Rescue, Annabelle, was adopted into the Dockweiler family this fall. (Facebook photo)
The Roland brothers' family fostering rescue, CC. CC is one of 129 cats that have been helped through Annie Oakley Animal Rescue since the organization began. (Facebook photo)
Howl at the moon, Saturday Oct. 25, for the first annual Annie Oakley Spay-ghetti & No Balls Dinner & Halloween Carnival. The fundraising event starts at 3 p.m. at the Yellowstone Merc., 102 N. Central Ave., Sidney, courtesy of Serina Kringen.
Get your costumes on and bring the whole family for face painting, pumpkin painting, cookie decorating, balloon animals and games. Try your luck at the Donut Dangle Challenge, where players will race to eat a doughnut suspended by a string without using their hands.
Misty, the Groomer, will be set up, selling pet merchandise with a portion of the proceeds going to the fundraiser. If the pets get something special, so should the people, so be sure to check out some of the awesome items up for grabs at the silent auction, 3-7 p.m. Kathy Nicholson will also be there putting on a designer handbag raffle.
The Sidney High School Leo Club and the Brorson Farmhands 4-H Club will be volunteering during the carnival and dinner to help make it all happen.
A free-will spaghetti dinner starts at 5 p.m. and is being provided by The Ranger Lounge & Casino. Beverage sales will have a matching donation to Annie Oakley Animal Rescue made by RJ Contractors.
A live auction starts at 7 p.m., and there will be live music to follow with local talent Judd Burman, Kyle Welnel and Amy Karst.
So, what is it that has caused so many to come together to make this event happen? Annie Oakley Animal Rescue needs a facility. The rescue was started in 2024 by Sarah La Fountain-Faiman and Buffy Olson.
In the time they have been in operation, they have rescued 129 cats, 59 dogs, 1 hawk, 3 bunnies, 1 guinea pig and a bull snake, all within their own homes or with the help of animal fosters.
"We have spent the last year staying afloat. It's time to start swimming towards shore. We need our homes back," explained Olson.
Rescuing is a full-time job and both women work full time already. Additionally, they get calls at all hours, have damage done to their homes and they have both had to get security cameras installed.
The problem is simply that it is hard to say no to animals in need, but until they have a designated space for rescues, they will have to take into account their own limits.
"Until we get a facility, I'm definitely going to have to set boundaries. I can't take in more than two dogs at a time. Everyone, including my dogs, need a break," said La Fountain-Faiman.
A facility would also mean being able to take on volunteers without having strangers alone in their homes. The two would like to have a facility that included something like a groomer or boarding kennel as a way to generate income beyond donations.
Right now, a healthy cat costs about $400 to vet, and a healthy dog starts at $500, and adoption fees don't go very far. They only ask for a $50 adoption fee for cats and a $100 fee for dogs. This means the money generated through donations is delegated to the immediate need of the animals, and looking for a facility without funding is a frustrating task.
They are asking for anyone with grant writing experience, an unused building or land with water and sewer to reach out. Additionally, anyone able to foster cats or dogs can contact them because they are in serious need of places for these pets to go until they can be re-homed. Neither Richland County nor the City of Sidney have designated animal control, and the animal rescues in the county are all organized and operated by concerned citizens who can foster. Anyone who can get Annie Oakley closer to their goal is encouraged to reach out to them on Facebook or call 406-478-0042 or 406-489-0382.
There are currently multiple kittens and four dogs available for adoption if anyone is looking for their next fur baby.
Those who would like to continue supporting vetting can make donations to their account at Richland Federal Credit Union under Companion Animal Rescue of Eastern Montana, or to their account at High Plains Veterinary Clinic. They are taking auction items until the day of the event. Items can be dropped off at Kraken Oil, 1645 S Central Ave., Monday-Friday, or contact the rescue to arrange for pick-up.
But, regardless of how individuals can help, everyone can show up and show their support during the Spay-ghetti & No Balls event. It is the paw-fect way to go into the season of giving.
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