Newsletter Spring 2010 - Heart of Minnesota Animal Shelter

Heart of Minnesota Animal Shelter
880 Century Ave., P.O. Box 175
Hutchinson, MN 55350
(320) 234-9699
The Newsletter of the Heart of Minnesota Animal Shelter
Designed by Nancy Nackerud
Spring 2010
Shelter News
NONPROFIT ORG
U.S. POSTAGE PAID
HUTCHINSON MN
PERMIT NO. 18
The Heart of Minnesota Animal Shelter is devoted to the care of unwanted, stray or abused animals in the
form of providing veterinary care, housing and adoption in the McLeod County and surrounding area. We
are further devoted to the education of the public regarding animal care and overpopulation.
If you would no longer like to
receive this newsletter or if you
are getting duplicates, please
call 320-234-9699 or e-mail:
contact@heartofminnesota.org,
web-site:
www.heartofminnesota.org
Current Resident or
Thank you to Franklin Printing
in Glencoe, MN for Printing our Newsletter.
Sponsors Needed!
You’ve probably seen the “Pet of the Week” ads in the Hutchinson Shopper. These ads have
proven highly successful in finding homes for the featured animals. Many people tell us they
watch for the ad each week. Individuals or businesses are welcome to be a one-time sponsor,
or sign on the schedule as a regular. They may have their name listed as the sponsor, or
sponsor anonymously. The cost is $25 for each ad. For more information, call the shelter!
Please help us to continue fulfilling our mission!
I’d like to be a member of the Heart of Minnesota Animal Shelter!
My membership fee will include a one year subscription to the Shelter News, so I will always be on top of
what’s going on at the shelter. I will also be able to vote at the annual meeting. I am enclosing a check or
money order in the amount of $20.00. Pleased send my newsletter and updates to this address:
Name____________________________________________________________________________________
Street Address_____________________________________________________________________________
City, State, ZIP_______________________________________________Phone________________________
† Please contact me about volunteer opportunities available with the shelter
The Unconditional Love for a Cat
I
n the blink of an eye she was gone. The gap between this
life and the next is so narrow and it happened so quietly I could have
missed it if I hadn't been watching closely. One moment she was
laying quietly and the next she'd passed. For a moment my mind drifted
back to the day she'd
come into our life all those years before. She came to the shelter as a
stray, a pregnant female who'd been found outside by a kindhearted
family. Her first few months were spent raising her kittens while
staying with one of the shelter's foster families. Back at the shelter her
cute kittens were quickly adopted and like many of her fellow middleaged mothers she waited patiently as
the long days of her own wait turned into weeks and
then months. Shelter volunteers didn't know how old she was but they knew
she'd
had a human family before - her love of laps, knowledge of can
openers, and
of the workings of drawers and doors made that much obvious... but where was her family now
that she needed them?
2010-2011
Officers and Board I wondered what her life would have been like if there wasn't an animal shelter in her community
Members
Officers:
President
Anthony Anderberg
Vice-President
Nancy Nackerud
Secretary
Linda Anderberg
Treasurer
Jody Wendorff
Board:
Newly Elected
3 year term:
Barb Otte
Joleen Ellsworth
Returning
3 year term:
Jack Yates
Roberta Yates
Carolyn Vacek
Larry Sorensen
New One Year:
Deb Rannow
Kay Johnson
Bill Wassennar
Evonne Guthmiller
County
Representative:
Bev Wangerin
where she could be safe from the bitter cold and all the diseases that afflict un-owned domestic
animals? What would have happened to her if biology took over and she had to give birth and
raise several litters of kittens a year for the rest of her life? With all the work and misery would
she have eventually forgotten what laps, warm beds, and gentle hands were like?
Then I recalled how the mother of the foster home cried tears of joy when the cuddly middle-aged
kitty she'd named Lovebug finally went home with us. I remembered how even well into her teen
years she would open and rummage through drawers we'd stopped storing her treats in a decade
earlier. I thought back to my own moments of sadness and sorrow through the years, and how
they were often accompanied by a small orange kitty who didn't know what was wrong but
seemed to sense that her presence was needed. And I knew that she'd have remembered, just like
all the animals waiting for their forever families remember our kindness. So when the end came I
realized that there wasn't anything to say that she didn't already know. I simply held her close one
last time and whispered my thanks.
Girl Scout Troop Cat /Dog Food Drive Donations
Anthony Anderberg-President
Troop 30109 Girls Scouts Summer
Hoeft, Lisa Hruby and Josie
Hausladen donated For the Dogs,
175 pounds of dry food, 40 cans and
30 treats.
For the Cats,
120 pounds of dry food, 50 cans and
20 treats.
You made our 4 legged friends very
happy.
Page 2
HMAS 2009 Year
End Stats
Intakes
∗
∗
∗
Stray/Abandoned-207
Surrender/Transfer-177
Born at Shelter-26
Adoptions
∗
∗
Cats-190
Dogs-168
Claimed
∗
∗
Cats-3
Dogs-15
Sa
ve
5th Annual
Heart of Minnesota
Animal Shelter
Benefit Party
and Silent Auction
Friday April 30th
Biscay Liquor
Hwy 22, Biscay, MN
Featuring The Prairie Rose Band
8pm - 12pm
Sponsored by: Hutchinson Pet Hospital, Dr Curtis Reiter
th
e
Page 7
D
at
e
!
Cooper-Adult Male
Labrador Retriever,
Greyhound [Mix]
Born: 2/14/2005
Silent Auction to be
held during the dance
New Location
for the Pet Walk—Vendors wanted
This year the Paws on Parade Pet Walk will be in the agribition
building at the fairgrounds.
Any vendors that would like to have a booth at the Pet Walk please
contact: Roberta Yates-320-587-7652
FEATURED VOLUNTER‐ Cooper
His only issue is that he really hates being alone, he becomes quite
anxious and can be destructive. We're hoping to find a home where
he can be with his family almost all of the time and can have a
secure crate/den where he can feel safe. He'd probably do best in a
home where he had a more self-confidant dog friend so he wouldn't
need to be alone and could see that everything is OK.
If you are a family that can help this special dog with her anxiety
you'll find that she is a wonderful companion.
Maria-Adult ,Female
Tabby - Brown, Domestic Short Hair [Mix]
Born: 5/15/2005
Bill Wassenaar When did you start volunteering at the shelter & why?
I started in May of 2009. In April of that year following the death of my
pet I needed a companion to share the house with. I then went to the shelter and talked with the people there and they were very friendly and
helpful. Then I checked out the kitties online and came up with a list that
I wanted to see. The next adoption day I went to see them and talked with
the people a lot more. The next Saturday I adopted my new friend. She
was so good and well behaved that I thought that maybe I could help. In
my opinion it is the people there that are the reason that she was so good.
What is your favorite thing about volunteering at the shelter?
I enjoy all of the aspects of dealing with the animals. The best part is when you see someone adopt one that
had been there for sometime or just needed that perfect fit go to their new forever homes.
What has surprised you the most about your experience with HMAS?
I find the need for us to be the most surprising. I had no idea that there were so many animals that need us to
help find new homes. I also am surprised at the dedication of the volunteers in the care and socialization with
the animals.
Cooper is a quiet dog who gets
along well with other dogs and
children who share his quiet
personality. He is a friendly
dog who loves to play catch
with anything he can find.
Maria
Jazzi
Jazzi-Young Female
Black Labrador Retriever [Mix]
Born: 2/4/2009
Jazzi is at the perfect age - past all of the messy
stages of puppy hood and well on her way to
being a housebroken, wonderful companion animal. Like all young dogs she'll still need training
and lots of patience but in exchange for a few
months of effort some lucky family will get a
lifetime of enjoyment from this wonderful dog.
Tinkerbell
Adult
Female
Calico,
Domestic Short
Hair [Mix]
Born: 8/29/2005
I sing for my supper, I sing for
your affection, and I sing for my
fiddler's three. I love to sing and
my meow is the most beautiful
sound that I've ever heard.
I will tolerate being picked up for
short periods of time. Mainly I
prefer to sit next to you or just be beside you while you stroke my
fur.
I'm in good shape, not thin but not a big girl either. I am only
crabby when they try putting me back into my apartment. Do you
know what I do then? I put on my best pouty face and I just start
singing. I have sort of a raspy meow, maybe like Billie Holiday.
perfect for a lonely, retired person.
Tinkerbell is a needy
kitty - she needs
people!
She loves to be with
people - cuddling,
talking, playing - anything that will allow her to
be with her favorite people. She gets along with
children of all ages and other cats. Her favorite
toys are small mice-like toys that she can pounce
on and carry to present to her people.
Tinkerbell
Page 6
Page 3
Wish List
Volunteers to transport animals
Dish soap
Large Laundry soap
Dryer sheets
Paper towels, toilet paper
Garbage bags
Mop heads, Industrial type
Bleach
Paper for the copy machine
Phone cards long distance
Leashes
Durable pet toys
Cat Litter
Postage stamps
Collars
In
Memory of...
Calli and Squirt
From: Lanette Grenke
Luther Hermanson
From: Kathy Hermanson
Tara Jo, Samantha Lynn &
McGregor-our beloved
Border Collie
From: Cynthia Herr
Arvid Nelson
From: Jeff Nohner
Ron Jonas
From: Jeff Nohner
Taylor Marie Lepel & her
dog Kensington
From: Joel & Elynn Lepel
In memory of our “Friend”
Clyde
From Jeff & Lori Dahlberg
Mack, Thor, Buddy & Buster
From: Pat Schmidt
Rocky
From: Paul & Karen Doelger
Flash & Sassy our Basset
Hounds
From: Donn & Pam Hoffman
Harriet Hlavka
From: Ronald Hlavka
Jack the dog
From: Roger Nieland
Our dog Sam
From: Curtis & Connie Dahl
Joe Dooley
From: Jeff Nohner
Cuddles our cat
From: Mike & Lori Buske
In memory of our daughter
Julie
from George & Lova Ivesdale
In
Honor...
Jill Swanson
From: Evelyn Swanson
Dave & Kristi Ahlquist
From Mark & Shirley Ahlquist
Hand soap
shop vac
VOLUNTEERS
Membership Coordinator
Volunteer Coordinator
MONEY FOR:
Medical Fund
Spay/Neuter
Sponsors for Pet of the Week Ad
Cash
What Can Your Donation
Give US?
$2
A small toy to pass the long hours waiting
$5
A bone for the dogs
A fun string toy for the cats
$10
Makes all of our bedding Downy fresh
Buys us a shinny new collar and leash
$15
Feeds us for one day
$20
Keeps our web site running for one month
Gets one of us routine medical care
$25
Provides fresh cat litter for the entire group
Helps us find a home with a newspaper ad
$50
Buys special foods for sensitive stomachs
Trips to the vet for one of our ill friends
$75
Helps over population by sterilizing one animal
Keeps us all warm during a cold winter month
Perches in our cat play area or gravel in dog runs
$200
If you would like to make a contribution in memory or in honor of a very special animal or human friend, please complete the
information below and mail to HMAS Memorials, Box 175, Hutchinson, MN 55350
Watch for:
Cash Wise Brat Stand
Dog Shows
Pie in the Park
Your name____________________________________________________________Phone________________________________
Address___________________________________________________City, State, Zip_____________________________________
(Please circle one)
In Memory / Honor of ________________________________________________________________________________________
∗
∗
2009 Holiday
Pet
Portraits
Raised
$618 for the
Shelter
Jenny Heinrich,
Rain Avenue
Photography
www.rainavenuephotography.com
T
G
The Heart of
Minnesota Animal
Shelter is going
GREEN.
Cans for Critters
Our aluminum can collection trailer
continues to be a great source of help for
the shelter. The trailer is located outside
the shelter building, and cans can be
dropped off at any time.
Cat Condo-Buys a condo which give the cats lots of
extra room to move around or house 2 cats
Donation enclosed $________________________
April 30th-Dance, Biscay Liquor
Prairie Rose Band
May 15th - Paws on Parade
Sept 10-11 - Rummage/Bake/Book Sale
G
N
I
O
N
E
E
R
G
hank you Wal-Mart for the
generous donation of
$1,000 to 2009 pet walk and
for the support they continue to
give the shelter throughout the
year.
Used Cell Phones and Empty
Laser and Inkjet Printer
Cartridges
Collection drop off points at both the cat
or the dog building. If you want someone
to come and pick them up, call 320-5877470 leave message.
∗
Newsletter -vs- email
If you would like to have the HMAS
newsletter sent to you by email. Please
email your email address to
contact@heartofminnesota.org or go to
www.heartofminnesota.org
Rummage Sale
Items Wanted
Spring is here clean out
the basement, attic
closets, lockers,
bedrooms, playrooms, etc.
Arrange a pick-up
Contact :320-234-7375 or
320-587-7652
Page 5
Page 4
2010
Paws on Parade- Pet Walk
Our volunteers are hard at work planning our largest annual fundraiser, Paws On Parade. As always, there will be food, fun
contests, entertainment, and bigger and better prizes for our top pledge earners.
We are looking for individuals or teams to participate. Teams can be any type of group with two or more people. Challenge
another business, a rival sports team, or your neighbor’s family! The winning team will receive a plaque. Get out there and start collecting your pledges.
We’re hoping for our largest turnout ever-plan to attend and take part in the fun. We know that some of you are anxious to
start collecting pledges so you’ll have the best chance at our fabulous top prizes.
NEW LOCATION:Agribition building at the fairgrounds. Pick up pledge forms at the shelter or use the form below.
Burke
Every participant will receive a 2010 Paws on Parade
Bandana!
Every participant who raises $75.00 or more in pledges will
receive a 2010 Paws on Parade T-shirt.
For everyone who raises $125.00 or more in pledges we’ll
add two movie tickets to the above prize.
For everyone who raises $250.00 or more in pledges we’ll
add a four games pass to the Hutch Bowl to everything
above.
Everyone who raises $500.00 or more in pledges will
receive a T-shirt, movie tickets, bowling passes, a $20.00
gas card and a pet microchipping.
Star
Age Division:______16 & under______17 & over
HMAS Paws On Parade 2010, May 15th-Regristation @ 9:00am Walk @ 10am
Team or
Individual’s Name_________________Address______________________
City/State/ZIP__________________________Phone__________________
All contributions must be received by walk day to qualify for prizes. Please hand in your TOTALED pledge form
at the registration desk. Additional pledges may be listed on a separate sheet stapled to this pledge form. Make
checks payable to the Heart of Minnesota Animal Shelter. All donations are tax deductible.
Gracie
Total Pledge
Just thought I would send an email to update you on Fat Cat
Gracie. We love her to pieces. She is doing wonderful! Her food
and litter box are in the basement so she gets exercise every time
she eats. We bought her a couple new toys one is a ball in a
circle and she lays on the floor next to it and bats the ball back
and forth. She never lets it go all the way around the circle
because then she might have to get up to get it. She sleeps on our
bed and is already a big part of our family. Thank you for all the
you do!
Rita Tersteeg
St. Address, City/State/Zip
Mikko
Total: _________________
He is doing great on the house training. In fact the past few days
there has only been maybe one accident and it was our fault. We are
still trying to recognize his signs of having to go outside. Today is
three weeks since we picked him up from the shelter and couldn't
even imagine not having him in our home. He brings life to the house
and even though they don't act like it the cats love him to.
Kristy
Signature of walker, or walker’s guardian if under 18
just wanted to send you an update on Mikko. Mikko is doing
wonderful! I was worried about how he and my three resident cats
would get along and I am still shocked at how well they are doing.
We do have a few baby gates in place just so the cats have a place
to "escape" if they feel the need. Mikko just wants to play with them
but in no way is aggressive or pushy. The cats let him know if they
don't want to play. :)
Signed_____________________________________________
Thank you Amy
2009 second place winner Hannah Nackerud sends a BIG
Thank you to the HMAS for the Pool and Pizza party at
the Americinn. We had a blast!
Sponsor Name
Dear Heart of MN Humane Society, I just wanted to
provide you with an update of Star, whom I adopted
10 months ago. Star was an 8 year old cat who I had
obtained from you in December of last year. Since
then, she has really opened up, is getting better at
trusting and loves living in our old farm house. I just
recently got married and moved in with my now husband who Star really adores. She is our little munchkin and she is doing very well. I just wanted to provide you with the update. Thank you for taking such
good care of her before I found her.
In consideration of the furtherance of your purposes, objectives and work, and in consideration of your permitting
me to participate in your walk, on behalf of myself, my heirs, executors, administrators and assigns, I hereby
waive and release any and all rights and claims for damages which I might have against you, the municipalities
through which the walk will take place, as well as any other person connected with the walk, their heirs, executors,
administrators, successors and assigns for nay and all injuries which I may suffer while taking place in the walk or
as a result thereof.
Burke and I just celebrated our one year anniversary! I
had been searching for a month online and ended up
locating him at a local facility through Petfinder. Burke
was badly starved and hand shy from his previous
owners. It literally broke my heart to see this beautiful
dog in such bad shape. He is now healthy and happy
after some much needed TLC. It makes me so happy to
come home to him every day; I can’t even explain how
much he has enriched my life. I encourage everyone I
know to bring that kind of love into their life if they
can!
Laura