Silver Valley Cat Wranglers claw their way to stabilize Shoshone County's cat population
Autumn the dog, Juli Zook, Kyrsten Kennaugh and Rene Gilbert pose for a photo outside the Dirty Dog Saloon. Zook and Gilbert are part of the Cat Wranglers nonprofit to help stabilize the local cat population and the group recently held a fundraiser turning the bar into the "Dirty Kitty Saloon" for an evening. The check was presented by Kennaugh on behalf of the Dirty Dog for $4,200.
CAROLYN BOSTICK/Press
KELLOGG — For one night only, the Dirty Dog Saloon became the “Dirty Kitty” as the owners allowed Silver Valley Cat Wranglers to perform a bar takeover and silent auction. The Dirty Dog Saloon donated all the day's proceeds to Cat Wranglers and through additional donations, the group was able to raise about $6,000 out of its $15,000 annual budget.
“It all goes to the cats,” Cat Wranglers president Rene Gilbert said.
Gilbert said she’s hoping the Silver Valley has turned a corner for the moment when it comes to spaying and neutering cats to avoid overpopulation.
“We’re trying to get ahead of the huge kitten seasons. We were very successful this year in not having a lot of litters, however as we get into spring, we’re getting more and more requests,” Gilbert said.
If indoor cats venture outdoors, many pet owners don’t realize how quickly a litter of kittens can be a problem.
“Some people just can’t afford it and don’t realize if they call us now, it makes it easier down the road and then we’re not dealing with six to eight cats who need to be spayed or neutered at the same time,” Gilbert said.
Spaying and neutering animals is the best preventative medicine the organization can recommend to the community.
The nonprofit works with Kellogg Pet Medical and Silver Valley Veterinary Clinic in Pinehurst, occasionally relying on assistance from larger area organizations like Companions Animal Center, Pet Savers and SpokAnimal in Spokane.
“When we partner here in the Valley, we ask people to pay 50% and we pay 50%. It costs a little, but the animal doesn’t have to be away from home as long and it's less traumatic for the animal,” Gilbert said.
The group is run by volunteers and also helps families with vet bills when there’s an expensive emergency and they’re unable to foot the full cost.
Fellow board member Juli Zook commended the efforts of the bar owners in support of the organization's goal.
“The fundraiser would not have happened if it weren’t for the generosity of Mike, Linda and Kyrsten Kennaugh,” Zook said.
The Silver Valley Cat Wranglers can be reached through their Facebook page or by calling 208-446-7131.