2011-2012 Canine Mascot: Rayne

Rayne is a male Golden Retriever from Salt Lake City's “Companion Golden Retriever Rescue”. He was found on someone's door step in central Utah during a bad rain storm, badly emaciated and dripping wet, hence the name “Rayne”. Even with all he must have gone through during his life, he is a lovable companion with no aggression around food, towards other dogs, adults or even children. When we first met Rayne, the first thing he did was run up to me and lay his head in my lap and stare at me with his dark brown eyes, asking me to believe in him and choose him. We believe he was very mistreated by his previous owner because he is about 7 years old and knew nothing about windows, stairs, mirrors, TV or even how to play. To this day, he still barks and stares in amazement when animals appear on the TV. It took us all of about 2 weeks to house train him and make him an inside dog. He is extremely smart and learns quickly. We leave him inside with our 9 year old female Golden all day while we work and nothing is disrupted or chewed while we're gone. The part that brings tears to our eyes is when we tried to get him to play. Until this year, he didn't know how to play or have fun. It was so sad to see a dog that cowered when you picked up a broom, shovel or rake, only to run to you with a smile on his face when called. We've had Rayne for almost two years now and he's a normal Golden Retriever who loves to play, run, jump and swim.

2011-2012 Feline Mascot: Midnight

Midnight is an eleven year old feline American. He was about 4 years old when he adopted his humans, Sharon and Michael Kennedy. As a former shelter cat, Midnight believes strongly in the mission of Snake River Animal Shelter. He is an extrovert who loves human attention, and will tolerate canine attention if they mind their manners. Midnight has a mellow surfer-dude attitude, and he has attended a previous SRAS event. He enjoys admiration of his small, dark, and handsome physique. His motto is to love and be loved. Becoming the mascot would make his yellow eyes sparkle! He is looking forward to attending the event on Saturday. His human shall prepare the pet stroller for his arrival. Secure enough in his dude-ness to arrive in pink, and looking forward to some time with the leash and harness to mingle. Provided with the right treats, he might also be persuaded to do a trick or two!

2010-2011 Canine Mascot: Kayne

All great stories start from humble beginnings. That is how mine started. I was just another dog, another homeless animal, another statistic. Somehow I found myself in a wire crate at Petco. Sure I am cute, but I was not a puppy. I was already 3 years old. There were some speculations about where I came from, but nothing concrete for a new owner. Puppies came and puppies went, but was there any hope for an "old dog" like me? This might be my favorite part of the story. 6 years ago a 9 year old girl saw me in my cage. Somehow she got a hold of her mom and said she must come see me. ME?! I am an old dog, wouldn't you rather look at the puppies or the kittens? Everyone decided that I was worth a shot. I was free! It was raining when we left Petco, but not even the rain could put a damper on this day.

At my new house I was given a blanket to sleep on at the side of the bed, I still sleep there. Well sometimes I get tricked into sleeping with that little girl, who is now a teenager. I don't mind, she always has tons of cookies.

I was taken to obedience class. I don't know who was more surprised me or my new owners that I passed the class, hey I even excelled! I was slowly losing my stigma of being a "pound puppy". I was quickly becoming a good dog.

My favorite past time is napping, which you might not think is that exciting, but I am good at it. Please don't worry about my waistline, I am a runner. I have completed a few 5ks and like meeting the other runners. I am also a swimmer, enjoy camping, riding the 4-wheeler and boating.

Hmmm...humble beginnings.

I know some tricks, like "stop, drop and roll", watch out Smokey, I have a few tricks up my sleeve. I love to entertain kids and adults.

I never wanted to be a "pound dog". I guess there might have been a lack of training or time for me. My owner gets frustrated when she sees good dogs tied up or put away and forgotten about. She knows she can't save them all (nor would her husband let her), but I think she is out to prove that there is no such thing as a "bad dog". I am glad to have had to another shot.

2009-2010 Canine Mascot: Raven

Hi, my name is Raven!  I’ve survived a lot in my first 10 months.  First I was lost in a hot, dry place but a helpful man found me and sent me to stay at a house where lots of other animals lived with a lady.  I got real sick and had to go to the hospital for three days.  They said I nearly died because of something called Parvo.  But hey, I’m a survivor and I made it.  The nice doggy lady fixed me all up.  She just happened to be the president of the Humane Society of the Upper Valley and the man is her uncle.  Talk about good luck!  Anyway she gave me this great name and it’s just perfect.  They tell me ravens have appeared in many myths and stories in many cultures throughout history, depicted as a trickster, hero, creator, as well as some other things, but always showing intense curiosity and intelligence.  I am a smart, playful, energetic problem solver.  Just give me a ball and I’ll drop it at your feet more times than you will want to throw it for me.  Turns out I got adopted through HSUV to a new family.  My new Mom is crazy about dogs, especially me.  We go to class every week so my manners are better.  My teacher says I’m very smart.  I think I’m the star of my class, anyway I try real hard.  I have lots of energy and love people.  Dressing up to have my picture taken is fun.  I love to horse around with my two doggy sisters.  People give an opinion about what kind of All American dog I might be.  The best one was “black lab mixed with Flying Nun”.  I guess my ears could help me lift off in the wind.

I’m pretty sure I could help convince lots of people to help build the new shelter.  Too bad there are so many animals without a forever home.  I’m a lucky, happy girl and where I am, something special is bound to happen.

2008-2009 Canine Mascot: Molly

The Snake River Animal Shelter held its first Mutt Strut on October 11, 2008 during the Idaho Falls 3rd annual Harvest Fest.  The Mutt Strut featured a Canine Mascot Contest, which was won by Molly, a mixed breed rescued by Deidre and Todd Therp from Rigby.  Molly will reign until the 2009 Mascot contest winner is chosen in the fall.

Here is Molly's story...

"Just Molly"

The kids roared off the bus heading toward the gate of the Riot Zone. It was the last day of school, and the celebration was on. The first thing I noticed was a mangy, yellow, shaggy dog casually lying on the concrete. Her legs were crossed regally in front of her, and she had a big doggy smile on her face. I had an immediate reaction that I was going to end up with this dog. I’d been thinking of getting a dog, but the timing was never right. And, as they say, timing has nothing to do with such things.

The kids eagerly ran towards the friendly - looking dog, and I immediately launched into my, "Be careful of strange dogs" speech. However, at that moment, the dog rolled over on her back, exposing her belly for a scratch. She was surrounded by sixth graders all wanting to give her a pet. Her tail wagged while she squirmed with joy. Her ribs protruded, and she reeked of canal water. A boy bought her a corn dog, which she devoured. Needless to say, I took her home: I named her Molly.

I’ve had six years with this incredible dog. She chases airplanes for fun, and she likes to be the boss. She still has her happy doggy smile, even after a traumatic broken leg and surgery. She loves to play with squeaky toys until they are nothing but piles of slobbery fluff. 

We are constantly asked, "What kind of dog is that?" My reply used to be, "Good question!" To answer an ongoing family debate, I sent in her DNA. Molly is a Chow-Chow, Akita, Shar Pei……….mix.

Everyone thinks their dog is special, as all dogs are. Although Molly’s background will always be a mystery, I am so
thankful she chose to appear in my life that day at the Riot Zone. Now, when people ask me, "What kind of dog is that?" I say, "She’s just Molly."