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ails
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F R O M M I N N E S OTA
For Friends of Hearing and Service Dogs of Minnesota
Spring 2007 Vol. 18 Issue 2
In 1988, Lucky, pictured above, was the first dog HSDM adopted from an animal shelter. She was homeless and was scheduled to be euthanized that day. Lucky
served as our demonstration dog for 11 years. She is symbolic of our commitment to save homeless dogs while fulfilling our mission to serve people with disabilities.
A New Leash on Life for Lizzie
Marylin Lindgren and Lizzie
by Julianne Larsen
Marylin’s phone is right by her
front door, and Lizzie sometimes
became confused: was she alerting
Marylin to the phone or the door? A
smoke detector was also nearby,
further adding to Lizzie’s
uncertainty. “It took a lot of
patience and encouragement to help
Lizzie understand that she had to
clearly indicate the source of the
sound,” Robin recalls.
Marylin Lindgren of Granada, Minn.,
always had dogs in her life. Until she
met Lizzie, however, she says she
didn’t know how much work was
involved in training a Hearing Dog.
In fall 2005, Marylin contacted
Hearing and Service Dogs of
Minnesota (HSDM) after learning
about the organization from a friend.
Marylin was accepted into the
program contingent upon HSDM
staff finding a field trainer in her
area. After much searching, Robin
Peoble agreed to drive an hour each
way to work with Marylin in her
home.
The next step was finding the right
dog. Marylin lives in a very small
house, so she needed a smaller dog.
As luck would have it, an HSDM
trainer attended an Animal Humane
Society seminar on evaluating shelter
dogs. One of the dogs was a Jack
Russell Terrier mix, found as a stray. It
was clear to everyone at the seminar
Inside This Issue
From the Executive Director ............ 2
Clark Halligan & Fonzie .................... 3
Lions Roar!......................................... 3
Debbie Fauber & Camille ................. 4
Heel & Wheel Fundraising Walk ...... 5
Home & Garden Show ...................... 5
Frances Matejcek .............................. 5
Greg Lawson & Oreo ........................ 8
New Board Member .......................... 8
Volunteer Spotlight ........................... 9
Volunteer Recognition Luncheon ... 9
Puppy Raisers ................................. 10
Development News ......................... 11
Animal Hall of Fame ........................ 11
Marilyn and Lizzie
that the little dog had enormous
potential. Lizzie had found a career!
After a brief stay in an HSDM foster
home, Lizzie was placed with
Marylin. They had a slow start when
Marylin’s basement flooded, and she
was forced out of her house for a
month. Once those issues were under
control, training began in earnest.
Lizzie showed great promise as a
Hearing Dog, and the team made
great strides in the early stages of
training. She quickly learned to wake
Marylin when her alarm clock rang
and to alert her when someone
knocked on her door. As the
telephone, intruder and smoke
detector sounds were introduced,
however, some problems began.
She adds that Lizzie is a very
intelligent dog who gets bored
quickly. “Practice sessions had to
be short and rewarding for her,”
Robin explains. “It took some
creativity and patience, but Marylin
stuck with it.” Although Marylin
praises Robin for her guidance,
Robin gives the credit to Marylin
and Lizzie for persevering.
Marylin says she can’t imagine her
life without Lady Liz in it. “I’d like
everyone involved with HSDM to
know that I am very thankful for
THOSE WHO MADE THIS
PLACEMENT POSSIBLE
Dog Source
The Animal Humane Society
Veterinary Services
Elm Creek Animal Hospital
Foster Home
Kathy Galiger
Field Trainer
Robin Peoble
From the Executive Director
Volume 18
Issue 2
Al Peters & Demonstration Dog Beau
invite people to learn about our
important work.
Join Us! A New and
Improved Heel and
Wheel Event
At Hearing and Service Dogs of
Minnesota (HSDM), our Heel and
Wheel Fund-Raising Walk committee
members have designed a new and
improved event for 2007!
It will include team prizes, increased
length-of-walk options, and entertainment. We expect a significantly
larger number of people to participate
in this year’s event. In turn, we
expect a threefold increase in funds
raised. The funds go to train assistance dogs for those who need them.
If you’ve participated in our past
events, please join us again this year.
If you haven’t yet participated, please
try it out. I guarantee you’ll have a
wonderful time! And please consider
registering as a team—of co-workers,
friends from church, or members of
your Lions club. Walking as a team
encourages participation and makes
the process even more fun!
The dedication and phenomenal
planning skills of our volunteers—
combined with your participation—
will make this event a success. Please
join us on Sept. 15, 2007, at Lake
Phalen. I look forward to seeing you
then!
Organizational Growth in
2007
In our most recent issue of Tails
From Minnesota, I mentioned some
of our plans for 2007. With the help
of the Jay and Rose Phillips Foundation, we are taking three significant
steps toward fulfilling those plans.
We are completing our first organization communications plan. It details
the actions necessary to better
communicate with all of our constituents, and it suggests new ways to
Second, the foundation recently made
a significant grant which will pay one
year of salary and benefits for a new
staff position here at HSDM. We will
soon hire a marketing/communications specialist to put our communications plan into practice and to assist
with the year’s key fund-raising and
marketing events. Supporting the
initial cost of a new full-time position
is difficult for a small organization
like ours. Support from the Phillips
Foundation during the first year of
transition is critical to helping us
grow and meet the needs of the
organization.
Finally, the Phillips Foundation has
funded a positioning study for
HSDM. The study will help us assess
our readiness to raise the money
necessary to purchase a permanent
facility for our operations. Standard
office or industrial space doesn’t
meet many of our unique needs, so
continuing to rent is not a good
option. Acquiring our own space and
customizing it to the special requirements of training and kenneling will
allow us to better use donated resources and more efficiently create
the Assistance Dog teams that fulfill
our mission.
We’re grateful to the Phillips Foundation for its ongoing support of our
mission. With its help, and yours,
we’ll continue providing the gifts of
independence, freedom and peace of
mind to people with disabilities and
their families. I invite you to share
ideas, expertise or resources that
might help us acquire a permanent
home for HSDM. Please contact me
directly at 612-729-5986, extension
6#, or apeters@hsdm.org.
Thank you for joining in our work.
fl‹
2
Tails From Minnesota
Published quarterly for friends and supporters of
Hearing and Service Dogs of Minnesota
Editor/Layout/Design
Alan M. Peters Sue Schuster Paige Kite
Hearing and Service Dogs of Minnesota
is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life
for people who are deaf, hard of hearing or
disabled by creating mutually beneficial
partnerships with specially trained dogs.
Hearing Dogs are adopted from local animal
shelters, placed with deaf or hard-of-hearing clients
and specially trained to alert clients to important
sounds in their environment. Service Dogs are
trained to help people with physical disabilities by
pulling their wheelchairs, picking up or carrying
objects, opening doors, flipping light switches and
performing other daily tasks. Dogs, training and
supplies are provided to each client free of charge.
Hearing and Service Dogs of Minnesota
2537 25th Avenue South
Minneapolis MN 55406
612-729-5986, 612-729-5914 tty/fax
e-mail info@hsdm.org
website www.hsdm.org
Board of Directors
Mary Quist: President
Carlos Villalpando: Vice President
John Parzych: Secretary
Monique Morton: Treasurer
Jill Brant Sara Braziller
Kara Fairbairn Dawn Kessler
Maureen Pranghofer
Len Washko James Willems
Staff
To reach a staff member via phone, dial
612-729-5986. When you hear the greeting, press
the extension number, then the pound (#) key.
Laurie Carlson Event & Volunteer Coordinator.
lcarlson@hsdm.org ext. 4 #
Rob Carrick Puppy Program Coordinator.
rcarrick@hsdm.org ext. 3 #
Janet Cobus Development Director
jcobus@hsdm.org ext. 8 #
Mona Elder Client Services Coordinator
relder@hsdm.org ext. 7 #
Audrey Galm Administrative Assistant
agalm@hsdm.org ext. 1 #
Kim Hyde Director of Training
khyde@hsdm.org ext. 5 #
Julianne Larsen Hearing Dog Coordinator
jlarsen@hsdm.org ext. 2 #
Birdie Murphy Training Assistant
bmurphy@hsdm.org
Shelly O’Brien Administrative Assistant
sobrien@hsdm.org ext. 0 #
Lee Perish Account Assistant
lperish@hsdm.org 612-729-5914 tty
Al Peters Executive Director
apeters@hsdm.org ext. 6 #
Rita Jesse Graduate Presenter
Dawn Carlson, Meghan Doyle, Angela Olson
Kennel Assistants
The Fonz!
Clark Halligan and Fonzie
Clark Halligan of Glencoe, Minn.,
began the process of acquiring a
Service Dog after his doctor at the
Veterans Administration Medical
Center told him he would benefit
from one. Clark, who was injured in
the service, has severe degenerative
disc disease, congestive heart failure
and a seizure disorder. After being
on the waiting list of another
organization for a long time, Clark
applied to Hearing and Service
Dogs of Minnesota (HSDM). “I
was impressed with how quickly
HSDM returned my call and set
things in motion,” he says.
Things continued to go smoothly
after he met Fonzie, a Goldendoodle
(Golden Retriever/Poodle cross).
“Fonzie made it easy on me,” Clark
says with a smile when asked about
the training process. “He makes it
easy when he responds quickly and
does his job well the first time.”
One of Fonzie’s most important tasks
is retrieving a medical-alert pager
that Clark can use in an emergency.
Clark always keeps the pager (enclosed in a special case so Fonzie
doesn’t accidentally activate it during
byJohn Kohagen
the delight of his owner.
Clark says he hopes others will be
inspired to get a service animal after
they meet Fonzie. (He encouraged a
friend to contact HSDM.) In public,
Fonzie is a furry advertisement for
the power of service animals. The
team demonstrated their abilities for
a Rotary Club. Clark has no misconceptions, however, about who the
star is. “Fonzie gets all the attention,” he says.
Clark and Fonzie
practice) in the same place, so it’s
easy to find. Fonzie also retrieves
dropped items and tugs off Clark’s
gloves and jacket.
Fonzie isn’t only Clark’s service
dog—he’s also a companion to
Clark’s wife, Deb, and his daughter,
Amanda. Although he enjoys playing
with the Halligans’ other dog, Reeses
(a Yorkiepoo), he immediately stops
playing and does his job when Clark
needs him. The big Goldendoodle
even tries to be a lap dog, much to
Clark says he’s thankful to HSDM.
“It’s changed my life, as I’m sure
it’s changed the lives of many other
people,” he said. “Thank you from
the bottom of my heart.” !
THOSE WHO MADE THIS
PLACEMENT POSSIBLE
Dog Source
Breeder
Veterinary Services
Inver Grove Heights
Animal Hospital
Puppy Raisers
The Heffernan Family
Trainer
Staff
Pictured (left) are graduate Sheree Grimm and Hearing Dog, Oreo, with
Lions Hearing Dog Chair, Galen Engholm, while attending the Lions
District 5M3 midwinter convention in Fairmont, Minn. on February 17.
Also pictured, (above) are the Lions District Governors Elect and some
HSDM graduates during their visit to HSDM on March 14, 2007. Lions
provided more than 15% of our income during 2006 and have contributed an incredible $62,347 during the first quarter of 2007!
Lions ROAR!
3
New Confidence from Camille
Debbie Fauber and Camille
by Shelly Fredrickson
house,” Debbie says. “But when I got
Camille, I was required to walk her
so she could get exercise. I hadn’t
been outside for a walk since we
moved here a year ago, but now I’m
out every single day!”
Debbie Fauber has arthritis in her
back, which makes walking and
bending over very difficult. Debbie,
who lives in Onalaska, Wis., with her
boyfriend, Keith, and their roommate,
Tim, knew she needed to find another
dog to provide the assistance she was
receiving from her 15-year-old
Service Dog. Unfortunately, she
found it difficult to find a nearby
organization that provided assistance
dogs. After a lot of research and
phone calls, she was connected with
Hearing and Service Dogs of Minnesota (HSDM). “I was excited to learn
that they could help,” she recalls.
Debbie applied for a dog and was
matched with Camille, a 2-year-old
Smooth Coat Collie.
With the help of field trainer, Shirley
Richards, and classes at La Crosse
Dog Training, Debbie and Camille
soon were practicing their skills.
Camille, a quick study, easily picked
up tasks such as retrieving. As
training progressed, however, Debbie
learned the importance of understanding Camille’s short- and longterm memory processes. “Camille
went through stages where she
wouldn’t respond to commands that
she knew well,” Debbie recalls. “But
Shirley helped me understand the role
that memory plays in training, and
together we figured out how to get
Debbie and Camille
Camille back on track. Once we did,
it was great!”
Camille retrieves dropped items and
alerts Keith if Debbie needs help.
Camille also brings Debbie an
emergency phone, if necessary.
Although she finds such skills
invaluable, Debbie says one of the
most significant things Camille has
done is to give her the confidence to
complete everyday tasks, such as
shopping. “My back pain got to the
point that I basically didn’t leave the
Debbie says she’s thankful for the
help she received from Shirley. “I
couldn’t have done it without her,”
Debbie says. “Shirley provided
constant encouragement and took the
time to help me. She really listened to
my needs.” Shirley, who also works
at La Crosse Dog Training, says that
working with Debbie and Camille
was great. “Debbie was always open
to new and different ideas,” Shirley
says. “Her willingness to try new
approaches made the training process
easier.”
Now that they’re certified, Camille
accompanies Debbie everywhere.
She even helps Debbie when she’s
working as a home health-care
provider. Attending obedience class
also gave Debbie the opportunity to
socialize and meet new people.
“Camille has an air of confidence that
everyone picks up on when they meet
her,” Debbie says with a smile. “She
gives me confidence to do things I
didn’t think I could do. I don’t know
what I’d do without her!”
THOSE WHO MADE THIS
PLACEMENT POSSIBLE
Our Hero!
As we were going to the printer, a letter arrived from Deb telling us
this amazing story.
Deb recalls that HSDM staff once told her, “While Camille is a Collie,
she is not Lassie so don’t expect her to be a hero or save lives.” However at 5:00 a.m. one recent morning, Camille started licking Deb’s
face. When Deb covered her face and tried to go back to sleep,
Camille began pawing at her vigorously until she was fully awake.
Deb got out of bed and immediately smelled smoke and began coughing as she stood up. There was a malfunction with her computer and
the power cord was smoldering. “I don’t know what would have
happened had Camille given up or not been there” says Deb. “Camille
isn’t Lassie, but she sure is to me. She’s my hero!”
4
Dog Source
Jackie Tierney
Veterinary Services
Smith Veterinary Hospital
Puppy Raisers
Bill Beddie and Kathy Grant
Field Trainer
Shirley Richards
Obedience Classes
La Crosse Dog Training
2007 Heel and Wheel Fundraising Walk
The 2007 Heel and Wheel Fundraising Walk will take place on September 15, 2007 at
Phalen Park, St. Paul. The Heel and Wheel Committee is gearing up for the biggest
event in our history, including goals to have 1,000 walkers and 50 teams raising
$100,000 for HSDM! We need your help, so start now and get involved in the
biggest walk ever.
GO TEAM! Join or Create a Team for HSDM
Walk with your best friends –animal and human. One way to meet our goals is
to recruit at least 50 team captains! We already have more than 20 signed up and
their enthusiasm is contagious. To be a captain, you need at least four other walkers,
and a team name! Each captain will receive a team fundraising packet with lots of helpful materials and tips for your
team to be a success.
Lions Team Challenge
Each Minnesota Lions Club is invited to form a team and compete for the Lions Challenge Trophy. Awards will be
given to the team that raises the most money.
You will enjoy a beautiful day at Lake Phalen including food, live music, games, entertainment and quality time
with friends! New this year — there will be a 3-mile walk around the lake for energetic walkers, but a shorter route
will still be available .
Contact Janet Cobus at 612-729-5986 ext. 8 # or jcobus@hsdm.org for a team packet or individual pledge form to
get started today!
Home and Garden Show a Success!
The 2007 Spring Home and Garden
Show is now history. This year we
raffled a choice of a custom dog
house or a cedar arbor while raising
public awareness of Hearing and
Service Dogs of Minnesota.
The HSDM booth was again located
at the main entrance of the show, so
nearly every visitor gained some
awareness of our important work.
The unexpected snow-storm educated
attendance a bit this year, but we are
still excited with the results. We met
128 people who asked for more
information about HSDM, expressed
interest in volunteering, or plan to
apply for a Hearing or Service Dog.
We also sold more than 800 raffle
tickets and received more than $700
in cash contributions.
Meet Frances!
We would like to introduce you to
Frances Matejcek, a 9 year old fourth
grader at Seward Montessori. She is
pictured with Emmie and some of the
bags full of treats, leashes, and chew
toys she carried into our office in
February as a donation! She told us
that she gets charity money with her
allowance and has been saving it up
for some time. Frances and her
mother attended a tour of our facility
last fall. Afterwards, Frances decided
that HSDM would be her next
charity.
Thank you very much for thinking of
us, Frances. The dogs especially
loved the Pupperoni treats!
5
Thank you to the countless volunteers
who staffed our booth during this 5day event, to Lou and Mark Peterson
at www.marksgazebos.com for
donating the dog house prize, and to
Jessica Boweak and the wonderful
people at the Home and Garden
Show for selecting us again for this
unique opportunity!
CONTRIBUTORS
Hearing and Service Dogs of Minnesota is supported by many agencies, companies, and individuals.
A very special thanks to you all! The following contributions were received in our office by March 31, 2007.
Contributions received by June 30, 2007 will be included in the Summer 2007 issue of Tails From Minnesota.
$5,000 or more
The Delonais Foundation
Sexton Foundation
$2,500 to $4,999
Assistance Dog United Campaign
Carl & Verna Schmidt Foundation
Ramsey Lions
$1,000 to $2,499
Albertville Lions
Anonymous-Saint
Paul Foundation
Judith Christensen
Edward L Anderson
Foundation
Falcon HeightsLauderdale Lions
Global Impact
Hamel Lions
Lyle & Mary Jane
King
Barbara Koch
Maple Grove Lions
Minneapolis
Foundation
Minnesota Valley
Electric Trust
Mr & Mrs Gary M
Scherer
Onamia Lions
Osseo Lions
Plymouth Lions
Princeton Lions
Robbinsdale Lions
Sandstone Lions
Spring Lake Park
Lions
St Cloud Lions
Claralouise Wheeler
$500 to $999
Anoka Lions
Paul & Lynda
Avon Lions
Friedman
Babbitt Lions
Samantha Hillmer
Jay Bozicevich
Hinckley Lions
Brooklyn Center Lions Isanti Lions
Brooklyn Park Lions Isle Lions
Burnsville Lions
Lino Lakes Lions
Chisago Lakes Lions Little Falls Lions
Coon Rapids Lions
Midway Lions
Corcoran Lions
Ogilvie Lions
Duluth Lions
Ottertail Lions
Eden Prairie Lions
Virginia Power
Eden Valley Lions
Renville Lions
Elk River Lions
Richardson Twp Lakes
Eveleth Lions
Area Lions
Fair Haven Lions
So St Paul Lions
Gloria & Thomas
St Francis Lions
Farquer
Staples Lions
Foley Lions
Wells Fargo Bank,
Fridley Lions
Chanhassen
In Kind
Lorna Behrns
Jessica Boweak
Brenwood Animal Hospital
Doug Brouse
Laurie Burk
Cottage Grove Animal
Hospital
Rich & Maggie Cress
Jon & Jan Day
Dr Levine
Dr Olivero - Opthalmology
Elm Creek Animal Hospital
Michael Ferber
Rosanne Fett
Graphic Systems
Heidi Hamilton
Lisa Holden
Inver Grove Heights
Animal Hospital
Alex Johns
Don & Sandy Kohagen
Life Care Animal Hospital
Frances Matejcek
Rich Mensing
Minneapolis Animal
Control
Monique Morton
Mounds View Animal
Hospital
Mountain Lake Lions &
Kennel Aire
MYOB US Inc
Odessa Animal Clinic
Angela Olson
Janice Parrow
Lee Perish
Mark & Lou Peterson
Annie Piper
Prior Lake Pet Hospital
Vicki Schultz & So
Highland Vet Hospital
Anne Seppo & Karla Wirtz
Cindy Sundet & Karen
Beskau
Sharon Todoroff
Denise Wilson
$100 to $499
Alexandria Lions
Andover Lions
Anoka Lioness
Apple Valley Lions
Cynthia & Lowell
Arnold
Ashby Lions
Askov Area Lions
Austin Lions
Steve & Robin
Bauman
Becker Lions
Bemidji Lions
Benson Lions
Big Falls Lions
Bird Island Lions
Blackduck Lions
Brooklyn Park Lady
Lions
Brownton Lions
Caledonia Lions
Cap Baker Lions
Carlos Lions
Champlin Lions
Chanhassen Lions
Circle-Lex Lions
Clarissa Lions
Clearwater Lions
Cold Spring Lions
Columbus Lions
Coon Rapids Lions
Cosmos Lions
James & Roberta
Craig
Crookston Noon Day
Lions
Mary Beth Crowley
Crystal Lions
Danube Lions
Darwin Lions
Deer River Ave of
Pines Lions
Hutchinson Lions
Delano Lions
Dilworth Loco Ladies International Falls
Lions
Lions
Downtown Lions St. Susan Januschka
Jordan Area Lions
Paul
Kasson Mantorville
Carl Drake
Lions
Duluth Lioness
Kimball Lions
Eagan Lions
Andrea & Mark Ebner Jeanne Labelle &
Daniel Cushing
Edina Lions
Lake Superior CFC
Esko Area Lions
Lakeville Lions
Kara Fairbairn
LandAmerica
Fairmont Lions
Foundation
Faribault Lions
Le Center Lions
Farmington Lions
Lincoln Scandia
Scott Fearing
Valley Lions
Fergus Falls Sertoma
Litchfield Lions
Club
Finlayson Giese Lions Little Falls Dandee
Lions
Forest Lake Lions
Stephanie Magelky
G.R.Shabatura
Mankato Sunrise
Janson & Karen
Lions
Giampolo
Carey & Sandi
Goodridge Lion
Manson
Tamers
Maple Grove DandeGrandy Lions
Lions
Greenwald Lions
Mapleton Sertoma
Hallock Lions
Club
Ham Lake Lions
Maplewood North
Hamel Lions
Lions
Hanover Lions
Maynard Lions
Hastings Lions
Vanessa McGuire
Hewitt Lions
Minneapolis
Hiawatha Lions
Southwest Lions
Hitterdal Area Lions
Montevideo Lions
Hopkins Lions
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Hopkins Noontime
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Lions
Howard Lake Lions Moorhead Midday
Central Lions
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Hugo Lions
Mora Lions
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New Brighton Lions
New London Lions
Nicollet Lions
Michael Nielsen
North Branch Lions
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Evening Lions
Norwood Young
America Lions
NYA West Carver
Lions
Olivia Lions
Wayne & Marilyn
Olsen
Orono Lions
Orr Lions
Oslo Lions
Ostrander Lions
John Parzych
Penock Lions
Pierz Lions
Pine Area Lions
Plato Lions
Maureen & Paul
Pranghofer
Prior Lake Lions
Ramsey Morril Lions
Red Wing Lions
Richmond Lions
Rivertown Lions
Rochester '76 Lions
Rosemount Lions
Roseville Lions
Rush City Lions
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Sandstone Quarry
Lions
Sartell Lions
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Sauk Rapids Riverside
Lions
Sobieski Lions
Spring Lake Park
Lions
St Anthony Village
Lions
St Augusta Lions
St Joseph Lions
St Joseph Y2K Lions
St Louis Park Lions
St Martin Lions
St Paul East Park
Lions
St Peter Kiwanis Club
St Stephen Lions
Stacy Lions
Staples '93 Lions
Star of the North
Lions
Sturgeon Lions
Swanville Lions
Taylors Falls Lions
Thief River Falls
Lions
Thomson West
Twin Cities Airport
Lions
Wabasso Lions
Wadena Lions
Walnut Grove Lions
Wells Lions
Westbrook Lions
Jean Wilson
Windom Lions
WISH Lions
Toni Yeamans
If we somehow missed your contribution, be it financial, in-kind or volunteer, please let
us know and we will recognize you in our next newsletter. Thank you!
up to $100
Marion Ackley
Adams Lions
Albertville Lioness
Almelund Lions
Patricia Amadeo
Anoka County
5 Star Lions
Anonymous
Anonymous
Arlington Lions
Arlington Sibley East
Lions
Austin Morning Lions
Barnesville Lions
Cynthia Barry
Charles Michael Bichler
Big Lake Lioness
Big Lake Lions
Judith Blanchard
Carl & Madeline Blegen
Blooming Prairie Lions
Blue Earth Lions
Irwin & Rita Boris
Brandon Lions
Margaret Brownrigg
Brownsville Lions
David & Patti MacArthur
Bruflodt
Mrs & Mrs Ralph Buske
Byron Lions
Cambridge Lions
Camden Lions
International
Cannon Falls Lions
Carver Lions
Cedar East Bethel Lions
Centerville Lions
Chatfield Lions
Vicki & Lou Chouinard
Cologne Lions
Columbus Lioness
Community Solutions
Fund
Jennifer Connolly
Coon Rapids Lioness
Lois & Robert Crunstedt
Sharlotte Davis
Dawn to Dusk Lions
Dilworth Leo
Dodge Center Lions
Eitzen Lions
Ellendale Lions
Cate Elsten
Sally Erickson
Jean Euteneuer
Patricia Faustgen
Denise Fenton
Fosston-Lengby Lions
Marcia Fritzmeier
Gary & Sue-Ann Garvis
Bonnie Genin
Thomas & Coleen George
Girl Scout Troop #808
Glyndon Lions
Grand Meadow Lions
Green Isle Lions
Greenbush Lions
Grove City Lions
Ham Lake Lions
Hamburg Lions
Nora Hartman
Patricia Harvey
Hector Lioness
Mary Beth Hill
Holdingford Lions
Houston Lions
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Hutchinson Lioness
Jennifer Jasicki
Jasper Lions
David Johnson
Keith Johnson
Merle & Ellen Johnson
Karlstad Lions
Kensington Lions
Kenyon Lions
Kiester Lions
Jason & Paige Kite
Kowalski's Market
Miriam Krasno
Marlin & Mary Kukas
Lake City Lions
Lake Crystal Lioness
Lake Crystal Lions
Karen Lampi
Lester Prairie Lions
Lesueur Lions
Michael Levitz
Lewiston Lions
Janet Loveland
Lavonne Ludke
Luverne '92 Lions
Mabel Lions
Wesley & Mary Mahlberg
Kirk Mahle
Jacquelyn & Raymond
Marshall
Marshall Lions
Mayer-Watertown
Dandylions
Milan Lions
Milroy Lions
Minneapolis Lyn-Lake
Lioness
Deb Molin
Montrose Lioness
Spring Grove Lions
Montrose Lions
Spring Grove
Keith & Andriette
United Fund, Inc
Mortimore
Spring Lake Park Lions
Motley Lions
St Charles Lions
Mpls Riverview Lions
St Hilaire Lions
N.E.W. Lions
St Michael Lions
Diane Nagel
J.J. & R.M. Steenberg
Christopher & Kathryn
Stephen Lions
Nelson
Stewartville Lioness
New Auburn Lions
Stewartville Lions
Newfolden Lions
Stewartville Saturday
North Branch Lioness
Morning Lions
Northfield Leo
Connie & Thomas
Northstar Weimaraner
Swanson
Club
Edith Swiatek
Osakis Lions
Ulen Lions
Leanne Patchen
Linda & John Vlasich
Pelican Rapids Lions
Elizabeth Vork-Howell
Ethel & Mary Beth
Waconia Lions
Pfleghaar
Waite Park 97 Lions
Pipestone Lions
Waverly Lions
Plainview Lions
Wendell Lions
Diane Potts
Wheaton Lions
Preston Lions
Cory Wilaby
Randall-Cushing Little
Carolyne & Richard Willy
Elk Lions
Winona Noon Lions
Frederick & Cheryl
Winona Rivertown Lions
Richardson
Winona Sun Up Lions
Rochester Leo C.A.T.
Winona Sunset Lions
Rushford Lions
Worthington Lions
Saint Francis Lioness
James & Mi Kyung
Dora & Howard Schroeder
Youngquist
Amelia Schultz
Zumbro Falls Lions
Shakopee Valley Lions
Sibley East Sr High Leos
Sharon Singleton
David & Marjorie Skeie
In Memory of Rand Patton
Honorariums
Donated by
In Honor of
Cynthia & Lowell Arnold ......................................... “Blue”
Mary Beth Crowley ..................... “Angel” on her adoption
Miriam Krasno ............................. Ben Peter’s 85th birthday
Keith & Andriette Mortimore .................. “Babe” with love
Amelia Schultz ............. Mary Quist from 8 Wacky Crafters
J.J. & R.M. Steenberg .................. Jennifer Jasiki’s birthday
Linda & John Vlasich ...........................................................
Meekah Shertzer for Kyle, Joanna, Clara, & Eliza
Shertzer
Memorials
Donated by
In Memory of
Steve & Robin Bauman .............................. Patricia Werner
Irwin & Rita Boris ............................. Keith & Juanita Betz
Vicki & Lou Chouinard ........................................ “Tommy”
Jennifer Connolly ............................ Rev Patrick J Connolly
Mary Beth Crowley ............................. “Beigret” & “Taco”
Lois & Robert Crunstedt ............................... Leona Stadler
Sally Erickson ..................................................... Kimi Hara
Marcia Fritzmeier .................................................... “Jenna”
Gary & Sue-Ann Garvis .......................................... “Kirby”
Bonnie Genin ..................................................... Sue’s Mom
Thomas & Collen George ........................... Patricia Werner
Mrs P.M.W. Harvey ..................................... Evelyn Kramer
Patricia Harvey .......................... Howard & Edith Boynton
Samantha Hillmer .......................................... Richard Lund
Susan Januschka ............................ “Ben,” “Star” & “Tess”
Keith Johnson .................................................. John Nyquist
Deb Molin ................................................. “Buddy” & “BJ”
Keith & Andriette Mortimore ................................. “Dusty”
Michael Nielsen ........................................................ “Faith”
Frederick & Cheryl Richardson .......................... “London”
Sharon Singleton ..................................................... “Shelly”
Puppyraisers
Diana Adamson & Paul Oberhaus ............................... Dude
Bill Beddie & Kathy Grant ...................................... Stewart
Anna Boenig & David Hapka ................................... Baxter
Susan & David Bristol ............................................... Shiloh
Autumn Brodhecker ...................................................... Faye
The Carlon family ..................................................... Denver
Sue Crone .................................................................. Stanley
The Davidson family ................................................. Buddy
Jan & John Day ............................................. Daisy & River
The Devine family ......................................................... Java
Dr Burt & Cheri Dubow ............................................ Pippin
The Ehlert family ......................................................... Reno
Lia Enger & family ..................................................... Jingle
Mike Ferber & Betty Otto ................................................ TJ
The Grout family ....................................................... Fergie
The Heffernan family .................................................... Jazz
Brenda & Mark Hilburn ............................................ Arrow
Hannah Holicky & family ........................................... Belle
Kim Kriesel ............................................................... Emmitt
Dave Madison ........................................................... Gideon
The McCloskey family ............................................... Cisco
Gene McNamara & family ......................................... Millie
Lynn Mercer & family .................................................. Moe
Michelle & Shay Nelson ............................................ Jester
Janice Parrow ........................................................... Jasmine
The Shoessow family ..................................................... Gus
The Schwartz family ..................................................... Lexi
Marge & Dave Skeie ................................................. Gibson
Tam Strand & Jerry Enright ....................................... Lance
The VanLandschoot family ......................................... Holly
Lion Rand Patton passed away February 8, 2007. Rand was a tireless supporter
of our work at HSDM. He carried our message to many Lions clubs and was a
generous financial contributor as well. His family selected HSDM to receive
memorials, resulting in 132 gifts totaling more than $2,500.
We will miss Rand’s enthusiasm and dedication to our mission.
Jim & Shirley Alfson
Mark & Mary Anderson
Elroy & Betty Barthel
Tony & Val Barthel
Sandra & James Bates
Martina Beaudry
Lois & Marvin Benson
James & Cindy Bistodeau
Dave & Diane Bourget
Robie Carter
Eugene Claussen
Charles Dahlberg
Howie & Marlyne Dalzell
Mike & Vicki Danielson
Dorothy Decker
Bill & Pam DeLaittre
Ed & Marilyn Demars
Bill & Janet Dubats
Nancy & Will Duerr
Joe & Lila Ebner
Bruce & Lola Eckstein
Elaine Eckstein
Jack & Arlene Eckstein
Mark & Tracey Eckstein
John & Bev Edling
Melissa Elfstrom
Elaine Engstrom
Jacques & Debra Eull
Dale & Joanne Fauskee
Dennis & Bertha Fehn
June Fenstra
Paul & Danielle Fischer
Norm & Rose Freske
Philip & Terese Gammell
Mel Geisler
Jeanne Labelle
Jessica Mork
Wendy Poulsen
Sandra Shepard
Greg & Cathy Stevens Global Impact
Dawn Struble
Diane Svoboda
Doug & Luann
Lindenfelser
Jerry & Sandy
Lindenfelser
Joel Lindenfelser
Leroy & Molly
Lindenfelser
Lyle & Nona Lindenfelser
Jon & Sheryl Luckemeyer
Bonnie & Keith Lundquist
Shelly & Brad Lusti
Melroy & Darlene Martin
Tom & Patty McCarthy
James McManus
Donna Mingo
Montrose Lions
Doug & Dixie Mullen
James & Tina Mulroy
Neil & Shelly Narveson
Carla & Bob Nash
Garret Novotny
Kim & Paul Olson
Laura & Tom Olson
Jill Peterson
Nancy & Gary Peterson
Scott & Tammi Pierson
Richard & Jane Plum
Dick & Linda Raymond
Dorothy Roden
Floyd & Bev Roden
John & Bernadine Roden
Betty & Jerry Ruppelius
Keri & Bret Schoen
Kevin & Jean Schuldt
Dave & Sandy Shappell
Leroy Shataya
Sandy & David Sherman
Jeff & Binki Skimland
Mel & Flo Sorensen
Don & Donna Steppat
Brian Sundby
Muriel & Ken Tiernan
Dave & Pat Timmerman
Wade Turner
Bernard & Marlene Vetsch
Betty Vetsch
Donateus & Irma Vetsch
Jim & Judy Vetsch
John Vetsch
Gary Wagner
Don, Anita & Eva Wallin
Harry & Edna Weber
Don Weidenbach
Helen & Vern Weidenbach
Gert & Jon Weis
Harvey Weisel
Gerald & Arlene Wells
Wells Fargo
Clifford & Joalyne Welter
Harry & Marlene Welter
Dick & Virgie Wendel
Glenn & Pat Whitham
Margaret, Mike & Scott
Zachmann
Rolly & Jodi Zeltwinger
Alvin & Virginia
Zimmerman
Joseph & Marilyn
Zimmerman
Marv Ziner
Volunteers
Diana Adamson
Kathryn & Jayson
Alexander
Mary, John & Jennifer
Alexander
Debbie Arnold
Bill Beddie
Mary Bente
Betty Berger
Anna Boenig
Jay Bozicevich
Jill Brant
Sara Braziller
Betty Brietkrietz Miller &
"Claire"
David & Susan Bristol
Autumn Brodhecker
Julia Buege Freeman
Jean & Don Burdeski
Debra Burke & "Pepsi"
Jennifer Burt
Ann Camenga & "Ringo"
Sue Carlon
Sheri Cassens
Chris & Sarah Cerney
Mary Chasin
Lisa Coleman
Sue Crone
Jan & John Day
Linda Dillon
The Dion family
Don Doeksen
Megan, Laurie & Ron Ehlert
Kara Fairbairn
Mike Ferber
Tiffani Flaws
Shelley Frederickson
Marcia & Gary Fritzmeier &
“Jack”
Kathy Galiger
Molly George & “Angel”
Christina Giese
Kathy Grant
Sheree Grimm & “Oreo”
Debbie Haffely
David Hapka
Nora Hartman
Pat, Sam & Katherine
Heffernan
Kathy Heinkel
Brad Henry
Scott Henry
Lee Hibbard & family
Shelly Hiemer & “Grace”
Brenda & Mark Hilburn
Dawn Hughes
Sammy Huston & family
Sue James
Aimee Jaroscak
Workplace Giving
Anonymous
Jay Bozicevich
Kathryn Bracke
Zenobia Carlton
Zenobia Carlton
Todd Fenton
Cynthia Hanson
Tami Hawkinson
Ham Lake Lions
Joann & Berge Hanson
Cindy & Brad Hegwood
Ruth Helgeson
Judith Hidde
Jack & Carol Hines
Craig Hoffman
Phil & Betty Horsch
Judy & Jerry Hudson
Lisa Hunt
Bob & Peggy Huntley
Wallace Jackson
Jean & Gerald Jagerson
Kristen & Michael Jenkins
Guy & Yvonne Johnson
Tim & Sue Johnson
Joseph & Marlene Kasper
Patrick & Cheryl Kennedy
Bill & Heather Kittridge
Bill & Mary Kay Kittridge
Richard & Julie Kleist
Lorraine & Paul Knorr
Sandy Koch
Steve & Diane Kolles
Randy & Lori Korpela
Leroy Kronenber and Judy
Wood
Roxie Lee
John & Kathy Lenz
Kim & John Lenz
Lindell Engineering
Arlene Lindenfelser
Chuck & Marge
Lindenfelser
Jenna Kaliszewski & family
Dawn Kessler
Dan Klein
Krystal Klein
Dana Knopic
John & Michelle Kohagen
Joy & Dave Kraft
Kim Kriesel
Nicole & Dan Krolikowski
MarySue Krueger
Kathy Kuehn & family
Jodi LeBaron
Liz Lucast
Anne & Dale Mackereth
Stephanie Magelky & “Jeff”
Lynne Maker Kuechle
Rebecca Maxey &
“Caremyl”
Molly McCloskey & family
Stephanie McCollum Henry
Mark & Stephanie
McLaughlin
Gene & Michelle McNamara
Lynn Mercer & family
Lion Tony Mikols
Erica Miller
Monique Morton
Lori, Melissa & Liz Neeb
Joanne Nichols
Elizabeth Otto
Janice & Ken Parrow
Laska Parrow
John Parzych
Annie Piper
The Pollock family
Marilyn Pona
Maureen & Paul Pranghofer
& “Ally”
Mary Quist
Julie & Tim Rainey
Sue Schadow
Kurt & Sushma Schellpeper
Kate Schroven
Carolyn Schurr
Sharon Singleton
Marge & Dave Skeie
Julie & Alex Stolis
Tam Strand
Jill Thompson
Cindy Thorson Arnold &
“Blue”
Dawn & Brian Turner
Patty VanLandschoot
Carlos Villalpando
William Voedisch
Len J Washko
Kristen Wedul & family
David Welper
Tracy Wheatcraft
Jill Willems
Advertise in Tails From Minnesota!
Would you like to reach the more than 9,000 readers of this
outstanding publication? Now you can!
Call Janet Cobus at 612-729-5986, ext 8 then #, for more information.
7
O-R-E-O and Greg - They Forever Go Together!
Greg Lawson and Oreo
byJohn Kohagen
It doesn’t always take a big dog to
make a big difference. Just ask
Greg Lawson of Minneapolis.
apartment building. And throughout
the interview for this article, Oreo
relaxed on Greg’s lap with a happy
smile on his face.
Greg has diabetic neuropathy. He
uses an electric wheelchair and has
some problems with mobility and
coordination. When he applied to
Hearing and Service Dogs of
Minnesota (HSDM), he asked for
a Service Dog that was smaller
than those normally used. HSDM
staff introduced Greg to Oreo, a
Poodle/Cocker Spaniel mix, and it
was love at first sight.
Oreo came to HSDM as a shelter
dog with a lot of energy. He is
loving, friendly and willing to work.
Because of his energy and size, his
HSDM training first focused on
Hearing Dog work. But Kim Hyde,
director of training, saw more
potential in this little dog.
Kim placed Oreo in a long-term
foster home to work on Service Dog
skills. At first it wasn’t easy for him
to retrieve, but with determination
and an excellent attitude, Oreo was
soon ready to work with a client.
Greg and Oreo
Greg and Oreo worked hard at
becoming a team. Although Oreo had
a bit of trouble opening doors at first,
he had no trouble picking up objects.
“He picks things up when I get klutzy
and drop them,” Greg says. Oreo also
enjoys strutting his stuff in public—
an important quality for a dog that
must have confidence on the job.
It’s not all work for these teammates.
“He loves to go out in the hall and
chase the ball,” says Greg, who
modified the game of fetch to suit his
Greg sums up the training experience
in one word: “Fantastic!” He says
the process was very positive, and
both members of the team are happy
with the results. A small shelter dog
now makes a big difference in
Greg’s life every day. “A Service
Dog will change your life forever,”
Greg says, looking adoringly down
at Oreo. The advertising jingle for
Oreo cookies and milk suits Oreo
and Greg as well: the two “forever
go together!”
THOSE WHO MADE THIS
PLACEMENT POSSIBLE
Dog Source
Minneapolis Animal Control
Veterinary Services
Cedar Pet Clinic
Foster Homes
The Mercer Family
The Turner Faamily
Field Trainer
Laska Parrow
You and Your IRA
New Board Member
If you have an IRA and are age
70 1/2 or older, the government has
created a new choice for you!
Kara Fairbairn
Kara Fairbairn
joined the Board of
Directors in
November 2006.
Kara is an attorney
with Fredrikson &
Byron, P.A and she
specializes in
intellectual
property law. Kara
is also hard-ofhearing and brings
first person
knowledge of hearing loss to the HSDM board.
You may now donate part of all of your
IRA to a charitable organization, like
Hearing and Service Dogs of Minnesota.
While you cannot deduct the donation,
you do avoid paying tax on the
distribution. You may donate up to
$100,000 during 2007 and must do so
before December 31, 2007 to qualify.
Please consult your tax adviser for
details.
Kara lives in Saint Paul with her husband Grant and their two dogs,
Max (yellow laborador) and Monty (border collie mix). Her interests
include Nebraska football, foreign-foods, world-traveling, and
watching and playing all sports, especially tennis.
8
Imagine the impact such a generous gift
would have on our ability to serve people
with disabilities! Thank you.
Volunteer Spotlight
Mark and Brenda Hilburn
Mark and Brenda Hilburn have been
volunteering with Hearing and
Service Dogs of Minnesota since
2003. They started out fostering dogs
in their home for a few weeks at a
time. Given that they live in
Rochester, we did not think we would
see them as often as our other
volunteers. Were we wrong!
Mark and Brenda have been
invaluable to HSDM since they
began volunteering. Their short-term
by Laurie Carlson
dog fostering turned into long-term
puppy raising while becoming
advocates for our organization in the
Rochester area. They have helped
with staffing our booth at different
events, like the Horse Expo and
Lions conventions, and have helped
with event set-up and final
accounting at the Heel and Wheel
dog walk.
for 2007-2008. This is a very
important position and HSDM is
indeed fortunate to have such an
enthusiastic and knowledgeable
volunteer speak to Lions clubs on our
behalf.
This year they’ve taken on even more
responsibilities. Mark and Brenda are
the mentors for our puppy raiser
families in southern Minnesota, and
hold puppy raiser obedience classes
to help with training. They are also
actively recruiting more puppy
raisers, which is a crucial need for
our organization. In addition, as plans
for an additional fundraising
breakfast develop for the Rochester
area, Mark and Brenda have helped
coordinate arrangements for the
event.
What about you?
Are you willing to give the gift of
your time? We need help in the
following areas:
Recently Mark, who belongs to his
local Lions club, has agreed to be the
Hearing Dog co-chair for his district
HSDM cannot thank Brenda and
Mark enough for their great attitudes
and willingness to help out whenever
needed. Thank you so much!
• Heel and Wheel committee members
to work on the September dog walk
• Dog foster homes (approximately
2-4 weeks)
• Puppy raiser (14-16 month
commitment)
• Development committee (think up
new ways to raise funds)
Please call Laurie Carlson at:
612-729-5986 x4# (voice)
612-729-5914 (tty)
email is lcarlson@hsdm.org
Volunteer Recognition Luncheon
HSDM’s volunteer recognition luncheon was held at the Columbia Heights Golf Course on a snowy Saturday,
February 24, 2007 to honor our faithful volunteers. Despite impending snowstorms later that day, we had a great
turnout and a wonderful Italian meal. All volunteers present were given a custom made pen.
Special awards for service provided in 2006
were presented to:
• Mike Ferber, Betty Otto, John and Jan Day, Julia
Buege Freeman, Maureen and Paul Pranghofer:
all Volunteer Spotlight inductees for 2006.
• Christina Giese and Erica Miller for Short term
foster home of the year
• Janice and Ken Parrow for
Puppy raisers of the year
• Joanne Nichols for
Special Service Award
• John and Jan Day for
Volunteers of the year
We thank all of our wonderful volunteers who help
us each year and enable us in so many different ways
to place dogs with the people who need them.
9
Puppy raisers are the life-blood of our work at Hearing and Service Dogs of Minnesota.
Without their dedication and hard work, we couldn’t serve so many people in need.
In an effort to encourage more people to provide this special service, we have asked some of our
experienced puppy raisers to share their stories with our readers. This is the first in a series. Enjoy!
Who Let the Dog In?
My name is Janice Parrow. My husband, Ken, and I volunteer for HSDM as a foster home. Back in 1993, one of
the requirements for a class I was taking was to volunteer for an organization that worked with people who are
deaf. The Star Tribune “How Can You Help” section listed HSDM as
an organization that needed volunteers to staff a booth at the Land O’
Lakes dog show. This was a no-brainer for me, a veterinary
technician—I was in!
Once I was on the volunteer list, I worked many Saturdays at the
original little office on East 35th St. I peeled mailing labels from
sheets, attached them to newsletters, and bundled them up for the
U.S. Postal Service. Soon I dragged my 9-year-old daughter, Laska,
along to help. She became the darling of the group—eating more
doughnuts than helping with newsletters, and playing with Hearing
Dogs Lucky and Sparky.
Picture a young girl pestering her father: “Can we get a dog? Please,
Daddy, please?” Next, picture a 16-year-old trying another approach:
“Dad, HSDM needs short-term foster homes for dogs. A dog would
only be here for a few days at a time, and I will take care of it.”
Dad finally gave in—that was six years ago—and since that day in
February 2001, there has been a procession of dogs through our
home. Some have stayed as little as 15 hours; one stayed 14 months.
Each has been special in its own way.
Janice and Jasmine with the
Volunteer of the Year Award
Starting as a short-term foster home was only a step away from
becoming a long-term foster home (often called being a puppy
raiser). Because of my veterinary background, HSDM staff members
have asked me to take on some special tasks: fostering dogs that need
medical attention, evaluating dogs that have “issues,” and acting as
“boot camp” for other dogs. In August, we took on the challenge of
training Jasmine, a Greyhound/Scottish Deerhound puppy, to become
a Service Dog.
People at work ask me, “How can you give them up when training is
done? Don’t you feel horrible?” My reply is simple: the dog isn’t
mine. I love them as if they were my dogs, but the dogs belong to someone I haven’t met yet. My part is to help
them become Service Dogs.
Of course, I cry. The tears aren’t of sadness for me. They are tears of happiness, caused by the wonderful feeling
you get when you do something special for someone. I usually work behind the scenes at graduation ceremonies,
and it’s a good thing I do. Otherwise I’d be out in the audience, sniffling with Kleenex in hand, when our dogs are
on stage.
I do want to be up front when it’s Jasmine’s turn to graduate, however. Then you’ll see me shed some
happy tears!
10
DEVELOPMENT NEWS
by Janet Cobus
Name-A Puppy Program
Somerset Elementary third grade class raised $1,000 to
name a puppy and they chose the name “Shiloh”. Darcy
Pohland of WCCO came to Somerset during the presentation ceremony to do a story on the third graders as they
presented a $1,000 check to HSDM and received their
certificate with a picture of the beautiful black Labrador.
Thanks to the kids, parents and teachers who worked so
hard to raise $1,000 to help “Shiloh” off to a good start in
our puppy program.
Renaissance Festival Time?
It will be here before you know it! Visit the 2007 Minnesota Renaissance Festival
twice for free when volunteering with HSDM!
For the third year, the
Minnesota Renaissance
Festival has chosen HSDM to staff the Festival’s
“Pet Gate”. Staffing the Pet Gate is fun! We check in dogs
and provide them with a doggie “treat bag”. Volunteers
may visit the Festival before or after their shift for free,
will receive a food coupon book for $6 worth of enticing
edibles at the Festival, and will receive a complimentary
ticket (valued at $18.95) to return to the Festival for
another day of royal fun! Volunteers are needed each
weekend between August 18 and September 30. Call Julia
at 612-317-3413 or Jennifer at 612-805-1300 for more
information. Huzzah!
Rochester Fundraiser
Rochester “Tails of Independence” fundraising event
planning committee is forming.
If you would like to help plan this fall event or
serve as a Table Captain, please contact Janet.
Phon-A-Thon!
Help with our Fourth Annual Phon-A-Thon! Do
you love to talk on
the phone? We
need Y-O-U to
help on a night
during the week of
June 10-14. Last
year, more than 20
volunteers spent a
fun evening calling
our wonderful
supporters to
request their
support of our annual fund. This year, our goal is
to raise $25,000 and we can do it! We supply
training, pizza, snacks and you’ll make some new
friends. Call Janet for more information or to just
sign up!
If I Had $100
HSDM was one of three winning organizations in
the St. Peter Kiwanis Club “If I Had $100” essay
contest. Fourth grade student, Aaron Shoemaker,
was one of the finalists and he chose to write about
HSDM and the amazing things an assistance dog
can do for someone. HSDM would like to thank
the Kiwanis Club for teaching these young people
the meaning of philanthropy and Aaron for choosing our agency to support. Great job Aaron!
Animal Hall of Fame
On Saturday, February 3, 2007, three
dogs were admitted to the Minnesota
Veterinary Medical Association
Animal Hall of Fame during the
association’s annual convention
luncheon. Pictured left to right are:
“Rusty”, a Spaniel-Springer mix
certified hearing dog, accompanied
by Christy Woster,received the
award in the “Professional” category.
“Jack” a Miniature Pincher facilitybased service dog, accompanied by
partner Marcia Fritzmeier, received
the award in the “Hero” category
“Ruby”, an American Staffordshire
mix therapy dog, accompanied by
Patrick Bettendorf, received the
award in the “Companion” category
Hearing and Service Dogs of
Minnesota trained both Jack and
Rusty and certified them for work
in public.
Rusty, originally from a shelter,
completed training in 2005 and now
provides sound awareness, safety
and companionship for his partner,
who is deaf.
Jack, originally donated by a
breeder, has worked at Mayo
Clinic in the rehabilitation department since completing training
with HSDM in 2003. Visits by
Jack, known as Doctor Dog around
Mayo, are prescribed by Mayo
physicians as part of patient care.
Both Hearing and Service Dogs of
Minnesota teams were featured in
11
the March issue of the Minnesota
Veterinary Medical Association’s
newsletter and Jack was recently
featured in articles in the Rochester
Post-Bulletin and Minnesota Medical
Association’s Magazine, Minnesota
Medicine. Congratulations to all!
Nonprofit Org.
U.S. Postage
PAID
Minneapolis,MN
Permit NO. 4744
Hearing and Service Dogs of Minnesota
The Companion Dog Connection, Inc.
2537 25th Avenue South
Minneapolis, MN 55406
Please Note!
If you are receiving
more than one copy of
Tails from Minnesota,
have moved, or you do
not wish to receive our
newsletter in the future,
please call 612-7295986, 729-5914 tty, or
e-mail info@hsdm.org.
Wish List
! Dog treats!! (Pupperoni, Small Size
Milkbone)
! Palm Treo Smartphone for Verizon
! Palm PDA devices
! Plastic Dog crates: Medium/Large sizes
! Fireproof file cabinet
! Video DVD recorder/burner
! Van with wheelchair lift, good condition
! Durable picnic table or bench
! Home Theater for our meeting room
! Mac G4 Computers, laptop
! Vacuum, prefer Oreck or heavy duty
! Small wagon or hatch-back
for delivering dogs
! Microwave cart with drawer
! Spare tire for trailer
! Camcorder, Digital
! Donated veterinary services
! Gentle Leaders & Haltis, sizes M & L
! New Flexi leads for large dogs
! New Smoke Detectors
! 8-1/2 x 11 copy paper
! Plastic “Playschool” benches and table
! Batteries, AA & AAA
! Heartworm Preventative
! Kongs, Nylabones (large)
! Gift certificates to pet stores and
home improvement stores
! Newer wheelchairs, manual Quickie-type
! 1st-class stamps
! Purebred puppies
! 12-14 & 18-20 inch dog collars, leashes
A special thanks to all of you who previously
supplied us with wish list items! You made
our wishes come true!
Upcoming Events
April 27-29 Horse Expo, Minnesota State Fairgrounds
April 29 Ron Schara and Raven event with HSDM,
2pm in the Mall of America rotunda
May 6 HSDM Graduation, Anne Sullivan School, 1:00 pm
May 17-20 Good Sams Samboree
May 18-20 Lions Multiple Convention
May 19 Tails To Tell, HSDM, 10:00 am
June 23 Tails To Tell, HSDM, 10:00 am
August 2 Tails To Tell, HSDM, 7:00 pm
Pictured are graduates at the Fall 2006 Graduation.
Join us Sunday May 6, 2007 as nine new teams will graduate in a touching,
meaningful ceremony. The Graduation program begins at 1 p.m. and takes
place at Anne Sullivan School, 3100 East 28th Street in Minneapolis.
See you there!