2012-2013:Boo Bearsam the Cat

 2014-2015: Ace & Ms. Stache  2013-2014: Hope & Sunshine  2012-2013: Boo Bear & Sam the Cat  2011-2012: Rayne & Midnight  2010-2011: Kayne  2009-2010: Raven  2008-2009: Molly & the Dynamic Duo 2014-2015 Canine Mascot: Ace

Ace is a Greyhound rescue from Arizona. He knew nothing when he came to the new owner; walking through a door was a shock to him. Teaching him to walk downstairs required one to be very, very patient with him. After a couple of months of working with Ace, he came down the stairs on his own! Ace has been through training with a local trainer, who was also very patient with him. He gets his socialization walking around Farmer’s Market on Saturday mornings. Once while strolling there he went right up to a young girl in a wheelchair. She was, of course, happy to pet him, and tears of joy were felt. Ace will eventually be a therapy dog and already has experience with residents at the Good Samaritan Home in North Dakota. He is a “Gentle Giant.” 2014-2015 Feline Mascot: Ms. Stache In December 2013 a male cat, Buddy, disappeared. While looking long and hard for him, checking the animal shelter and adoption drives, a wonderful kitten with a mustache was at a local pet supermarket adoption drive. Immediately all fell in love with this little girl and she was named Ms. Stache for obvious reasons. 2013-2014 Canine Mascot: Hope

Hope’s mother and litter-mates were dropped off at the Idaho Falls Animal Shelter in November of 2012, where Hope was adopted. That April her adopted parents put her up for sale on KSL and her picture won her new momma’s heart. When she went to pick her up she found that she was neglected. The dog did not know her name, collar was so tight the fur started growing around it, and she had not been bathed in months. She came running out of her kennel jumping and barking, and her tail was waging 100 miles a second not shy, timid or the least bit scared. Her new mama wasn’t sure how she would react in a car, but when we got in she crawled over and laid her head on her lap.

Hope was taken straight to the vet and found out that she was 15 pounds under weight and she had a missing toe. In two days she learned to sit and come when commanded. Hope loves everyone and everything, especially animals that move fast!

Hope does not have a mean bone in her body. Her best friend is a pug mix and her second is a kitten that she plays with all the time! Hope’s human mommy works with special needs kids and she has been able to take her to work. She loves the kids and they love her! The kids have helped with training her; now she knows how to lie down, roll over, and shake with hand signals and verbal commands.

Hope is a “people pleaser”, and she loves people with all her heart so much that she just wants to make them happy, but she is still very much a momma’s girl. Hope has brought so much love and joy that she deserves to be shared with everyone! 2013-2014 Feline Mascot: Sunshine

I went to pick up cat food for Midnight at Eastside Vet Clinic, and Sunshine was in the cage at the clinic. She was the cutest little butter yellow kitten with huge green eyes. She was 3 months old, and she had run out of time. No one was adopting her because she had a huge kink in her tail. The staff at the clinic saw me play with her and knew they had the right one to take her home. She was Midnight's best buddy, and taught him how to play and how to purr.

Now Sunshine is 9 years old. She makes sure Cloud minds his manners, and she is friends with my roommate's German Wirehaired Pointer, Rufus. She even lets him give her kisses with his big doggie tongue. She enjoys being the princess of the house, and snagging a Pepsi if the humans aren't watching. She came to the Mutt Strut last year in the pink stroller to stand in for her brother, Midnight. She had a great time watching the ducks on the river, and helping her mom give water to the Strutters. The kink in her tail? In the first month we had her, while being groomed and petted, her tail popped back into place! Other than a slight knot, you would never know that her tail had ever been kinked! 2012-2013 Canine Mascot: Boo Bear

A Great Pyrenees, Boo Bear, has a long history of sorrow, but also of triumph and overcoming fears. She was found abandoned in the wilderness as a pup, sick, thin, and missing an eye. Her foster parent took her in and babied her for a couple of months until a permanent home could be found. Finally, a good home was located. As Boo Bear’s new owner learned more about her, she found that Boo had many insecurities. She was deathly afraid of riding in the car, going downstairs, walking along wood floors, and being touched. Boo also had poor depth perception and accidently crashed into people while playing. Her owner slowly eased her into trusting people again and it took many months to help her get used to the floors. As life progressed, Boo Bear’s friend decided that it was time to seal her open eye socket. It turned out that Boo did indeed have valid reasons for fearing people since apparently her missing eye wasn’t a trait of the breed as previously thought. There were still remnants of her eye. Her eye is now cleaned up and sealed. She had one last difficulty to overcome. Many of the neighborhood children would run indoors at the sight of her big white figure and missing eye. Some of them later said that they thought she was a polar bear. In order to address this common fear, her owner decided to do something drastic. She dyed Boo to look like a Panda Bear and mentions to many that she’s a Great Pandanese. This change in outward appearance changed Boo’s personality for the better. On a return visit to the vet, the vet had mentioned that Boo’s personality had changed dramatically. Boo has overcome so much and is a model of a perfect friend. 2012-2013 Feline Mascot: Sam the cat

When we first adopted Sam our relationship with him started off a little rocky. He was just a kitten, but he was feisty. I would come home from work to litter flung all over the bathroom floor, mini blinds tangled and chewed, laundry pulled from the hamper to every room in the house. As time went on, Sam and I grew closer. He stopped chewing the blinds and I learned to accept the fact that litter would be everywhere. We like to describe Sam as part dog (and part camel, but that’s another story…let’s just say he drinks a lot of water). Not only does Sam use the doggie door to come and go as he pleases, he spends most of his day in the back yard wrestling with his two (dog) brothers. When we take the dogs on a walk, Sam follows 10-feet behind for the entire trip. Sam definitely has the run of the house. He prefers to drink his water directly from the running faucet, and, if the faucet isn’t on he will find a glass of water on the counter and “paw-dip”. The bed belongs to him, which is evident by how he prefers to “star fish.” While both feisty and playful, Sam is also very loving and friendly. When we moved to a new neighborhood last month, each new neighbor we meet loved to tell us how they already met our friendly cat because he tried to walk in their front door one day. Obviously, he is not shy. Sam is not just a cat, but a part of the family. Sam has the playfulness of a dog, the independence of a cat and the heart of any loving pet that has been given a second chance at life. I could not have been happier to have adopted Sam.

2011-2012 Canine Mascot: Rayne Rayne is a male Golden Retriever from Salt Lake City's “Companion Golden Retriever Rescue”. He was found on someone's door step in central Utah during a bad rain storm, badly emaciated and dripping wet, hence the name “Rayne”. Even with all he must have gone through during his life, he is a lovable companion with no aggression around food, towards other dogs, adults or even children. When we first met Rayne, the first thing he did was run up to me and lay his head in my lap and stare at me with his dark brown eyes, asking me to believe in him and choose him. We believe he was very mistreated by his previous owner because he is about 7 years old and knew nothing about windows, stairs, mirrors, TV or even how to play. To this day, he still barks and stares in amazement when animals appear on the TV. It took us all of about 2 weeks to house train him and make him an inside dog. He is extremely smart and learns quickly. We leave him inside with our 9 year old female Golden all day while we work and nothing is disrupted or chewed while we're gone. The part that brings tears to our eyes is when we tried to get him to play. Until this year, he didn't know how to play or have fun. It was so sad to see a dog that cowered when you picked up a broom, shovel or rake, only to run to you with a smile on his face when called. We've had Rayne for almost two years now and he's a normal Golden Retriever who loves to play, run, jump and swim. 2011-2012 Feline Mascot: Midnight Midnight is an eleven year old feline American. He was about 4 years old when he adopted his humans, Sharon and Michael Kennedy. As a former shelter cat, Midnight believes strongly in the mission of Snake River Animal Shelter. He is an extrovert who loves human attention, and will tolerate canine attention if they mind their manners. Midnight has a mellow surfer-dude attitude, and he has attended a previous SRAS event. He enjoys admiration of his small, dark, and handsome physique. His motto is to love and be loved. Becoming the mascot would make his yellow eyes sparkle! He is looking forward to attending the event on Saturday. His human shall prepare the pet stroller for his arrival. Secure enough in his dude-ness to arrive in pink, and looking forward to some time with the leash and harness to mingle. Provided with the right treats, he might also be persuaded to do a trick or two!

We will miss you, Midnight... Rest in Peace. Midnight, our 2011-2012 SRAS Feline Mascot passed away Thursday, May 24th 2012 from Primary Kidney Failure. He was an exceptional cat who will be missed by his friends and family. Rest in Peace, little man. Thank you for the memories and the joys you brought to those who knew you.

2010-2011 Canine Mascot: Kayne All great stories start from humble beginnings. That is how mine started. I was just another dog, another homeless animal, another statistic. Somehow I found myself in a wire crate at Petco. Sure I am cute, but I was not a puppy. I was already 3 years old. There were some speculations about where I came from, but nothing concrete for a new owner. Puppies came and puppies went, but was there any hope for an "old dog" like me? This might be my favorite part of the story. 6 years ago a 9 year old girl saw me in my cage. Somehow she got a hold of her mom and said she must come see me. ME?! I am an old dog, wouldn't you rather look at the puppies or the kittens? Everyone decided that I was worth a shot. I was free! It was raining when we left Petco, but not even the rain could put a damper on this day.

At my new house I was given a blanket to sleep on at the side of the bed, I still sleep there. Well sometimes I get tricked into sleeping with that little girl, who is now a teenager. I don't mind, she always has tons of cookies.

I was taken to obedience class. I don't know who was more surprised me or my new owners that I passed the class, hey I even excelled! I was slowly losing my stigma of being a "pound puppy". I was quickly becoming a good dog. My favorite past time is napping, which you might not think is that exciting, but I am good at it. Please don't worry about my waistline, I am a runner. I have completed a few 5ks and like meeting the other runners. I am also a swimmer, enjoy camping, riding the 4-wheeler and boating.

Hmmm...humble beginnings.

I know some tricks, like "stop, drop and roll", watch out Smokey, I have a few tricks up my sleeve. I love to entertain kids and adults.

I never wanted to be a "pound dog". I guess there might have been a lack of training or time for me. My owner gets frustrated when she sees good dogs tied up or put away and forgotten about. She knows she can't save them all (nor would her husband let her), but I think she is out to prove that there is no such thing as a "bad dog". I am glad to have had to another shot.

2009-2010 Canine Mascot: Raven Hi, my name is Raven! I’ve survived a lot in my first 10 months. First I was lost in a hot, dry place but a helpful man found me and sent me to stay at a house where lots of other animals lived with a lady. I got real sick and had to go to the hospital for three days. They said I nearly died because of something called Parvo. But hey, I’m a survivor and I made it. The nice doggy lady fixed me all up. She just happened to be the president of the Humane Society of the Upper Valley and the man is her uncle. Talk about good luck! Anyway she gave me this great name and it’s just perfect. They tell me ravens have appeared in many myths and stories in many cultures throughout history, depicted as a trickster, hero, creator, as well as some other things, but always showing intense curiosity and intelligence. I am a smart, playful, energetic problem solver. Just give me a ball and I’ll drop it at your feet more times than you will want to throw it for me. Turns out I got adopted through HSUV to a new family. My new Mom is crazy about dogs, especially me. We go to class every week so my manners are better. My teacher says I’m very smart. I think I’m the star of my class, anyway I try real hard. I have lots of energy and love people. Dressing up to have my picture taken is fun. I love to horse around with my two doggy sisters. People give an opinion about what kind of All American dog I might be. The best one was “black lab mixed with Flying Nun”. I guess my ears could help me lift off in the wind.

I’m pretty sure I could help convince lots of people to help build the new shelter. Too bad there are so many animals without a forever home. I’m a lucky, happy girl and where I am, something special is bound to happen. 2008-2009 Canine Mascot: Molly The Snake River Animal Shelter held its first Mutt Strut on October 11, 2008 during the Idaho Falls 3rd annual Harvest Fest. The Mutt Strut featured a Canine Mascot Contest, which was won by Molly, a mixed breed rescued by Deidre and Todd Therp from Rigby. Molly will reign until the 2009 Mascot contest winner is chosen in the fall.

Here is Molly's story...

"Just Molly"

The kids roared off the bus heading toward the gate of the Riot Zone. It was the last day of school, and the celebration was on. The first thing I noticed was a mangy, yellow, shaggy dog casually lying on the concrete. Her legs were crossed regally in front of her, and she had a big doggy smile on her face. I had an immediate reaction that I was going to end up with this dog. I’d been thinking of getting a dog, but the timing was never right. And, as they say, timing has nothing to do with such things.

The kids eagerly ran towards the friendly - looking dog, and I immediately launched into my, "Be careful of strange dogs" speech. However, at that moment, the dog rolled over on her back, exposing her belly for a scratch. She was surrounded by sixth graders all wanting to give her a pet. Her tail wagged while she squirmed with joy. Her ribs protruded, and she reeked of canal water. A boy bought her a corn dog, which she devoured. Needless to say, I took her home: I named her Molly.

I’ve had six years with this incredible dog. She chases airplanes for fun, and she likes to be the boss. She still has her happy doggy smile, even after a traumatic broken leg and surgery. She loves to play with squeaky toys until they are nothing but piles of slobbery fluff.

We are constantly asked, "What kind of dog is that?" My reply used to be, "Good question!" To answer an ongoing family debate, I sent in her DNA. Molly is a Chow-Chow, Akita, Shar Pei……….mix.

Everyone thinks their dog is special, as all dogs are. Although Molly’s background will always be a mystery, I am so thankful she chose to appear in my life that day at the Riot Zone. Now, when people ask me, "What kind of dog is that?" I say, "She’s just Molly."

2008-2009 Feline Mascots: The Dynamic Duo

I was looking to adopt two black kittens together that would be good companions to one another and me. I was told that 4 Paws in Rexburg was the place to go. l found out after my first visit that I had only 100 cats to choose from. I could see this would be no easy task.

The first cat to greet me at the door was Chester. He stretched out his legs and reached his front paws up to my hips. Instinct was telling me that he wanted me to pick him up. I heard a friendly voice say to me, “Oh, Chester needs a good home he has lived here a year.” Chester was black and white and 1-1/2 years old. I kept finding friendly cats of every size and color to pick up. How could I choose from 100 cats? Well it took me three visits to decide that the 4 Paws greeter, Chester, would have to help me pick his life partner. After many hours of deliberation by sitting on various chairs holding numerous cats, a four month old black kitten named Matilda kept coming over to sit on my lap with Chester. They snuggled together and purred on my lap.

My desire for two black kittens that needed a home soon changed. The greeter, black and white Chester definitely deserved a home with me. It seemed that Chester also helped me clinch the deal by getting along so well with Matilda.

It has been over nine months since I brought Chester and Matilda (now better known as Tily) to live with me. A better choice couldn’t be made than selecting my cats at 4 Paws.