SAVE THE DATES!

April 6-7: Photos with the Easter Bunny (Runnings in Hutchinson)

May 18: “Paws on Parade” Pet Walk

June 22: Bean Bag Tourney (Bobbing Bobbers

Brewery) & Comedy Show (Crow River Winery)

June 23 & Oct 13: MNSNAP

Sept 20-21: Rummage Sale (fairgrounds)

Twenty Years of Second Chances by Anthony Anderberg

Some animals are lucky - they live their whole lives with one family that loves them and never have to wonder where they're going to sleep or if they're going to have a good next

meal. Other animals aren't so lucky and have many different homes throughout their lives or sometimes no home at all. In some ways the real purpose of animal shelters like ours is to help give those animals a second chance to find the home and love they all deserve.

Many times in addition to helping the animals in our care, we are also helping the people that

have been part of their lives. Circumstances and resources change as people transition from one phase of life to another, and sometimes having a pet or caring for a neighborhood stray is no longer possible. Having resources like an animal shelter in their community helps relieve

the burden these families experience during difficult transitions.

Every animal we see has their own unique story: the streetwise old stray cat who decides to try indoor life with a friendly person, the young dog who gets distracted chasing a squirrel and can't find its way home, the orphaned kitten trying to survive by catching grasshoppers

and drinking rainwater, and the large rambunctious dog who isn't able to settle into life in a new apartment. As different as the stories are, they all have one thing in common - animals trying their best to cope with events beyond their control and humans trying their best to give them every chance to thrive.

With your help over the past twenty years we've been able to give more than seven thousand

animals a second chance at life and love. Thank you for helping us help them.

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 Spring 2019

2018 Year in Review

On December 15, 2018, we welcomed our 7,000th animal. Found as a stray in rural Litchfield, “Greta” called HMAS home for just over a month before being adopted. She is just one of the 268 cats and 86 dogs we assisted during the year.

This year we partnered with PetSmart in Hutchinson to have an on-site display of up to six cats every day at the store with dogs being presented on designated days. This effectively

expands our hours and increases the potential of having animals adopted; in fact during the last three months of the year, more than 90 cats found their forever home. Our

counselors facilitate the PetSmart adoptions and HMAS receives all fees. But fees only cover about 30% of our operating budget.

To pay for improvements like the air-conditioner upgrade for the cat building, we must fundraise and rely on donations.

Please be generous when considering contributions. There are many ways to give, including cash, supplies, postage, distributions from your IRA, donation of stocks, and by

attending our events!

HMAS

2019-2020

Officers and Board Members

Officers

President Anthony Anderberg

Vice President Juli Baumetz

Secretary Linda Anderberg

Treasurer Jody Hoff

Board Denise Hamilton

Tom Jones Larry Karg

Marilyn Laine Scott Lang Jeff Nohner Julie Olson

Amy Solinger Larry Sorenson

Newsletter Committee

Corinne Higgins Anne Anderson

MN140185

2018 Statistics (January-December)

Adoptions/Claims: Total: 354

268 cats 86 dogs

Strays: 231 Surrenders: 61 Transfers: 28

Greta

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“Tanks” a Million to...

The 3M volunteer match program for contributing $1750 in recognition for the more than 1,200 hours of service by the following volunteers: Sheryl Danks, Jason Bonnema, Delue Grams, Cassie Kirchoff, Wanda Rath & Bonnie Weltsch.

Vivid Image, Inc. for donating $250.00 (Community Involvement & Service grant dollars) for Danielle Vander Ploeg’s service to HMAS.

Hutchinson Area Health Care’s gift of $250 in the name of Michelle Sondergaard for 25 or more hours of volunteerism.

McKimm Milk Transit Inc. for providing storage space for our rummage sale items.

Locher Bros., Miller Brewing, and Minnesota Municipal Beverage Association for sponsor ing the October 2018, supply drive at the Liquor Hutch. More than $800 was collected from generous patrons along with needed supplies.

Ohana Photography (Jen Engles) for her great camera skills and patience in taking Santa/Grinch pictures in December and Easter Bunny pictures in April.

Runnings (Hutchinson) for hosting our “Pictures with Santa/Grinch” and the upcoming Easter Bunny Pictures. Thank you for graciously moving displays and all your assistance.

Glencoe Silver Lake Cast and Crew of the Fall 2018 Musical “Cats” for selling cat headbands during performances and donating the proceeds to HMAS.

Grades 3 and 5 from St. Anastasia Catholic School and the residents of Eucumen Oaks for making dog treats and donating them to the shelter.

Everyone who bought items or par ticipated in the following fund raising events:

Photos with Santa and the Grinch at Runnings Bake and Dog treat sale at Hutchinson Mall Photos with the Grinch at Hutchinson Mall GSL “Cats” Fall Musical cat headband sale

Because of your generous support, more than $5,000 was raised and we were able to upgrade the air-conditioning system for the cat building. We really have some “cool” cats now!

All the marvelous bakers and special thanks to

Scott Cox, who manned the tables at the Bake/Dog treat sale the week before Christmas every day from

open to close. Also to Amy Solinger who spent her vacation organizing, baking, and selling!

We can’t fulfill our mission without your support. Each time a business,

organization or individual donates money, products, or time, it makes a difference to animals like

“Tank” (#6777 pictured at left). We salute those who help HMAS!

Thank you to the 2019 Paws on Parade Sponsors!*

Platinum

Hutchinson Pet Hospital James & Jeanne Simmons McCormick Enterprises Richard Larson Sorensen Sales & Rentals

Silver

AEM Mechanical Services Ameriprise—Marcus Max Cen Bank Heintz Floor Covering, Inc. Home State Bank Hometown Realty—Jeff Nohner Remax Results—Dorothy Butler Stamp-n-Storage

Gold

Citizen’s Bank & Trust Hutchinson Therapeutic Massage

Center James Young & Associates, LTD Katie Payne New Era Financial—Shad Ketcher Bronze

Hutchinson Dental Center Hutchinson Family Dentistry P.A. Piehl, Hanson, Beckman, P.A. SouthPoint Financial Credit Union Town & Country Tire Waggin’ Tails Dog Grooming * received as of 3/15/2019

HMAS will once again host our HUGE INDOOR Rummage, Book and Bake sale on September 20

and September 21, 2019, (please note this a different weekend than in past years) at the McLeod County Fair Grounds. But to make this event successful, we need your stuff! We accept gently used items, but please, no clothing or electronics. Donations cannot be received at the shelter so please call 320-582-0109 for assistance.

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Don’t have a pet to bring to the walk or unable to attend? You can still participate! Sponsor one of the shelter dogs. Donate $25.00 or more and we’ll send you a 4x6 picture of the pet you help sponsor. Please mail form and check (made out to Heart of Minnesota Animal Shelter) by May 14, 2019 or present at the

registration table the day of the walk (donations tax deductible to the extent of the law).

Name ______________________________________________________ Pledge Amount: $____________________

Street/Mailing Address ____________________________________________________________________________

City/State/Zip ________________________________________________ Phone_____________________________

Help HMAS celebrate our 20th Anniversary

by participating in our annual

“Paws on Parade” Benefit Walk!

We can’t continue our mission of caring for animals and providing adoption services without your

support. Our success depends on your pledges! Participate as an individual or as part of a team.

Come with or without a pet for a great time!

When: Saturday, May 18, 2019 (Rain or Shine!) • 9 AM: Registration

▪ Free Admission—Pledges encouraged!

•10 AM: Walk Kick-Off & Silent Auction/Raffles Open

•1 PM: Event Conclusion (stay as long as you wish!) * Cash and checks accepted at the event

Where: Agribition Building @ McLeod County

Fairgrounds (840 Century Ave, Hutchinson, MN)

Bring in pledges totaling $50 or more: Receive a “S”WAG Bag.

Raise $100: Receive a ‘S’WAG bag, 2019 Paws on Parade T-Shirt & be eligible for prizes. (Upon reaching designated pledge amounts, your name will be entered in the appropriate prize drawing bucket(s)!)

“Can we go to the HMAS Pet Walk? Can we? Oh please, can we?

I’ll help with getting the pledges—who can resist these beautiful puppy eyes?

It’ll be so much fun and best of all, we’ll be making a difference for animals in need.”

If you are unable to attend the walk, you can drop off your pledges or donations at

Sorensen's Sales & Rentals (305 Adams St. NE, Hutchinson), before May 14, 2019,

and still be eligible for prizes!

First Prize: $300 Gift Card (pledges of $300 or more) Second Prize: $200 Gift Card (pledges of $200—$299.99)

Third Prize: $100 Gift Card (pledges of $150—$199.99)

Fourth Prize: $50 Gift Card (pledges of $100—$149.99)

Top individual fundraiser: $50 prize

Top team also receives prize (not eligible for 1st-4th prizes).

#85

Indoor Vendors

Food

Silent Auction/

Raffles

Games &

Entertainment

Photographer

Bake sale for pets

and humans

Chances to win

great prizes!

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HMAS Paws On Parade 2019 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. Donations may be tax deductible.

#87

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)

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

#86

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Dental Health in Dogs and Cats by Stephanie Deneke, D.V.M. Hutchinson Pet Hospital

Dental health is one of the most important aspects of caring for your pet. There are several things that can be done to prevent advanced dental disease as your pet ages. It is estimated that at least two-thirds of all dogs and cats have significant dental changes by the age of three.

Dental disease progresses over time and the terminology can be confusing. Plaque is the first level of dental disease of the mouth. It forms from layers of naturally occurring bacteria in the mouth. As this layer of plaque remains on the surface of the teeth it thickens, hardens, and mineralizes into tartar. Tartar expands and pushes into the gumline of your pet which causes inflammation of the gums known as gingivitis. Over time, gingivitis causes loosening and infection of the teeth known as periodontal disease. All levels of disease can be the reason pets with untreated dental disease have pain, bad breath, and/or missing teeth.

There are a number of simple and inexpensive things to do at home to keep your pet’s mouth healthy and happy. 1) Feed a hard kibble diet, preferably one that is approved by the VOHC (Veterinary Oral Health Council) to reduce

plaque build up as your pet eats. 2) Consider a water additive to minimize the bacteria in your dog or cat’s mouth. It is very important the additive be

approved by the VOHC. 3) Consider occasional use of VOHC approved dental chews/treats (i.e. Greenies dental chews) proven to help reduce

plaque build-up. These supplements should be used sparingly and according to package recommendations to minimize the chance of upsetting your pet’s stomach and/or causing excess weight gain.

4) Offer appropriate chew toys. Some chews commonly sold at local pet stores can be quite harmful. A chew toy that is too hard can lead to fractured teeth or mouth sores (not to mention they can be harmful if swallowed). An appropriate chew for your pet should have some slight give or bend but not be easily broken apart so it is swallowed in large pieces. Avoid real bones, horse hooves, antlers, and strong nylon bones.

5) Brush at home. One of the most effective things you can do to decrease your dog or cat’s dental disease is to brush daily. This usually requires some training to get them used to the process. The first step is to spend 30-60 seconds a few times a day massaging and handling the muzzle and face. Once they accept that handling well, it is time to start lifting the lips and touching the teeth for a few seconds a few times a day. After they have accepted having you touch the teeth, introduce a finger brush or canine toothbrush and do the same handling for short sessions a few times each day. The last step is to introduce a pet friendly toothpaste. It is important to NEVER use human toothpaste as it is not safe to swallow and can make your cat or dog ill. Over time, as your pet will tolerate, increase the length of the brushing sessions until you are able to brush all teeth once a day.

Even with spectacular home dental care, most cats and dogs will require professional dental cleanings with their veterinarian. Cleanings will be recommended by your veterinarian at their annual check-up. Pre-anesthetic bloodwork will likely be recommended because general anesthesia will be used for the procedure. Once your pet is under anesthesia, a full mouth exam will be performed looking for infection, tooth fractures, and abnormalities in the teeth. A full set of x-rays should be taken to check the health of the tooth roots and surrounding area. If advanced problems are found, the most likely recommendation will be extraction of painful or infected teeth. After all infected or diseased teeth have been addressed, all remaining teeth will be scaled to remove tartar on the teeth. Then all teeth will be polished to remove any microscopic scratches that were made when removing the tartar. If this step is not performed, future plaque build-up will occur more quickly. This is one of the reasons that having your pets’ teeth scaled while they are awake is not recommended. Excess wiggling causes excess scratches and excess future dental disease. After the procedure your pet will be sent home with any necessary medications for pain and/or infection. Follow-up dental care at home is the best way to reduce the number of future professional cleanings needed.

With the right care, you can keep your cat or dog smiling and happy!

Comedy Benefit Rescheduled

Due to a major winter storm, the March comedy event was rescheduled to June 22, 2019. Time and venue are the same. Purchased tickets will be honored. If you cannot attend on the new date, please message the shelter’s

Facebook page for a refund. Please provide the buyer’s name and number of tickets purchased and you will receive your refund in 2-3 business days.

If you haven’t bought tickets yet, you can until June 6, 2019!

• Show with appetizers and a drink = $45 • Show only = $35

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Spotlight on Volunteers! Meet...

Virgene Shellenbarger

Virgene started fostering cats about 12 years ago, actually adopting the first cat she fostered. She enjoys working with the more challenging cats. But as she acknowledges, “You can’t keep them all.” Fostering is important for shelter animals. It helps prepare animals for adoption by giving them a chance to live in a home where they can express their personality, work to overcome fears, recover from trauma, or simply give them a respite from shelter life. As noted by an adoption counselor, “Virgene and her family are one of the Kitty Kastle’s most treasured and compassionate foster families.”

In addition to fostering, Virgene, as supervisor of the Liquor Hutch, has organized an annual supply drive for HMAS. Customers drop off treats, food, cleaning items, along with cash for the donation jar. This past October marked the fifth anniversary of this event. Throughout her years of service, Virgene’s motivation has remained the same-to help the animals that can’t help themselves.

Jack and Roberta Yates –you have our profound thanks!

Since HMAS was founded in 1999, Jack and Roberta have been devoted volunteers.

They worked tirelessly over the years, both serving as officers and board members, attending meetings, spending hours fundraising, serving as adoption counselors, event organizers, and doing whatever was needed to help the shelter. Roberta put on many,

many miles canvassing for rummage sale items to make the annual sale the success it has been. Jack and his golf cart were a fixture at the pet walk, providing rides for tired pets and performing the necessary clean up duty. They will be missed. We wish them

all the best as they enjoy the adventure known as retirement. We’re certain some other lucky organization will benefit from their dedication and expertise!

We’re always looking for volunteers. Orientation is held monthly (check our Facebook page for dates). Come and learn all the ways you can help the shelter. It’ll do your (Heart) of Minnesota good!

Happy Tails!

We love featuring our HMAS “alumni”. This time these stories are a bit different but so worth telling!

Angel’s Christmas Miracle Angel first came to the shelter in June 2017, pregnant

with three kittens. She spent the next eight months at HMAS. She was adopted, returned, adopted and then came back to the shelter as a stray in November 2018. But being diagnosed with mammary tumors, (which are preventable if the cat is spayed before six months of age), meant Angel needed an expensive medical procedure. Enter Angel’s

own angel, Amy Penaz, who successfully mounted an on-line campaign to raise the necessary $1500 for the surgery. So thank you, Amy and anyone who donated to give this beautiful cat the “Happy Tail” she so deserved. After her recovery, Angel was adopted in January 2019.

“Life with Buster” from Gabrielle Strong

Our family has always had a big yellow lab or shepherd mix for as long as I can remember. We brought Buster home from your shelter in 2007. He was 11 months old and had been adopted and brought back a couple of times because he was just too ‘hyper’ for town living. Well, he made the

perfect ranch dog for us. The best trail dog ever. Loved his horses and they loved him. He was the leader of our 3 dog pack. His smile is what brought us to your shelter when we saw his photo online. A few weeks ago our vet came out to help us say goodbye to Buster and humanely put him down after a short battle with an aggressive tumor we discovered in September. This is a photo of him in late September resting during our last trail ride together at Beaver Falls Park, a favorite spot for him where he loved to swim in the creek. Thank you for bringing dogs like Buster to people who will love them. We will miss him dearly. I thought your team would appreciate knowing that their efforts truly make a difference for dogs like Buster.

Pearl from Randall & Julie Birchem

Alex, Midnight, & Cally from Dan & Kathy Scheer

My cousin, Michelle Schierman, from Mark Ostrum

Lucy Smykalski from Pat & Jessica Chapman

Phedon Wynne Anderson from Angela Christensen from Cynthia Christensen

Lacey Mae from Rhonda Binder

Julianne Tupa from family & friends

Suzie and Beau from Jim & Jeanne Simmons

Molly Cat from Larry Graf & Sherry Connaughty-Graf

Tukkar from Linda Detlefsen

Carson from Paul Blade

Dale Koebnick from Gloria Ruzicka from Butch & Luanne Kroeger

Bolshoi (Tyrone) from Karen de Boer & Robert Farrell

Mary Ann Shaw from Darrel Beste

Bebe & Wayne from Sheryl Luckemeyer

Chica & Girlie from Jamie DeWitte

Murphy (Rusty) from Doug & Lynda Wagoner

Jolene Ellsworth from Randee Laskewitz

Sage from Charee Russell

Wheezer from Dr. Cris & Linda Remucal

Eva Klawitter from Sue Marx

My son, Jeremy Thiel, from Chuck Thiel

Hulda Hoff from Amber Plath

Dave Wicklund from Shirley Wicklund

Elizabeth Slepica from her coworkers at Carver County

Jean & Bill Kuchera from Michael & Margaret Kuchera

My mother, Lorraine Meyer and her beloved cat, Oatmeal from Sandie Haugen

Bella & Cooper from Ronda Anderson

Larry Klitzke from his family

Leonard & Dolores Lewandowski from Mark Lewandowski

Bailey & Dakota from Mary Seekon

Tamra Prytle from Meristem Family Wealth, LLC

Linda Peck from Millerbernd Manufacturing Co.

Al Pulkrabek from Jeff Nohner from James & Mary Christensen

Mark Kurtzweg from Jeff Nohner

Frank Fay from Jeff Nohner

Delores Lewandowski from Jeff Nohner

Ernie Kuester from Jeff Nohner

Tom Helland from Jeff Nohner

Norma Totushek from Jeff Nohner

Ruth Allen from James & Mary Christensen

Dusty from Dan Scheer

Bill Hochsprung from Butch and Luanne Kroeger

Dean Mundahl from Jay & Brenda Scheer

Mark Kurtzweg from Jay & Brenda Scheer

Verna Barnes from Jay & Brenda Scheer

Your Name:____________________________________________________________________________________

Street/Mailing Address: ___________________________________________________________________________

City, State, Zip: __________________________________________________Phone: _________________________

(Please circle one)

In Memory / Honor / Donation Of: __________________________________________________________________

Donation Amount Enclosed: $_________________ #88

Tributes: Memorials—in recognition of a loving bond (received October 2018—March 8, 2019)

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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Lucy from Dan & Kathy Scheer

Trixie from David & Leah Trimbo

Mandy from Donna Kieper

Jolee Beneke’s Bir thday from Mary & Delue Grams

Angie DeMeyer from Don DeMeyer

Flemming Family from Judy Flemming

Molly Trosen from Judy Flemming

Kayla Ann Williams-Schwarze from Gayle K. Schwarze

Fritz-the best cat ever from Karen Forslin

HMAS volunteers from Dan & Kathy Scheer

Sage from Deborah Zanish

Peg Klouda from Kay Hultgren

Rebecca Benoit & Jack Peterson from Joshua Peterson

Mikko & Jessi from Rich and Wendy Hantge

Macy & Ellie from Mary Seekon

Leah & David from Scott and Kay Haag

Donations in honor of:

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 #89

/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: