For many years, Utah State University has been best known for its expertise in agriculture as well as its ice cream. After 123 years, nothing has changed.
“Aggie Ice Cream is more than just a treat,” said Holly Jones, a senior at USU. “It’s a tradition.”
According to Jessica Bayes, an employee of Aggie Ice Cream, the secret to the ice cream’s success is the milk it is made from.
Just off of Highway 91 in Wellsville, is the USU dairy farm. It holds over 200 cows and takes more than 50 students, staff and workers to maintain it. The dairy facility has a milking parlor and a heated pavilion for judging cows, according to Animal, Dairy and Veterinary Sciences Department Head Ken White.
Cows are milked twice a day. The milk is then cooled and sent to processing laboratory, the same building the ice cream is sold in. “After the milk is processed by students, it is made into yogurt, cheese and Aggie Ice Cream,” said White. “The students do everything, with the help of the advisors of course.”
“I love getting the chance to work so closely with the cows,” said Shelby Dean, an agricultural student at USU. “It’s easier to learn when you get hands on experience.”
The same is said by many of the students working at Aggie Ice Cream.
The many years of processing has resulted in 28 different flavors with Aggie Blue Mint as the most popular and Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough in a close second.
“My mom always tries to stop by Aggie Ice Cream every time she visits,” Bayes said. “She buys me and all my roommates whatever we want. It’s a blast.”
Friday, December 9, 2011
Thursday, December 8, 2011
Aggie Cats
Aggies Cats is a program unknown by many residents of Cache County. However, it has been on Utah State University’s campus for over five years.
The program is run almost entirely by volunteers and donations, according to USU Housing Director Shannon Jolley.
The program helps feral cats on campus from being killed and kept under control. Most of the cats are abandoned pets while the others are litters, according to Jolley.
Whitney Milligan, director of residence life and co-founder of Aggie Cats, said all universities have feral cats due to the multitude of students and the trash they create. USU had originally captured the cats and killed them but decided that was inhumane. The program now helps take care of the cats while also maintaining them.
Over 20 volunteers help feed the cats regularly on the north side of Aggie Village. These volunteers also help foster kittens when a feral cat delivers a litter.
Aggie Cats has been funded solely by donations from various groups and individuals.
“I hardly notice the cats on campus,” said Brandon Johns, a student at USU. “I never realized how many there were.”
The numbers of feral cats has reduced from 50, in past years, to 20-30 cats that go to the feeding stations, according to Jolley.
“The thing that most people don’t understand is feral cats are a human problem,” said Jolley. “They come from abandoned cats and congregate in areas where humans live and leave out food and shelter. Humans created the problem of feral cats.”
The program is run almost entirely by volunteers and donations, according to USU Housing Director Shannon Jolley.
The program helps feral cats on campus from being killed and kept under control. Most of the cats are abandoned pets while the others are litters, according to Jolley.
Whitney Milligan, director of residence life and co-founder of Aggie Cats, said all universities have feral cats due to the multitude of students and the trash they create. USU had originally captured the cats and killed them but decided that was inhumane. The program now helps take care of the cats while also maintaining them.
Over 20 volunteers help feed the cats regularly on the north side of Aggie Village. These volunteers also help foster kittens when a feral cat delivers a litter.
Aggie Cats has been funded solely by donations from various groups and individuals.
“I hardly notice the cats on campus,” said Brandon Johns, a student at USU. “I never realized how many there were.”
The numbers of feral cats has reduced from 50, in past years, to 20-30 cats that go to the feeding stations, according to Jolley.
“The thing that most people don’t understand is feral cats are a human problem,” said Jolley. “They come from abandoned cats and congregate in areas where humans live and leave out food and shelter. Humans created the problem of feral cats.”
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
PetsMart Training Program
For new pet owners, one of the most frustrating parts can be disobedience. PetsMart offers ongoing training classes to help.
Training classes are currently being offered in a group setting or one-on-one with a trainer, according to Jeremy Higgins, a trainer at PetsMart.
“We find that sometimes a puppy has a hard time concentrating with other dogs around,” Higgins said. “In a one-on-one session, the puppy won’t get distracted and the owners can take control.”
“The trainers are amazing [at PetsMart],” said Jenica Ward, a current pet owner attending the training program. “I had no idea where to even start with my little girl, but they have helped me get her out of all of those dirty puppy habits.”
PetsMart’s policy is that if a dog doesn’t behave well after taking these classes, the customer can take these classes again for free.
Higgins says that they are currently holding five group sessions with four dog owners in each. Prices for the session range from $50 for six weeks to $127 for eight weeks. There are different training classes that can be taken at any local PetsMart including four different levels of behavioral classes and a “click-a-trick” class, according to Steve Luck, site manager.
“We love seeing all the dogs come in and getting to know them,” said Luck. “I try to interact with them as much as I can.”
Training classes are currently being offered in a group setting or one-on-one with a trainer, according to Jeremy Higgins, a trainer at PetsMart.
“We find that sometimes a puppy has a hard time concentrating with other dogs around,” Higgins said. “In a one-on-one session, the puppy won’t get distracted and the owners can take control.”
“The trainers are amazing [at PetsMart],” said Jenica Ward, a current pet owner attending the training program. “I had no idea where to even start with my little girl, but they have helped me get her out of all of those dirty puppy habits.”
PetsMart’s policy is that if a dog doesn’t behave well after taking these classes, the customer can take these classes again for free.
Higgins says that they are currently holding five group sessions with four dog owners in each. Prices for the session range from $50 for six weeks to $127 for eight weeks. There are different training classes that can be taken at any local PetsMart including four different levels of behavioral classes and a “click-a-trick” class, according to Steve Luck, site manager.
“We love seeing all the dogs come in and getting to know them,” said Luck. “I try to interact with them as much as I can.”
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
Dog Park Problems
Dogs have become a problem in Logan. There are only three park locations in the valley that allow dogs. Pet owners have complained to city officials about irresponsible pet owners allowing their dogs to roam without consequences. Some citizens have complained of dogs off their leashes around their property while the owner walks by completely oblivious, according to Russ Akina, Logan city parks and recreation director.
“We’ve heard the complaints from citizens and are doing what we can do fix the problem,” Akina said.
Some pet owners have blamed the dog parks for the problems.
“Have you ever seen the dog park by Willow Park Zoo? It’s on a hill,” said Jenny Wilkens, a visitor to the dog park.
Others admit that the dog parks are not well established but do not blame the parks for the problems.
“There isn't a lot of shade, it sits on a slope and the bottom of the slope has a tendency to get boggy but the park is not the problem, the people are,” said Amanda Warren, a frequent visitor to the parks in Logan. “The people at these parks are too busy chit chatting with their doggy clique to pay attention to what their dogs are doing.”
Akina says the city may place greater enforcement and potentially more restrictions to dog owners if they can not follow the rules at the park. “If compliance is not achieved, park sites that currently permit access would be prohibited,” he said.
Pet owners in Cache Valley as well as visitors believe that Logan is not suitable for people with pets, mainly dogs.
“Logan is the most pet unfriendly town I've ever lived in,” said Jennifer Sandstrom, a dog owner in Logan. “I've never heard of a town where dogs aren't allowed in any of the parks, ball fields or any public areas.”
According to Logan City Animal Ordinances chapter 16 section 209, an owner or person with an animal that causes a nuisance will be subject to penalties. Some of the nuisance behaviors are defecating on property other than the owners without proper removal by owner or excessive barking or noise.
“I’ve given up on the parks,” said Sandstrom. “I’ve started inviting my friends with dogs to our house so our pets can socialize without problems. It’s made things so much easier for me and my dog.”
“We’ve heard the complaints from citizens and are doing what we can do fix the problem,” Akina said.
Some pet owners have blamed the dog parks for the problems.
“Have you ever seen the dog park by Willow Park Zoo? It’s on a hill,” said Jenny Wilkens, a visitor to the dog park.
Others admit that the dog parks are not well established but do not blame the parks for the problems.
“There isn't a lot of shade, it sits on a slope and the bottom of the slope has a tendency to get boggy but the park is not the problem, the people are,” said Amanda Warren, a frequent visitor to the parks in Logan. “The people at these parks are too busy chit chatting with their doggy clique to pay attention to what their dogs are doing.”
Akina says the city may place greater enforcement and potentially more restrictions to dog owners if they can not follow the rules at the park. “If compliance is not achieved, park sites that currently permit access would be prohibited,” he said.
Pet owners in Cache Valley as well as visitors believe that Logan is not suitable for people with pets, mainly dogs.
“Logan is the most pet unfriendly town I've ever lived in,” said Jennifer Sandstrom, a dog owner in Logan. “I've never heard of a town where dogs aren't allowed in any of the parks, ball fields or any public areas.”
According to Logan City Animal Ordinances chapter 16 section 209, an owner or person with an animal that causes a nuisance will be subject to penalties. Some of the nuisance behaviors are defecating on property other than the owners without proper removal by owner or excessive barking or noise.
“I’ve given up on the parks,” said Sandstrom. “I’ve started inviting my friends with dogs to our house so our pets can socialize without problems. It’s made things so much easier for me and my dog.”
Monday, December 5, 2011
Foster Parents Needed
The Cache Humane Society has developed a foster program for the animals at the shelter that are deemed unadoptable. An animal goes into the foster program when it won’t eat, starts losing weight or has stressed related behavioral issues such as shaking from fear or hiding in the back of it’s kennel.
According to Marcia Robinson, the program coordinator, there are about 10 qualified homes that currently hold foster animals. She would like to have more homes eventually but is willing to take what she can.
The CHS asks for volunteers to become foster parents to animals in the shelter.
“Being a foster parent is so rewarding,” said Gracie Johns, a foster parent for the CHS. “Knowing that you loved and cared for an animal in need and then to see it being adopted into a perfect forever home. It makes it all worth while.”
To be accepted into the program, a volunteer must fill out an application form, which can be acquired by the front desk at the CHS or online at the foster program page, according to Robinson. After turning in this form, CHS will perform an inspection to insure the home meets requirements. An at-home agreement will then be signed after the house is deemed acceptable that says the volunteer agrees to provide all health and safety needed for the animal.
Nearly half of all applicants are denied after a home check is considered unsafe, according to Anna Erekson, the foster program assistant. A volunteer’s home must have adequate space for the animal as well as suitable safety measures, such as a fenced yard, to be accepted into the program.
“There are other reasons why a person would be denied a foster animal and they should be looked into before applying,” Robinson said.
The foster program helps save hundreds of animals every year, according to Robinson. The foster animal will be sent back to the shelter when it is believed to be adoptable.
“I still cry whenever one of my foster dogs gets adopted,” Erekson said. “It's a wonderful feeling.”
According to Marcia Robinson, the program coordinator, there are about 10 qualified homes that currently hold foster animals. She would like to have more homes eventually but is willing to take what she can.
The CHS asks for volunteers to become foster parents to animals in the shelter.
“Being a foster parent is so rewarding,” said Gracie Johns, a foster parent for the CHS. “Knowing that you loved and cared for an animal in need and then to see it being adopted into a perfect forever home. It makes it all worth while.”
To be accepted into the program, a volunteer must fill out an application form, which can be acquired by the front desk at the CHS or online at the foster program page, according to Robinson. After turning in this form, CHS will perform an inspection to insure the home meets requirements. An at-home agreement will then be signed after the house is deemed acceptable that says the volunteer agrees to provide all health and safety needed for the animal.
Nearly half of all applicants are denied after a home check is considered unsafe, according to Anna Erekson, the foster program assistant. A volunteer’s home must have adequate space for the animal as well as suitable safety measures, such as a fenced yard, to be accepted into the program.
“There are other reasons why a person would be denied a foster animal and they should be looked into before applying,” Robinson said.
The foster program helps save hundreds of animals every year, according to Robinson. The foster animal will be sent back to the shelter when it is believed to be adoptable.
“I still cry whenever one of my foster dogs gets adopted,” Erekson said. “It's a wonderful feeling.”
Friday, December 2, 2011
Losing Sight, Gaining Companion
At the age of 16, Jenica Mitchel was in a tragic car accident that left her blind in both eyes.
Mitchel is now 24 and relies on her seeing-eye dog to help her live her life.
“I don’t know what I’d do without my girl,” Mitchel said. “Not only does she help me, she keeps me company.”
Mitchel has had Kit, her seeing-eye dog, for five years.
Mitchel was hesitant on a seeing-eye dog at first, but with the help of Dr. Steven Young, an ophthalmologist at Logan Regional, she decided to try it out.
Mitchel received her dog from a group in Logan called Canine Companions for Independence that trains assistance dogs for people with disabilities.
“All our dogs are trained to help their owners in whatever way is needed,” said Brittany Anderson, a volunteer with CCI. “They don’t get distracted easily and know where and when it’s safe for them to lead.”
Melanie Young, Mitchel’s sister, has watched how Kit has changed Mitchel’s life. “Our parents weren’t sure how to deal with Jenica’s blindness,” she said. “They weren’t sure they’d ever see her smile again but Kit has really changed this family.”
Mitchel will never be able to see again but does worry about that interfering with her life.
“I hated life after the accident,” Mitchel said. “But now I see things different.”
b. cook
Mitchel is now 24 and relies on her seeing-eye dog to help her live her life.
“I don’t know what I’d do without my girl,” Mitchel said. “Not only does she help me, she keeps me company.”
Mitchel has had Kit, her seeing-eye dog, for five years.
Mitchel was hesitant on a seeing-eye dog at first, but with the help of Dr. Steven Young, an ophthalmologist at Logan Regional, she decided to try it out.
Mitchel received her dog from a group in Logan called Canine Companions for Independence that trains assistance dogs for people with disabilities.
“All our dogs are trained to help their owners in whatever way is needed,” said Brittany Anderson, a volunteer with CCI. “They don’t get distracted easily and know where and when it’s safe for them to lead.”
Melanie Young, Mitchel’s sister, has watched how Kit has changed Mitchel’s life. “Our parents weren’t sure how to deal with Jenica’s blindness,” she said. “They weren’t sure they’d ever see her smile again but Kit has really changed this family.”
Mitchel will never be able to see again but does worry about that interfering with her life.
“I hated life after the accident,” Mitchel said. “But now I see things different.”
b. cook
Joy At The Shelter
Jessica Wheiler has been a volunteer at CHS for five years. She first got interested when she adopted a puppy from the shelter and couldn’t stay away.
“If you’ve ever been to the shelter, you’d understand how great it feels to be there and help,” Wheiler said. “They can always use the help.”
Wheiler visits the shelter three times a week and is always found with her dog, Daisy, on her side.
“It’s always great when we find a volunteer whose heart is here,” says Alyssa Walker, the front office manager. “Jess has been a great help around the shelter and we hope to see her for more years.”
When Wheiler first started volunteering, she had been assigned cleaning the indoor kennels. But now she can be found planning events aside Jodi DeVries, CHS events planner.
“I don’t know where I’d be without her help,” DeVries said. “I always get stressed with the events but Jess always rescues me.”
Wheiler tries to volunteer as much as possible but finds that her job prevents her from volunteering some weeks.
“It’s hard when you need to pay the bills,” Wheiler said. “But I will never regret the time I’ve spent helping at the shelter.”
Becoming a volunteer is easy and CHS always welcomes help.
“Just stop by if you’re even a little bit interested,” Wheiler said. “After seeing the animals, you won’t want to leave.”
m. titze
“If you’ve ever been to the shelter, you’d understand how great it feels to be there and help,” Wheiler said. “They can always use the help.”
Wheiler visits the shelter three times a week and is always found with her dog, Daisy, on her side.
“It’s always great when we find a volunteer whose heart is here,” says Alyssa Walker, the front office manager. “Jess has been a great help around the shelter and we hope to see her for more years.”
When Wheiler first started volunteering, she had been assigned cleaning the indoor kennels. But now she can be found planning events aside Jodi DeVries, CHS events planner.
“I don’t know where I’d be without her help,” DeVries said. “I always get stressed with the events but Jess always rescues me.”
Wheiler tries to volunteer as much as possible but finds that her job prevents her from volunteering some weeks.
“It’s hard when you need to pay the bills,” Wheiler said. “But I will never regret the time I’ve spent helping at the shelter.”
Becoming a volunteer is easy and CHS always welcomes help.
“Just stop by if you’re even a little bit interested,” Wheiler said. “After seeing the animals, you won’t want to leave.”
m. titze
Backyard Breeding
In a parking lot west of Main Street in Logan once a year, Dave Green parks his pickup truck and opens his business; selling pit bull puppies.
Green has been a backyard breeder for three years in Cache County. His pit bull, Sheri, has had two full litters consisting of 10 puppies each and is currently pregnant with her third.
“I’ve heard that dogs should not be bread more than three times so I plan on getting her fixed after this litter,” Green said.
After Sheri’s last litter, Green kept one of her puppies to continue breeding after she is spayed.
Green says that his intentions aren’t on getting rich from the puppies.
“They help pay the bills,” Green said. “If you look online, some people sell their puppies at 1200 bucks each. I only charge 500."
Alyssa Walker, Cache Humane Society front office manager, disagrees with Green’s backyard
breeding and hopes to convince him to stop.
“We already have a shelter full of unclaimed or unwanted animals,” Walker said. “We don’t want more being abandoned.”
Walker has been in contact with Green for over a year but has not been able to persuade him to stop.
“I wouldn’t be doing this if I didn’t believe they would go to good homes,” Green said.
The shelter has walked Green around the shelter to show them their worries.
“I don’t think Dave realizes what he has been doing and how it affects the animals lives,” said Jeremy Harlan, a volunteer at CHS.
CHS workers stay in touch with Green but he has shown no interest in stopping his breeding business.
“I haven’t seen any of my dogs in the shelter,” Green said. “Once I start to see that some of my dogs are going to the shelter instead of homes, I will stop breeding them.”
c. moffitt
Green has been a backyard breeder for three years in Cache County. His pit bull, Sheri, has had two full litters consisting of 10 puppies each and is currently pregnant with her third.
“I’ve heard that dogs should not be bread more than three times so I plan on getting her fixed after this litter,” Green said.
After Sheri’s last litter, Green kept one of her puppies to continue breeding after she is spayed.
Green says that his intentions aren’t on getting rich from the puppies.
“They help pay the bills,” Green said. “If you look online, some people sell their puppies at 1200 bucks each. I only charge 500."
Alyssa Walker, Cache Humane Society front office manager, disagrees with Green’s backyard
breeding and hopes to convince him to stop.
“We already have a shelter full of unclaimed or unwanted animals,” Walker said. “We don’t want more being abandoned.”
Walker has been in contact with Green for over a year but has not been able to persuade him to stop.
“I wouldn’t be doing this if I didn’t believe they would go to good homes,” Green said.
The shelter has walked Green around the shelter to show them their worries.
“I don’t think Dave realizes what he has been doing and how it affects the animals lives,” said Jeremy Harlan, a volunteer at CHS.
CHS workers stay in touch with Green but he has shown no interest in stopping his breeding business.
“I haven’t seen any of my dogs in the shelter,” Green said. “Once I start to see that some of my dogs are going to the shelter instead of homes, I will stop breeding them.”
c. moffitt
Friday, November 25, 2011
Pets Prohibited on Campus Grounds
The Utah State University Housing Department has recently published a rule concerning the pets on campus. Any resident with an animal found on campus without medical paperwork will immediately be fined $50, according to the most recent housing newsletter.
Three weeks before this letter was sent out, USU student Michael Stewart’s resident assistant, Emily Bassett, had warned him that his dog needed to be taken off campus.
Stewart was diagnosed five years ago with depression but has never seen a therapist. School has become more difficult throughout the fall semester and Stewart’s depression has only gotten worse.
Stewart had heard that dogs could help with depression so he adopted one.
“Both dogs and cats have been used as therapy animals,” said Dr. Andrew Petes, a therapist at USU.
After a week of having his new pet, Stewart’s depression had all but disappeared. However, housing rules forced Stewart to keep his dog somewhere off campus.
Stewart has been attending therapy sessions at the USU Psychology Community Clinic for two months and is currently in the process of officiating his dog.
Before a resident is allowed to have a dog on campus, they must go through multiple therapy sessions. In these sessions, the therapist will determine whether not a pet will help the patient, according to Petes. When it has been decided that a pet would help, the patient will receive paperwork that must be turned into the USU Disabilities Center. The resident will then obtain a note that they must show to their resident assistant. When the resident assistant receives this note, the resident may bring a therapy animal on to campus.
“The dog is adorable,” Bassett said. “I really hope he is able to get the correct paperwork. I would love to see this dog all the time.”
According to Shannon Jolley, USU housing director, there have been many complaints of people owning animals without correct paperwork.
“It’s hard to for me to tell these families that they have to get rid of their pets,” Jolley said.
Stewart hopes that his paperwork goes through fast so his dog will be able to come back.
s. gregson
Three weeks before this letter was sent out, USU student Michael Stewart’s resident assistant, Emily Bassett, had warned him that his dog needed to be taken off campus.
Stewart was diagnosed five years ago with depression but has never seen a therapist. School has become more difficult throughout the fall semester and Stewart’s depression has only gotten worse.
Stewart had heard that dogs could help with depression so he adopted one.
“Both dogs and cats have been used as therapy animals,” said Dr. Andrew Petes, a therapist at USU.
After a week of having his new pet, Stewart’s depression had all but disappeared. However, housing rules forced Stewart to keep his dog somewhere off campus.
Stewart has been attending therapy sessions at the USU Psychology Community Clinic for two months and is currently in the process of officiating his dog.
Before a resident is allowed to have a dog on campus, they must go through multiple therapy sessions. In these sessions, the therapist will determine whether not a pet will help the patient, according to Petes. When it has been decided that a pet would help, the patient will receive paperwork that must be turned into the USU Disabilities Center. The resident will then obtain a note that they must show to their resident assistant. When the resident assistant receives this note, the resident may bring a therapy animal on to campus.
“The dog is adorable,” Bassett said. “I really hope he is able to get the correct paperwork. I would love to see this dog all the time.”
According to Shannon Jolley, USU housing director, there have been many complaints of people owning animals without correct paperwork.
“It’s hard to for me to tell these families that they have to get rid of their pets,” Jolley said.
Stewart hopes that his paperwork goes through fast so his dog will be able to come back.
s. gregson
Wonders of Willow Park
One of the activities provided for the citizens of Logan is the Willow Park Zoo.
The zoo holds approximately 100 different species of animals, including golden and bald eagles.
“The numbers vary a lot,” said Rod Wilhelm, Willow Park Zoo superintendent. “During the spring and summer season, numbers are up as we raise a number of young birds, and sometimes some mammals.”
Willow Park Zoo receives many of its animals from other zoos and reputable private breeders. The zoo also has its own breeding program that helps sustain its animals. Some of the animals have been injured and will never return to the wild, but the zoo tries to return as many endangered species as it can, according to Wilhelm.
“It’s amazing the amount of species that are here,” said Rachel Downer, a frequent visitor to the zoo. “Did you know there are over 40 different species of duck alone?”
Even though there is a large amount of animals at the zoo, there are only 12 workers that maintain it: three full-time employees who overlook the events, the staff and handle the public relations. The other nine are part-time workers who care for the animals, as well as the buildings and grounds.
“It’s great having the chance to work here,” said Ryan Little, a part-time worker of Will Park Zoo. “I get to spend time with animals that a lot of people never get the chance to see.”
The zoo does not have a formal gate admission and is open to public for a donation of $2 for adults and 50 cents for children. A lot of the funding for the zoo is from a grant from the Cache County RAPZ tax fund, a small operation and maintenance grant from the State of Utah and any earned revenue from fund-raising events, according to Wilhelm.
The zoo would like to add more exhibits but lacks the funds needed.
“We completed an exciting master plan a few years ago,” Wilhelm said. “But funding has been reduced drastically, and until other funding is found, nothing new can happen.”
Willow Park Zoo will be closing Dec. 1 for the winter season. It will reopen in late March.
According to Wilhelm, there are two reasons for the closing of the zoo. The cold weather stops people from visiting the zoo, preventing any income. Snow and ice removal is very costly and the zoo does not have the funds to keep it operating.
c. moffitt
The zoo holds approximately 100 different species of animals, including golden and bald eagles.
“The numbers vary a lot,” said Rod Wilhelm, Willow Park Zoo superintendent. “During the spring and summer season, numbers are up as we raise a number of young birds, and sometimes some mammals.”
Willow Park Zoo receives many of its animals from other zoos and reputable private breeders. The zoo also has its own breeding program that helps sustain its animals. Some of the animals have been injured and will never return to the wild, but the zoo tries to return as many endangered species as it can, according to Wilhelm.
“It’s amazing the amount of species that are here,” said Rachel Downer, a frequent visitor to the zoo. “Did you know there are over 40 different species of duck alone?”
Even though there is a large amount of animals at the zoo, there are only 12 workers that maintain it: three full-time employees who overlook the events, the staff and handle the public relations. The other nine are part-time workers who care for the animals, as well as the buildings and grounds.
“It’s great having the chance to work here,” said Ryan Little, a part-time worker of Will Park Zoo. “I get to spend time with animals that a lot of people never get the chance to see.”
The zoo does not have a formal gate admission and is open to public for a donation of $2 for adults and 50 cents for children. A lot of the funding for the zoo is from a grant from the Cache County RAPZ tax fund, a small operation and maintenance grant from the State of Utah and any earned revenue from fund-raising events, according to Wilhelm.
The zoo would like to add more exhibits but lacks the funds needed.
“We completed an exciting master plan a few years ago,” Wilhelm said. “But funding has been reduced drastically, and until other funding is found, nothing new can happen.”
Willow Park Zoo will be closing Dec. 1 for the winter season. It will reopen in late March.
According to Wilhelm, there are two reasons for the closing of the zoo. The cold weather stops people from visiting the zoo, preventing any income. Snow and ice removal is very costly and the zoo does not have the funds to keep it operating.
c. moffitt
Friday, November 11, 2011
Family Fishing Fun
Just off Highway 218 of Smithfield, Utah, people catch fish by the bucketful. Mountain Valley Trout Farm covers four acres of land and holds nearly 100,000 fish each year.
Trout farm owner, Leland Barker, has had his farm for 18 years. Prior to moving to Cache Valley, he had part ownership of Cold Springs Trout Farm located in Ogden, Utah.
“I grew up on a farm and I wanted to show everyone that I could do it,” Barker said. “My wife believed in me and so we bought the land and started it up.”
Barker’s family has all had the chance to work on the farm. Nathan Barker, 21, has helped on the farm on and off since he was 10.
“When I was younger, it was loads of fun to gut the fish and pack them up for people to buy,” Nathan Barker said. “But now it just feels like work.”
“It’s great having the chance to work with my kids,” Leland Barker said. “I want them to learn what hard work is.”
According to Barker, the farm typically gets 100 customers per week.
Many of the customers like bringing their families to the farm to fish.
“The atmosphere of the farm is so friendly,” Suzanne Barrett said. “I can’t help but want to bring my children here to fish.”
“This is a great place to take your kids fishing,” said Susan Ward, a frequent customer to Mountain Valley Trout Farm. “You can see the fish swimming in the water and are guaranteed to catch one.”
The Mountain Valley Trout Farm rents everything needed to begin fishing and will give lessons if desired.
“The prices are reasonable and you don't need a license to fish there,” Ward said.
Barker hopes to add a bigger pond for those wanting to boat.
“We enjoy seeing people having a good time,” Barker said. “I hope we get the chance to see many more.”
(b. cook)
Trout farm owner, Leland Barker, has had his farm for 18 years. Prior to moving to Cache Valley, he had part ownership of Cold Springs Trout Farm located in Ogden, Utah.
“I grew up on a farm and I wanted to show everyone that I could do it,” Barker said. “My wife believed in me and so we bought the land and started it up.”
Barker’s family has all had the chance to work on the farm. Nathan Barker, 21, has helped on the farm on and off since he was 10.
“When I was younger, it was loads of fun to gut the fish and pack them up for people to buy,” Nathan Barker said. “But now it just feels like work.”
“It’s great having the chance to work with my kids,” Leland Barker said. “I want them to learn what hard work is.”
According to Barker, the farm typically gets 100 customers per week.
Many of the customers like bringing their families to the farm to fish.
“The atmosphere of the farm is so friendly,” Suzanne Barrett said. “I can’t help but want to bring my children here to fish.”
“This is a great place to take your kids fishing,” said Susan Ward, a frequent customer to Mountain Valley Trout Farm. “You can see the fish swimming in the water and are guaranteed to catch one.”
The Mountain Valley Trout Farm rents everything needed to begin fishing and will give lessons if desired.
“The prices are reasonable and you don't need a license to fish there,” Ward said.
Barker hopes to add a bigger pond for those wanting to boat.
“We enjoy seeing people having a good time,” Barker said. “I hope we get the chance to see many more.”
(b. cook)
Saturday, November 5, 2011
PetsMart Adoptions saves lives
The Cache Humane Society holds an event every Saturday called PetsMart Adoptions. Their goal is to show the community the animals that they have, in hopes that they might be adopted.
Jodi DeVries, CHS event coordinator, said this event is “what we’re all about”.
PetsMart Adoptions takes place at the local Logan PetsMart on 1000 North. The event starts at 11:00 a.m. and ends at 3:00 p.m.
The CHS has been holding this event for two years. About seven animals are taken to this event; four dogs and three cats, according to DeVries.
“We usually get a great response,” DeVries said. “People will see an animal there and if it is the kind they are interested in, they might find out information and come later to get the animal at the shelter.”
DeVries said the CHS is trying to go to other locations and have more off-site adoptions in the future.
“I saw the Cache Humane Society at Kmart a few weeks back and just fell in love with one of the dogs they had,” said Carlee Weldin, a newfound pet owner. “A few weeks later, I went to the shelter and ended up adopting her.”
A few staff members of CHS attend this event as well as three or four volunteers. The CHS invite any who would like to volunteer their help at this event as well as at the shelter.
“It makes a difference,” Terry Kuchs said, a volunteer at CHS. “It makes me feel great knowing that I can help these animals have a better life.”
According to DeVries, some weekly PetsMart Adoptions may get canceled from a lack of people to run it. If that is the case, the CHS hopes to be back at PetsMart the following week.
To learn more about this event, visit www.cachehumane.org.
(m. titze)
Jodi DeVries, CHS event coordinator, said this event is “what we’re all about”.
PetsMart Adoptions takes place at the local Logan PetsMart on 1000 North. The event starts at 11:00 a.m. and ends at 3:00 p.m.
The CHS has been holding this event for two years. About seven animals are taken to this event; four dogs and three cats, according to DeVries.
“We usually get a great response,” DeVries said. “People will see an animal there and if it is the kind they are interested in, they might find out information and come later to get the animal at the shelter.”
DeVries said the CHS is trying to go to other locations and have more off-site adoptions in the future.
“I saw the Cache Humane Society at Kmart a few weeks back and just fell in love with one of the dogs they had,” said Carlee Weldin, a newfound pet owner. “A few weeks later, I went to the shelter and ended up adopting her.”
A few staff members of CHS attend this event as well as three or four volunteers. The CHS invite any who would like to volunteer their help at this event as well as at the shelter.
“It makes a difference,” Terry Kuchs said, a volunteer at CHS. “It makes me feel great knowing that I can help these animals have a better life.”
According to DeVries, some weekly PetsMart Adoptions may get canceled from a lack of people to run it. If that is the case, the CHS hopes to be back at PetsMart the following week.
To learn more about this event, visit www.cachehumane.org.
(m. titze)
Friday, October 28, 2011
Is space preventing the Cache Humane Society from reaching its potential?
Animal shelters generally have a positive reputation because they support animals that would otherwise be living, or even killed, on the streets. When walking into a shelter, the smell of animals is hard to miss. Cat fur is everywhere as well as the stench of urine and animal feces. Even though these are things that may turn some customers away, they are not the reason for people to dislike a shelter.
At the Cache Humane Society, there are about 70 cats and dogs that are kept in kennels just big enough to allow for sleeping and eating. The only time the dogs are allowed outside is when the staff cleans the indoor kennels. The dogs are then put in outdoor kennels about four times as big as the indoor ones.
“We rotate half the animals out there and feed them while we’re in cleaning their kennels,” said Alyssa Walker, a manager at CHS. “Then we bring those in after, maybe, 20 minutes and we take the next group out and keep rotating throughout the day.”
The only other time the dogs are let out is when volunteers take them for walks or the public comes in to look at and play with them.
“Some days are very full with volunteers and they are able to take all the animals out and walk them and some days we have almost none and so they don’t get those extra walks,” said Walker.
The cats at the CHS never go outside. Most kennels house three or more cats. The only time they leave that kennel is when someone comes to see them. When their kennels are dirty, they are simply moved to another kennel while theirs is being cleaned. It has been suggested by volunteers that CHS make renovations to improve the living space for the cats so that they may be able to be outside and get fresh air.
Many believe the lack of space for the animals is due to a low amount of funds.
“I think the CHS deals with the area the best they currently can,” said Melissa Armstrong, a stay-at-home mom. “I suspect that they need more employees to take better care of the animals, but due to their non-profit existence, [they] may not have the funds.”
Cameron James, a student at Utah Sate University, believes the CHS is doing the best with what they have. More volunteers could help with rotation but James said that would require more advertisement from the CHS to the public.
“I agree with what they do in general as the Humane Society. [They are] doing the best they can to provide animals with food and shelter that they might not otherwise have. However, I do agree that more area for the animals would be beneficial for them,” said James.
The lack of money could be a reason for the limited amount of space but others believe the shelter could find a better way to deal with the problem.
“I think that the animal shelter has good intentions, but policy needs to change,” said Greg Hunsaker, a graphic design major at USU.
“When an animal falls through the cracks, it exposes the weaknesses of the system,” said Morgan Summers, a graduate of USU. “I believe that if the county is going to take on the responsibility of taking in those animals, they need to re-evaluate the way they run things.”
According to Summers, the animals need to be outside to get exercise and fresh air just as humans do. A better approach to recruiting volunteers could help these animals fulfill this need.
Matthew Nader, a northern Utah businessman, believes the CHS has good intentions and are doing the best they can.
“However, I would argue that they are not being managed properly. I assume that they are underfunded and non-profit. But there are ways to be creative with what you have,” said Nader.
According to Walker, the CHS is doing what they can to improve their shelter but until these developments happen, the animals will continue to live in small quarters.
(s. gregson)
At the Cache Humane Society, there are about 70 cats and dogs that are kept in kennels just big enough to allow for sleeping and eating. The only time the dogs are allowed outside is when the staff cleans the indoor kennels. The dogs are then put in outdoor kennels about four times as big as the indoor ones.
“We rotate half the animals out there and feed them while we’re in cleaning their kennels,” said Alyssa Walker, a manager at CHS. “Then we bring those in after, maybe, 20 minutes and we take the next group out and keep rotating throughout the day.”
The only other time the dogs are let out is when volunteers take them for walks or the public comes in to look at and play with them.
“Some days are very full with volunteers and they are able to take all the animals out and walk them and some days we have almost none and so they don’t get those extra walks,” said Walker.
The cats at the CHS never go outside. Most kennels house three or more cats. The only time they leave that kennel is when someone comes to see them. When their kennels are dirty, they are simply moved to another kennel while theirs is being cleaned. It has been suggested by volunteers that CHS make renovations to improve the living space for the cats so that they may be able to be outside and get fresh air.
Many believe the lack of space for the animals is due to a low amount of funds.
“I think the CHS deals with the area the best they currently can,” said Melissa Armstrong, a stay-at-home mom. “I suspect that they need more employees to take better care of the animals, but due to their non-profit existence, [they] may not have the funds.”
Cameron James, a student at Utah Sate University, believes the CHS is doing the best with what they have. More volunteers could help with rotation but James said that would require more advertisement from the CHS to the public.
“I agree with what they do in general as the Humane Society. [They are] doing the best they can to provide animals with food and shelter that they might not otherwise have. However, I do agree that more area for the animals would be beneficial for them,” said James.
The lack of money could be a reason for the limited amount of space but others believe the shelter could find a better way to deal with the problem.
“I think that the animal shelter has good intentions, but policy needs to change,” said Greg Hunsaker, a graphic design major at USU.
“When an animal falls through the cracks, it exposes the weaknesses of the system,” said Morgan Summers, a graduate of USU. “I believe that if the county is going to take on the responsibility of taking in those animals, they need to re-evaluate the way they run things.”
According to Summers, the animals need to be outside to get exercise and fresh air just as humans do. A better approach to recruiting volunteers could help these animals fulfill this need.
Matthew Nader, a northern Utah businessman, believes the CHS has good intentions and are doing the best they can.
“However, I would argue that they are not being managed properly. I assume that they are underfunded and non-profit. But there are ways to be creative with what you have,” said Nader.
According to Walker, the CHS is doing what they can to improve their shelter but until these developments happen, the animals will continue to live in small quarters.
(s. gregson)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)