President’s Letter by Anthony Anderberg

They must have ridden into town with hay or other farm animals, two little kittens - separated from their mother for the first time and very scared about the big world all around them. Fortunately, they trusted the kind person who found them hiding on the fairgrounds and they were quickly brought to our shelter. Had their mother hidden them in a trailer for safe-keeping while she went to hunt or had they ventured on their own to play next to the bigger farm animals being loaded up to visit the fair? We'll likely never know how it happened, but that small decision will change their lives forever.

They'll have a whole different kind of life than they would have had living as farm cats: trading big hay lofts and barnyard friends for soft beds and human families - live mice for toy mice - and grasshoppers and birds for string toys. A less exciting life to be sure, perhaps longer and safer but certainly different in numerous ways.

It's curious how often seemingly small choices in a single moment can change the course of a life forever:

A tiny kitten, alone and scared who instead of hiding from danger, meows at the top of its lungs until a passing human hears its cries and stops to investigate.

A lost dog who jumps through an open car door and sits on the seat waiting for a fun ride with his new human friends.

A cat who sneaks into a stranger's home through an unlatched door and is found sleeping on the couch as if it was his own home all along.

A homeless dog who sees a group of children playing ball and runs up to join in their game.

A feral cat who enters a live trap and gets neutered before being vaccinated and released, forever breaking its link in the long chain of homeless animals.

Along with 262 others these are all true stories of animals that found their way to our shelter so far this year, and they all included small choices that turned into life-changing events. Of course, in addition to the small choices these outcomes were also made possible by other large choices - made by our volunteers and community to devote time and resources to helping these animals in need. Thank Goodness for all of those choices - large and small.

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.

THE PAWGRESS REPORT

The Newsletter of the Heart of Minnesota Animal Shelter Fall 2018

Seeking a Home!

Julius came to HMAS as a stray kitten in July of 2017. During that time, he has been adopted twice but through no

fault of his own, returned twice. This handsome orange and white tabby is friendly, loves attention, gets along with other cats, is neutered and current on vaccinations. If

you are someone who can be patient with a cat who has lived most of his life at our shelter, Julius could be your purrfect companion.

HMAS

2018-2019

Officers and Board Members

Officers

President Anthony Anderberg

Vice President Roberta Yates

Secretary Linda Anderberg

Treasurer Jody Hoff

Board

Returning 3 year members

Denise Hamilton Scott Lang Tom Jones Jeff Nohner

Newly elected 3 year term

Marilyn Laine Larry Sorenson

Newsletter Committee

Corinne Higgins Anne Anderson

MN140185

2018 Statistics (January-September) Intakes: 267 66 dogs 201 cats

Adoptions/Owner Claims: 239 64 dogs 175 cats

Both have been adopted!

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20th Annual HMAS Paws on Parade Pet Walk

May 12, 2018, started off a bit wet but by the time the walk began skies had cleared and everyone was raring to go! This year we had some special equine walk leaders, Zippy and Carrots. An amazing $17,000 was raised through sponsors, pledges, the silent auction, vendor tables and the bake sale. We were gratified by the level of participation of all who attended. The walk remains the backbone of our fundraising efforts. Many thanks to everyone who walked, pledged, donated, or purchased items to make it successful once again!

Walk Leaders

Dedicated Walk Participants

Archer, pictured with owner Laci, won the longest tail contest

Scout and Stella, along with owner Ellie, enjoyed the proceedings

Shopping the Silent Auction Tables

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Ace Hardware Amazing Grace Boutique Applebee’s Arby's Benny's Meat Market Bernick’s Buffalo Wild Wings Casey’s General Store Cashwise, Coburn’s, Little

Dukes, Holiday Country Kitchen

Crow River Floral Culvers Comfort Custom Beds Dairy Queen Domino's Pizza Dundee Floral El Loro’s Elynn Lepel First Choice Beverage Genesis George Quast

Hardees Herbal Pumpkin Patch Hutch Café Hutch Sport Shop Jay Malone Motors Kock's Jewelry L&P Supply Little Crow Shooting Sports Locher Bros. Main Street Sports Bar Oakdale Golf Club

Old Log Theatre Outdoor Motion Pizza Ranch Purse-a-nalities Qdoba Quilt Haven Runnings State Theatre Subway—Hwy 15 Target Village Shop

Grand Prize: Sandra Olson—$500 Visa Gift Card

2nd Place: Katie Antonsen—$200 Walmart Gift Card

3rd Place: Di Fleck—$100 Casey’s Gift Card

4th Place: Meara Lucas—$50 Target Gift Card

Team Award: Animal Medical Center on the Crow-Hutchinson

Thank you so much to Brenda Pulkrabek (on left), our top pledge earner. Brenda raised more than $800!

Over $300 was collected through our friendly Penny Wars Competition!

PLATINUM Hutchinson Pet Hospital PA James & Jeanne Simmons KDUZ/KARP/KGLB Radio McCormick Enterprises Richard Larson Slumberland—Gordon Kable Sorensen’s Sales & Rental

GOLD Citizen’s Bank & Trust Co. Edward Jones—Kim Winter James Young & Associates, Ltd. New Era Financial—Shad Ketcher

SILVER AEM Mechanical Services, Inc. Heintz Floor Covering Inc. Hutchinson Therapeutic Massage Nu-Telecom Remax Results—Dorothy Butler Stamp-n-Storage Town & Country Tire

BRONZE Ameriprise Financial—Marc & Michele Max Dobratz Hantge Chapel Hometown Realty—Jeff Nohner Hutchinson Dental Center Hutchinson Family Dentistry Piehl, Hanson, Beckman P.A. Schumaci & Associates SouthPoint Financial Credit Union Waggin’ Tails Dog Grooming

THANK YOU TO OUR 2018 PAWS ON PARADE SPONSORS!

THANK YOU FOR THE DONATIONS OF GOODS/SERVICES!

Congratulations to Animal Medical Center on the Crow-Hutchinson (on right) for winning the team award!

Beans the Clown telling jokes

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Our grateful thanks to...

The growers who attended the Kuttner Seed

(Stewart, MN) Customer Appreciation event on

March 12, 2018 and chose to donate to the shelter. Thanks also to Kuttner Seed for matching the donation!

Emily Sommerfeld (kneeling)

and Whitney Trongard for organizing a photo shoot and

creating descriptions for the shelter website and Petfinder as part of a college project. Both are marketing

students at Ridgewater.

McKimm Transit for providing storage space for HMAS.

Menards, in Hutchinson, for once again coordinating a drop box for pet food and supplies at their store during the month of May. Thanks also to all the customers who donated!

The Glencoe Aquatics Center for their donation of

$144 and miscellaneous items for the shelter’s dogs and cats. Monies were raised from the Center’s “Soggy Dog-gy Day” at the pool. Thank you to Director Liz Trom-

borg, the pool staff, and to all the participants!

Maytag Laundry and Car Wash for their “Crazy

Days” donation of cash!

The 2017-2018

Hutchinson Agrisci-

ence Program and FFA chapter officers

and their advisor, Mr.

Marshall for holding a “Kiss the Cow” Fundraiser earlier this year. Teachers

puckered up and the shelter received $400.00 in donations!

(Left to right): Makenna Hammer, Emma Friauf, Ethan Kaufman, Taylor Peck,

Mariah Theuringer & Hali Lent

The Leadership Team of Hutchinson Health Care

for donating cleaning supplies and cash to us. Twice

during the year, the group elects to contribute to a charitable cause. Thanks for selecting HMAS at your April meeting!

Girl Scout Troop 37901, from Glencoe, for their

donation of cat food, hand sanitizer and handmade

kitty toys!

The employees of Citizen’s Bank & Trust who

donated their “Jean Day” proceeds to HMAS.

Tails on Trails! On July 7, 2018, the Tails on Trails 5K fundraiser for the Heart of Minnesota Animal Shelter was held. This event was a school project created by four students from New Century Acade-my; Austin Bakken, Anna Dalbec, Adria Gasser, and Kylie Huls. NCA is a charter school that encourages stu-dents to learn a variety of academic and life skills by selecting and completing projects. The students planned and organized all aspects of the run with the encourage-ment and support of their families and school staff This included fundraising, budgeting, event planning, leader-ship, and responsibility. What a great way for students to gain valuable experiences and at the same time help the animals of HMAS! 100% of the money that was raised was given to the shelter. We applaud the students, school staff and families for undertak-ing a such a challenging task! Thanks also to eve-ryone who participated!

Tails on Trails Project Managers: (from left to right): Kylie Huls, Adria Gasser,

Austin Bakken & Anna Dalbec

“Abandon hope all ye who enter here.” This dire prediction was written by Dante in “The Divine Comedy.” But here at the Heart of Minnesota Animal Shelter we extend

hope to any animal who enters our facility. Whether stray, surrendered, unwanted, or abused, we accept them with the goal of finding them a forever home. Sometime in 2018, we will undoubtedly welcome our 7,000th charge.

With that in mind, we introduce Hope! This name was suggested by an attendee at our 2018 “Paws on Parade” Pet Walk. And what an appropriate moniker for the new HMAS

mascot! In addition to offering hope for a better life to dogs and cats, we also hope to de-crease overpopulation by advocating spaying and neutering. And last but not least, we provide an avenue to people who hope to adopt a pet. Look for Hope at our events. Shake

the paw, do a high-five, pose for a picture, help us spread the word about the important work we do at the Heart of Minnesota Ani mal Shelter.

Introducing Hope!

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What the Vet Says...Vestibular Disease

by Dr. John C. Froning DVM @ Animal Medical Center on Crow River

We are often presented dogs and cats that exhibit neurologic signs including a combination of the following: ataxia (stumbling, falling, “drunk”), vomiting, head tilt, panting/anxious, and nystagmus (eyes twitching side to side, up and down, or rotational). These are disturbing to see in any pet, let alone your own and some of the causes can be very serious. You should contact your veterinarian at the earliest signs for an accurate diagnosis and treatment.

Some of these signs appear from trauma (e.g. hit by a car), before or after a seizure, ear infections, stroke (although rare in pets), intoxication/poisoning, and secondary to severely debilitating diseases and conditions. Most of these causes can be sorted out by reviewing the history, a thorough exam, and bloodwork.

The good news of this article is that these neurologic signs I describe are also symptoms of a less severe condition called Vestibular Disease. The vestibular apparatus in the inner ear gives pets their sense of balance and an inflammation or fluid build-up can alter its function, similar to vertigo in people. Vestibular Disease usually has a sudden onset and can last from hours to 2-3 weeks, and older pets are more commonly affected than younger. Although most patients recover fully, a small portion may not improve or may have long term residual effects like a slight head tilt or occasional stumbling.

Although Vestibular Disease has no specific treatment that shortens its duration, we do medicate to control vomiting and if your pet is not able to stay hydrated, intravenous fluids are necessary. They should be confined to prevent injury while they are recovering and access to steps should be eliminated. For those that are not able to stand, soft bed-ding and frequently switching position helps keep them healthy until the condition passes. Overall, recovery from Vestibular Disease carries a good prognosis with a little time, patience and TLC.

New Fundraising Opportunity through Schwan’s Cares!

Here’s a great way to get over 300 high-quality, delicious foods from Schwan’s delivered right to your door and help HMAS at the same time! Schwan's will donate 40% of every $25.00 gift card and 20% of your total purchases. You can buy a gift card first and then use the gift card for your order so that HMAS receives a greater benefit. Please note there is a purchase limit of two (2) $25.00 gift cards with this campaign.

The deadline for this fundraiser is January 12, 2019, so there is plenty of time to do all of your holiday shopping.

Order online using the link https://www.schwans-cares.com/c/40137 or order by phone by calling 1-855-870-7208 and be sure to mention campaign number 40137. Please share this offer with friends and family to benefit HMAS!

Please remember the other on-line fundraising opportunity HMAS participates in by purchasing through amazonsmile at https://smile.amazon.com. HMAS has received over $450 through this program since we enrolled.

Why do we need to spotlight fundraising? Because 30-40% of our budget comes through this resource. Although many duties at the shelter are accomplished by volunteers, we still must pay

our veterinary tech and cleaning staff, maintain our buildings and of course, take care of the animals! Every year we have at least four major fundraising events. This year “Paws on Parade” raised over $17,000, and the Rummage sale almost $10,000. In addition, we run the Brat stand at Cashwise one weekend in September (proceeds not available at press time) and at the end of the year we send out our Holiday letters. We are always looking for new fundraising ideas and people ready to make them happen!

We Need Volunteers Like You!

Volunteer orientation occurs monthly at HMAS and lasts one and a

half hours. Check our Facebook Page (heartofminnesota) for upcoming session dates!

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Celebrating Our 20th Year of Operations!

The Heart of Minnesota Animal Shelter has come a long way since a group of concerned citizens came together to address the issue of unwanted animals and overpopulation on January 21, 1999. The first animal accepted was a tabby cat named “Barney” on July 26, 1999, followed by a dog named “Abby” in August of that year. Our nonprofit 501(c)3 status was granted in November 1999. Animals were fostered until the summer of 2001, when HMAS found a home at the McLeod County Fairgrounds. Cats and dogs were housed in the same building. In 2003, we began our first Spay/Neuter campaign with local vets. Cats were moved to their own space, the “Kitty Kastle” in 2005. Over the past 20 years we’ve joined PetFinder for national adoption exposure, designed a website, partnered with MNSNAP, and impacted the lives of almost 7,000 animals.

So what does the future hold? Every year since 2002, between 300-450 animals have come through our doors. It’s probably safe to say that our presence is still needed. We will continue, with the support of McLeod County, dedicated volunteers and workers, and you!

Happy Tails!

Thank you so much for allowing us to add Remi to our family!! She has been a great addition and as you can see from the picture has made herself right at home.

God bless, Kristine N I wanted to send a quick note and a few pictures of the beloved kittens we adopted the beginning of August!! Pumpkin and Bella are spoiled rotten as you can probably see by the pictures! They are so much fun, a bit mischievous and best of all is how you would never

know they really aren't sisters!!

I am soooo happy that we found your facilities and I have passed on in-formation to others look-ing to adopt!! Thank you for bringing these cute fur balls into our lives!!

~ Stacy N.

Our little Minnie is just perfect for us (as my husband says). She is a snuggler, a kitten in every sense of the word, great entertain-ment, and as sweet as she can be. She loves playing in paper bags and boxes, chasing her toys around the house; she has big windows to look out of and come nose to nose, through the glass, with squirrels and birds.

I want thank you for fostering her so well; she is so social, she greets people, and has the most adorable little meow. The work you do fostering is sooooooo important. Your care and feeding of the cats and kittens is admirable. We have renamed her Minniebell, as we had a cabin on Lake Minniebell. We do call her Minnie. We did take her to the vet and he said she is a wonderful healthy kitty. Thank you for the wonderful addition to our family.

~ Nancy B.

Just wanted to follow up and let you know that we are doing great. She is an awesome dog and I love her lots! I did change her name to Lily.

~ Amy G.

#1000 - Tia #7000 - ??? #5000 - Grant #3000 - Starsky

Remi (right) and best buddy, Scooby

“In Memory of Hairy” from anonymous

Sammy, Beau & Frisky from Dan and Kathy Scheer

Zoe from Angela Adams

Beau, our Lab (14 years), and Suzie, our gray and white angel cat (16 years), from James & Jeanne Simmons

Pete Jensen from Jeff Nohner

Starlight and Honey Bun from Karen Gensmer

Lorraine Bethke from Lisa Raddatz

Delores Saar from Judith Beatty

Molly Cat from Larry Graf and Sherry Connaughty-Graf

Lacey Mae from Rhonda Binder

Buster from Stan Stewart

Friends and many pets from Paula J. Thompson

Rozi Provencher from Keith & Heidi Froemming

Kevin Erickson from Jeff Nohner

Keith Pikal from Cynthia Schacht

Brad Payne from Katie Payne, Di Fleck, Charmaine Picha and Krissy Major

Verda Wolf from Butch & Luanne Kroeger and Gloria Ruzicka

Lucy Smykalski from American Legion Auxillary from Cheryl Beilke from James & Sandra Trotter from Dominic & Annie Hopp from Hansen Gravel, Inc. from Dawn Putney from Darlene Putney from Steve Lee from Katie Schroeder from Karri Smykalski from other friends and family

Lyle Albrecht from Jeff Nohner

Virginia DeMenge from Angela Christensen

Wolfgang from Dave & Shirley Wicklund

Harold Hanson from Butch & Luanne Kroger

Pat Kirsch from a dear friend, Roma Fati from Vos Construction, Inc. from Karl & Janet Wied from Joan Larsen from Mark Kiesow from Karen Forslin

Dwaine Raddatz from Butch & Luanne Kroeger

Eleanor Lack from the Hutchinson American Legion Auxilliary

Roger Karstens from Marilyn Denler from Angela Christensen from Sandra Ring

Nick Greve from Dan & Kathy Scheer

Harvey Pokorny from Shelly Eggert

Wally Huls from Beatrice Antonsen

Dwaine Raddatz from John & Bev Sluss and Jon & Colleen Gorman

Lucy & Ski Smykalski from Dawn Putney

Your Name:____________________________________________________________________________________

Street/Mailing Address: ___________________________________________________________________________

City, State, Zip: __________________________________________________Phone: _________________________

(Please circle one)

In Memory / Honor / Donation Of: __________________________________________________________________

Donation Amount Enclosed: $_________________ #75

Tributes: Memorials—in recognition of a loving bond (received March 5,2018—September 28, 2018)

Yes, I’d like to make a contribution in memory or honor of a very special human or animal friend. Please complete the information below and mail it to the following:

HMAS Memorials, PO Box 175, Hutchinson, MN 55350.

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Delilah Foster from Denise Hanson

Animal Medical Center from Dan & Kathy Scheer

Morgan Daisy from Dan & Kathy Scheer

Denise Hamilton from Dennis & Diane Sweely

Cory’s 5th Birthday from Ann Coates

Donations in honor of: Happy “Paw”idays Photos at HMAS!

Bring your phone or camera to the shelter on Saturday, December 1, 2018, from 9:00 AM to 12:30 PM and for a $5.00 donation have your pets picture taken with Santa and/or the Grinch!

Adoption Hours: Tuesdays: 5-7 pm

Thursdays: 5-7 pm Saturdays: 1-5 pm

Heart of Minnesota Animal Shelter 880 Century Ave SW PO Box 175 Hutchinson, MN 55350-3701 (320) 234-9699 www.heartofminnesota.org

NONPROFIT ORG U.S. POSTAGE PAID HUTCHINSON MN

PERMIT NO. 18

Current Resident or

Name: _______________________________________________________________________________________

Street/Mailing Address: __________________________________________________________________________

City, State, Zip: ________________________________________________________________________________

Email Address: ___________________________________________ Phone: _______________________________

○ Please contact me about volunteer opportunities available with the shelter #76

/heartofminnesota

If you would no longer like to receive this newsletter, are getting duplicates, or if you would like to receive via email, please call (320) 234-9699 or email contact@heartofminnesota.org.

HMAS does not sell or share your personal information with anyone.

You may have seen the “Pet of the Week” ads in the Hutchinson Shopper. These ads have proven effective in finding homes for the featured animal and raising public awareness of HMAS.

Individuals or businesses can sponsor once or become part of the regular schedule. Your name or business can be published or you can remain anonymous. Ads only cost $25.00!

For more information, please call the shelter.

Sponsors Needed—Pet of the Week Ads

Yes, I’d like to be a member of the Heart of Minnesota Animal Shelter! I understand my membership fee includes a one year subscription to The Pawgress Report, so I will always be on top of what is going on at the shelter. My membership also allows me the opportunity to vote at the annual meeting. I am enclosing a check (payable to: Heart of Minnesota Animal Shelter) or money order in the amount of $20.00. Please send my newsletter and updates to this address: