RAGOM receives 2008 Kodiak Award

Retrieve a Golden of Minnesota (RAGOM) Receives Award

MINNEAPOLIS, Minnesota – October 27, 2008

Friends of Flicka is pleased to announce that Retrieve a Golden of Minnesota (RAGOM) is the recipient of the 2008 Kodiak Award. This $5000 award is presented annually to a leading animal rescue organization or individual for their exceptional work in charitable animal rescue.

Friends of Flicka is particularly impressed and moved by RAGOM’s commitment to rescuing and re-homing senior Golden Retrievers and has requested that this award be used specifically for RAGOM’s senior Goldens. “RAGOM clearly lives and works its mission statement; Provide a high quality of life for Golden Retrievers who can no longer remain in their current environments.” Friends of Flicka appreciates RAGOM’s prompt response when they are asked to help a dog that is in danger of shelter euthanasia, often because of its age. Learn more about RAGOM at www.ragom.org.

Friends of Flicka is a 501(C)(3) tax exempt charitable organization created in memory of a beloved golden retriever for the purpose of providing funds to other qualified exempt organizations and individuals engaged in the rescue, adoption and care of animals that have been abandoned, lost, or abused. One hundred percent of Friends of Flicka funds are donated to needy animals; fifty percent are directed to Golden causes. All contributions made to Friends of Flicka are fully tax deductible. Learn more about Friends of Flicka at www.flickasfriends.org.

The Kodiak award is appropriately named for Flicka's best friend, her brother Kodiak. It is awarded annually to the volunteer or organization whose efforts on behalf of abused or abandoned animals are so extraordinary that the Board of Friends of Flicka believes special recognition is deserved. “We don't expect this will ever be an easy decision - there are so many people making daily sacrifices to help animals that have been mistreated. But if, in addition to the other grants we make each year, we can provide special support and recognition to just one, perhaps it will give hope and inspiration to others.” Kodiak was a senior dog when he passed away this summer and it is in his memory that other dogs will be helped.

Bruce has a new home

Bruce has a very special place in my heart since I made RAGOM aware of him just in time for him to be saved from being euthanized at the pound. I have been checking on him on RAGOM's website and today I found out that he was adopted over the weekend! Congratulations, Bruce! You are one lucky fella and I'm sure your new family feels lucky to have you.

Update on Bruce

Bruce
Yellow Labrador Retriever

Size: Large
Age: Senior
Sex: Male


Notes:
SUMMER ADOPTION DAYS SPECIAL!!
+Adoption Fee Lowered!

Bruce is a little bit older than the other dogs, but he still seems to have a lot of spunk!

Adoption Fee: $21.40!

In-Shelter Observation:
Visual Health: Good

Central Minnesota Animal Care & Control
Saint Cloud, MN

"$21.40 adoption fee / animal control... I'm guessing this pretty dog doesn't have much time left. I can work on finding a foster home, if necessary. This dog is a golden retriever, not a yellow lab."

When I spotted this dog on Petfinder, I sent that urgent message to Retrieve a Golden of Minnesota (RAGOM). It took a number of phone calls and a couple of worried days, but Bruce was saved just in time! Now his is living with an experienced foster home for Retreive a Golden of Minnesota (RAGOM) and loving life while he waits and hopes for a forever home. Read all about him on his own personal blog!

Remember Simba?

I discovered that Simba needed a home doing my searches for Friends of Flicka. I not only found a home, but I drove to Eau Claire to bring him back to his new home in the Twin Cities. He is getting along great with his new family which includes a feline buddy, Sparkles.

Love those happy endings!

Eddie

Who dumps a gorgeous puppy like this out in the country???

Eddie!
Golden Retriever

Size: Large
Age: Baby
Sex: Male
ID:


Notes:
This is Eddie. He is about 4 months old and he is a bundle of FUN! Eddie was dumped out in the county to fend for himself. He was rescued by the local authorities and brought to the shelter. Eddie is very outgoing and loves all! He is doing well with his potty training and will continue to succeed with the use of a crate. Please be prepared for the time and commitment a puppy needs! If you can offer an indoor, forever home that will keep this pup busy please apply to adopt Eddie! NEUTER CONTRACT IS MANDATORY!

This pet is up to date with routine shots.

This pet is already house trained.

Cedar Bend Humane Society
Waterloo, IA
319-232-6887
cbhsadoption@mchsi.com

Simba has a new home!

I lucked out, or rather Simba did. I sent on his Petfinder notice to just a handful of people, but one of those friends made a connection with a family who wanted Simba.

I actually drove to Wisconsin with my friend to get Simba, so I got to meet his former family who was heartbroken to give him up. Then I got to meet his new family that was so thrilled to have him.

He is getting along well, although the resident cat still has some reservations. Happy ending for Simba and his former family is glad to know he has a good home and that they can get updates.

A little effort can save a life.

Simba--urgent

This is one of the kinds of postings for which I'm watching when I search Petfinder.com every day for Friends of Flicka. Lots of times I can connect up people and organizations and solve a problem without an expenditure for Friends of Flicka and still save an animal.

Simba is an excellent example of a perfectly adoptable animal that will be euthanized if a home cannot be found. Networking can help with this situation and thank goodness Petfinder.com is out there so the stories can be heard by people who can help.

Below is an exchange of e-mails I set in motion. I hope Simba finds a home! I sent his info out to a number of selected contacts.

From: Jennifer

Sent: Thursday, September 04, 2008 10:53 AM

RE: Maine Coon needs new home - quickly

I still have him, someone just emailed me about him...I am so glad to hear someone watches for these animals and tries to help, please thank whoever this is...Jennifer

To: jennifer

Subject: FW: Maine Coon needs new home - quickly

Date: Thu, 4 Sep 2008 10:21:04 -0500

Hi Jennifer,

This fellow is making the rounds of Twin Cities/Feline Rescue email thanks to one of our volunteers who keeps her eye out for urgent needs. We have a couple of adoption applicants who might be interested in rehoming this guy, but before we get too deeply into it I wanted to make sure that this posting is current, and that Simba is still looking for a home.

Thanks,
S

PETFINDER.COM

Simba- Needs Help
Maine Coon,Tabby - whiteMix

Size: Large

Age: Adult

Sex: Male

Notes:
Simba's family has been given 2 days by their landlord to re-home him- and Catkins has NO room! He has been raised as part of the family and been around other cats, dogs and kids- he loves everybody! Simba is nearly 15 lbs, not because he's fat but because he's BIG! Simba is 2 years old, all 4 declawed, neutered and up to date on shots. If he sounds like the guy you've been looking for, please contact Jennifer today so he can get to you and to safety!

Email: jennifersue1@hotmail.com

Phone: 715-762-0098

His food, litter box and other personals come with him!

This pet is up to date with routine shots.This pet is already house trained.This pet has been altered.

Catkins Animal Rescue, Inc
Park Falls, WI

(715) 681-0022

catkins_wi@yahoo.com