Wags and Whiskers. By Ken Markert, Board President

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1 PARK COUNTY ANIMAL SHELTER Wags and Whiskers THINK BIG We have had opportuni es in the past to think big. In 1990, a group of people conceived of crea ng an animal welfare organiza on for Park County. In 1999, they thought even bigger and built a substan al shelter that has served the county for the past 13 years. And now, we have some more thinking to do. Overcrowding and capacity limits are a problem at the Shelter. It seems more o en than not, we are at or near our limit for felines. This causes the staff to restrict Shelter admissions and we cannot help every cat or ki en that needs help. Furthermore, the quality of the feline housing is a problem. We have a nice facility for adult cats that includes the "free roaming room" and the adjoining outdoor cat area. However, the rest of our space for cats and ki ens is very inadequate. The worst part is the cage room where we have about 36 small cages. In these cages, we keep felines that cannot go in the free roaming room for various reasons such as they are not spayed or neutered yet, have colds or other contagion, or have behavioral reasons that require separa on. The American Society of Shelter Veterinarians suggests that housing felines long term in these small cages, as we do, is inhumane. December 2013 By Ken Markert, Board President We also lack properly separated areas for feline intake and quaran ne. When cats and ki ens are first brought to the Shelter, they should be separated from the rest of the popula on to avoid spreading disease un l it is clear they are okay. We do the best we can in this regard, but we have recurring epidemics of upper respiratory infec ons that spread through the Shelter. We also had a ringworm outbreak in the last few years. The Shelter's design and construc on makes it difficult to deal with these situa ons. We have a similar, although less acute problem with intake and quaran ne of canines. We have no separated kennel space for new arrivals. We also have waste troughs that run from one kennel to the next, which can facilitate disease transmission. All animals are vaccinated when they first arrive at the Shelter and the staff does the best they can to separate canines as needed. But the poten al for the spread of disease is accentuated by the lack of appropriate facili es. As with the felines, overcrowding in the dog kennels occurs. But fortunately, we reach our limits with dogs less o en than with cats. But it does happen and it is difficult to turn dogs away. Overcrowding can equate to euthanasia as dogs we turn away face uncertain futures. Con nued on page 3 Something for the Amazon Addicts! We always like to shop locally when we can; our local businesses are great supporters of the shelter. But we also understand that lots of people like to shop Amazon, so we were excited when we stumbled upon another way to raise funds for the shelter. If you shop Amazon, all you have to do is go through FUNDINCO and the shelter gets a percentage of each purchase! You can access Fundinco in two different ways. You can go to fundinco.org and enter Park County Animal Shelter where it says Find your Organization, or there is a link on our webpage! The link is: orghome.php?orgid=897 Happy shopping!

2 Page 2 CALENDAR OF EVENTS & PAST FUNDRAISERS WE ARE COMBINING THE MEMBERSHIP AND BOARD MEETINGS ON THE THIRD THURSDAY OF EVERY MONTH. Membership meeting starts at 5:30 pm. For the present time we will be meeting in the Grizzly Room at the Library. To all the businesses that purchased ads to help cover the expense of this newsletter. Shelter Manager Brittany can be heard every Thursday on the Eagle Radio Station with Bobby Rock at 8:40 am. Tune in! Pet Depot Adopt-a-Thon December 7th Stop by the Pet Depot and see some of our available pets for adoption. Sponsored by Greg at the Pet Depot. Membership Meeting Dec. 19th 5:30 pm in the Grizzly Room at the Cody Library. Ken at k.r.markert@gmail.com if you want to be on the list for the meetings. Jack Russell & Corgi Races Jan. 17th 6:30 pm at the Cody Cattle Company Get your admission and raffle tickets for the 4th annual Jack Russell and Corgi Races. Early purchase enters you in a drawing for 2 prizes provided by Juniper Wine and Spirits. Contact PCAS Board members to purchase tickets. Contact May Whitmore at to donate items for the silent auction. PAST FUNDRAISERS Tails and Trails 5k Run/Walk Aug. 17th This fun event is growing each year. Sponsores were WPH (Dick Smith), Ann and Alan Simpson, Big Horn Foot Clinic (Dr. Hugh Frazier), Ed and Mary Whitmore, Fire Works Factory, Lelani Snyder and Stephanie Stockhill. The Shelter received $250. Much more was raised and the event sponsors decided to invest in equipment needed for future races. Encore 50% Off Sale Sept. 14th The PCAS, the Buffalo Bill Center of the West and Yellowstone Behavioral Health Center receive the proceeds from these sales of gently used fine clothing. Over the past two years PCAS has received more than $8,000 from this volunteer group. Our sincere thanks to them! Animal Shelter Benefit Concert Oct. 13th Heartfelt thanks to Hope and Lloyd Sheets, their daughters Lori and Lisa, Jenni Zink, Francie Audier, Craig Olson and Ed Martin for sharing their musical talents. This concert raised $335 for the Shelter. Pet Photo with Santa November 9th The photo shoot was held at The Barn. The event is co-sponsored by the Wyoming Basset Hound Rescue and PCAS. This year there were 48 sittings, much more than in the past few years. The dogs ranged from Great Danes to Chihuahuas. More than $600 was divided between the 2 organizations after expenses. Thanks go to volunteers Holly Moen, Mary Schock, Gerry Patterson and Dawn Day. Holiday Craft Fair November 23rd The PCAS had a booth with many items donated by volunteers, including homemade dog and cat treats, and sewed homemade dog and cat toys. Mary Jo Hardy made a very special painted pie carrier that was raffled off. $1,512 was raised from craft sales and $557 from raffle tickets. Adoptions Dogs/Puppies Cats/Kittens Sept Oct 3 17 Nov 12 9 Currently in the Shelter: 14 Dogs/Puppies 53 Cats/Kittens 6 cats & 7 dogs are in foster care

3 Page 3 PCAS STAFF Brittany Vaughn Shelter Manager Kayla Pooler Assistant Manager Polly Churma Vet Tech Patrick Caldwell Angie Edwards Nan Santos Jessica Zeller PCAS BOARD MEMBERS Ken Markert Pres. David Burke, VP Andy Whiteman, Sec. Jan Riley, Treasurer Bettye Dominick Jerri Sperry Mary Schock Joyce Cicco Think BIG con nued from page 1 Earlier this year, a small repair project led to the discovery of mold in the walls of the kennel facility. The situa on has been professionally evaluated. We know now that the en re indoor kennel area, the largest single part of the Shelter, needs remedial work soon. We have been trying to priori ze our many needs and figure out what we can do about our building and site needs. Funding for extensive improvements is always an issue for PCAS and tends to inhibit "thinking big". That has changed within the last year. First, our annual fundraising for Shelter opera on was extremely strong last fall. That has given us a cushion, allowing us to run the Shelter without constantly worrying whether we can keep the doors open month to month. Next, two donors gave PCAS major gi s specifically for major renova ons or new construc on. The first gi of $20,000 is now allowing us to plan and design the major improvements that will be funded (at least in part) by the second gi, a pledge of $18,000 per year for 17 years. Now we are star ng to think big about how we can be er serve the many homeless animals of Park County. You will hear more about this in the coming months. This past year has been a good one for PCAS, as we have turned from stabilizing our situa on a er the difficult events of to moving forward to more fully accomplishing our mission. Please stay involved in this. Your volunteer efforts and financial contribu ons make it all possible! Park County Animal Shelter August Spay/Neuter Clinic On August 22nd & 23rd, PCAS held a day and a half spay/neuter clinic at the Cody National Guard Armory. 82 dogs and 145 cats were fixed. To date PCAS clinics have helped 1137 dogs and cats. These clinics are funded by grants and donations. Our goal is to reduce unwanted pets in Park County. We target low income families who need help getting their pets spayed/neutered and vaccinated for rabies. We also help individuals who care for feral cat colonies. Spay and Neuter Clinics make a difference. Statistics show that one un-spayed female cat and one un-neutered male cat and their offspring can produce 420,000 kittens in 7 years. We sincerely thank our sponsors, donors, and volunteers. Your support is improving the lives of dogs and cats and helps to reduce pet overpopulation in Park County. If you would like to support our clinics, please make your donations payable to PCAS Spay/Neuter Fund and mail to PCAS, PO Box 203, Cody WY % of your donation goes to the cost of spay/neuter surgeries. MANY THANKS to Sean DeNamur of Sean DeNamur Designs, 1191 Sheridan Ave., and to his associate Devon-Wolfe Chavez. Sean donated over two hours to the Shelter, writing detailed and knowledgable descriptions of the jewelry we received from the Petersen estate. This will enable us to list the items on Ebay, and hopefully get top dollar for the pieces. Thanks again, Sean, we couldn't have done it without you!

4 Page 4 Managers Corner Small Acts of Kindness Equal Big Impact By Brittany Vaughn According to Petfinder.com, about 40% of dog owners, and 37% of cat owners hang stockings for their furry friends during the holidays. I know I am among this statistic, and I take full advantage of the holiday spirit to spoil my pets. The shelter animals are fortunate enough to also be spoiled during this time of year, thanks to all of the generous donations that we receive from the locals. Thinking of full stockings reminds me that many people (and animals) do have empty stockings. When we were growing up, my parents used to read the Empty Stockings section of the Billings Gazette to my brother and me. The stories were about people and their children who had pretty minimal holidays, and who were thankful for things that we often took for granted: a new pair of socks, or a single toy for Christmas was the highlight of their holiday season. My parents read these to us as a reminder of how blessed we really are. Many of us take this time of year and all that it brings for granted. Having been a part of the shelter for the last year, I have been reminded how much difference we can really make. Even the smallest donation can make such a significant impact in the life of a person, or in our case, a homeless animal. You may not realize how much you can improve the life of an animal simply by donating a toy, or a cleaning product, or food. Even the smallest monetary donation will improve their lives while they await their forever homes. So while you are enjoying the holiday season with your loved ones, please consider how you can help improve the lives of our wonderful animals at the shelter. SHELTER HAPPENINGS Eric Berg and his committee of volunteers Brittany and Kayla-- have finished the outside painting of the Shelter and storage shed. Sean Jensen from Jensen Plumbing checked out the heating system and so far every thing seems to be ready for the cold winter months. Shelter Manager, Brittany Vaughn and the new Animal Control Officer, Jennifer Morris have been visiting the students of the Cody Schools and giving presentations regarding care and control of animals in the City of Cody. The Shelter would like to thank all the businesses in Cody that have allowed us to put the dog and cat banks in their businesses and all of you who have put your dollars and cents into the banks. This year to date, we have deposited more than $4,826 dollars from these banks and have not yet made the deposit for December. We are running ahead of our 2012 deposits, so thank-you all for your donations. If a business is interested in having a bank, please contact Gerry at Jerry Kincaid has offered Dawn Day a storage shed for the next 6 months. She will be able to have a storage space for the items collected for the next spring garage sale at the Sage Creek Community Club. This is a donation in valued at $450 to the PCAS. Thank you Jerry for this great offer to benefit the PCAS. Dr. Mark Shane, D.C. conducted a toy and treat drive for the animals at the Shelter for an extra Christmas benefit during the month of November. Thank you Dr. Shane for thinking of our family at the Shelter. In addition to the donations already received from the Peterson Estate, we have received notice that another $20,000 will be given to the Park County Animal Shelter in an additional distribution. Besides a sizeable donation two years ago, this estate has given the Shelter some very beautiful jewelry. The board has decided to sell the jewelry on e-bay. Any one interested please check this out. There will also be ads in reference to this in our local newspapers.

5 Page 5 The Shelter is open to the public from 12:00-5:30 pm everyday except Sundays Website parkcountyanimalshelter.com manager@parkcountyanimalshelter.com We are also on Facebook SEND MAIL TO: PO BOX 203 CODY, WY Adopting a Pet There are many loving pets available at the Shelter. They have been neutered or spayed (if age appropriate). And have received their first series of shots. A free veterinarian visit is included with participating vets. Adoption Fees are: $35 for a Cat $50 for a Dog over 5 years old $75 for a Dog under 5 years old You don t have to be a Park County resident to adopt a pet. Stop by the Shelter at 5537 Greybull Hwy. We are open everyday from 12:00 5:30 pm, except Sundays. Volunteers Needed To all animal lovers, young and old. We are in need of volunteers to help with - Dog Walking and Socializing Cleaning the Shelter Petting the dogs, cats and kittens If you are interested or have questions or concerns please call the Shelter and talk to Brittany. Thank you for all your help with our critters! PCAS WISH LIST: Walmart cat litter Purina dry kitten chow Dog and cat treats and toys Bleach Liquid HE laundry soap (perfume free) Paper Towels Hand sanitizer 30 gallon heavy duty black garbage bags Dishwashing gloves Liquid hand soap & dish soap 13 gallon white garbage bags We Appreciate our Volunteers! Alex Mitchell Linda Sparrow Terry Sparrow Jim Shapple Connie Moore Taminie Wagner Mary Keffer Shannon Smith Holly Moen Mary Whitmore Gerry Patterson Doug Blough Dawn Day Mary Jo Hardy Linda Kolak Becky Ransom Jessica Cross Kelsey Brown Carla Fortunato Connie Lockwood Jean Crutchfield Shana White Leigh Dvarkshkis Eric Berg Jane Zubia Frank Mallon Todd Currier Hudson Schledewitz Adelle Ostrom Meg Sommers Lynn Entwisle Niel Markert THANKS TO ALL WHO DONATED ITEMS TO SELL AT THE CRAFT FAIR Alice Flyr Barb Kneer Becky Reavis Becky Walsh Bonnie Williams C.J. Accornero Connie Moore Connie Ryan McKenna Dana Webster Dotty Kehoe Gerry Patterson Ginger Dager Jan Hoar Jan Jackson Jan Riley Jean Crutchfield Jerri Sperry Kaki Steves Karen Anderson (Dinnerbelle) Karen George Leigh Dvarishkis Linda Kolak Linda Straub Martha Vanoni Mary Jo Hardy Mary Schock Mary Whitmore Myrna Stadtfeld Polly Churma Shannon Smith Taminie Wagner Tasa Brost Tiffany Stebbins Vernice Myers Vieune Revolinski

6 Page 6 Christmas Pet Miracles by Doug Blough My friend recently received the ultimate early Christmas gift one that keeps on giving. Via the slightly-altered lyrics of a classic Christmas Carole, I ll give you a hint: On the eleventh day of Christmas, my true love sent to me: eleven pipers piping, ten lords a-leaping, nine puppies prancing and a cat stuck in a pear tree. I don t know what ten lords a-leaping look like, but I saw nine St. Bernard puppies crawling on top of one another, whimpering for Mama to return for another feeding. It was almost too precious for words. Even though I was the only one in the house at the time, that universal sound, Ahhh sprung from my smiling lips. That s the thing about puppies, kittens, and just animals in general: they make even the saddest among us brighten and smile involuntarily. A never-fail formula is to combine the Christmas season, the elderly and a puppy; suddenly teeth (or dentures) appear out of nowhere. Smiles and pets are synonymous. Years ago, I and a couple other PCAS volunteers occasionally took shelter dogs to the Long-Term Care Center. It s something I need to start doing again, because I never left that hospital without feeling much happier and content than when I went in. I vividly remember a December birthday celebration there, when I took Freckles, a white, spotty-eared, lab puppy and Robert Mitchell took Lucky, a Shar Pei he then adopted. When those precious oldsters saw Freckles prancing to their wheelchairs, you could almost literally hear blood pressures dropping and the will to live growing. When I paraded Freckles in front of the female singing group, the Chorales, they quit singing, began smiling and making those Ahhh sounds. All the evidence is in: the health and morale benefits of animals is undeniable, and there s nothing more rewarding than a holiday pet miracle. One I remember was a Christmas week when two shelter employees were visiting a certain, special kitty. Jaki said to Jere, I just wish Ginny could get out of this cage. Only minutes later, a lady walked in and shrieked, That s my Honey! Honey had disappeared months earlier and after a fruitless search, hope had been lost. Suddenly there was unbridled joy. That s what I want for Christmas this year: a Christmas miracle for every homeless animal at our shelter. And if you know someone sad and alone during the holidays, don t forget the greatest anti-depressant of all: a visit from a loving animal. Then just sit back and listen for the inevitable, Ahhh.

7 Pick Me! Pick Me! Page 7 Chowder is a very sweet guy, who was abandoned by his owner. He would love a new family for Christmas! Mia s old family couldn t take her with them when they moved, so she would love a forever home! Tiger has been at the shelter since he was a kitten, so he has spent over 2 ½ years with us! While his is quite content to be the official PCAS Greeter, what he really wants is a home and a forever family of his own! Jack Sparrow was found unwanted in Lovell, and just wants a home for Christmas!

8 Page 8 Looking Back and Moving Forward PCAS provides a no-kill safe haven for the lost, abandoned, abused, neglected, or relinquished animals of Park County. Since late 2012, PCAS finances have greatly improved as we received several tremendous gifts, have adopted strict budget controls, and have vastly enhanced the Board s ability to oversee all financial matters. In 2013, PCAS completed the new outdoor cat area to provide healthier living for cats in our care. Our animal guests continue to benefit from our hard-working and compassionate staff. Going forward, we would like to provide more and better service to the many homeless animals in Cody and Park County. We are planning major renovations to our indoor and outdoor kennels, medical and isolation areas and cat housing. Your membership, donations and volunteer assistance will help PCAS continue moving forward in 2014! Our Mission: To provide excellent animal care and find good homes for our guests; promote responsible pet guardianship; work to end the overpopulation of feral cats as well as all pets; and run an organized, efficient shelter with a no-kill philosophy.

9 5537 Greybull Highway P.O. Box 203 Cody, WY (307) Open to the Public: 12:00-5:30 pm everyday, except Sundays Website: Next Membership Meeting- Thursday, Dec. 19th at 5:30 pm Grizzly Room at the Cody Library Like us on Facebook! We post pictures of all strays that come to the Shelter. It s a great way to see if we have your missing critter. Check out our Website: for the most current list of adoptable animals, to make a donation through PayPal, to become a PCAS member