✨ What’s in a name? ✨

The name Copper Quill Haven comes from the moment that brought Earl and Natasha together — and from one very adventurous dog. 🐾

Copper joined our family in 2017 after being adopted from the Idaho Falls Animal Shelter. She was a young Lab mix with endless energy and a smile no one could resist. From day one, Copper loved hiking, running, swimming, and exploring the wild.

Her curiosity once led her a little too close to a porcupine… and she came away with a face full of quills. 😅 Undeterred, Copper was ready to keep running like nothing happened.

At the emergency vet, Earl expected the professionals to handle it all — but they needed his help to hold Copper steady while she was sedated. That’s when Natasha stepped in, pulling quills while Earl held his very brave pup for the sedation. That moment sparked a connection — one that’s been replayed more than once over the years, thanks to Copper’s uncanny ability to find porcupines.

Six years later, Copper Quill Haven was born. ❤️

Now nearly ten years old and at least four porcupine encounters later, Copper is still our “best little girl,” bringing joy, adventure, and so much love into our lives.

Our mission at Copper Quill Haven is to honor how life-changing quality animal shelters can be — and to help spread the love of animals into other people’s hearts. 🐶✨

2026 Board of Directors

President: Dr. Kara Falkowski, CWI Instructor

Vice President: Jordyn Walters, CVT, Clinical Manager at Viking Veterinary Hospital

Treasurer: Dani Dellera, COO of Paul Hobbs

Secretary: Sally Solis, Development Director at Snake River Animal Shelter

Mark Cornelison, Esp., Partner at Hopkins Roden law firm

Brittany Landucci, CVT, Elevate Pet Wellness

Get to Know the Team!

Dr. Natasha Laughter, Founder

Dr. Laughter has practiced veterinary medicine since 2012 and holds advanced certifications in High-Quality High-Volume Spay and Neuter (HQHVSN), abdominal ultrasound (Sonopath SDEP), and medical acupuncture (MAV CuraCore). She is a successful veterinary hospital owner and chief medical officer overseeing three 24/7 emergency veterinary hospitals in Idaho, where she manages over 20 veterinarians and multiple veterinary interns annually.

Her extensive background in shelter and emergency medicine — including relief work in Canyon, Ada, and Bonneville counties — has provided her with a deep understanding of the rescue environment and the unique needs of municipal partnerships. Dr. Laughter's teaching, mentorship, and board service across Idaho’s nonprofit animal welfare organizations demonstrates her dedication to saving animal lives and strengthening the statewide animal welfare network.

Earl Laughter, Manager

With more than a decade of law enforcement and public safety experience, Earl brings a unique blend of leadership, crisis management, and animal welfare knowledge to the Shelter Manager role. His extensive background with the Idaho Falls Police Department and Ada County Sheriff’s Office — including service as a SWAT Operator, Field Training Officer, and Drug Recognition Expert — makes him exceptionally qualified to navigate the intersection of shelter operations and county enforcement responsibilities.

Earl’s certifications in supervision, leadership development, and peer support reflect his proven ability to lead teams effectively and with compassion. His deep understanding of law enforcement protocols ensures seamless collaboration between the shelter, animal control officers, and county departments.

Michelle Ziel-Dingman,
Shelter Programs & Operations Consultant

Michelle brings more than 15 years of leadership experience in nonprofit management, marketing, fundraising, and organizational strategy. As the current Executive Director of Snake River Animal Shelter (SRAS), she was recruited as a consultant for Copper Quill Haven to stabilize and scale operations.

Her expertise includes budget oversight, grant management, and strategic community partnerships, making her instrumental in designing and implementing efficient shelter systems.

Michelle will ensure that Canyon County’s shelter programs are created for financial sustainability, transparency, and delivering the highest quality animal welfare.