Tostenrud to receive national award

Pet groomer

recognized for her community and public service

By KURT NESBITT

Journal Staff Writer

NEW ULM -- 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.

Over the past year, the Brown County Humane Society has hired five volunteer pet adoption agents. 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.