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Pet Haven Calendar

Cat/Kitten Adoption Events

Meet the cats and kittens Pet Haven has available for adoption at our cat adoption events. Visit our adoption page to view the schedule and obtain more information about adopting a cat from Pet Haven. Questions? Contact us at Cats@PetHavenMN.org

Dog/Puppy Adoption Events

Meet the dogs and puppies Pet Haven has available for adoption at our dog adoption events. Visit our adoption page to view the schedule and obtain more information about adopting a dog from Pet Haven. Questions? Contact us at Dogs@PetHavenMN.org

News & Events Details

Pet Haven at the University of Minnesota Vet school open house

By Kathleen Krantz

On April 6th, 2008 the University of Minnesota had their annual Veterinary College Open House. This year was Pet Haven's second appearance at the event, and was great exposure for the organization - as well as for some of its stars! Tucker the Sheltie and Brandi the kitty helped to open the event, drawing lots of attention, along with numerous "oh, how cute!" from children and adults alike. Riley the Spaniel and Owen the cat rounded out the day, and Daisy the black lab hung out at the U all day long! Pet Haven's booth saw a fantastic amount of traffic, as passer by picked up numerous information documents, looked at pictures, dropped a donation in the jar, or even signed up to find out more about volunteer opportunities. The Open House was also the debut of Pet Haven's new display posters - stop by an event soon and check them out!

Volunteers Kristin Luckenbill, Leslie Bardon, Carole Jesse, Eldora Anderson, Mary Ann Cameron, Paula and Beth Vest, Tim Simplot, and Lisa Palm for bringing pets and/or staffing the booth.

Special Events are always more "special" when we can incorporate a lot of Pet Haven volunteers and members.on two legs or four! Keep your eyes and ears open for upcoming events to take place this summer - specifically, the Grand Old Day Parade on June 1st. If you have adopted a Pet Haven dog or cat and would like to participate in outreach and special events, please email Kathleen (Special Events Coordinator) at specialevents@pethavenmn.org to get involved!

Join us for a pet-friendly brunch

Download a Dover Dog Days flyer for more information.

Dover Dog Days Format Change

While Pet Haven will still be hosting Dover Dog Days at the Doubletree in St. Louis Park on March 9th from 11:00 - 2:00, patrons will no longer be able to bring their dogs. We apologize for any inconvenience.

We still encourage you to attend as 10% of the total sales go to Pet Haven! In addition, we will have some adorable adoptable dogs and cats there.

We encourage Pet Haven volunteers to attend to show their family and friends the great organization for which they are involved and meet some of the dogs and cats that demonstrate the reason we do what we do.

Look forward to seeing you there.

Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact Melody Kruzic at melody.kruzic@capella.edu

2007 Annual Membership Meeting

by Kristin Lukenbill

There was a full agenda at the annual Pet Haven membership meeting on May 12, 2007. The meeting started by reviewing highlights of the accomplishments over the past year, including finding forever homes for 94 cats and 275 dogs, the collaboration between the Animal Humane Society in Golden Valley and Pet Haven to spay or neuter 70 animals at the Beltrami County Humane Society, the addition of a Human Resources Director, a Development Director and a new dog Division Chair to the Pet Haven leadership team, and all of the concerted efforts of Pet Haven’s numerous volunteers.

The election of Directors was considered next, with Eldora Anderson, Mary Ann Cameron and Paula Vest being voted onto the board. The Articles of Incorporation and By-Laws were also discussed and amended, with both proposed changes and alternative changes considered.

Finally, “Best Pet Contest” winners were announced. The best dog photo went to Chris Kemp for her picture of Ace, with Edie Ferber and Celayne Jones earning honorable mentions. The best cat photo went to Ande Nesmith for her picture of Sassy and Petal, with Mary Gulbrandson and Amanda Nelson winning honorable mentions. The best writing piece went to Mary Montoya for her piece on “Loving Victor” and Katie Dunham for “Hooligan”. Derek Tellier earned an honorable mention for his writing piece entitled “Nice to Meet You”. The best pet video was won by Leslie Bardon for “Butch Trix”. The meeting was adjourned with door prizes and a social hour following.

Annual Report Published - Pet Haven's annual report for May, 2006 - April, 2007 is now available. (Annual Report)

Best Pet Contest 2007!

Ooohs and aaahs are in order for our Best Pet Contest winners. The Most Talented Pet Video, “Butch Trix”, was submitted by Leslie Bardon. What a good boy!

Chris Kemp fostered Ace for Pet Haven and took these winning photos of him at play. These action shots won her Best Dog Photo honors. Ace, a border collie mix, found his forever home in March.

Lovely adopted felines Sassy and Petal are the stars at Ande Nesmith’s home. She captured them in these playful photographs and was awarded our Best Cat Photo.

Two talented volunteers were awarded Best Writing Piece honors. In both cases, the loss of a loved companion inspired these creative efforts. Read Mary Montoya’s touching story, “Loving Victor”, and Katie Dunham’s fond memories of “Hooligan”.

Honorable mentions for dog photographs were awarded to Edie Ferber for her photo of the fashionable Georgie Boy (adopted from Pet Haven) and to Celayne Jones for “My Girls” - Daisy and Lady Bug (her 1st Pet Haven foster dog).

Honorable mentions for cat photographs went to Mary Gulbrandson for this shot of Hershey in his goggles (adopted from Pet Haven), and to Amanda Nelson for her photograph of Emma titled “To Be Recycled”.

Derek Tellier’s story, “Nice to Meet You”, describing his first encounter with his Lhasa Apso companion, won him an honorable mention for writing.

Many thanks to the volunteers who reviewed and selected our winners and to everyone who submitted stories, photos and videos. Congratulations to our winners!

Note: These Best Pet Contest photos and stories are the property of Pet Haven. Please do not copy or use them without our permission. Contact admin@PetHavenMN.org for more information. Thanks.

Pet Haven booth at the Univ of MN vet school open house a big hit!

by Kristin Lukenbill

It was a great day for Pet Haven to be at the University of Minnesota Veterinary Open House on Sunday, 4/1! The clouds and drizzling weather did not deter the crowds. Pet Haven was fortunate to have a table near the entrance to the exhibits, between the Animal Poison Control and the University of Minnesota Animal Sciences tables. A constant and steady stream of people passed the Pet Haven booth, and many stopped to pet the cats and dogs hanging out at the booth, look at pictures and stories displayed at the booth, as well as grab animal and people treats. Several other people inquired about current animals available for adoption, and also about opportunities for volunteering.

This event would not have been nearly as successful without the help of many talented individuals. Thanks to Kathleen Krantz, Special Events Coordinator, and her committee members, Caitlin Sanderson and Cathie Morris, who worked hard to pull this event together.

A special thanks to all of the foster parents and foster buddies, for hanging out with the cats and dogs, sharing their stories, and answering many questions. The cats and fosters or foster buddies who made it to the event were Bullwinkle and Mary Gulbrandson, Teddy and Jenai Rogers and finally, Becca and Mary Ann Cameron. The dogs and fosters or foster buddies who hung out at the Pet Haven booth were Romeo and Carole Jesse, Ella and Laura & Walker Leonard, Lilly and Sarah Smith, Ace and Kristin Luckenbill, and Smiley from Downtown Dogs. Marilou Chanrasmi, Director of Human Resources, and Paula Vest, Dog Division Chair were also there to help answer questions and to recruit more volunteers and fosters! Every new foster we bring in means another dog or cat we can rescue.

Finally, thanks to Maple Grove PetCo for donating all of the wonderful dog treats!

Pet Haven at the 2007 Pet Expo

by Kristin Lukenbill

The fifth annual Pet Expo was held at the Minneapolis Convention Center onFebruary 17-18, 2007. The Pet Expo was organized by Tower Productions, andfeatured a wide variety of exhibits, demonstrations, and entertainment. Someof the booths that generated more attention were the PetCo booth, with theiropportunity to spin the wheel for a dollar to win a cat or dog prize, boothswith free samples and the booths with dog and cat toys. The Catagilitydemonstration on Saturday and Sunday also attracted quite the crowd; however,the cats were somewhat nervous and unwilling obstacle-course participants. OnSunday, the bleachers at the Ultimate Air Dogs arena were packed with peoplewatching the Splash event and division finals.

There was also a lot of excitement brewing at the PetHaven Inc. of MN booth overthe weekend. On Saturday, Tish, Mary Ann, Kim, Mary, Nicole and Ande manned thebooth with visiting dogs Maggie, Magnolia, Jett, Lilly and Lucy. PetHaven,along with the Catagility demonstration, were the only groups brave andgood-humored enough to bring cats to the Pet Expo. Pogo, a PetHaven alum,happily entertained children and adults alike, by sitting on many laps. Hopewas the ‘cat in the box’, while Bullwinkle, who stopped by in the afternoon,was just as courageous as Pogo, with his ability to greet the public.

Sunday at the PetHaven booth was just as exciting, with Marilou, Halie,Margaret, Eldora, Sally, Kristen, Tino and Mary hanging out with visiting dogs Lilly and Bella and the visiting cat, Panda. Eldora was eagerly spreading the wordabout PetHaven to passing visitors by handing out PetHaven information. Lilly seemed gracious for all of the attention, while Panda calmly kept watch.Bella, a Pet Haven alum, drew crowds to the Pet Haven booth as Ann had herperform tricks while educating kids on the basics and importance of dogobedience. Overall, the PetExpo was a success, with PetHaven increasingawareness of all pets in need.

Thanks to our Animal Care Professionals

Pet Haven wishes to acknowledge the contributions of the following veterinary clinics and animal-related businesses. We appreciate the discounted and free services and products provided to Pet Haven:

  • Plymouth Animal Hospital
  • Auntie Ruth's Doggie Daycare
  • Bloomington Veterinary Hospital
  • Funk Animal Hospital
  • PetCo Stores
  • Downtown Dogs
  • The Canine Coach
  • Northwood Valley Kennels
  • Doubletree Hotel, St. Louis Park
  • Foxridge Printing

Bemidji Area Spay/Neuter Project

Pet Haven received a request for help from the Beltrami County Humane Society in Bemidji, Minnesota in early August. They were nearly out of operating funds, had more than 50 animals that needed to be spayed or neutered in their shelter, and were low on food supplies. What resulted was a very successful cooperative effort between Pet Haven, the Animal Humane Society in Golden Valley (AHS), and the Beltrami Humane Society (BHS).

Pet Haven volunteers Tom & Nancy O’Sullivan loaded up their truck and trailer with donated food from the Chaska Shed (see separate story) and drove it up to Bemidji.

AHS had recently acquired and staffed a mobile spay/neuter van that could perform the needed surgeries at a very low cost. Pet Haven put BHS in touch with them and arrangements were made for the AHS spay/neuter van and staff to travel to Bemidji for 2 days in late August.

Pet Haven provided a spay/neuter grant to BHS to pay for the surgeries. As a result of this collaboration, 69 cats. kittens, dogs and puppies were altered by the AHS veterinarian on August 29 & 30, 2006. After a short recovery period, the animals were all ready to find their new forever homes. Thanks to all who were involved in this spay/neuter achievement.

Urgent Cat Adoption Plea – You Can Help

As you’ve probably heard, rescue groups and humane societies across the metro area are reporting an alarming number of homeless cats in the Twin Cities. They are suffering and dying because there are too many of them and too few homes. Efforts are underway to reduce the future number of unwanted cats through spay/neuter programs. However, the cats and kittens tthat are already here need safe and loving homes now.

Could you adopt a new cat friend or two? Now’s a good time for you and your friends and family to consider it. Pet Haven has lots of wonderful cats that would bring fun and joy to your home. Pet Haven’s experienced foster families will be happy to help you find the perfect match for your family. Each cat adopted opens up a space in our foster homes so another can be saved. Check our adoption page for pictures and information about the wonderful Pet Haven cats looking for new homes.

How to help in just 5 minutes... Click here to print a copy of our cat adoption poster. Cut it apart on the dotted lines, and take them with you the next time you go to your favorite grocery store, vet clinic, pet supplies store, health club – wherever they might catch the attention of a cat lover. Thanks!

Sharing Surplus Pet Food at the “Chaska Shed”

The “Chaska Shed” is a cooperative venture staffed primarily by volunteers from Pet Haven and the Carver Scott Humane Society. The project collects pet food donations, stores them in Chaska, and distributes about 5,000 pounds per month to shelters and rescue groups across Minnesota and western Wisconsin. Pet Haven pays the rental and other miscellaneous costs of the Shed.

Inventory comes primarily from local retailers. K-Mart is the largest contributor and was the founding donor. Cargill/Mills Fleet Farm is a regular provider. Periodic distributions are received from PetCo, Target and the Farmington Greenhouse warehouse. Thanks to all of the donors and more are needed!

More volunteers are also needed to help fill and maintain the Chaska Shed. An open pick-up truck or large trailer capacity would be very helpful. There is a lot of transfer and stacking of bags up to fifty pounds in weight. Fills take place on Thursday or Friday evenings about four weeks apart. On rare occasions there will be the need to retrieve on a weekday from a loading dock in the metro area. Please contact us at volunteer@PetHavenMN.org if you can help.

Thanks to Our Incredible Volunteers

Pet Haven would not exist if it were not for the incredible donations of time, energy and compassion given by our many volunteers. Everyone at Pet Haven is a volunteer. Volunteers run our adoption programs, care for our dogs and cats in their homes, answer our voicemail and email messages and serve on our Board of Directors. Folks in other non-profit organizations cannot imagine how we do all that we do without any paid staff. Pet Haven’s team of dedicated volunteers make it happen. If you want to join us and volunteer some of your time, please check out the opportunities on our Volunteer page.

Pet Haven's Lilly featured on PetStyle

A couple months ago we were approached by PetStyle (www.petstyle.com) -- their host Jill Cordes was going to be in the Twin cities and wanted to “borrow” one of our rescued dogs for the weekend. At that time our sweet Lilly was being fostered by Downtown Dogs (for those of you that aren't aware.... Downtown Dogs is gracious enough and always provides us with one foster slot...thank you!). Lilly spent the weekend being Jill's co-star. There are several video clips on www.petstyle.com -- Scroll down to Minneapolis/St. Paul

Newsletter Archives

Click the titles below to view issues of “Pet Haven Ink”, Pet Haven’s quarterly newsletter.

February, 2008 (407 KB)
November, 2007 (298 KB)
Autumn, 2007 (1.95 MB)
Winter, 2007 (618 KB)
Summer, 2006 (740 KB)
Spring, 2006 (531 KB)
Winter, 2006 (645 KB)
Fall, 2005 (1 MB)
Summer, 2005 (5 MB)
Spring, 2005 (5.5 MB)
Winter, 2005 (3.3 MB)
Fall, 2004 (1 MB)
Summer, 2004 (1 MB)
Spring, 2004 (0.5 MB)

 

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