companion - Amazon Web Services

THE
Spring 2014
The bridge that brings them forever home
Almost Home Animal Shelter
5060 Lincoln Street
Quinnesec, Michigan 49876
906-774-1005
almosthome@uplogon.com
AlmostHomeAnimalShelterMi.com
Hours of Operations
Monday
Closed
Tuesday-Friday
1-5 PM
Saturday & Sunday Noon-4 PM
Major Holidays
Closed
Board of Directors
Mike Werner
President
Betsy Hardacre Vice President
Nancy Schaub Secretary
Bill Hardacre
Treasurer
Dawn Caron
Patti Forgette
Patti Peterson
Nilar Shein
Mary Stolze
Executive Director
Adrien Brzoznowski
almosthomeadrien@uplogon.com
Shelter Manager
Diane Luczak
almosthome@uplogon.com
Volunteer Coordinator
Joan Recla
almosthomejoan@uplogon.com
Dickinson County Animal Control
906-774-6262
COMPANION
Almost Home Animal Shelter Newsletter
Winter Warriors
It is heart wrenching to think of a stray animal doing what little they can to survive.
Unfortunately, this isn’t something they are equipped to do in any weather, especially in winter. There is no refuge from the bitter cold. Animals take shelter in
drafty, abandoned houses, garages and under porches.
What makes things worse is when temperatures hover below the freezing mark, all
available water turns to ice and there is literally nothing for them to drink. Oddly
enough, dehydration, which is usually thought of as a summer danger, is very common during the winter months. The struggle of these resilient animals in winter is
one of the hardest things to imagine. For those homeless companion animals trying
to survive, few things are more daunting and cruel than long, sustained periods of
arctic cold. With the extreme surge of winter weather, coldest in years, and the presence of not one but two Polar Vortices, we share the stories of a few winter warriors
that found their way through our doors.
It was Christmas Day 2013, a young gentleman was traveling in his car heading to a
family gathering. In the distance, he noticed a dog walking across the busy highway. He stopped, called the dog to come towards him. He was able to get the lost
dog in his car. The elderly large breed dog spent his Christmas with the man’s family and was brought to Almost Home the very next day. The dog, named Gus, was
not reported missing nor did anyone call looking for him. This sweet gentle giant
presented with possible allergies. In a matter of days, Gus was adopted by a wonderful caring older couple into his forever home.
A woman noticed a kitten under her front
porch. It was scared, malnourished and had
frost bitten ears. She was able to coax the
kitten out and bring it to Almost Home. The
kitten, named Scotty, needed special attention and was placed with a foster family to
grow and flourish. Weeks later the tips of
both his ears and half of his tail fell off as a
result of the frost bite. Scotty remains in foster care until he is ready to return to the shelter to find his forever home.
Scotty before his ears fell off
Winter Warriors continued…
As in the case of Agnes, a senior German Shepherd Lab mix. She was another
stray that entered through our doors during the January Polar Vortex. It is almost
impossible to know her story prior to the shelter but to think that she was someone’s pet her entire life and now was disposed of because she was old and her
health was starting to fail. All to often, shelter staff have heard people say, “they
just go off to die.” Well that is just not the case. If an older pet goes missing it is
not going off to die. Look for your pet, it has given you years of unconditional
love. You owe it to them. Agnes, was adopted by a very nice women but the
health issues were too many and involved to treat. She was humanely euthanized surround by people that truly cared about her.
These are the stories of only 3 winter warriors but there are many more untold
stories including the countless animals that are unable to find their way through
our doors.
May 4
Pasta For Pets
Iron Mountain
Sr. Citizen Center
June 28
Volunteer Appreciation
Picnic
August 31
Fun Dog Show
Dickinson County Fair
Fall 2014
Reverse Raffle & Dinner
Event
Agnes, a winter warrior
gone by not forgotten
Partners with
Do you currently purchase Schwan’s products or have wanted to give them a try?
Now your purchases can help benefit the animal shelter!
Now until December 14, Almost Home will receive 5% back on all product sales made online.
Place your online order today!
schwans.flipgive.com/campaigns/5223-almost-home-animal-shelter
Orders must be placed through our organization portal to receive credit.
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WANTED
EconoFoods & Super One
Receipts
More than $3,500 raised last cycle
Please continue to drop off receipts.
Thank you!
Cans for Critters UPDATE
Thank you to everyone that has and continues
to drop off Cans for Critters. Since the conception of this program, 6 short months ago, you
have helped raised more than $2,000 for the
general operations of the animal shelter. Even
though the dumpster is gone, we still are collecting cans. Aluminum (beer & pop) cans for
recycling only please. We are not set up to handle other metal such as tin cans. However, we
will take all containers that are returnable for
deposit, aluminum, glass or plastic. Please
keep the containers pouring in.
The Companion is published 3
times a year. Comments and inquiries should be addressed to
Adrien Brzoznowski.
Moving? Send your change of address or to be added to our mailing
list to: Almost Home Animal Shelter
Mailing List, 5060 Lincoln St., Quinnesec, MI 49876 or email it to
almosthome@uplogon.com subject
newsletter mailing list.
Look for Us
Online
AmostHomeAnimalShelterMi.com
Generously provided by
JRWEBWORKS-Paul and Cherryl
Mencinger
Facebook.com
Almost Home Animal Shelter
Pennies for Pets
Print
The Daily News
2nd & 4th Friday
Iron Mountain North Elementary
VS.
Norway-Vulcan Elementary
The Advertiser
One Tuesday a month
April 7-May 2
Help area students collect
pennies/coins for Almost
Home Animal Shelter.
The classroom that raises
the most money will receive a pizza party. The
school that raises the most
will have a cat named after their school mascot.
Thank you Mountaineers
and Knights for your support of the Almost Home
Animal Shelter and
Good Luck!
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Almost Home Animal Shelter
(AHAS) is a 501(c)(3) charitable
non-profit organization under direct
leadership of a Board of Directors.
Radio
Pet Report of the Day
Frog Country WJNR 101.5
M-F at 8:35 AM & 3:35 PM
Tail Waggin’ Wednesdays
The Mountain 106.7
Wednesday at 9:35 AM
TV
Adopt-A-Pet
Upper Michigan Source WLUC
TV6
Morning Show
All Creatures Great and Small...
“Rodents are people too.”
“Rodents have feelings too.”
You find these quotes, my words, on the dedication plaque
outside of the small animal room at the shelter.
When the new shelter was being built, a small animal room
was definitely in the plans. At the old shelter, the small animals were kept in their cages in the cat room. We
never had any tragedies and the cats certainly enjoyed the “view” of this less than desirable situation.
We take in all the pocket pets and birds of any size. The third top animal that enters shelter doors, next to
dogs and cats, is the rabbit. And, we’ve had plenty of them. Rabbits are adopted out as house pets only. We
have had mice, rats, hamsters, guinea pigs, chinchillas, and ferrets. Birds include the tiny zebra finches, parakeets, cockatiels, and even a parrot. We rarely get reptiles, but should they come in , our kennel tech Liza is
our resident reptile expert. She volunteers to foster them until a forever home can be found.
There is no charge to turn in any of these pets. We do require that the owner brings in their cage, all supplies
and food. We then include this with the pet’s adoption.
The main reason any of these pets are turned in, is because the kids don’t want to take care of them anymore.
These pets are not for small children. Little hands unintentionally squeeze and drop them and can’t be expected to care solely for the pet. They are wonderful first pets for older children. Do research on the pet first.
Then make sure your child understands this is a commitment, not a whim.
Next to dogs, horses and cats, I love all rodents. I’ve had them all my life
and continue to have them. I love how they use their little hands and how
their eyes are so bright. They know your voice and your touch. Besides being sweet pets, we owe so much of our lives to them in health research.
The Board of Directors dedicated the new small animal room to me in honor
of my 20 years of service to these small animals and all our other residents..
It was a total surprise when they presented the plaque to me.
I was so thrilled and overcome, I sobbed.
T-Rex (hamster):Resident Rodent
If you are interested in adopting any of these pets, we will take your name
and phone number and give you a call when available.
Be kind to all creatures great and small.
Diane-Shelter Manager
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“Neither snow, nor rain, nor heat…” We’ve all heard these
words before, probably most often in reference to the postal service.
Yet there are everyday heroes and volunteers who live up to this creed
on a regular basis. These men and women serve the animals of our
shelter selflessly, not out of obligation but out of the love and compassion they have in their hearts. This character is exemplified in the
efforts of one of our most faithful volunteers, Gina Angeli.
Gina has been with us since 2011, where she began walking dogs occasionally at the old shelter. Since our move to the new shelter, Gina
is there at 9:00 AM Monday through Friday showing up regardless of
the weather or holiday. Our dogs light up in her presence; as you can
see them smiling when she enters the room. Many dogs come to us
shy or fearful, unwilling to open themselves to receive affection.
Gina, with her quiet voice and gentle demeanor, will have them enjoying their first walk within a few days.
Gina’s kind heart and loving spirit has been exemplified throughout
her years with us, whether she is volunteering at the shelter or adopting an animal for her own. Last year we cared for a 10 year old Blue
Heeler named Crash. He was a sweet quiet old soul that was great in
every way. The original owner had passed away and now no one
wanted him. Gina would take Crash for his walk every day, speaking
so compassionately to him.
One day Gina came to us and said that Crash just wanted to lie on his
bed and didn’t want to go for his walk. Gina went in and lovingly
petted and talked sweetly to him. This exchange went on for a couple
of days until Gina asked if she could take him home, as she thought
the dog was depressed and wanted to try giving him a home life.
On her own, Gina brought Crash to her veterinarian, where they exThe picture was taken on one of
amined him and did some blood work. Gina came in with her eyes
Gina’s morning walks with the
welled up with tears, as the prognosis was not good; Crash had adtemperature at -8 and
vanced liver failure and needed to be put to sleep. Gina paid for the
wind chill at -26!
euthanization and cremation at the vet’s office for this poor little dog.
She broke down crying for how sad it was that nobody wanted this sweet little boy as he entered his senior years.
Thanks to Gina, this precious little dog had the comfort of a loving home at the end.
We truly do not know what our dogs would do without her. Her commitment and love for the animals is indelible.
Thank you, Gina!
2014 Volunteer
Welcome Introduction Schedule
VOLUNTEER!
Mondays at 9:30 AM held in the Almost Home Conference Room
April 14
May 12
June 9
July 7
August 18
September 15
October 13
November 10
December 8
If you are unable to attend these dates or want to learn more about our volunteer
program, please contact Joan Recla, Volunteer Coordinator, to schedule an appointment at almosthomejoan@uplogon.com or 774-1005.
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Call today to RSVP!
Memorials
April & Abby by Dennis & Kathy Povolo
Peppi & Scruffy by Jeff & Mary Moraska
McGee – adopted in 2011, our little buddy by Laurie Kempa
Maize by Paul & Betty Gingrass
In loving memory of my wife Marj & our treasured cat Note by Paul Anderson
Peebee, Squeek , and Snitch by Camille Bauman
MiMi, Suni, Feather, Bandit, Benji, Heidi Babe, and Penney by Virginia Beitel
Gus & Jinx by Dr. Ray & Julie Cameron
Hannah, our beloved cat by Richard & Patricia Constantini
Skyler by Kathleen Corrigan
Sable by Jerry Drake
Lucky Marie Larson by Lynn Hart
Pets by Madalyne Haug
My cat KiKi by Sharon Hare
Renegade Von Victor (2000-2012) by Judy Johnson
Gary Loeks by Don & Joanne Johnson
My ‘buddy’ Czarny by Sally Jacobs
Gus & Jim Eckola by Bernie & Patt Kosiba
Harley, Kelly, Andy, Tyla & Fritz by Kathy & Gordon Kilpela
Beverly Knapp by Roger Knapp
Ralph Kramer by Kingsford Broach & Tool, Inc.
My Cats & Dogs by Donna McHugh
Buddy, Kitty, & Wink by Lynn Newcomer
Shipiro by Robert Peters
Lucy, Sig & Ted our beloved poms & Emerald, our cat
by Jerry & Marci Picucci
Hamish, my scotch terrier by Bruce Stuart
Tigger & Brandy Smaniotti by Patricia Smaniotti
Willard Bruss by Patricia Smaby
Max & Casey by Dave & Dawn Turrie
Of all our dogs by Mary Trudeau
Lacy (1998-2012) & Lucy (2002-2012 by Kenneth Vivio
Mr. Bennie, by Eric & Brooke Frehse
Liz Greenway by Leslie Karlin
America's Best Inn
Auto Tech Center
Badger Auto Repair
Barb's Café
Bergeron Motors
Bergman Insurance
Borchardt Auctions
Bow Wow Wow
Carey Logging Excavating
Trucking Biomass
Carlson, Carol Pet Training
City Sales
Country Inn & Suites
CSI Credit Services
Days Inn
DCH Systems/Local Care
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Oscar – sure do miss you by Sandy Zahn
Bailey & Knobby by Diane Schabo
Anderson – cutest dachshund ever! By Betty Weeks
Dusty & Lucky by Mike & Sue Youngberg
Happy, Muffin, Amber & Katy by Josephine Degrave
Tara by Marty & Darlene Brezinski
In loving memory of ChoCho, Pepper, our little girl Daisy
and the present Mr. Lucky by Nancy Strong-Bouche
Ebony – Always in my heart by Debbie Jodocy
Mittens by Denise Hill
Mercy (our great German Shepard by Ray & Fay DelDebbio
Buddy, who passed away April 30, 2013 by Rita & Annie Sparapani
Scooter, Pixie, Candy, Boots, Tiger & Muffin by Dorothy Peterson
Chessie & Mindy by Tom & Estelle Halborg
My cat Mike, who “helped” me by sitting on whatever I was trying to do,
by Arlene Flom
All my pets by Alice Lemieux
Binky Wood, former resident of the shelter by Barbara Wood
Sugar by Eunice Young
Claude Cootware dogs, Herman & Frankie by Carol Cootware
Angel & Buddy by Kristine Holmes
Sassy – Our Sweet Yorkie by John & Shirley Tramontin
Elaine Huffman, Maggie, Crystal, Brut, Fido, Pork Chop, Boomer,
Anastasia, Lucky, Mewse, May, Java & Jolie by Pam Huffman
Cocoa, by Arlene Mielke
Mitzi, by Ted Jensen
Robert Helgren, by JoAnne, Kathy, Kandy, Kris, John, Jim, and Jeff
Liz Greenway, by Alex and Donald Christensen
My cat Lady Jane (20 yrs. old) who passed away Nov. 3. 2013
Sunny, and all our dear, sweet animals, by Beverly Dragosh
Mr. Magoo, my best cat friend of 17 yearrs, missing him every day,
by Cheryl Leonardi
Yogi & Rolf, by Roberta Anderson
Wednesday Tusa, by Sue Poupore
Thank you to our Iron Mountain Daily
DCH System/Women's Wellness
Dickinson Imaging
Dickinson Neurology Associates
Donaldson Duct Cleaning
E bar D Equi-Center
Edward D. Jones - Mike Kulie
ERA Chevrolet
Evergreen Village
Fleury Singler & Co
Florence Hardwoods
FNB-Iron Mountain
Ford Airport
Fredrick's Floral
Getzloff's Corn Maze
Go Green Enterprises
Grede
Hanchek's Animal Care
Heart to Heart Pet Salon
Hoegh Pet Casket Co.
Holiday Kitchen
Iron Mountain Animal Hospital
Jacobs Funeral Home
Jacobson Heating & Air Conditioning
Jay's Auto Service
Jerry & Marci Picucci
Jim & Louanne Batti
Joyce Berg Agency
Juniper State Wide
Kaad Family Dentistry
Karen's Studio
LaChapelle Insurance
Service, Inc.
LaFaive Oil
Leeds Real Estate/
Linda Plumley
Lifefit
Lofholm's Building Center
Long Branch Saloon
Maple Leaf Kennel, Inc
Mark's Auto Detailing
Service
Mark's Auto Sales
Meineke
Midas
Minerick Logging, Inc.
Honorariums
All Volunteers by Bonnie Antonetti
Sissie & Baby by Dorothy Alberti
Brutus Hunter II by Tim & Gloria Augustine
Felix & Oscar by Patricia Bonales
Neli & Taz, my rescue cats by Marjorie Bicigo
Jacke, god’s gift to us by Joseph Groleau
Sophie Sue, Buddy boy, Daisy & Zoe by Carolyn Giancola
Mya, our little angel by Julie Liddle
Cricket by Grant & Johanna Litts
Molly by Shirley Melin
Buddy by Ray & Pat Querio
Albert (a shelter kitty – to smart) and my shadow Shaloon– border Collie,
Auzzie Sheppard by Dennis Sauld
“Packer Dog” (Lu & Jim Batti’s Dog) by Laverne & Geno Solda
Toby and Gidgett by Nora Weinfurter
Duane & Sue Tirschel by Mark & Terry Wiederrecht
My new pal Quartz by Paul Anderson
Obbie by Paul & Betty Gingrass
Spud, adopted in 2001 died in 2011 by Laurie Kempa
Buddy by Jeff & Mary Moraska
For all the good work the shelter does by Laura Aman
Hagrid by Camille Bauman
Co-Coa by Josephine Degrave
Attorney Steve Tinti – a mentor and true friend to the legal system by Julie Lacost
Peyton by Jon & Suzanne Harry
Flea & Fang by Betty Colavecchi
All the caregivers and volunteers by Gertrude Koller
Sophie, True Bell, Violet, Bigger & Katie by Mark Ellingson and Jo Dulan
Allie by Denise Hill
Kia, Kelsey, and Jett – always give me joy, by Debbie Jodacy
Alice Amono: Her pets Gracie Lou, Lola, Lili, Jeffrey, Luci, Schuster & Elly May
by Pam Huffman
Bryce & Hunter Laing, by Carolyn Corrigall
Sally Werner Lemmers, by Chris Rigotti
Molly, by Shirley Melin
Sheba & Rascal, by Joyce Best
Anne Starr, by Timothy Starr
Tommy, by Beverly Dragosh
“Bear” Belew, by Paul Denicola
Pansy Muffin Poupore, by Sue Poupore
Skeeter, Reggy and Casey by Dennis & Kathy Povolo
Thank you to each and everyone that has and continues to support our
organization and mission! We would have not been able to serve 1,165 animals
in 2013 if it weren’t for your contributions no matter the
amount or means!
News, Advertiser Pet & Placemat Sponsors
Mircle Ear
Nelson Premium Paint Store
Northern R.V. Center
Northwoods Auto & Truck Repair
Northwoods Mfg.
Northwoods Wilderness Outfitters
Norway Community Credit Union
Norway Senior Center
Nu-Way Body Shop
Orbit Techonolgy
Pasty Oven
Paws & Claws Pet Grooming
Pet Supplies Plus
Photos by Derrick
Pine Mountain Sport Shop
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Pro-Klean, Inc
Randy Hallman Specialty Cars
Ray's Feed Mill
Russel, Gypsy, Molly & Stuart
Hardacre
Sagola Hardwood, LTD.
Schneider's Iron & Metal
Shear Happiness
Specialty Granules Inc
Spectacular Car Care
State Farm Insurance/Chris Hanley
Step Ahead
Stephens Real Estate/Betsy Sawicky
Stephens Real Estate/Linda Plumley
Stephens Real Estate/Monica Maule
Stephens Real Estate/Sally
Blom
Superior Land Elder Care
Superior Realty/Connie Sutton
Superior Realty/Greta Michaud
Tadych's EconoFoods
Tara's Grooming Station
The Cleaning Specialist, Inc.
Thru The Garden Gate
Tim & Lynn's Country Pet Care
Timber Products
Total Car Care
UP Logon
UP Truck Center
Upper Peninsula Insurance
Upper Peninsula State
Bank
Wal-Mart
Way Dam Resort
Whispering Pines Outpost
Wild Rivers Realty
Wildwood Restaurant
Wilson's Auto Collision
NON PROFIT ORG.
US POSTAGE PAID
Iron Mountain, MI
Permit No. 237
The bridge that brings them forever home
5060 Lincoln Street
Quinnesec, Michigan
49876
Our newsletter provided
through the generosity of
The Form House/
Standard Printing
Return Service Requested
Thank you for attending
our Pasta for Pets fundraiser in November. The
fundraiser was a huge
success in part due to
your attendance, donations for basket giveaways, bakers, and the
volunteers. We sold 137
tickets and raised over
$2,000. Almost Home
Animal Shelter is very
grateful and overwhelmed by the support
of our community. Can’t
wait to see you on May 4
for our next Pasta for
Pets Event.
TICKETS ON SALE NOW
Sunday, May 4
4:00 - 6:30 PM
Iron Mountain Sr.
Citizen Center
700 Crystal Lake Blvd.
Iron Mountain
Take Out Orders
RSVP by April 25 by calling the shelter is appreciated!
Cost Per Person:
Under 5 years of age FREE • 6-12 years old $7 • 13 years & Up $15
Tickets on sale at the shelter
Enjoy a scrumptious spaghetti dinner with homemade sauce and
meatballs along with a trip to the salad bar. Finish with a variety of
homemade desserts!
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