Paw Prints March 2012

PANHANDLE ANIMAL SHELTER NEWSLETTER

CALENDAR OF EVENTS Yappy Hour Schedule inside

March 24 - Dog FUN d’raiser at Laughing Dog March 31 - Panhandle Tour de Thrift April 24 - Annual Membership Meeting at PAS July 4 - Fourth of July Parade in Downtown Sandpoint July 14/15 - Dog Town at Dover Bay Resort August 28 - Hodge Podge at the Lodge Luncheon at the Sandpoint Lodge

SHOP AT YOKES?

Visit the customer service counter and ask for an e-script card. Register the card online to benefit the Panhandle Animal Shelter. We’ll receive cash from your everyday purchases.

Shelter 208-265-7297 www.pasidaho.org

Thrift Shop 208-263-0706

The Plight of the Big Black Dog

itting politely in a show room are Sage and Lulu. They are calm and poised when people walk by the window. They sit and wait for “their” person to notice them and make them part of a family. These wonderful dogs have been with the shelter for over six months. Unfortunately for Sage and Lulu, they are black dogs. Although they both have a wonderful temperament and are loving pups, they are not given a chance…they are simply overlooked. Recently a name was placed on this common problem, BBD- Big Black Dog syndrome. The problem is not exclusive to dogs. We experience Big Black Cat syndrome as well. Perfectly wonderful cats like Moonpie, who is kid-friendly, dog-friendly and mellow, are at the shelter just begging to be acknowledged for their perrr-fect personality. No one knows why these wonderful animals are overlooked, but some of the theories are: black animals don’t photograph well, the expression on a black animal’s face is hard to read, and a more psychological theory is the unconscious belief that black is bad, evil or sinister. For example, society labels black cats as bad luck. This label is not unique to cats. Several cultures have had folklore tales of evil black dogs in one form or another. These superstitious ideas are encouraged and exacerbated by the entertainment industry. In actuality, the color of an animal does not dictate their temperament. These loving, kind animals deserve a warm home to call their own. At PAS, we take steps to show our black animals. In photographs we put colored bandanas on the dogs to provide depth to their facial expressions. We try to take them out of the shelter for people to see. We place them in our show rooms up front. For our cats, it is more difficult. We have tried placing our black cats in one room and putting them on sale. The sale doesn’t lessen their value, but rather provides the potential adopter a reason to take a closer look at these wonderful animals. The efforts made to help our black animals never seem to be enough. It can be frustrating for our staff and volunteers to watch a wonderful animal passed up time and time again. Education is the key. As Nathaniel Branden said, “The first step toward change is awareness. The second step is acceptance.” So, LET’S START TALKING ABOUT THIS! Lulu, a Catahoula Share it with your neighbors or at a dinner party. Help bull dog (a volunteer us make people more aware. The fact is BBD and BBC paid for a DNA syndrome are real and A LOT of dogs and test) and Sage, cats are discriminated against every year, a retriever mix consciously and unconsciously. (pictured above) Acceptance at PAS does not mean we are available for will be complacent. We aren’t satisadoption.” fied watching our black animals passed by. We will continue to try new ideas to encourage adoptions. This summer Trinity at City Beach and Black Dog Cycle Works will host a black dog event to help raise funds and awareness of BBD. n

PRESIDENT’S REPORT LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT BY SUELLEN CRETTOL

A night of fun, food, and fellowship was held January 25 to take the opportunity to recognize our staff and volunteers. Laughing Dog Brewing graciously opened their doors for a great location and Jalapenos catered a delicious meal. This was a time for the Board of Directors to express their appreciation for the dedicated staff of the Shelter and the Thrift Store along with the many volunteers who provide the loving care which the animals receive on a daily basis. Our hats are off to Mandy Evans, Executive Director, Ryan Thrailkill, Shelter manager, and Christy Sythe, Thrift Store manager, who so capably lead the staff and volunteers each day. For those who were not able to attend, you missed the great debut of the Board singing “Dashing through the halls!”. However, most of us were told to be sure and “keep our day jobs”. We are so blessed to have such a spacious and modern building in which to house our animals and thrift store, but we can’t lose sight of the fact that it takes a lot to keep it going. For those who cannot volunteer their time, each and every dollar given by you, the dedicated supporters, adds up to “big bucks” which helps to keep us in the black. Our Annual Meeting will be coming up on April 24 at 5:30 p.m. Plan now to attend this important aspect of our Shelter. Don’t forget to renew your membership before the meeting. If you are not a member, please join before March 24 in order to place a vote for our new board members. It is the time to elect the Board of Directors for the coming year and hear a review of what has taken place in the past year. Adopting out the animals is our primary goal, as no one likes to be in a cage for any length of time. Our staff works continually to match the cats and dogs with the right owner. Help them out by always being alert to those around you who might be candidates for adopting a dog. Let them know about our Shelter and the wonderful pets just waiting for a good home. Spring is just around the corner and many of our activities begin from Yappy Hours to Fourth of July parade; from dog Fun(d) raisers to luncheons and the list goes on. Stay tuned and watch for details on these exciting events. Your support is ALWAYS appreciated. n

Challenges Met Head On By Mandy Evans

Last year revealed a marked increase over 2010 in the number of animals who needed our assistance. A challenging economy contributed to an increase in owner surrenders and strays. Our thrift store, which normally brings in approx 60% of our revenue, saw a hit as well, a hit that was felt throughout the second hand community. Because of you and your support, we met the challenge head on. General contributions, whether through membership, events or donations, increased in 2011 to help offset our thrift store deficit. More people began to give, volunteer and talk about the work we are doing to improve the lives of the shelter and community animals. Our animal intake went up from 2010, but so did our adoptions. 1400 dogs and cats entered the shelter and 1383 found new homes or their lost families. We spayed or neutered 786 animals before adoption. This past year, your generosity has directly impacted the lives of over 1600 animals during their time of greatest need- with a ripple effect extending to the families of those who love them. Don’t underestimate the impact your dollar, donation of gently used goods or your time can make on our organization. Your stewardship, contributions and guidance have helped us evolve year to year and will continue to move us toward a brighter future. With your support we will continue to assist animals with their basic needs; a roof over their head, food and water in their bellies and loving companionship. With sincere appreciation. Mandy n

Abe, Big Black Dog at PAS- don’t overlook him.

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 24, 2012 at PAS, 870 Kootenai Cut-off Road, Ponderay. 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 10, 2012. The candidates’ answers will be posted on our website at www.pasidaho.org and will be posted on the wall at the shelter. 2

A Fresh New Look B

ehind the scenes a project has been underway and will come alive this spring. Volunteers have been working diligently on a new landscaping plan for our front yard. Due to a tight budget and some accessibility issues, the shelter’s landscaping needs to be updated using plants native to our area. PAS has been working with Gail Bolin who has an Environmental Landscaping and Consulting company in Sagle. Gail’s experience and education in planting native has been a tremendous help. She, with a group of volunteers, are designing a landscaping plan using only indigenous plants. This will reduce our water usage and the number of hours required to maintain the yard. To support this effort, the Kinnikinnick Native Plant Society awarded PAS with their yearly Lois Wythe grant. The grant will provide primary funding for the Shelter to begin the native plant landscaping project. The plan will be to highlight native plants and provide an educational opportunity for our frequently visited location. The shelter presently has very limited landscaping and much of what was attempted did not survive. Using native plants will decrease long-term maintenance and ensure higher survival rates. Continuing fundraising efforts will be made to work on many building and grounds projects this year. PAS will need to raise money to complete this project, work on the backyard dog run ground cover and lattice treatments around the perimeter of the building to reduce noise. Mandy Evans, Executive Director of PAS notes: “PAS is grateful to receive the support from individuals and community organizations like the Kinnikinnick Native Plant Society. Our community’s involvement is truly why we are successful.” n

PAWS

Pre-Authorized Withdrawal System

ly h t n o m a p u t Se to n o i t a don he t t r o p sup e h t t a s animal Animal e l d n a h Pan Shelter

Panhandle Animal Shelter began this monthly giving program last year and donors seem to like it. “It’s a convenient and manageable way for me to give. I love animals and the wonderful work PAS does. It brings me great pleasure to support them.” Jan explains. Why should you join the program? Since your support is regular and ongoing, you never have to worry about keeping your donations up to date. Your monthly donations are payable through your bank account, Visa, or MasterCard and you’ll get just one tax receipt a year. It’s flexible. You can increase or decrease your support, put it on hold for a few months or cancel at any time. Breaking down your support into small, regular donations is a budget-friendly way to make a difference to animals. It’s completely up to you! Your donations make a huge impact in assisting over 1600 animals a year! Last year we provided a caring and compassionate haven for homeless animals and we strive to continue to increase the number of animals we can support each year. Your donations make that possible. Monthly donations are one of the best ways to support the Panhandle Animal Shelter. With little administrative effort on our part, your donation goes directly to the care of the animals. Please use the inserted PAWS form and the return donation envelope in your newsletter to join this wonderful program. n 3

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FOSTER LO

Our foster care program is essential to assisting the many kittens an spring. Please consider opening your home to help PAS give these

Elk Mountain Freya by Barbie Flanders

The week before Christmas, we received a special gift. A gorgeous strawberry blond Golden Retriever was abandoned at the shelter in the staff entrance mud room. It isn’t uncommon for animals to be deserted at PAS. We find them tied to our front door and left in boxes at our entrance. They all share a common theme…no information. This poor golden was found shaking, terrified, and unable to respond to any humans. Three days till Christmas, and it was decided by one of our board members that a home environment might just win her over. Freya was carried to their car and transported to a lakeside home in Hope, Idaho. There she was introduced to their male English Setter who assured her that the food was plentiful, on time and rather succulent. He also mentioned that they had permission to troll the property. Oh, to be able to crawl into the minds of the wounded and see what truly happened. Rehabilitation was not quickly achieved. Freya’s trust issues were hard to overcome. Only the patient noninvasive love and experimental diet planning would bring her to the point of eating and creeping into the living room where she (at long last) placed her head on a knee. Her health rallied and soon she was able to cut down on the meds. She had decided to live! After about a month, Freya had reached a plateau where the next step would be a forever home. The call went out, fliers were printed, and each applicant unmercifully scrutinized. Yes, the perfect home did arrive and Freya is gradually becoming a real dog again. Freya’s story, though extreme, is one of the never ending sagas that percolate in the shelter. We marvel at the response when an animal enters in need. “Out of the woodwork” the army of volunteers, foster parents and donors enter the crisis, and the right things get done. n

Elk Mountain Academy is a therapeutic boarding school for boys. We started a program with the school where the boys foster a dog at the school. The boys get to come to the shelter and pick out a dog that has been at the shelter for six months or longer. They take that dog to their school and socialize him/ her. Currently George, a Labrador/Boxer mix, is at the school. George was brought to the shelter in June because his owner died. Once George arrived at Elk Mountain Academy, the students started working with him. The boys walk around with George on a leash trying to get him used to the other boys and at the same time working with him to learn how to heel. Every Saturday the boys bring George to the shelter and they work to get George adopted. When George finds a good home, the boys will get to pick a new dog to foster. I foster kittens for the shelter and specialize in bottle-fed kittens. Bottle-fed kittens are kittens that have been taken away from their mother too early or something has happened to their mother. Bottle-fed kittens must be fed every four to six hours. I bring the kittens with me to the academy and the boys take turns feeding and playing with the kittens. It really helps the kittens as they are very well socialized by the time that they are returned to the shelter for adoption. This is a great program because it is beneficial for the animals and the boys at Elk Mountain Academy. It’s amazing to watch how gentle and kind the boys are with the animals. It always seems that when new students arrive at Elk Mountain Academy, they are greeted by the shelter dog. It helps the students feel more at home when they have just arrived at the campus. A special bond is established between the boys and the dog. It is therapeutic for the students and great for the dogs and it literally can save kittens lives. A special bond is established between the boys and the animals I bring from PAS. The boys recognize these animals need them and the animals love and appreciate them unconditionally. n 4

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UPDATE:

BARNEY:

nd puppies arriving at PAS during the wonderful animals a healthy start.

Miracle BY TONI BRITTON

A beautiful tabby cat was brought to the shelter in February 2011. She had been in labor for at least 24 hours. Against all odds, one kitten and the mother survived the traumatic birth. I named the tiny tortie kitten, Miracle. In a couple days I brought Momma and Miracle to my home to foster them. Thus began a wonderful adventure of watching a newborn kitten turn into a cat. Momma cat was so loving and devoted and taught Miracle all sorts of “cat” things. Momma cat had a unique way of talking, a kind of chirping, whenever she was ready to teach baby something, passing this endearing trait on to Miracle. She would come tearing out of the kitten room, baby in tow, talking all the while. You can’t imagine the joy they gave us! Suddenly Miracle was six weeks old, climbing into my husband’s lap, sitting on his shoulder, sleeping beside him. We decided Miracle would stay a part of our family. Momma cat was adopted by the wonderful vet that saved her life and the life of Miracle. Momma was named Twitch and at last report is a great mouser with a special personality. Miracle turns one-year-old on February 25. There is nothing like having a kitten and watching it grow. It should be on everyone’s bucket list. Please consider fostering a kitten this spring when the shelter is inundated with kittens. They all deserve loving foster homes. n

BEFORE

ou may remember Barney from our last issue. He came to the shelter weighing 84.8 pounds! That’s 60 pounds overweight. We are thrilled to report Barney has lost 50 pounds and sports a sleek, trim physique which allows him to own the ranch. His foster parents tell us his job, as he sees it, is to take guests on frequent nature walks through the property. Unfortunately, when Barney lost weight his confidence grew and he has decided to be the ranch guests “protector”. Not too long ago, Barney took on a bear. Barney didn’t get hurt, but learned not to do that again. He is still a scavenger and always hungry. In fact, over the holidays a guest visited the ranch with a tray of cupcakes and a cake. Barney is a sly one and “tricked” the woman into leaving him alone with the “goods”. Needless to say, he ate the WHOLE thing. Lucky for Barney, he is in a wonderful home and continues to progress. His foster parents still need to put signs up that say, “Please don’t feed the beagle.” We are proud to share Barney is in his forever home where he is loved. n

AFTER

Pretty Boy BY KAT HOERTH

y name is Pretty Boy, and I’m a big, fluffy, beautiful tuxie who loves to purr and cuddle. My people couldn’t take care of me anymore, so they brought me to the Panhandle Animal Shelter. I’m very grateful to them, because a lot of the other kitties here didn’t have people who loved them so much—some of them got thrown right out into the street! My people made sure that, even though I couldn’t be their boy anymore, I would be warm and safe. You probably want to know about my eye. When I came to the shelter, I was pretty sick with an upper respiratory infection, and it hurt my eye. Unfortunately, there wasn’t anything the vet could do to save it. But my eyelid is sewn shut and now it just looks like I’m giving you a friendly wink all the time! And having only one eye doesn’t slow me down a bit. I like it here at the shelter, because everyone is so nice to me and I meet so many people. But I really want to be in a home again, and I’m worried that people will say, “We don’t want a 12-year-old cat with only one eye.” Will anybody see that a kitty like me can be a loving, laid-back companion to watch movies with on a chilly Idaho night? n

Girl Just Wants To Have Fun

“Stunning, exotic, fun-loving girl looking for a home and a good time.” Other pets or kids would be just fine. Qualified applicants need only apply at the shelter. So my name is Ella. Some say I am exotic, with eyeliner round my eyes and a black beauty mark on the side of my face. I believe them! I have been a “long timer” at the shelter, going on 3 years. However I have been one of the favorites of the staff and volunteers- could be my fetching personality ( I fetch anything that is thrown.) I get bored pretty easily, but hey what girl wouldn’t when all I do is hang around all day in a kennel. I have recently proved that I can be a “Lady” in all situations. An employee fostered me and I totally behaved myself. It was heaven…he let me sleep on his bed! My perfect home would be a place where playing a lot was encouraged. I’m not picky,” just looking for love in all the right places. n

Accomplishments

This past year, your generosity has directly impacted the lives of over 1600 animals during their time of greatest need- with a ripple effect extending to the families of those who love them. We are proud of our accomplishments and would like to share some of them with you. • 1400 animals came through our doors in 2011 and we helped 1383 find new homes or their “lost” families. • Spayed or neutered 786 animals entering our shelter. • Assisted with three hoarding cases; finding homes for all these adoptable, but very frightened animals. • Over 175 animals were spayed or neutered through our low-income program that we launched in May 2011. Thank you Center Valley Animal Hospital, Animal Medical Care and North Idaho Animal Hospital for helping us make this happen! • We completed two (multiple week) sessions for our PAWS to Read program at the Bonner County Library in Sandpoint and are about to launch our third (it will run for 11 weeks). • We provided over half a ton of dog and cat food to people who needed a little temporary assistance feeding their pets in 2011. Thank you Super One, Wal-Mart, Big R and Carter Country for donating the food to help so many. • Four Firehouses were trained on animal CPR. 6

“When I tell people I volunteer at PAS, many have replied that they would find it too depressing to work with homeless animals. For me, helping people find and take home the perfect pet for their family brings joy to my life. Taking in a stray animal or one from a family that is no longer able to care for it provides the opportunity for a new beginning. Kudos to PAS and the services we offer!”

— Becky Mills, Front Desk

Dog Days at Dover Bay

Update:

THRIFT STORE T

an you hear the buzz? PAS has a new event planned for this year -- Dog Days at Dover Bay. This is a two-day event at Dover Bay featuring all things dog: fly ball, agility, herding, dock diving, vendors, food, music, beverages, FUN, FUN, FUN! This will be the event of the season! Mark your calendars and get ready to party like a dog!! Dates: July 14 and 15, 2012 at Dover Bay Resort There will be celebrities, dogs, food, dogs, beer and wine, dogs, games, dogs, great vendors, dogs, music, and … dogs. Come join the fun! Build a dog house or cat tree to be entered into a contest at the event. We will auction them off over the weekend. Sponsorships start at $50 — Reach a large audience with a booth and support PAS. Contact Mandy Evans for more information. n

BY CHRISTY SYTHE

he staff and volunteers at the Panhandle Animal Shelter Thrift Store would like to invite customers, new and old alike, to experience thrift store shopping the way it was intended to be: low and consistent pricing, faster product rotation and a clean, easy-to-shop store layout. I hope to see smiling faces from our customers and pets. I assumed the mantle of manager in late 2011 and I’m diving head first into the New Year. Please join us at our upcoming promotions and sales. n March 24 - Bag Sale “Fill a bag for $3.00” March 31 - Panhandle Tour de Thrift April 21 - Summer Promotion April 28 - Side-walk sale May 5 - Lost in the 50’s Promo May 26 - Back Yard Sale June 30 - Sidewalk sale July 21 - Summer Clothing Sale August 4 - Back to School Promotion August 25 - Sidewalk Sale

Yappy Hour - Season 4

PAS’s Yappy Hour is in its fourth season this year and things are getting serious! The “TOP DOG” traveling trophy, currently in the possession of Trinity at City Beach, is up for grabs and the hosts of this year’s events are planning and scheming to win! The winner of the trophy is determined by the amount of money raised for the shelter by each host. Mark your calendars for these dates and places: 4pm-7pm April 26 - Laughing Dog Brewing Tap Room • 1109 Fontaine Drive, Ponderay May 31 - Taylor and Sons Chevrolet • 476751 Hwy 95 North, Ponderay June 28 - Pend d’Oreille Winery • 220 Cedar Street, Sandpoint July 26 - Trinity at City Beach • 58 Bridge Street, Sandpoint August 30 - Evans Brothers Coffee Roastery •524 Church Street, Sandpoint Sept. 27 - Eichardt’s Pub • 212 Cedar Street, Sandpoint Grab your dog, your friends, your kids. Come to Yappy Hour. We guarantee you will have a great time. We dare you NOT to smile! CHEERS! 7

“It makes me feel very good when I see that Petfinder pictures have led to people finding their perfect best friend and that I know in my heart that one more fuzzy face will be happy again.” — Barb Copley- Photographer and Petfinder specialist

Memberships

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

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 . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mandy Evans Layout and Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Randy Wilhelm Kennel Sponsorships Writers: . . . . Kat Hoerth, Mary Levy, Connie Taylor, $150 Toni Britton, Barbie Flanders, and Christy Syth Photos . . . . Toni Britton, Bill Borders, Nancy Masten, Barbi Flanders, Robert and Debra Kellerman. 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 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

PAID

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