It's not Masters tickets she's hawking. It's discontent.

"We're not against the Masters," said Mrs. van der Linden, the executive director of the North Augusta shelter pet rescue group Molly's Militia. "We're just trying to get some attention for the animals."

Mrs. van der Linden is calling for a Masters Week demonstration that will include blindfolded statues bearing the names of Augusta commissioners and signs with messages such as "Build a new shelter NOW!"

The goal is to get the message out about Augusta's dilapidated pet shelter to residents, Masters golfers and patrons.

"We've sent out about 3,000 fliers," she said. "We've sent them out to every golfer on the PGA Tour."

Mrs. van der Linden said demonstrators will collect donations for the construction of a new animal shelter in Richmond County and chastise the city government for a delay in funding. The event will be staged from 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Monday through April 14 at a private lot across from Olive Garden on Washington Road.

Mrs. van der Linden said the county's current animal shelter is run down, crowded and in need of more supplies.

Mayor Bob Young says the city understands the problem and is working toward a solution.

"We're doing the best we can with the resources we have," he said. "And I'm very comfortable with the progress we're making."

Taxpayers approved $575,000 to build a new facility in 1996. Construction was delayed when it was discovered the money wasn't enough. Voters approved $1 million more in 2000 to construct the facility.

However, the lowest bid to construct the shelter came in at $1.98 million.

Reach Preston Sparks at (706) 828-3904.