Yes, it's official — the ranch won the Shelter Challenge Grand Prize and will get $20,000 for the animals!  This is truly one of the most humbling things that has ever happened to us.  Wow — what a phenomenal Christmas present!  For a small sanctuary in a remote part of Montana to win out over thousands of other shelters and rescue groups around the United States is just incredible.  It blows us away.  Thank you!

It is a testament to all of you who faithfully voted daily for months on end to make this happen.  Alayne and I were just astonished at the sheer number of people who told us they were voting for the ranch every day and had enlisted their family, their friends and their colleagues at work to vote, too.  And many of these were folks we had never heard from before — but they were voting for the ranch and doing as much as they could to get others to vote for us, too.  Not only here in the United States, but in Canada, New Zealand, Italy, South Africa and in other countries around the world.  Just knowing that so many people were not only thinking about us but were doing something every single day to help us win that Grand Prize — well, that is the humbling part. 

It is also a reflection of how much our disabled animals can inspire — with their zest for life, their strength in overcoming adversity, and their playful, silly antics that keep us laughing.  When we started the sanctuary nearly 10 years ago, we never realized just how much these animals and their stories would resonate with people.  We had no idea.  But these remarkable animals are, of course, why so many of you were voting in this contest — so they could benefit.  They touched you in some way, and you have touched them.

We are more grateful to you — to every single one of you — than you can possibly imagine.  Thank you … thank you … thank you!!!

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108 responses to “Woohoo! $20,000 For The Animals!”

  1. Wil Avatar

    Congratulations! I live in the Netherlands but voted from both my private pc as from my office on a daily base.

    Like

  2. leighsa mccommon Avatar
    leighsa mccommon

    No need to thank anyone but yourselves – you are such an inspiration. Those amazing animals are living, breathing testimony to your dedication and hard work. Thank YOU for all you do! Merry Christmas!

    Like

  3. Brenda Avatar
    Brenda

    MERRY CHRISTMAS & HAPPY NEW YEAR
    Wow….you did it…we did it…it’s won for the animals at RDR!
    God bless all you do!

    Like

  4. Annette Avatar
    Annette

    Congrats! those daily clicks sure paid off. You two earned it for the wonderful job you do and all your dedication to these fur babies. We all are grateful and LOVE YOU cuz you are the VERY BEST!! Bless you both with good health and a prosperous 2010! Annette (Colorado)

    Like

  5. Colleen and Wes Vermillion Avatar
    Colleen and Wes Vermillion

    We have been holding our breath since Sunday night!!! Christmas has just become the most wonderous it could be!!! Congratulations…

    Like

  6. RitaA A Williams Avatar
    RitaA A Williams

    WONDERFUL!!!!
    Thanks for all your good work!

    Like

  7. NinjaPonyDad Avatar

    Alayne and Steve, congrats on WINNING!
    Keep in mind that we wouldn’t know about these terrific animals if it wasn’t for your incredibly well written blog and metric lessons!
    Congratulations to all of you, you have blessed all of us with your kindness, wit, patience and love and understanding.
    Happy Holidays ! Indeed!
    NPD

    Like

  8. Melissa Avatar
    Melissa

    Congratulations for a well deserved award! For some of us, the only way to support Rolling Dog Ranch was to vote daily and to have as many people as we could get to vote as well. It was the first thing I did every morning, now I miss it! Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
    Melissa

    Like

  9. Tonya Avatar
    Tonya

    Congratulations! I checked the contest site first thing this morning and was thrilled to see you listed as the winner. I was pretty sure you would be, since you’d been at the top for some time, but I was so happy to see it announced officially.
    As I’ve said before, it’s easy for us to vote. It takes 30 seconds a day and we do it from our desks. You’re the ones who are out in the weather, doing all the hard work all day long that makes life run smoothly for everyone at the ranch.
    You’re right about the stories of the animals touching so many people and inspiring so many to try to help you in a small way. I’ve supported a number of animal welfare organizations over the years, and your website, and especially the blog, do so much to make me feel involved and feel as if my contributions make a real difference. It’s one thing to know intellectually that a donation will feed a dog for a week; it’s on entirely another level to know that a donation or a daily click will help Widget and Helen and Bailey and everyone else continue to live the good lives we can see glimpses of on the blog.
    Thank YOU for all your hard work and dedication. You deserve this win. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to everyone at the ranch!

    Like

  10. Linda Avatar

    Steve and Alayne, the reason you have so many friends out here in cyberspace is because of the amazing work you do. If not for you, we wouldn’t have logged-in everyday to vote and show our support! That simple “click” each day was the least we could do.
    Cheers, Merry Christmas, and Happy New Year! This is terrific news for everyone.

    Like

  11. Doe George Avatar
    Doe George

    Steve & Alayne,
    It is because of you! You have opened your hearts, and our eyes!
    What a wonderful Christmas gift to you and your loving cast of characters!
    Merry Christmas to all @ RDR!
    Doe

    Like

  12. Sharon Avatar
    Sharon

    WOO HOO! Congratulations to you, the animals and to us! I’ve been waiting with baited breath since the 20th! Thank you for all you do. YAY! Hope you have the merriest Christmas ever!

    Like

  13. Eric Avatar
    Eric

    Congrats to the Rolling Dog. Well deserved. It is really great that you do have such support and a good following. We are with you in every aspect of what you do there. Well maybe not the scooping of the poop, but you know what I mean. Congrats

    Like

  14. Janet in Cambridge Avatar

    Congrats! I’m glad when good things happen to good people.

    Like

  15. FELICIA Avatar
    FELICIA

    CONGRATS TO YOU AND ALL THE WONDERFUL ANIMALS IN YOUR CARE. I’M NOT SURE IF I HAD EVER VISISTED YOUR SITE BEFORE I FOUND IT ON THE SHELTER CHALLENGE, BUT NOW I WILL VISIT MORE OFTEN. HAVE A GREAT HOLIDAY & NEW YEAR & MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM ILLINOIS.

    Like

  16. Lynn (in Louisiana) Avatar
    Lynn (in Louisiana)

    I know I’m not alone in saying not only you’re welcome but THANK YOU to both of you, Steve and Alayne, and also to all of your animals (past and present) who have taught me many, many life lessons.
    Congratulations to all of us!!!

    Like

  17. Margaret S. Avatar
    Margaret S.

    I am thrilled that my daily clicks paid off! The animals (and you) deserve all that you receive. I hope that you will know consider publishing a compilation of your blogs as a children’s book complete with your incredible photographs. As a special ed teacher, I would love a book to share with children on overcoming adversity and the incredible things love can accomplish.

    Like

  18. Kathleen Rivard Avatar
    Kathleen Rivard

    It’s been like waiting for Santa to find out these results and they are the right ones!! Congrats! Big puppy and kitty kisses to all yours from all mine. I don’t have any horses because they wouldn’t be allowed in my town but give them a big sloppy one from me! Xtra rations all around! Happy Merry!
    Kathleen Rivard

    Like

  19. chris b Avatar
    chris b

    This news makes for one of the best Christmas presents ever! The inspiration starts with the animals themselves. It is the daily blog that makes them real to us and full of admiration for the very hard work that you and Alayne do on their behalf. Congratulations!

    Like

  20. Peggy Avatar
    Peggy

    Congratulations! What a wonderful Christmas present for you and the animals. It’s amazing the power of people wanting to help. I’m so happy for all of you.

    Like

  21. Emiko Avatar
    Emiko

    Yeah! Congrats on the win! I’m clicking on something everyday at work, so it wasn’t much to add another click daily to help you guys 🙂
    Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

    Like

  22. Hollyanna22 Avatar

    Congratulations and WOW !!! Have a very Merry Christmas !!! You and the animals deseve it !!!

    Like

  23. Chloe Avatar

    Well done!!
    God Bless and the happiest of holidays to you and all the animals at RDR.
    We start our day off reading your blog. You have become an important part of our lives.

    Like

  24. Judy McComb Avatar
    Judy McComb

    Thank you for what you do every day for the animals! It could not have happened for more deserving, hard working, and kind-hearted souls. Do the pups all get a steak and the cats some oven roasted salmon to celebrate?! Well, maybe some nice warm blankets, fresh from the dryer would suffice!! Happy Holidays!!!

    Like

  25. Nicole Critten Avatar

    The dedication and heart with which you care for these animals is amazing. We are humbled by you. Clicking away on our computers is the easy part and really the least we can do.
    Merry Christmas to ALL the lovely creatures at Rolling Dog Ranch and thank you for letting us share in your adventures.

    Like

  26. Clay Hickman Avatar
    Clay Hickman

    Congratulations! It couldn’t have happened to a nicer bunch of animals. Let’s keep our fingers crossed for winning next year!

    Like

  27. Teri Avatar
    Teri

    I voted every day…first thing I did every morning. And my friends did the same. Cannot tell you how happy I am for you guys!!
    WHOO HOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    Like

  28. Beverly Bower Avatar
    Beverly Bower

    Congratulations Alayne and Steve!
    Thank YOU for giving our beloved furry friends a happy ,healthy and muched loved second chance in life. You’re an inspiration to us all!
    Merry Christmas to my RDR family!
    Beverly

    Like

  29. Celia Brown Avatar

    I don’t think you realize how your ability to put your experiences into words and photos has reached all over the world and touched our hearts. I have a daschsund with a spinal cord injury – she has no bowel control — and when I start feeling sorry for myself for having to deal with the poo I can cuddle her warm squirming body and know that you are telling her story to the world. You are good company.

    Like

  30. Suzanne Avatar
    Suzanne

    Terrific news – Merry Christmas!!

    Like

  31. Miranda Brooks Avatar
    Miranda Brooks

    You’re more than welcome and congratulations! Yes, the animals, their histories/photos, & your daily blogs have resonated with us. We’re out here reading, you’re there doing all the work and getting to touch/love the animals. This is how we feel we are doing something for them too, albeit in such a tiny and long-distance way. We may not have our names on the deed to the ranch and we may not be able to wrap our arms around the animals or you guys when you need it but we feel as if we are a part of it all. We’re happy to help! Like so many others, I too, voted from home and office every day. Talk about a win-win for us all! Merry Christmas!

    Like

  32. Mary Avatar
    Mary

    You so deserve this! I found your blog late in the voting, but, as an owner of 2 disabled dogs it was just incredible to me the work you are doing. Taking care of disabled pets is so rewarding. And as you come to realize they are not so disabled, they have many lessons to teach you. Merry Christmas to you all!

    Like

  33. Michele Avatar
    Michele

    I am so happy for you guys and, of course, the animals – tears in my eyes to start the morning. What a good way to start my day. :O) Happy Holidays to all that voted!!!

    Like

  34. Dawn Hayes Avatar
    Dawn Hayes

    Congrats Steve and Alayne…you did it (along with our daily votes)!! What great news…makes for a very merry Christmas!! Keep up the good work!

    Like

  35. Aliza Avatar
    Aliza

    Merry Xmas! What a privilige it was to be a part of something this big–the ultimate Xmas present. I’m so pleased for you, for the animals, for all those vet bills that can now be paid! So…when’s the next contest? 🙂

    Like

  36. Daethian Avatar

    Wow congrats! You guys are so deserving of this! Merry christmas critters!! happy dance

    Like

  37. Debra Avatar
    Debra

    What a wonderful Christmas present for you both as well as all the animals you so lovingly care for. THANK YOU for all you do! Merry Christmas!

    Like

  38. Penny Heinrich Avatar
    Penny Heinrich

    A very Happy Happy New Year for everyone at Rolling Dog Ranch!!!! Here’s to Steve, Alayne and all the wonderful well-deserving fuzzy kids at RDR!!!!

    Like

  39. Inger Wiltz Avatar

    Congratulations! I’m so happy for you and the animals. You have such big hearts both of you and I think it is that and also the zest for life these animal show us when we read your blog or newsletters. You and the animals really touched my heart and I know Blind Teddy is smiling somewhere there over the Rainbow Bridge.

    Like

  40. Angela Avatar
    Angela

    CLICKS EVERY DAY – NOW A GREAT BIG HURRRAAAAAAAAAAYYYY!!! Just knowing that you got what you so very much deserve is a wonderful Christmas present for me and I am sure the absolute best one for you and your brave and beautiful animals. Peace and love to you every day, Steve and Alayne, and those super babies you care for. Way to go!

    Like

  41. Adele in the Bronx Avatar

    Oh, I am so happy and have been checking the site constantly for word. A hearty congratulations, and you most certainly deserve it.
    Woohoo!

    Like

  42. Alisa Avatar
    Alisa

    Merry, Merry Christmas!!! Extra bones for the dogs, catnip for the cats, and carrots for the horses. :O) Honestly, I have to get my blog fix EVERY day, so when you take a break, Steve, from blogging, it’s very painful. :O) CONGRATULATIONS!!!! So happy – and excited – for you and all the animals at RDR!!!

    Like

  43. Ev Avatar
    Ev

    How great is that!! You and your animal family surely deserve the support. Merry Christmas to you and yours from our family here in Tacoma. You guys are the best.

    Like

  44. Mary C-F Avatar
    Mary C-F

    OMG how exciting! CONGRATULATIONS & THANK YOU Steve & Alayne for your tenacious love & devotion to every LDR resident. Merry Christmas & Happy New Year! May 2010 be your BEST year ever. WOO HOO 🙂 xoxo

    Like

  45. Elizabeth in Tally Avatar
    Elizabeth in Tally

    Merry Christmas to you all!! We are so excited and relieved.

    Like

  46. Mary, Ottawa Avatar
    Mary, Ottawa

    Congratulations, Steve and Alayne! You deserve this so much. I voted twice every day, once at home and once at work.
    Have a wonderful Christmas!

    Like

  47. ginger Avatar
    ginger

    I think it’s been said by other’s before me, but I know that what you write about the animals in your care, make a big difference to me. Just having a clue of what your life consist of, on a daily basis, & never ending….how could I not be touched & support The Rolling Dog Ranch? You & Alayne give everything you have plus, 24/7/365, and never complain. You work hard, no matter how cold the weather, how deep the snow, or if a wildfire is coming your way. You make backup plans for taking care of the animals in the worst case situations. Your hearts get tied up in each & every animal that is in your care & your have to make decisions, that most of us have to make once every several years, several times a year. You two are super human in my humble opinion. I have no idea how in the world you do what you do, & with the grace & love that you do it.
    I’m thrilled to be a tiny part of this win for you, as you deserve all the awards that come.
    I applaud you & Alayne for actually doing what you dreamed of doing. My thanks can never be enough, but thank you on behalf of all the animals that you have cared for, are, & will.
    With heartfelt love & warm hugs,
    ginger, Tobias & Tlingit

    Like

  48. Carolyn Kupferschmid Avatar
    Carolyn Kupferschmid

    Merry Christmas, Steve and Alayne! And thanks to EVERYONE out there who contributed with their votes. Happy Holidays to all the terrific suppporters of RDR!

    Like

  49. Jen Avatar
    Jen

    I’m so glad that we were able to make this happen for you guys. You deserve it so much and I’m so excited for you! Congratulations!

    Like

  50. Gena Avatar
    Gena

    WELL DONE! Consider this a great big “Yay!” in 72-point font!!!
    Many thoughts:
    1. Couldn’t have happened to a nicer or more deserving couple of hard workers with hearts of gold (and frozen toes about this time of year)…
    2. Couldn’t have happened to a more deserving group of animals – the RDR cats, dogs and horses, oh and goats!, are truly inspirational with all they do in spite of their disabilities…
    3. Couldn’t have happened without the support of amazingly loyal readers and supporters of RDR…well done!
    Things like this warm my heart and inspire me – you two have my highest respect! (I have to add that my respect is doubled during your winters – yikes, it’s cold where you are!!!)
    Happy Holidays and God Bless you and your animals, every one!

    Like

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