It’s not always about domestic animals at HAWS. Some days we wonder: are we being Punk’d?!? Just all in a day’s work at your favorite local Humane Society….
A call came into the shelter one evening in mid-September from the City of Waukesha Police Department. A young adult ferret out for a stroll had wandered into one of Waukesha’s adult beverage proprietors. He was unable to show proper I.D. – actually, he wasn’t wearing pants so he had no pockets to keep I.D. in anyway.
Being responsible barkeeps, the management called the police to report this obviously underage citizen, and in turn, Waukesha’s finest called HAWS to assist with the apprehension. (Possibly the handcuffs were too large?)
The ferret was brought back to the shelter. He was admitted to HAWS "sick bay" and nursed back to good health, while making friends with another ferret hangin’ at HAWS for a time. Shortly he was adopted along with his new ferret buddy. Hopefully the 2 boys will stay out of trouble and not become regulars at any other local taverns. At least not until they’re old enough. And can climb up on the stools properly.
BUT WAIT! THERE’S MORE!
Peeping Tom Apprehended in Waukesha
No “fowl” play was involved in the safe return of a turkey to its home in November. A report of a wandering bird turned into the apprehension of a literal Peeping Tom. A male Red Bourbon domestic turkey was hanging around a Pewaukee Road office park, looking into windows. Several employees reported the feathered marauder to HAWS.
Mark Hess, HAWS Operations Manager and known wildlife wrangler, responded to the area. “I approached him, tucked him under my arm and loaded him into our van. It was pretty obvious this bird was used to humans.”
HAWS staff was concerned that this bird’s fate would be as a Thanksgiving feast. So, Mark went out to knock on a few doors in the neighborhood to search for the owner. Hess knew he’d found the right place when he drove into a driveway to see several chickens and, yes, about a dozen turkeys in the backyard. The tom’s owner was ecstatic to hear her baby, whom she’d raised from a chick, was safe and sound. Bird and owner were reunited later that day, and the prized pet was home in plenty of time to be part of the family’s Thanksgiving festivities -- just not as the main course.
AND NOT TO BE OUTDONE…
The Christmas Goose also made an appearance at HAWS earlier this winter. A gentleman found the barnyard variety bird near his home in the Town of Genesee. He wanted to take the bird to a farm but, alas, wasn’t acquainted with any farmers. So, the bird arrived at HAWS needing a new roost, and not one labeled “General Electric.” HAWS staff contacted a lady from Iron Ridge who had a hobby farm and was looking for more avian residents. The goose is now happily flocking with other birds of her feather.
By the way – Valentine’s Day is coming which can be a tough holiday for your pets: keep the chocolates, wine and lit candles out of reach, and don’t let them tangle with rose thorns or other fresh flower arrangements. All you need is love – not a trip to the emergency vet! And don't forget the other important holiday this month: SPAY DAY USA, February 26th!
