A homeowner in Waukesha for 20 years, Steve is president of the Waukesha Dog Parks Organization and enjoys motorcycling, fishing and staying on top of politics.
I was nearly blown off my feet when I found out that HAWS was receiving nearly a million dollar bequest. Congratulations!
Most people probably know HAWS as the Humane Society. The place that takes stray and unwanted pets. What people may not know is that there are many grass roots organizations, called Rescues, that perform similar work. Sometimes with specific animals types or breeds. Sometimes not.
Tina and Dawn have operated a cat and kitten rescue and recently celebrated their fiftieth adoption this weekend. The cats that they have are checked by a veterinarian for good health, monitored at a foster home and then made available at Aquatic World in Oconomowoc. A background check is made of the people wanting to adopt a cat to insure that they go to a good home and don't end up for any other purpose than being a pet.
It is a labor of love. However some people think that it is a business and want to donate cats. Wrong! While working with the cats can be an enjoyable experience, it would be preferable to have no unwanted pets so that rescues were not necessary.
The message to spay and neuter your pet is a message of love. If you intend to breed or show your pet, then yours may be an exception. Either way, love your pet.
While I'm on that message, I have to admit to a bit of jealousy on the part of the bequest to HAWS. You see, I'm head of the Waukesha Dog Parks Organization. I've long believed that dogs need unleashed exercise. It seems to me that getting dogs adopted is not enough. Providing for what has been bred into them is necessary too.
Presently the only off leash dog parks in Waukesha County are the city of Brookfield's Mitchell Park and the city of Waukesha's Dog Run. The county is working on one in Minooka Park which is expected to open next month and plans are for another in Nashotah Park and possibly other county parks. However, private money is necessary to make these happen and to create improvements within them such as drinking water for the dogs and other things.
I recently visited the Humane Society in Freeport Illinois. It is located on the edge of town and has several acres for dogs to get that exercise they need. It is a model for other Humane Societies.
There are lots of causes looking for money. Dog Parks and Rescues are some of them!
