Labors of our Loves
Celebrating Industrious Dogs this Labor Day Weekend

On Saturday and Sunday, the Wisconsin and Ozaukee Humane Societies are celebrating the Labor Day weekend with a “Labors of our Loves” promotion. We’re celebrating the animals in our lives who double as our personal trainers, dishwashers, psychiatrists and more...

Anyone who brings in a pet food item will get a discount coupon for any item in our retail store, Animal Antics. And all month long, the fee for kittens has been reduced to only $75. WHS has many puppies and kittens available right now, so they’re hoping to be busy this weekend. With many people off work on Monday, it’s a perfect time to adopt and spend some quality time welcoming a new companion into your life!

During the month of September, all kitten adoption fees will be discounted to $75. All kittens are still spayed/neutered, vaccinated, microchipped and go home with a certificate for a free veterinary exam and 30 days of pet health insurance. Visit www.wihumane.org for more info! 

The Wisconsin Humane Society and the Blood Center of Wisconsin are teaming up to help save lives – animal and human! Join us on Friday, September 10 from 2:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the Wisconsin Humane Society for a blood drive. All donors will receive their choice of either a 20% discount on an adoption fee or a 10% discount in our Animal Antics retail store. Sign up at www.wihumane.org.

 
Can you help? 
We are in high need of canned cat food, cat litter, dry cat food and dog food for our pet food bank. Furry Friends Food Program helps families who are financially struggling continue to provide loving, proper care for their animals until they are back on their feet.  Click here for more wishlist items. Donations can be brought to WHS at 45th & Wisconsin Avenue.

On Thursday night, fifty-five puppies and adult dogs arrived at the Wisconsin Humane Society (WHS) from a rural animal shelter in Kentucky. The transfer was one of the largest this year for WHS.

These lucky pups owe their good luck to the PetSmart Charities Rescue Waggin’ program, who works hard to bring dogs from small, overcrowded shelters to larger shelters like the Wisconsin Humane Society that can place them in new homes. They would have likely been euthanized without this lifesaving partnership.

The pups will go through behavior evaluations on Friday morning, then head to the veterinary clinic, where they will be spayed or neutered, vaccinated and microchipped. You’ll have a chance to adopt one of these wonderful puppies on Saturday morning, and if you’re feeling lucky, there might be even more reasons to adopt from WHS this weekend!

 Every puppy, dog and kitten adopter will get a chance to win a prize or discounts ranging from 25-100% off their adoption fee.  In honor of Irish Fest, this promotion runs Friday, August 20 through Sunday, August 22.

Save 25% on Wednesdays
Every Wednesday during the month of August, all dog, puppy and kitten adoption fees will be reduced by 25%. A free tote will also be offered with the adoption of each adult cat. As usual, fees for adult cats are entirely waived, every day of the week! Read more about the ASPCA Challenge and discounts and promotions through October.

Puppies Make a Big Squeal for State Fair

At 10:00 a.m. on Friday, August 6, adoptable puppies were dressed as piglets as they romped through straw and sampled cream puffs! Alice in Dairyland made a guest appearance, as well.

Also announced today, every Wednesday during the month of August, all adoption fees will be reduced by 25%. WHS will also be offering a free tote with the adoption of each adult cat.

CHECK OUT ALL THE ADORABLE ANIMALS UP FOR ADOPTION AT WHS!

Check out the YouTube Video of our little piggy puppies playing!
 http://il.youtube.com/watch?v=K-K_xq2o3_o&feature=channel

Review of Feasting for Fido

By Peter Shannon, freelance writer & guest contributor

The second annual “Feasting for Fido” celebration fought off a record four inches of rain from the previous night in order to hold a successful fundraiser on Thursday, July 15, 2010 for the Wisconsin Humane Society. It was held at the shelter at 4500 W. Wisconsin Avenue in Milwaukee.

The event consisted of over 25 hand-picked restaurants, breweries, and other specialty confectionaries from around the greater Milwaukee area, each having a wide variety of vegetarian foods and other delights for guests to sample with their common goal of nobody going home with an empty stomach. Attendees could fly through the Frontier Airlines cookie table, sample divine pasta from Zaffiro’s, and even snag some fresh homemade catnip and dog treats from Tess.  

All the restaurants did an exceptional job, and it was difficult for a few to stand out to be awarded special recognition by celebrity judges Nicole Koglin, Ted Perry, Molly Fay, Tiffany Ogle and Phil Cianciola. Water Buffalo was awarded for best presentation, Mr. B’s was given kudos for the best samples, and Le Reve was bestowed the award of having the best decorations.

The affair would not have run as smoothly as it did if not for over 75 motivated volunteers in attendance assisting with the festivities. The helpers did everything from greeting people and tending the wine bars, to handling auctions and raffles, while also educating guests on the organization.

Some of the auction offerings included autographed paraphernalia from the likes of Ahman Green, Brandon Jennings, and the entire beloved Packer’s team. Items up for grabs in the raffle were tickets to wine tasting events, DJ/Karaoke packages, a Brewer’s suite, and a La Lune dog bed which was taken home by the mother of yours truly.

The successful fundraiser far surpassed last year’s inaugural event, which had already left a favorable impression.  Ticket sales increased by 25%, and 525 people attended.  Attendees weren’t the only happy campers, though, as at least eight animal residents found homes during the evening!

Everyone in attendance left with smiles on their faces. Whether it was the lucky adopted animals or the patrons who had sampled great food, or drinks, there were no frowns to be seen leaving the event. “Feasting for Fido” might just be a real winner for the Wisconsin Humane Society for years to come, and it sure is not an event to miss next year.

For more information about the Wisconsin Humane Society, visit www.wihumane.org.

Bring your dog for some fun at our ASPCA Kickoff Adopt-a-Thon on Sunday and Monday, August 1 and 2 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. A bone dig, agility course, bobbing for hot dogs and Pupcasso Paw Paintings will keep your pooch entertained, and the kids will love the crafts, face painting and scavenger hunt.

During the Adopt-a-Thon, the adoption fee for all puppies, dogs, and kittens will be reduced by 50% for the first 100 adoptions. As usual, the adoption fee for adult cats will be entirely waived.

Meet up with fellow Twitter members during the #ASPCA100K4WHS TweetUp on Sunday, August 1 from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

During the months of August, September, and October, the Wisconsin and Ozaukee Humane Societies will be competing together against 49 other animal shelters across the country in the Save More Lives – ASPCA $100K Challenge. The goal is to increase the number of lives saved by 300 or more during the three-month period, compared to the same months in 2009.

WHS and OHS have set an overall goal of 3,040 lives saved for the three-month challenge. $100,000 will go to the shelter that achieves the greatest increase in lives saved. $25,000 will go to the shelter that engages the largest number of members of the community who help in saving more lives.

For more information about the ASPCA 100K Challenge and how you can help, visit www.wihumane.org.

ASPCA Kickoff Adopt-a-thon: August 1 & 2!!!
Bring your dogs for some fun at our ASPCA Kickoff Adopt-a-thon on Sunday and Monday, August 1 and 2. A bone dig, agility course, bobbing for hot dogs and Pupcasso Paw Paintings will keep your pooch entertained, and the kids will love the crafts, face painting and scavenger hunt. Activities will run from 10-4 and adoption hours can be found here. A TweetUp will be held from 1-3. Register here.

OHS will be at PetSmart in Grafton on August 1!
Join the Ozaukee Humane Society on August 1 at the PetSmart in Grafton to meet and adopt wonderful companion animals and help raise awareness for the 100K Challenge! Check out ozaukeehumane.org for more details.

When our veterinarians approach this funny fellow in the WHS veterinary clinic, they are welcomed by a goofy grin and wagging tail.  Despite suffering a traumatic injury, Rockefeller is optimistic and eager to trust.

He wasn’t always so happy. The 1-year-old Bassett Hound mix arrived at WHS from another shelter with a bad limp in his rear leg. We don't know whether he was hit by a car, fell from a porch, or suffered abuse, but Rockefeller had fractured his femur and was living with an undiagnosed broken bone for months...

Without treatment, Rockefeller's leg would have likely gone lame and developed severe arthritis, causing him further pain. The surgery at WHS, however, gave him a second chance. After he is fully recovered, Rockefeller will move into our regular adoption program and he'll begin a second journey - with a loving family.

We were only able to help Rockefeller because of donations from people like you. We do not receive government funding and depend on the community’s support to fund all of our lifesaving initiatives, including the care provided to Rockefeller. 

Will you give $10, $25 or even $50 to help us care for Rockefeller? Donate now. You can also sponsor Rockefeller in honor of someone and send a personalized ecard.

Interested in adopting?  Rockefeller still needs a couple weeks to heal, but we'll keep his story updated. No holds are being taken for him and all adoptions are first-come, first-served.

At 7 years old, Shamrock enjoys long naps and snuggle sessions. She is a gentle and friendly American Pitbull Terrier/Labrador Retriever mix who is always ready for an adventure.

Shamrock loves playing fetch and exploring the world on a nice, long walk.

Shamrock is a wise canine who already knows the ropes. She is an absolute joy and appreciates every day he gets to spend with you.

Learn more about the Wisconsin Humane Society’s adoption process and fees for dogs like Shamrock.

Meet the Winner of the Storming of the Bastille, Gerbil Depardieu!

What better way to celebrate the Storming of the Bastille?   The Wisconsin Humane Society hosted a rodent race today, featuring August Rodent, Gérbil Depardieu, Jean-Jacques Ratsseau and Claude Mousnet, who are all available for adoption.  The race kicked offa Storm the Bastille promotion, in which all small animal adopters do not pay the adoption fee if they purchase a small animal kit this month.

Watch a VIDEO of the big race! 

This holiday weekend, cats in adoption will be showing off their patriotic paws as they flash their red, white or blue Soft Claws. Now is a great time to adopt, as the Wisconsin Humane Society has an unusually large population of adoptable cats.

Every cat adopter this weekend will have the opportunity to pick a flag for a prize. Prizes include free cat behavior seminars, Summerfest tickets, $20 off the adoption fee, or candy. All cat adopters will also have their name entered into a drawing for a cat tree. We are closed Sunday, July 4.

See adorable, adoptable kittens and cats here: http://tinyurl.com/39azkgx

Homeless Cats Seeking Homes
Wisconsin Humane Society sees dramatic increase in kitten surrenders

 Interested in adopting a cat? There is no better time, as the Wisconsin Humane Society has an unusually large population of adoptable cats, and staff members hope to have a busy week of cat adoptions.

“We have seen a dramatic increase in the number of surrendered cats and kittens the last few weeks, and just yesterday alone we had 63 animals surrendered, of which 42 were cats or kittens,” said Alison Fotsch, counseling services manager. “The reasons range from allergies in the family and moving families, to owners passing away.”

The Wisconsin Humane Society has already adopted 324 cats this month, but they hope to reach 375 by the 4th of July weekend.

During the month of June, every cat adopter will take home a great prize, including treats and catnip squares. Adoption fees range from $150 for kittens five months and younger, to completely waived fees for adult cats more than one year of age. Included in the cat adoption are spay/neuter, first distemper vaccination, initial deworming, feline leukemia testing, microchip implant, a certificate for a free veterinary exam, and a 30 day gift of ShelterCare Pet Insurance.

We're breakin' out the catnip for a very special cause! It's FelineFest at the Wisconsin Humane Society this month, and we are hoping to find homes for 375 cats.

During the month of June, every cat adopter will take home a great prize, including treats and catnip squares. Adoption fees range from $150 for kittens five months and younger, to completely waived fees for adult cats more than one year of age. Included in the cat adoption are spay/neuter, first distemper vaccination, initial deworming, feline leukemia testing, microchip implant, a certificate for a free veterinary exam, and a 30 day gift of ShelterCare Pet Insurance. VIEW ADOPTABLE CATS NOW!

Get Your Raffle Tickets for a Red Mini!!!
Raffle tickets are now on sale at WHS and OHS for very exciting prizes. This year's top prize is a 2010 Mini Cooper with all the bells and whistles! Wouldn't you look perfect in this little red car, cruisin' along the lakefront? The second place winner goes home with $500 cash and the 3rd place winner gets $250 cash! Tickets are only $5 or 5 for $20 and the proceeds go right back to help us save more injured, homeless and abused animals. The drawing will be held at this year's Hope's Lights event.

In April, a driver killed their mom on Highway 100 when they were only one day old. But on Thursday at 11:00 a.m., all fourteen babies were released back into the wild with a brand new future! Thanks to everyone who helped the baby ducklings with a donation for their care. 

See more pictures of their release in Greenfield yesterday.

View other wild animals currently in rehab at the Wisconsin Humane Society.

TEACHERS!  The Wisconsin Humane Society and the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee is offering a one-credit course for teachers and pre-service teachers on incorporating humane education in the classroom.  

Summer 2010 ED POL 379-141 (#30068): Current Topics in Community Education
Teaching Kids about Kindness: Developing & Implementing Humane Education into the Classroom
1 Undergraduate Credit

Course meets:  Saturdays, June 26th & July 31st , 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Wisconsin Humane Society, 4500 W. Wisconsin Ave., Milwaukee, WI
 

Course Description:
This course is designed to meet the needs of current teachers & pre-service teachers who would like to incorporate the principles of humane education into their classroom curriculum.  By integrating humane education concepts into existing curriculum, teachers will develop strategies to help children foster a respect for all living creatures.

For more information on this course, contact Dezarae Jones-Hartwig at
dhartwig@wihumane.org.

For registration information, please visit:
http://www.edoutreach.soe.uwm.edu and click on “Programs and Courses.”