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THE
Summer 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
Gilbert Engel
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
CATastrophe
The hard reality for cats
Over the years, many people have visited
the animal shelter and rarely noticed an
empty cat cage. This is not solely due to a
trend in adoption rates but more so the
large number of unwanted owned/cared for
cats. It is safe to say that in this lifetime,
there will never be a shortage of cats needing to find forever homes.
In a recent report, the ASPCA stated that of
the approximately 7.6 million companion animals that enter animal shelters each
year, 3.4 million are cats. In 2013, Almost Home Animal Shelter cared for 666 felines, 66% of all animals.
228 felines were Dickinson County strays
410 were owner surrenders including out of country strays
28 kittens were born in-house to stray cats
The main contributor to the shelter’s cat over population is owned cats coming in as
strays that are never reclaimed. Almost Home staff can determine, with a degree of
certainty, if a cat has been cared for based on its physical condition and behavior.
These are not feral cats! Some even come in with collars on…
Even though more than half of the cats are surrendered, only 6% (15 cats) of all
stray cats were reclaimed by their owners last year. This is compared to the 83% of
stray dogs redeemed in 2013. Almost Home is not alone, according to the Humane
Society of the United States, 95-98% of all cats are never reclaimed by owners.
There would be a noticeable improvement to the number of
strays if pet owners would kept their cats indoors. As humans, we have domesticated (taken away their natural instincts) felines and are now responsible to help them meet
their needs. Until the day that Almost Home has all empty
cat cages, we will continue to find them each their forever
home!
Almost Home Animal Shelter
(AHAS) is a 501(c)(3) charitable
not-for-profit organization under
direct leadership of a Board of Directors.
The Companion is published 3
times a year. Comments and inquiries should be addressed to
Adrien Brzoznowski, Executive
Director.
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.
Signs Signs,
Everywhere a
Sign...
Look for Us
Online
AmostHomeAnimalShelterMi.com
Generously provided by
JRWEBWORKS-Paul and Cherryl
Mencinger
Facebook.com
Almost Home Animal Shelter
Print
The Daily News
2nd & 4th Friday
The Advertiser
One Tuesday a month
Radio
Tail Waggin’ Wednesdays
The Mountain 106.7
Wednesday at 8:35 AM
TV
Adopt-A-Pet
Upper Michigan Source WLUC TV6
Morning Show
2
Over the coarse of the last two years, staff and volunteers have heard the facility be identified as “Oh, the building up on the hill by the light” along with
many others. So you can only image how happy we are to have signage. Our
main objective is the care of the animals and their adoptions into forever
homes so this project, along with others, where wait-listed.
Almost Home was able to fund this project without using any donations or
monies from general operations. Almost Home Animal Shelter was awarded a
$5,000 grant from Two Seven Oh, Inc. Last month, Xcell Graphix of Florence
designed and installed 3 signs on the grounds, 1 along the side of the building
and 1 on the main door entrance.
In addition, Almost Home has also adopted the
stretch of highway that runs from the light at the US
2/HWY 141 junction to the Wisconsin border running
in front of our
building. Again, if
you have yet to
visit our new facility don’t hesitate to
stop by for a tour!
A Caring Community
There are so many individuals and business, too many to mention
but not unappreciated, that support the organization throughout
the year. Recently, there were two fundraiser events that together
raised more than $4,000 for Almost Home Animal Shelter. Time
and time again, we are overwhelmed by the support of our community.
Dr. John Nowicki and staff,
Nowicki Chiropractic and Wellness, held their 4th Annual
Spring into Health with Our Almost Home Animal Shelter event
from May 5-16. During the two
weeks, monetary and supply donations were collected. Almost
Home received a truck full of
supplies and $1,325 to support
our work for lost, abandoned and abused animals. Thank you!
It is wonderful to have business give back but something even
greater is the youth of a community doing the same. In the summer, youth come in with money they raised from lemonade stands
and throughout the year others asked their birthday party guests
to bring donated items for the animal shelter instead of a gift for
them! During the end of the school year, elementary students
from Norway Vulcan, East and North Iron Mountain joined forces
to raise money for the shelter as part of Pennies for Pets. Nearly
700 students raised $2,5117.96! Thank you!
NEW
Event
A Cause
for
Paws
Saturday, October 25
5-9 PM
Recreation LanesAntoine Room
Iron Mountain
Evening of food, drink, reverse raffle, silent auction,
door prizes, and FUN to
support the work of Almost Home Animal Shelter.
Be on the lookout for details including ticket sales
on Facebook, via email,
newspaper and radio
Again, we can not thank our caring community enough for the
continued support through the years. We look forward to many
more years of service and working with you along the way.
3
SAVE THE DATE
2014 Volunteer
Welcome Introduction Schedule
August 23
Mondays at 9:30 AM held in the
Almost Home Conference Room
Volunteer Appreciation Picnic
Cowboy Lake-Kingsford
Noon-3 PM
RSVP by August 18
August 18
September 15
October 13
November 10
December 8
August 31
Fun Dog Show
Dickinson County Fair-Norway
11 AM-Registration
1 PM-Show
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.
Call today to RSVP!
September 27
Highway Clean Up
Almost Home Animal Shelter
9 AM
RSVP by September 19
October 5
Blessing of the Animals
Holy Trinity Episcopal ChurchIron Mountain
1 PM
October 25
A Cause for Paws
Recreation LanesIron Mountain
5-9 PM
4
Thank you to all
those involved in
our
participation in the Iron
Mountain 4th of
July Parade.
5
Memorials
Muffie by Karen Cox
Princess & Meesha by Kitty Brozak
My first dog Smokey, when I actually ran free – no
leash laws – with a pack of dogs in the 40’s
by Judy Johnson
My beloved pets by Donna McHugh
Cocoa, who was a shelter dog who lived 14 good years
with us. I miss him lots by Arlene Mielke
My beloved dog, Ella by Suzanne Pitts
Chris Edlund & Karen Barquist by Bruce Stuart
Max & Casey by Dave & Dawn Turrie
Liz Greenway by Kenneth Vivio
Sugar by Eunice Young
All my feline friends by Susan Mindock
Mittens by Robert Peters
Jack, a buddy for many years by Tom Pascoe
Carla (26 year old horse) May she find green Pastures
by Sandy Zahn
Lady Jane by Laura Aman
Skyler by Kathleen Corrigan
Maggie – adopted from the shelter 20 years ago
by Phyllis Carlson
Scoopy – our English Setter by Wilford & Barbara Hill
KiKi by Shari Hare
Our Silky Terrier, Misty Blue by Bill & Karen Burgess
All of my pets by Alice Lemieux
Zoe & Thor by Mike & Judy Pretschold
Dickens, Tiger, Muffin by Dorothy Peterson
Penney, my loveable 14yrs.10mos. Yorkie
by Judy Johnson
Houdini & Maddie by John Gaudette
Tara by Marty & Darlene Brezinski
Jake, gone too soon, a loving dog and faithful friend
by Jody Wall
My precious cat Malibu, by Gina Elliott
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
DCH System/Women's Wellness
6
Sadie & Willie, by Else Melin
Papa Paul Gingrass and Maize
by Abram & Aurelia Gingrass
Dooley, by Robert & Mary Furno
Rudy, by Kenneth & Terry Sovey
Muffin, Amber, Katie, and Happy, by Josie DeGrave
Joyce (Ladybug) Groleau, by Joe Groleau
Pretzel & Buddy, by Larry and Maria Kempany
Emmy, my wonderful companion cat of 17 yrs,
by Violet Schettler
Cans for Critters
We continue to collect recyclable aluminum
cans (beer and pop) along with all returnable containers for deposit (aluminum,
glass and plastic). Bags can be dropped
off on the pallets located on the lower
level of Almost Home. Thank you!
Please keep the containers pouring in.
Thank you to our Sponsors
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.
Miracle Ear
Northern R.V. Center
Honorariums
Tuffy by Karen Cox
Kobe & Tabby by Jim & LuAnne Batti
Casey Ann our Golden Retriever by Joe Panis
Sophie by Judy & Steven Weiss
The Caregivers by Laverne Baril Solda
Mr. Lucky, my pound puppy & best friend
by Nancy Bouche
Maundy, the Iron Cat & Jake, the Wonder Dog
by Robert Foster
For the love and companionship of all dogs and cats
by Kathy Povolo
Wizard the Black Cat by Kathy Varda
Chloe, Toby & Gidget by Nora Weinfurter
Tootsie & Rico by Susan Mindock
Our Maltese, Hailey Kate by Bill & Karen Burgess
All of my pets by Alice Lemieux
All of our cat friends – Sophie, True Bell, Violet, Bigger &
Katie by Mark Ellingson & Jo Dulan
All Caregivers and Volunteers by Gertrude Koller
Flea and Fang by Betty Colavecchi
Quartz by Paul Anderson
Addison Reese, by Else Melin
Sophie Sue, Buddy Boy, and Zoe, by Carolyn Giancola
Cocoa our smart Papillion (what a dog!)
by Josie DeGrave
Abbie & Brandi, by Larry and Maria Kempany
Sammy, my other wonderful companion of 16 yrs.,
by Violet Schettler
WANTED
EconoFoods &
Super One Receipts
Please continue to drop off your receipts. Almost
Home receives a 1% donation of receipt totals.
Thank you!
Thank you to our Sponsors
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
Pro-Klean, Inc
Randy Hallman Specialty Cars
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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.
The Nelson Paint Company
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
If your business was
missed, we apologize.
Please contact us so
that we may add you
for our next newsletter.
The bridge that brings them forever home
NON PROFIT ORG.
US POSTAGE PAID
Iron Mountain, MI
Permit No. 237
5060 Lincoln Street
Quinnesec, Michigan
49876
Our newsletter provided
through the generosity of
The Form House/
Standard Printing
Return Service Requested
In addition to the enclosed self-addressed
envelop for contributions
to the animal shelter,
you can donate online all
year round through
PayPal.
Visit our website at
www.AlmostHomeAnima
lShelterMi.com and click
Donate.
Thank you
for your continued
support of the
Almost Home
Animal Shelter.
8
PROFESSIONALS NEEDED
To Volunteer their expertise in…
•Marketing •Planning •Photography
•Website •Graphics •Writing
•Grants •Videography •Construction
We only need 2 hours a month of your time.
Please Contact Us
With your name, phone number, email and
area you are interested in, so we can include
you in our brainstorming meeting.
Thanks so much for your support!