Ruth Garner gets tattoo as Zootoo invades Potsdam

POTSDAM — It takes a special lady to single-handedly steal the spotlight from Zootoo.com’s whirlwind visit of Potsdam Tuesday.

But Ruth F. Garner is a force to be reckoned with.

More than 500 people of all ages lined the sunny streets with their dogs in tow to greet Zootoo founder Richard A. Thompson as he toured the Potsdam Animal Shelter on St. Patrick’s Day. The Potsdam Humane Society is among the top 20 shelters in the country competing for a million-dollar makeover on the pet-lovers’ Web site.

Meanwhile, the 93-year-old deputy mayor presided over a Market Street tattoo parlor, singing Irish drinking songs and smiling all the while as she got a little green shamrock inked on her left shoulder.

Village employees have already raised $500 for the Potsdam Humane Society in Mrs. Garner’s name, and donations are still pouring in.

“I’ve had mosquito bites that hurt worse,” Mrs. Garner said. “Never in my lifetime did I think I would be doing this. I was thinking about my mother this morning — what she would say — and I wouldn’t repeat it!”

Kevin Robinson, Sleepy Hollow Studios’ most experienced tattoo artist, giggled as the deputy mayor burst into song. She warbled “Michael McGilligan’s Ball” before they stenciled “Zootoo” above the shamrock.

“It’s an honor to be able to do this. It’s a great cause,” Mr. Robinson said.

That was the sentiment over at the Madrid Avenue animal shelter. Hundreds of people waved signs and cheered in the sunshine as a motorcade led Mr. Thompson, who is the former CEO of Meow Mix cat food company, around downtown and to the shelter.

“It’s like in Southern Florida, not Northern New York, today. Maybe it’s an omen or something — like this is supposed to happen,” Mr. Thompson said. “If America could see you now, you’d be in the top 10.”

Zootoo will announce the contest’s top 10 finalists on April 7 in Las Vegas. Then America will vote online for the winner of the $1 million makeover.

Mayor Reinhold J. Tischler pronounced Tuesday “Potsdam Animal Shelter Day” in the village, and presented Mr. Thompson with a key to the community. The mayor also told everybody that he had just adopted a 10-month-old dog named Maggie.

“The Town of Potsdam hereby decrees that the Potsdam Animal Shelter is the best in the country,” said Supervisor Marie C. Regan, to cheers. “This year, the town will allocate $54,000 to the shelter, and every penny is well spent.”

Mr. Thompson toured the facilities before heading to Watertown to see the Jefferson County SPCA.

At that point, Mrs. Garner’s tattoo was complete.

“It’s on my Irish shoulder. I’m not going to be able to see it. And if anybody else wants to see it, they’ve got to pay! Support our shelter,” Mrs. Garner said.

The longtime village official has always had a stubborn streak, said her daughter, Joan E. Garner.

“I thought she was kidding when she said she was getting a tattoo,” Ms. Garner said. “She’s her own woman — and she has earned the right to do what she wants to do. So if she wants to do something, get out of her way!”

The grande dame of Potsdam said that she was born to lead.

“When I was growing up, I always wanted to play baseball with the boys. I could run faster than them too. But I wouldn’t join anybody’s team unless I could be the captain,” Mrs. Garner said. “The Irish were born to rule.”

Mrs. Garner inspired her grandson, 18-year-old John D. Seaman, to get his first tattoo Tuesday as well. The Clarkson University freshman got a shamrock on his shoulder just like his grandmother.

Even Mrs. Garner’s beloved Boston terriers, Rosie, Jar-Jar and Cosmo — which she swears can all talk, count and tell time — gave to the cause Tuesday. A $30 donation made out in the dogs’ names was left at the village offices.

See Wednesday’s Times for more information.