Rivers and Bluffs Animal Shelter II

Rivers and Bluffs Animal Shelter Tile Program

noreply@blogger.com (Admin) — Tue, 06 Jun 2017 13:41:00 +0000

The movement to build a desperately needed animal shelter for the Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin area began in 2007. What started as a small group of citizens concerned about the welfare of stray and unwanted pets has evolved into an organization devoted to building Rivers & Bluffs Animal Shelter. After nearly 10 years of generous donations and constant fundraising, consisting of numerous community events, including dog swims, father/daughter dances, motorcycle poker runs, pasta buffets, chicken barbecues, used shoe drives, country music festivals and dozens of bake sales and food stands, the group broke ground on November 1, 2016. Rivers & Bluffs Animal Shelter is soon to become a reality.

Even without an actual animal shelter, this dedicated group of volunteers soon became a "force to be reckoned with." Through social media and a commitment to helping pets in need, the group has found "forever homes" for many animals over the past 10 years.

Download Order Form Here
or
Click this link to order online.

Often times, donations were raised to help with necessary veterinary costs for animals with injuries incurred at the hands of former owners. Other times, Rivers & Bluffs volunteers paid for routine care and medical treatment out of their own pockets. Therapy Dog visits to the local hospital have brought joy and comfort to patients as well as an opportunity to forget about pain for a few minutes while petting a friendly dog. Children learn empathy and respect for animals while improving their reading skills through weekly therapy dog visits at area schools. Therapy Dog visits to nursing home and retirement centers inspire residents to relive happier times spent with their beloved dogs or cats in year gone by. Rivers & Bluffs Animal Shelter will strive to be even more involved in the community by providing education on the importance of spaying and neutering pets to prevent unwanted litters and offering volunteer opportunities to individual and groups.

Construction of Rivers & Bluffs Animal Shelter will be complete by mid-summer 2017. But, even though the building will be finished, there are many things still needed before we can open the doors and start helping pets in need. Kennels, cat condos, exterior canine play areas and "catios" as well as operating expenses for the first year will be necessary before we become functional.

Rivers & Bluffs Animal Shelter is proud to offer you a way to help us in our goal of an animal shelter that will serve Crawford and Grant Counties in Wisconsin and Clayton County in Iowa as well as to express your love for a beloved pet or important person in your life. We invite you to be a part of a very special commemorative opportunity by purchasing a personalized, engraved tile. Now is your chance to support Rivers & Bluffs Animal Shelter with a donation that will last a lifetime. Tile purchases will benefit homeless animals for years to come and will symbolize your commitment and love for animals. Tiles can be inscribed in honor of or in memory of an animal or animal lover, a donor's name. family or business name. The engraved tiles make excellent birthday, anniversary, Christmas or wedding gifts for the animal lover in your life.

This lasting legacy will be installed inside the animal shelter on a large wall in the reception area above a beautiful granite bench. Pictures of every successful adoption will be taken in front of this wall. Two tile sizes are available: a 4"x8" tile and an 8"x8" tile. A large black wrought iron Rivers & Bluffs Animal Shelter logo will adorn the center of the wall, surrounded by the memorial tiles.

Rivers & Bluffs Animal Shelter's Mission Statement: To be the passionate advocate that will provide quality care for companion animals in need as we seek their forever homes and educate the community about responsible pet ownership.

Web site has moved

noreply@blogger.com (Admin) — Fri, 17 Jul 2015 13:02:00 +0000

Rivers and Bluffs Animal Shelter web site has moved. You will automatically redirected to the new site in five seconds.

In case the redirect does not occur, click on the following link.
Thank you.

The new web site is
http://riversandbluffsanimalshelter.blogspot.com/

Bake Sale at True Value

noreply@blogger.com (Admin) — Thu, 30 Apr 2015 12:41:00 +0000

Friday and Saturday
May 8th -9th, 2015
9AM - 2PM

Sweets and stuff

Take mom out to lunch
Brats and Hot Dogs
Cookies
Baked Goodies
Rivers and Bluffs to Sponsor Food Stand and Bake Sale At Nelson True Value (Map)
Nelson True Value will be the venue for the May fund raiser on Friday and Saturday. The menu includes grilled brats and hot dogs.
Cheryl Statz, president of Rivers and Bluffs Animal Shelter, invites everyone to stop in for a delicious grilled brat or hot dog while shopping for their Mother’s Day flowers and spring gardening ideas. Statz added “Rivers and Bluffs Animal Shelter appreciates this wonderful opportunity to raise money at one of Nelson True Value’s busiest weekends. The organization is working especially hard this spring as they hope to start construction on an animal shelter by the end of this year.”
Bev Pozega, vice president of the group would like to thank the community for their continued support. Download PDF flyer. Post at your work place or school locker. Show your support.
Photos from past Bake Sale

Pedaling for Pets*

noreply@blogger.com (Admin) — Tue, 28 Apr 2015 12:07:00 +0000

In lieu of a vacation this summer, Prairie du Chien residents Ashley and Brandon Christensen will bicycle 750 miles around Wisconsin to raise awareness and funds for Rivers and Bluffs Animal Shelter (RABAS). They will stop at eight checkpoints along the way and meet with humane societies and animal shelters in those communities to gather information that might be helpful to RABAS, which plans to build its own animal shelter for the area. They’ve labeled their journey Pedaling for Pets.

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On Aug. 16, the energetic young couple plans to leave Prairie du Chien and head toward Viroqua, where they will first meet with the Vernon County Humane Society. Second, they will travel toward Sparta and stop at the Monroe County Animal Shelter. Third, they will visit Tomah and its Chasing Daylight Animal Shelter. The fourth stop will be in Marshfield, where the two will meet with the Marshfield Area Pet Shelter, which is similar to RABAS in that they have no physical shelter at this time but have had land donated toward one. The next and northern-most stop for Ashley and Brandon will be in Park Falls (near Bayfield) at the Catkins Animal Rescue. Sixth, they will drop down to the Northwoods Humane Society in Hayward. Seventh, they will stop in Eau Claire at Bob’s House for Dogs, which is literally a fun house where disabled and senior dogs can roam freely. Finally, before heading back to Prairie du Chien, they will check in at the Coulee Region Humane Society in La Crosse. Their plan is for the trip to take three weeks and end around Sept. 6.
“In the next couple of weeks, we will be driving the route to scout out the roads and campgrounds where we want to stay,” Ashley said. “We would also like to stop at the shelters, drop off posters and start creating excitement about us passing through those communities.”
The day they leave, Ashley said, they hope to have a sendoff celebration in Prairie du Chien, though details of that haven’t been finalized yet. The couple’s goal is to average 80 miles of pedaling per

day.
“It’s scary. We are training but it’s not going to be easy,” Ashley said. “This is a personal challenge for us and we really don’t want to let those animals down.”
The idea for Pedaling for Pets came to the Christensens this past winter when they had a conversation about achievements they had listed on their personal bucket lists. “I mentioned I would like to do a long-distance bike ride,” Ashley said. “My husband said he had always wanted to do that too and was totally on board with it.” Next, they decided to choose a charitable cause near and dear to their animal-loving hearts, which is where RABAS came in. The pair are members of the animal shelter group and owners of a dog, two cats and a turtle.
“The members of RABAS have invested so much time and money into building a shelter and we want to help make a difference, more than just volunteering at a bake sale,” Ashley stated.
The Christensens have determined a number of fundraising avenues to help them reach their goal, a lofty $10,000. They started a Go Fund Me website, Pedaling for Pets (as well as a Facebook page).They are selling T-shirts. They are organizing a bowling tournament for June 7, at 11 a.m., at Leisure Time, in Prairie du Chien. It will be an eight-pin tap tourney with four to five people per team and also involve a pulled pork lunch with dessert, a silent auction, DJ and karaoke, raffles and more. And, during their adventures around Wisconsin, they will seek donations from businesses and corporations in the communities they pass through.
“We’re sending out letters soon to the businesses. We’re encouraging people to pledge so much if we make it to a certain checkpoint,” Ashley noted.
All proceeds will benefit the Rivers and Bluffs Animal Shelter as they work toward constructing a regional shelter in Prairie du Chien.
When they stop at each shelter along the route, Ashley and Brandon will take pictures and ask questions specific to how the establishments are run, what fundraisers have worked well, what could be done differently in building a shelter, etc. Also, they plan to present each shelter with items from their wish lists.
Ultimately, in addition to the money raised, the couple simply hopes to spread awareness and build knowledge about RABAS across the state.
“We want to turn this into something big, something that people across Wisconsin get behind and support,” Ashley said.
For more information, to donate to the cause, to sign up for the bowling tournament or to purchase a bright yellow Pedaling for Pets T-shirt, contact Ashley at (608) 412-0680 or mistifiedllc27@gmail.com.
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**Source: Courier Press, Prairie du Chien.

Golf Tournament

noreply@blogger.com (Admin) — Tue, 21 Apr 2015 12:41:00 +0000

The Rivers and Bluffs Animal Shelter (RABAS) is adding a new event this year to our fundraising activities and we would love for you to be a part of it. We are having a Golf Tournament.

Our golf tournament is scheduled at the Prairie Du Chien Country Club

Saturday, June 13, 2015.

Click for Facebook Event Status

This will be a four person step aside tournament. The cost is $60.00 per person and includes 18 holes of golf with a cart and a small meal. Shotgun start at 10:00 A.M. Registration starts at 9:00 A.M.
Prizes will be awarded to the first two teams in each of the following categories:

Four Person Female Team
Four Person Male Team
Mixed Couples (two male, two female)

To sign your team up for this event please call one of the following:

Brenda Wilson - 608-317-7001
Linda Richmond - 608-317-7654
Prairie Du Chien Country Club – 608-326-6707

We would also like to ask you to please consider being a hole sponsor.
Hole sponsorship is $50.00. A sign with your company or family name on it will be placed on the golf course during the tournament. This would be a great way to show your support for our less fortunate animal friends as well as your love for your own furry family members.
We are also having a memory / in honor of board. For $5.00 you can have your pets name on the memory / in honor of board which will be displayed in the club house.
Please contact Linda Richmond or Brenda Wilson at the above numbers to get your pets name on the wall. If you would be able to sponsor a hole, please send your check for $50.00 to:
Linda Richmond
1101 South 15^th St.
Prairie Du Chien, WI 53821
The deadline for the hole sponsorship is Friday, May 22 so we have time to get each sign made.
You can pay your golf entry fee the day of the tournament.
Thank you all for your consideration in helping Rivers and Bluffs Animal Shelter with our fundraising efforts. Your generosity is so appreciated.

Pasta for Pets

noreply@blogger.com (Admin) — Thu, 26 Mar 2015 17:13:00 +0000

Huckleberry’s Restaurant (Map)

1916 S Marquette Rd.

Prairie du Chien, WI

All you can eat Salad Bar and Pasta Buffet, with dessert Bar, Milk and coffee included

Tickets available at the door:

Age 11-Adult $9 ; Kids Age 4-10 $6;

Age 3 and under Free

Live Auction – 5:30PM

Special Silent Auction

The following items will be featured on the Live Auction:

*Items below may differ from images below

2 handcrafted wood pieces from the collection of Walter Skaife,
a Taft Mill Pottery vase

Handmade, one of a kind, 4 foot high oak flower pedestal.
autographed Green Bay Packer football
Vizio 24” LED television
a Razor Spark Kick Scooter
2 pairs of Wisconsin Badger Football tickets
a Night on the Town (1 night stay in a suite at Country Inn & Suites,
a 2 hour trail ride at The Childrens’ Ranch
2 Prairie Cinema Movie passes and 2 Lady Luck Casino Buffet certificates)
an Amish Built Kids Adirondack Rocker
a Samsung Blu-ray Disc Player/DVD Player
Samsung Smart Camera
a campfire ring
3 different styles of dog beds
a 3 burner gas grill

The silent auction will also feature something for everyone, including children, from local businesses and individuals.

The live auction will conclude at 6:30 p.m. and the silent auction and buffet will end at 7:00 p.m. Kwik Trip Gas cards will also be available for sale. “Once again we are hoping that the community will come out and enjoy a delicious assortment of pastas and desserts as well as a fun night out and help Rivers & Bluffs with their building fund” said Bev Pozega, one of the event organizers. RABAS volunteers will be on hand to answer questions. For more information on Rivers & Bluffs Animal Shelter or Pasta for Pets, please visit our website or contact Bev at 326-2914 or Jill at 326-4870. Donations may be sent to RABAS PO Box 421 PdC WI 53821. Rivers & Bluffs Animal Shelter is a 501 (c)3 nonprofit organization and your donation is tax deductible.

Princess for an Evening - 2015

noreply@blogger.com (Admin) — Thu, 26 Mar 2015 14:17:00 +0000

Photos from 2015 available here
Princesses, grab your favorite gentleman (dad, grandfather, uncle, big brother or special man in your life) and spend an enchanted evening dancing the night away at Rivers and Bluffs Animal Shelters Princess for an Evening.
This year’s event will take place on Saturday, April 18, at 6:30 p.m., at Huclkleberry’s Banquet Hall in Prairie du Chien. Each princess will receive a free corsage, donated by Kembles Greenhouse, and a tiara.
Photographer Brian Cipra will capture this priceless memory in a 5x7 photo, which is included with the price of admission. A group ballroom dance lesson, taught by Lynn Rider, will begin at 7 p.m.
Refreshments, including a "Princess Cake,” provided by Ma’s Bakery of Bloomington, will be served throughout the evening.
A music will play the latest hits.
As always, hula hoop and limbo contests will be held for princesses and their dates. Every princess with a date, dining at Huckleberry’s prior to the dance, will receive a free "Princess Parfait?
Two hundred balloons floating from the ceiling and fresh spring flowers will add the finishing touches to Princess for an Evening.
Spectators are welcome at 8:30 PM. This special evening will conclude with a group picture at 9 p.rn.
Advance tickets are available at Tender Care Animal Hospital, Zinkle’s Piggly Wiggly and Dr. Donna Higgins’ Optometry office.
Tickets are also available at the door. Princess for an Evening is sponsored by Huckleberry’s Restaurant and Banquet Facility, Tender Care Animal Hospital and Dr. Donna Higgins Optometry.
For more information, con tact Bev Pozega at (608) 326-2914 or Jill Cipra at (608) 326-4870 .

Pizza Hut Guest Server Night

noreply@blogger.com (Admin) — Tue, 24 Mar 2015 14:44:00 +0000

Rivers & Bluffs Animal Shelter (RABAS) volunteers Dr. Jami Quick, Tina Osterhaus, Jill Cipra and Bev Pozega learned the fine techniques of waitressing in efforts to raise funds for a desperately needed animal shelter for the PdC area. Monday evening, March 16th, the group took part in Pizza Hut’s Guest Server Night. All tips generated between 5 p.m. – 8 p.m. were donated to RABAS. As part of Guest Server Night, Pizza Hut generously matches up to $500 of those tips. “Once again, the community came out to show their support for this worthy cause” said Bev. “In fact, we surpassed the $500 match requirement and were amazed to realize $924 in the tip jar” added Tina. The group will receive a check for an additional $500 from Daland Corporation DBA Pizza Hut in a few days, according to Cindy Spiker, manager of Your Hometown Pizza Hut. Chance, RABAS’ large and furry mascot helped to spread the word about Guest Server Night by strolling in front of the restaurant.

For more information on Rivers & Bluffs Animal Shelter, please visit our website at www.riversandbluffsanimalshelter.org or contact Bev at (608)326-2914. Donations are tax deductible and may be mailed to RABAS PO Box 421 PdC, WI 53821

Pictured above are Dr. Jami Quick, Chance, and Tina Osterhaus.

Pizza Hut Guest Server Night–March 16, 2015

noreply@blogger.com (Admin) — Mon, 16 Mar 2015 16:55:00 +0000

Once again, “Your Friendly Hometown Pizza Hut” will team up with Rivers & Bluffs Animal Shelter (RABAS) to raise money for a desperately needed animal shelter. On Monday, March 16th, from 5 p.m. – 8 p.m., fresh, piping hot pizzas as well as other Pizza Hut favorites will be delivered to your table by RABAS volunteers. The guest servers include Dr. Jami Quick, owner of Tender Care Animal Hospital, Jill Cipra, Tina Osterhaus and Bev Pozega, all members of the non-profit organization. All tips (up to $500) will be generously matched by Pizza Hut. “In the past, we have had outstanding support from the community and we have reached our $500 goal” said Jill Cipra, RABAS treasurer. “We hope that once again the community will join us at Pizza Hut to help us in our efforts”, added Bev Pozega. RABAS volunteers will be available to answer questions about their progress and upcoming events.
Rivers & Bluffs Animal Shelter is beginning their 8th year of fundraising. In 2013, Steve and Lynda Welter donated 2 acres of land at the intersection of 22nd St. and Campion Blvd. This generous donation means that all monetary donations and funds raised by this hardworking and dedicated group of volunteers did not have to be used for the purchase of land. RABAS’ building committee has been visiting shelters in cities similar in size to Prairie to Chien to gather ideas and talk to staff. The group hopes to begin property development this summer.
Rivers & Bluffs Animal Shelter is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization raising money for an animal shelter for the PdC Area. Your donation is tax exempt and may be mailed to RABAS PO Box 421 PdC WI 53821. For more information on RABAS, please contact Bev at 326-2914 or visit our website at www.riversandbluffsanimalshelter.org.

See Past Photos here

Join Us for St. Pat’s Day Parade

noreply@blogger.com (Admin) — Mon, 09 Mar 2015 15:24:00 +0000

Join Rivers and Bluffs Animal Shelter on March 14, 2015, at St. Feriole Island for a terrific parade through downtown Prairie du Chien. Wear Green and dress up your pet in green.

Lineup time is 9 a.m. Bring your pet to St. Feriole Island and look for Rivers and Bluffs. If you can’t find us, please call (608) 306-1260.

The Parade route is from St. Feriole Island, West along Blackhawk Drive, then north on S. Michigan Street, then back to the Island East on E. Washington Street,

Dogs need to be leashed, friendly, current on vaccinations and no females in heat. . Dogs also need to be friendly and well socialized.

People can bring dog treats and candy to hand out, but we cannot throw it.

Sheriff's deputy and k-9 Partner Deliver Pizzas to Coloring Contest Winners*

noreply@blogger.com (Admin) — Fri, 06 Mar 2015 20:02:00 +0000

Approximately 170 Crawford County students in pre-kindergarten through fourth grade recently participated in a coloring contest sponsored by Rivers and Bluffs Animal Shelter, Nelson True Value, the Crawford County Sheriffs Department, and Prairie du Chien Pizza Hut as part of the third annual Pet Expo.

“True Value staff had a very difficult task picking the contest winners,” “said Donna Teynor, one of the event coordinators. “All of the children did a great job and we were amazed at the creativity of these young students.”

The top prize in each of the three categories (pre-k and kindergarten, ﬁrst and second grades, and third and fourth grades) was a large pizza donated by Pizza Hut, delivered to the winners’ homes by Deputy Joe Breeser and his K-9 Partner Breck.

The ﬁrst-place winners in the three categories were: Avery Kilburg, Katie Bosley and Teagan Radloff. Nelson True Value also awarded prizes to the second, third- and fourth place winners in each of the categories. Those winners were Zachary Ross, Olivia Coison, Hailee Gutes, Sira Bah, Fiona Etemi, Gabby Bansberg, Lindsey Nolan, Christopher Bergy and Caitlin Barrett.

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Article courtesy of Courier Press

DOG’S DAY OUT

noreply@blogger.com (Admin) — Thu, 12 Feb 2015 13:24:00 +0000

Are you and your canine friend suffering from a severe case of Cabin Fever? If so, bring your well-behaved and socialized dog to Dog’s Day Out. Dave and Linda Shihata have graciously offered the use of their fenced in paddock for our dogs to romp in the great outdoors. Proof of vaccinations (rabies, DHLPP or DAP) will be required and everyone will be expected to pick up after their dogs. Bags will be provided.

The date for Dog’s Day Out is Sunday, March 1st. It will start at 1 p.m. and will include a potluck. Please bring a dish to share as well as your own beverage. Hot chocolate will be provided as will paper plates, styrofoam cups, napkins and plastic ware. Drinking water for dogs will be available. Electrical outlets will be provided if you would like to bring something that needs to be kept warm. Dress warm as this will be an outdoor event. We will have access to the Apple House Retail Store, but it is not heated. Dave and Linda will have some portable heaters to take the chill off the building. The Retail Store overlooks the fenced in paddock. If we humans need to warm up but the dogs are too busy playing to get cold, we can keep an eye on them from the windows. If there is “packing snow”, we will build a large snow dog for a group picture.

A number of us got together last year at Natural Gait with our dogs and it was so much fun for both dogs and their humans. But it was so dusty; many of us had difficulty breathing. Hopefully there will be snow on the ground or cold enough for the ground to be frozen.

The alternate date will be Saturday, March 7th. The event will be postponed if the forecasted temperature at noon is below 25 degrees. It will also be postponed to Saturday, March 7th if there is rain, freezing rain or any type of weather that would make driving dangerous. It may also be postponed or canceled if we get a March thaw and the area is too muddy to use. None of us want to take muddy dogs home in vehicles.

We will decide by 11 a.m. if it will be postponed or canceled. Please check your email at 11 a.m. If there is no email from me, the event is a “go”. If you do not have email, you can call me at 326-2914 or on my cell 608-306-1260.

Directions: Shihata’s Orchard is located north of Prairie du Chien on Limery Road. You can get there by taking Highway 27 North or Highway 35 North. If you take Highway 27 from PdC, turn left on Limery Road and you will see the Retail Store on the right side of the road. If you decide to take Highway 35 North, take a right onto Limery Road and the Retail Store will be on the left. There should be plenty of parking.

If you plan on attending with your dog (s) ¸ please provide proof of vaccinations prior to the event by mailing them to Bev Pozega, 32398 Gran Grae Road, PdC WI 53821, or giving them to her in person. Please, no aggressive dogs or female dogs in heat. Also, all dogs must wear buckle collars with id tags and have a leash on until they are in the fenced in area. It is recommended that all dogs be on some type of topical or internal flea and tick control as well as vaccinated for kennel cough. Dogs showing aggressive tendencies will be asked to leave. Please reply to this email or call Bev at (608) 326-2914 if you would like to attend. Please, do not feel that you need a dog to attend. Virtual dogs are welcome also. This event is fun to watch even if you do not have a dog. A Hold Harmless Agreement will need to be completed by everyone attending on the day of the event.

There is no charge for a Dog’s Day Out, but Rivers & Bluffs Animal Shelter will have their donation jar along for anyone interested in making a donation to this hardworking organization dedicated to raising money for an animal shelter for the PdC Area.

Pet Expo 2015

noreply@blogger.com (Admin) — Sun, 08 Feb 2015 00:03:00 +0000

Parade of Rescue Dogs

Pet Expo 2015, sponsored by Nelson True Value of Prairie du Chien, Wi, took place February 7, 2015. The event featured adoptable pets from CASA-Crawford Area Shelter for Animals, Inc. pictures & petting with Chance the Rivers and Bluffs Animal Shelter PDC Mascot, micro chipping clinic by Crisse Reynolds, Crawford County Animal Control officer, and a visit with Crawford County Canine Deputy Bresser and Breck. Kris Perkins and her rescue Border Collie thrilled the record crowd with a Frisbee catching demonstration. Tender Care Animal Hospital staff trimmed dog’s nails and answered questions from the audience. The expo also introduced Rivers and Bluffs therapy dogs.

A special booth with Ashley Christianson, owner of Mist-ified, LLC, Prairie du Chien, offered information about a 60o+ mile plus bicycle journey to Bayfield, Wi and back to Prairie du Chien as a fund raiser for Rivers and Bluffs Animal Shelter. Along with her husband, Brandon, they plan to stop at animal shelters along the way. Their Facebook page is called Pedaling for Pets.

Over 140 entries for the Rivers and Bluffs Animal Shelter coloring contest covered an entire wall of Nelson’s True Value.

A very special feature of Pet-Expo 2015, featured rescued dogs and their owners. Included in the parade of Rescued dogs were:

Maggie

Owner – Paula Gutzmer

Maggie is a Blue Heeler mix who was born in April of 2005. As a small puppy, she wandered on to the property of Nancy and Bill Stuart in rural Eastman. While Nancy came to love Maggie very much, she knew that keeping an additional dog was not in the plan. The Stuarts fostered Maggie for 3 years, waiting for exactly the right person to come along to provide Maggie a forever home.

Meanwhile, Paula Gutzmer was devastated by the loss of her dog Buddy to cancer suddenly in 2008. She was hoping to complete training with Buddy to do Pet Therapy work in her retirement. With the help of the Tender Care staff, the connection with the Stuarts was made and Maggie moved into her new home.

In the fall of 2008, Maggie completed basic obedience training, and began working with Bev Pozega to learn the additional skills necessary to complete the Certified Therapy Dog Evaluation through Therapy Dogs International. As Paula and Bev held their breath, Maggie successfully passed the exam on her first attempt!

Following Paula’s retirement in the fall of 2010, she and Maggie began visiting the Nursing Home in Prairie du Chien, where it quickly became apparent that Maggie had a very special talent for comforting and bringing joy to the residents. The friends that they visited weekly enjoyed sharing stories of the pets they had earlier in their lives, and of course, enjoyed lots of petting as well.

Paula’s next goal was gaining approval to visit the Prairie du Chien Memorial Hospital, and early in 2013, the team began weekly visits, providing comfort not only to the patients, but to the staff members as well. The final step in completing Paula’s vision was the completion of Hospice training in order to provide comfort and companionship to people at the end of their life’s journey.

Maggie and Paula’s Pet Therapy work is not only rewarding for Paula, but it has quickly become the highlight of Maggie’s week. She has the perfect temperament for the job, and has reduced the pain level and blood pressure of many patients, and has brought many smiles to their faces.

For the past few years, Maggie has battled a renal disease that affects the ability of her kidneys to process proteins. Since not much is known about renal disease in canines, Maggie has become a bit of a medical experiment. But with the help of Dr. Jamie and the entire Tender Care staff, her condition is currently stable so she can continue her Pet Therapy work.

This coming April 30th, Maggie will celebrate her 10th Birthday. Her Birthday wish is to continue meeting new friends through her Therapy visits for years to come!

Chyna

Owners – Cheryl Statz and Steve Tibbets

Full Name: Chyna Shepard. She was named after a character in a Dean Koontz novel. She was turned in as an 11 month old pup to the American Lab Rescue organization in Florida. She was fostered by a wonderful woman named Sandy Christie in Florida. We found her picture on American Lab Rescue.com and decided she was the one for us. She made the long trip up from Florida in a climate controlled truck with 25 other dogs. We met the truck in a parking lot in Glastonbury Connecticut and fell in love with her at first sight. Chyna likes to play with her brother, but she particularly likes to meet new people. She has a habit of "smiling" whenever you call her name. She was 8 years old on July 4 of 2014.

Daisy

Owners - Kris and Bill Perkins

Daisy, a 2 and a half year old border collie. ( If Kris’ memory serves her correctly, )she was found on the side of the road in a box with 2 other puppies at about 6 or 8 weeks old. The sheriff who found the puppies kept one and the other 2 went to foster care in NE Iowa.

Kris and Bill had just lost their 9 year old Border Collie/Spaniel mix to cancer that spring and were looking at rescue shelters all over WI, MN, and IA for another one. Their previous dog, Henry was a rescue from the Viroqua shelter and they had been looking for a Border Collie or Border Collie mix for about 3 months at this time. Kris and Bill have had 4 other dogs from rescue shelters over their 38 years of marriage and they all have been wonderful.

Kris and Bill found Daisy's photo online for the NE IA shelter and went that very day to look at her. It was love at first sight, and they brought her home with them. Their search was over!

Daisy, as like all Border Collies, is very smart and focused. She lives to play Frisbee and to chase tennis balls, and she loves to learn new skills. It only takes a few days of repetitive practice for her to pick up a new skill and she knows commands like "roll over", "car" (which means sit when there is a car coming by while we are walking on country roads), "find (whatever)", "go around", and the usual sit, down, shake, jump as well as being able to identify specific toys or treats by name. You really only need to tell her to do something once and off she goes to do it!

Luka

Owner: Kim Pinkham

Kim Pinkham is a rural mail carrier. Her route includes the mail box of John and Carrie Nolan on Highway N, north of Prairie du Chien. On July 29, 2013, Kim noticed a beautiful collie mix hanging around Nolan’s mailbox. Someone had put a dog bed, food and water for the abandoned dog. The dog did not seem to want to leave the mailbox. He was very timid and would not let anyone near him. Two days later, Kim hit the jackpot. She was able to get this dog to trust her by sitting quietly, talking to him gently and sharing a bag of Cheetos. Kim crouched on the ground and the dog finally let Kim touch his leg. Soon, Kim was able to get a leash around the dog’s neck. The rest is history.

Kim named the dog, “LuKa”, which means “bringer of light”. Kim’s brother had died on June 26th of that same year. Kim’s birthday is July 30th. Kim felt that Luka was a sign that her brother was telling her everything was ok. Luka has brought so much joy and happiness to Kim.

Kim is not sure who really rescued whom. All Kim knows is that Luka came into her life when she needed him to and she is sure that Luka feels the same way.

Sadie

Owner – Phil Dwornik

This sweet 4 year old Border Collie was dumped 2 ½ years ago by Tina’s K-9 Rescue near Sparta, Wisconsin. Ripped up and bleeding from head to tail and unable to walk, the dog faced many challenges and hardships. Deb and Phil Dwornik had recently lost their Border Collie and knew they needed another one to fill the void. After searching Petfinder.com for hours, they took a daytrip to Tina’s K-9 Rescue the very next day in the hope of finding the perfect fit. It was love at first sight. Since finding her forever home, Sadie’s days are now filled with love, Frisbee playing, truck rides, camping and holding the bed down.

Emmy

Owners – Marjie and Tom Bennett

I'm a 3 1/2year old husky/lab. I had 10 brothers and sisters and someone left us off at the Iowa County Humane Society one night. When I was about 9 weeks old, Marjie and Tom Bennett came into our room. They were looking for a dog but they weren't planning to take a puppy home. They didn't know how to take care of puppies. They thought that it wouldn't hurt anything just holding a puppy. The next weekend I was adopted and got to go home to live with them. I love my life and I love people. I want everyone to be in my pack. I try my best to please and to make others happy. Someday I want to be a Therapy Dog.

Molly

Owners: Bob and Diane Witt

Molly’s mother was a Labrador and her father was a Labradoodle. She was born on January 15, 2010.

When Molly was 1 ½ years old her owner died in a swimming accident. The family found they could no longer care for Molly and asked a friend if she had anyone who might help them to rehome her. That friend contacted Rivers and Bluffs Animal Shelter and they posted a picture of Molly on their web site. On a fateful day in Sept. 2011, Bob and his wife, Diane, saw that posting and wondered how she would get along with their cats. The very next day a new picture was posted with a kitten curled up with her! Bob and Diane contacted the family and went to meet Molly. Molly’s owners took Bob and Diane out into their yard and tossed a ball for Molly to chase. She brought that ball back to Bob! I think she knew from that minute that they were meant to be together!!

Life was a little hectic at first when Molly came to Bob and Diane’s home. Although she liked our cats, one of them wasn’t so sure he liked her! And he is still a little devil to her at times but Molly has grown to ignore his occasional hissing!

Molly was also not a good leash dog. She pulled and tugged and didn’t really listen during our walks. Her previous owners used a “shock collar” to train her which means she didn’t really listen to verbal commands. We removed that awful collar and signed up for dog obedience classes where Molly and Bob learned how to behave together. Once in a while, the trainer threatened to make Bob where a shock collar!

Bob and Diane cannot imagine life without Molly. She has quite a few doggie friends who come over to play in her great fenced backyard. Although she doesn’t get “people food” she loves Diane’s favorite snack – popcorn - and always gets a few pieces tossed her way. Molly also loves to ride in the car and Bob and Diane take her with them whenever they can.

Wrigley

Owners: Todd and Julie Whyte

Todd and Julie Whyte learned that an unplanned and unwanted litter of lab puppies was going to be born in mid-November, 2013. Todd and Julie decided that they needed a lab in their home. The puppies were born on November 20th. Dixie, the mother dog and her pups had been surrendered to the Humane Society of NE Iowa. The puppies were born in a blue 50 gallon barrel in the bitter cold. The foster parent from the Humane Society of NE Iowa could not get Dixie and her puppies until the next day. Dixie’s owners would not allow her and the pups access to indoors overnight. One puppy died outside in the cold that night. A second puppy was tangled in blankets and would have died had the foster parent not gotten there when she did.

Julie and Todd contacted HSNEI and filled out an application online immediately. They were able to see the pups when they were 2 weeks old and also at 5 weeks. At the 5 weeks visit, they picked their pup from the litter. Wrigley came home with them when she was 9 weeks old.

Wrigley has had basic obedience training and, has been learning to hunt ducks! Wrigley tried to camouflage herself by rolling in the mud on her first hunting expedition. She also got stung by bees. Wrigley was done for the day. She sat in the boat, waiting to go home.

Wrigley has been a great addition to Julie and Todd’s family. She is turning into an excellent companion and member of the family.

Pet Expo

noreply@blogger.com (Admin) — Fri, 06 Feb 2015 00:03:00 +0000

Join Nelson True Value in Prairie du Chien for the 3rd Annual Pet Expo on Saturday, February 7th from 10am-1pm at our store.
Check out all we will have going on! Adopt-able pets from CASA-Crawford Area Shelter for Animals, Inc.(weather permitting), Ask the Doctor thanks to Tender Care Animal Hospital, pictures & petting with Chance the Rivers and Bluffs Animal Shelter PDC Mascot, many great pet specials and SO MUCH MORE!!

Rivers and Bluffs Pushes Past $200,000 Raised Toward an Animal Shelter*

noreply@blogger.com (Admin) — Fri, 30 Jan 2015 13:35:00 +0000

The year 2015 certainly started off with a bang for Rivers and Bluffs Animal Shelter (RABAS). A donation of $20,000 was contributed in early January from a very generous donor who wishes to remain anonymous.

This hard-working, not-for- proﬁt organization recently hit an important milestone in their ﬁnancial climb toward a desperately needed animal shelter for the Prairie du Chien area: $200,000. This additional donation put them even closer to a functioning shelter in the not-so distant future.

A donation of this magnitude, coupled with existing funds allow for site preparation and the start of construction.

Currently the group’s building committee has been visiting other shelters to gather ideas and talk with shelter managers. Project Manager Don Iverson is optimistic that, by this Sumner, the group will have made a decision on the shelter design and will also have an estimate of construction costs. Recently built existing shelters, similar in design and size to what RABAS is planning, range in cost from $350,000 to $400,000. The future home of Rivers and Bluffs Animal Shelter is located at the intersection of 22nd Street and Carnpion Boulevard on two acres of land donated by Steve and Lynda Welter.

RABAS membership, fund raising and donations continue to gain momentum as the group begins its eighth year of active fund raising. What started as a small group of citizens, organized by Dr. Jami Quick, concerned about the need for an animal shelter for the Prairie du Chien area, has blossomed into an active group. of almost 100 volunteers.

Fund raising has become a way‘ of life for RABAS volunteers. With fundraisers ranging from food stands, chicken dinners, pasta buffets, motorcycle poker runs, dog walks dog washes, live and silent auctions, guest server nights, Wake Up Santa, Princess for an Evening, 50/ 50, raffles and Kwik Trip gift cards, this group has done it all. With at least one fundraiser in almost, every month of the year, Rivers and Bluffs is truly a force to be reckoned with. For more information, visit http://riversandbluffsanimalshelter.org or contact Bev Pozega at (608) 326- 2914.

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Thank you Courier Press of Prairie du Chien. We appreciate your support

Walk for a Dog

noreply@blogger.com (Admin) — Fri, 16 Jan 2015 03:12:00 +0000

Walk for a Dog is a smartphone application that supports any animal shelter; in this case, Rivers and Bluffs Animal Shelter, every time you walk your dog.

After you download the app onto your smartphone,

Android: Install App

iPhone: Install App

take the phone with you when you walk your dog(s). Simply press the “Start Walking for …” button and the app will keep track of your walk. When your walk is stopped it is credited to your selected shelter or rescue.

The donations to animal organizations are funded by sponsorship, advertising, and investors. We send donations to active shelters and rescues about twice per year.

Share the app with friends and family. Every walk counts, whether its a quick walk around the block or a leisurely three mile hike. The more people actively walking with the app the greater the benefit for your favorite rescue or shelter.

But, what if you don't have a dog or a cat? You can walk for dogs at a shelter or rescue by choosing the “Walk for Cassie” option after enrolling in the app for the first time. Or, create your dream dog as a walking companion by going to the setup tab and adding a dog.

Courier Press Chats with Santa*

noreply@blogger.com (Admin) — Tue, 23 Dec 2014 07:52:00 +0000

*Courier Press Associate Editor Correne Martin

Santa Claus chats about Christmas

Christmas is a very busy time of year for Santa Claus and everyone else at the North Pole. Santa graciously took time out of his hectic schedule, bright and early Monday morning, Dec. 22, to call the Courier Press Associate Editor Correne Martin from his mobile phone and answer a few questions she had for him. As Christmas nears, Santa has a lot on his mind and he wanted to share some of his thoughts with all the little boys and girls who are very anxious and full of holiday spirit. A bit of the chat with Santa follows.

Courier Press: Hi Santa, how has the month of December been going for you? I know it’s a very busy time of year.

Santa Claus: Correne, first and foremost, please let me thank you for your time and interest in my day and activities. Most of my days, especially around this season, involve visiting with so many wonderful kids, both young and young at heart. I take a special interest in any correspondence this time of year. I and my expanded family love this time of year. Each hour is closer to the special time of year when we see smiles on everyone’s faces.

CP: How are you and Mrs. Claus this Christmas?

SC: Although this is a busy time for all of us at the North Pole, each day is filled with excitement. I, Mrs. Claus, and our elves feel more love with each request that comes our way. We feel more excited as the lists grow. We can hardly wait for the day to arrive, just, as I am sure, each and everyone else feels. Our hearts are filled with the joy of giving and, with that, the excitement of the season creates a sense of peace within us all at the North Pole.

CP: How about your elves? Are they excited for another busy season too?

SC: All of the elves are working almost throughout the day and night. Of course, here at the North Pole, our nights are very long and days are very short (Ho Ho Ho). But we know that what we do creates joy and happiness.

CP: And how about your reindeer? Are they ready for Christmas?

SC: The selection process for the sleigh reindeer was made weeks ago. Elf Carl, the head reindeer trainer and coach, is busy with last minute flight plans and checklists. Elf Carl has been feeding the sleigh reindeer a special high protein diet of organically grown food. All of the food is grown in greenhouses and prepared just for this time of year. The reindeer have been doing special cardio exercises created by Elf Jill as part of their training as well.

CP: Temperatures in southwest Wisconsin have been unseasonably mild lately. How cold is it at the North Pole right now?

SC: The North Pole is one of the coldest places on Earth. If you ever wondered why I am always wearing that heavy, fur-lined red suit, well, now you know. It is so cold in the North Pole that the winter time temperatures rarely exceed -15 degrees—colder than the coldest spot year round in the United States. Another interesting fact about the North Pole is that it doesn’t have a time zone. This is how I can travel around the whole world in a single night, because I am not limited to the normal constraints of time like everyone else.

CP: If there is snow for Christmas, how will you deliver all of the gifts?

SC: My sleigh and reindeer travel in all sorts of weather and climates. We travel across the highest, coldest mountains, the lowlands of the Netherlands, and the jungles of deepest darkest Africa. My sleigh is equipped with all weather temperature control.

CP: How long does it take you to deliver presents to all the good boys and girls in the world?

SC: This is a very popular question. Not many people know that the actual truth is based on a popular theory of physics. I have to deliver gifts to around millions of children spread over millions of miles. Because each household has 2.67 children, there are about 75 million homes to visit and the average distance between homes is about 1.63 miles, I need to cover 122 million miles.

To cover that distance in 24 hours on Christmas, my sleigh would need to travel at a whopping average speed of 5,083,000 mph. That seems a bit fast, but this speed allows me to stretch time like a rubber band. It gives me months to deliver gifts, while only a few minutes pass for regular people.

Now, the short answer is: one day, 24 hours and across all time zones.

CP: When you stop at children’s homes all over the world, what are some of your favorite snacks and drinks? How about the reindeer? What do they like?

SC: Chocolate Chip Cookies—make them chewy and chippy. This is definitely my favorite cookie. Otherwise, I also enjoy oatmeal raisin cookies, sugar cookies, anise cookies, jam-filled thumbprints, snickerdoodles, gingerbread cookies, peanut butter cookies, snowballs and Linzer cookies.

The reindeer love oatmeal and sugar.

CP: What are some of the most popular toys your elves have been making this season?

SC:

1) Frozen merchandise

2) Legos

3) Bikes

4) Scooters

5) Barbies and accessories

6) Tablets

7) Peppa Pigs

8) One Direction merchandise

9) Snow Glow Elsas

10) Monster High dolls.

CP: Describe what the Christmas trees at the North Pole look like.

SC: The North Pole is way too far north to have any natural trees. But that doesn’t stop the elves and Mrs. Claus from decorating. Everywhere one looks, one can find indoor trees, sparkling lights, and Christmas displays from around the world.

CP: How does magic play into your duties each Christmas season?

SC: Oh, that’s a magical question. Magic can be found everywhere during the season. The magic inside the heart of every gift giver is the most powerful magic of all. The magic that one sees from the smile of everyone who receives a gift from the heart is always special. The magic of a family coming together is warm cheer. The magic of reaching out to a stranger and offering a warm smile or an unexpected present is one of the most powerful magical acts that can happen.

CP: How do you decide who makes the naughty and nice list?

SC: How lucky for children of all ages to have an advance warning. St. Nick arrives every Dec. 6, and leaves a reminder of who has been nice and who has been not so nice. If one receives a lump or even two lumps of coal, there is still time to change and start being nice.

CP: Is the sleigh all polished, tuned and ready to go for the big flight?

SC: Elf Evelyn is in charge of all of the details in checking the sleigh’s systems. All systems and backup systems are reported as ready to go.

CP: What do you and Mrs. Claus do each year, right after Christmas? Do you take a vacation at any time?

SC: After Christmas, all of the elves, myself and Mrs. Claus take a vacation. We head for warmer climates and plan for the upcoming year.

CP: Do you keep your long beard after the holiday, or do you groom it? What is your attire like the rest of the year?

SC: It will come as no surprise that my favorite color is red or anything in red plaids. This makes it easy for the planing of each day’s activities. When vacationing, I wear red shorts with a red plaid T-shirt. When working, I often wear red coveralls. I do trim my beard for the warm season, but in no time at all, it grows back.

CP: What is the North Pole like in the spring? What do you like to do in the off-season?

SC: During the spring, the North Pole has daylight almost all the time. With that sun, the temperatures are warmer. I and the elves really don’t have an off season though. With each year comes new plans to make the year even happier and more joyous than the last.

CP: How are you able to be at all the shopping malls and stores during the Christmas season?

SC: I have many emissaries who reach out to others throughout the season. Each of the representatives give of themselves with each visit. Each one can be slightly different in appearance, or speak differently, but all wish everyone a happy and merry Christmas.

CP: Do you really read all the letters you receive from kids?

SC: I read all the letters I have time to read. I especially enjoy reading letters in the evening, just before going to bed. My elves help with the task of reading as well. Each of the readers are especially trained in this skill.

CP: What would you like boys and girls to keep in mind as Christmas nears?

SC: The true Christmas spirit is found in the heart of each child and those young at heart. Giving of oneself without expecting anything in return will lead to a most happy day. A smile offered is a gift easily given. Saying “I am sorry” or “I love you” is a wonderful gift as well.

CP: What’s your favorite part of delivering all the gifts?

SC: A happy giggle or tears of joy from the person who receives the gift.

CP: Well, Santa, I better let you get back to all the work you need to finish before Christmas. It was nice talking to you and thanks for your time. Have a merry Christmas.

SC: Merry Christmas to you and to all. I wish each and everyone a joyous Christmas and hope that all possess the spirit of Christmas all year round.

Wake Up Santa–A Rousing Success

noreply@blogger.com (Admin) — Wed, 10 Dec 2014 21:15:00 +0000

Saturday, Dec. 6 was a special day for many local children. News of a slumbering Santa in the community room of Prairie du Chien City Hall spread quickly in the early hours of the morning. Children, afraid that Santa would sleep through Christmas, arrived at city hall with their parents and grandparents. Armed with an assortment of noisemakers, they silently tiptoed into the Community Room precisely at 8:30 a.m. At the count of three, they excitedly shouted “Wake Up, Santa!” accompanied by the noisemakers. A sleepy and surprised Santa awoke from his nap and invited the children to spend the morning with him. (Photo – Left: Santa Claus goes over Lacey Skime’s good girl list with her, regarding all the good things she’s done this past year and what she wants for Christmas. For a minimal fee, children attending Wake Up Santa every December have the opportunity for such a one-on-one experience with Santa. (Photos by Brian Cipra Photograhy))

After a delicious breakfast, served by Rivers and Bluffs Animal Shelter volunteers, the kids spent their time talking to Santa and playing Santa Bingo and Pin the Nose on Rudolph. They were delighted to learn that Santa found their names in the Good Boys and Girls Book and that he seemed to know just what they wanted for Christmas. He also knew other pertinent information, such as names of their siblings, teachers and pets as well as things they did well or needed to improve on. Photographer Brian Cipra was on hand to capture this special visit with Santa.

Santa’s Secret Gift Shop was open for kids to purchase gifts for loved ones, caregivers, and pets with the help of Santa’s elves. Children were invited to make and take a Christmas ornament at Santa’s Workshop. Chance, the animal shelter’s large and furry mascot, kept the kids entertained while waiting for their visit with Santa. Area Girl Scouts also helped with this event.

Wake Up Santa is an annual fundraiser sponsored by Rivers and Bluffs Animal Shelter and is held on the first Saturday of December. (Photo – Right: Santa Claus has been so busy this year that he fell asleep on the job. But on Dec. 6, local youths, with their parents and grandparents, participated in the annual Wake Up Santa event at City Hall. Shaking noisemakers as loud as they could, they shouted “Wake Up, Santa!” and the jolly, old elf himself woke with a cheery greeting in front of everyone in attendance.)

Wake Up Santa is an annual fundraiser sponsored by Rivers and Bluffs Animal Shelter and is held on the first Saturday of December.

Breakfast with Santa

noreply@blogger.com (Admin) — Sun, 09 Nov 2014 13:13:00 +0000

Breakfast with Santa and Wake Up Santa take place in the Community Room of Prairie du Chien City Hall (Map) during the first Saturday of December. Children are invited to bring pots, pans, wooden spoons and other noise makers to "wake up Santa". Then, promptly at 8:30AM, on the count of three, the children bang on their pots and pans and shout "Wake Up Santa" at the top of their lungs. The fun event begins!

Download Wake Up Santa Regsitration

Admission includes:
Breakfast with Santa
After Santa is awake, a hot, delicious, breakfast served by Rivers and Bluffs Animal Shelter volunteers between 8:30 AM-10:00 AM.

A Personalized Visit with Santa
We hope to make this a memorable experience for your young child for years to come. Santa will have a large book with each child's name and personal information.

Santa's Workshop
While children are waiting for their personal visit with Santa, they can make a special ornament for their Christmas tree.
Organized Santa Themed Games
Pin the Tail on Rudolph, Coloring, Santa Bingo, and more...
Santa's Secret Gift Shop
Santa's Secret Gift Shop will also be open. Children can purchase quality gifts for parents, grandparents, teachers, and caregivers for $3 or less. Gifts can also be wrapped at the time of purchase.

Photo with Santa
A professional photographer will be on hand to capture this special moment in your child's life.
Nominal cost for 5X7 color photo. Photos can be picked up at Prairie du Chien,, Tractor Supply, December 21, 2013, 9am-3pm.

Mary Weeks Donates to Rivers and Bluffs

noreply@blogger.com (Admin) — Fri, 10 Oct 2014 13:39:00 +0000

Rivers and Bluffs Animal Shelter was the recipient of a donation by Mary Weeks. Weeks, shown in the photo(right) with her cat, Roxie and Jill Cipra, treasurer, donated $10.000.00 to Rivers and Bluffs toward phase II, building a shelter for the greater PdC area.

Rivers and Bluffs Shelter will be located at the intersection of East Campion Boulevard and 22nd Street on land donated by Steve and Lynda Welter.

Rivers is a 501 c3 organization. Donations are always welcome and tax deductible. They may be mailed to Rivers and Bluffs Animal Shelter, PO Box 421 Prairie du Chien, Wi, 53821.

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Photo from Courier Press

McGregor Arts and Craft Fair

noreply@blogger.com (Admin) — Thu, 02 Oct 2014 14:27:00 +0000

Click to enlarge map

Meet Rivers and Bluffs Animal Shelter volunteers at the McGregor Arts and Craft Fair on October 4-5, 11-12
Show your continued support while visiting our display tent. We will have delicious, fresh cheese curds from WW Homestead in Waukon. Rivers and Bluffs will also have special hand made Halloween decorations, toys for your pet family member, as well as other tasty treats as you munch your way through the festival.
While at the festival, stop over a few doors down at By the Spoonful, By the Spoonful features locally grown products many of which are gluten free. Katie Ruff, owner, has graciously offered to donate profits from any cheese curds purchased at the store during the Fall Festival.

The McGregor Arts and Craft Fair is held in Triangle Park, McGregor. Purchase handmade arts & crafts including drawing & painting, wood productions, quilting, jewelry, glass, ceramics, pottery, and more.

The Rivers and Bluffs Animal Shelter is raising money to build and maintain a local animal shelter. They meet at 6 p.m. the third Thursday of every month at City Hall in Prairie du Chien.

The public is welcome to attend. For more information, see our Facebook page, or our Web page.

Pampering for Pets at Mist-ified Salon

noreply@blogger.com (Admin) — Fri, 12 Sep 2014 00:13:00 +0000

Ashley Christiansen of Mist-ified, LLC , 526 S Marquette Rd, will once again sponsor Pampering for Pets this year.

Ashley will donate 40 percent of any services purchased at her salon from September 12, through September 20, to Rivers and Bluffs Animal Shelter. Services included in the promotion are pedicures, manicures, gel polishes, spray tans, waxes, and makeup applications.

This special will provide customers a $10.00 off coupon for these services in October.

Appointments can be made by calling Ashley at (608) 412-0680.

Treat yourself and help a non-profit organization at the same time.

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Fabulous service...with a dazzling smile. You'll walk out looking & feeling like a million bucks, & like you just made a new friend. Professionalism meets excellence.

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Thank you so much for the color today and the honor of being the first person to use the new booth which is amazing!! Can't wait to come back..love the friendly service you always have to offer and making a pregnant girl feel great ;)

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Love love the makeup that you did for Amanda’s wedding thank you do much!!!!!

Dogs Ruled the Day

noreply@blogger.com (Admin) — Thu, 28 Aug 2014 23:49:00 +0000

Saturday, August 23rd started off overcast, warm and humid. The forecast promised rain and thunderstorms by noon if not before. But Rivers & Bluffs Animal Shelter’s Annual Prairie Pool Puppy Paddle was also scheduled for Saturday and this much anticipated event had never been rained out in its 7 year history. Small dogs had the first opportunity to “get their feet wet” beginning at 9 a.m. Approximately 8 dogs took advantage of the “no big dogs allowed” period. By 9:45 claps of thunder were heard and dogs as well as their humans needed to take cover. RABAS volunteers hurried to “take down” before the thunder turned into a much needed rain and thunderstorms. Not to be deterred by a few thundershowers and bolts of lightning, the group decided to try again for Sunday, August 24th. They did not want to disappoint the dogs who wait all year for their day at the pool.

On Sunday, the volunteer organization raising money for a desperately needed animal shelter, woke to cloudy skies, cooler temps and a hot and sunny forecast by early afternoon. Word of the postponement was spread via social media and a large sign at the swimming pool.

More than 40 dogs took advantage of the dog swim. As always, Labrador and Golden Retrievers outnumbered all other breeds and enjoyed showing off what they were bred to do – swim and retrieve. Once dogs were inside the enclosed gate, leashes were removed and the fun began. Most dogs all spent some time in the water, but a few dogs never even ventured into the water, choosing to spend their time running at large in the grassy fenced area of the aquatic park grounds. Random games of dog tag and takeaway (the tennis ball) popped up often throughout the day. It is safe to say that all of these dogs slept well that evening. Prizes were awarded for the Poop Raffle, with Ken Quick being the definite winner.

Sponsors for this event included Sut Hill Ford Dodge, Halpin Tire, Nelson True Value Hardware, Ken Stoeffler – American Family Insurance, Mary Stoeffler – Creative Cuts Hair Salon, Prairie du Chien Park and Recreation and Walmart. For more information on Rivers & Bluffs Animal Shelter, please contact Bev Pozega or visit our website at www.riversandbluffsanimalshelter.org. Donations may be mailed to RABAS PO Box 421 PdC WI 53821. RABAS is a 501 (c)3 non-profit organization and your donation is tax exempt.

Prairie Pool Puppy Paddle–Postponed

noreply@blogger.com (Admin) — Sat, 23 Aug 2014 15:26:00 +0000

Due to rain, the puppy paddle has been postponed until Sunday, 8/24, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM (Weather Permitting). Keep up with events on facebook https://www.facebook.com/riversandbluffsanimalshelterpdc

Yappy Hour - August 14

noreply@blogger.com (Admin) — Sat, 26 Jul 2014 11:02:00 +0000

SAWMILL SALOON AND RIVERS AND BLUFFS ANIMAL SHELTER TO SPONSOR “YAPPY HOUR”

Photos from 2011

Are you and your favorite canine companion looking for something different to do on a Thursday night in downtown Prairie du Chien? If so, join Rivers & Bluffs Animal Shelter and The Sawmill Saloon on August 14th for “Yappy Hour”. All friendly, non aggressive dogs that are up to date on their vaccinations and their humans are invited to The Sawmill for an evening out to celebrate the “dog days of summer”.

“Yappy Hour” will begin at 6 p.m. in the courtyard adjacent to The Sawmill. Donations will be accepted at the Gate. Yappy Hour includes appetizers (Actually a full meal!), Live Doggy themed music provided by Mike McCoy, raffle, and cash bar.

Water bowls for the dogs will be filled with fresh water. Homemade treats will be provided for each dog attending.

Humans without dogs are also welcome. All dogs need to be leashed. Flexileads are strongly discouraged. If it is “raining cats and dogs”, Yappy Hour will be canceled.

Donations are gratefully accepted and will go towards the building fund.

For more information, please contact Bev at (608) 326-2914 or visit our website at riversandbluffsanimalshelter.org. Rivers and Bluffs Animal Shelter is a 501 c3 nonprofit organization and your donation is tax deductible. Donations can be mailed to RABAS PO Box 421 PdC Wi 53821