Wisconsin Humane Society

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Therese Holzem, Greg Branson and Billie Baker from Wells Fargo Advantage Funds dropped off several boxes of donations for the animals at WHS on Friday, November 7. Their fall fundraiser was a great success; the employees raised nearly $6,000 for WHS, in addition to collecting a myriad of Wish List donations. Thanks, Wells Fargo!

Honey Bear Greets Firefighter Who Saved Her Life

When Honey Bear was brought to the Wisconsin Humane Society, we weren’t sure she’d survive the night. The six-month-old puppy had been trapped in a Milwaukee house fire, unable to escape a basement, which was quickly filling with smoke. Firefighter Scott Rightmyre with Engine 24 made his way into the basement and spotted the dog hiding under the bed. He bravely pulled her out and brought her to safety.

Honey Bear was in really bad shape when she arrived. Her eyes burned painfully and she was constantly wheezing and coughing due to carbon monoxide poisoning. Honey Bear was given medicine to alleviate the pain and Dr. Marla Lichtenberger administered a thorough examination. The doctor was relieved to discover that Honey Bear’s lungs had no permanent damage or burns. After several weeks of recovery, Honey Bear is breathing well and playing even better! Rightmyre, his son, Aiden, and a few friends dropped by yesterday to see Honey Bear.

Thanks to the brave efforts of one local firefighter, Honey Bear’s future is looking brighter every day!

Northwestern Mutual Employees Nominate WHS for Donation

The Wisconsin Humane Society received a $5,000 grant from the Northwestern Mutual Foundation on behalf of Karen Gimbel, Diane Paprocki, Becky Klessig, Lorraine Huth and Holly Hopton, all Northwestern Mutual employees and active supporters of the Wisconsin Humane Society. The gift is part of the company’s second annual community giving program, Days of Sharing, which encourages all employees to nominate local nonprofits for grants. Pictured at left are Karen and Paul Gimbel, who have also been dedicated volunteers for nearly ten years!

Vivian and Boris were delighted to attend a puppet show on Election Day at WHS.

For the November 4 presidential election, MY VOTE PERFORMS (MVP) produced performance art at several polling places in the City of Milwaukee. The performance art pieces were about citizenship and voting. MVP is nonpartisan and approved by the State Elections Board and Milwaukee Election Commission.

At WHS, the animals were entertained with a humorous puppet show, entitled, “Because You Vote," written and directed by Michael Pettit, featuring five animals all vying for the right to vote. An articulate frog served as an interpreter for the picketers; many of whom appear to be lab-ertarians.

Litter of Kittens Among 14 Cats Surrendered to WHS
Wisconsin Humane Society Notes Increase in
Surrendered Animals

Molly and her five baby kittens were among fourteen cats surrendered by a single family last week to the Wisconsin Humane Society. The 5-week-old black and white kittens are named Pumpkin, Elvira, Boo, Candy Corn and Casper. The kittens and their mother will go into foster care until they are old enough for adoption; the other adult cats will be spayed or neutered, microchipped and vaccinated before becoming available.

The Wisconsin Humane Society has noticed a sharp increase in overall animal surrenders the last few weeks. Nearly 200 more animals were surrendered in September 2008 than in September 2007 and like all fourteen of the cats surrendered, many of them have never been spayed or neutered, thus contributing to the animal overpopulation problem.

There are many cats and kittens looking for new homes this month. The Wisconsin Humane Society is open Tuesday – Friday 10:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m., Saturday 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. and Sunday 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Click here to see adorable cats and kittens who are currently available for adoption.

Congratulations to Penny, the Husky mix!
She was the 500th dog adopted and has joined the Bennetts as their newest family member. The Bennetts received some great prizes which will give Penny a great start in her new home. Thanks to everyone who helped make Adopt-a-Dog Month a great success.

A Caravan of Costumed Canines

Our Halloween parade of costumed canines was a howlin' good time! Visitors at WHS got to see
little lobsters, princesses, bunnies and other dogs-in-disguise strut their stuff. Thanks go to our
amazing volunteers for helping show off our adorable shelter guests, who are available for adoption!


Timithea got to be a police pooch.	Pip loved his little pumpkin outfit.	Ace was festive in a Santa suit.

"I LOVE being a lobster!"	Spongebob was Jack Sparrow's alter ego.	Dan escorted Hilary, aka. Mrs. Claus.

Josie was busy as a bee greeting visitors.	That's one hot dog! Check out his buns!	Vincent was all set for a nap in his jammies.


The volunteers had a great time, too!	Our little lobster, Olive, is one of many Beagles available for adoption this month!

Interested in a little friend or two?
Adopt any small animal during October and the fee is waived on a second! Many animals do best if they have a buddy, so you'll double their happiness! This offer only applies to small animals who are currently being housed together. Additionally, purchase a complete gently-used aquarium or bird cage set-up for $15, while supplies last and we'll waive the entire adoption fee! This offer does not include guinea pig or rabbit habitats.

Were you cruisin' for a cause this past weekend? The 2008 Paws & Claws Gala at Pier Wisconsin was held on September 20. The gala was a fantastic evening of silent and live auctions, dinner by Bartolotta's and a terrific program that included a PAL demonstration and a visit by a very special dog, Mattie.

Congratulations to our winners of the $500, 42" LG plasma television and 105th Anniversary Harley Davidson motorcycle. All the winners have been notified. All of the proceeds from the gala will go directly to benefit the animals of the Wisconsin and Ozaukee Humane Societies. We hope you had a great time and we'll see you next year!


Tony & Cookie Enea	Jennifer & Joe Bartolotta	Sandy & Phil Cianciola

Herb Hillman & May Belle	George Dalton & Tony Enea	Linda Hotz & Margy Stratton


Wayne & Janet Dalton, Ryan Decker	Angela Rester, George & Pauline Dalton	Stacy & Ryan Guthrie, Victoria Wellens


Elaine Garrett greets mounted Milwaukee Police officers.	Michele Tegen & May Belle

Frankie and May Belle meet.	Sheila Semrou & Silky

Jon Schlagenhaft and Curt Stern were avid animal lovers and supported the Wisconsin Humane Society’s lifesaving endeavors. This past summer, their friends named WHS’ Canine Country Club after Jon and Curt’s beloved dog, Pudgie, in honor of their birthdays. Jon and Curt will be deeply missed. If you would like to make a donation to the Wisconsin Humane Society in memory of Jon and Curt, please click here.

Calendar Contest Winner Announced!

This fabulous photo of the perfect car ride won the hearts of many voters. Congratulations to Ditto's family and everyone who won a spot in the 2009 WHS/OHS calendar!

The remaining top twelve photos, shown below, will be featured as full-page, monthly stars. Photos that were among the first 500 received will be placed throughout the calendar.

Be one of the first to get your calendar! Pre-order your calendars now and get them before the holiday season.

DUE TO INCLEMENT WEATHER, PETS DAY HAS BEEN POSTPONED. THE NEW DATE IS SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 28.

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.

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

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!

Tribute To Animals

During a weekend of wild weather, the skies amazingly cleared during our Tribute to Animals on Saturday, June 7, 2008. 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!

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.

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.