picnic_recap05

Memory of Monroe

Scottie Rescue

Scottie Lover's Rescue Reunion - September 16, 2006

The terrier spirit was alive and well on Saturday, September 16, 2006 in Waconia, MN. Over a hundred Scotties, Westies, and their owners and admirers gathered for the 8th annual Memory of Monroe Scottie Lover's/Rescue Reunion.

After a rainy night and cloudy morning, the blue skies opened up and we had great weather. It was a bit windy, but we managed just fine. Duct tape works great for holding things down.

The Education building was full to the brim with wonderful items for our legendary silent auction. Each year we wonder how the items could get any better, but they always do. Many donors send contributions over the year, and elves behind the scenes are busy writing up forms for them. We had over 35 six-foot long tables chock full of items for this year's auction.

One of our raffle items was a Grapevine Scottie, hand-crafted by the late, great Gary Penke. A previous winner generously donated this wonderful piece of art for our raffle - thank you! This was won by Kate Amendt. Congratulations, Kate!

Our other raffle items was a Scottie Butler which was absolutely adorable. This item was donated by Dave and Elaine Hendrickson, and discovered during one of their many auction, antique, estate sale outings. Dave has become an expert on Scottie collectibles! This item was won by Scott Lund. Congratulations, Scott! Thank you to Dave & Elaine for their donation.

Our program started out with a thank you to our MANY volunteers who made the day possible. Without going into too many details, we have some die-hard workers who set aside the day of the picnic (and sometimes several days before) to help in getting things set up and running. We could not do the picnic without the help of those wearing the red Memory of Monroe t-shirts. Big huge Arrroooo's to all of you who helped.

The Rev. Tim Forsman blessed the animals and offered prayers for the animals and their owners. Tim offered blessings to those that have gone onto the Rainbow Bridge this past year and their families. While this is a solemn and often sad time for us, we remember our loved ones and focus on the joy they gave us while they were here on earth.

Following Tim's blessing, the Class of 2006 was introduced! We had a good turn-out of this year's families and the crowd loved seeing the little personalities of each and every dog. Some of these dogs had very rough beginnings, some were turned in by owners who had significant life changes, and some were strays. Whatever the reason, these dogs found the right home that will help them flourish and grow. Everyone of these dogs looked like a million bucks.

Our Spirit of Tessa Award went to Mikey Wisecarver. Mikey came into rescue in 2005 as a stray. He was in a humane society in Iowa when we learned about him. Mikey was an adorable little dog, but had skin problems and was a bag of bones. He also had heartworm, and although the heartworm was not very advanced, Mikey fought very bravely through the treatment. The treatment was very tough on him and we nearly lost him early on. Mikey had to live in a crate for about six weeks until he was cleared of this disease. Once he got the clear, he was neutered and all fixed up. We saw a healthy, happy little dog emerge, and he went onto a great home. Like Tessa, Mikey overcame some obstacles that were very hard - his will to live and spirit helped him beat his illness and move on to a very happy life. The families play a big part in recovery. Tessa never would have made it in life without her owners, Susie and Ron Fett. They provided her with a home full of love, and I think if you were to ask Susie which dog of hers impacted her life most profoundly, the answer would undoubtedly be "Tessa". We thank John and Stephanie Wisecarver for giving Mikey the foundation he needed to succeed.

Our June Bug Spirit Award went to Aunt Stella Penke-Dodds. Stella began her life in a puppy mill in Iowa where she had multiple litters of Scottie puppies. She came into rescue and was adopted by the late Gary Penke. While with Gary, she learned how to be a house dog and cohabitate with another Scottie girl, her niece, Heidi (Stella and Heidi are actually related). Stella quickly learned that the comforts of home and unconditional love make life a lot easier! After Gary Penke's untimely death in March, 2005, Aunt Stella had to adjust all over again. She is now in a great home with Bob and Sharon Dodds and like the namesake of the award, she has become an important and loved member of her family. The June Bug Spirit Award is given to the Memory of Monroe rescue who has come from an abusive past and has moved above and beyond expectations. June Bug's owners, Bob Popelka and Paula Stuettgen, have generously donated $500 to Memory of Monroe for this award. Thank you, Paula and Bob, and thank you to Bob & Sharon Dodds -- and Aunt Stella!

Bob and Sharon Dodds also offer a door prize to people in attendance which is a $50 gift certificate to Petco, and a $50 gift certificate to Cub Foods - the Gary Penke Meal Deal. Gary often put his dog's needs above his own and they didn't want for much of anything except another ball for Heidi and another air conditioning outlet for Aunt Stella. This year's winner is Karen Davidson. Congratulations, Karen!

Our silent auction brought in funds that will keep Memory of Monroe operating for another year. Monies collected will go towards the vetting, rehabilitating and rehoming the wonderful dogs that enter our program in the remaining months of 2006 and for 2007. As of the beginning of October, 2006, we already have a good start to the Class of 2007.

We have been lucky to have Scott Bartell, the bagpiper, join us for the past four years. Scott led the rescue parade around the fairgrounds again this year. What a sight to see! The Scotties and Westies who are rescues are given red bandanas to wear on the day of the picnic. We had a long parade filled with little red bandanas. Their little chests puffed out a bit more and their gate was a little more animated. Rescue is truly worthwhile when one can see the happy families and dogs that love them.

Thank you to all who came, participated, or purchased items to help our efforts. This year's picnic provides much needed funds for the care and placement of our beloved Scotties. Our rescues are evaluated, fully vetted, and loved a great deal before they go onto their permanent homes. We have had an expensive year. As of October 1, 2006, our vet bills hold steady as 75% of our total expenses.

We appreciate your thoughts, support and love of our dogs. We look forward to our next picnic which will be on September 15, 2007. This is a big day for us as it will celebrate 10 years of Memory of Monroe Scottie Rescue!