LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT

IT IS ALL FOR THE ANIMALS!

Pet Trax

POST OFFICE BOX 654 • THAYNE, WYOMING 83127 • 307.883.PETS • WWW.AHASV.ORG

WINTER 2018

The Animal Humane Association of Star Valley (AHASV) was founded in 2001 by a small group of motivated individuals committed to provide emergency support for abandoned animals requiring shelter, veterinarian care and adoption. The dream of the organization was to have a permanent animal shelter in Star Valley. AHASV became a 501(c) (3), non-profit organization in 2003. Star Valley, located in Lincoln County, Wyoming, is a sprawling collection of 11 small agricultural communities with five incorporated towns.

There was a desperate need for a facility to house the unwanted and abandoned animals in Star Valley. Many of the cats and dogs prior to the founding of the AHASV were simply abandoned alongside the road, left to die. Litters of puppies and kittens were shot and destroyed if we didn’t take them in. There were 3 foster homes that cared for these animals. At one time we had 34 dogs and 54 cats in these 3 homes. From 2001 to 2008 AHASV rescued, spayed/neutered and adopted out over 800 animals.

Due to persistent efforts of AHASV’s dedicated volunteers, generous support from Sophie Craighead, the Ladd Family Foundation and a land lease from the Lincoln County Commissioners, Lucky’s Place became a reality.

We had gone from all of the animals being kept in foster homes to starting construction on Lucky’s Place Animal Shelter in April 2008. It was completed by November 1, 2008. Through generous donations and a low interest loan from the Bank of Star Valley, AHASV had funding to complete the shelter structure.

Since that time we have completed indoor dog kennels, outdoor dog runs, kennels in the cat room, exercise yard, storage shed, outdoor cat play area, a new roofed porch at the main entrance to the shelter, roof over the outdoor dog runs, an animal isolation room, and furnished our office. All while still paying for the vet bill, maintenance, utilities, paying 3 employees, feed and care of the animals, construction costs and keeping AHA-SV bank account in the black. With your help we have also been able to pay off our loan for the shelter. This has been accomplished by you, the donors, volunteers, foster families, grants and our special fund raiser events. We cannot even begin to tell you how much we and the animals appreciate your support and that you believed in our dream.

This shelter has provided care for animals in Lincoln County, Wyoming, an area reaching from Alpine, WY, to Kemmerer, WY. Many of our homeless animals have been adopted out in the Star Valley and Jackson area. With the help of Petfinders we have adopted out over 400 animals all over the United States and Canada. As of today AHASV has rescued and adopted out over 2900. In the past year along we have found forever homes for over 312 homeless and surrendered animals.

Because of our growth we have been advertising to hire a Shelter Manager. I have been asked “Are you quitting”. Absolutely not! This shelter and all of its furry friends have been and are still my life. It is our intention that this shelter be an ongoing legacy as a “No Kill” shelter. It has come to a point as we grow; more help is needed to continue the success of the shelter. I have volunteered for 17 awesome years, and will continue, but now with a generous grant from Sophie Craighead we are able to hire a shelter manager. Our Heartfelt thanks go out to each and every one that has helped save the animals of Star Valley. You have made Lucky’s Place what it is today and again we can’t thank you enough!!

“It is ALL for the ANIMALS”! It truly is!

Merry Christmas and a Very Happy New Year!

Mary Ann, Director of AHASV, Lucky’s Place

ANIMAL HUMANE ASSOCIATION OF STAR VALLEY

CLOE

“I WANT TO LIKE PIT BULLS BUT...

… deep down they frighten me.” This is not an uncommon sentiment, so how did Pit Bulls go from family dogs to being vilified and the subject of discriminatory legislation.

Pit Bulls are not one specific breed, but rather a classification of several breeds (Staffordshire Terriers, American Bullies, and sometimes American Bulldogs and Bull Terriers). They were originally bred from Old English Bulldogs and then crossed with Terriers for a blood sport known as bull baiting.

Can a dog that was bred to fight aggressively also be kind to humans? Absolutely! Pit Bulls that bit their handlers were undesirable, so they were bred and trained to be gentle with humans, a trait Pitties are known for even now.

Making dogs the whipping boy is not new. The first dog to bear the brunt of the public’s bias was the Bloodhound. Used to track criminals and runaway slaves, they were portrayed as vicious and bloodthirsty. Various other large breeds have taken their turn as well. One of the reasons Pits have spent more time in the negative spotlight is that they are “still associated with sordid individuals who over breed and use them in fighting rings.”

The 1960’s brought a resurgence in dog fighting, but the present day attitude toward Pit Bulls can be traced back to 1987, when both Sports Illustrated and Time magazine ran covers telling people to beware, branding them as killers.

Pitties continue to experience prejudice. PetSmart does not allow bully breeds

or mixed breeds that LOOK like them in their daycares nationwide. Owners are forced to surrender four-legged family members in areas that refuse to house bully breeds. Myths such as ‘locking jaws’ and ‘genetically aggressive’ still live in the minds of many.

Truth: when The American Temperament Test Society came out with their results (percentage in low aggression, panic, and avoidance), Pit Bulls (87.4%) ranked below the Labrador (92.1%) and above the Golden Retriever (85.4%). A standard smooth Dachshund tested at 68.8%!i [For the record, my other dogs’ scores were 100% (English Bull Terrier, a bully breed) and 69.6% (a Chihuahua).]

Dog fighting, though banned in 1978, still exists. BSL (breed specific legislation) began in 1980.

Which brings us to breeding. “Would you be surprised to learn that Pits are the number one dog being bred in America? That’s right, the dogs that have the hardest time finding homes are also experiencing a baby boom of overpopulation.ii

The sad fact is that over a half million Pit Bull type terriers are euthanized every year as a direct result of limited understanding, BSL, and backyard breeding. Though that number is horrifying, it’s down from several years ago.

Until 2007, all dogs seized from dog fighting rings were killed, including the puppies. After Michael Vick’s operation was exposed, Best Friends Animal Society, Bad Rap and other animal rights groups stepped in, and for the first time were allowed to take the dogs, ultimately proving they could be rehabilitated. [Note: If you haven’t seen The Champions yet, I consider it required viewing.]

Perception is changing, albeit slowly. In 2008 Sports Illustrated ran their ‘apology’ cover, “The Good News out of the Bad Newz Kennels,” extolling the virtues of Pits. Last year Arizona became the 20th state to ban breed specific legislation, although Canada appears not to have gotten the memo.Rather than be part of the problem

we can be part of the solution. First: adopt, don’t shop. Second: spay and neuter your animals. Third: give this oft-maligned breed a chance. Instead of running at the sight of a Pit Bull, ask the owner if you can meet it. Chances are they’d be happy to make the introduction.

A recent BarkPost article summed it up, “… if dogs who had been abused and trained to fight could be rehabilitated, imagine the possibilities for the hundreds of thousands more who are simply born to irresponsible breeding or given up because people don’t understand the responsibilities that come with having a dog.

Pit Bulls are not a statistic. They are not monsters. They aren’t born into this world wanting to kill. They are an unfortunate victim of a lot of difficult circumstances. And they forgive you. They forgive those that have hurt them, they forgive you for being afraid, and they forgive you for not understanding. Because all they really want is a chance to prove to you what sweet, charming, intelligent, goofy, LOVING animals they are.iii

Recommended reading: Pit Bull: The Battle Over An American Icon by Bronwyn Dickey

i ATTS results, April 2016

ii “Pit Bulls and Euthanasia Rates,” Save-A-Bull Rescue, Nov 2015

iii “How America’s Dog Became Public Enemy #1—and How They’re Making a Comeback,” BarkPost 2016

CLYDE IS LOOKING FOR A HOME

GILLIAN AND CHLOE

The unselfish answer is that this is our way of giving back with untold gratitude for our 3 rescue dogs, Luke, Emma and Coffee. They are the loves of our life! The selfish answer is the feeling we get when we see the pure, unbridled joy that the dogs have for something as simple as a 30 minute walk. How true the statement

that dogs are the only beings on earth that will love you more than they love themselves, and even if they don’t know you that well.

Volunteers... Our greatest assets are our volunteers...Make a difference: Volunteer

SCOTT and LISA MCCURDY

Samantha, Ellie, Timmy, and LizzieWe started volunteering because we were going through a hard time and many people were helping us get through it. I wanted my kids to know that even though it was a tough time we could still serve others. Lizzy wants to be a vet when she grows up and had been asking to volunteer at Luckys place. Now it’s just what we do after church, part of our Sunday Celebration.

FAITHFUL SUNDAY DOG WALKERS…PETERSEN FAMILY

A few weeks ago my wife decided that she wanted to start walking dogs for Lucky’ Place in Star Valley. Being the supportive husband I am, I kind of grunted my acknowledgment that she was going to do something new.

She returned from her first outing very

happy and enthusiastic. She described each of the several dogs she’d taken out. She went again a few days later and returned just as enthusiastic as the first time.

So I joined her on the next outing. It truly is a rewarding experience. The dogs appreciate the time outside their cages, the exercise and the companionship. We give about two hours of time each, every few days. It’s good exercise for us, too!

Lucky’s Place is a non-profit, no kill shelter for strays and turn-ins. It operates on donations and good will. So walking dogs is strictly a voluntary venture. There is no wage for it and yet it is the best paying job I’ve ever had. If you’ve got an hour or two to go for a walk, drive on down and walk man’s best friends. The animals will love it if you do.

YARD SALE QUEEN - MARSHA GOSSELIN Thanks for the many hours of hard work for the last 5 years!!

TETON TAILS OF JACKSON HOLE sponsors Pet of the Week radio ad for the shelter!! THANK YOU!!!

Ted and Yvonne Adams have a passion for helping animals. They always look for ways to support activities and causes with that focus ….which brought them to Lucky’s Place. “We are excited to be active supporters of Lucky’s Place! After meeting MaryAnn and her staff, and seeing their awesome work with the shelter, we knew this was the right place for us to be a part of.” They ran a table at the Farmers Market each week for the shelter.Ted and Yvonne Adams

TED AND YVONNE ADAMS

DIANNE and MARTY

HAPPY TAILS...

HOPESeven years ago we searched the web for a black lab puppy. We were fortunate to find a litter at Lucky’s Place in Thayne, WY. We chose Hope from all the puppies & she’s added so much happiness to our family!!Our black lab, Hope, tore her ACL probably chasing squirrels. We are fortunate in Colorado Springs to have outstanding ortho vets who repaired it in July. Here's a photo of her while in physical therapy in an underwater treadmill tank. Although she is still recovering she is doing very well and is walking normally now. We love her and are so happy to have her in our family!! Her story all started with you, and we thank you!! Sincerely,Margie Faulds

WILLOW"My name is Willow! I've had a long history at Lucky's Place but have finally met my furever mom. My sister, Calvina and I were dropped off as kittens. We were adopted out a couple of times but the circumstances were not the best so we were returned to Lucky's. At 14 months of age, my sister got adopted but unfortunately her new cat mom was unable to take me with her. I stayed at the shelter another 3 years until she was able to foster me. I needed socializing with humans and we were going to give it a try. I got along well with my sister (after some adjusting) and the other house cat until they started to bully me. My foster mom had to bring me back to the shelter. Things didn't go well there either, I was getting bullied by the cats there as well. My foster mom kept trying to find me a home. She put flyers out all over town with my story. Finally a wonderful human saw my flyer and called my foster mom. She was wanting a companion and I needed a home with no other cats. I am very shy at first but full of love for the right person and Susie Johansson was just that human I needed. Susie lives in Star Valley in the summer and resides in Tucson AZ in the winter, so I will be one spoiled kitty! I'm currently in Arizona enjoying the warm sunshine but will be back next summer!

SISSYHi Mary Ann,Since we got her, she has grown substantially, she is at 140# now. She really loves the grand kids and they her. We have a Shih-Poo and they get along really well. We have had some of the kids dogs here visiting and after a short period of posturing they get along well, also. Haven't tried her with cats. She is a real cuddle bug. Likes to sit on your feet and lean against your legs to the point of tipping you over. Snores like a jack-hammer and sling slim clear to the top of the door jam. Wouldn't trade her for the world. Thank you for choosing us for her forever family. She is an awesome dog and we love her. Thank you.Susan & Stoney Burt (and Murray)

LOGAN"Charlene and Barry give Big Boy Logan

the Love he has always wanted…” Logan

keeps the riff raft out of the yard”!

LIBBYLibby has learned how to ride on a snowmobile as she now lives in the interior of Yellowstone and that is the only transportation in and out all winter. She is loving being a snow Dog! Libby is truly loved now! Her dreams have come true with Lisa and Tad

GANDOLFI would like to thank Lucky’s Place animal shelter for going the extra mile literally to give this boy a second chance, for all involved in making this happen just know he is making the most of every second of it! When my senior passed away in July I decided I wanted to adopt another senior. I looked around on petfinder and saw Gandolf’s picture/profile and decided to give the shelter a call. The old boy had failed one adoption because he had a habit of ‘roaming’ but that was not a problem for me as I have a very large fenced acreage so I made my pitch for a long distance adoption and the ladies at the shelter went above and beyond to make it happen. I did worry that the old boy was wandering because he might be sad and looking for his family, maybe depressed. I was prepared for a senior that would take some time to adjust. Turned out that the old man just has the curiosity of a puppy and it is absolutely delightful. I find dogs to be an infinite source of inspiration, and this boy has inspired all that have met him with his passion for life and his determination to squeeze all he can out of the hand fate has dealt him. Last month new neighbors moved in and he walked over to their place, greeted the resident dog and instantly won the new folks hearts. Despite his disability of being totally deaf he charmed them all and they asked if he could visit from time to time as they had fallen instantly in love. Being deaf definitely does not stop this boy from making friends. This spring Gandolf can look forward to seeing the Oregon coast and who knows, maybe he is a fan of the ocean too.Tracy and Gandolf

BARLEYThere was a void and an empty bed in my home after my Giant Royal passed from Cancer last year. It was time.. I rescue Giants.. that is how each one has come to be a part of my family. So my search began and I found Barley and he and first family(who loved him very much) found me with the help of Mary Ann. After a drive to Wyoming to get him he is now at home at 10,000 feet in the mountains of Colorado. He is goofy, obsessed with balls, still quite a puppy.and a great hiking buddy. He joins Gretchen who is 10 and Penny the 5 year old mini (that is a whole other story how the mini came to live with Giants but it works). As you can imagine there is never a dull moment at my house but I wouldn't have it any other way. Hugs!Sara

Jimmy helps transport Gandolf across Montana and Washington to a new home.

SCRUFFYScruffy before and after. Found on the highway wet, hungry and was never claimed. The shelter gave her vaccinations, spayed her and groomed her. Now living in a wonderful home.

BANJOKelton Family takes Banjo to his new home in Worland! “He couldn’t be a sweeter dog. We love him!!”

Trainer for Lucky’s Place, Rich Sherman and Apollo.

On a very rainy morning a kind soul brought four little drenched kittens into our shelter. One had her eyes open only half way and the rest not at all. This kind lady was cleaning a rental house when she had found these little guys out in a field all by their selves in the mud. It was raining hard. How she even located them is a mystery but thankfully she

did. She said she could not find a mother anywhere.

We got them warm and dried off. They were so tiny that they all fit in a very small cardboard box.

One of our workers that day took them home to begin bottle feeding them. Actually when they are that small we feed them with a tiny syringe. It takes a while for them to learn to suck from a bottle. Slowly they began to gain strength and grow.

Eight days later a gentleman who had just moved into the rental house called us because he had heard a cat crying. He came in and borrowed one of our traps and caught two cats. One looked just like the kittens and the other looked like she may have been out of a previous litter. We tried to marry the mom with the kittens but by then she had dried up and was not interested in the kittens.

We have now spayed the two big cats and they have wonderful new homes. Our four little mouseketeers are almost big enough to spay and neuter (we have two boys and two girls) and they will be soon put up for adoption.

For a while this fall we had over one hundred stray cats and kittens surrendered to our shelter. We had them lining our halls in crates and many more out with fosterers. We have been very successful in finding homes for many of our cats and we thank you for stepping up to adopt. Every cat we adopt out is spayed, neutered, vaccinated, wormed and vet checked. We have over $80 in each of our cats but we do not ask for that much so we can get them good forever homes. Finding them a good home is the most important thing we do. Thank you, thank you for all the help you give us. It is most appreciated by us and the animals!

Carol Holdeman

This year’s Wag and Walk was enjoyed by many. Come join us in 2018!

EVENTS

BUS RALLY EVENT BY TONY AND PAM

Being as many of our bus community consider our 4 legged critters to be family, Tony and I have included a fund raiser for a local animal shelter into all of our rallies We held a pancake breakfast that was open to the entire resort. This was to support Lucky's Place Animal Shelter. We had a huge Chinese auction with over 50 donated items. A very special thanks to Deb and Tim Stewart for donating the profits from the pancake breakfast sales. Also, thanks to Eric Mutter for his emceeing the auction. We managed to raise $1537 for Lucky's. This is a no kill shelter that exists 100% on donations. If you are at a point in your life that you are considering a new critter, please visit your local shelters. Tony and Pam

The Four Mouseketeers2017 WAG & WALK

GRIZZYHAWKEYE

Lucky’s Top SupportersAs a private, non-profit organization, AHASV relies on the financial support of generous individuals, businesses and foundations. Thank you for the generosity of all those individuals and foundations that have given the animals of Star Valley a second chance. We would not be able to rescue them without your support.

Sophie CraigheadCharles Englehard Foundation

Timothy Day FoundationPaws of Jackson Hole

William Howard FlowersEd and Deanne Maronick

J Orin EdsonEphran and Dira HellerParamount Windows

Rick HolikGeorge Stark McCullough

Cecil & Merriam TurnerSRS Club LLC

Cheryl Bressler Perkins Charitable Foundation

Sarah MountainChrista Vindum and Steve Kundel

Gale and Rob JohnsonMargaret SpencerDragon ShermanBernard McHughAnnette OsnosGerald YecnyAlli NolandCarrie Bell

Darlene GardnerTimothy Raven

Silverstar TelephoneJudy BrownVicky NorthJohn Muller

LUCKY’S MONTHLY DONOR CLUBSunrise Ave LLC Barry YatesAlpine Market (donation Jar)

Dorothy FoxScott & Lisa McCurdy

Mary BonafiglioRichard and Diane Endres

Lynn MenaEd CoveneyRobert RuhBarb Carlisle

Sharon BreinholtSharon DalyDiane Miller

Tom WhitmanSusan MarshKatie Wilkes

James HopsonLynn Harmmond

The Monthly Club consists of members who donate money each month to help support Lucky’s Place.

Learn how to become a club member, email info@ahasv.org. Donation memberships range

from $5 to $150 monthly. Every penny helps and is appreciated!

A very special thanks to Tim and Debbie Stewart for allowing us to use the Star Valley Resort RV Park for our Bark-B-Q Fund Raiser.

BUZZ

SPARROWPINTO

COCO

Still waiting

Animal Humane Associationof Star Valley, Inc.Post Office Box 654Thayne, WY 83127

www. ahasv.org

AHASV Membership APPLICATION ‘18

Please enclose this form with your check made out to AHA-SV. Mail to AHA-SV, P.O. Box 654, Thayne, WY. 83127

www.ahasv.org 307-883-PETS

It’s all for the animals! Thank you for supporting all the unwanted and abused animals. You are an angel!

People who donate to the Animal Humane Association of Star

Valley (AHA-SV) are not just donors, but also angels. We couldn’t

care for the pets at the shelter without these pet angels.

We invite you to become one of our PET ANGELS.

Angel donations are:

______Student $10 ______Single Adult $25

______Family $35 ______Business $50

Name

Mailing Address

City State Zip

Email

SHELTER WISH LIST FOR SANTA• Cat food (Purina) Kibbles

• Dog Food Kibbles

• Kitten toys (balls)

• Wireless Doorbell

• Heavy Duty Electronic Print Time Clock

Acroprint (150QR4)

• Optex Wireless 2000 Annunciator

• Dog treats

• Mendota Dog Slip Leash (strong)

2018 Board of DirectorsMary Ann Ahrens, President, Director

Carol Holdeman, Vice-President

Bree Dayley, Secretary

Megan Johnson, Treasury

Carol Rush

Karen Hogan

Tom Brundage

Judy Brundage

Dan Denig

Ted Adams

Yvonne Adams

LOOK FOR OUR CHRISTMAS ANGEL TREESWatch for our Christmas Angel Trees in local businesses in the valley.

Help us help feed our animals at the shelter. They can’t wait for Santa

to come and visit them..

CLOE & DOLLY