STORY AND PHOTOS BY KAREN BOSSICK

Paul Swart comes to the Wood River Valley every summer to offer an African photographic safari that highlights the wildlife and scenic splendor of Africa at the live auction benefitting Mountain Humane.

It’s a win-win, he says—It raises money for the Wood River Valley's no-kill animal welfare campus, and those who go  on Natural Migrations’ safari gain a greater appreciation for wildlife a half a globe away.

“We used to live here and we love the shelter. We’ve supported it 15 years, and we’ve adopted three animals from this shelter,” he said. “Everybody here loves dogs, and when they come on one of our safaris, they learn to love our wildlife and the need to protect it, as well.”

Numerous benefactors pitched in for the pups—and kittens, too—as Mountain Humane held its annual Paws Up fundraiser.

Anette Wachter, of Sawtooth Skulls decorated a “Purple Sage” Texas Longhorn Skull sporting 70-inch polished horns with dried and pressed flowers and leaves for someone to hang on their fireplace mantel.

Sandy and Jerry Solomon donated an amazing Reidel Horse Decanter featuring a concave profile of a majestic stallion pressed into the side of the decanter

And the piece de resistance, judging by the women hovering over it at the silent auction table, was an opportunity to join George Golleher of Bigwood Bread Bakery & Café as he conducted a Doggie Diner Cooking Class complete with bites for humans and a bottle of 1990 Chateau Margaux wine from his personal wine collection.

Mountain Humane was fortunate to have several event sponsors, including Best in Show SCOTTeVEST. The event featured such live auction items as an opportunity to have one’s pets featured on the Mountain Humane outreach van, a villa in Provence that was auctioned off twice, a trip to the Porsche racetrack and a pop-up dinner from Fiamma, a restaurant scheduled to open in Ketchum in early 2025.

“I’ve been coming to fundraisers for the animal shelter since it was across the street because I love animals and there’s an incredible group of people taking care of these animals,” said Heather Horton. “I love this fundraiser because it’s kind of understated, it’s casual and it has so many of the old Wood River Valley people in attendance.”

This past year Mountain Humane served 4,441 animals, facilitated 686 adoptions, took in 411 animals from overcrowded shelters and rescues, conducted 2,583 medical procedures and gave out 5,650 vaccinations and exams.

Nearly 200 families fostered 359 animals, and 199 animals received training so that their families would not need to surrender them. The shelter also provided pet food to families who could not afford food for their pets and emergency medical care.

It’ll be able to do even more this coming year, thanks to the addition of Jennifer Hall, a veterinarian who recently moved here from Boulder, Colo., and joined the shelter medical team

“So many people cannot afford to take care of their pets anymore—we’re a lifeline,” said Sally Onetto, board president. “We’re getting a lot of COVID animals, and we’re driving out to Shoshone and all these other outlying areas to assist.”

As patrons sipped signature margaritas, they perused Mountain Humane’s picturesque Cat House where kittens posed amidst quilts and blankets volunteers had made for them.

Megan Smith showed off Towhee, a 5-month-old bloodhound who was one of a litter of nine. And a little Australian puppy won over the hearts of a couple attendees, who  were giving considerable thought to adopting him as the night wore on.

Bill and Debbie Tomin who trained horses in San Diego before moving to Sun Valley, were glad to be taking part in their first Mountain Humane fundraiser, as they're the proud owners of two golden retrievers.

“This is such a good cause,” said Joy Bond. “I’ve had five foster dogs now and it’s hard to give them up. But it’s amazing to socialize the dogs. I’ll take one who’s very shy and have him sit and be very quiet and let him feel safe, and pretty soon he’s coming to me.”

The fundraiser met its goals, said Christine Ferguson, Mountain Humane’s executive director.

“We had all our loyal longtime people there and about 15 new patrons, which is what you always hope for,” she said.

“We’re incredibly grateful for everyone’s support,” said Stephanie Eisenbarth, senior director of development.

Now, life goes on, as a border collie currently residing at Mountain Humane is on the cusp of giving birth to four puppies.

“I feel lucky to work at Mountain Humane,"added Ferguson. "It gives me a sense of purpose.”