Late yesterday evening the Animal Rescue Site posted the final results of the Shelter Challenge, and ... drum roll, please ... it's official: We came in third nationwide and picked up that $3,000 grant!
Wow.
When this contest started -- when was that ... early April? -- we thought we'd have a good shot at winning the top spot for Montana again and a $1,000 prize, but it never occurred to us that we could come in No. 3 in the nation. Yet all of you showed us what was possible in a contest like this, far beyond what we thought was possible. Not only did our votes come from so many wonderful people across the U.S. and Canada, but also from Europe, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa.
And everyone's individual, daily votes added up as the weeks went by, propelling the ranch to 3rd place by May 12th -- and we held that spot all the way to the end! At week four of the contest, we picked up the $1,000 prize for most votes that week ... so the total amount won turns out to be $4,000.
Alayne and I know what it took for us to remember to vote every single day, and the thought of all of you out there doing the same thing, day after day ... well, that really is humbling.
On behalf of all the animals at the ranch, thank YOU!!!
I just found you guys. All I can say is you have a great following of people who care. There must be a reason for that and I am going to check out Rolling Dog Ranch to see what it is all about. Congratulations on your win. I am sure you more than deserve it.
Posted by: Linda Rozen | August 01, 2009 at 02:13 PM
Woohoo! I'm so glad you got that far! Next year: You're #1!!
It wasn't hard for me to vote, every day; I simply made it a part of my early morning routine, when I sit at the computer. Now, I feel as if I'm forgetting something, with no voting to do! :o)
Posted by: Vicki Small | July 31, 2009 at 10:07 AM
CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!
It was a pleasure to vote every day.
And of course, next year we should be aiming for 2nd or even 1st place.
Best wishes for all!!
Posted by: Carolina | July 30, 2009 at 10:49 PM
Congratulations! Yea for RDR!! I have to say, your reminder at the end of the daily blog was very helpful. So lest you think you were being pushy, you weren't! I needed the nudge. It tickles me that all of us out here pushing some buttons could help in some small way. If you make your reminder ALL IN CAPS, maybe next year we can push you up to second place!
Posted by: Miranda | July 30, 2009 at 03:24 PM
We Love you guys! I made it a point to drive into town and pirate off wireless just to vote!!
Love,
Heather Reeves & Timmy (the wonder dog)
Posted by: Heather Reeves & Timmy (the wonder dog) | July 30, 2009 at 03:00 PM
A well deserved win and I couldn't be happier for you and all the special animals you care for. I'm sure the dogs are all hoping you spend the $ on more fluffy beds and chew toys.
Posted by: Trace | July 30, 2009 at 02:32 PM
Well done! I am so pleases that the RDR is getting some of the money that you so dearly deserve & thrilled that so many of "us" voted for you on a continual basis. It was an honor to make sure that you got this money & I felt that it was the least that I could do. If we can't help each other, then why are we here?
Big hugs & congrats,
ginger, Tobias & Tlingit
Posted by: ginger | July 30, 2009 at 02:08 PM
Coming 3rd just goes to show how much of an impact you have had on US!
Congrats guys - you really do deserve it!!
Posted by: Maree in NZ | July 30, 2009 at 01:54 PM
So happy to hear this. A once-a-day click is so easy, especially compared to the hard work you put in every day. I'm glad that there is such a simple but effective way for everyone who cares about Rolling Dog Ranch to make a small contribution.
I'm pulling for Teddy! I love the "big dog in a small package" types. They're a handful, but they brighten up every minute of your day.
Posted by: Tonya | July 30, 2009 at 01:45 PM
Congratulations! I was happy to vote. Any plans for the money?! Hooray for the RDR!
Posted by: Carisa J | July 30, 2009 at 01:36 PM
Lynne Parker said it best--it's like helping FAMILY, a wonderful, loving, furry, fuzzy family! And Diane B. made a great point about Animal Planet's TV show--hey, producers, let's see a show about RDR! What an inspiring counterpoint that would be to the many so-called reality shows that celebrate selfishness and trash living.
Steve and Alayne, you earn every nickel of your prize every single day at RDR. You're the greatest!
Posted by: Debbie Burke | July 30, 2009 at 01:33 PM
Congratulations. Your hard work is admired and obviously validated by all who voted, and more I am sure. You are incredible people. Of course the "kids" are incredible too.
Posted by: Evelyn | July 30, 2009 at 12:06 PM
And in addition to the unanimous joy, it's really nice to see these "internet things" can be for real! Yay!
Posted by: Margaret | July 30, 2009 at 11:32 AM
WOO HOO! Soo well deserved!!!!
Barbara & Frankie
Posted by: Barbara Techel | July 30, 2009 at 10:43 AM
YAY!!!! So happy and proud. Steve, Alayne and all the precious animals at RDR deserve this prize and much much more.
Posted by: Kristi Gross | July 30, 2009 at 10:02 AM
CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!
ROLLING DOG RANCH IS A WINNER!!!
Thanks for all you do!!!
Posted by: Mary | July 30, 2009 at 09:51 AM
It's been amazing and a joy to connect with RDR and it's special animals. You and Alayne are super heros and obviously there's a lot of love to support that belief.
We are so happy to have been apart of the shelter challenge.
We know you'll keep up the fantastic work!
Hugs and love to you ALL!
Posted by: boundforglory | July 30, 2009 at 09:21 AM
Congrats!!
I can't think of people who deserve it more!
Posted by: Kenna | July 30, 2009 at 08:46 AM
Congratualtions from this Canadian...it was the least I could do, considering what all of you do!
Posted by: Jolene McCuaig | July 30, 2009 at 02:11 AM
Thank you for doing so much. Clicking on a computer is easy. You guys are the best!
Posted by: bryantp | July 29, 2009 at 11:34 PM
Congratulations! I'm so happy for you all!
Posted by: Billie | July 29, 2009 at 11:21 PM
It isn't hard to remember to vote when you're checking in every day to find out how Teddy is doing --- not to mention all the other precious animals at Rolling Dog. Please don't forget to give us more info - and don't forget the cats. What's new with Herbie? Tibby and Fibby? Remember, we love them all. And we know you use every dollar that comes your way wisely and well.
Posted by: Helen R | July 29, 2009 at 10:57 PM
This one's for Teddy!
Posted by: Mick | July 29, 2009 at 10:40 PM
CONGRATULATIONS!!!
I am so happy it is official & I am proud to be one of the many that helped reached this fantastic prize.
Unfortunately, my finances are not good this year as so many people are experiencing & I have not been able to support the charities that I hold close to my heart. Being able to help you all get this money makes my heart soar with happiness.
I adore RDR and as I said in a previous post my dream is to visit you all one day. Much love to Steve, Alayne & all the furry babies!!!
Posted by: Colleen & Sweet Kitty Erin | July 29, 2009 at 10:37 PM
Congratulations!! You certainly deserve this award. How awesome!
Posted by: Suesan Larsen | July 29, 2009 at 09:13 PM
What an honor to vote everyday. I hope the coverage brings more awareness to the important and wonderful work that is done at RDR!!
BRAVO to the animals, you and Alayne!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: Shirley * James/Portland, OR | July 29, 2009 at 08:50 PM
RDR supporters are the BEST !!
I am so happy for all of the residents of RDR :)
Posted by: Bibi | July 29, 2009 at 08:34 PM
How WONDERFUL! Well deserved. I tried to remember to vote every day....I know I missed a few but not many. THANK YOU for the wonderful work that you do.
Suzanne in VA
Posted by: Suzanne | July 29, 2009 at 08:32 PM
Congratulations on winning the third prize! You and the animals, of course, deserve this and then some!!! When do we begin voting again?!!
Posted by: Nina | July 29, 2009 at 08:17 PM
You're welcome... and congrats on 3rd place! And THANK YOU for the wonderful work you do with the precious animals in your care.
Posted by: Rich Y | July 29, 2009 at 07:53 PM
You deserve the congrats, Steve and Alayne. You take the time to write blog entries, take and post photographs, update Facebook and now Twitter. This all takes time and most of us can imagine how time-consuming your ranch chores are already.
The fact that you go the extra mile to include everyone out here in the loop speaks volumes and makes us want to help you. We feel included.
And who doesn't want to help family?
Posted by: Lynne Parker | July 29, 2009 at 06:57 PM
Congrats, Just looking at some one like Teddy how could you not vote every day!
Posted by: gayle | July 29, 2009 at 06:33 PM
WOO HOO! Congratulations to you!!!! and to all of us who voted. I miss voting... we will have to get an early start in 2010! Thank you for eerything you do every day for all the RDR kids.... Speaking of kids, how is that goat??
Posted by: sharon | July 29, 2009 at 06:23 PM
My own finances have declined this year so I have not been able to give the amount of cash I normally do to my fave animal charities including RDR. Because of this, I felt like it was an HONOR to be able to support you all through a daily vote. Many, many CONGRATS and many, many THANKS to all who voted.
Posted by: Marla | July 29, 2009 at 06:17 PM
This is a remarkable acheivement considering the 1st prize group has it's own show on Animal Planet!
Voting for RDR was something I looked forward to every day.
Can't wait to see how you do in 2010!!!
Posted by: Diane B. | July 29, 2009 at 06:01 PM
You deserve it and so do all your sweet creatures. I just don't know what to do with myself now that I don't have to vote!
Posted by: Janet in Cambridge | July 29, 2009 at 06:01 PM
Yahoooooooooooooooo!
Posted by: Penny Heinrich | July 29, 2009 at 05:40 PM
You and Alayne, the Doxies and the Beagles, the Labs, the Goldens, and the Sheperds, the residents of Widget's House, Kelly's Cottage, Hoedad's House, the Appaloosas and all the residents of Beauty's Barn and Scout's Barn, and all the others I forgot to mention, are all very welcome, and certainly very deserving. Voting each day is miniscule work compared to what you and Alayne do every day for these beautiful creatures. Consider this my heart's way of supporting RDR. If only I could do more...Thank YOU!!!!!!!
Posted by: Heidi, Emmett, and Moxie | July 29, 2009 at 05:22 PM
Yeah!!!
Posted by: Lynn | July 29, 2009 at 04:34 PM
CONGRATULATIONS!
You and the animals are all so deserving! Happy Dance.............
Posted by: Doe George | July 29, 2009 at 04:15 PM
Thank You for being there for the animals! You totally deserve this prize! CONGRATS !!
Posted by: Lynda | July 29, 2009 at 03:56 PM