The Crossroads Connection Volume 13 No. 1 Spring/Summer 2012 Boss was a long, tall, lanky, white Shepherd Lab mix whose

owners just could not keep him safe at home. He was impounded six times in over two years when his owners surrendered him to us. Boss was adopted quite quickly but “ran away” and amazingly made his way back to his original owners’ home! They brought him back to us and Boss remained with us for one entire year. October of 2010, the University of Minnesota Veterinary Hospital’s blood donor program chose Boss as a universal blood donor and he moved into foster care with one of our regular volunteer families.

For a year and a half Boss regularly donated his life saving blood at the University until this February when he developed a nagging cough. Thorough exam and echocardiography revealed that Boss had a large tumor in his heart and his days were numbered. With thoughtful TLC and heavy hearts Boss lived his last days and died on March 19, 2012. We are sadden by his loss but enlightened by his spirit.

Pokey

In April of 2006 an aging stray Lab mix was impounded. He was Mr. Congeniality and estimated to be at least nine years old. We named him Pokey and hoped his owners would find him. After seven months Pokey was chosen to be the geriatric companion of a single geriatric gentleman. A good match. After three years time Pokey became one of three dogs owned by the gentleman, who had fallen on tough times: physically, financially, and medically. Despite his best intentions, the conditions of the dog’s shelter and welfare required our intervention in December of 2009. Pokey, along with two companions, once again became a residents at the shelter and the two younger dogs were adopted quite readily.

One of our most compassionate volunteers fostered and ultimately adopted Pokey in August 2010, to share her first new home, two cats and newly fenced in yard. Pokey thrived in his senior years – now probably 14 – until some medical problems slowed him down. She cared for him intensely, treated all his medical and geriatric issues and prepared herself, and Pokey, for the inevitable end we all face with elderly companion animals. After a year and a half of the best life he could have found, Pokey died on January 25, 2012. He reminds us of the loyalty, resiliency, love and companionship a canine family member can give. He is dearly remembered and greatly missed.

Board of Directors

Amy Flakne

John Wisecarver

Susan Brouse

Stephanie Wisecarver

President

Vice President

Secretary

Treasurer

Amy Flakne Volunteer Coordinator

Janet Watson

Michelle Halberg

Eric Halberg

Director

Director

Director

Dinner

Dogs (and Cats, Too!)

for the

The 11th Annual Dinner for the Dogs (and Cats, Too!) was held on Saturday, April 28th at the Buffalo Civic Center. 130 of our animal loving supporters, family and friends gathered for our usual evening of dinner, games, story telling and huge silent and live auctions, raising over $11,500 for those who call Crossroads their temporary home. We had 116 silent auction items and five fabulous live auction items, including an unbelievable handmade queen quilt by Karen Lucht; four terrific Twins tickets donated by Jeff Laney; a bed and breakfast getaway in Duluth from Eric and Michelle Halberg and a $500 Delta gift card from Calisa Karst. We honored Jan Irvine as our volunteer of the year for her extraordinary talents with sewing pet pads, quilts, pajamas, and blankets, all to be sold at craft shows to benefit our homeless pets. Jan has fostered kittens and volunteered at countless fund raising events but now is moving to San Antonio, TX. We miss her wonderful humor and willingness to help with everything and especially the devotion of her sewing skills.

5th Annual Motorcycle Ride Two Wheels for Four Paws Saturday, August 4, 2012 Registration: 9-11 am; Entry Fee: $20 For details call 763-684-1234 Start: Zylstra’s Harley Davidson, 19600 Evans Street, Elk River, MN Lunch: Crossroads Animal Shelter Route & Destination: To be determined • •

Raffle prizes Silent auction

2011 event raised: $400

Special thanks to Larry Miller and Red’s Catering for such a delicious dinner; to the Civic Center staff for all their help; to all the volunteers who helped with both set up and clean up; to all who donated auction items, and to all who attended. We really enjoy seeing all of you in person and sharing our passion for the animals. Mark you calendars for Saturday, April 27, 2013.

Fund Raising Update

2011 Craft Shows/Merchandise Counter Coin Jars Christmas Appeal Meat Raffles Cage Sponsorships Motorcycle Ride Photos with Santa

$19,315 $12,041 $7,716 $1,359 $2,280 $370 $1,470

2012 Blizzard of a Garage Sale Dinner for the Dogs (and Cats)

$3,500 $11,500

How Old is Your Dog Really?

Upcoming Events - Mark Your Calendar! 2012 • May 26 Swappers Meet, rural South Haven • July 7 Swappers Meet, rural South Haven • Aug 4 Motorcycle Ride, Elk River• Aug 18 Craft Show, Downtown Buffalo • Sep. 2 Swappers Meet, rural South Haven • Nov 10-11 Photos with Santa, NEW LOCATION - Rockford Township Hall • Nov 17-18 Mpls Kennel Club, Canterbury Park 2013 • Mar 22-23 Blizzard of a Garage Sale, Buffalo • April 27 Dinner for the Dogs 2013, Buffalo Civic Center 2

CROSSROADS CONTRIBUTORS

April 2011-March 2012

Special thanks to all the generous financial contributors who have supported and strengthened us. Jacob Ackerman Mary Andersen Roger & Donna Andersen David & Deborah Anderson Kirk Anderson Elke Angeli Annandale Public School Anonymous Gayle Appelbaum Tammy Aydt Kathryn Baert Catherine Balazs Tracey Bauer Susan Becker Audrey Belanger Dan Benjamin Rebecca Benoit Randall & Mary Berns BHS Student Council Ryan & Angela Bickett Scott & Merideth Biggar Valerie Bock Laureen Bodin Eugene Boehlke Marcus & Susan Boehlke Kelly Boyer Marlene Bresnahan Ann, Faith & Carmen Brickzen Janice Broberg Susan Brouse Donald & Barbara Brown Buffalo United Methodist Church James Burk Shelley Campion Lee & Marilyn Carlson Robert & Janet Carlson Lynne Carriger Chubb & Sons Cheryl Ciampa Nancy Clayton Jolene Coleman Taylor Conley Aaron Conwell Ouida Crozier Bruce & Cheryl Dahlen Louise Dahlgren Karen Davidson Sharon Dodds Sean Donahoe Catherine Donalds DXB Adeline Eckblad Rebecca Eddy Ernest Eden Ryan Edick Katherine Eggen Marty & Michelle Eggergluss Clinton & Karen Eide Greg & Pam Ellingson Kristen Erickson Steven & Cynthia Erickson John Etzell

Dale & Barbara Evans Elizabeth Faust Patricia Faustgen Christine Fitch Mark & Amy Flakne George & Muriel Foehringer Ronald & Marilyn Fremstad Mike Frencl Barbara Gegner Ann Gosack Sandra Gould Melissa Graunke Richard & Gail Graunke Keith & Rhonda Grewe Carolyn Grieve Griffith Family Genevieve Hadley Eric & Michelle Halberg Kevin & Chris Hall Barbara Hanks Ally Hanson Gregory Hasselmann Herzog Family Judith Hidde Julie Hildebrant Jayne Hofstad Shannon Holmquist Michael Howard Jerry & Patti Jagodzinski Jerome & Patricia Johanning Kiera & Ohnica Johnson Paul & Karen Johnson Randall & Kathy Johnson Jennings & Ruby Johnston Sharon Jonsson Heather Jude Howard Kasheimer Andrea Kloubec Scott & Merideth Kneen Jeff Koeppen Kristin Kruse Donald & Mary Kunz Paul & Ruth LaFortune Jennifer Larcom Leuthold Family Foundation Liberty Diversified Int’l William & Pearl Lieb Richard & Carolyn Loeffler Robert Londo Lone Tree Press Judith Luckes Marilyn Masica Helen Mattila Beth Matzke David Maul Angela Maxwell Nicole Maxwell Tracy McConnell Deanna McFee Angela McIntire Dennis & Elaine McPheeters Gordon & Kay Meier

3

Janet Mengelkoch Sherry Meola Byron & Carol Mickelson Robert Miller Cheryl Minks Jeannette Moeller Monticello Women of Today Jason & Deborah Moyer Joyce Murphy May Ann Murphy Jennifer Nagel Susan Nelson Warren & Arlyn Nelson Linda Newell Leanne Niznik Deborah Nohling Jay & Theresa North James & Suzanne O’Dell Christopher Olson Gregory & Cheryl Olson Oppenheimer Funds Mary Ellen Otis Nicole Overby George & Barbara Owen Greg Palmer Jacqueline Palmer Paul & Melanie Pattee Megan Pavot Mary Peloquin Doug & Sharon Perlick Pet Haven Patrick Pohl Polaris Industries Leslie Powell Lindsay Quady Debra Radermacher Dave Rasset Landscaping Chuck & Sarah Raustadt Sandra Reese Richard Reuter Vanessa Rico Andrew Ripka Sandra Rippie Philip Roehl Alice Rood Shawn & Denise Saylor

Steven Bucholz & Diana Schansberg Schatz Crossroads Truck Stop Julie Schmidt Linda Schwichtenberg Sue Shannon Elizabeth Shefveland Thomas & Colleen Sherman Carol Siewet Robert & Jacqueline Singer Kelly Smith Susan Sodeman Buster & Renie Spears SPEDCO Kevin & Susan Stone Sumac Cairn Rescue Craig Sunde Scott & Merideth Theis Linda Thompson Gregory & Kathleen Thyr Ellen Timmens Jodi Trost Colleen Turgeon Jeffrey Unger Sharon Uttke Tracey Van Lith Arnold & Roselle Vandenheuvel Curtis & Dawn Vander Broek Anthony & Jeanne Verby Carol Vikstrom Doug & Mary Voerding Nancy Walker Pauline Warner Susan & Joseph Warren John & Janet Watson Jim & Judith Wedell Jenny Wegner Ella Windel John & Stephanie Wisecarver Kristin Wood Dana Marie Wrich David Wynia, II Robert Zahler Ulrike Zimmerman Anthony & Jennifer Zmuda

We remember and honor these beloved pets and people Who have touched our lives and made a difference In Honor of:

In Memory of:

All dedicated Crossroads Volunteers Dale & Mary Long All the wonderful funs kids I have owned Sharon Dodds Annie & Sammie Lee & Marilyn Carlson Audrey Belanger Douglas Reid Susan Brouse Nancy Clayton Dale & Mary Long Mark & Judith Lucas Sally Piper Leslie Powell Susan Powell Sue Storms Bruiser John & Pam Keltgen Pat Campbell Joan Nelson Chris Coleman Cassie Coleman Taylor Connelly John Connelly Cookie Barb Usset Cub Jeanne & Lee Nelson Susan Nelson Karla Dixon

Abigail Susan Brouse Leslie Powell Amy Audrey Belanger Janet & John Watson Andi Melissa Graunke Angus Audrey Belanger Arlana & Bruce Harris Ione Woodford Stanley Aydt Karla Dixon Bianca Karla Dixon Boss Melissa Graunke James & Suzanne O’Dell Chandra Rassett Brian Helmbrecht Nancy Helmbrecht B.U.D. & Barney Jim & Carol Umland Carmel Chandra Rasset Melissa Graunke Charlie Laurie Lawler Dashiell John & Stephanie Wisecarver Gabby Melissa Graunke Jazz Brian Thickpenny Jelta, Jo, Lucky, Kitty, Jan, June Clinton & Alvina Bliss John Gustafson Dale & Mary Long Junior Susan Brouse Dale & Mary Long Leslie Powell Margaret Rohland Linda Rohland Marguerite E Johnson Susan Brouse Kay Dohm Brian Johnson Susan Veaduko Marie H Buhta Susan Wagenhals Maxx Cynthia Nelson-Weniger Mollie Karla Dixon Murphy Michael Michalk Nancy Larson Fredericksen Susan Sodeman

John & Stephanie Wisecarver

Dusty Gregory Dahlager Fergie Jay & Theresa North Fletcher Scott & Merideth Wickert Rich & Gail Graunke Melissa Graunke Henry & Lucy Kirk Wulf Sally Kerbaugh Todd & Robin Spaulding Donna Kleppe & Family Melissa Graunke Luna Susan Brouse Nancy Clayton Midstate Crane Services, Inc. Melissa Graunke Misty Mary Wenker Homer J Montemayor Linda Montemayor Neyla Ryan & Angela Bickett Nora

Melissa Johannessen-Janzen

Mrs. Fields Mrs. Fields Yvonne Kilby-Howard Norman Anastasi & Associates Meghan & Nathan Porter Bobbie Bollinger Rebecca Jane Rebecca Planer Rex & Dieter Jeff Koeppen Glenn Rosenberg Stephanie Davis Jeannine Roth Josie Hickman Salomon Anna Olson Linda Schwichtenberg

David & Deborah Anderson

Keith & Carol Bartz Bonnie Rae Ellis Melissa Graunke Forrest & Courtney Rogers Shooter Nadine Haalboom Sybil & Carly Loretta Jensen C a r l y

Tasma, Too-Too, Rodie & all my granddogs Nancy Helmbrecht Taz Susan Powell Teddy Pat Thielman Joshua Theis Carol Mears Scott & Merideth Theis Truman Molly Rosen Jan, Milt, Paul, Linda, and Tyler Timothy Bothun Patty Westie Roger & Doris Schlins

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Italicized names are pets

Peter Gravdal Annandale Veterinary Clinic Pokey

Pokey Audrey Belanger Susan Brouse Karla Dixon Mark & Amy Flakne Melissa Graunke James & Suzanne O’Dell Chandra Rassett Linda Schwichtenberg

John & Stephanie Wisecarver

Rascal Linda Schwichtenberg Jane Nordquist Mark Rishavy Big Woods Sunshine Fund Jeff & Chris Laney Scar Melissa Graunke Scout Kenneth & Merrie Walker Sophie Droneck Dean & Carol Dixon Sue Tremont Joseph & Susan Warren Tigger Steven Senart Tika Melissa Graunke Too Nancy Helmbrecht Tuff James & Suzanne O’Dell



Tail Waggin’ Tales to Share . . .

Chiero and Ricky

February of 2009, in a garbage invested garage of a foreclosure, Officer Rick Chiero found two severely underweight Basset Hounds starving and in desperate need of shelter, food and water. We nourished and cared for these adorable dogs until they were adopted to two different families. Ten months later both dogs ended up together again! A recent report says, “They are both healthy, wonderful and affectionate members of our family.”

Tin Tin The police brought the cat carrier in with a stray cat inside but when we looked into the crate all we could see was the bottom of a moving 1lb coffee can! Upon letting the cat out of the crate we discovered his entire head and neck were stuck inside the coffee can! Since everything was well lubricated with bacon grease we removed the cat from the can! Traumatized, he literally flew around the room and we were fearful he was feral, but the next day he was begging for love and attention. Tin Tin is now a blood donor at the U of M Veterinary Hospital. Shooter, a stray hound mix, stayed with us for seven months until someone emailed

from Thunder Bay, Ontario, wondering if we would adopt to someone that far away! After our usual inquiry about what kind of home they had to offer we placed him on “hold” for their drive time. Shooter and his new family headed north in their RV! A Christmas card update told us how they love him and how well he is going.

Apollo We received a kitten whose left front leg had bifurcated at about the elbow and grown into two legs. He was in no physical discomfort although “lame”, as the two feet on those two deformed legs did not reach the ground. Apollo was quite young, weighed only 1.6 pounds, and very healthy otherwise so the decision to amputate was made. He was also neutered and recovered amazingly quickly. The young girl says Apollo and her adult cat are BFFs! James Bond

A handsome black lab was surrendered to Crossroads in February 2011. James Bond was an extremely well behaved and well-trained dog. As a result he was chosen to join the ranks of “Can Do Canines” in training to become an Assistance Dog. He graduated May 19, 2012. Jett, as he is now known, resides with Janet, in St. Paul, as her diabetic assistance dog. He can recognize when her blood sugar is low and brings her a juice box! Jett also spent time learning skills in a prison training program, including how to skate board! To find out more about Jett and other dogs visit Can-Do-Canines.org.

Blue

a gray domestic shorthaired feline with “attitude” joined us in March 2010. She spent her time putting all of us in our places. A year and ten months later we received an inquiry about Blue. We talked about her “attitude”. He told us he had had a cat EXACTLY like Blue and he would not be offended or deterred. “Blue is loved and happy and has displayed no bad habits!”

Vlad “Happy Holidays! Enclosed is our Christmas card with our cat, Bruiser, on it. You may remember Bruise as “Vlad”, who stayed at Crossroads for a year and a half. He continues to entertain and delight us every day. I bought some reindeer antlers and red ruffle collar for Bruiser but he did not like the antlers. He did like the red ruffle collar, you will notice he looks so handsome wearing it! Sincerely, John, Pam and Bruiser” 5

2800 10th St. SE Buffalo, MN 55313 763-684-1234 [email protected] www.crossroadsshelter.org A non-profit organization

• • • • • • • •

2012 Shelter Statistics

Spay and Neuter

• 8 1/2 x 11 copy paper

Small Milk bones Kitty Litter Liquid Tide High Efficiency Paper Towels Bleach First Class Stamps Pine-Sol Low Fat Yogurt

Return Service Requested

2 0 1 2

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NONPROFIT ORG. US POSTAGE PAID BUFFALO, MN PERMIT NO. 48

S P R I N G / S U M M E R

FACT- 2 unaltered dogs and their descendants can produce as many as 4,372 in just 7 years. FACT- Crossroads will reimburse $20 for any Wright County dog or cat you have sterilized. Call 763-684-1234 for details.

As of 4-30-12

Incoming

Adopted

Euthanized Died

Returned to Owner

January

38

24

3

4

February

29

27

1

7

March

22

16

1

4

April

33

18

2

8

TOTAL

122

85

7

23

MISSION STATEMENT: Crossroads Animal Shelter provides a comprehensive and compassionate service to the people of the Wright County area through protection, care, shelter, placement, and education for the dignity and well-being of all animals.

Crossroads Animal Shelter is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. All contributions are tax deductible to the fullest extent of the law

MEMBERS: All memberships are non-voting.

All memberships are renewable annually in January.

__Regular—$25/Yr. __Business—$50/Yr.

__Annual Pledge $ __Additional Donation $

Name: Street Address: City: State: Zip: Phone: E-mail: Return to: Crossroads Animal Shelter, 2800 10th St. SE, Buffalo MN 55313







VOLUNTEERING: Volunteer orientation classes are available each month. A great way to be introduced to Crossroads Animal Shelter. Next volunteer orientations are June 23rd, July 14th, August 14th. Starting at 11:00 am- for one hour. __Cage Cleaning at the Shelter __Foster Care __Fundraising/Special Events __Non-Animal Work __Adopt a Shelter bill ($ ) Return to: Crossroads Animal Shelter, 2800 10th St. SE, Buffalo MN 55313