Paw Prints March 2011

Panhandle Animal Shelter NEWSLETTER CALENDAR OF EVENTS March 25 Volunteer Orientation Noon -- PAS March 29 11 AM – 1 PM Coldwater Creek Membership Drive April 12 PAS Board Meeting Noon – PAS April 22 Thrift Store Home Pick-up Call store for details April 23 Spring Cleaning Collection Petal Talk, Sandpoint April 26 PAS Annual Meeting 5:30 PM PAS Community Room April 28 Yappy Hour 4 – 7 PM Laughing Dog Brewery April 29 Volunteer Orientation Noon - PAS May 10 PAS Board Meeting Noon -- PAS May 26 Yappy Hour 4 – 7 PM Winter Ridge Natural Foods May 27 Volunteer Orientation Noon – PAS June 14 PAS Board Meeting Noon – PAS June 24 Volunteer Orientation Noon – PAS June 30 Yappy Hour 4 – 7 PM Pend d’Oreille Winery

Shelter 208-265-7297

www.pasidaho.org

Thrift Shop 208-263-0706

PAS Welcomes Mandy Evans

anhandle Animal Shelter is pleased to welcome Mandy Evans as our new Executive Director. Mandy was chosen from over 100 applications and a significant number of interviews. “Her great love for animals, her business background, and her successful endeavors in our community made her an ideal match,” according to director Diana Dawson. With eight years as a contract event coordinator and experience as an incentive manager for Pacific Bell Mandy has overseen projects that have raised up to $750,000. Beyond her business experience, much of Mandy’s time has been donated to the community. The Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce recently awarded Mandy “Volunteer of the Year” for her significant work as an unpaid volunteer. In addition Mandy was instrumental in Sandpoint’s current push toward dog-friendly parks and chairs the marketing committee for DSBA. Despite the intriguing business challenges that

Mandy Evans with Logan

PAS offers, Evans says she applied for the job to assist the 1600 animals that annually go through the doors of PAS. For Evans her motivation is to help make Bonner County a better place for both humans and animals. Mandy summoned it up nicely in a recent press release, “I am driven to work for animal causes not only because I adore them, but because I have experienced first-hand the difference an animal can make in a person’s life. The impact can literally save a life.” n

ANNUAL MEETING NOTICE: You are hereby notified that the annual meeting of Friends of the Shelter (DBA Panhandle Animal Shelter) will be held at 5:30 PM, Tuesday, April 26, 2011 at PAS on 870 Kootenai Cut-off Road. To assist you in evaluating the director candidates, the Nominating Committee will be accepting questions from the membership. Questions must be submitted in writing, limited to 3 per candidate. Questions may be emailed, mailed or dropped at the shelter. For emails, please send to Mandy Evans mandy@pasidaho.org for referral to the Nominating Committee. Questions must be received no later than April 12, 2011. The candidates’ answers will be posted on our web site at www.pasidaho.org and will be posted on the wall at the shelter. n

President’s Report letter from the president by Suellen crettol

The New Year is upon us which brings opportunity for new ideas amidst the changes. It is a time for renewing energy and looking forward to the future. Nothing, including change, comes trouble free; however, failure comes in the midst of change only if we get mired down in the “what if”s” and “if only’s”. Resisting change allows negative energy to take control. Instead, if we look at change as discovery, it puts a whole different light on the process. So let’s let change help all of us to get out of our comfort zone and forge ahead. At the Shelter we are constantly changing as the animals come and go with different needs and at the Thrift Store where merchandise changes daily. The everyday financial needs of our Shelter are changing due to utility bills and other costs which keep going up. We know we have a top notch facility, which enables us to give the animals the attention and love they so deserve, as well as a beautiful area for our thrift store, but it wouldn’t succeed without the ongoing financial support from each of you who have been so faithful in donating to the Shelter. Donations are appreciated no matter how large or small at any time of the year. Recent changes have brought us Mandy Evans, Executive Director, who will work with Ryan Thrailkill as he continues to manage the Shelter. We welcome Marie Friedmann, the new Thrift Store Manager, and give thanks to Karleen Angel for her many years of dedicated service. If all of us, both volunteer and staff, work together as a team, we can come out on top no matter how many changes or challenges are put before us. Let’s control how we respond to change and embrace it as a gold mine of discovery. If we welcome it with a positive attitude we will be able to go forward with the Panhandle Animal Shelter and its mission. n

PAS Goes Electronic Automated Donations A Painless Way To Give

anhandle Animal Shelter is pleased to announce we have created an automated donation program for the convenience of our donors. This has been a long requested process from many of our members. Many of us have tightened our budgets but still want to give. The Automated Donation Program allows you to authorize donations from your checking or savings account to the Panhandle Animal Shelter’s account. All contributions are electronically processed by our bookkeeper through Panhandle State Bank. Giving electronically is secure, saves on check writing and allows you a painless way to give. The donor can determine any amount withdrawal can be done on a weekly, semimonthly, or monthly basis. A donor could authorize $5.00 a month which doesn’t sound like much but over a year it amounts to $60.00. It’s less taxing on the budget, but still has the same impact for our animals. To donate through the automated process please visit, www.pasidaho.org and click on the donations tab on the left side panel. There is a pdf form you can download. You can also call or stop by the shelter. We would be happy to provide you with a form and answer any question you might have. Your donation is a great support to PAS and the animals we serve. n

E-Newsletters Are Coming!

In response to many member and volunteer requests PAS will begin offering enewsletters in an attempt to provide our members with more timely information. As many of you know printing is expensive, time consuming, and has an impact on our environment. As a result we can only offer a newsletter a few times a year. However with e-news we will be able to give you news on a regular basis. To receive e-news go to our web site at www.pasidaho.org. On the home page click on the link to receive our e-news. Fill out the brief form and you will become an informed PAS member! As of last December our regular newsletter became available in four color on our web site! Take a look and enjoy. We hope this will become an option for many of our non members. Running a non-profit is challenging and we could not do it without many of our community partners. Many thanks to Selkirk Press who helps us with the printing of our newsletter and thanks to Keokee Publishing for their assistance with our web site. Please note we are aware that some of our members do not have internet access or still prefer to receive your information by mail. We are doing our best to give you options as we are very grateful for your support. n

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!

Most people think “volunteering” at the animal shelter means walking a dog. And, Panhandle Animal Shelter always needs help in that area. However, if you don’t or can’t walk a dog we have many other opportunities to help. Right now we are taking applications for The Thrift Shop, the front desk, and dog and cat kennel cleaners. These are our most immediate needs along with dog walkers. In addition we have needs in many other areas that would probably match the “expertise” of a wanna be volunteer. Spring is coming. Are you are gardener? Would you be interested in helping us complete our landscaping this spring? Do you like to help plan events and raise money? We always need that. There are many more opportunities so please stop by and visit with us or go on line at www.pasidaho.org and see our application. Your help supports our critters. YOU can help us make money and save money. Panhandle Animal Shelter will be conducting a volunteer orientation on the last Friday of each month. Come see us at noon on that day and visit with our staff. We look forward to meeting you. n 2

Marie Friedmann Joins Thrift Shop

arie Friedmann has been selected as Thrift Shop Manager. She replaces Karlene Angel, who after 17 years of service to PAS earned a much deserved retirement. Marie was selected from a long list of applicants. Her customer service skills with various companies and her experience in merchandising and retail with Coldwater Creek and The Idaho Stone Gift Shop made her a natural for the position. “I believe my high energy, time management, and love of a high-pressure environment will produce results for The Thrift Shop” said Marie in a recent interview. Marie’s immediate objectives are to increase the donations through marketing and public awareness, improve customer service, and focus on a consistent and competitive pricing. In addition she has already added volunteers and is searching for more. The Panhandle Animal Shelter Thrift Shop produces about sixty percent of the revenue for the animal shelter. It is the most sustainable means of generating income that the shelter has and each year the pressure to grow increases. With a tough economy, higher energy costs, and more animals entering the shelter reliance on the Thrift Shop increases. We welcome Marie’s leadership and encourage our membership to support our Thrift Shop with donations and volunteer time. And don’t forget to stop by and shop! n

Marie Friedmann and four legged friend

Donation Drive

Drop offs will be continued, so please feel free to drop off your gently used items at our Thrift Shop on 870 Kootenai Cut-Off Road. Drop off hours are 8 – 4:30 seven days a week. If you come after 4:30 and before 6 PM, please come to the side and knock on the door. “We appreciate your donations and will go the extra mile to earn them!” says new manager Marie Friedmann. n

Donations are the life blood of The Thrift Shop and The Thrift Shop is the life blood of Panhandle Animal Shelter. If we have no donations we have nothing to sell and nothing to sell means no money to care for the critters. In the past year The Thrift Shop has been working hard to listen to customer concerns, to provide better customer service and to generally just improve! Now as we approach Spring Time, we are taking even bolder steps by setting a “PICK UP” day for the convenience of our donors. April 22 will be our first scheduled pick up. If you have items, please call our Thrift Shop at 263-0706. We’ll come to your door! Then on April 23 we will partner with Petal Talk in Sandpoint to do a Spring Cleaning Collection. Bring your items in and we’ll take care of them.

DONATION SCHEDULE April 22 Call for pick ups at your home April 23 Drop off at Petal Talk 120 Cedar St, Sandpoint Ongoing Drop at The Thrift Shop 870 Kootenai Cut-Off Road • Ponderay 8 AM – 4:30 PMAll seven days 3

A Tail Of Tw A Buddy for Life

Junior and his friend Wanda

(One homeless cat steps in to be a comforter and friend)

fter Junior the cat’s family moved away and left him behind, a kind neighbor brought him to the Panhandle Animal Shelter. Month after month, Junior waited for a new family who would never leave him. But nobody seemed to want a big, fluffy, orange-and-white boy, even though he was a favorite with the staff and volunteers for his sweet nature. Junior kept busy while he waited. He played with the “teenagers” (kittens between 6 and 12 months old) in his room, and washed behind their ears for them. When he noticed that another cat, Wanda, hid in a kitty condo all the time, he coaxed her out and spent hours sitting next to her, reassuring her with kisses and a paw around her shoulder. But it wasn’t the same as having his own family. Then, last June, Junior’s big day finally came. After 8 months at the shelter, Junior met Brian. Brian and his wife Jane had lost their cat recently, and the house seemed empty. “We both needed some love,” Brian says, and Junior was happy to oblige! When asked why he chose Junior out of nearly 100 cats up for adoption at the time, Brian explains, “He was mellow, and I like long-haired cats.” Junior’s calm, caring attitude was important, because Jane is bedridden and needs a gentle cat. “He’s a lot of comfort to my wife,” says Brian, “and he’s a good boy. Everybody who comes over loves him and thinks he’s adorable.” When he’s not cuddling on the bed with Jane, Junior—now very appropriately named Buddy— likes to ambush Brian playfully on his way down the hall. “Go get your toys,” Brian tells him, and Buddy often returns carrying his favorite toy in his mouth, the cap from a spray can. “He loves to play!” And while Brian admits Buddy may not be the most intelligent cat he’s ever owned (he likes to eat dead pine needles!), he’s a good companion who brings a lot of fun and affection to the family. Many people think of a cat or dog as, “just a pet,” but Buddy shows us how much they really have to give. With his help, shy little Wanda came out of her shell and was adopted a few months later. And now, he’s both comforter and playmate to his new family. A cat like Buddy depends on a lot of people to keep him

safe and healthy as he waits for a forever home. It takes a lot to provide housing and medical care for one cat. Staff and volunteers who keep the shelter running day to day, visitors who provide pets and snuggles, animal lovers who donate money and supplies—even shoppers whose thrift store purchases support the shelter—contribute to happy endings like Buddy’s. Thank you for helping us connect homeless pets with loving families and please, please keep the support coming! n 4

wo Buddys Buddy Goes From Death’s Door to Serving Society

Buddy in training at Sundowners

n a cold January morning last year, a member of the PAS opened the public drop-off door to find a young black and white dog sitting in a kennel nervous and confused. Beside him they found a note, “Friends begged us to bring him here because otherwise he would have to be put down.” This was a vague memo. Why was this sweet pointer mix left by its owners? Did he have medical problems? Did he have temperament issues? Was it economic? Through evaluation and testing, Buddy came back with a clean bill of health and no personality defects other than being a little hyper. Unfortunately hyper dogs need a “job” and PAS must find just the right kind of environment for these “very good” but “very energetic” dogs. Five long months had already passed when Mikkel Becker Shannon a dog trainer and behaviorist spotted Buddy. Mikkel is active in Search and Rescue and was looking for shelter dogs that have the potential to be trained for Search and Rescue. Buddy seemed to fit the requirements, which include rigorous physical and temperament tests. PAS has been recently informed that Buddy passed the health and training qualifications and after round one was transferred to The Narcotics Division. He is working with a trainer to be certified as an official narcotic search dog and will likely be used to find drugs in high schools throughout Southern California. Mikkel wrote on her blog, “I’m glad that this shelter dog, who was maybe too much dog for a lot of families to consider, is now going into a situation where his energy and drive will be channeled into something he’ll love and be good at and will save lives.” Buddy was almost euthanized. Fortunately caring people brought him to PAS and he is now on his way to serving society as a “drug dog”. Buddy’s story is a positive reflection on the

potential shelter animals have and what they can give back to society. Animals like to have a purpose; whether it is leading the blind, searching for disaster victims, guarding a family, or just simply giving love and affection. We are grateful Buddy has found his purpose and we at PAS are proud to have been part of the journey. Thank you Mikkel and thank you to the folks at Search and Rescue! n

YOU CAN BE A BUDDY TOO! Although we do our best at Panhandle Animal Shelter to “earn” our revenue with our Thrift Shop, events, and grants, we often need “a buddy too!” January through March are our most challenging months. We plan ahead but never know what the weather or the economy will bring. This year we had record cold weather which in turn skyrocketed our utility bills! The Avista bill for PAS in December was $5500 alone! Then there is water, garbage, insurance, and all the other costs associated with running a facility. When all is said and done

between housing, utilities, food, and personnel it can cost as much as $10 to $20 a day to care for a cat or dog. Sometimes we just need a little extra help like now! So please help us help critters like our little Buddys! Try renewing a membership early, sign up for automated giving, donate to our Thrift Shop, volunteer or go shopping at the Thrift Shop! Every little bit helps so don’t be afraid that what you can do is too small. YOU are our biggest asset and we appreciate whatever you can do! n

Adoption Events at Sandpoint’s Farmers Market

his summer, the Panhandle Animal Shelter (PAS) will be holding adoption events every Saturday during the Farmers Market in downtown Sandpoint. Your business is invited to help the shelter’s four-legged residents find new homes and connect with potential customers by sponsoring one of the 23 Saturday adoption events. Sponsoring an event is easy. Businesses or organizations have the option of committing five volunteers on the day of the event to assist with the adoption booth and walking dogs or, if they prefer, providing a monetary sponsorship in lieu of volunteer participation. Either way, this is a fantastic opportunity for downtown businesses to display signage, hand out materials and connect with the many locals and visitors who frequent the popular Saturday farmers market. To stage the adoption events, Panhandle State Bank has generously provided the use of their open lot adjacent to Monarch Mountain Coffee and across the street from Farmin Park, the location of the Sandpoint Farmers Market. According to Mandy Evans, the new executive director for the shelter, “This is a win/win for the shelter and local businesses. Sponsors have direct access to an audience of potential customers and, of course, there’s no conversation starter like a happy, tail-wagging pup. Plus, supporting a good local cause showcases your company values and commitment to the community. That’s something customers remember.” You don’t have to be a business owner or part of an organization to come help out! Get a group of friends together and have your own personal party while you bask in the warm summer sun and help a great cause. n

Spring Avalanche

Puppies and Kittens Flood the Shelter A spring fling brings lots of consequences in the animal world. Each spring

the Panhandle Animal Shelter experiences a kitten and puppy avalanche. Every year, we rescue as many “little” critters as we place in loving homes. Those we don’t rescue are often abandoned, abused, left to die, or end up running wild and competing with our national predators. It is the reason we have a terrible feral cat problem. Spread the word: “fixing” pets and working animals prevents suffering and protects our Idaho wildlife! In an attempt to reduce this problem, PAS has received a small grant from the Cadeau Foundation that we will be using to help low income families fix their pets. It will also be used to reduce the impact of feral cats. If you cannot afford to fix your pet, please contact the animal shelter after March 30th at 265-7297. n 6

Details:

Dates: Farmer’s Market begins May 7 and ends October 8, 2011 Schedule: Saturdays from 7:30 AM (set- up) to 2:00 PM (breakdown) Market hours from 9:00 AM until 1:00 PM Sponsors need to bring their own materials such as tables, tents, chairs, banners, and take away items. Volunteers are needed to pick-up and drop-off dogs, set-up, break down and work the booth during the event. If you are interested in sponsoring and adoption event, or if you have questions, contact Mandy Evans at mandy@pasidaho.org or call 208-265-7297.

DID YOU KNOW? • An unspayed cat and its offspring will produce 420,000 cats in a 7 year period. • An unspayed dog and its offspring will produce 67,000 dogs in a 6 year period. Please fix your dogs and cats and prevent an unwanted and unsafe population explosion. Contact the shelter if you have a hardship and cannot afford this procedure for your animals.

TINA FROM PASADENA

f you are a 6 ft. gentleman with a hat and a voluminous voice, and you just walked into the shelter less than 30 seconds ago, you have already been assessed by ”Tina from Pasadena,” and duly put in your place. If it is your “Chihuahua karma” to be behind the front desk, you might notice a small tear on the bottom of your pant leg. It has been Tina’s self- proclaimed mission to scrutinize, evaluate and determine your fate in the Panhandle Animal Shelter. By default she has been anointed the “front desk protectress” and by unanimous decision allowed to remain as such. The front desk often brings up dogs that have been here for a long time, or get overlooked in the back kennels. The chosen canine gets noticed, appreciated, and often adopted. In the case of Johnny, a senior German shorthair, we rescued a wing back chair from the Thrift Store, and Johnny held court in that chair daily behind the desk until a gentleman (no family or other animals) looked into Johnny’s eyes and saw his own gazing back. Done deal! Back to Pasadena: The shelter was bursting at the seams about 2 months ago, and it was decided that Tina, who had been here too long, should have her turn as a featured front desk dog …(of course it didn’t help that she spent her days hiding under blankets in her kennel.) She quickly picked up the pace, and made her preferences known. Tina is a senior who has faced a few physical challenges, but could have a few very happy years ahead. She has informed us that her new home should celebrate her presence only. (Translated she’s the top and only dog and don’t think she’ll welcome cats into her world.) She is the perfect lap dog and would make it her mission to protect her new owner. Visit Tina at the front desk. She’ll be the wiggling creature under the pink blanket. Call her name ( you can leave the Pasadena part out) and she’ll poke out her nose. The rest is up to her. n

Tina is available for adoption

FOREVER TILES REDUCED IN PRICE!

around the outside of the shelter and can be viewed by all. You may purchase one or more tiles for $100 off the original prices. Many have used these tiles to engrave poems, quotes, memorials for beloved people and pets, or just a personalized message or name. Please call the shelter for more details or go to our web site at www.pasidaho.org. Your tile will help us care for the critters! n

You can now support Panhandle Animal Shelter and share a message with the world by buying a Forever Tile at a reduced price. These black granite tiles can be purchased and will be engraved with your personal message. The tiles are part of a band that wraps 7

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 Mailing & Distribution . . . Stephanie Moen Writers . . . . . . . Kat Hoerth, Mandy Evans Photos . . . . . . . . Kris Contor & Rita Janisse Printing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Selkirk Press

Reduced! Forever Tiles $100 - $250

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 Mandy Evans at 208-265-7297.

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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NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION U.S. POSTAGE