We are exploring new ways to communicate with Leech Lake Legacy supporters. Please consider signing up for our email list to get updates on upcoming events and periodic e-newsletters ...Thursday, May 30, 2013
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We are exploring new ways to communicate with Leech Lake Legacy supporters. Please consider signing up for our email list to get updates on upcoming events and periodic e-newsletters ...
Saturday, May 25, 2013
Thank you to our Legacy of Love Monthly donors!
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| Aurora - rescued in April, 2013 |
Bronze level ($25/month):
- Ahnung (MN)
- Bobbie G. (MN)
- Karen S. (MN)
- Kathy K. (NC)
- Kelli H. (CA)
- Janet W. (MN)
- Herb C. (MN)
- Terri H. (MN)
- Vicki N. (MN)
Update on 7/6/13: We have 2 new Legacy of Love supporters join the club in June: Thank you Alisa K (NY) and Barbara K (MN)!
Please consider joining the Legacy of Love monthly donor club ... If we could add even just one more monthly donor each month that would go a LONG way in helping the dogs and cats of Leech Lake Reservation. It's easy to sign up .... Help spread the word. Our programs and services are continuing to grow and we need your support. You can sign up at the bronze level ($25/mth); silver level ($50/mth); gold level ($75/mth); or Platinum level ($100/mth). We are grateful for any level you are able to afford. All donations are 100% tax-deductible!
Visit our Donate page on the Leech Lake Legacy website to become a Legacy of Love monthly donor ....
And here are some recent statistics as of 5/24/13 (our first two years):
- A total of 1,475 animals have been transferred from Leech Lake Reservation (961 dogs, 513 cats, and 1 duck)
- Breakdown by year: 2011 - 201; 2012 - 937; 2013 (as of 5/24) - 337
- Of the 1,475 animals, 75% were transferred to the Animal Humane Society, 12% to Animal Allies in Duluth, MN; and the remaining 14% were transferred to approximately 20 other partner shelters and rescues
- Leech Lake Legacy has hosted 4 spay/neuter and vaccination clinics in partnership with the Leech Lake Tribal Police. 2 clinics were held in 2012 and 2 clinics have been completed so far in 2013 with two more scheduled (August and October, 2013). 362 dogs/cats were spayed/neutered at the clinics; 207 received wellness checks and vaccinations; 192 animals were surrendered at the clinics and transported to partner shelters to be vetted then placed up for adoption.
Wednesday, May 22, 2013
May 2013 Spay/Neuter and Vaccination Clinic
Leech Lake Legacy, in partnership with the Leech Lake Tribal Police and Kindest Cut, hosted our 4th spay/neuter and vaccination clinic at Leech Lake Reservation on May 17-18, 2013. The clinic was funded in part by the Leech Lake Environmental Health Services and a generous donor. Vaccinations for surgery patients was donated by Minnesota Spay Neuter Project.Leech Lake Legacy had approximately 25 volunteers, including Dr. Mary Wictor (shelter vet from Animal Allies in Duluth, MN) and a couple vet techs (thanks Danielle and Jill!). Most volunteers drove from the Twin Cities area and arrived in Cass Lake on Thursday afternoon/evening to begin setting up for the clinic. We had a few volunteers from the Bemidji area and from Federal Dam. Many thanks to the Tribal Police for providing lodging and food for the volunteers, and to Pike Bay Township for the $200 grocery store credit. Many volunteers took time off from work ... and we were very fortunate to have such an awesome group of volunteers.
On Friday morning, we were extremely fortunate to have Mike Smith, a Leech Lake spiritual elder, open up our clinic with an invocation and prayer. Migwitch Mike. Doors opened at 8:00 am on Friday, however, we had residents lining up starting at 6:30 am. The weather was gorgeous and the flow of residents and their pets was constant throughout the day. The Kindest Cut team was busy all day and worked till 10:00 pm on both Friday and Saturday night. Dr. Wictor provided wellness checks and vaccinations on Friday and Saturday. On Saturday, 4 specialty surgeries were also done (in addition to the spay/neuter surgeries): a hernia removal, a tumor removal, an eye enucleation, and surgery on a small dog with severe puncture wounds from a dog attack.
Here are stats from the clinic:
- 92 spay/neuter surgeries were completed (50 spays and 42 neuters)
- 63 animals were surrendered (37 cats, 25 dogs and an injured duck)
- 46 wellness checks and vaccinations were provided to pets of residents
Of the 63 surrendered animals, 34 went to the Animal Humane Society and 29 went to Animal Allies in Duluth. All will be vetted then placed up for adoption.
We are extremely grateful for all the amazing people who come together to make our clinics as successful as they are ... the Kindest Cut staff, the volunteers, the Tribal Police, the residents, the Leech Lake Environmental Health Division, our partner shelters, Dr. Wictor, and our donors who make it possible for us to continue our work.
And I would like to give a special shout out to Jenny Fitzer (co-founder of Leech Lake Legacy). Jenny organizes all of our spay/neuter and vaccination clinics and does a phenomenal job recruiting volunteers and ensuring everything runs smoothly. Thanks also to Rory Haaland (Leech Lake CSO) and to Natasha W. (Leech Lake Environmental Health) for your efforts in helping us get the word out about our clinic, and to Ken Washington (Leech Lake Police Chief) for your continued support; thanks to the absolutely amazing Kindest Cut team!; and finally, thanks to all of the amazing LLL volunteers who helped at this clinic: Heidi, Diane D, Sandra, Terri H, Jean, Jenna, Shaldon, Jill, Danielle, Melissa, Martha, Sarah B., Kathleen, Laura B., Matt K., Emily, Nancy and Tom, Amber, Dinie, Kay, Carrie, Ashley, and Dr. Wictor.
And my role for the clinic was to take photos ... I did my best to capture the essence of the event ... the camaraderie, the spirit, the friendship, the love, the kindness, the patience and the desire to help each other in community was truly moving .... so to our friends at Leech Lake Reservation, thank you for welcoming us into your community; thank you for trusting us and for partnering with us.
I put together a video from some of the photos I took:
and here is a link to more photos: http://www.flickr.com/photos/mchanrasmi/sets/72157633528722607/
Migwich.
Marilou/Leech Lake Legacy Co-founder
Wednesday, May 8, 2013
Leech Lake Spay/Neuter and Vaccination Clinic next week (May 17-18)
We are gearing up for our 2nd spay/neuter and vaccination clinic in 2013. Our clinic will be held on Friday and Saturday (May 17-18, 2013) at the Leech Lake Tribal Police Headquarters in Cass Lake (Leech Lake residents only).
We will also be offering wellness checks and vaccinations only.
Our clinic is held in partnership with the Leech Lake Tribal Police and Kindest Cut.
Funding for our May clinic has been provided by the Leech Lake Environmental Health division and a generous donor. Vaccinations for surgery patients has been donated by Minnesota Spay Neuter Project.
Friday, May 3, 2013
Ahnung T-Shirt/hoodie fundraiser for Leech Lake Legacy
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| Hoodie (texas orange) |
It wasn't long until I realized just how amazing Ahnung was and how her purpose on this planet was for one much greater than I could even imagine ... she is a registered therapy dog and has touched the lives and hearts of at-risk youth and her friends she has spent time with in hospice as a part of our volunteer work. Unfortunately, in 7/2011 she was diagnosed with mammary cancer and had a lumpectomy to remove the tumor; in 4/2012 she was diagnosed with a second rare and very aggressive cancer (invasive adenosquamous carcinoma) and underwent surgery to radically remove the tumor in her neck/back; in 11/2012 the cancer had metastasized to her lungs. We began chemo but after 30 days of chemo learned the tumor was continuing to grow, so at the end of December, 2012 we stopped chemo and made the decision to enjoy her Final Walk (http://mariloureflects.blogspot.com/2012/12/the-final-walk.html). As of today, 5/3/2013, she continues to do well and to touch the hearts of many ... I am grateful for every day we have together.
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| Ahnung, touching hearts (paws to little hands) of the little ones :) |
Ahnung has been to every spay/neuter and vaccination clinic at Leech Lake Reservation. She was the inspiration and the fire and passion behind raising the funds for our first ever spay/neuter and vaccination clinic in March, 2012 at Leech Lake Reservation. She helped raised funds for our 2nd clinic. My hope is that she will be well enough to be at her fourth spay/neuter clinic on May 17-18, 2013.
Ahnung has been and will continue to be a north star for many ... and she is, without a doubt, a Legacy of Love. As the design on the back of the t-shirts and hoodies read ... she represents Love. Hope. Resilience (You can follow Ahnung on facebook at: www.facebook.com/AhnungNorthStar)
Ahnung would like to help raise funds for future spay/neuter and vaccination clinics. Please consider purchasing an Ahnung t-shirt and/or hoodie.
Pre-order your Ahnung t-shirt/hoodie
All funds raised go to Leech Lake Legacy
Deadline: Sunday, May 20, 2013
- Hoodies (Texas Orange): $40/each - ($2 for each X over XL)
- Long-sleeve (Kiwi): $25/each - ($1 for each X over XL)
- Short-sleeve (Orchid or Pistachio): $20/each - ($1 for each X over XL)
- For youth sizes we have short sleeve in texas orange and hoodies in red, dark purple or blue.
Payment must be received by May 20, 2013.
Payment options (Paypal) or mail your check to (please provide the following info: items being ordered, color of t-shirt if ordering short-sleeve, and quantity and sizes):
Leech Lake Legacy
PO Box 385454
Bloomington, MN 55438
If you would like to pay by credit card (Paypal) send an email with your order info, to info@leechlakelegacy.org, and an invoice through paypal will be sent to you.
Thursday, May 2, 2013
Update: Dimples (now Nico)!
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| Nico as a puppy! :) |
"We
adopted "Nico" from the Animal Humane Society in Golden Valley on
November 13th. I think we met her right when she was put out on the
floor for adoption. Her name was "Dimples" at the shelter and we were
told she had only been there a couple of days-if that. So, I am assuming
she was part of a November 10th transport (if there was one).
We
have often wondered if her mother or siblings were on her transport and
routed elsewhere. Almost everyone that meets her has a "guess"of what
breeds she might be.
As
it is with probably so many of your rescues, she was in a sad state
when we adopted her. We treated her for fleas, flea dermatitis, mange
(it took 3 treatment cycles), worms, and more.
She
has remarkable coloring and a very sweet temperament to match. We have
two boys at home, ages 3 and 8 years old, she interacts with them as if
they were all meant to be together. She is my constant shadow and a
wonderful companion.
I
have attached a recent photo so that you can see how she is blossoming
as a loved family member. I also have a puppy pic included in case you are interested.
I thank you for bringing her to us."
I looked back at our records and confirmed that yes, Dimples did come down on the November 10th, 2012 transport. In fact, on 11/10/12 we held our 2nd Great Puppy Roundup so Dimples was one of 59 animals surrendered to Leech Lake Legacy on that day and transported to the Animal Humane Society to be placed up for adoption!
The following is a link to photos from the 11/10 Great Puppy Roundup II:
We are extremely happy and grateful when adopters find us and send us updates on their beautiful pups.
Dear sweet Nico, you have turned into an absolutely gorgeous girl ...
Thank you Christine, for opening up your heart and home to Nico and providing her with such a loving home. We are truly grateful :)
Sunday, April 28, 2013
Update: Meet Luna ... yes, Legacy's sister!
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| Luna - November, 2011 |
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| Legacy on the front cover of Animal Tracks! |
I was so happy to receive an email tonight from Emily and Stan (Luna's adoptive family!):
Marilou
Co-founder, Leech Lake Legacy
--------------------------------------------------
My name is Emily. I recently received an email from Carrie from AHS and
found out that you and your organization saved our pup Luna and that her
brother, your pup Legacy, was on the cover of Animal Tracks!!! My husband
Stan and I then did some internet searching on your organization and ended up
finding some pictures of Luna and her 12 siblings, as well as blog posts about
their rescue. What a cool thing to learn about Luna's history.
We cannot thank you enough for saving our Luna and so, so, so many other animals.
Luna is such an awesome dog - she is so sweet and
loves absolutely everything!! She has a dog sister, Roxi, our 5 year old
Yellow English Lab. Luna loves being outside and loves to run and sprint
or prance after squirrels. We have a fenced in backyard and she could stay
out there all day long...even in the winter. It always amazes me
that she doesn't get cold out there when it's frigid or blizzarding.
Roxi wants to come in right away and Luna is still running
around completely unaffected! We went out West several times this
winter on ski trips and she was in absolute heaven in the
mountains. Luna also just loves the dog parks that we go to
frequently. She loves playing and running with the other
dogs. The second we enter the fence, she is just gone! She'll
run and run and run and finally come back to us. Roxi has always
stayed within eyesight of us, if not 10-20 feet away, but not Luna, she's
gone, but she'll always come back :)
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| Luna when she arrived - Sep. 1, 2011 |
She also loves toys of all kinds - stuffed
animals (that she carries around everywhere), nylabones, balls (that she
will play with even by herself), and especially toys that crinkle or that have
little squeekers that she can squeek rapidly. When I vacuum
and put the toys on a table/couch/chair, she drags them all back down by the
time I'm done. It's funny because Roxi was never particularly fond of
toys. I bought so many toys to find the type of toy Roxi would like, but
she was always like "thanks but no thanks". So it's great that Luna
loves them. Now whenever Roxi wants to play with Luna, or
visa versa, she grabs a toy and then Luna will steal it from
her...Roxi lets her and then they start their 'dog play'...it's so funny.
Luna will also tell you that she wants attention or wants to play by bringing
you one of her toys and dropping it in your lap as a gift.
In the summer, we
spend as much time as we can on the water - swimming and boating - and Luna
loves it. Roxi's favorite thing to do is swim and Luna is right there
beside her. Roxi likes to float on inflatible floaties and has taught Luna
how to as well...everyone thinks it's so funny. Luna is great around all
our neices and nephews too. She is so light on her feet...she'll sneak
right up on you! I often wake up in the morning to Luna's sweet face about
1/4 of an inch from my face..somehow she manages to not touch her nose to my
nose and subliminally wake me up! She'll also often lay her head on
your lap...she's so sweet.
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| Another photo of Luna from Sept, 2011 |
I've attached some
pictures of Luna!
Also, we were
curious about what kind of dog Luna was, so as a little Chistmas present we did
a doggy DNA test (just a saliva swab) and found out what type of dog she
is. It's kind of fun and nice to know since everyone asks. If you're
interested, I've attached the details.
Thanks so so so much
for all that you do!!
Emily &
Stan
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| Luna and her sister Roxi |
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| Luna ... like her brother Legacy, she has ears with personality! |
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