S HELTER

JANUARY

SHORTS
2013

Rivers & bluffs animal shelter

2013 up Coming
February-

D OG

OBEDIENCE CLASS

21st
RABAS Meeting 23rdNelson True Value April17th- (pending approval) Pasta for Pets

Dog Obedience Classes started on Saturday, January 5 and we are halfway through. Classes are held indoors at Tractor Supply. This is an excellent location for class. There are 5 teams in this class. Dogs include a tiny, black Shih Tzu/Poodle mix puppy, a black miniature Schnauzer, a black Border Collie mix, an energetic black 8 month old Golden Doodle and a cream colored Cocker Spaniel. I enjoy watching the progress from week to week and it is obvious by the progress made since the first class that the owners are dedicated. A few are interested in the therapy dog program, so I hope to add a 7th week to work on requirements for therapy dog evaluation.

Inside This Issue

2013 B OARD T REASURER S REPORT U PCOMING FUNDRAISERS A DAPTIONS & RESCUES O THER NEWS M EMBERSHIP RENEWAL R ABAS MEMBERS 2 2 3

Emmy Stormy Vegas

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Gracie Molly Tuck

RIVERS AND BLUFFS ANIMAL SHELTER

2013 Board of Directors

SHELTER SHORTS is a monthly newsletter intended to keep Rivers and Bluffs Animal Shelter volunteers and supporters connected. With everyones hectic schedules, we know it is often difficult, if not impossible to attend monthly meetings or to work at all of our fundraisers. Everyone is invited to submit articles for the newsletter. To do so, please call Bev at 608-326-2914 or email her at wyalusing2012@gmail.com.

President- Randy Paske 1300 East Wells Street Prairie du Chien, WI 53821 262-388-2654 repaske@gmail.com Vice-President Bev Pozega 32398 Gran Grae Road Prairie du Chien, WI 53821 608-326-2914 wyalusing 2012@gmail.com TreasurerJill Cipra 126 Randee Avenue, Prairie du Chien, WI 53821 608-326-4870 jbcipra@mchsi.com SecretaryTamara Aldrich 63513 Lohmann Lane Eastman, WI 54626 608-874-4223 traldrich1@mmm.com Board Member- Julie Whyte 322 South Wacouta Avenue Prairie du Chien, WI 53821 608-306-0499- chipndale322@hotmail.com Board Member- John Ryan 12890 Markley Hollow Road Bagley, WI 53801 608-996-2281 Board Member- Donna Heilmann 1702 East Fowler Street Prairie du Chien, WI 53821 608-379-2112- heilmann73@gmail.com

Monthly meetings are held on the 3rd Thursday of every month at the Prairie du Chien City Hall. Meetings begin at 6:00 p.m. Please use the back door. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to attend. The next meeting will be held on Thursday, February 21st.
Planning Meetings will be held in conjunction with board meetings on the 2nd Thursday of the odd numbered months.

Volunteer hours will be collected by Randy P. at monthly meetings or you can email your hours to Randy at repaske@gmail.com.

Treasurers Report
Jill Cipra Treasurer

Check us out on the Web

www.riversandbluffsanimalshelter.org
Thanks to randy Paske for keeping this website up to date!

Current balance as of January 17, 2013

$116,040.49
One thing to note if we do not have land by the spring of 2013, we will need to pay the George Family Foundation back the $10,000.00 that we received from the foundation three years ago. It was given to us with the stipulation that it would be used for land purchase and that we would have 3 years to purchase it.

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fundraiser report

Upcoming fundraisers
Upcoming Fund Raisers were discussed and decided upon at the January board meeting. Jill or Bev will contact Bird of Huckleberrys about Princess for an Evening and Pasta for Pets. Board members decided to cancel Cruzin Fur Critters Poker Run. The poker run was quite a bit of work, expensive to do and not well enough attended to make it worth the effort. We will once again do Rooster Andys Chicken Q. Even though the service from Rooster Andys was not what we had expected last year, we did make about $3,000. Hopefully, Rooster Andys will be able to keep up with the demand and the customers who felt dissatisfied with the service, will give us another chance this year to make it right. A 5k dog walk will be the June fund raiser, replacing the poker run. We did try a dog walk a few years ago, but it was held on one of the coldest mornings in October. It was not well attended to say the least. It was also scheduled to be much more than just a dog walk an entire day of dog related activities, including a sheep herding demo, parade of purebred dogs, parade of rescue dogs, pet costume contest, food stand, dog games and silent auction. The 5K walk will be just that a 5k walk. More discussion will take place at the February meeting. Pizza Hut Guest Server Night may not happen this year. Jill talked to Cindy of Pizza Hut a few weeks ago and she said she had a number of interested groups for this year. Cindy can only do one guest server night per quarter. I asked her about it again on Saturday and she said she does have a group for the first quarter. But she is keeping us in mind for a later quarter. At the January general meeting, we decided to proceed with the possibility of bingo for 1 night each month for 6 months, October through March. Before Bingo can happen, we will need to purchase some type of Bingo equipment, obtain a Bingo license and will need to find a place to hold it. If anyone knows of affordable Bingo equipment, please let me know. It will also take a commitment of 4-6 people for the once per month games. Randi K is looking into another fund raiser through Kwik Trip. Kwik Trip offers 3% back to nonprofit organizations from people who use the Kwik Trip Credit Card for purchases. Below are dates for upcoming fund raisers: February 23 Nelson True Value April 17 Pasta for Pets (pending approval with Bird Skemp) Princess for an Evening a Saturday in April (date to be announced after talking to Bird Skemp) May 10 & 11 Nelson True Value Mothers Day Bake Sale and Food Stand May 30 Rooster Andys Chicken Q June 22 5K Dog Walk

Santa visit update

Our own Jolly Old Elf, aka Randy Paske, made 13 Santa visits this holiday season, raising $370 for our favorite charity. Heather Schroeder, whose home Santa visited just before Christmas to the delight of her 2 daughters, Emmy and Ally told me that Santa did an excellent job. Heather went on to say that our very modern Santa brought out his notepad and invited the girls to read The Night Before Christmas with him. Heather added that Santas visit made their holiday season extra special. Thanks again, Santa.
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ongoing fundraisers

Kwik Trip gas cards

Kwik Trip Gas Cards sales from November 15-December 20 totaled $818 and from December 20-January 17 totaled $336.00. Thanks to all who have purchased cards from us and who continue to make the effort to contact us before filling your tank. I recently received a check for $100 for gas cards from fellow RABAS member Marcella (Marty) Leeman who lives in Clintonville, WI. Marty and I worked together at Wyalusing State Park a few years ago. Along with her check, she sent a short note that I would like to share with you in the hopes that it will encourage others to purchase gas cards from us. Martys note read It gives me some satisfaction to know that with this check I have been able to add $30 to your fund quite painlessly. This is the 3rd check for $100 that Marty has mailed to us for gas cards. Thanks, Marty. Gas cards continue to be the easiest and most profitable of our many fund raisers. Contact Jill at 326-4870 or Bev at 326-2914 if you would like gas cards. We will deliver on the same day or the next.

Make checks payable to RABAS

phoneraiser
Please continue to save your old cell phones and ink jet cartridges. Drop them off at Tender Care Animal Hospital, or bring them to the monthly meeting. Thanks Donna, for taking the time to collect, sort and send the phones and cartridges in!

U. s. bones
Please continue ordering cat and dog treats from USBones.com. They donate 25% of each order placed, to RABAS!

Dr. donna higgins wildlife photos

Dr. Donna Higgins continues to support RABAS through her beautiful wildlife prints on display at her office in downtown PdC. She has recently changed the format to 12 x 12 prints in borderless clip frames. Donna explains that these may be more affordable at $35 each. She will donate $25 to RABAS for each print she sells. These prints are absolutely beautiful! Please stop in at Dr. Higgins office, downtown PdC to see them. You may be able to see them on RABAs facebook page or Donnas facebook page, or possible on our website.
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ongoing fundraisers

Pet food pantry

Pet Food Pantry donations have all but ceased and most boxes have been picked up. The program was not as successful as I had hoped due to the fact that not as many people took advantage of the program as I expected. The donation response by far exceeded the need. But, I do know that the people who did get food from the pantry were truly in need and very appreciative. In addition to the pet food picked up at the Food Pantry, I delivered cat and dog food to 4 different individuals, two of whom contacted me a 2nd time for additional food. I still have many cans of cat and dog food and a few bags of pet food on my porch. I will contact CASA and Iowa County Humane Society to see if they are interested in any of the canned food.

Adoptions & rescues

Adoptions, Losses, People Looking for a New Pet, Pets in Need of a Forever Home January was another successful month for rescues and adoptions. Once again, Randi K. was informed of a kitten in distress. It was found at the casino, huddled between a trash can and a cigarette butt disposal can. The 4 month old kitten must have come from underneath a vehicle as it had burn marks in her fur and singed whiskers. She also had eye problems, possibly due to respiratory issues. Randi picked the kitten up and took her to Tender Care Animal Hospital for a physical and treatment at Randis expense, but with a 20% discount from Dr. Jami. Randi stopped in at Tender Care a few hours later to check on the kitten. Imagine her surprise when she saw two friends in the lobby holding the kitten. They decided to adopt the kitten. The kitten will have a very happy forever home at Paper Moon Book Store in McGregor. Dr. Jami kept the kitten for a few extra days to make sure the respiratory problem will be cured. Other than a slight ear infection, respiratory problem and singed fur, the kitten had no other issues it did not have feline leukemia, ear mites and blood work came back negative. This lucky kitten was picked up, given medical treatment and found its forever home in 4 hours. Wait to go Randi and Dr. Jami! RABAS rocks!!! The saga of KrissyKat continues. KrissyKat was found in December, again another casino cat. She was pregnant and due to deliver in the next few weeks. Linda Bedward took KrissyKat into her home to give her a safe and warm place to deliver her kittens. As weeks passed, Linda wondered when the kittens would be born and decided KrissyKat must not have been pregnant. This past Monday, KrissyKat was scheduled to be spayed. Dr. Jami called Randi to tell her that KrissyKat is FIV, which means that she has an immunodeficiency, which makes her vulnerable to infections. Then shortly after that phone call, Dr. Jami called Randi again, laughing. The cat that was originally thought to be pregnant is a neutered male. But KrissyKat is in need of a home without other cats because FIV can be passed to other cats through scratches and bites. I believe KrissyKat is back at Lindas for the time being, but Linda has other cats, so KrissyKat will need a home. Thanks to Linda for taking such good care of KrissyKat. If you can give her a home without other cats, please contact Randi K at 563-873-3839. If no home is found for KrissyKat, she will have to be euthanized. Don and Eileen Klatt are the proud and happy owners of a 4 month old ShihTzu/Poodle mix named Molly. Congratulations to all 3 of you!
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Other news

Nelson True Value is revamping their pet department and has invited RABAS to participate in the promotion. The date has been set for Saturday, February 23. Details have yet to be finalized but may include grooming and nail trimming seminars by Tender Care Animal Hospital, therapy dogs, dogs that have been rescued or adopted, dog training tips, obedience demo, CASA dogs and cats in need of a forever home, bake sale & food stand, and Vegas jumping rope. More information will be provided via emails as it becomes available. If you have a dog/cat that you have rescued or adopted and would like to show people what a great pet and companion these pets can be, please let me know. Space will be very limited, but if there are a number of people interested, we can possibly do it at scheduled intervals. If anyone would like to help with the food stand or bake for the bake sale, please let me know. The RABAS Board of Directors decided at the January Board Meeting to start actively looking for land. A block advertisement and press release concerning this decision will be in this weeks Courier Press. Randy and I have contacted local realtors who have given us a few leads. In fact, last week we looked at 2 separate 2 acre parcels in PdC. Much of the discussion at the January meeting was about the land issue. Many felt that one of the parcels would be an ideal location, but that the price is more than we should spend. Randy, and Bob and Diane Witt will meet with Bob Standorf of Peoples Bank about land value and how to proceed from here. Hopefully, a few RABAS members will meet with Aaron Kramer, City Administrator, in the next week or two. We hope to find out if the city supports an animal shelter and if the city has any land available for an animal shelter. Therapy Dog Teams continue to make a difference in the lives of many in the community. Thank you to these teams who take the time out of their busy schedules to enrich the lives of others. As always, I never know who enjoys the therapy dog visits more-people we visit, the dogs or the handlers who get to share their passion every week. When I walk into Wyalusing Academy, I hear The dogs are here! ringing through the halls. I doubt if any of the teachers or residents at Wyalusing Academy know my name, but I can tell you that all of them know who Vegas and Nicki are. Today, because of the Martin Luther King holiday, the kids did not have classes. So the dogs and I got to visit with them in their units. We visited with about 65 young adults today. I feel my dogs and I have found our niche in our therapy visits. I do hope we can add to the number of RABAS therapy dog teams with students from this sessions dog obedience class. Keep up the good work. Paula and Maggie are working on getting permission to visit patients in PdC Memorial Hospital. Good luck and keep us informed on your progress.
If any of the TDI teams would like to be available for meeting and greeting at True Value on February 23, please let me know.

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Membership renewals & donations

All donors are recognized in Shelter Shorts and a thank you note is written. Laura Nix- Ray Wrobel- Jodi Russell New Members and Renewal Memberships Membership renewals are current through January 17, 2013 Laura Nix Patron Sue Rider Single

Reminder: Annual memberships should be renewed 1 year from the month in which you joined.

Thanks to everyone who volunteered this month. Thanks to everyone who supported us through donations, and memberships. There are many jobs that continue to get done without recognition.

Membership Renewals Memberships are good for one year. There are 5 different levels of membership: $5.00 student; $15 Individual; $25 Family; $50 Sponsor; $100 Patron; $500 Benefactor. Some members choose to donate a fixed amount every month. Thanks to everyone for your financial support.

River and Bluffs Animal Shelter Membership Form Student - $5.00 ____ Individual - $15.00 ____ Family - $25.00 ____ $_______ per year. Name:___________________________________ Address:_________________________________ City/State/Zip_____________________________ Email:____________________________________ Phone Number:______________________ Please mail membership form to: River and Bluffs Animal Shelter PO Box 421, Prairie du Chien, WI 53821 Sponsor - $50.00 _____ Patron - $100.00 _____ Benefactor - $500.00

I would like to make a monthly pledge of : ________ per month for a total of

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Rivers and bluffs animal shelter

Patron members
Lu DeGuzman Laura Nix Bob & Diane Witt

Sponsor members
Marilu Bintz Phil & Deb Dwornik Gary & Kathy Koch Vicki & Bill Mueller Linda Munson Bonnie Olson Trinas Girl Scout Troop Tammy OBrien

family members
Randy & Linda Bedward Tom & Marjorie Bennett Sharon Boylen Donna Cipra Jill & Brian Cipra Jennifer Clements Amy Enlowe Mike & Mary Jane Faas Jane Howe Peggy Johnson Randi & Mike Kluesner Randy & Kathy Paske Jim & Kathy Powers Jami & Ken Quick Mike, Shelly & Kaitlyn Rider John & Judy Ryan Roberta Spires Tractor Supply George & Mary Tilley Brenda Wilson

single members
Tammy Aldrich Tori Armstrong June Burns Alexis Burns Deb Cross Marilyn Crubaugh Dawn Eggers Kelly Fishler Paula Gutzmer Donna Heilmann Janis Hein Joe Hunzeker Georgia Hutchinson Kristin Helgerson Kriegl Marty Leeman Kim Pinkham Merilee Pleggenkuhle Bev Pozega Rosemary Reese Sue Rider Shirley Wegmuller Julie Whyte

Monthly pledge member

Don & Eileen Klatt
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Student member
Mollee Whyte

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