue to be on display through Christmas. The tree is a tradition that began in 2007. The beautiful and festive tree is adorned with dog and cat ornaments, Milkbone garland, catnip mice and cat teasers, colorful bones and other pet related ornaments. It is topped with a stunning dog angel. For those who cannot attend the Memorial Celebration Service, Hart's hopes you will still stop by the Petuary and admire the tree and place a gift underneath, such as pet food, dog beds, gift cards, flea and tick control, collars, leashes, cat liter, crates, metal bowls and blankets. Those who wish to can also make a monetary donation in memory of or in honor of a furry friend by placing the donation in the brightly colored Rainbow Paws doghouse, which is located next to the tree. All donations and gifts will be distributed to various animal rescue agencies throughout Middle Georgia. For more information on the "2013 Hart's Memorial Celebration Service" or the "Tis the Season for Rainbow Paws and Santa Claws" event, contact Vicki or Doug @ Hart's Petuary 478-741-0409 or vicki. hartspetuary@gmail.com. Hart's Petuary specializes in pet cremation services and memorialization for families in the Middle Georgia area. At Hart's Petuary, your pet is treated with the same dignity and care that Hart's Mortuary would provide your human family member. Buddy Greene, an accomplished song- writer and musician, will be back in his hometown of Macon Nov. 7 performing at the Library Ballroom, 652 Mulberry St., in order to raise funds to repair poverty housing. Buddy will donate his time and talent in an effort to help The Fuller Center for Housing of Macon re- pair and renovate derelict houses in the middle Georgia area. Dinner begins at 6:30 p.m. with a concert to follow. "Buddy is a person who continu- ously gives of himself to help others have a better life. This is just one example of the kind of person Buddy is," said Dianne Fuller, director for the Fuller Macon. Buddy's in-laws donated a house on Birch Street that Fuller Macon is renovating for a family. Funds from the concert will be used to com- plete the necessary renovations. The homeowners have already been chosen and have been working beside volun- teers to repair and renovate the house. The Fuller Center Macon is a fully qualified charitable organization and is a covenant partner of The Fuller Center for Housing based in Americus whose mission is the repair, renovate and build adequate shelter for all people in need worldwide on terms they can afford. The Macon Fuller Center focuses on the needs of Middle Georgia. Mil- lard and Linda Fuller started Habitat for Humanity in 1976 and began The Fuller Center for Housing Inc. in 2005 in response to Hurricane Katrina. Houses that are repaired and renovated are affordable for very low- income families because they are sold to the family with no interest assessed, volunteers provide part of the laborand families participate in the renovation of the house, earning "sweat equity." The Fuller Center work provides a "hand- up," not a "hand-out." This approach turns the "recipient" into a "donor" as repayments are recycled and used to repair the next house for a family. Contact Dianne Fuller for tickets or to sponsor a table 478-972-2244 dfuller@fullercenter.org RAINBOW PAWS PLAYING SONGS TO REPAIR HOUSES