Fall 2012 - Bitter Root Humane Association

Volume 12,
Issue 4
Fall 2012
Bitter Root Humane Association
T
262 Fairgrounds Rd.
P.O. Box 57
Hamilton, MT 59840
406.363.5311
meow@brvmontana.com
www.bitterroothumane.org
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Kathy Good, President
Susan Behrman, Secretary
Wendy Trelut, Treasurer
Sue McCormack
Jenny Laing
Christie Anderson
Kathie Butts
Mary Fox
he season is sneaking up on me. Here I am planning for Frosty Paws and the Festival of
Wreaths. That must mean that multiple holidays are descending on all of us. And at this writing
I am still preparing for the deluge of children that hit my house on Halloween! Let’s see ... what
will the dog costumes be this year?
Along with Frosty Paws we have a new event; we are debuting the “Festival of Wreaths.”
There are 30 artists, businesses and friends of the shelter with great design talents preparing
uniquely decorated wreaths. There are designers, furniture stores, restaurants, artists,
decorators, boutiques .... what fun! They will be so very unique and special and very different
from each other. These wreaths are 24” and a beautiful, very high quality synthetic spruce,
so they will be keepsakes for years! Come see them on display at Frosty Paws, pick out your
favorite or see them the following week Nov. 15, 16 & 17 & Nov. 23 & 24 at the former
Provisions building at 107 So. 2nd in Hamilton. Take your best shot and bid on your favorite,
benefiting BRHA. We will have the big “Whine Down” wine, snacks & bid & buy party there
on Sat., Nov. 24 from 5-9 pm. We also want to thank the sponsors: Raymond James Financial,
Barnings Chiropractic, RWS Retirement Wealth Strategies, Catalyst Physical Therapy & New
Horizon Physical Therapy. We couldn’t have done this year’s Frosty Paws without your help. I
would also like to thank KLYQ News Radio, Ravalli Republic and Daria Mochan of Dancing Tree
Photography as well as Picturesque.
My favorite part of the event will be “Star” our Guest of Honor at Frosty Paws on Sat., Nov.
10 from 10-4. (see page 4) I have missed her so much. Do you think she will remember me?
I want to take this minute to tell everyone what a delight our new Operations Director is.
Eve Burnsides is such a wonderful addition to our team. She was barely in her chair when the
fires and evacuations hit and she fearlessly dove into the organized chaos. Eve is an incredible
team player and we are lucky to have her. She will be at Frosty Paws running our Proud 2 Adopt
Shop on Sunday, Nov. 11 from 12-4pm. Come say “hi” and welcome Eve.
-Vicki Dawson
From Eve, our new Operations Manager:
contact the Board directly at
brha@bitterroothumane.org
STAFF
Vicki Dawson,
Development Director
Eve Burnsides
Operations Director
Char, Medical Specialist
Mariane, Front Counter/
Adoption Counselor
Erin, Ryan, Renee & Kelly
Newsletter Editors:
Sue McCormack & Vicki Dawson
& many contributors of stories
2
A very busy Fall!
I have only been here a short time but I have to say that I am completely
impressed with the staff and volunteers who do so much every day for these animals.
The level of dedication and the care given them is heartwarming. I am glad to be a
part of this wonderful organization.
A community is defined by its actions and to this community, I’d like to say “thank
you” to the individuals, businesses and organizations who so generously offered their
support during the fire season as well as those who work with the shelter throughout
the year.
There is such a contagious joy when one of our animals gets adopted - everyone
here has a fuzzy heart...and that brings me to my next observation...
This is an infectious place to work! I started on a Monday and by Thursday I had
adopted sweet little Simon dog, an old man with a gentle soul..
and so in his honor...
Dogs and cats
Puppies and kittens
Three fat rats - I’m not kiddin’
Rabbits are here- they are such dears
They all get cuddles
We calm their fears
Let’s find them homes
So no more will they roam
Well, that’s about it,
So I’ll end this poem.
Bitter Root Humane Association
- Eve Burnsides
Fall 2012
A wee munchkin update
At our last posting, we learned that a little dog, whom
we dubbed Munchkin, had come to us with a broken
pelvis. She underwent surgery in Bozeman at Gallatin
Veterinary Hospital, performed by Dr. Mark Albrecht.
When she came home, she was under the care of a
wonderful foster family, the Carbins. Ann Marie Carbin
took care of Munchkin, whom she called Elsa, for more
than a month. During that time, Elsa went to a physical
therapist in Helena where she was given an exercise/
therapy regimen. Anne Marie also took Elsa for sessions
at Missoula Water Dog where therapist, Vara Chapman,
worked with Elsa during several sessions helping her to
redevelop muscle and the use of her back legs. Anne
Marie worked with Elsa continuously and lovingly, following
prescribed therapy of stretching and exercise. Elsa went
from barely being able to stand to walking a half mile
twice a day. We think Elsa is a strong little girl with an
indomitable will to live. We also think Anne Marie Carbin is
a miracle worker.
In September, Elsa was adopted and went to her
perfect forever home. She has been renamed (for
the last time) and is now Tessa. Tessa feels this is totally
appropriate for her as it is short for “Countess” and she
bears the name regally. She is at home with canine sisters
and feline brothers, and she continues her daily walks and
loves to wander the expansive lawn and grounds with the
other dogs. She walks on all fours to the barn, downhill
and uphill. She follows family members up and down a
flight of stairs many times each day. She is, as Dr. Boer
suggested, just being a dog and loving every minute of it.
We at BRHA are grateful to donors to the Dani Fund
who make saving furry babies like Tessa possible. We
are so thankful to Dr. Boer and staff, Dr. Albrecht and
staff, Varen Chapman at Missoula Water Dog, and
especially the Carbin family for their countless hours of
love and dedication. They all saved Tessa’s life which she is
delightfully enjoying to the max!
Tessa
A winning phot
o
Becky Marsh
loves her beag
le. Her winning
took the hearts
photo
of all voters in BR
HA’s booth at th
Ravalli County
e
Fair.
The Paws for
Compassion Fu
nd at BRHA is th
recipient of the
e
funds generate
d by the Annua
Photo Contest.
l Fair
Becky’s photo
of her beagle ea
ting snow won
down with the
hands
fair booth dono
rs. You can certa
why! Thank yo
inly see
u Becky and gi
ve that beagle
us!
a hug for
A lifesaving gift
JC & Sarah Howell have donated a gift that will save
many lives. As technology changes, BRHA’s ability to scan
for microchips is influenced by the age of our scanner.
Unfortunately the microchip manufacturers have not gotten
on the same page so there are a variety of frequencies,
some of which are proprietary.
At the HSUS Animal Expo this year, we learned of a
new, universal scanner. It reads multiple frequencies and
technologies, including the European ISO standard. Their
$300 donation means that all chips get read and no one
goes unidentified. It even syncs with the computer to record
a large number of chip serial numbers for later reference.
Thanks JC & Sarah! Your generosity will save lives!
RAYMOND JAMES
FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC.
Member NASD/SIPC
Paul M. Kink
Branch Manager
Diane Thomas-Rupert
Financil Advisor
P.O. Box 1887
172 Golf Course Road
Hamilton, MT 59840
Fall 2012
Bitter Root Humane Association
(406) 363-4293
(800) 800-6766
Fax: (406) 363-4303
imr@montana.com
3
A Star is coming?
r
e
n
r
o
C
s
’
t
n
Preside
o
Kathy G
ent
Presid
od, BRHA
Well, some summer, huh? Dogs, horses and people alike
didn’t get to spend as much outdoor play time because
of the smoke and unhealthful air quality. A big thank you
goes out to our dedicated staff and volunteers for providing
care and attention to animals who had to be evacuated
due to the Sawtooth fire. Cats, dogs and birds stayed with
us during the evacuation period. My animals and I were
all evacuated and found housing with friends, so I know the
gratitude of those pet owners who found care and shelter
for their pets with BRHA. As I look now at the clear air and
bright colored trees across the valley, I hope that we have a
few weeks of our normally beautiful fall weather to enjoy.
During the summer, our board, staff and volunteers have
been busy organizing a couple of opportunities for you, our
donors and supporters, to help with the funding needed to
run the shelter. We have created a custom license plate
which we hope you will support and proudly display on all
your vehicles in the coming years. And of course, Frosty
Paws is just around the corner. This annual fundraiser should
be even more fun this year. Not only do your furry friends
deserve a picture with Santa, but so do you. Come sit with
Santa for a portrait for your holiday cards. Kids in the valley
have so few opportunities to meet Santa; this is the perfect
opportunity for them too, so bring them down for some
precious Kodak moments. Many vendors will be there with
fun, unique items for your holiday shopping lists. But a big
highlight this year will be our Festival of Wreaths. Come and
enjoy the handiwork of local businesses and artisans who
have donated time and decorations to make custom, one
of a kind, beautiful keepsake wreaths. Remember that all
proceeds from the entire Frosty Paws/Festival of Wreaths
events go to pay for unending expenses of running the
shelter. We truly need and are grateful for your support.
Kathy
When Star came into our lives in December 2005, we had
no idea the impact she would have on all of us.
Dr. Smith’s Willow Mountain Vet Clinic called us asking if we
would take a badly burned dog that had been turned in for
euthanasia. I couldn’t get to Corvallis fast enough. Star was
burned over her entire left side and the top of her head; the
scars fully involved 25% of her body. She had had no vet
care and we still question why she survived the dehydration,
the pain, the cold, the chances of massive infection. The
neighbors had taken her in, in Cody Wyoming and left her
untreated in a barn in winter. Now they were in the Bitterroot
and didn’t want her anymore. Dr. Smith’s staff recognized
what a special, wonderful dog she was and she needed a
chance.
Her continued healing included a race to the store for
Aloe and Vitamin E. She never quit kissing us; she knew we
loved her. As she healed, her big sense of humor started
coming out. When she saw that Aloe/Vitamin E, she would
run into the bathroom giggling all the way. She loved
everyone while she was with us; this dog didn’t have an
angry bone in her body despite the suffering she had been
through.
I soon learned why she had lived. Her purpose became
evident. Star went with me and the Kids First program to over
20 schools, mostly junior highs, to teach about the other
victims of meth. You see, Star was burned in a meth lab
explosion. Star’s skin is covered with deep, massive scars.
The scars on the top of her head were so dry and tight, she
Proud 2 Adopt Shop
Lions and tigers and bears, oh no .....Dinosaurs and
dragons and chickens, oh yes. And Holiday Gifts for
your best friends, family and granddogs!
The Proud 2 Adopt Shop will be at Frosty Paws this
year with a huge selection of toys, beds, treats, collars &
leashes, Holiday treats & toys for some great gifts. Look
for the puzzles and toys that work their minds and keep
dogs & cats busy trying to solve the puzzle!
We were able to pick out some of the best, cutest gift
packages, fun toys for outside (my dogs LOVE to play in
the snow), Gift packages and toys for kitties top the list
too! And yes, the dinosaurs & dragons, chickens & birds
are coming too.
4
Bitter Root Humane Association
could barely blink her eyes closed. Still she loved us.
The impact she had on the kids will forever be in my
memory. I know she captured the kids’ hearts; I know she
planted messages with them. I know they understood that
she was still able to love. One day she was curled up in a
round dog bed; it was then I noticed that her ragged scar
edges came together ... a complete puzzle. Star had been
sleeping when the explosion hit her; sleeping.
Star will be the Guest of Honor at Frosty Paws this year;
along with her mom who is an RN specializing in burn care.
Star is 11 now as seven years have passed since we first met
her. Frosty Paws is Sat., Nov. 10, 10-4 & Sun., Nov. 11, 12-4.
Come meet Star.
Fall 2012
Our brand new Montana license plate
We dreamed of a license plate that was local Bitter Root Valley, Montana. A plate that would help fund our
care of the animals at Bitter Root Humane’s animal shelter. A plate that would represent the animals that pass
through our shelter and our lives. A plate that shares the joy we feel in meeting each one. Dorinda Troutman has
created an absolutely beautiful vision of our wonderful “Shoney” and his kitty friend. This Montana license plate
will be released for sale by the state for YOUR vehicle on January 1, 2013! $20 of every plate comes directly back
to BRHA. It is our dream come true! Help us cover the valley ... the state ... with this beautiful artwork honoring the
loved animals in our lives.
From BRHA’s Facebook page....
Fall 2012
Bitter Root Humane Association
5
Adoption
Tails
BRHA gratefully acknowledges the support and generosity of so many
who wish to honor the memory of loved ones. We are humbled by
the dedication and love of animals that those departed loved ones
exhibited, and are truly grateful to their families for suggesting that
memorials be sent to the BRHA for the benefit of the animals.
Shelter dogs and cats
Pass their time in
loving care
Waiting just for you.
- JL
In Loving Memory of Pets ...
To: Holly, beloved Springer
To: Roscoe
To: Tinker & Mr. Hobbs
To: Skye
To: Eli
To: Callie
To: Dusty
From: Lucille Benson
From: Larry Fullbright
From: Sue & Dave McCormack
From: Barbara Bayer
From: Roberta & Allen Burruss
From: Cindi & Dick Haynes
From: Kate Shandra & Jan Arnold
From: Sue & Dave McCormack
Ready dog at door
Anticipating long walk
Before early dark
- JL
In Loving Memory of People ...
To: Carl Tieken
To: Jim Dannenbrock
To: Larry Niezgodzi
To: Carol Leach
To: Gary Nelson
To: Bob Maxey
From: Alice Foster
From: Joseph & Kea Yanzick
From: Joseph & Kea Yanzick
From: Joseph & Kea Yanzick
From: Joseph & Kea Yanzick
From: Barbara June
In Honor of ...
For: Jenny West & Sean MacNee Marriage
From: LuAnn & Alan Burgmuller
For: JC Howell Birthday
From: Louise Howell
For: Diane Thomas-Rupert & Paul Kink
From: Larry & Martha Jones
For: Barbara Hill’s Birthday
From: Pagtricia & chris Fleischer
Community Partners
It was fall cleanup time, and a couple of local businesses
came through with donations to help.
The weeds on our two acres behind the shelter had gotten
out of control. The staff is busy with animal care, as it should
be, so we get a little raggedy looking during the summer.
4J Spraying Services’ Jason Larson donated his services
spraying his animal-safe spray killing the weeds.
Kathie & EJ Butts donated $200 to help clean up the
landscaping in front of the shelter and J&G Lawn Services
doubled down and donated the rest of the landscaping
cleanup. We are looking pretty spiffy now!
The staff spent a Wednesday cleaning out the sheds,
fence lines, and the garage.
When all this cleanup finished, we had quite the dump
pile. Bitterroot Disposal stepped up with a large commercial
dumpster and unbelievably, we filled it! Thank you to
everyone for helping the shelter keep up with all that it takes to keep our grounds looking and feeling pretty!
6
Bitter Root Humane Association
s fall chill
Autumn leave
e glass
ssed to outsid
Cat nose pre
me in
Waiting to co
- JL
t the name
Kids pick ou
lebration
A family ce
dog.
Adopting a
- JL
The best trip ever
Out shelter door and to car
A new forever home.
- JL
Fall 2012
Festival of
Wreaths
Uniquely decorated wreaths by local artists, businesses, & supporters
Beautiful, exquisite 24” wreaths; high quality synthetic spruce.
These custom wreaths will be displayed first
at Frosty Paws on Sat., November 10 . 10-4 pm
& Sun., November 11 . 12-4 pm
Next, they move to the former “Provisions” store
at 107 So. 2nd St., Hamilton.
They will be displayed there November 15-17 & 23-24
You are invited to the “Whine Down” Party on
November 24 . 5-8 pm
Wine, Snacks & Good Fun!
Bid & Buy that wreath by your favorite artist or theme!
BID, BUY, WIN!
Fire, Fire, Fire!
The Bitter Root Valley was encased in smoke for over a
month this August after a lightning caused fire flared up
close to town. Soon, winds swept it across the face of
the mountains that tower over our valley and brought
flames in as close as three miles. A wind generated fire
can be on top of you in minutes. Over 400 homes were
evacuated and with the residents came their pets.
Most people were able to have their pets with them,
but 17 cats, two birds and five dogs found themselves
temporarily residing safely at Bitter Root Humane. Our
emergency response kicked into gear that first morning
and all emergency services were notified that we were
ready to help. Thanks to the staff and volunteers for
helping out with these scared, displaced animals. All
went back home as our fire crews were able to protect
and save ALL structures. Thank you!
Fall 2012
House of Insurance/
HUB International
201 N. Second Street
Hamilton, MT 59840
406-363-3655
www.montanahouseofinsurance.com
Rising and shining
Is much easier to do
With the love of pets
- JL
Bitter Root Humane Association
7
Non-Profit
U.S. Postage
PAID
Hamilton, MT 59840
Permit No. 38
262 Fairgrounds Road
P.O. Box 57
Hamilton, Mt 59840
PASS IT ON
to a friend when you are
finished reading your
newsletter. By increasing
readership and awareness you
will be performing a valuable
service for the animals we’re
trying to help. You can assist
us in cutting costs by advising
us of your change of address
or duplicate mailings. We
would appreciate your help in
updating our records.
24/7
Heating•Cooling•Plumbing
406-728-1111
New Membership & Renewal Application
Every membership helps the animals & gives you a voice in our association!
Please check your address label for date your membership expires. 2013 dues due soon. Thank You!
Seniors: $7 each__________, Individuals: $15ea__________, Business: $30__________, Pets: $2ea_________.
Please Print
2013 Memberships due Now ... Thank You!
Your Name/s__________________________________Email____________________________________
Pets Name_______________________________________
Mailing Address_______________________________________________________________________
Phone _____________________ Extra Donation__________________________
( ) Please send me information on the Kennel/Cage Sponsorship Program
( ) Please have the Volunteer Coordinator Contact Me
( ) Please contact me with information on the Foster Program