News Release

On Saturday, March 21, MCPAWS Regional Animal Shelter, 831 S. 3rd St, McCall will sponsor an adoption drive to help transform the lives of shelter dogs and cats by giving them a second chance for love. The adoption drive is called the “No Blarney Adoption Event” and the first 10 pet adoptions will be free.

Shelter pets have many challenges to overcome and need our help to change their lives for the better. Pet lovers eager to open their hearts and homes to a shelter pet will receive a starter kit that contains free Science Diet pet food and tips to give their adopted cat or dog the best start in their new life.

Shelter hours are 12:00 noon to 4:00 Tue-Sat. For more information, contact MCPAWS at 208-634-3647. Adoptable animals can be seen at www.mcpaws.org.

Date: January 20, 2009 Contact: Amy Crookshanks, Executive Director 208-634-3647

McCall, ID – MCPAWS Regional animal Shelter proudly invites all dogs that were adopted from MCPAWS since they opened in 1998, and their owners, to walk along with the MCPAWS float in this year’s winter carnival parade. The Mardi Gras Grand parade held Saturday, January 31st, begins at the McCall- Donnelly High School at the corner of Stibnite and Mission at noon.

Participants and their dogs are asked to begin assembling at 11:30 at the MCPAWS float. Please call MCPAWS at 634-DOGS for our exact location in the line up. Dogs must be on a lead and under your control at all times.

One of the most popular floats in the parade, MCPAWS can’t wait to show off its wonderful adoptable dogs and this year, its phenomenal alumni dogs, who were given a second chance.

MCPAWS, a non-profit animal welfare organization formed in 1998, is committed to maintaining a high standard of care and pet adoption processes and to promoting responsible pet ownership. MCPAWS Regional Animal Shelter serves all of Valley County. For more information, please call MCPAWS at 634-3647.

Date: January 20, 2009 Contact: Amy Crookshanks, Executive Director 208-634-3647

McCall, ID – On Sunday, February 1, at Depot Park (next to Hotel McCall) in McCall, from 11:30 a.m. to approximately 1:00 p.m. you’ll have the chance to prove that you have the fastest, strongest dog in the county! MCPAWS Regional Animal Shelter is pleased to host the 8th annual Winter Carnival Monster Dog Pull – sponsored by McCall Mortgage Company.

All dogs will be fitted for harnesses (supplied at the event) and must be accompanied by their owner at all times. The dogs will then be harnessed to plastic toboggans weighted down with sand bags. The amount of sand will depend on the weight class of the individual dog. This way the little dogs really can run with the big dogs. That’s right. Your Dachshund or Chihuahua could even win! Your dog will race a distance of approximately 16 feet. Weight classes are:

Prizes will be awarded for each weight class. Registration and weigh-ins begin at 11:00 a.m. and the race will begin at 11:30 a.m. All dogs must be leashed while within the city limits, and especially during the event. Dog/owner winners and prizes will be announced at approximately 1:00 p.m., depending on when the final race ends. Several dogs available for adoption from MCPAWS will be on site to compete within their weight class.

MCPAWS, a non-profit animal welfare organization formed in 1998, is committed to maintaining a high standard of care and pet adoption processes and to promoting responsible pet ownership. MCPAWS Regional Animal Shelter serves all of Valley County. If you would like more information, please call MCPAWS at 634-3647.

Date: November 14, 2008 Contact: Amy Crookshanks, Executive Director 208-634-3647

MCCALL, ID – MCPAWS Regional Animal Shelter recently received a $4,000 grant from the Perc H. Shelton and Gladys A. Popisil Shelton Foundation Advised Fund in the Idaho Community Foundation. The funds will go toward reinstating MCPAWS in-house spay/neuter program.

Said Amy Crookshanks, MCPAWS executive director, “I can’t think of a project or program that will have a deeper or broader impact than ensuring that every animal adopted from MCPAWS is spayed or neutered. We would like to thank the Perc H. Shelton and Gladys A. Popisil Shelter Foundation Advised Fund for partnering with us to prevent unwanted litters and thereby reduce animal euthanasia and suffering.

MCPAWS, a non-profit animal welfare organization formed in 1998, is committed to maintaining a high standard of care and pet adoption processes and to promoting responsible pet ownership. MCPAWS Regional Animal Shelter serves all of Valley County. If you would like more information, please call MCPAWS at 634-3647.

MCCALL, ID – Due to an unusually high number of residents having to surrender their animals, MCPAWS is trying a bold strategy. Following the lead of Idaho Humane Society in Boise, MCPAWS Regional Animal Shelter in McCall is waiving the adoption fee on any spayed or neutered cat through the end of the month.

“This is a first for us,” says MCPAWS Executive Director, Amy Crookshanks. “We value the pets we have here at MCPAWS and work to communicate their value to the community. But we are simply overflowing with wonderful, adoptable cats. So many people are coming through our door, no longer able to afford food, supplies and veterinary care for their beloved pets.”

“We rely on many revenue sources, including our adoption fees, to pay our bills. But right now we would rather waive the fees and place these cats and kittens in loving, permanent homes, than make the difficult decision to euthanize.”

As always, potential adopters must meet MCPAWS adoption standards. Anyone interested in bringing a cat or kitten into their home and heart is encouraged to call MCPAWS at 634-3647 or stop by between noon – 4:00 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday.

MCCALL, ID – This past Sunday was a very special day for Valley County resident Patti Anderson. She celebrated Mother’s Day seven times over! On March 22, Patti gave birth to an astounding seven babies. All were healthy, but understandably quite small. Even more amazing is the fact that Patti gave birth to her babies on her own. No medical help was available at 2:00 a.m. when she went into labor.

Ms. Anderson has declined to name the father, but does note that “all of the babies look just like him. Especially around the eyes.” Although it was a difficult decision, all of Patti’s babies will be available for adoption in just a few days.

If you are interested in adopting one of Patti’s babies - adorable Chihuahua mix puppies - please contact MCPAWS Regional Animal Shelter at 208-634-3647or mcpawsrescue@frontiernet.net.

Mccall, Id-- MCPAWS Regional Animal Shelter does everything it can to reunite lost pets with their owners. But when the pets aren’t wearing ID tags, they may never get home.

On April 5, MCPAWS will join the American Humane Association in kicking off “Every Day Is Tag Day”-- a public awareness campaign that unites thousands of shelters, veterinary clinics, animal care and control agencies and animal welfare organizations across the country in an effort to emphasize the importance of an ID tag for ensuring lost animals have a voice.

Saturday, April 5, MCPAWS welcomes all pet owners to stop by the shelter, at 831 S. 3rd St., between noon and 4:00 p.m. to pick up a free MCPAWS I.D. tag for their dog or cat. “Without an ID tag, a lost pet can sit in the shelter for days while we try to locate its owner,” says Amy Crookshanks, MCPAWS executive director. “Meanwhile, that limits the space and resources available to care for other animals. Making sure your animal can be identified-- with a tag, microchip or tattoo-– is something all pet owners in Valley County can do to help their pets.”

Approximately eight to 12 million companion animals are admitted to shelters across the country each year. “Most lost pets without tags are never reunited with their families,” says Marie Belew Wheatley, president and CEO of the American Humane Association.

►Make sure your pet wears a collar with a current ID tag, rabies tag and city license. Include a contact name, address and daytime and evening phone numbers. Consider providing a phone number for an alternate contact, like a neighbor or family member.

►If you would like to offer a reward for returning your pet, put that information on the tag.

►When moving or traveling, place a temporary tag on you pet with the phone number of someone who knows how to reach you.

►Remember that even indoor pets need tags. Many strays in shelters are indoor pets that escaped and became lost.

MCPAWS, a non-profit animal welfare organization formed in 1998, is committed to maintaining a high standard of care and pet adoption processes and to promoting responsible pet ownership. MCPAWS Regional Animal Shelter serves all of Valley County. If you would like more information, please call MCPAWS at 634-3647.

MCPAWS Regional Animal Shelter Announces
“Every Dog Deserves a Collar” Program

MCCALL, ID-– MCPAWS Regional Animal Shelter has received a unique and generous donation – a brand new collar for every dog that leaves the shelter this year. Whether a homeless dog is adopted into a new home, or a stray dog is returned to its owner, if they didn’t come into the shelter with a collar, they now leave with one.

Since 1998 MCPAWS has sent every dog home with an I.D. tag, but finances have prevented them from also supplying a collar. Thanks to the generosity of a local couple, dogs will now leave with both collar and tag, at least through the end of this year.

Of the more than 2,000 dogs brought to MCPAWS since 2002, the vast majority have not had any form of identification, making the job of finding their owner difficult, time consuming and often impossible. Ensuring that every dog leaves with a collar and I.D. will benefit the dog and its owner, and eventually will cut down on the workload of the shelter staff.

MCPAWS, a non-profit animal welfare organization formed in 1998, is committed to maintaining a high standard of care and pet adoption processes and to promoting responsible pet ownership. MCPAWS Regional Animal Shelter serves all of Valley County. If you would like more information, call MCPAWS at 634-3647.

MCPAWS Regional Animal Shelter Celebrates
10-Year Anniversary, Introduces “Real Life Room”

McCall, ID – MCPAWS Regional Animal Shelter invites the public to join them for an open house celebration, Thursday, February 28, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 at the shelter, located at 831 S. 3rd Street, McCall.

MCPAWS opened their current facility in 2002, but began as an animal welfare volunteer group in 1998. Back then they cared for dogs impounded by the McCall Police Department at a small cinderblock building located on city airport property. That building has since been torn down. Volunteers walked the dogs three times a day, every day, cleaned kennels and provided food and water. They also reunited lost dogs with their owners, placed stray dogs into new homes and raised money to buy dog food, kennels, and pay for spay and neuter surgeries.

MCPAWS has come a long way since then. They now serve all of Valley County and accept both dogs and cats. Since opening their facility in 2002 they have taken in and found homes for nearly 4,000 animals.

MCPAWS’ newest program is its Real Life Room. Thanks to generous local private donors, MCPAWS was able to take a small room that previously housed its cat population, and turn it into what looks very much like a living room-– complete with furniture, rugs, soft lighting and pictures on the wall. In the mornings, staff and volunteers work with dogs in the homelike setting, assessing the familiarity dogs have with living in a home, and training them in areas that need improvement.

From noon to 4:00 p.m., when MCPAWS is open for business, prospective adopters who may find the main kennel area a bit 'barky' and overwhelming, can instead meet dogs, one at a time, in the Real Life Room.

Everyone is invited to this celebration of MCPAWS, the Real Life Room, animals, and our caring community. Refreshments will be provided and there will be a raffle for several prizes donated by local businesses.

MCPAWS, a non-profit animal welfare organization formed in 1998, is committed to maintaining a high standard of care and pet adoption processes and to promoting responsible pet ownership. MCPAWS Regional Animal Shelter serves all of Valley County. If you would like more information, call MCPAWS at 634-3647.

MCCALL, ID – If you like getting outdoors and having fun in the snow with your dog, then Jug Mountain Ranch and MCPAWS Regional Animal Shelter have good news. On three upcoming Sundays, January 13, February 10 and March 9, at 11:00 a.m., you and your pooch can participate in Dog Daze 2008!

This three-race series will be held on a 3-kilometer stretch of Jug Mountain’s cross country ski trail. You can ski and have your dog pull you (skijoring) or have him run with you. If your pooch is petite, you can put it in a pack and carry it with you! Both owner and pet must cross the finish line and your dog must be under your control at all times. Each race that you and your dog participate in earns you points. After the final race the dog and owner team with the most points from all three races wins. Winners will be announced and prizes awarded at a barbecue lunch after the final race on March 16.

Registration is $15 per race with a Jug Mountain Ranch season pass, and $20 without. A portion of the proceeds will benefit MCPAWS. For more information, please contact Patrick Harper at Jug Mountain Ranch at 208-870-6020, or MCPAWS at 208-634-DOGS.

MCPAWS Regional Animal Shelter Making
Financial Progress – Still Short for 2008

MCCALL, ID – Nearly three months after undertaking a public awareness and fundraising campaign, MCPAWS Regional Animal Shelter announced this week that they have reached one of their goals – to raise an additional $65,000 on top of their normal annual fundraising budget of $225,000, in order to keep the shelter open through December of this year.

They have, however, fallen short of their second goal – that of collecting “fees owed for animal sheltering services provided” from the jurisdictions they serve – McCall, Donnelly, Cascade and Valley County. That has resulted in an operating deficit for next year. Several years of under funding by those jurisdictions forced MCPAWS this year to expend all available funds as well as their modest financial reserves, and to launch the community fundraising campaign.

The campaign, funded entirely by private donors, was conducted in large part by a cadre of unpaid volunteers and launched in mid-June. Almost immediately private contributions began pouring in, said Amy Crookshanks, MCPAWS executive director. “There were several weeks when I didn’t go a day without someone handing me a check and asking who they should call at the city or the county to help MCPAWS get funding,” said Crookshanks. “Our community really cares about animals and has always supported MCPAWS, but this recent show of support - both financial and organizational - has been gratifying and humbling. I want to thank each person who cared and contributed.”

“We are doing semi-monthly cash flow projections” said Toni Slaymaker, MCPAWS board member. “Had the cities and Valley County funded us at the full amount they owe, we would have a balanced budget for 2008. Instead, even after tripling the amount we will need to bring in though foundation grants, we are still more than $50,000 short.”

Jurisdictions are billed based on the number of animals brought to MCPAWS from their city or county. For 2008 the city of Donnelly was billed $18,731 and the city of Cascade was billed $16,760. MCPAWS has not heard anything from Donnelly despite an August 15 deadline. Cascade has offered $5,000. None of the four jurisdictions were billed in arrears.

At the last Valley County Commissioners meeting MCPAWS was told they would receive $22,000 of the $47,000 owed for next year. It is unknown if that amount has since been increased. The city of McCall has committed to $48,000 of the $104,501 they were billed by MCPAWS. Crookshanks also wrote three Local Option Tax (LOT) grant proposals and MCPAWS was awarded $23,000 in LOT funds for 2008.

“At this point, with no communication from Donnelly, Cascade offering 30% of what they owe, and McCall and Valley County paying fees that are less than 50% of what they owe, MCPAWS is still in trouble,” said Crookshanks.

At the August 23 McCall City Council meeting, the council voted unanimously to place a proposal on the November 6 ballot, calling for a .5% sales tax increase in McCall. For ten years, the first $200,000 annually would go to MCPAWS, and anything over that amount would go into the Local Option Tax coffer and various non-profit groups and city departments would be able to apply for funds.

“We appreciate the opportunity to explore this funding option, presented by the city council. We have a very short time frame to work with”, said Crookshanks. “We know that we have a lot of work to do in McCall, with business owners and the general public. Without this $200,000 a year, MCPAWS will continue to have a deficit each year and may eventually have to close. This money would put MCPAWS in a significantly stronger financial position. We need the chance to catch our breath and to begin developing stable long-term funding vehicles so that the future of animal welfare in Valley County is not always hanging in the balance.”

To that end, Crookshanks announced that a long-time MCPAWS donor and volunteer recently established an endowment fund for MCPAWS through the Idaho Community Foundation. The endowment is called Friends of MCPAWS. “An endowment,” says Crookshanks, “is a fund created by a substantial financial gift, or combination of gifts, that is invested in long term financial instruments or capital assets. Typically only the income earned on that gift may be directed towards operating expenses.” Each year MCPAWS will receive a percentage of the interest earned on the account, beginning in 2009.

Last week MCPAWS was notified that they will be receiving an additional $189,000 from the estate of Nelle Tobias. MCPAWS and other non-profits previously received $50,000 each from the estate. While MCPAWS’ board of directors intended to invest the original $50,000 in a long term account, they have been forced to use some of the money this year to make up for the nearly $100,000 under funding by the McCall, Donnelly, Cascade and Valley County.

“At this point our intention is either to place the additional funds from Ms. Tobias into the Friends of MCPAWS endowment through the Idaho Community Foundation, or to begin additional fundraising for income earning opportunities, such as a MCPAWS boarding facility”, said Crookshanks. “Having an endowment established for MCPAWS is an important step toward establishing long-term financial stability and sustainability.” Now that the endowment is established, other donors and supporters who want to invest in MCPAWS’ future can add to the fund.

MCPAWS has been researching the possibility of building and operating a boarding facility for dogs and cats for more than three years. They have received encouraging legal advice from an attorney specializing in non-profits, and believe this is potentially a very meaningful way for MCPAWS to generate earned income.

MCPAWS will continue working to raise funds and balance their 2008 budget. If you have questions and/or would like to donate, please contact Amy Crookshanks at 208.634.4006 or director@mcpaws.org.

MCPAWS, a non-profit animal welfare organization formed in 1998, is committed to maintaining a high standard of care and pet adoption processes and to promoting responsible pet ownership.

July 25, 2007 Contact: Amy Crookshanks, Executive Director 208-634-3647

MCPAWS Invites Community to Public Meetings

McCall, ID – All community members, as well as interested visitors, are invited to attend one of two public meetings hosted this month by MCPAWS Regional Animal Shelter. A meeting will be held Monday, July 30th from 5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. at the Western Mountain Lodge, 415 N. Third St., McCall, and Tuesday, July 31 from 5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. at the Ashley Inn – Tamarack Room, 500 N. Main St., Cascade.

The purpose of the meeting is to share information about MCPAWS' current financial crisis, how the “Make MCPAWS Your Pet Cause” fund raising campaign is going, how community members can contact the necessary city and county decision makers, and to respond to questions from community members.

“We are receiving tremendous financial support from not only community members, but from people all across the United States. The message is clear. People do not want MCPAWS to close. The number one question we’re hearing is, “If MCPAWS must shut its doors, where will the animals go?” My response is, there is nowhere else for the animals to go, and that we must make sure MCPAWS stays open,”” says Amy Crookshanks, MCPAWS executive director.

MCPAWS, a non-profit animal welfare organization formed in 1998, is committed to maintaining a high standard of care and pet adoption processes and to promoting responsible pet ownership. MCPAWS Regional Animal Shelter serves all of Valley County. If you have questions about the public meetings, please call MCPAWS at 634-3647.

Celebrate American Humane’s Adopt-A-Cat Month® this June
MCPAWS Overloaded with Cats and Kittens Waiting for New Homes

McCall, ID - June is traditionally the busiest month in terms of the number of cats and kittens that arrive at shelters. MCPAWS Regional Animal Shelter, along with the American Humane Association, is highlighting cats during June, national Adopt-A-Cat Month®.

“Dozens of unspayed cats are having litters this spring, and many people bring those kittens here to MCPAWS,” says Amy Crookshanks, MCPAWS executive director. “At the same time, we have plenty of adult cats, too. We want to find good, permanent homes for as many of them as possible.”

According to American Humane, there are a number of things families should consider when choosing to adopt a cat:

• Age: While kittens are hard to resist, adult cats are often better suited to families with young children. Mature cats respond better to the sometimes clumsy handling of inquisitive toddlers.

• Number: It is important to consider the facts about a multi-cat household, including feeding, multiple litter boxes, and most important, whether the cats will get along.

• Personality: Many cats are under a great deal of stress in a shelter environment. A cat’s true personality may not come out until he has been in his new home for several weeks. MCPAWS encourages you to visit the cat you’re interested in several times and to read any information available from a previous owner.

• Coat: The longer the cat’s fur, the more brushing will be needed to prevent painful matting.

• Nutrition and health: Good nutrition and yearly vet visits will keep your cat healthy and happy. Keep your cat indoors to prevent her from getting into accidents or fights with other cats. Check your cat for fleas, and make sure the litter box is clean and odorfree. Finally, set aside time every day to play with your cat; it is beneficial for you both!

• Tags: Animal shelters take in millions of lost cats each year and most are not wearing any identification. Fewer than three percent are ever returned to their caregivers. Make sure to include your cat’s name and your name, address, and phone number on the tag. Even indoor cats can slip outside, so make sure she’s wearing her tag at all times.

• Prepare your home: Both adult cats and kittens love to climb and explore. Be aware of possible hazards. Keep trash cans closed, toilet seat covers down, and cabinets latched. Don’t let cords or wires dangle. Houseplants may be pretty, but many are toxic, so check with your vet for information on cat-friendly indoor plants.

• Kids and cats: Children should be taught that a kitten or cat is a companion, not a toy. Rough handling can lead to injuries to both the cat and the child.

For more information please call MCPAWS at 634-3647. MCPAWS, a non-profit animal welfare organization formed in 1998, is committed to maintaining a high standard of care and pet adoption processes and to promoting responsible pet ownership. MCPAWS Regional Animal Shelter serves all of Valley County.

MCPAWS Regional Animal Shelter
and Tamarack Resort
Team up for Nordic Ski Jouring Race

MCCALL, ID – On Sunday, April 1 at 11:00 a.m., Tamarack Resort and MCPAWS Regional Animal Shelter will team up to host a unique event – nordic ski jouring. Ski jouring is a winter sport in which a person wearing skis is drawn over snow by one or more dogs. According to skijornow.com, "Ski jouring is an exhilarating and fast growing winter sport which combines cross country skiing and dog mushing. Originating in Scandinavia and literally meaning 'ski-driving' in Norwegian, ski jouring allows a dog and owner to exercise together while enjoying the outdoors. Imagine yourself on a beautiful winter's day gliding behind your canine best friend on a tree lined trail."

The 5K race will be held at the Tamarack Resort Nordic and Snowshoe Center. Pick up registration forms at MCPAWS, or register the day of the event at Tamarack. The entry fee is $20, with $15 of that fee going to support MCPAWS. Those participating in the race will need to provide their own equipment. Ski jouring equipment can be purchased at McCall Pet Outfitters and Supply. For more information contact Tamarack Resort at 315-1002 or MCPAWS at 634-3647.

McCall, ID – Like nearly every business and infrastructure in Valley County, MCPAWS Regional Animal Shelter is experiencing an increase in the demand for services. The number of animals coming in to MCPAWS, stray and surrendered, is on the rise. While additional animal housing areas are not the total solution to the problem, it is one step toward managing animal welfare in Valley County.

To begin to address the severe shortage of animal housing space, MCPAWS recently decided to expand into the second floor. “Animal overpopulation is a nationwide problem, but we are making a significant impact on it in our community,” says Amy Crookshanks, MCPAWS executive director. “It’s a problem that must be addressed day-by-day, by taking in and finding homes for animals, and at the same time must be addressed more long range. We must get at the root of the problem, by decreasing unwanted litters and promoting responsible, long-term pet ownership.”

Pet overpopulation is a chronic problem and right now, an acute situation for MCPAWS. While their save rate – the number of lost animals reunited with their owners combined with the number of homeless animals adopted into new homes - remains one of the highest in the nation, MCPAWS’ incoming animal numbers sharply increased last year. During 2006 MCPAWS took in 53% more animals than they did in 2005. They project taking in a total of more than 900 animals in 2007.

“We currently hold all our cats in an 11’ x 16’ room. Not only is there insufficient room to hold cats, but we are often battling upper respiratory infections in the cat population, because in such close quarters, when one cat gets sick, often they all get sick” says Crookshanks.

The remodel project involves expanding MCPAWS from its current 3,400 square feet ground floor to an additional 1,600 square feet on the second floor. So far the demolition and reframing is complete. Electrical and plumbing will start this week. An air exchange system will be installed, several additional sinks will be put in and then vinyl installed throughout. Volunteers did all of the demolition and are helping with clean up, painting and other miscellaneous tasks. When completed the upstairs will include a main cat room and cat intake room, cat sick bay, a cat exercise and play area, a “Get to Know Your Cat Room” where potential adopters can spend time with a cat, and a multi-purpose room where staff and volunteers can do projects and hold meetings. Additionally there will be a future feral cat trap-neuter-release spay/neuter recovery.

"Through this remodel and expansion, we can better serve the community, significantly improve our cat’s health, expand our ability to care for cats and free up valuable space on the ground floor. Current possible plans for the first-floor space include a 'real life room' where staff members train dogs surrendered because of behavior issues."

MCPAWS is still approximately $7,500 short of the amount they need to complete the remodel. If you would like to donate, please contact Amy Crookshanks at 634-3647.

MCPAWS, a non-profit animal welfare organization formed in 1998, is committed to maintaining a high standard of care and pet adoption processes and to promoting responsible pet ownership. MCPAWS Regional Animal Shelter serves all of Valley County. If you would like more information, call MCPAWS at 634-3647.

3-8-07: The painting is nearly complete! But there's plenty left to do-- contact the shelter if you would like to help MCPAWS with this much-needed remodel. A huge THANK YOU to everyone that has helped so far-- with donations of materials, ideas, skills, and TIME!