In The News

The Animal Shelter of the Wood River Valley raised more than $300,000 at its annual “Dog Days of Summer” benefit, dinner and auction, which attracted approximately 340 people.
 
Winner of the raffle prize, a $10,000 gift certificate at Atkinsons’ Market, was Robin Robertson, a part-time Sun Valley resident and long time shelter supporter.
 
The annual event, held at Trail Creek Cabin at Sun Valley earlier this month, included a live auction and a silent auction with more than 300 items donated by local businesses and residents. The silent auction included 35 birdhouses made by local residents.
 
At the live auction a trip to the Westminster Kennel Club dog show in New York City was so popular that it sold twice, after donors agreed to provide a second one. Master of ceremonies was David Frei, co-host of the USA Network’s annual broadcast of the Westminster show.
 
Special features included a fashion show of clothing from the Barkin’ Basement thrift shop, which supports the shelter, and a parade of shelter dogs available for adoption.
 
“We were very pleased with the turnout and the support of the shelter from those who attended, as well as our sponsors and auction donors,” said Jan Main, benefit co-chair and president of the shelter board of directors. “Despite the current economy, the total funds raised were about the same as last year. We appreciate the community’s commitment to providing lifesaving services for animals.”
 
Sponsors included “Top Dog” Sherry Daech, “Perfect Pooch” Scottevest, “Cool Cats” Jan and Bob Main of Morgan Stanley Smith Barney, and Atkinsons’ Markets, Baldy Biscuit Co., Callen Development, Ruscitto/Latham /Blanton Architecture, Sun Country Management, Bellisiomo, Hailey Coffee Company, High Altitude Fitness, Invisible Fence of Southern Idaho, Wells Fargo Bank and Wood River Insurance.
 
More than 1,500 animals received services from the shelter last year. This includes 350 animals that were adopted, 252 lost animals that were reunited with their owners, 255 shelter animals spayed/neutered, and 387 privately owned animals that were spayed or neutered at no cost to their owners. On an average day, the shelter cares for 45 dogs and 45 cats.
 
Additional information is available by calling (208) 788-4351 on the Internet at www.animalshelterwrv.org.

Caption: Nadia Novak and Shake, a special needs dog, at the “Dog Days of Summer” annual benefit for the Animal Shelter of the Wood River Valley.