Tootsie and Aldentaler

ABERDEEN, S.D. – In her first few weeks of work, Heather Aldentaler, the new director of NSU’s Counseling Center, found herself faced with a furry surprise.

At a meeting at Northern’s facilities management office, Aldentaler was approached by a man holding a kitten.

“I was meeting with facilities when an NSU grounds worker approached us, he had this crying kitten in his arms,” said Aldentaler. “He said she had nearly been squished and asked if anyone wanted to take her in, as it wasn’t safe for her around the construction site.”

The kitten, now lovingly deemed “Tootsie Jerde Aldentaler,” had been found near some of the construction sites on NSU. Luckily for Tootsie, she found herself in the caring arms of Aldentaler, and has now found her forever home.

Previously an owner of two generations of Pomeranian dogs, Aldentaler hasn’t had a cat in her home for nearly 15 years. But she’s been wanting a feline friend for nearly a year now.

“I didn’t want to shop for a cat, I would much rather adopt. I kept telling myself that when it was time, the right cat would walk into my life,” said Aldentaler. “I knew this was my sign, that this would be my cat.”

After getting Tootsie her proper care and proper supplies, Aldentaler was sure to watch missing pet sites online to ensure the kitten wasn’t someone’s lost pet.

 Bringing in Tootsie has also renewed Aldentaler’s long-term dream of getting a therapy dog as a service animal to bring around the community for those who need it.

“It has been a hope of mine for a few years now, but I haven’t acted on it for the sake of my last Pomeranian, Wookie,” said Aldentaler. “He had a lot of health problems, and I didn’t think it was fair to bring in a puppy during his last year. I didn’t want him to feel like he was being replaced.”

Aldentaler hopes to buy and train a therapy dog through grants, and even has gender, breed, and name already picked out. She hopes to bring it to places such as children’s hospitals, nursing homes, campuses, schools, and anywhere else they would be of service.

As for Tootsie, the energetic kitten has doubled in size since finding a home with Aldentaler in July and is incredibly friendly and well behaved.

Learn more about Northern’s counseling center services here.

About Northern State University

Northern State University is a regional university that offers outstanding academics and exceptional extracurricular activities at an affordable price on a safe, welcoming campus. Northern State recently announced its Educational Impact Campaign, with a goal of raising $45 million for a new South Dakota School for the Blind and Visually Impaired, new athletic and recreation fields, and an on-campus regional sports complex. Once the campaign is complete, NSU will be the recipient of more than $100 million in privately funded building projects and scholarships within a decade. To learn more, visit NSU Admissions.

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