Catherine MenickThe Pet Project Board Secretary

May 5th, 2015

 

What is your position with The Pet Project?

I am the Board Secretary for The Pet Project. Officially, I take notes for board meetings that must be approved by the board. Additionally I brainstorm and plan with the board as the organization continues to serve the community and grow.

When did you start with The Pet Project?

I was invited to join this past winter and attended my first meeting in early January.

How did you learn about The Pet Project?

I’ve been good friends with Board Vice President Mandi Wyman for a couple years and she invited me to join the board.

Tell us about your fur babies.

I have two cats, one black Maine Coon with one white beauty mark on his face named Hootie. He is a neurotic little dude but generally calm and very sweet. When I first found him on the Homeward Bound Rescue he was a ‘she’ that I named Nellie. When I took her in to get spayed, I was informed by the vet that instead he would be being neutered so I went back to his originally given name of Hootie. The rescue thought he looked like an owl with his ears turned outward (they were correct).

My other cat is Maggie, a former barn cat that I rescued from a friend’s parent’s hobby farm. I knew I had to have her because she was a spunky kitten and the cutest thing I’d ever seen. I’m fairly certain she was raised by squirrels the way she shakes her tail and makes little noises at things moving out the window. She likes to do really high twisty jumps to get at toys. She likes being held like a baby but only if the person holding her is walking around. She seems to like being able to see things upside down more than the being held part.

What do you do when you’re not helping The Pet Project?

I successfully knitted a pretty cool scarf this past winter so next up is the matching hat pattern. I also like embroidery. The past few summers I played viola with Kenwood Symphony Orchestra. I volunteer regularly with Planned Parenthood so you may see me at the many outdoor festivals and events this warm season. I also go for long walks a few times a week. It’s pretty therapeutic.

Tell us something about yourself that might surprise us.

For all the time I spend on social media, I would love to do away with non-medical/science-related technology and go back to logging everything on paper and writing letters to friends or even – gasp – make phone calls instead of hold conversations over text message.

What are you looking forward to in 2015?

The organization’s growth and all the events TPP is part of. I love talking to and engaging people.

 

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10 Great Reasons to Spay/Neuter Your Cat

May 5th, 2015

By Laura Atneosen

With kitten season upon us in Minnesota, rescues are all bracing themselves for the countless kittens that will be born to unaltered cats within the next several months. Whether the kittens are born to owned, stray, abandoned or feral cats, shelters and rescues are about to be bombarded with phone calls seeking help placing litters of kittens. This is in addition to all of the stray and abandoned cats that they are already trying to save and rehome. This happens every year and, unfortunately, results in many needless deaths.

It is extremely important that everyone does their part in keeping their cats from reproducing. Not only does it save lives, but this fast and routine surgery has many other great benefits to offer both you and your cats. Here are some of the reasons to spay/neuter your cats:

  1. It saves lives. Each year in Minnesota, approximately 90,000 companion animals are killed in shelters due to lack of space/adoptions. If you can keep a litter of kittens from being born and going into the rescue/sheltering system, you are saving the lives of cats – either the kittens themselves or the cats that would have been killed to make room for them.
  2. Your pet will live longer. Altered cats live an average of 4 years longer than unaltered cats.
  3. Spaying prevents uterine, ovarian and breast cancer in females. Neutering your male cat prevents testicular cancer.
  4. Your cat is likely to be a better companion and to focus more of his/her energy on relationships with their human family, as they will not be preoccupied with finding mates to reproduce with.
  5. Your cat is less likely to stray, as it will no longer go looking for mates. Often, when cats go searching for partners, they become lost, get injured, contract a disease or are killed.
  6. Your female will not go into heat and yowl for days every few weeks. If you’ve ever heard this sound, you’ll know why one would want to avoid listening to it.
  7. There will be fewer homeless and feral cats killing local wildlife, such as birds, rabbits and squirrels.
  8. Neutering reduces the chances that your male cat will spray to mark his territory.
  9. It decreases aggressive behavior in males who typically fight for territory and mates.
  10. It saves you money in the long run. You will not have to deal with the cost of unwanted litters or of injuries that may occur during roaming and fighting.

Even though your cat may be an indoor-only cat and not have anyone to mate with, they should still be spayed/neutered. You never know for certain that your pet will never get outside – accidents happen. Plus, you and your pet will receive all of the many benefits listed above.

Some people are afraid that the surgery will cause their cat to become overweight. Contrary to what many people believe, spaying/neutering your cat does NOT cause your cat to gain weight. Lack of exercise and too many calories (overfeeding) is what leads to cats gaining weight – just as it does for humans. If your kitty gets overweight, make sure to encourage your kitty to play with toys and talk to your vet about how to best adjust his/her diet.

If you cannot afford to get your cats spayed/neutered, there are resources out there that offer extremely low-cost surgeries. For those of you in the Twin Cities metropolitan area, MNSNAP (http://mnsnap.org/) and Kindest Cut (http://www.kindestcutmn.com/) are both fantastic organizations to look into. They both offer low-cost services to those who qualify. If your cat is not spayed/neutered, please visit one of their sites and make an appointment today! If you know of someone else who could use this information, please pass it along to them. Please help the animal rescue community to save lives while also keeping your pet healthier at the same time.

If you would like further information on the benefits of spaying/neutering, please visit the links below:

http://www.humanesociety.org/issues/pet_overpopulation/facts/why_spay_neuter.html

http://www.spayusa.org/benefits.php

http://www.treehouseanimals.org/site/PageServer?pagename=caring_ccg_spay_neuter

http://www.adoptapet.com/blog/top-reason-to-spay-or-neute-your-dog-or-cat/

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HSUS Animal Care Expo in New Orleans

May 5th, 2015

Founder Kim Carrier and Board Vice President Mandi Wyman attended the Humane Society of the United States’ Animal Care Expo in New Orleans, March 30-April 2. Mandi presented on Founders Syndrome and strategic planning. She received excellent feedback and knocked it out of the park.

There were several amazing speakers and we had an opportunity to learn a lot of current and trending information about animal welfare. To maximize the educational value of the conference, Kim and Mandi each attended separate seminars and lectures. While there are very few non profits doing work similar to The Pet Project, it was fantastic to see a growing movement for supporting pets and the relationships they already have with their people. It was really interesting to see how other groups approached the complex issues of pet ownership and poverty. We’re looking forward to using some fresh ideas to make our own programs more effective.
In addition, Kim attended seminars regarding emergency and disaster relief when pets are involved and was extremely impressed with the model Colorado has implemented. As members of the Minnesota Animal Disaster Coalition (MN ADC), we are hopeful that we can achieve the same great relationships Colorado has developed, including having pets airlifted to safety during wildfires.
The 2016 HSUS Animal Care Expo will be held in Las Vegas, and Kim and Mandi plan to submit a proposal to present on the innovative work we are doing at The Pet Project to keep pets with their people.

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Thank You, Dr. Christa Williams

May 5th, 2015

Our deepest thanks to Dr. Christa Williams, DVM, DABVP, who has, without a doubt, helped shape The Pet Project into what it is.  She has served on the Board for years and has been involved longer than that. We accepted her resignation at our April 19th Board meeting. Dr. Christa has been a great voice of reason and earned the nickname “The Hammer.” One of her greatest contributions was her ability to combine her compassion with reason and focus. She’ll be sorely missed on the Board, but we’re very much looking forward to her continued involvement and support in our programs.

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Great Life. Great Donation.

May 5th, 2015

If you are stopping to pick up some pet food at Chuck & Don’s, here is a coupon for $3 off Great Life Holistic Kibble. For each coupon used, $1 will be donated to The Pet Project.
Offer is good through 6/30/15.

 

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The Fast and the Furry 2015

March 16th, 2015

Fast and the Furry Race and Pet Expo 2015

Please join us for the 4th annual The Fast and the Furry Races and Pet Expo on Saturday, May 30th. This pet-friendly event is always a blast! The Pet Project is honored to be a benefiting charity of this awesome event again this year! The money raised helps us deliver on our mission of keeping people and their pets together by donating pet food to local food shelves and offering low-cost vaccination clinics.

Ways You Can Help

If you’d like to support The Pet Project at The Fast and the Furry, there are a couple of ways you can help:

  1. Sign up to participate in the 8K or 5K walk/run and fund raise for The Pet Project
  2. Support a walker/runner by pledging to their fundraising page

Register for the Fast and the Furry today!

Early bird registration goes until April 30! For more Race information and to register, click here.

 

What your fundraising dollars can help supply.

 

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Vaccination Clinic Sunday, March 1, 2015

February 15th, 2015

Low cost vaccination clinic sign

Is your pet due for vaccinations, but you’re having trouble covering vet costs?

The Pet Project can help!

We are sponsoring a donation based vaccination clinic

Sunday March 1st, 2015 from 12:30 pm- 2:30 pm at
          Hallie Q. Brown Community Center
          270 N. Kent Street, St. Paul, MN, 55102

Dogs and Cats can receive rabies and distemper vaccines
Bring last vet records if you have them
All pet owners will be required to sign a waiver
We request a donation.

No one is turned away because they are unable to donate.

Dogs must be on a leash or in a kennel

Cats must be in a kennel
_________________________________________________________________________
You qualify if you meet one or more of the following requirements

  • Receiving Medicaid/Medicare
  • Receiving Welfare or public assistance
  • Receiving Disability
  • Receiving Unemployment
  • Receiving Social Security (with no other income)
  • Part-time or full-time student
  • Have had a reduction in income/hours

(Please bring proof of need along)

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Thank You for a Great 2014!

January 18th, 2015

2014 was a very big year for The Pet Project.  We have so much to be grateful for.  Many of you in our community coordinated food drives and fundraisers on your own. You asked your employers to match your donations. You showed up at events to show us that you care. The Pet Project is only able to do what we do because of food drives and the support you offer with your financial contributions and otherwise. Without you, we wouldn’t be able to do what we do!  You are The Pet Project. Please don’t take those words lightly. You provide our funding, most of our pet food, and all of our inspiration. Thank you for helping us have such a productive year.

We also have a group of everyday heroes. Our team of people who tirelessly deliver pet food as it’s collected have never called in “sick”, said it was too cold, or just didn’t feel like it. Week after week, they get the job done. Then there are the hard working students and veterinarians who gave up a Sunday to help us with our vaccination clinics. Thank you for choosing to spend a Sunday with us. The same gratitude goes to those who worked the desk checking in person after person, pet after pet, with smiles on their faces and generosity in their hearts.

None of this would be as successful without the dedicated folks who built this organization, those who tend to the nuts and bolts. You’re the folks who plan our events, show up to do the work and organize our volunteers, tend to our online presence and put together our newsletter. You’re the people who make it easy to love this work.

The Pet Project is my dream, but only in as much as it prevents someone else’s worst nightmare. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for all you do to help keep people and their pets together. We can change the world, one bowl at a time.

Sincerely,

Kim Carrier
Founder

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Meet Laura Atneosen
Program Director for The Pet Project

January 18th, 2015

We are delighted to introduce our new employee, Laura Atneosen! We connected with Laura to learn more about her:

What is your position with The Pet Project?

I am the new Program Director for The Pet Project. I started in late September of 2014, and do a little bit of everything for them: helping out with things such as data entry, creating marketing materials, fundraising and whatever else TPP needs me to do.

How did you learn about The Pet Project?

I learned about The Pet Project from a friend who works for a development company that partnered with TPP. I was immediately excited about this organization, as I am a firm believer in its mission.

Tell us about your fur babies.

After losing my two beloved 18-year-old cats last year, I went on to adopt a 2-year-old stray black and white cat (Bandit) and a 5-year-old white and orange formerly feral cat (Sergeant). I also foster cats for a couple of different local rescue groups – these cats are all saved from being euthanized at animal control, and I care for them until they find their permanent families.

What do you do when you’re not helping The Pet Project?

When not working for The Pet Project, you can find me taking care of foster cats, studying about various animal-related topics, working on animal rights issues and doing volunteer work. I enjoy yoga, photography, dancing, theatre and travel. I’m also currently attempting to learn Spanish.

Tell us something about yourself that might surprise us.

When I was younger, I wanted to become an airplane pilot – I absolutely loved planes and flying. But, in my early twenties, I became terrified of flying in airplanes. I still make myself do it, because it’s necessary to fly in order to get around quickly. But, I hate every single second of it, and I have anxiety about it for weeks before each trip. I have not lost my love of travel, though. Once I get to my destination, I have many amazing experiences and learn so much about myself and the world around me. Travel is a great teacher, even if I do have to fly somewhere for the lessons.

What are you looking forward to in 2015?

In 2015, I hope to help The Pet Project grow to new heights, to continue to help with animal rights issues, to travel to 3 different countries and to get my body into the best state of health and fitness possible.

What is your favorite thing about working with The Pet Project?

I love working with such a genuine, good-hearted group of people who are all devoted to helping improve the lives of families (including their four-legged family members). If we succeed in keeping even just one animal in a home, one family together, one pet’s life from being snuffed out in an animal shelter, one person’s heart from breaking…then it’s all worth it.

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Mandi Wyman
The Pet Project Board Vice President

January 18th, 2015

We are thrilled to introduce Mandi Wyman, the Vice President of The Pet Project board. We caught up with Mandi recently to learn more about her:

What is your position with The Pet Project?

I joined The Pet Project as an at-large board member in August, and will be Vice President of the Board starting in January. I am so excited to grow my role!

How did you learn about The Pet Project?

I used to run a small nonprofit called RescueWire, and when I started thinking about changing direction for RescueWire, it occurred to me that The Pet Project was already doing the types of things I wanted to do. So I dissolved RW and gave the remaining funds to TPP. However, it wasn’t until a couple years later that I joined. TPP’s mission is close to my heart, and I wish more organization would operate in the gap between pet ownership and surrender.

Tell us about your fur babies.

I have a 4.5-year-old dobie mix named Samson, who makes me laugh and cringe in equal measure. I’ve never seen a dog with more joie de vivre. I also have a 9-year-old tortie cat named Bailey, and a 7-year-old gray and white cat named Edison. They keep me sane some days and make me crazy others. But I love them all.

What do you do when you’re not helping The Pet Project?

When I’m not volunteering for The Pet Project, I’m studying. I’m just finishing grad school for a Masters in Nonprofit Management, so my last three years were spent studying and reading about a host of things you’d fall asleep hearing about. But before that I loved doing crafty and artistic things, and I have made greeting cards, paper crafts, paintings, jewelry, etc. I also love to read, and I’m so excited to jump back in to reading books for fun… preferably with a big glass of wine nearby. And in the past year I discovered the joy and challenge of yoga. And I am completely and totally addicted. I am in a busy time at work and with school ending I haven’t made the time for it. I can’t wait to jump back into that with both feet too.

Tell us something about yourself that might surprise us.

I am an open book and talk so much that I doubt there’s anything you couldn’t find out within about an hour of meeting me. However, despite being loud and a total extrovert, sometimes I really do need to hide from the world and recharge – and watching something really cheesy on Netflix (Gilmore Girls anyone?) with some wine and my animals, or going on a long walk with Samson is the perfect remedy.

What are you looking forward to in 2015?

I am very excited to take on the role of Vice President of the board in January! I will be helping with recruiting new board members and volunteers who want to be a part of our organization, and I will also be helping with strategic planning and committees. I will also be speaking at the 2015 Humane Society of the United States’ Animal Care Expo in New Orleans! I am honored to be speaking at that conference for the second time – and also very excited to bring back knowledge to share with the local animal welfare community.

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