We Broke the Record!

On Wednesday, August 20, WHS adopted 77 shelter animals into new homes! Thanks to FM 106.1, The Mighty 92 WOKY, 97.3 the Brew, My 95.7, V100.7 and News Talk 1130 WISN for broadcasting live from WHS from sunrise to sundown. Hundreds of terrific adopters and visitors stopped by throughout the day to show their support. What a wonderful Wednesday!

Meg & Greg met Bev, a sweet puppy from Puppy Haven.

Reggie Brown fell for Willow, a Bassett Hound mix.

Randy Lucas hosted Beaglemania during the sunny afternoon!

JJ Gerard closed Paws Cause broadcasts at 7:00 p.m.

Karen, Scott and Radar of the Moo Crew broadcasted even before sunrise to promote the donation drive for WHS.

Miss Wisconsin, Haley Couillard, stopped by with a friend to drop off donations

Celebration of Pets Day is September 14th!

The 4th Annual Celebration of Pets Day is Sunday, September 14, 2008 from 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Join us for a great day of fun; bring your family, friends and furry friends for this free event. This is the largest outdoor people/pet festival in Wisconsin. Last year, over 3,000 families and animals attended this event! The festival will take place at Companion’s Rest/Arlington Park Cemetery 4001 S. 27th Street, Greenfield, WI. For more information call (414) 282-6600.

Raffle tickets are available for spectacular prizes, too: two round trip tickets to any Midwest Airlines destination, $500 gas card, $300 Dog Food Certificate from Pedigree/PetSmart and more. Proceeds from the raffle will go to WHS' People and Animals Learning (PAL) Program. To purchase tickets before the event, stop by WHS or one of three Companion’s Rest Pet Cemetery locations.

Dog Guide awareness day will also be held during the event by The Badger Association of the Blind and Visually Impaired.

Listed below are some of the highlights for Celebration of Pets Day:

• Free goody bags for the first 500 families with an animal
• lnteractive games for the family and their animals
• Individual pet blessings performed and every animal will receive a St. Francis Medal
• Wisconsin Humane Society clicker training and wildlife demonstrations
• Amy Ammen and her dancing dog Able will be on hand to entertain everyone
• Dog Guide etiquette will be discussed by Dr. Ross
• Dr. Beyerinck will explain pet first aid

Companion’s Rest and the Wisconsin Humane Society are co-sponsoring the event this year. All animals must be on a 6′ non-retractable leash.

Community Exceeds Expectations

When we announced our goal of adopting 400 cats in July, we knew it was a tall order! Thanks to the caring communities surrounding the Wisconsin and Ozaukee Humane Societies, Sophie, a 10-month-old Bombay mix, was our 400th adoption at 11:20 a.m. on July 31. We didn't stop there. Sixteen additional cats found loving homes after Sophie, bringing the total cats adopted in July to 416 adoptions! What a purr-fect month!

Wisconsin Humane Society Agrees to Assume
Assets of State’s Largest Puppy Breeder

MILWAUKEE — In an unprecedented move locally and nationally, officials of the Wisconsin Humane Society (WHS) announced today that they have reached an agreement to buy the assets of Puppy Haven Kennel in Green Lake County, located about 20 miles northwest of Waupun. The owner, Wallace Havens, who runs one of the largest dog breeding facilities in the nation, has agreed to sell his dog breeding business assets to the Wisconsin Humane Society, who will cease operations at the Green Lake facility and find homes for more than 1,200 dogs who have been residing there.

Margaret Stratton, president of the board of the Wisconsin Humane Society said, “Assuming the assets of this facility will allow us to provide wonderful homes for more than a thousand dogs. These dogs will soon enjoy the love and companionship of people who will treat them as members of their families. To our knowledge, this groundbreaking action is unique in the humane movement. This is consistent with the Wisconsin Humane Society’s mission to build a community where people value animals and treat them with respect and kindness. We are always working to educate people interested in obtaining a dog that they must consider the physical, social and emotional needs of the dog and find out as much as they can about the dog’s background.”

Havens estimates that he sells about 3,000 dogs per year. All of the dogs that the Wisconsin Humane Society obtains from Puppy Haven will be spayed or neutered, thus ending the production cycle that has kept them housed at Puppy Haven their entire lives. WHS veterinarians are currently evaluating many of the dogs and are readying them for adoption.

“Havens is proud of the fact that the dogs from his facility will be going to the Wisconsin Humane Society. He is retiring and not interested in pursuing a future breeding business. For that reason, Havens was willing to discount the sale of the kennel assets,” said Tony Enea, Wisconsin Humane Society board officer. According to Havens, “At this time in my life, selling the kennel assets to the Wisconsin Humane Society is the best choice for me and my family because the dogs that I bred will be in the best possible hands."

Victoria Wellens, executive director of the Wisconsin Humane Society, reported that the transfer of dogs will occur over several months so each dog can be provided with the best possible care while WHS continues to serve animals from the community.  To date, about 300 dogs from Puppy Haven Kennel have been transferred to WHS to find homes. According to Wellens, a variety of unique resources will be required to place all of the dogs since many of them will need time to adjust and become accustomed to living closely with people. “Our employees and 900 volunteers are well prepared for this challenge to help provide a wonderful future for the dogs,” Wellens said.

Wellens also stated that PetSmart CharitiesTM has provided a generous gift of equipment to care for the animals, including leashes, collars, toys, food bowls and grooming supplies.  There are many needs that still remain, which will be posted on the online WHS Wishlist.

The Wisconsin Humane Society has a 130-year history of providing leadership in the humane animal welfare field, and hopes that this action will be a catalyst for people to come together to enact stronger laws and regulations to end exploitation of breeding dogs.

YOU CAN HELP!

To make a donation for the Puppy Haven dogs, click here. Make sure to note, "Puppy Haven," in the comments section of the form.

For more information, please see our Frequently Asked Questions, available in pdf form.

Celebrating Summer, Saving 400 Lives

Join the Wisconsin and Ozaukee Humane Societies in celebrating summer by adopting one of our many available cats! During the month of July, every cat goes home with a free gift bag and certificate for a free Cat Behavior Seminar.

We also have exciting gifts and discounts for adopters who bring home small animals and dogs, too! Check out the details today!

Twenty-seven Dogs Surrendered to WHS from Single Residence

The dogs arrived in a horse trailer.

Twenty-seven dogs were surrendered to the Wisconsin Humane Society in June, all coming from a single residence in Milwaukee. The dogs are mostly Rough-coated Collie mixes between the ages of 2-5 years.

The dogs have already received first vaccinations and an initial exam. WHS Veterinarians are now thoroughly examining each one of the dogs for illness and injuries. “Some of the dogs appear to have ear and eye infections and will need to receive more extensive medical tests,” reported Dr. Jane Pohlman, DVM.

Arriving loose in a horse trailer, the dogs had to be sedated for the journey. They were frightened upon arrival and may take a few days to adjust to their surroundings. None of them had ever worn a collar, walked on a leash or been treated by a veterinarian. After they have had time to settle and make friends, we hope that we will be able to begin to teach them how to be respectful companions to people.

Dogs Arrive From Flooded Areas in Indiana

Forty canine flood victims arrived in June at the Wisconsin Humane Society from areas in Indiana. Due to heavy storms, Indiana shelters were inundated with victims displaced by the flooding. Some shelters were surrounded by flooded streets that became impassable, as well.

Like all the dogs at WHS, the puppies pictured below were vaccinated, microchipped and sterilized. First, though, all of them were given initial exams and a very welcome bath.

Hercules & Aphrodite make their grand arrival at WHS!	Rain is happy to receive some love and kisses from a WHS staffer.	Windy is delighted by her bath!

A volunteer puppy washer bathes Stormy before spay surgery.	Persephone looks forward to a tasty dinner and good night's sleep.

Tribute To Animals

During a weekend of wild weather, the skies amazingly cleared during our Tribute to Animals on Saturday, June 7. Many families and dogs gathered at Lorraine's Garden on the WHS grounds for the special blessing and celebration. A special thank you to India McCance for presenting the blessing and to WHS Board Member, Tony Enea, for emceeing the event.

Hot dog bobbing was a big hit on a hot morning!	Dogs showed off their cool tricks for bandana prizes!

.

Casey posed with her family, the Gustavson's.	Linda Steinke brought her new puppy, Bailey.	Lois Bergmann posed with Shane, a WHS alumnus!

Sue Karancki brought her pooch, Timber.	WHS alum, Scooter, checks in with Sue Ellen Christman.	Striking a pose along the garden walk!

.

Be Kind To Animals Week Kicks Off to Great Start!

Be Kind to Animals Week is May 4 through May 10! WHS hosted an event on Sunday to honor dozens of young people for their creative posters, photography and poetry, all of which highlighted animals and the important role they play in our lives.

Well over 100 guests attended the Be Kind to Animals presentation that Jane Matenaer from 99.1 WMYX emceed. Thanks, Jane, for your time and dedication to WHS!

At the WHS event, we recognized the winners of the poster, photography and poetry contests. We also honored Brent Jensen’s heroic cat, Vincent; Brandon Eggert for his generosity; Cindy Sites for her dedication as a volunteer; the Humane Educator of the Year, Courtney Youngblood; and three Kind Kids, Lauren Westfahl, Olivia Satterlee and Frankie Bielewicz, who went above and beyond to help animals. Kudos to all these terrific people who improve the lives of animals everyday!

Disease Not Detected in WHS Dogs

The disease that has impacted dogs at HAWS has not been detected in any WHS animals and we are taking every precaution to keep WHS animals safe. Individuals should contact their veterinarian immediately if they have a sick animal or have questions about any symptoms of concern in their dogs. To read the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel article, click here.

Kids Collect Donations for Shelter Animals

Kim Rinzel, WHS Training Manager, recently accepted a check on behalf of WHS for $625 from the Wilson and Tosa School for Health Science and Technology K-Kids Club. The "Kats vs. Kanines K-Kids Koin Kollection Kontest" was a huge hit. Thanks go to the generous students, parents and teachers who helped out with this great fundraiser!

WHS Urges Wisconsin Residents to Voice Opposition to Puppy Mills

On Friday, April 4, Oprah Winfrey is dedicating an entire show to the “hidden world of puppy mills.” Her investigation will undoubtedly cause national interest in this issue, and for Wisconsin residents, it may be a sour reminder of our legislators’ failure to pass any measures to help these poor dogs during the latest Senate session. Sadly, Wisconsin has inadequate laws to regulate breeding facilities in Wisconsin, despite massive public interest.

During the last legislative session, Senator Jeff Plale introduced a bill which offered consumer protections for those purchasing puppies from breeding facilities, as well as licensing requirements. The legislation had the support of the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), but it did not pass. WHS does feel that new legislation is necessary to address the problem of puppy mills.

Please visit our special puppy mill webpage to contact elected officials, and ask them to support legislation and funding to protect dogs from puppy mill breeders.

Please Don’t Tailgate in Wisconsin Humane Society Lot
Puppies need parking, too

WHS is putting out a plea to Brewer’s fans to refrain from parking in their parking lot. Yes, it’s close and yes, there may be spaces available. But for every space taken up, that could be one less dog walked, one less cat adopted or one less baby bird fed on time.

Last year, potential adopters, staff and volunteers had trouble finding spots. Even worse, WHS volunteers had to be diverted from their usual duties to chase fans out of the lot. Which meant that Sparky missed out on his extra-long walk and Whiskers didn’t get kitty cuddle time on game day. It affected adoptions and operations at the shelter.

Before WHS creates a new volunteer position, “Parking Lot Enforcer,” they’d like to simply make a plea to Brewers fans. Help animals. Find another spot. Puppies need parking, too.

.

Ode to Brewers Fans

We sing the praises of Yost and his crew
Yet game day troubles make us blue.

Are those brats cooking in our lot?
The dogs are acting quite distraught.

Now Sparky won’t get to run and chase,
Because Volunteer John couldn’t find a parking space

We salute your enthusiasm and love our team,
But parking here is just plain mean.

.

Help save the cats rescued from Cedarburg home

Cedarburg Police responded to calls about odors coming from a home in Cedarburg after receiving complaints from neighbors last Friday. The conditions in the home were deplorable. Dozens of live cats have been brought to OHS for medical care. Additional cats have been found dead. All of the cats require medical care and OHS is seeking financial help from the community. Read more about these neglect victims and help them today!

A Round of A-Paws to Spay Day Volunteers!

On Tuesday, February 26, 133 animals were sterilized as part of the SNAP program. Twenty-five volunteer veterinarians, vet technicians and assistants worked alongside WHS staff members to help reduce animal overpopulation in our area. A special thank you goes out to Bridget Kirkish, who provided funding for many of Spay Day's supplies. 

A client meets with volunteer veterinarian, Dr. Marla Liechtenberger.	Dr. Randy Zeman and Dr. Jane Pohlman of WHS with Bridget Kirkish

On Tuesday alone, this fantastic group helped to sterilize 133 animals!

SPAY WEEK Volunteer Veterinarians & Vet Techs
Ron Beatty, DVM – My Pet’s Vet
Marla Lichtenberger, DVM
Lorin Shearburn, DVM – New Berlin Animal Hospital
Cindy Wartner, CVT – Best Friends Veterinary Center
Pamela Radabaugh, CVT – Best Friends Veterinary Center
Barb Rossi, DVM – Mobile Vet Care
Laura Pethke, CVT – Pahle Small Animal Clinic
Virgil Baeza - Wisconsin Veterinary Referral Center
Nancy Lindner, DVM – Brentwood Animal Hospital
Nan Boss, DVM – Best Friends Veterinary Center
Dawn Filo, CVT - Forest Home Animal Clinic
Jeffrey Banwart, DVM - Animal ER of Racine
Emily Helms, DVM - Best Friends Veterinary Clinic
Dr. Kelly Kasum- East Towne Vet Clinic
Charmaine Herda - Vet. Assistant, Forest Home Animal Clinic
Mary Pratt, DVM - East Towne Cat Clinic
Jennifer Valerine - Brookfall Animal Hospital
Rebekah Franklin, DVM - Animal Emergency Center
Dionne Waters, DVM - Cherished Companion Mobile Vet
Lindsay Timmerman - WHS volunteer
Cheryl & Daniel Eckholdt - WHS volunteer
Cindy Meyer - WHS volunteer
Patti Vollmer - WHS Volunteer
Stephanie Schultz - WHS Volunteer

.

WHS Opposes Live Animal Lab at Medical College

The Wisconsin Humane Society opposes the live animal lab conducted at the Medical College of Wisconsin. As you may know, MCW has switched from using dogs to pigs in its live animal lab. Please continue to let MCW know that there is no justification for killing any animals in the name of medical education. More than 90 percent of U.S. medical schools no longer offer live animal labs. The Medical College of Wisconsin already has human simulators that could be utilized as a humane alternative in this course. Such simulators have been successfully implemented in curricula nationwide.

We encourage others to contact MCW to voice their opposition:

Richard N. Katschke
Associate Vice President
(414) 456-4748
Katschke@mcw.edu
Office Fax: (414) 456-6166

* Please see below to read more about the recent protest and this lab. *

Voice Your Opposition to Live Animal Labs
The Medical College of Wisconsin is at it again! Despite determined efforts by the Physician's Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM), concerned citizens, and a coalition of animal protection organizations, the Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW) is scheduled to hold another round of unnecessary animal labs in February. We expect that MCW will use and kill about 60 animals during the course. Please join PCRM members and physicians for a demonstration to save these animals on Monday, Feb. 18—the day the lab is scheduled to begin.

What: Doctors lead peaceful demonstration at MCW
When: Mon., Feb. 18, 11 a.m. The lab is scheduled to begin this day.
Location: North 87th St. at MCW’s main entrance (between Watertown Plank Rd. and Wisconsin Ave.), Milwaukee
Parking: Please use public parking on Watertown Plank Rd. or other adjacent streets. Please carpool when possible.

Signs will be provided. Please make sure to dress warmly. No RSVP is required.

Dissection of Live Animals in Education

The Wisconsin Humane Society recognizes the importance of educational pursuits that expand the knowledge and experience of medical students targeted at improving human and animal health. Traditionally, these studies have included performing dissection of live animals. WHS believes, however, that dissection of live animals, when alternatives are available and when no new and substantive information will be created to benefit human and animal health, is inconsistent with a general appreciation of and respect for animal life. Additionally, there is a waste of animal life that results from such procedures.

The Wisconsin Humane Society believes that sophisticated technology exists to create meaningful teaching experiences to replace live animal dissection and such technology is being successfully and exclusively employed in well regarded institutions nationwide. The Wisconsin Humane Society believes that science curricula are available to prepare students to successfully pursue their professions that also promote a respect for animal life.

Saving the Sweet Tempered Pit Bull

A very special conference, Saving the Sweet-Tempered Pit Bull, will be held on Saturday, March 15 from 9:30a.m. to 4:30p.m. at Central Bark Downtown, 420 S. 1st Street, Milwaukee. The event includes speakers, demonstrations and innovative programs from nationally recognized groups that have extensive experience helping Pit Bulls and building safe communities. The goal is to raise awareness about Pit Bulls, encourage people to foster and ultimately, adopt more sweet-natured Pit Bulls. Sponsors of the event include MADACC, the Wisconsin Humane Society, ASPCA, Central Bark and McCabe Group Insurance Services. To see the event flyer and for more details about this exciting event, click here. Register online before it's too late to sign up!

The Winner of WHS' Presidential Rat Race is....

JOHN McCHEESE!

Ratty Giuliani, Hillary Rodent Clinton, John McCheese, BaRat Obama, Mitts Rattney, Mikey HuckaRat and Johnny Edwhiskers were all excellent contenders for the 2008 WHS Presidential Rat Race, but John McCheese made a fast finish and took first place. Johnny Edwhiskers and Ratty Giuliani munched on treats nearby, choosing to withdraw from the race. Thanks to all the terrific staff who helped make our rat race a success!

If you are interested in adopting one of our petite politicians, all the candidates are available for adoption at WHS and can be viewed here.

SPAY DAY 2008 ANNOUNCED!

The Wisconsin Humane Society invites cat guardians to celebrate Spay Day USA by having their cat spayed or neutered on February 26. Spay Day USA is a national day of action to reduce animal overpopulation and thus, prevent animal suffering.

Guardians will be charged veterinary fees on a sliding scale ranging from $10 and up, based on family income, size and other factors. Last year on Spay Day alone, WHS spayed over one hundred cats in an impressive effort. During the week of Spay Day, WHS treated about 250 dogs and cats! This year, WHS veterinarians, volunteer veterinarians and WHS vet technicians will work to surpass last year’s success.

In addition to Spay Day, the Wisconsin Humane Society also offers the Spay Neuter Assistance Program (SNAP), which is the perfect solution for individuals who understand the benefit of spaying or neutering their cat or dog but cannot afford to do so. WHS vets perform the surgery and charge fees based upon a sliding scale, which is geared toward people with low incomes.

To register your cat for Spay Day, please call (414) 431-6132.

The Wisconsin Humane Society is part of a workplace giving organization called Community Shares of Greater Milwaukee.  Community Shares of Greater Milwaukee (formerly ACHOICE) is Milwaukee’s only workplace giving federation with an emphasis on Social Change, Economic Justice and Environmental Awareness – with its focus completely on conditions in metropolitan Milwaukee. Founded in 1981, its mission is to build a community that ensures social equity and a healthy environment by connecting donors with issues they are passionate about.  Its agencies address a range of issues including: animal welfare, crime and drug abuse, racism, sexism, homophobia, unemployment, the environment, urban violence, homelessness, civil liberties, housing, voter education, child abuse, needs of the elderly and the education of our children.

Community Shares of Greater Milwaukee formerly participated in United Way’s Donor Choice program.  As of Fall 2006, Community Shares of Greater Milwaukee started running their own workplace giving campaigns and no longer participate in United Way’s Donor Choice program.  Therefore, it is not possible to donate to the Wisconsin Humane Society through Donor Choice.   However, Community Shares does participate in the Federal, State and University, City, County, Milwaukee Public Schools, or MATC, employees’ work place giving campaigns that are administered by United Way.  As a result, funds donated by these workers through the Combined Federal, State, and local campaigns can be designated to Wisconsin Humane Society through Community Shares.  Employees of these agencies can find a list of Community Shares Agencies in the Campaign brochures provided by their employer.

If your workplace is interested in conducting a Community Shares workplace giving campaign, please contact Ellen Clark at eclark@wihumane.org or 414-431-6106.