It's the talk of the town, Dog Town, that is.
The Headwaters Animal Shelter's new logo is the cat's meow.
Rik Meyers, rural Nevis, has created a symbol incorporating the distinctive headwaters landmark with a whimsical twist.
The Mighty "Meowssissippi" is viewed from the canine and feline perspective, the site where the river "begins to fetch, purr and dog paddle its way to the Gulf of Mexicat."
Rik and Lyn Meyers recently relocated from the metro to take up residence on 7th Crow Wing. Both have backgrounds in advertising.
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Lyn, a volunteer at the Minnesota Zoo, holds a strong affinity for four-legged creatures.
But she's currently facing a void; her pair of Samoyeds succumbed to advanced dog years. "It's the first time in 35 years I'm without a dog."
After Lyn lost her dogs, Angie Walther of Angie's Groom and Board suggested she apply for a vacant position on the Headwaters Animal Shelter board.
Lyn considered the idea of abandoned animals penned, awaiting adoption repugnant - until she toured the Headwaters Animal Shelter with renowned canine aficionado Ruth Dienst.
"I found it to be a great place," she said of people "working together to find animals homes."
But the logo needed an upgrade, Ric determined, "to improve people's perspective of the organization."
He knew the shelter's logo was generic. "I'd seen it elsewhere." So the former advertising agency creative director donned his thinking cap.
Inspired by the landmark defining the Headwaters of the Mississippi, he created an insignia identifying the Headwaters Animal Shelter.
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The logo now adorns T- shirts (for dogs and people), baby items, mugs, hats and bags, Christmas ornaments, cards and more.
The items are available at the Headwaters Animal Shelter Web site, headwaters animalshelter.org.
A portion of the proceeds benefits the animal shelter.
The shelter, located at 901 Western Ave. So., relies on donations, membership and adoption fees to fund nearly 100 percent of its operations. Volunteers are key to the shelter's operation.
Public generosity keeps the shelter's doors open, so each year hundreds of pets can be given "a second chance" with permanent, loving families.
Looking for a New Year's resolution? Consider volunteering at the shelter. Information on roles a volunteer may assume is also available on the Web site.
For more information, call 237-7100.
