Paw Prints December 2010

Paw Prints Nov 2010

Panhandle Animal Shelter NEWSLETTER

CALENDAR OF EVENTS Dec. 4 – Jan. 3 Compassion Tree PAS Lobby December 12 Santa Paws Pictures Noon – 4:30 PAS Lobby December 14 PAS Board Meeting Noon – 1:30 PAS Community Room December 17 Alan Beaulieu Memorial Service 11:00 AM Catholic Church/PAS January 11 PAS Board Meeting Noon – 1:30 PAS January 15-16, 2011 Schweitzer Ski-Join Mt. Horse Adventures Schweitzer Mountatin January 16, 2011 K-9 Keg Pull Winter Carnival Eichardt’s Pub February 8 PAS Board Meeting Noon – 1:30 PAS

Shelter 208-265-7297

www.pasidaho.org

Thrift Shop 208-263-0706

Panhandle State Bank Leads the Pack The Panhandle Animal Shelter sends out a big thank you to our first room sponsor!

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ne of our closest business neighbors and Shelter is a favorite non profit for many of us.” friends has stepped up to help meet our He remembers what it was like before the ongoing need to appropriately house our Animal Shelter opened its doors. “It was very “clients’ and conduct our business. Panhandle sad to see unwanted animals left on the street, State Bank, as part of its ongoing Powered becoming a hazard to our neighborhoods. Our

by Community Initiative, has initiated the community has been a leader in adopting best underwriting of the first Lobby Viewing Room at practices in animal rescue, control and adoption. the Panhandle Animal Shelter. The sponsorship Their work will have a lasting impact on all of us. will allow the PAS to promote more dogs for I’m just happy to see once unwanted animals find adoption and provide support for those dogs care and homes.” waiting to find their new homes. “I am so grateful There are many opportunities to support to have leaders like Panhandle State Bank in our the Shelter, and the needs are ongoing. From community,” says PAS director Diana Dawson. facility upkeep, vet and adoption expenses to “They stand behind many critical activities that every month’s pet food supply, we depend on make our town a great place to live. The rescued the generosity of our community. Thank you dogs and cats of our community are just the latest to all of our wonderful donors and volunteers recipient of PSB’s commitment to our county and and a special thank for to Panhandle State Bank our region.” and their employees for their leadership and Curt Hecker, Panhandle State Bank CEO, is commitment! n appreciative of the good work of the Animal Shelter, and is excited about helping to keep the facility PSB Employees left to right: thriving. “It took the efforts of a Misty Waggener, Rebecca Kusler, Connie Rosco lot of good people to make this happen, answering a very real need in our community. We are proud to recognize the founders of PAS, and to help support the Shelter by sponsoring a Viewing Room.”

Sponsors of the Viewing Rooms have the satisfaction of seeing increased results in adoptions.

Sponsors also enjoy the creative aspect by decorating their own rooms. Panhandle State Bank employees made handson contributions by spending volunteer hours to paint and finish the space.

Hecker says that the Sandpoint area staff are particularly happy to pitch in to help, committing hours to walk the dogs and care for animals as well as work on the physical plant. “We encourage all of our employees to work with the charities of their choice and to help the bank make good decisions about where dollars can be spent to best effect. Panhandle Animal

President’s THE CADEAU FOUNDATION AWARDS $5,000 GRANT TO PAS Report The Cadeau Foundation awarded $5,000 to PAS in November to help subsidize the letter from the president

by Sue ellen crettol

As the new President of the Board of Directors, I want to give THANKS to the dedicated Staff, along with the tremendous bank of volunteers, who enable our Shelter to continue serving Bonner County by caring for the animals until they are settled in to new homes.

Many thanks also to the Thrift Store folks who provide a place for people to purchase clothing and household items in an affordable manner.

Without our staff and volunteers we could not maintain the caliber of Shelter and Thrift Store we presently have.

The Board of Directors works hard behind the scenes to support the paid and volunteer staff. We welcome the new directors on our board: Casey Nixon, Keith Congleton, Jan Waldrup, Robert Kellerman and Helen Williams-Baker who join existing directors, Diana Dawson, Kris Contor and me It is with sadness that we learned of the passing of Alan Beaulieu, who was a committed and dedicated volunteer who was a wonderful advocate for our animals. He was a tremendous asset and he will be greatly missed by all of us. Another loss came with the untimely death of Steve Hosier, an employee of the Thrift Store. We will miss Steve’s smile and willingness to do a lot of odd jobs that others couldn’t. Our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Alan and Steve.

There have been several accomplishments over the last few months including: • Yappy Hour(s) which have been highly successful and well attended; • 4th of July parade with our dogs; • Bonner County Fair Booth winning a blue ribbon; • Blessing of the Animals; • You’ve Been Flocked with Pink Flamingos all over town; • Adoptions ongoing; • Helping with Long Bridge Swim; • Walking the dogs; • Grounds improvement with new plantings; • Enlarging the retail items at the Shelter; • New PA system in the Shelter.

We are nearing completion of our second year in our new Shelter. My appreciation to all who have helped in any way to accomplish the goals of the Shelter and the Thrift Store and to be true to the Mission of the Panhandle Animal Shelter. n

Shelter’s spay and neuter expenses. Matching funds were received earlier from the Kristensen Family Trust which bequested over $13,000; also dedicated to spay and neuter.

The Shelter spends close to $35,000 a year on dog and cat alterations. Exact allocation of funds will be determined in the next month. However, some of the funds will go toward discount coupons for the low income and for equipment.

It is both a privilege and a responsibility to receive these funds. PAS appreciates the confidence bestowed upon us and will ensure the money is utilized with the best return on investment. A big thank you to the Cadeau Foundation and to the Kristensen Family Trust. The animals appreciate you.! n

Yappy Hour Ends Second Season With an Enthusiastic Tail-Wag!

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hat a difference a year (and perseverance) makes! When we started holding once-a-month Yappy Hours (Happy Hour with your dog) last year from April through October, we never thought they would become so popular.

Twenty humans attended our very first YH with their canine buddies. Most of the humans were PAS directors or volunteers. Over 75 humans and an even greater number of lucky dogs attended our final YH this season!

On the financial side, PAS made a little over $400 last year from holding YH. This year, we topped $4,000, a 1000% increase! But even more important than the money, public support and interest has grown tremendously. Three businesses, Laughing Dog Brewing, Trinity at City Beach, and Evans Brothers Coffee, already have reserved their dates for hosting Yappy Hour next season. Three other businesses already have inquired about hosting this increasingly popular event. The “locals” are writing it on their calendars for next year. Local motels and restaurants have told us they have gotten wonderful feedback from visitors who just happened by one of our Yappy Hours and joined in the fun.

So, we hope you will plan to make as many Yappy Hours as you can this coming season. Yappy Hour is held the last Thursday of the month starting in April and ending in October. We will kick off with Laughing Dog Brewing at their new location on Fontaine Drive in Ponderay on April 28, 2011.

Please patronize our hosts from this year because they truly made Yappy Hour a huge success: Pend d’Oreille Winery, Trinity at City Beach, Evans Brothers Coffee Studio, Laughing Dog Brewing and Pine Street Bakery. And give the fine folks at Keller-Williams Realty a big thank-you for sponsoring our last Yappy Hour. And look for a possible surprise Yappy Hour this winter (if the weather cooperates)! n

THE HOLIDAYS ARE UPON US! All the four legged and two legged critters of Panhandle Animal Shelter and The Thrift Shop wish all of you a wonderful Holiday Season. For the past several years our organization has sheltered and adopted close to 1500 animals a year. These lost, abandoned, neglected and abused animals would appreciate being on your gift list. There are many ways to contributeand no gift is too small.

Consider shopping at our Thrift Shop or give donations for us to sell. Buy a Forever Tile that honors a beloved person or pet. Be a kennel or room sponsor. Donate cash, become a member of PAS, or adopt an animal. Participate in our Compassion Tree and provide a much needed item for the shelter.

Consider making PAS part of your Estate Plan.

Volunteer. We can always use help! From our home to yours enjoy the holidays! We appreciate you. n 2

Volunteer Spotlight:

Toni Britton

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ELP WANTED: Cat person—must be willing to work long hours, several days a week and be available when the shelter is short staffed. Must be willing to disrobe, smock up and slop around in ill fitting black rubber galoshes (several times a shift). Individual should have no aversion to climbing into cages on all fours to scrub every inch with bleach during ringworm season.

During kitten season, when the shelter swells with mamas and babies, individual will be expected to foster litters, especially the motherless ones. A background in nursing (every 3 hours) is beneficial.

Diversity is essential. On “off days”, this person will be expected to photograph, mount and display various feline prima donnas for the front desk and cat lobbies. Finally the photos plus clever descriptions will be entered in Petfinder to dazzle prospective adopters. The latter task must be updated bi weekly. The entire feline portion of our shelter’s Petfinder will be this person’s responsibility.

It must be said that this position may require periodic drug testing, frequent work ethic reviews with zero salary and an excellent possibility for doubling that wage upon the completion of five years.

ENTER: Toni Britton. Petite, energetic, dependable, and tireless. Toni personifies the above description before it was ever written—we might add “she wrote the book.”

The universe kicked in one day shortly after we opened the doors to the new shelter. In walked Toni Britton with the announcement that she had time on her hands, and wanted to help make a difference at our shelter. Make a difference she did! In a very short time the cat lobby was punctuated with stunning photography, and upon adoption, those works of art went home with new adoptees.

You could probably stop in to see Toni at work, but you’d have to walk very fast. The trip would be worth your while for her creativity and loving care are in evidence throughout the shelter.

We are proud of all our volunteers. They each have created a niche where they can make a tremendous difference. They create their own schedules and find quiet, unseen ways to better the shelter and all its residents. Hats off to Toni and the rest of our volunteers! n

Compassion Tree Returns for December The PAS Compassion Tree will be on display in the shelter lobby beginning Saturday, December 4, 2010 through Tuesday, January 3, 2011. We encourage you to come choose a “package” or two (or more!) off the tree, open it, and donate the item(s) that are listed on the piece of paper inside the package. To help you in choosing packages, they are coded with colored ribbons.

Packages with NO colored ribbons contain the names of items that cost less than $10. Packages with GREEN ribbons contain

the names of items that cost less that $50. Packages with RED ribbons contain the names of items that cost $100 or more.

Last year, the value of donations of items from The Compassion Tree was over $2,000. These donations were a huge help to the shelter and made a tremendous difference in the lives of our shelter animals. We hope you will consider visiting the shelter, petting the residents, choosing a package on The Compassion Tree, and donating that item. It helps so very much. n

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Alan Beaulieu 1948 – 2010

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anhandle Animal Shelter mourns the loss of Alan Beaulieu, an incredible volunteer and a Shelter advocate for our animals. It’s hard to believe he is gone. He has been here for us for so long. Whether it was sitting at the front desk making entries, doing the dog suit routine for the many shelter activities, playing Santa Clause, doing home checks, transporting dogs, or just getting the dogs out for adoption; Alan was always there. There are so many memories!

For now Alan is ever present in our hearts and minds.

Katy Hefley shares her first encounter with Alan when she was shelter manager. “The first time Alan and his friend Harry walked into the shelter and offered to volunteer for the day I mistakenly took them for community service help who often chose the shelter to “put in their time”. I put Alan to work on a huge pile of dishes and laundry and Harry to work scooping the outside kennels. (I did not know how adverse Harry was to this). When Harry asked what was next, I gave him more of the same. Never did either of the guys complain or say a negative word about their jobs!”

Later that day when I discovered they were real volunteers, I felt awful, but they had a good laugh over it and we all often remembered that beginning day. Little did I realize at the time how valuable Alan would become to the animals and to our Shelter. Alan’s friendship was a blessing to me, our animals, and our Shelter. “Blessings to you my friend”.

Ryan Thrailkill remembers the special trip he took with Alan to Colorado Springs to deliver Gunner, a Rottweiler mix that had been a resident of the shelter for over two years. “Alan was always willing to go the extra mile for the animals; even if it was several states away.” “It is such a loss for us.”

Speaking of transporting, another story comes to mind of Petunia, a pit bull that was fostered by Bill and Gloria Smith. A couple in Moscow wanted to adopt Petunia. They had another Pit Bull and wanted some company. Alan agreed to deliver Petunia and do the home check.

Needless to say Bill and Gloria were worried that the new home could really accommodate Petunia, who is a little dog with big energy. When Alan got to Moscow with Petunia he decided it wasn’t a good match and Alan and Petunia turned around and headed home with never a complaint. The happy story to this ending is that because of Alan’s dedication and the Smiths love of Petunia she permanently moved in with the Smiths.

Staff member Amber Thorsfeldt describes Alan as a perfect “father figure I felt I never had.” “He was a great friend to me. At the shelter he was open minded, yet you always knew where he stood. He was hardnosed but a big softy all at the same time.”

There are more memories than we can write, but please come share yours at Alan’s service and reception, December 17th. We have lost Alan, but we can celebrate his life and good memories. ♥

Alan’s life will be celebrated at a special service December 17, 2010 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, located in Sandpoint at 601 S. Lincoln Ave. The service will begin at 11 AM and will be immediately followed by a reception at Panhandle Animal Shelter.

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In Loving Memory

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THE REHABILITATION & ADOPTION OF RICCO

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ome stories just need to be shared and so begins the one of Ricco. On May 8, 2010, Sheldon Bennett took Ricco, a small cattle dog for a walk outside the Shelter. This doesn’t sound like any big deal, but a few facts should be known.

Ricco had been at PAS for about 21/2 years. He was a nice dog that loved to play ball. Only one problem…..he would seriously bite anyone who tried to put a collar or leash on him. Some speculated someone had used him to practice roping or had abused him with a choke chain. No one knows for sure, but Ricco had to be carried anywhere he went. He endured this indignity with good grace and was always a complete gentleman….as long as you didn’t touch his neck. Adoption didn’t seem to be in the cards for Ricco with a stumbling block like this one.

Enter Sheldon Bennett, the Cesar Milan of North Idaho. Sheldon was looking for dogs that showed signs of being related to any of the four litter of pups his dog Tera had given birth to. When Sheldon saw Ricco he was convinced Ricco was related (later paternity tests indicated not, but by then Sheldon was hooked).

Sheldon took the challenge to help Ricco overcome this big issue. Each day he showed up at the shelter after work. Because of the danger, he initially worked with Ryan Thrailkill our shelter manager. Sheldon started with a bandana with Velcro tabs and quickly got it attached.

Next came a small piece of rope and an adjustable knot; something to lightly apply tension. Ricco’s fear drove him to bite, but Sheldon followed Cesar Milan’s advice; “exercise, discipline, affection.”

Ricco and He began to have results! Ricco would get Sheldon his exercise outside, played ball and ran heading home around. In his kennel Ricco would actually throw the ball back to Sheldon! Discipline came with Sheldon putting the collar and leash on so Ricco had to drag it around while he was playing ball. All during this time the bandana was used to rub Ricco all over his face and body, with treats afterwards. Soon Ricco was walking from his kennel to the exercise pen.

Then the big day came. Sheldon slipped on Ricco’s collar and leash and walked out the Shelter door for a long walk down the road. When they return there was clapping, cheering, many pictures and lots of tears.

It was time for Ricco to go home! Sheldon filled out the adoption papers, loaded Ricco, the tennis ball and the bandana into his truck and off they went. It is amazing what a little patience, some expertise, and a lot of love can do. Thank you Sheldon Aka Cesar Milan of North Idaho. n

of Central Oregon, Mimi and Freekibble are feeding many thousands of dogs and cats in shelters, rescues and through food banks across the country……EVERYDAY! While Panhandle Animal Shelter is not one of the shelters fully supported by Freekibble we have received two huge shipments of very high quality cat food and are on the list to be an adopted shelter should they receive additional supplies. Feeding our family is one of our largest expenses and Freekibble’s kind gifts have gone a long way to reduce our costs… an especially important gift in these tough financial times.

To learn more about Mimi and her terrific organization go to www.freekibble.com. Support toward feeding the four legged critters is always welcome. n

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Mimi Ausland was an eleven year old girl from Bend, Oregon when she decided to help feed the hungry dogs and cats at her local animal shelter. In Mimi’s words, “There are tens of thousands dogs and cats in animal shelters across the country, all needing to be fed a good meal.” From this desire to help feed shelter animals, www.freekibble.com was launched on April 1, 2008.

The primary mission of Freekibble is to provide healthy, nutritious food to animal shelters who are working hard to see that none of their animals go hungry—they need help! Now in addition to providing free kibble to the Humane Society 6

THE HAPPY TAIL OF

TONYA T

onya arrived at Panhandle Animal Shelter a few years back. She wasn’t exactly a good candidate for adoption. Actually, she was known to be gracefully ornery and had a Bipolar like attitude. She lived in the cat lobby at night and in the cleaning room during the day.

No one was trying to be mean to Tonya, she just had a bad habit of biting; people, other cats, you know, the basics.

Enter Donna Franck. Donna’s son was doing dog training at the Shelter and she was looking at all the cat pictures and really like the one of Tonya. When she realized that Tonya had to be separated from the other cats, her heart went out to the feisty beast.

In August Donna decided to give it a try and adopted Tonya.

Tonya was given lots of space in her new home. She quickly established herself as boss of the household and has come to rule the roost. “My other cat didn’t stand a chance. They each keep to their own space.”

After a few months in her new home, Donna says “Tonya is just the best cat ever!”

Tonya is a big talker and she loves to paw at you. So far there haven’t been any bites. Tonya loves to sit by the window in the sunshine and just wants a lot of loving! It just goes to show that animals who find the right home can change their personality! n

Marriage or Relationship With a Significant Other

If you want someone who will eat whatever you put in front of him and never say it’s not quite as good as his mother’s …then adopt a dog.

If you want someone always willing to go out, at any hour, for as long and wherever you want… …then adopt a dog.

If you want someone who will never touch the remote, doesn’t care about football, and can sit next to you as you watch romantic movies

Tonya

THRIFT SHOP GETS FACE LIFT — DONATIONS NEEDED! In the ongoing effort to improve its sales results, The Thrift Shop has redesigned and reorganized its retail space. Comments from customers have been very positive. “It’s easy to find things now and everything looks great!” said one long time customer.

Few people know that our Thrift Shop provides close to sixty percent of the income generated for Panhandle Animal Shelter. This is our key income producer and the focus is on constant improvement. Next on the list is an overhaul of the backroom to create a more efficient work area and make it more pleasant for donors to drop off their contributions.

DONATIONS are the lifeblood of The Thrift Shop. Right now we need more quality donations so please contribute if possible. A good donation to The Thrift Shop brings added support for the dogs and cats of the shelter. Don’t forget the holidays are upon us, so stop in and shop too! n 7

…then adopt a dog.

If you want someone who is content to get on your bed just to warm your feet and whom you can push off if he snores. …then adopt a dog.

If you want someone who never criticizes what you do, doesn’t care if you are pretty or ugly, fat or thin, young or old, who acts as if every word you say is especially worthy of listening to, and loves you unconditionally, perpetually .. …then adopt a dog.

BUT, on the other hand, if you want someone who will never come when you call, ignores you totally when you come home, leaves hair all over the place, walks all over you, runs around all night, and only comes home to eat and sleep, and acts as if your entire existence is solely to ensure his happiness… …then adopt a cat!

You have a GREAT Day!

Memberships

Individual . . . . . . $25 Family . . . . . . . . $50 Business . . . . . . $250 Sustaining . . . $1,000

Kennel Sponsorships

$150

Mission Statement To diminish the number of lost, abandoned, neglected and abused dogs and cats through adoption, litter

Cat & Dog Room Sponsors $2,500 - $15,000

prevention and identification of missing pets.

Thank You

Newsletter Coordinator . . . . Diana Dawson Layout and Design . . . . . . . Randy Wilhelm Photos . . . . . . . . Kris Contor & Rita Janisse Printing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Selkirk Press

Forever Tiles $200 - $350

The Panhandle Animal Shelter is a 501 C 3 that funds itself solely through community contributions, grants, and Thrift Shop revenues. We do not receive any city or county tax dollars. Please help us help the animals and donate with the enclosed envelope. No donation is too small and you can give in many ways. If you have any questions about choosing a contribution please contact Diana Dawson at 208-265-4052.

SEE OUR NEWSLETTER ON THE PAS WEBSITE www.pasidaho.org TELL YOUR FRIENDS!

Return Service Requested

870 Kootenai Cut-Off Rd Ponderay, ID 83852 SANDPOINT, IDAHO Permit No. 275

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