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Tostenrud to receive
national award
Pet groomer recognized for her
community and public service
NEW ULM -- May 2, 2002
Time is still one thing that
Jill Tostenrud
is a little short on these days.
Her pet grooming business,
Pampered Pets, is in the middle
of its spring rush. Tostenrud now works 13-hour days bathing and
shearing shi tzus, Springer spaniels and yellow Labrador retrievers.
She still even finds time to
help out with the various fund-raising
activities of the Brown County Humane Society.
But come June, that's going to
change. At least for a little while, anyway.
Tostenrud is representing Minnesota at the national
Jefferson Awards in Washington D.C. She received similar
recognition on the state level last summer.
The awards were established in
1972 by the American Institute for
Public Service as national recognition for outstanding
community and public service.
"It really surprised
me," she said when asked
about her reaction to the honor.
It wasn't a surprise to Brown
County Humane Society
President Sharon Seeboth.
"I recommended her because
she has been involved since the
Humane Society's inception," Seeboth said of Tostenrud.
"There's no job too small and no time commitment too large.
There's a myriad of tasks that keep the Humane Society afloat
and she's always had the time to do something."
Because business at Pampered
Pets is picking up, Tostenrud has
some part-time help. She still sees about a dozen dogs a day.
The increase in business made it necessary for her to resign as
treasurer of the Humane Society, although she still
lends a hand at its fund-raising functions.
Tostenrud said pet adoptions
are still up. Currently, the group
has one dog and three cats available to adopt. There's an
occasional shortage of adoptable pets, Tostenrud said.
"It's a good feeling when
you have nothing available," she smiled.
"That means no one needs a home."
"It doesn't happen often,
but it makes you feel good, though."
The Brown County Humane Society
adopts about 150 to 200 pets a year,
Tostenrud said, and those numbers have stayed relatively the same
during the 10 years she has been a volunteer. She also said the society
sees
nearly 100 percent turnaround -- almost all the animals that are picked
up on the streets are adopted in a relatively short period of time.
Sgt. Harvey Grunst, one of two
animal control officers with the
New Ulm Police Department, estimated he picks up about
15 strays -- mostly dogs and cats -- per month. About 99 percent
of those animals are kept in the New Ulm City pound and are
turned over to the Humane Society after 10 days, Grunst said.
Tostenrud said the Humane
Society receives support from the community.
Women's groups in the area have donated money to the society,
which has also received donations from garage sales.
Some girls in Sleepy Eye had a fund-raiser and sent the
Humane Society about $100, Tostenrud said.
"We're all really proud of
Jill," Seeboth said.
"Jill brings to light what we're doing in New Ulm."
Tostenrud sees it differently.
"A lot of people should
have this award besides me," she said.
By KURT NESBITT
Journal Staff Writer
Ed. note: The Jefferson Awards
were founded in 1972 to establish
national recognition for outstanding community and public service.
Recipients are individuals who recognize and give new meaning to
the old adage "one person can make a difference!"
Congratulations, Jill!
| 
"Make a friend for life!"
