The Fur (& Feather!) Flyer

When "Hot Car!" Isn't a Cool Thing

Humane Animal Welfare Society — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 08:58:00 GMT

We all know that summer usually doesn't show up in Wisconsin until about...now. Summer can be a GREAT time to interact with your pet! But bringing your best friend along on road trips, even to the grocery store, can be deadly.

Many have seen the demonstrations on TV. On a typical summer day a reporter parks his car in the sun, cracks the windows an inch or 2, and sets a thermometer inside to watch the dramatic rise in temperature. Amazingly (or maybe not since we've seen this a lot), the inside of the car goes from warm to toasty to downright dangerous within minutes - less time than it takes to get that gallon of milk or bottle of soda.

Imagine being stuck inside the car. Without car keys. Or thumbs.

Keep in mind, I don't advise that you actually do this, but you might get an idea of what your pet is going through alone in your car in the summer heat by bundling up as though you were going out in one of our great snowstorms from this past winter (don't forget the wool socks). Then, sit in your car in the sun, with the windows cracked about 3 inches. When you start sweating, remember that dogs and cats don't sweat like we do, so do some panting. Bark intermittently if you like. And jump from seat to seat hoping someone will notice. Had enough yet?

Hot cars kill pets.

If you see an animal in distress in a parking lot this summer, don't be afraid to help. Go into the store and ask the management to page the owner. Call us at HAWS or the police in the area for assistance.

If you don't have to, don't take your pet along in the car, either. With gas prices (and safety) being what they are, no longer can we leave the car running with the A/C on while doing errands. Your pet will be more comfortable in your home, near a bowl of water.

And a nice fan.

By the way - it bears repeating: Its fireworks season. Keep the safety and mental well-being of your pet in mind while the shows are going! Pets should be safely inside - and try turning the TV or radio on to help deaden the outside noise for them. Then, reward them for their bravery with a nice picnic and walk in the park. Have a great July 4th holiday!

Lost Birds of a Feather

Humane Animal Welfare Society — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 08:47:44 GMT

Typically when we think of "stray" animals, a lost dog or cat comes to mind. But a few other species come into HAWS as strays every once in awhile - and whenever that happens it is difficult to reunite them with their owners. While dogs and cats often wear collars with I.D. tags, or even have identifying microchips, companion pets like birds usually do not have I.D.!

We have been able to reunite lost pet birds with their owners, but it is usually more from luck than planning.

Many birds that are kept as house pets have their wings clipped. Doing this will keep the animal from going too far, if the owner keeps up with clipping, but it will not ground them completely. Don't be fooled into thinking you can take your pet bird outside on your shoulder and expect it to stay put, either. Any animal can be startled at any time by just about anything.

Bird owners can do a few things to assist with the recapture of their pet if it goes missing.

Take plenty of pictures - not only is this fun, but it will help with identifying. While Cockatiels, Love Birds and Parakeets are common, not everyone knows what they look like.
Know your bird - be able to give very accurate and complete descriptions, not only of how your bird looks but of it's actions or particular habits.
Keep track of the digits - if you do have a banded or microchipped bird, keep those numbers handy, and when you give a missing report be sure to mention them!
Get the word out - as soon as your bird goes missing, let as many places and people know as possible. Cover your neighborhood with posters and flyers so people keep an eye out for your pet. Call us, local pet shops, vet clinics, even bird hotlines.

When a bird goes missing in our area, it's chances are not good! Our climate and area wildlife make the outdoors an unsafe place for companion birds. So, being prepared and acting quickly are the best ways to ensure a happy ending to a scary situation.

By the way - the fireworks are coming! Even the most well-adjusted dog or cat can be afraid while the rockets red glare - keep your pets inside during fireworks displays in your area. If your pets must be outside, have them securely tethered to a leash - with you on the other end as reassurance.

It's Raining...Cats!

Humane Animal Welfare Society — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 09:49:42 GMT

With the warmer temperatures marking the return of summer in our area, we at HAWS "celebrate" another momentus occasion: It's KITTEN SEASON!

No, really.

For whatever reason - be it evolution, Darwinism or simple common sense - mother cats in this area seem to limit their breeding to the warmer months. The result is that about April 1st we start to see our first newborns, and by early June HAWS is literally crawling with cats. If you want to bring a kitten into your family, now is the time - every color and hair-length imaginable arrives at the shelter, making it easy to find just what you're looking for.

But, the very sad down side to this time of year is that the adult cats in the shelter often get overlooked. Sure kittens are fun, but they are lots of work - while most of the adult cats are just ready to settle in with you and be loved. Another advantage to adopting an adult cat is that their personalities are known. Is this cat social, playful, or a lazy lapcat? No need to wonder how the adult cat will "turn out."

If you're in the market for a feline, please don't look past that gorgeous, well-mannered 6 year-old and fixate on the cute little bundles of fuzz. Try them both on for size and consider all your options. You may be surprised at what you fall in love with. Addy, Clarence, Fritz & Rosie, Missy, Milo, and Isabella are just a few of the cats that would love to meet you.

By the way - lately the dogs from the Michael Vick case have been in the news, as some are now going up for adoption. Amazing what love, socialization and training can do for a very misunderstood breed! If you're a Pit Bull fan, or would like to meet some great members of the Pit family (other than Brad and Angelina), stop by our shelter and say hi to Bruno, Princess and Will. And ask Tracey how Hannah is doing!

Water-Logged and Your Dog

Humane Animal Welfare Society — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 08:20:32 GMT

Uncle, we say, uncle!

We've been very fortunate at HAWS that we are not in an area that has standing water or flooding issues - thank heavens for higher ground.

Although, a flood in our building right now would be par for the course for our spring so far! Apparently the prevailing wisdom is we've been through enough for the time being. Whew!

We can't miss this opportunity, however, to remind dog and cat owners of a few serious issues that can greatly affect our pets.

HAVE A PLAN
Do you have a disaster plan in place that includes your pets? If and when you may need to evacuate in the time of an emergency, don't forget arrangements for your animal family members. During the Katrina evacuation it became very apparent that there are not many places that will welcome both people AND their pets in an emergency. The best thing you can do is to check into facilities that will welcome your pets, before it is needed. What hotel chains welcome pets? Are there boarding facilities that will accept "drop-offs" without a reservation? What vet care/vaccinations are required for your pet? For helpful hints on planning, check out this link to the Humane Society of the United States' website.

SPEAKING OF VET CARE...
Annual exams and vaccinations are a must for your pets. But, maybe more importantly:

DON'T FORGET HEARTWORM PREVENTATIVE!!!!!

Heartworm is transmitted by mosquitos - and with all of the water pooling around us lately, there is plenty of fertile ground for our state bird to reproduce. Humans aren't the only ones bothered by the bites - if your dog or cat isn't on heartworm preventative and is bitten by a mosquito carrying the disease, it can be fatal. (And it isn't a pleasant experience for them - just ask your vet to see pictures of an animal's heart infested with heartworm. You can visit Wikipedia for some basic starter info - but don't stop here, go to your vet for the best, up-to-date info!)

Don't forget, too, that even if your cat is always inside the house, that isn't a guarantee against mosquito bites. Somehow those pests manage to find their way in. Unfortunately!

By the way - we're having a party! Stop by the HAWS shelter at 701 Northview Road, Waukesha this Wednesday, June 11th between 5-7:00pm and join us as we thank EVERYONE for helping us through our recent dog illness. There will be food, fun, and some special guests - don't miss it!

Parade of Adoptable Pets

Humane Animal Welfare Society — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 16:08:00 GMT

We were unable to have the Parade of Adoptables at our Walkathon this past May...so here's an electronic version! All of these featured pets are available for adoption at HAWS - stop by any day to visit! We are open 7 days/week beginning at 1:00pm for viewing. Log onto our website for adoption information and a downloadable application.

BLANCHE
Blanche is a raven beauty. As a former stray, her past is mysterious, but we've found her to be a wonderful sweet cat. She has been spayed, and we believe her to be about 6 years old.

LARRY
Meow-wow! Larry is about 8 years old, neutered and ready to take up residence on your couch. A short hair, he will also require little grooming - just daily petting and attention and he'll be all set.

PEGGY
How can you resist that face?! Peggy is ready for fun - this active girl would love to find a forever home, possibly with a doggie playmate. About 5 years old, Peggy is ready to show you how much love Pit Bulls have to give. Peggy has been spayed.

REX
Rex is an adult male Mini Rex rabbit. He has been neutered. House rabbits like Rex make fabulous companions - do your research and find out the joys of house rabbit ownership. Did you know rabbits can be litter trained?! Wow!

By the way - be sure your pets are on heartworm and tick preventatives - we have loads of mosquitos and ticks in our area this summer - an ounce of prevention is definitely worth the pound of cure when it comes to your pets!!!

We're baaaaack!

Humane Animal Welfare Society — Tue, 27 May 2008 13:50:06 GMT

Our dogs are back available for adoption today! Many emotions come to mind - excitement, relief, cautious optimism...

It will probably take us a few days to get back to "normal."

The paint in our freshly scrubbed, sandblasted and sealed adoption wards is still drying.

We're still getting things settled with our off-site stray facility so we can resume those operations here at the HAWS building by next week.

Our staff is still going strong, but showing a little fatigue. (What would we do without our volunteers?!?! And pizza delivery services?!)

It has been a tough few weeks for HAWS. But, through it all, our community has been overwhelmingly supportive of us, and that has really carried us through. We asked for donations, patience and understanding, and the public gave us all three - in spades! The local media has been concerned for us, and are now excited at our kennel's re-opening. The animal welfare community has stepped forward to assist in any way they can. It seems that people in any kind of position to help have done just that.

Funny how in the midst of trying times there are some very bright spots. We live in a very special community - our area is full of people who are genuinely concerned for their neighbors.

Our most sincere thanks to everyone who has been there for us - from all of the paws at HAWS! Welcome back to the shelter - we'll see you soon!

By the way - with summer coming, so is our Kids'N Critters summer day camp. Or, sign up the entire family to volunteer at HAWS. Visit our website to learn of what YOU can do to spend your summer vacation with us at HAWS! Now THAT will make for a great essay come fall...

A True Friend of HAWS

Humane Animal Welfare Society — Wed, 21 May 2008 15:27:53 GMT

We lost a friend of HAWS this past weekend - a person who was integral to our beginning and our continued success.

Romey Schoeninger, co-founder of HAWS and life-long animal welfare advocate, died this past weekend at the age of 92. Her passing wasn't unexpected as she had been in hospice care, but it is still sad to know she is gone. We'll miss her phone calls of support and humor, her very sage advice, and her passion for our work here at HAWS.

Last fall the Wisconsin Federated Humane Societies gave Romey their Eugene Kable Humanitarian Award. This honor is only given on occassion when someone deserves the distinction because of their long-term public commitment to animal welfare. It is the highest achievement award presented by WFHS. The honoree is noted for their pioneering work, devotion, compassion and kindness. (In some of our opinions, giving Romey this award was the definition of a "no-brainer"!)

Romey was one of the area citizens who got HAWS going in 1965, and she was close by all throughout the past 43 years making sure we were on the right track. Even through tough times she could be counted on to be a clear and reasonable advocate. Not surprisingly, she was not one to take the credit that was due to her, but was quick to point out others who have been instrumental in HAWS success.

But her personal opinions and guidance were still very important to us. One staff member noted that after a tumultous time in the shelter's past, Romey gave that staffer her blessing to go back to working at HAWS. "It's okay - they are on track and things are going well." If Romey said it was okay, that was all that was needed. That staffer will celebrate a 10-year anniversary with HAWS soon - and hopes to be around much longer to help continue HAWS' legacy.

Thank you, Romey, from all of your admirers, both 2- and 4-legged. HAWS will miss you! It is our hope that we at HAWS will honor you with our work for many years to come.

Listen to our Stream

Humane Animal Welfare Society — Tue, 13 May 2008 14:24:54 GMT

As a participant in a recent expo, HAWS received some internet-stream advertising on a local radio station. While our actual commercial had to be abbreviated, the concept took us on a few tangents...our apologies to the restaurant personnel who didn't enjoy the creative process as much as we did!

"Mr. Sparkle Collar" - Unused Bits

REX: You look great, Rex. How's the new family?

SPIKE: They're the best. There's a couple of big ones and a couple of little ones...kinda loud, but I'm glad I found them at HAWS!

REX: I got a hiker - Dog, we are in the woods all the time! I'm glad I found him at HAWS, too. (Conspiratorially to SPIKE): Oh, great, here comes Mr. Sparkle-collar...

Mr. Sparkle Collar: Hey guys! What's a "HAWS"?

SPIKE: You WISH you knew about HAWS...

Mr. Sparkle Collar: Oh, HAWS - I have four of ‘em!

SPIKE: Those are paws, Mr. Pedigree... HAWS is the Humane Animal Welfare Society of Waukesha County.

REX: It's a great place to find your new family...

SPIKE: ...And to learn how to take care of your humans.

REX: You know the place - over by the airport in Waukesha.

Mr. Sparkle Collar: With all the big birds?

REX: Those are planes, fuzzhead!

SPIKE (quietly to REX): Clearly some over-breeding in this one...

REX: You know, Waukesha has grown so much that HAWS is growing, too.

SPIKE: I've heard that! I also heard that besides taking care of animals, more than 31,000 people visit HAWS each year...

Mr. Sparkle Collar: That's a lot of humans!

SPIKE: ...and a lot of ‘em are looking for dogs, cats and even small animals like iguanas.

Mr. Sparkle Collar (shudders): Iguanas scare me...

REX (quietly to SPIKE): His shadow scares him... [to Mr. Sparkle Collar] Iguanas are cool, even if they are bigger than you...

By the way: You can click on the Listen Live link on The Hog's website and you'll hear the actual commercial promoting our facility expansion, in rotation. We are still working to acheive our fundraising goal of $1.86 million dollars - join us!

From “Not our Favorite Week” to Happy Tails

Humane Animal Welfare Society — Tue, 06 May 2008 15:36:31 GMT

Last week at HAWS we were excitedly gearing up for our 25^th Anniversary Pet Walkathon on Saturday when...WHAMMO!

Streptococcus zooepidemicus bacterium.

It was a small bit of a relief getting word of the exact name of the mystery illness that took the lives of 7 dogs in our shelter. We only had more questions: Were the 2 dogs who were alive but showing symptoms going to make it? Did we find out the treatment protocols soon enough to contain the illness from the rest of our dogs? What else do we need to do? How do you educate everyone about something that's still very much unknown?

Meanwhile, Bella and Raymond were not doing well. Our kennel lead was occasionally making disruptive noises outside of Bella's cage - to roust her awake and "make sure she was still with us." When you are used to hearing barking and being greeted by jumping and general canine excitement, it is devastating to see a dog that doesn't even have the energy to lift its head to acknowledge you.

What else could we do but administer meds, clean, wait, and hope?

On Sunday morning our caretakers first started noticing a marked improvement in Bella and Raymond's conditions. We knew they were holding steady once the first meds were given, but the wagging tails on Monday morning were just what the doctor ordered.

Bella and Raymond were outside today for photo ops with the local media.

It has never been so great to get doggy kisses.

By the way - HAWS is still OPEN - the only part of our facility that is on restriction is the dog kennel. Please stop in - especially if you are looking to adopt a cat, rabbit or other small animal. We are also gratefully accepting any donations to get us through - bleach, money to cover medications and tests...thanks in advance for your help!

The Tale of Chris, Buddy and Pat

Humane Animal Welfare Society — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 13:51:02 GMT

Chris was a young human full of enthusiasm for life. A newly-minted adult with stable employment and living alone, Chris decided to bring home a pet. Chris looked in the paper, got a new pet named Buddy, and all was good.

Except Chris didn't have the amount of time needed to spend with Buddy. Buddy spent lots of hours home alone, and when Chris was home, they didn't work together on learning proper pet behaviors. Chris decided that, living alone, these otherwise unacceptable behaviors were fine, cute actually, and left Buddy to grow up into an adult pet, not knowing any better.

Sometime later, enter Pat. Pat and Chris fell in love. Even though Pat wasn't crazy about the way Buddy acted, Pat put up with Buddy because Pat loved Chris. Besides, now that there were the 2 of them, Chris and Pat could work with Buddy together. What a great way to bond!

But Buddy's bad behaviors were now learned behaviors and ingrained habits - hard habits to break after so much time. Despite working with Buddy when Chris and Pat weren't at work or doing Chris and Pat together things, Buddy's behavior didn't improve much. Chris and Pat forgot they could call us at HAWS for help. (We even have a staff trainer/behaviorist that does 1-on-1 sessions!)

More time passed, and Chris and Pat decided to have a family. Buddy didn't realize that humans and animals are different, and tried to treat the new little human, Jamie, like a littermate. Chris and Pat decided that Buddy and Jamie couldn't co-exist, and Buddy would have to go.

Buddy came to HAWS with this profile: "Buddy is wonderful and an awesome pet...but doesn't know how to act properly around humans. Buddy needs work on this and that. Buddy may have to live in a home with only adult humans." Chris and Pat pleaded with the staff not to put Buddy to sleep, ever, and the HAWS staff promised to try their best! But with Buddy's profile, they couldn't make any guarantees. Immediately Buddy started working with HAWS' trainers and socializers, in hopes of making Buddy more adoptable. Buddy joined the other available pets in the shelter looking for homes.

Chris, Pat, Jamie and Buddy's situation isn't unique. A very common reason given for relinquishing a pet to us at HAWS is "not enough time." When there's not enough time to train, care for, or work the pet into a busy life, the pet most often is the one that loses out.

Actually, Chris could have done a few things from the beginning to change this scenario. A pet is a commitment for a lifetime - and with many pets living 12-18 years and longer, the pet owner needs to think about where life might take them over that time. Going to get married? Have a family? Move to a different place? Start working different hours? Thinking logically now may avert the trauma later. And take the time early on in your relationship with your pet to train and set guidelines. A little hard work now can really pay off later on.

By the way - Buddy wonders what happened to Chris, Pat and Jamie. Our hope is that every Buddy will find a new Chris, Pat and Jamie, and live happily ever after. And we have seminars and classes galore at HAWS to help make your relationship work, so YOUR Buddy hopefully doesn't have to end up in a shelter.

Don't Touch - No Matter How Tempting!

Humane Animal Welfare Society — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 14:13:37 GMT

“I have every confidence that there will be a revival of activity in the spring, and that during this coming year the country will make steady progress." - Andrew Mellon (1855 - 1937) financier, philanthropist

We’ll leave the steady progress of the country to other blogs, but at HAWS we can certainly vouch for the “revival of activity” part!

Spring in the animal welfare business means several things, notably kittens, increased foot traffic from the winter hermits venturing back out into the world, kittens, more stray dogs who’ve gone out to see what’s changed since the snow melted, kittens, and increased wildlife encounters. Spring is a time of rebirth and renewal – for almost every species.

This time of year, our phone calls increase dramatically regarding what should be done with wildlife that is found. Here’s the short answer:

Don’t touch! No, really, leave them alone.

Most wildlife that is thought to be “abandoned” is actually being very closely watched, and there is a mother hiding nearby. Wildlife youngsters of all kinds need to learn to be on their own – and they get to practice, with guidance from adults. (Hmmm, sounds familiar...)

Parent animals RARELY abandon healthy offspring. They will leave their youth hidden while foraging for food, sometimes only returning at dawn and dusk. They stay away so as not to advertise the presence of their young to any predators that might be wandering by - smart!

Some myths/hints: it is not true that parents will reject their young because a human has touched it, but you should still resist the urge to handle wildlife. A feathered, young bird may or may not be able to fly, but unless it is obviously ill or injured the parent bird will continue to care for it. Most important rule of thumb: Keep kids and pets away.

If your dog - or lawn mower – does find a nest of cottontails, young birds, or other species, before doing anything contact us at HAWS. Or you can speak with our friends at the Wildlife in Need Center – they have licensed rehabilitators available to step in if needed.

By the way – wildlife do NOT make good housepets. Don’t even go there. We’re bursting at the seams with appropriate companion pets at HAWS – stop by ASAP!

"Don't Let the Cat Out of the Bag"

Humane Animal Welfare Society — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 15:30:10 GMT

“If we start at the beginning and limit the breeding, we can change the equation in hopes to balance it.”

That’s a quote from a presentation created by the Lead to Succeed Program at Waukesha North High School. Lead to Succeed is a student interactive program which helps direct students to a better future, and assist in their community while doing so. The program is produced by Community Connections Consulting and funded by UW-Waukesha.

This group of students is working to make a difference in the pet overpopulation problem in Waukesha County. Through a pilot project with us at HAWS, they are doing presentations to community leaders (one in particular on Wednesday, April 16^th, at the HAWS shelter) about HAWS’ Owned Outdoor Cat Program: our SNIP clinic provides free spay or neuter surgeries for the cats in Waukesha County that are part of outdoor/barn or feral cat populations.

The students are hoping to promote awareness of what pet overpopulation can truly mean – more euthanasia as a result of there not being enough room in shelters for all the cats that are being born.

That reality was tough for the students to swallow at first! So, the group was asked to develop a program to help get the word out. Their campaign is titled “Don’t Let the Cat Out of the Bag.” Some of their main points include:

· As our community changes from rural to urban, many cats are left homeless. The cats that live in the rural areas are forced to move into our growing developments, thus making them a nuisance. This causes problems for the cats as well, since many are suffering from lack of nourishment.

· Community involvement in stemming pet overpopulation makes our area a brighter and better place - knowing that we are that much closer to solving this problem.

Lead to Succeed students, you rock! And we can tell you understand our mission at HAWS, too, since this quote is also from your presentation:

“Without humane education there is little hope in changing the future.”

By the way: anyone can help with curbing pet overpopulation! Spay and neuter, or just spread the word about how important it is - you'll save lives, and your pet will be happier and healthier.

Still Walking...After 25 Years!

Humane Animal Welfare Society — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 13:54:12 GMT

Today it is exactly one month until HAWS’ Annual Pet Walkathon – which is on May 3^rd, from 9am until 3pm at Waukesha’s Minooka Park.

The Walk is always a special event for us – we call it our “celebration of pets and their people.” It is a day full of fun with our pets - dogs mostly, although we have one donor that brings his turtle and they do an amazing job of fundraising together! We walk, play, shop and socialize, all in support of HAWS.

The event started as a dog walk, with no tent and just a handful of picnic tables (check out the historical pix in our most recent newsletter). It has grown to a full-fledged festival with vendors, pet competitions and demos, a lure course, celebrity guests, special recognition ceremonies, a Parade of HAWS’ Adoptable Pets and much more.   This year our Walk is celebrating a special anniversary – it is our 25^th year of walking, and our paws STILL aren’t tired!

Speaking of tired, tire-LESS is the best word to describe the organizers of this event – all of whom are volunteers, too. Nancy is our event chair/goddess who keeps it all together, Chris zooms around in a golf cart keeping everyone happy as our day-of-the-event-captain, Sandy Z. and Zona make sure everyone is fed! Martha and Roger keep the registration area running smoothly, Fred and Sandy H. corral and coordinate the day-of volunteers, Maria will show you where to park…I’m forgetting someone, I’m sure, because this event takes many, many, MANY hands…

A neat highlight also this year is the German Shepherd Club of Wisconsin - one group that has been with us almost since the beginning. In 2008 they are celebrating their 20^th year of participation in the HAWS walk, and we couldn’t be happier to have them with us! This group alone has raised over $66,000 during their years of Walking.

Known local animal welfare supporter Marilynn Mee, from 96.5 WKLH middays, is recruiting team members and raising funds for us. Today’s TMJ4 Weather Plus meteorologist, Brian Gotter will be joining the fun and emceeing several of our competitions…including a lunchtime mini-race by the Milwaukee Brewers Baseball Club’s Famous Racing Sausages! And, if that weren’t enough, everyone’s favorite sea dog, Roscoe from the Milwaukee Admirals, will also be on hand in the afternoon.   We’d love it if YOU’D join us, too! Come and celebrate our love of pets and what they mean to us.

By the way – our chief blogger is out until 4/15, presumably collecting Walkathon pledges. Pace yourself with this entry – or join in (on foot or online!) and fundraise along with us! See you on May 3^rd at Minooka.

March Madness hits at HAWS

Humane Animal Welfare Society — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 15:49:00 GMT

Normally HAWS promotes a Pet of the Week. But, like most everyone else, we’ve become victims of March Madness! So, in the spirit of the season, we’re presenting…

...HAWS very own “Sweet Sixteen”

HAWS bracket is complete! We have some lively competition and a few genuine underdogs (get it? Under DOGS!), but overall it is a strong field.

Representing the Northwest Region are Dash the Westie, Alaster the Collie/Shepherd, Piggy the Pit Bull and Wilbur the Rottweiler (both pictured). We expect a strong showing from Dash, but don’t be surprised if Wilbur makes things interesting in this region.

From the Southwest we have Carter the Lab (pictured), Vince and Oliver the young Pit Bulls, and the Dynamic Duo of Cagney and Lacey – this Poodle and Shih Tzu combo are veterans and will make it hard for the boys to advance beyond the first round.

Out of the Northeast are Sonny the Terrier mix, Xena the Husky, Bella the Beagle and Wren the Lab. This region shows the most diversity within our bracket. It will be anybody’s horse race coming out of the Northeast!

Finally, rounding out the field from the Southeast are Josh the Terrier (pictured), Red the Lab/Terrier, Mocha the Lab and Captain, also a Lab. The early favorite is Mocha, with Red turning some heads and changing some minds…

Okay, no, we’re not having an actual tournament – and, honestly, there are no losers in this bracket! We are, however, using the fun this time of year to promote the overabundance of wonderful adoptable dogs currently living at HAWS. Come in to the shelter from March 26 through April 6 and receive a leash/collar set with each dog adoption, along with a doggy treat bag. All dog adopters will also have the chance to win fun prizes like ½ off their adoption fees, HAWS merchandise, dog toys, discounts on training classes and training books.

Now is a great time to bring home your best friend. I mean...TEAMMATE!

By the way - Don’t worry, cat fans! The felines will be taking over the building soon enough – you’ve heard of the World Series of Cats, right...?

“Make Mine Chocolate”™

Humane Animal Welfare Society — Wed, 12 Mar 2008 15:18:00 GMT

Just in time for Easter - and a little late for St. Pat's Day...a bunny success story:
Music Appreciation - Miss Bella.pdf.

Did you know that, along with dogs and cats, HAWS also adopts out small animals? Over the last decade, rabbits in particular have become very popular as pets – but they are more labor-intensive than most people realize.

Just some basics: Rabbits need larger habitats than the typical 2x3 foot wire cage, and they aren’t always “cuddly” but can be fearful of being held! They have specific health and care requirements, including spaying or neutering. They can live 8 to 10 years – sometimes longer - and, importantly, they need to be kept indoors. A special group of volunteers at HAWS works diligently, along with the Wisconsin House Rabbit Society, to ensure rabbit fans in our area have the information and education they need to be proper caregivers. We’re holding a house rabbit seminar at HAWS on Sunday, April 27, for anyone interested in learning more – we’d love for you to join us!

This year, HAWS is partnering with the “Make Mine Chocolate”™ campaign, which was initiated on a national basis several years ago to educate the public about the responsibilities involved in keeping a companion rabbit.

For $4.00, you can buy a ceramic pin at HAWS that looks like a chocolate bunny - to help spread the message that rabbits should not be casually acquired, and to educate the public about their special needs. A card that is distributed with each pin lists important facts that should be considered before bringing a rabbit home as a pet.

Not surprisingly, lots of children beg their parents for a pet bunny at this time of year. But, they’re often not prepared to care for them and can quickly tire of them because they don’t act like the owner was expecting. In the months following Easter, HAWS, other humane societies and rabbit rescues are flooded with rabbits – if the rabbit is lucky. Some are simply dumped outside where they will not survive.

Our goal is to educate the public of the challenges of properly caring for rabbits and to encourage them to purchase chocolate Easter bunnies (or stuffed toy animals) rather than live rabbits! So go ahead, indulge the RIGHT craving, and “Make Mine Chocolate!”™

By the way – when you’ve done your research and you’re truly prepared for a rabbit in your household, come to HAWS. We have PLENTY of them available for adoption, all 12 months of the year. Some of HAWS' rabbits currently up for adoption are pictured throughout this blog posting. Move your mouse across their pictures to learn more about them.

Dog-gone...Home!

Humane Animal Welfare Society — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 10:44:40 GMT

Some days, our entire “family” is reminded of why HAWS is so crucial – why we do what we do. We one of those days back in October.

Hannah was a Pit Bull that had wandered throughout the Little Muskego Lake area for several years before she finally found sanctuary at HAWS. There was talk of making her an official “mascot” - she was such a favorite of the staff, volunteers and visitors. Ultimately, though, the goal was to find Hannah a home and family ready to understand her.

One of HAWS Kids ‘n Critters Summer Camp counselors agreed to foster Hannah for a time, but, the actual task of getting Hannah home with Tracey and Jeff was no easy feat. You see, Jeff hasn’t always been comfortable with dogs due to an incident when he was a child. And Tracey had already asked Jeff to “share” her with Boris, a 7-year-old Rottweiler.

Fortunately, the relationship between man and man’s best friend grew to the point where now, Tracey says, “Jeff went from germ freak to rolling on the floor with a Pit Bull and Rottweiler – slobber, hair and all!” They made Hannah an official member of the family by adopting her permanently on Wednesday, October 3, 2007.

Hannah and Boris have forged a typical brother-sister relationship. If Hannah has a toy, Boris wants it, but, many times you will find them cuddling together. There was also the night that Boris was caught sneaking bones from his treat container - while Hannah stole the London broil from the counter top!

Hannah’s well-being is still a popular topic at HAWS. “Many people from the shelter come up to me and thank us for taking her. But I choose to think we are the lucky ones! Hannah has been a wonderful addition to our family. She adds so much love. We feel truly blessed and so grateful to have her in our lives.”

By the way – Animals staying at HAWS do not have a time limit. We are committed to finding homes for all adoptable animals placed in our care – even if it takes some extra time, like Hannah.

NEWSFLASH: HAWS IS IN DIRE NEED OF TOWELS - BOTH BATH TOWELS AND LARGER HAND TOWELS. IF YOU HAVE SOME LYING AROUND AT HOME YOU'D LIKE TO DONATE, WE'D LOVE TO TAKE THEM OFF YOUR HANDS! AND NEXT TIME YOU'RE AT THE HEALTH CLUB, ASK THEM IF THEY HAVE A FEW EXTRAS TO SPARE. THANK YOU!!!

Paws on Film

Humane Animal Welfare Society — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 16:23:13 GMT

A few months ago HAWS Humane Educator, Khris, started posting videos of our adoptable animals on our website’s Pet Showcase. We have a picture database of adoptable pets through a group called Petfinder (check out 3 of our current adoptables pictured below - Grissom, Misty, and Oliver - you can move your mouse across their pictures to learn more about them), and the capability for action as well as still shots was introduced.

What an amazing innovation this has been for our available pets!

Visitors to our website most often gravitate to the Adopt-A-Pet section. Whether you’re looking for a new best friend or just window shopping, it is a lot of fun to see the tail-wagging and smiling animal faces on your computer screen. But now, thanks to modern technology, you can not only see our adoptables strike a pose, but also romp and play to their own theme songs.

The resulting success stories are extremely gratifying. Here are 2 of our favorites:

Benson and Sophie are 2 older Lab mixes that were surrendered together due to a family hitting a rough patch financially. Benson, a 12-year-old, and Sophie, a 10-year-old, needed a quiet home to live out their days. We were committed to adopting them out together because they had bonded in their previous home over the many years. They spent about 6 weeks in the shelter with on-again, off-again interest, but no serious takers. Then they got their own music video…and within 48 hours they were adopted into a home that is thrilled to have them both.

Minnie was found as a stray along with another kitten and brought in for adoption. However, Minnie was missing an eye! She was in perfect health otherwise, but it was found she’d prefer to be an only cat. Her video was the hook that brought in her eventual adopters. How could they resist that face?

Pictures may be worth a thousand words - check out the mugs on this page! But videos are the call to action - just ask Sophie, Benson, and Minnie.

By the way – our Adopt-a-Friend showcase on Petfinder also allows you to make a donation towards the sponsorship of a favorite animal you may love but not be able to adopt yourself – navigate to that pet’s “page” and look for the SPONSOR ME box. Or call the shelter at 262-542-8851.

Kids 'N Critters

Humane Animal Welfare Society — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 14:12:34 GMT

Children are our future…in so many ways! It is our duty to guide them to be caring, responsible adults, to show them right and wrong, good and bad. That duty is one we take seriously at HAWS, because we know that if we start educating our youth, they will turn into animal-savvy adults.

Khris is our Humane Educator here at HAWS. Most weeks she has a very full calendar of giving shelter tours, visiting schools, planning activities for our summer and winter kids’ camps…along with organizing educational seminars and holding dog training classes for all ages – human and canine.

She also houses a pet snake in her office. Very cool – ask any fourth-grader.

A program Khris started just recently was featured in the February 18 edition of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Teachers in our area can foster one of HAWS homeless small animals (like mice, gerbils, hamsters, birds, guinea pigs) as a classroom pet. This not only increases awareness of adoptable “pocket pets” at our shelter, but also gives the students a chance to learn about these animals and their needs – and the responsibilities involved in pet ownership. Six pets are currently out in classrooms – and Khris would be happy to talk with any interested teachers about the program (262-542-8851, x118).

Daisy Troop #2551 came to HAWS on February 15 for a tour of the shelter. The girls learned about the ways animals end up at HAWS, how we take care of them, and that we are looking for good homes for adoptable pets. After the tour the girls had an opportunity to meet several animals and learn a little bit about them. Official “Humane Education Dog” Mystic (pictured here with the troop) was a big hit – and he greatly enjoyed the fully body massage!

Khris does several off-site after school programs, including one at Saratoga School in Waukesha. Recently the students participating were asked to draw pictures that would reflect a lesson they have learned about animal welfare – you can click on the thumbnails for a larger view of their drawings.

We think animal welfare will be in good hands far into the future.

By the way – “Kids’n Critters” is also the name of our very popular summer and winter kids’ day camps. We’re enrolling now for summer sessions – visit www.hawspets.org/kids_camp.html to learn more and download a registration form.

A Ferret Walks into a Bar...

Humane Animal Welfare Society — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 16:27:08 GMT

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!

HAWS Lends a Helping Paw

Humane Animal Welfare Society — Tue, 05 Feb 2008 16:36:15 GMT

February 26^th is this year’s date for the annual Spay Day USA, a national awareness program sponsored by the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS). The purpose of Spay Day is to promote spaying and neutering as a means to control pet overpopulation.

Good idea.

There are still more companion animals looking for homes than there are homes for them to live in. Just as an example: did you know that an unspayed female cat and her first litter can be responsible for the births of close to 500,000 kittens in their lifetimes? It seems unreal, but if you consider that litters average 6-7 kittens, with a female cat being able to have a litter every 2-3 months…it adds up pretty quickly!

HAWS is celebrating Spay Day USA 2008 by offering a free spay and neuter program for the companion pets of individuals in Waukesha County who apply and qualify. We have applications and more info on our website (www.hawspets.org/snip.html). If you or anyone you know is interested, please surf on over and see if this is the right option for you. If it isn’t, please still contact your veterinarian and have your pets sterilized - NOW.

If you are “for” spaying and neutering pets and would like to help out, we’d love that, too!! We’re asking our community to “Sponsor A Spay” by donating to help cover the expenses of one or more procedures. Donations of $5…$25…$75…whatever – all will be a big help. AND it will make you feel good – helping our neighbors while working to control pet overpopulation.

HAWS’ Spay Neuter Initiative Program has been providing spay-neuter services for our own shelter animals and others since 2001. We also work with breed rescues to help them control their pet health-care costs while they also place homeless animals in our community. (Check out Shooter to the right – he’s a retired racing Greyhound available for adoption thru our partnership with Greyhounds Only breed rescue.) And, the SNIP clinic has a year-round program to assist the low-income pet-owners of Waukesha County. Financial strain doesn’t discriminate - it can happen to pet lovers as well as anyone.

We’re here to help.

By the way – your pets need annual wellness exams, just like you! Don’t forget to make an appointment with your pet’s veterinarian today. They’ll be glad to see you. And your pet will be all the better for it.