Past Events

A murder took place in our quiet Bonners Ferry community on the evening of Saturday, October 10th. However this was no recent murder, but rather a crime that occurred in 1927 in the era of flappers and dandies. Our local Bonners Ferry Fire Hall for this one mysterious night served as an enormous trans-Atlantic cruise vessel named "The S.S. Canine Queen". Within its walls a total of fifty-four well-dressed guests dined on tri-tip and salmon in an elegant sit-down soiree complete with place settings and table linens. Drinks were provided from a cozy corner “speakeasy” bar, compliments of Under The Sun, and 20’s record tunes provided the mood. Determined amateur sleuths shared gossip and clues with anxious fervor in attempt to solve who exactly killed The Captain. Bonners Ferry? Those not present might be very surprised. In reality all participants came out for a very special evening of role-playing and intrigue to help raise funds to benefit Second Chance Animal Adoption. The brainchild and driving force behind it all was SCAA friend from the north Marilin , an animal lover with experience hosting Murder Mystery Dinners. Ticket holders first selected a "character" from a list of amusing names and descriptions and arrived dressed the part for the evening. A basic description of each character's story was provided so this information could be shared with other diners at the beginning of the evening. Guests mingled, introducing themselves to each other...
	Suddenly the Captain's Personal Assistant had an announcement to make to the captive crowd: The Captain has been murdered, and the murderer must be one of those on board! Amusing improvised reactions provided drama and often hilarity such as when socialite Chastity Reynolds upon hearing of the Captain’s untimely demise, blurted out words to the effect of “Well, The Captain seemed VERY much alive when I met with him privately in the Captain’s Quarters earlier!” More clues were dispersed via telegram throughout the event and it was up to each guest to discover as much as they could through word of mouth. Granted there were many red herring clues, including the love poem from a mysterious woman to the Captain, discovered by archeologist “Luc Indersand” . Another highlight of the evening was Luc’s recital of this poem, read aloud in a remarkably impeccable French accent (perhaps his being the real life owner of Bonners Ferry’s only Bistro helps in this regard?) After an exquisite dinner catered by Jill’s Cafe came time for the participants to each make their decision by filling out a “whodunit” form present at each place setting. Only a select few guessed correctly; and in an ironic and humorous twist the murderer herself was one of those. As a result of this event a total of $1,000 was raised, all of which will to go toward the planning and development of our new shelter. Overall Second Chance was thrilled with the turnout of this fundraiser and already has received lots of positive feedback for the possibility of a similar event next year. New ideas for themes from the community are encouraged!

"Dog Gone Wild" was the fitting theme of this year's 6th Annual Canine Caper
for Second Chance Animal Adoption, which raised a WiLD record-breaking
$2,800 that will go directly toward caring for lost, abandoned, homeless,
and abused animals in Boundary County. The number of participants exceeded
our expectations, with a total of 137 people (and over 100 dogs!) coming out
for the 5k walk/run under beautiful blue May skies. This year's event, made
possible through the hard work and dedication of volunteers and sponsors,
featured Border Bob’s BBQ, an assortment of vendors, a Rotary Club Rummage
Sale, food, drinks, dog photos and the always fun contests...

(all photos by Jenni Dougherty)

Prizes Awarded:

Prettiest Female -"Aphrodite" with pretty owner Alicia

* 1st for Adult- Don Hicks with his dog Jake

* 1st for Young Adult- Brad Thompson with his dog Nora

* 1st for Youth- Jill Alexander with her dog Isabelle

* Smallest Dog- Snickers, owner Etta Mae Schnuerle

* Biggest Dog- Max, owner Katrina Hoxie

* Dog that looks most like its owner- Goldie, owner Kira Pierson

* Best Dressed- Cody and Cora, owner Theresa Becker

* Most Handsome Male- Checkers, owner Lori Friese (Nichole)

* Prettiest Female- Aphrodite, owner Alicia Tryon

* Most Talented- Duchess, owner Candace Johnson

* Most Physically Fit- Neri, owner Gwen Hansen

* Best in Caper- Checkers, owner Lori Friese (Nichole)

A special thank you to Kris with the ambulance who was there to treat the bloody noses and make sure the dogs didn’t wear out the owners to a point of exhaustion; Chief Deputy Stephens who was there as our law enforcement angel to keep us all safe; our most wonderful emcee Dan Young who we hope will make this an annual event; and an acknowledgment for the crucial work accomplished by members of the SCAA Board of Directors and the Canine Caper Club. Dan made the day, how funny he was and how nice it was to have music ! Lastly, to all the sponsors a special thank you: Dr. Marty and Theresa Becker; White Mountain Chain; Bonners Ferry Rotary Club; Aj’s Bar and Grill; Iron Mikes’ Gym; Thomas Taxidermy; Sally Hendricks-Bauer; Candace Wilkerson; A Family Dog; Panhandle State Bank; and the Peace Officer’s Association. To those who donated items we also owe much gratitude: Safeway; Edward Jones; Community Title and Far North Outfitters. Finally, an extra big thanks to Jack Douglas for all his help and for conceiving this wonderful event more than six years ago.