All for the love of dogs

More than a year ago, Lisa Burich, owner of the Riverview Inn restaurant on Highway W in Saukville, wanted to do something to give back to the community and thought she’d ask her employees what cause they should support.

“A lot of them liked dogs,” she said.

One employee in particular, Lori Manthei, was excited about the idea and, being a volunteer at the Wisconsin Humane Society in Saukville, suggested that the event focus on dogs who have been rescued, Burich said. 

Burich reached out to Tailwaggers 911 Dog Rescue, and Rover by the River at the restaurant was born.

That first event was a success, Burich said, so she did it again this year.

On Saturday, Sept. 14, the event was even bigger, drawing about 300 people, with one of the main attractions being Pier Pups, a dock-diving demonstration where dogs jump long distances off a dock into the water.

Manthei was there to tend bar and help in any way she could, Burich said.

Two days later, on Monday, Sept. 16, Manthei, 56, died in her sleep.

Manthei worked full time as an office administrator but loved people and worked at the Riverview Inn part-time “for the fun of it,” according to her obituary. 

“She just loved the customers and meeting new people. She was always silly. She just had fun,” Burich said.

Tailwaggers 911 Dog Rescue is a non-profit organization founded in October of 2007 to rescue, foster and find homes for dogs “that come from the most deplorable situations,” according to its website at www.tailwaggers911.com.

Burich said Rover by the River will “definitely” return next year, and Manthei is sure to be there in spirit.