UPCOMING

EVENTS

June 10:

Paws on Parade Benefit Walk

April 30 & July 9:

MNSNAP Clinic

September 14-16:

Brat Stand

September 8&9:

Rummage Sale

Going Out of Business?!?! How often do you hear a business stating that their goal is to go out of business?

We realize the impossibility of reaching that goal, therefore shelters are needed to assist hundreds of abandoned and surrendered animals, along with providing shelter for the overpopulation of animals caused by the lack of them being altered.

The shelter took in 452 animals this past year. Several of the cats who were already pregnant gave birth in foster homes and then were returned to the shelter for adoption along with their kittens.

As a shelter, we spay or neuter all animals that are of the appropriate age. We promote the altering of animals by providing a voucher if the pet is too young for the procedure at the time of adoption. The owner is then reimbursed after the surgery is completed. Several times a year, with the help of McLeod County Fairgrounds, we coordinate MNSNAP, the mobile surgical unit that offers affordable neutering services for income qualified clients. We work with both local and area veterinarians to offer discounts during the month of March. Over the years more than 1600 spay/neuter coupons have been redeemed. We also educate the public with presentations and reminders.

All of us bear the responsibility in reducing the population of unwanted or abandoned animals. Their short lives are without hope when they remain at large. Many starve, are killed, or freeze to death.

So I ask the question, what are you doing to assist in reducing the population of animals? Are you having your pets altered? Giving a spay/neuter gift card to a family member, or to a family or friend that is unable to afford veterinary care may be very much appreciated.

If you know someone that is looking for a pet, please suggest that they consider going to a shelter. Even if they are looking for a pure breed, they may find one at a shelter.

Help us go out of business! ~ Roberta Yates (HMAS President)

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.

HMAS

2017-2018

Officers and Board Members

Officers

President Roberta Yates

Vice President Anthony Anderberg

Secretary Linda Anderberg

Treasurer Jody Wendorff

Board

Sustaining Member

Larry Sorensen

3 year term

Scott Lang Tom Jones

Jane Gislason Marilyn Laine

1 year term

Denise Hamilton Jeff Nohner

Newsletter Committee

Corinne Higgins Anne Anderson

THE PAWGRESS REPORT

The Newsletter of the Heart of Minnesota Animal Shelter Spring 2017

Final 2016 Statistics Intakes: 452

139 dogs 313 cats

Adoptions/Transfers: 427 Returned to Owners: 10 Record Adoption: 42 cats in December!

Since we began our mission of helping animals in need, we’ve touched the lives of more than 6,787. From a low of 57 in 1999, our first year of operation, to a high of 482 in 2005,

the 452 we served in 2016 could be considered typical for a year. Most of our intakes were found as strays and the majority were feline. What wasn’t typical were the 60 cats “left on our doorstep” during the year, above and beyond those found as strays or surrendered. If

there’s any doubt that HMAS is necessary, consider what would have become of them without our assistance. Those fortunate enough

to survive would have produced more unwanted animals in the community. As our president stated above, our ultimate plan is to go out of

business. But until that happens, we are counting on your support through donations, volunteering, attending our events and adoption!

www.petfinder.com

Thank you to...

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Thank you to the current 2017 Paws on

Parade Sponsors!* (as of April 14, 2017)

The shelter relies on generous donors to keep our doors open. We applaud the inventive and heartfelt ways people help us with this important task!

Everyone who bought treats at our annual Bake sale held on Dec. 17, 2016 at Hutchinson Mall. $810 was raised. Thanks also to the bakers and to the woman who anonymously donated some wonderful pet blankets for us to sell.

Nancy Nackerud for once again donating the monies she received for wrapping gifts at the Hutchinson Mall in December.

Anyone who donated during 2016. We couldn’t do this without your generous gifts!

Hutchinson Health for donating $200 through their Volunteer Match program in the name of Michele Sondergaard. Hutchinson Health encourages their employees to volunteer time to their communities and recognizes their commitment of at least 25 hours of service annually. Thanks to both Hutchinson Health and Michele.

The middle school youth from Faith Lutheran, Hutchinson, who held a free-will donation car wash on July 18, 2016. Participants got a clean vehicle, along with a free cup of lemonade and the shelter received the pro-ceeds. What a great service project!

Shelley Dressen who hosted her 4th annual silent Auction event held in Silver Lake on November 5. She and her friend Cindy Patnaude, created this vendor event. They chose HMAS as the recipient because of their love of animals and the fact that Shelley had adopted a great dog from our shelter. Vendors are asked to provide a si-lent auction item or pay extra for their space. The cash raised from the auction, vendor fees and any money not used for advertising is given to HMAS. This year $428.00 was donated.

Bleach Fabric Softener Dryer Sheets Liquid Laundry Detergent

(fragrance free) Comet Cleanser Dawn Dish Soap Durable Pet Toys (Kong) Liquid Hand Sanitizer

Paper Towels 8—Inch White Cable Ties Lysol Spray Great Value Tall Kitchen Bags

(red ties) Toilet Paper Purina Cat Chow & Kitten Chow

& Canned Cat Food (5.5 oz)

Iams Weight Control Cat Food Q-Tips Pet Safe Ice Melt Ink Cartridges HP 53A & HP 12A Phone Cards Monetary Donations Always

Welcomed

Heart of Minnesota Animal Shelter Wish List

Platinum

Hutchinson Pet Hospital KDUZ McCormick Enterprises Slumberland Sorensen’s Sales & Rentals

Gold

Citizen’s Bank & Trust Hutchinson Therapeutic Massage Kim Winter—Edward Jones

Silver

AEM Mechanical Dorothy Butler—Remax Results Heintz Floor Covering, Inc. Hutchinson Dental Center Jeff Nohner—Hometown Realty Nu-Telecom

Pat Chapman—Edward Jones Stamp-n-Storage Town & Country Tire Valley Sales

Bronze

Ameriprise Financial— Marc & Michele Max Midcountry Bank Hutchinson Family Dentistry Waggin’ Tails Dog Grooming Piehl, Hanson, Beckman, P.A.

Other monetary sponsors

Russ Runck & Assoc. Schumaci & Associates State Theatre Ward Law Office

Items accepted until August 31, 2017. Call (320) 234-7375 or (320) 587-7652 for pickup. No clothing or electronics please!

Don’t forget to check out all the great deals at the sale!

When: September 8 (8 AM - 5 PM) & September 9 (8 AM - 4 PM)

Where: McLeod County Fairgrounds

Spring Cleaning???

Donations needed for our annual Rummage/Book/Bake sale

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Don’t have a pet to bring to the walk or unable to attend? Once again there’s a way to help! Sponsor one of the shelter dogs who participate. Donate $25.00 or more and we’ll send you a 4x6 picture of the pet you sponsored. Please mail form and check (made out to Heart of Minnesota Animal Shelter) by June 5, 2017 or

present at the registration table the day of the walk (all donations are tax deductible).

Name ______________________________________________________ Pledge Amount: $____________________

Street/Mailing Address ____________________________________________________________________________

City/State/Zip ________________________________________________ Phone_____________________________

What: “Paws On Parade” is our largest fundraising event. Your involvement goes beyond having a fun experience; you are saving

lives! Adoption fees cover just a portion of our budget. We need you to

make the pet walk a success! Participate on your own or as part of a team.

When: Saturday, June 10, 2017 • 9 AM: Registration (rain or shine!) ▪ $5.00 Registration Fee (also qualifies you for door prizes)

•10 AM Walk Kick-Off to 1 PM Event Conclusion (stay as long as you wish!)

Where: Commercial Building @ McLeod County Fairgrounds

(840 Century Ave, Hutchinson, MN)

Want some tips when obtaining pledges?

Set a goal.

$30 in pledges earns you a free gift.

$50 or more in pledges earns you a free gift and makes you eligible to win prizes.

$100 or more in pledges earns you a free gift, a free t-shirt, and qualifies you for prizes.

Make a personal donation. Be the first to show your commitment.

Send emails and use social media to get your message out and share your progress.

Don’t be afraid to follow up if people don’t respond. Remember to thank donors.

Ask whether your employer will match a donation.

Start a team. Reach out to your animal-loving contacts. Teams can be two or more people.

Challenge another business, a rival sports team, or your neighbor’s family! Bond over

coffee or happy hour and brainstorm how to reach your team goal.

No pet or unable to attend? Drop off your pledges or donation at Sorensen’s Sales & Rentals

(305 Adams St NE, Hutchinson) before June 5, 2017 to be eligible for prizes.

Please join us for the 19th Annual HMAS

PAWS ON PARADE BENEFIT WALK

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• Vendors

• Food

• Raffles

• Activities

• Silent Auction

• Door Prizes

• Alumni Recognition

Parade

Grand Prize: $500 Visa Gift Card (pledges of $250 or more)

2nd Prize: $150 Walmart Gift Card (pledges of $150—$249.99) 3rd Prize: $50 Casey’s Gift Card (pledges of $100—$149.99)

4th Prize: $25 Target Gift Card (pledges of $50—$99.99)

A Team award will also be presented! (teams not eligible for 1st—4th place prizes)

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HMAS Paws On Parade 2017 Pledge Form

Team or Individual Name _________________________________________________________________________

Street/Mailing 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. For additional pledge forms, please visit the shelter or look online at www.heartofminnesota.org. Make checks payable to the Heart of Minnesota Animal Shelter. All donations are tax deductible.

Sponsor Name Street/Mailing Address, City, State, Zip Pledge Amount

Grand Total: $_______________

#59

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, 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 any and all injuries which I may suffer while taking place in the walk or as a result thereof.

Signed__________________________________________________________(signature of walker, or walker’s guardian, if under 18)

#58

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Outreach Activities HMAS was pleased to be part of HYPE15’s (Young Professional Social Group) Pet Love Event, which was held February 7, 2017 at the Hutchinson Center for the Arts. The community was invited along with their pets to participate in pet-centered activities including photos, contests and paw painting. While this wasn’t a shelter sponsored event, any opportunity to interact with the pub-lic concerning our mission is always a win-win situation. Pictured are volunteers Mya and Elizabeth, who for the past two years have been involved with dog walking and kennel work with their Grandmother Peggy. The dogs they are holding were accepted into the shelter in Decem-ber 2016 and were named Mya and Elizabeth! The Chi-huahua mixes were nursed back to health by the girls and their grandmother. As of the end of March, they are still awaiting their forever home.

On February 11, 2017, The Hol-lywood Roadhouse restaurant in New Germany sponsored its 2nd annual Pet Adoption Day and HMAS was once again invited to take part. Volunteers Mary Guggemos and Faye Fandrich, took two cute kittens, Honey Crisp and Norman. As you can

see by the picture they were willingly “embraced”. In fact, Norman charmed his way into the hearts of a couple from Jordan, who then drove to the shelter in Hutchinson and adopted Sprinkles, another kitten! Beyond having animals adopted, events like this raise public awareness about HMAS. Our thanks to the owners, Lisa and Paul Joswick, for asking us to come! PS. Not to worry, Honey Crisp wasn’t left

behind…she was adopted 2/14/2017.

Happy Tails!

We adopted Twinkle Toes at the end of January and we have renamed her Molly. We are absolutely in love. She makes us laugh with her funny personality and she likes

to follow our child around and play with her. I have attached some pictures of her too. This picture is of her looking at me write this email.

She is doing great. She has her own room downstairs with her food, toys, and bed but she roams all over the house. She takes naps on our kid’s bed a lot; she seems to like her.

Thank You!

~ Amanda & Mitchell

My husband and I want to thank you all for helping bring Petey into our lives. He's a joy, a ball of energy and a ton of laughs. Petey currently thinks the cat is an interactive toy, but I'm sure she'll set him straight eventually. We look forward to obedience classes and a lot of exercise in the coming months. Thanks again. ~ Melinda

Hello everyone,

I want to thank you all so much for taking care of me while I was there in the shel-ter. It was a pretty nice place to stay while I was wait-ing to find my family. Everyone there was so nice.

I'm really happy in my new home. I haven't met the resident cats yet, but it's ok. I know if we take our time, chances are better that we will get along. I don't know what my new family is going to call me yet; they have come up with quite a long list. Mostly mom calls me little love. She wants you to be sure to tell Bill thank you for taking care of me when I was a little kitty and for helping me become such a nice cat and for bringing me to the shelter so mom and dad could find me. I will write again soon to let you know how it turns out when I meet the other cats.

Take care, Fluffy

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Heart of Minnesota Cookbook Love to cook? Got a recipe everyone raves

about? Please consider submitting it to the

HMAS cookbook project. With your help, we

hope to publish by the end of the year.

Ingredients: 1 or more unique recipes for pets or humans.

Photos welcome!

Directions:

Please drop off your recipes by August 1, 2017 at the shelter during open hours: Tuesdays and Thursdays 5-7 pm, Saturdays 1-5 pm. Or mail to HMAS, PO Box 175, Hutchinson, MN 55350.

Want to help HMAS?

What the Vet Says...Household Toxin Ingestion by Dr. Danielle Hively and Dr. Grant Williams @ Lester Prairie Vet Clinic

Household toxin ingestion is one of the most common emergencies that we see in general practice. It is important to understand what the toxin is and how it affects your pet. If your pet is exposed to ANY of these possibly toxic substances, please contact your veterinarian IMMEDIATELY as some toxins can take effect within minutes and often times be deadly.

It is imperative that your pet receives IMMEDIATE care if exposed to any of these toxins. DO NOT make your pet vomit unless directed to do so by your veterinarian.

For additional

information: Pet

Poison Hotline,

855.764.7661

Toxin/Household item Effect on your pet

Chocolate (especially dark chocolate and cocoa powder)

Rapid heart rate which can lead to heart failure

Lilies (ALL var ieties - Cats only) Rapid onset of kidney failure

NSAIDs (Aleve, Advil, Aspir in etc.) Kidney and liver failure; gastric ulcers

Blue-Green Algae (lakes, streams, ponds) Liver failure

Spring Bulbs (Tulips, Daffodil) Vomiting, diarrhea can progress to seizures

Sago Palm Liver failure

ADHD and Asthma medications Seizures, rapid heart rate, can last for DAYS

Anticoagulant rodenticide Severe bleeding leading to death

Cholecalciferol rodenticide Kidney damage leading to failure, NO antidote

Bromethalin rodenticide Seizures, NO antidote

Phosphide rodenticide Severe vomiting, seizures, NO antidote

Antidepressants (SSRIs- Zoloft, paxil, etc.) Vomiting, diarrhea, seizures

Sleep Aids (Ambien, Lunesta etc.) Depression, trouble walking, seizures

Decongestants (Clar itin-D; Sudafed-D etc.) Rapid heart rate, vomiting, diarrhea, Seizures

Heart Medications Low blood pressure; kidney and heart failure

Grapes and Raisins Kidney failure

Garlic and Onions SEVERE anemia

Antifreeze Kidney failure

Sugar-free products (containing xylitol) SEVERE low blood sugar, liver failure

Was your New Year’s resolution to exercise more and maybe spend more time with your pet? What if we

told you that you could do this and help HMAS at the same time?

Download the free “Walk for a Dog” app (available through the Apple Store and Google Play) on

your Smart phone. No pet? No problem. You can walk a virtual dog or create a dream dog. Walk

at least once a week and select HMAS to receive donations.

Please check out www.wooftrax.com if you have any questions.

In Loving Memory Of…

Benjamin Fischer from Bea Antonsen

Rob Doering from Valerie Doering

Wolfgang from Dave & Shirley Wicklund

Jim Hartl, Muffy (the dog), and Willy, Bugs & Patches (the cats) from Amy, Jeff & Jayden McKay and Barb Hartl

Tinkerbell from P.J. Thompson

Macy from Krystal Evans

Taylor Marie Lepel and Kensington from Taylor Marie Lepel Memorial Fund

Molly Cat from Larry Graf & Sherry Connaughty- Graf

Mars from David Vogt

Jack Kirsch from Karen Forslin from Pat Kirsch

Flash and Sassy from Donn and Pam Hoffman

Our dear sweet Megan from Linda Kelly

Betty Smith from Cheryl & Rick Loge & Chloe

Buster from Jim and Robin Young

Lady and Nikki from Allen and Carol Swenson

Sadie from Paul and Carolyn Lind

Jerry Bell from Pamela Davis

Sheila and Sadie from ReNaye & Heavy Bohnen

Peg Hagen from Gloria Ruzicka

Joel Anderson from American Legion Post 209 Cokato from Men’s Bible Study Group-First

Baptist Church, Cokato, MN from Jennifer Fernjack from Catherine Jackson from Deborah Norine from Delue & Mary Grams from Rebecca Benoit & John Peterson from Betty Anderson from Chad & Suzanne Tschimperle

Rachel Danberg from Linda Ponsford

Parker from Laura Kuvaas

Mavrik for being a great friend to Michele, Wendi & McKenna from Jack & Roberta Yates

Maureen Hantge from Robert & Richard Hantge

Poppy from Dan & Kathy Scheer

Mark from R.J. & Joanne Keilen

Jon Helmbrecht from Jay & Brenda Scheer

Augusta and William from Dorothy Welch PHD

Steve Fischer from Bev Sletten

Delores Saar from Hugo & Lois Rusch from Larry & Barb Sorensen from Val & Bea Rukavina from Jim Zdrazil from Jeanne Heitz

Jake, Hodge, Bobby, Sam, Milo, Spot, Spike, Chopper Nething from Clyde & Barb Peterson

Val Fimon from Jeff Nohner

In Honor Of…

Melvin Ahlbrecht from Linda Klitzke

Mr. Kitty from Dan & Kathy Scheer

Scruffy and Snickers from Donn & Pam Hoffman

Nala from Kristine Larsson and Harland Snodgrass

Buffy from Julie Briggs

Roger Nieland from Stacey Nemec

Socs (now Maddy) from Brian and Cynthia Lauer as a holiday gift for Robb Lauer

Mikko & Jessi from Rich & Wendy Hantge

David & Leah Trimbo from Scott & Kay Haag

Peg Clouda and Brian Cherry from Kathryn Hultgren

Animal Medical Center from Dan & Kathy Scheer

Cory’s 4th Birthday from Ann Coates

K. Antonson from Arland & Avis Johnson

Cally from Dan & Kathy Scheer

HMAS Volunteers from Dan & Kathy Scheer

Your Name:____________________________________________________________________________________

Street/Mailing Address: ___________________________________________________________________________

City, State, Zip: __________________________________________________Phone: _________________________

(Please circle one)

In Memory / Honor / Donation Of: __________________________________________________________________

Donation Amount Enclosed: $_________________ #60

Memorials

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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Honorariums

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 #61

/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: