Treat Yourself For A Good Cause With Tattoos For Rescues, Oct. 29-Nov. 2

Mark your calendars because Temple Tattoo Gallery is doing Tattoos for Rescues Tuesday, Oct. 29-Saturday, Nov. 2. During this week, 20- 50% of all proceeds on pet flash, Halloween flash, pet portraits and monster tattoos will be donated to the Annie Oakley Animal Rescue. Piercing will be available the 29th and 30th, with $20 from each piercing being donated; walk-ins are welcome for both tattoos and piercings. Temple Tattoo will also be taking pet supply donations which can be dropped off at the shop, 204 2nd Ave NE, Sidney.

The Annie Oakley Animal Rescue was formed Aug. 21, 2024 after two dogs, affectionately called Annie and Oakley, had been wandering for weeks. Good Samaritans offered food to the pair and tried to catch them in order to care for them, however, after a bout with a porcupine, the dogs could only be made comfortable until they made their way across the rainbow bridge.

"There was nobody to call, just a few of us out there trying to help these dogs and I thought it would be nice to have something organized so in the future there would be someone to call that could help," recalled co-founder Sarah La Fountain-Faiman.

Co-founder Buffy Olson said, "We wanted to form a rescue that the community is involved in."

And that is just what they have gotten, a community in full support of their mission and efforts.

In the last seven weeks 28 cats and 14 dogs have been taken in, vetted, and spayed/neutered.

The rescue's current focus is on animals in dire need in Richland County, rather than animals that need rehoming. They can be contacted about strays that need to be picked up. The rescue pays for vetting and spaying/neutering, provides transportation to vet appointments, and finds fosters and adopters. There is a $50 adoption fee for cats and a $100 adoption fee for dogs.

"We always get the vet's opinion before re-homing," Faiman assured, and added that even animals that are too young for spaying and neutering have an age-appropriate appointment scheduled before they go to their new families.

"It's rough and tough, but so rewarding," said Olson.

For those who would like to donate pet supplies, dog and cat food (especially soft food) are at the top of the supply list. Cat litter, blankets, pillows, treats and towels are all needed as well. For those who would like to make a monetary donation, the Annie Oakley Animal Rescue has an account at Richland Federal Credit Union under Companion Animal Rescue of Eastern Montana, an Amazon wish list, and an account at High Plains Veterinary Clinic.

The Temple Tattoo Gallery family, all of whom are pet parents, decided to show their support of this much needed service and are excited to make some tattoo dreams come true for a good cause! For more information about Tattoos for Rescues, contact Temple Tattoo at 406-433-8204. For more information about the Annie Oakley Animal Rescue, call 406-489-0382 or 406-478-0042.