Pets affected by Katrina remembered by Valley

On behalf of those who planned the Sept. 18 North Bend benefit for pets affected by Hurricane Katrina, I'd like to thank all the area businesses, pet owners and local citizens who made the event such a great success. We ended up raising more than $6,300 in donations for Habitat for Humanity, the Dr. Walter J. Ernst Jr. Foundation at the Louisiana Veterinary Medical Association and the American Red Cross.

Thanks to these businesses and concerned local organizations that donated professional services, food, raffle items and publicity: Trueting Veterinary Housecalls, U-Dirty Dog, Express Pet Supplies, Natural Touch Massage, Professional Pet Care, U-Lucky Dog, KKNW AM 1150, Martha Norwalk's "Animal World," 2 Die 4 Chocolates, KB Toys, ACE Hardware, Bibo Coffee, Red Tent Tribal Belly Dance, Animals Reign, All Pets Go To Heaven, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9476, Twede's Cafe, G&S Services, Sno Valley Animal Hospital, Avid Microchips, Pfizer Pet Health, Webster Vet Supply, Downtown Dog Lounge and Two Charming Chicks.

Special thanks also to our individual volunteers, helpers and donors: Kathy Boulanger, JoAnn Brookes, Lexi and Tyler Cegleski, Kathleen Eagan, Kayla Hauck, Sherry Hanson, Barb Sweeny, Susan Ranf, Carolyn Loew, Kathleen MacCachran and Pony, Judy Steagall, Mike, Piper and Quinn Treuting, Steve Swain, Steve and Conner Skylstad, Cathi Linden, Danielle Linden, Marc Krasnowsky, Sally Sanitago, Nancy Anderson, Judy Steagall, Cheri Provo, Lauri, Landon and Riley Edwards, Debra Shervy, Leila Webber, Kelli Elliot, Brad Groski and Chloe.

The pets and their people suffering from the hurricane tragedy will benefit greatly from the generosity of so many from this area. Our community did itself proud last Sunday.

Tracy Skylstad

North Bend

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