The Fur (& Feather!) Flyer

This time of year we receive MANY phone calls here at HAWS from people asking for help with dogs and fireworks.  Seems lots of our canine companions don't enjoy the sounds of summer quite like we humans do!  (And we would also like to decrease the number of strays that come in who have run away from home because of the noise.)

HAWS business partner and animal behaviorist Claudeen McAuliffe, M.Ed. offers these suggestions for helping your pet deal with "The Big Bang."

About Fear
Those of us who live with dogs know that fireworks and thunderstorms can stress some animals to the point of panic.  Some simply retreat to a dark place such as under a bed or in the bathtub.  Others are so terror-stricken that they injure themselves by jumping through screen doors or windows.  Lest we think ill of our fur kids, understanding the nature of the problem may not only improve our opinion of their behavior.  It may also give us hope in a toolbox full of options to improve it.

Some fears, such as those toward strangers, children, boxes and ceiling fans, are learned through association with upsetting situations.  But in some individuals fear may occur with no conditioning or learning whatsoever, because the brain already contains the circuits that respond to a limited spectrum of stimuli, such as the loud and sudden crack of a lightning bolt.  As our dogs get older, their sensitivity to storms and other loud, sudden sounds may increase. 

While some fears may be linked to a past event, such as being tied out during a storm, or taken to a Fourth of July event during a critical fear period, often there is no such connection.  Some breeds, such as Border Collies, German Shepherds, and Labrador and Golden Retrievers seems to have a genetic predisposition to develop noise phobias, although it's possible we just see more storm and noise phobias in these breeds because they are more popular than other breeds.

What You Can Do to Help Your Dog
Besides behavior modification, the best results for helping dogs with sound sensitivity are obtained by simultaneously teaching the dog self-control and coping skills, such as running to get a tennis ball when a storm approaches, or using bodywork techniques like The Tellington Method® to facilitate a learned response to a word like "easy."  And as alternative and complementary treatments become more mainstream, we find there are actually quite a few things we can do to help our dogs.  Though they may never be completely calm at the approach of a storm, they may be content to lie at our feet rather than exploding through a screen door. 

There are many other things you can try, including flower remedies, aromatherapy, herbs, homeopathy, pheromones, and pharmaceuticals.  For more information see the booklet "The Big Bang: How You Can Help Your Dog Cope with Storm and Noise Fears" (Mc Auliffe, 2006).

By the way - Claudeen's book, "The Big Bang," is available at HAWS - stop by today and pick up your copy, so you're prepared before the fireworks start - and before that next round of thunderstorms sweeps through!

This particular edition of "Sandy's Stories" reminds us at HAWS of the importance of properly dealing with the local wildlife.

From spring through summer, young wildlife are born and learning to venture out on their own.  Often when we spot young ones, mom is closeby, watching from a safe distance - but definitely watching.  When you find a baby bunny, small bird or other species, before doing anything be sure to survey the situation.  Allow for nature to do its thing - and keep at a safe distance yourself!  (This, of course, includes keeping your pets away from them, too!)

If you have any questions about the wildlife in your area or what to do with wildlife you may find, call us here at HAWS or contact the Wildlife in Need Center.  Having wildlife around us is a wonderful way to learn - please respect them.

SAM THE GOPHER
"Sam" is the name we gave to a gopher that lived by a large, beautiful tree in our backyard.  He delighted in running up to our dog fence and causing our two Airedales to go absolutely wild - it made his day.

The dogs would be motionless, and then tails began to quiver, and then loud barking ensued, followed by frantic jumping and general chaos.  It was better entertainment than any movie you could go to.  Of course, when the dogs finally calmed down, Sam would come right back and it all started again....

One day Sam even brought his wife along - this time coming through the fence to harass the dogs who were inside in our family room at the time.  Sam and Mrs. Sam both sat up and chirped right by the window, which resulted in the dogs heads being plastered against the glass, slobbering everywhere, bodies shaking with every sound a dog could make coming from them.  We had great time - and still laugh thinking about that day!

This went on for years, with Sam becoming part of our family.  When we moved we told the new owners "Sam comes with the house!"

By the way - you can c'mon in through our shelter front door now, and we even have a fresh new lot to park in!  Stop by and see the construction progress, join us for a class or seminar and, as always, maybe you'll find a new best friend to bring home...

Maybe "construction" isn't the term we should use for the progress on our building expansion this week....

Before the new areas of HAWS can be built, some of the old areas need to make way - including our parking lot and the outdoor runs and offices on the west side of our building.

There's a hole in the wall as I write this.  Actually, the wall is mostly gone.  Thank goodness it's a beautiful day outside! 

This week we're also getting a trial by fire in how to operate under less-than-ideal circumstances.  With our driveway and parking lot gone, and those areas now occupied by backhoes, dumptrucks and dumpsters, it is pretty hard for someone to get to us for assistance.  Thank goodness for the volunteers who are set up at the end of our former driveway, ready to direct people to our Mobile Adoption center and temporary hub over at Petlicious Dog Bakery and Spa.  Rule of thumb this week:  CALL AHEAD!  (We've got it figured out, just tell us what you need and we'll be there for you:  262-542-8851.)

As the saws and airhammers become background noise, and we deal with interruptions in electricity, we are reminded this is really going to be worth it when it is all done for all the paws at HAWS.

Jackson, who is currently gnawing on a rawhide under my desk, couldn't agree more!

By the way - we're still "fully operational" during our construction and remodeling.  And, we have a complete slate of activities, programs and seminars going on - so don't miss out!  As our building project progresses, we'll keep everyone updated on what's up, and we'll let you know what to do when accessibility to our shelter is limited.  We're still here - and we're ready to help!!

Thanks to Fox 6 and Jennifer Reyes for helping us get the word out!

Maybe it's the construction dust getting to us, but we got to wondering around here...what or who would our pets be if they were people? 

Seriously, we really do have these conversations at HAWS.  And mostly, we've come up with alternate realities for our cats because our dogs aren't nearly as secretive...score one for the dogs.

For example, one HAWS staffer is sure her cat is British.  "Beaker" is quite polite and very thoughtful/cerebral, and probably has the secret to cold fusion drawn up in a series of schematics, which she'd be delighted to share if asked.  She is also a financial guru and surely has  an entire plan figured out to allow our staff member to pay off all debt within a year.  Beaker would most likely drive a Camry - something sensible - in light grey or beige so as not so show dust.

Another anthropomorphic staff pet is "Linx."  Linx's prior name was Bruce, and he can be pictured wearing a workshirt with a name patch on it.  Linx has an affinity for home improvement - he has even saved his family more than a few dollars (and averted many mistakes) by meowing loudly during the various projects...or throwing up on the different supplies/components.  His interruptions have caused the worker (husband) to review the directions and realize "oh, wait, we don't need to do that!"  Uncanny.

Next time you're petting your dog, or watching your cat snooze, think about it.  Along with unconditional love and companionship, they might have even more to offer!  Now THERE'S a reason to bring home your new best friend!

By the way - one week from today, Tuesday, June 9th, is HAWS fundraising nite at Culver's of Sussex.  Our Mobile Adoptions unit will be on hand with coupons to ensure 10% of your food purchase price goes to HAWS.  Fundraising couldn't taste any better!!

By the way, part 2 - our parking lot is ground up, and the walls are scheduled to be knocked down/framed up/moved....  Stay tuned to our website, this blog, our Facebook page, etc., and we'll keep you informed on the progress.  We'll have to do some improvising on the way, but we will remain open throughout our construction and continue to provide all the services you rely on us to provide.

Here is another one of "Sandy's Stories."  This one seems very familiar - most dog owners have lived this story in one way or another!  We all have a bond with our very first pet - both as a child and then later as the primary adult caregiver.  Pets keep us healthy, sane and happy.  And safe!

As an adult, I found our first family dog, strangely enough, while inside a drug store.

A woman was with an adorable yellow lab mix puppy, which I immediately had to pet.  She said "I only have one left but you won't want it - it's black - all the other puppies were much cuter."

I said I'd take it, and we started on the craziest adventure!

While Smokey chewed the entire house apart, she also had an undying love for our children, never leaving their side.  She wouldn't let anyone go to the end of the driveway - even pulling the children back if need be.  She finally just stayed in the middle of it watching closely so no one would come too far.

As the years went by she watched the house with everything she had.  Once, when the town hall was robbed not far away, we knew she heard something and was alerting us in the middle of the night.

She was in the midst of all the kids activities until, at the age of 16, she passed on to watch us from above.  The dog no one wanted turned out to be an outstandingly loyal, loved member of our family and we were blessed to have her.

By the way - we have some great choices for pets at HAWS - dogs, cats, rabbits....  And, we also have some great events, classes and seminars coming up for pet lovers!  Come and learn how to have a puppy and your sanity at the same time!  Learn first aid for pets, find out about common canine behavior problems and their solutions, even send your kids to camp at HAWS!  Don't miss out on a minute of the fun.

Please enjoy another of "Sandy's Stories" - told to us by a HAWS volunteer extraordinaire...

"I guess in everyone's heart there is a special place only for your first dog.  Mine was named Dutchess.

My grandfather, who shared my love of animals, gave her to the family when I was about eight years old.  My six-year-old brother and I took complete care of her, making sure she never did anything wrong (or covering up if she did!) so she was never taken away from us.

She was our constant companion and as she grew older she became the best player on our baseball team.  She played outfield - it didn't matter what position, she could play them all!  She always waited patiently for any ball to come her way.  At times, we had to chase her down to retrieve the ball, but, hey, then that meant a sure home run!

Her biggest job of all was looking after my brother - which could be quite a challenge...

She knew all our friends in the neighborhood and where they lived.  I would put a note on her collar and send her to find my brother - they would come back, Dutchess in the lead, tongue hanging out and tail wagging knowing she again did a great job."

By the way - this time of year is a popular time to bring home a new pet - summer is here, kids are home from school, what better time to adopt, right?  Be sure to do your homework first:  IS it the best time for YOUR family?  What is the best pet for your lifestyle?  When summer is over, what's the plan for the rest of the year?  A pet is a lifetime commitment - make sure yours is the right fit.

At HAWS, we're always on the lookout for a neat fundraiser.  We've partnered with a local printing company and an author with local ties to bring our HAWS fans another great gift idea.

"That's My Dog" and "That's My Cat" are children's books that can be personalized with both the name of the recipient and their favorite pet.  The brainchild of Jan Krystkowiak (wife of Larry), you can order these books and a portion of the proceeds is donated to HAWS when you use our special internet code, hawswauk.

We are VERY excited to be participating in this fundraiser!  Thank you, Teuteberg Incorporated for thinking of us - and thank you, Jan, for your amazing talents.  These adorable books will be a wonderful addition to any child's library.  And some adults are quite enamored with them, too!

Stop by HAWS to see a sample of the books if you like - our Mobile Adoption unit also brings one along on all of their visits.

By the way - kitten season is here!  If now is the time to bring home your new best friend, we KNOW you can find him or her right here at our shelter.  Visit us today - viewing and adoption hours begin 7 days/week at 1:00 p.m.!

Periodically we'll be featuring a story from Sandy H., one of HAWS' long-time supporters and friends.  As a volunteer at HAWS, Sandy devotes much of her time to our Spay-Neuter Initiative Program clinic.  Working and living with animals for many, many years, Sandy often has remarked "Every animal has a story."  These are her favorites - we hope you enjoy!

SUNNY & PETE
I had a very lonely 15-year-old parakeet who really needed a best friend.  Sunny came to the shelter after being found in a firehouse, and I just had a feeling that Sunny was meant to be that friend.

From the time they were introduced, Sunny took care of my old bird, being a constant and faithful companion.  When the older bird died peacefully, Sunny was overcome with grief, not eating and remaining in one position on his perch.  Then...along came Pete.

Pete came to the shelter displaying the same behaviors that Sunny was showing at our home.  Again, I felt that was a sign that they were meant to be together.  Sure enough, the minute they were introduced they bonded and they have continued to be two of the most compatible birds I've ever had. 

Shelter pets give back love each day - they are a blessing to all who have them.

By the way, part 1...so many of the adoptables at HAWS share stories like Sunny and Pete.  Not sure how to take care of a bird, rabbit, or other "non-traditional" pet?  Attended one of our seminars (pictured above), or stop by to talk to our small animal volunteers.  Second chance pets are the best to have - many of them know just what it is to be "saved."  It is a feeling you'll definitely want to experience for yourself; stop by HAWS today to adopt, or donate to help the pets you may not be able to take yourself!

By the way, part 2...with YOUR help we raised over $35,000 this past Saturday at our annual Pet Walkathon...and we're still receiving and counting donations.  WE CAN'T THANK YOU ENOUGH for continuing to walk for HAWS!

This just in - the schedule of events for HAWS' 26th Annual Pet Walkathon sponsored by the Friends of HAWS.

9 a.m.                     Kick-off the Walk
9 - ??                      Appearance by Marilynn Mee from Classic Rock 96.5 WKLH
10 a.m. - 3 p.m.       Lure Coursing - extended hours ($5 for each fun run - prize for the fastest participants)
10 - 10:30 a.m.        Contests: Owner/Pet Look-alikes, Shortest Legs, Tallest Pet (all 4 paws on the ground)
10:30 - 11 a.m.        Featured Breed:  the Greyhound
11 - 11:30 a.m.        Mascot Fun:  "Marilynn (Simon) Says" - Laugh and play along!
11:30 a.m. - Noon    Poo Toss & Contests: Longest Tail, Most Spots and Biggest Smile
Noon - 12:30 p.m.    Let's eat - Lunch break!
12:30 - 1 p.m.          Parade of HAWS Adoptable Pets
1 - 1:30 p.m.            Special recognition for Survivor & Senior Dogs - dogs that have overcome a disability or are seniors
1:30 - 2 p.m.            HAWS Alumni Parade - show your HAWS pride with your favorite alum
2 - 2:30 p.m.            More Contests:  Best Kisser (pet!), Best Trick, Best Rollover
2:30 - 3 p.m.            Lure Coursing Awards, more games
3:00 p.m.                 Winners of "Win at the Walk" announced!

So far the weather forecast is looking favorable for Saturday, too...fingers and toes crossed...

Come, join in HAWS annual celebration of pets and their people!

By the way - there is still time to collect pledges and donations - log onto our Walkathon web page to get started!

We at HAWS have been the proud (?) users of a “Sha-poopie” for about 6 weeks now.

The first reaction from staff and volunteers was “Sha-what?  What’s a Sha-poopie?”  (And, of course, there's the obvious singing of "Sha-poop, sha-poop, falala-lalala lalala-lalala...")

For the uninitiated, a Sha-poopie is a hand-held, telescoping-pole device to be used for easier and cleaner dog-doo pick up (think golf ball retriever).  The idea is for your pooch to do his business straight into a plastic collection tray/liner/reservoir at the end of the Sha-poopie pole, eliminating (heehee – get it?) the need for humans to stoop, scoop and toss.  This saves waste baggies, is cleaner for the human, and keeps the bacteria count down in your yard.  Or wherever your canine companion is prone to poo.  Check it out at www.theshapoopie.com.  (The inventer has both Hollywood and Wisconsin ties.)

Our device was a gift of sorts from our friends at 96.5 WKLH Classic Rock – we have lots of dogs and lots of doo, so who better to test it out?!

One of our long-time dog walking volunteers was game to try it out as soon as we got our Sha-poopie, but abjectly REFUSED to be photographed in the process (chicken!).  Unfortunately, the dogs she was walking were not as cooperative.  And, as luck would have it, test day #1 was rather windy, and the lid to the plastic tray kept blowing closed – or flapping into the behind area of the dog, which would in turn startle the canine and produce…poopus interruptus.

Subsequent testing went a little better – and the helpful hints for ease of use started to, um, flow:

“How about a trigger of some sort at the top of the pole to open and close the lid on the collection liner?  Sha-poopie Sharp-Shooter!”

“If the plastic tray were a little heavier it might stay in the scoop-pole better – it blows out on windy days, well, before it’s full, anyway.”

“We’re gonna need a bigger model for some of our bigger dogs…”  (Hmmm, why does the theme from Jaws come to mind?)

Overall we’ve been having some success with our Sha-poopie – and a whole lot of fun.  Once the dogs get used to what we’re doing, they aren’t so freaked-out by us trying to catch their deposits.  (Well, maybe they still are, but they’re putting up with it.)  And, our SNIP Clinic vet techs have found it is pretty helpful if trying to collect a sample for any medical testing.

So now we ask our newbies:  “Have YOU Sha-poopied?”

Thanks, 'KLH!

By the way...in case you hadn't heard, our 26th Annual Pet Walkathon is coming up VERY soon - Saturday, May 2nd.  Raise funds on foot or online - log onto our Walkathon webpage for all the details!

Exactly one month from today:  its the HAWS 26th Annual Pet Walkathon, sponsored by the Friends of HAWS. 

On the first Saturday of May each year - this year its May 2nd, hundreds of pet lovers high-tail it to our day-long festival of pets and their people.  The main event is walking the 1-, 2- and 3-mile trails of beautiful Minooka Park in Waukesha.

Not a fan of hoofin' it to secure pledges?  You can create an online fundraising page for the HAWS Walk - actually, close to 20% of our funds for this event now come from online pages!  Start your own team online, or do an individual page; either way you can personalize it and forward it to all your friends so they can get involved, too.

Your participation and pledges ensures that HAWS can continue to provide proper care, food, bedding, toys and lots of attention for the animals at HAWS.  Funds are also used to support HAWS' humane education programs, which promote responsible pet ownership and prevent animal abuse - ultimately making us ALL better pet people.

There's so more to do than just walk:  visit vendor booths and do some shopping, participate in contests and games (back by popular demand...LURE COURSING!), have a great lunch, meet adoptable pets from HAWS, enjoy meeting up with old friends - and making new ones.

The best thing about this event:  100% of the money raised for this event goes straight to HAWS!

So join us, won't you?

By the way - HAWS is a busy place this spring!  We've got seminars and classes galore...and we're diggin' in and starting the building on our facility expansion!  Don't miss a minute of the action...

Interestingly enough, chocolate is a hot topic around HAWS these days...

Make Mine Chocolate
Rabbits are a familiar symbol of the Easter holiday - as TV pitchmen, the ubiquitous candy (admit it, you eat the ears off first, too), and in the form of stuffed animals of every shape and color.   No surprise, children want a bunny of their own, but they are usually not prepared to care for their unique needs.  In the months following Easter, many pet rabbits from our area find their way to the HAWS adoption ward.

The Make Mine Chocolate campaign is again using the season to educate the public of the challenges of properly caring for rabbits - and encouraging them to purchase chocolate Easter bunnies (or stuffed toy animals) rather than live ones.  When you've done your research on house rabbits as pets, come to HAWS to adopt (we'll have plenty to choose from).

Speaking of theobromine...

Cocoa Mulch Toxicity
No question about it, chocolate and other products made from cacao beans contain substances toxic to dogs and cats.  The main culprit is the substance theobromine, a caffeine-like chemical which acts as a mild diuretic and stimulant in human beings but is poisonous to animals less well equipped to metabolize it.  (In English, that means that there IS such a thing as too much of a good thing.)

The kind of cocoa mulch used in landscaping mainly consists of cacao bean shells.  It contains a higher concentration of theobromine than the chocolate we usually eat (just like dark chocolate has a higher concentration than milk chocolate).  Dogs, attracted to the amazing scent, have eaten the mulch, leading to vomiting, diarrhea, trembling, seizures and, in some instances, death - depending on the quantity eaten.  

It is equally toxic to cats, but vets say they are less likely to be enticed by cocoa products, which means less risk.  Score one for the cats. 

So yes, if your dog ingests cocoa mulch, contact your vet immediately, to be on the safe side.

By the way - don't let your dog eat ANY mulch - cocoa or otherwise.  Cedar, bark and whatnot else aren't exactly good for their digestive systems either.  Best thing to do when your dog is outside:  play with him - it's good for you, too!  Happy Spring!

Well, we're a little late for Valentine's Day, but we're right on schedule for St. Pat's...

Meet Cupid and McCurdy, two of the many adoptables at HAWS.

Cupid has a HEART-warming story (gotta be in "love" mode for this one!).  She was at MADACC (the Milwaukee stray facility) and was not claimed.  This young, female pit bull mix was severely underweight, but had such love to give that she was immediately a favorite of their staff.  When we came for our usual visit to bring back adoptables to our shelter, she HAD to come with us.  Now she's put on weight and is a very happy, beautiful girl looking for her forever, true love.  You, perhaps?

Here's her stats:  Cupid likes other dogs, most cats, and is getting to know what kids are all about.  She is still a bit shy and looks to her human for reassurance.  She is not quite a year old and has been spayed.

McCurdy is also a MADACC stray who is now up for adoption at HAWS (he definitely has the luck o' the Irish on his side - as I type this, a lovely lady is viewing him).  Under those springy curls is a poodle/bichon mix, about 2 years old.  He would like to go to a somewhat calmer household - he may like another dog, but he would like to meet that other dog first to make sure they'll be best buds.

If you're looking for a new best friend this spring, stop on over!

By the way - HAWS is open 7 days a week for viewing - starting at 1pm each day.  We have many, many adoptable pets waiting for you - including kittens, cats, dogs and rabbits.  Stop by soon!!

We're at it again at HAWS:  this Saturday, March 14th, from 1:00-4:00 p.m. is our 3rd annual adopt-a-thon in honor of St. Patrick's Day.  Join us at the shelter on 701 Northview Road in Waukesha and Get "Lucky" at the Shelter...or Spot or Fluffy or Fido!

We have a great time with this event - and welcome our friends, families and partners to join us!

This year's festivities include:

• Adoption specials - call ahead for information on same-day adoption requirements (262-542-8851)
• Pot 'o Gold adoption giveaways
• Microchip I.D.s for your pet for $15
• Raffle prizes - any pet wearing green will automatically be entered
• Kids' prizes 
• Pocket pet, rabbit, cat and dog education
• Teach your dog a new trick with help from our staff dog behaviorist, Ginny Marchel
• Have a pet-icure done - or ear and teeth cleaning, for $15 by Portable Pet Groomers 
• Play canine games with Central Bark Doggy Day Care of Sussex and Lake Country
• Buy goodies for your best pet friend from Petlicious Dog Bakery and Pet Spa
• Learn how your pet's nutrition can affect his behavior from Claudeen McAuliffe of Kindness K-9
• Learn about wildlife from Wildlife in Need
• Meet a fast friend with Greyhound Pets of America

Food and snacks for humans will be available for purchase, also.

Bring your vaccinated and friendly dog along - on a leash, of course!  All other pets are welcome, also, but please bring them in carriers for their safety and comfort.

We'll see you at HAWS of Waukesha County this Saturday!

By the way - we're celebrating the groundbreaking of our facility expansion on Monday, April 6th, from 5:00-7:00 p.m.  Everyone is welcome to join us for this historic day!  Please RSVP to 262-542-8851 or expansion@hawspets.org.

HAWS' Mobile Adoption Center has had a busy 2009 so far!

It all started on January 31st with our booth at the Great Lakes Pet Expo at State Fair Park.  This event is usually a great time, but this year it was even better, with a HUGE turnout of animal people.  The Pet Expo is so important because it gives individuals and families the chance to learn more about the various species and breeds - all in one place.  In turn, they are then able to make an educated decision on what is the best pet for their home and lifestyle.  And THAT ultimately means less animals in shelters like ours, looking to be "re-homed."

On February 15^th we participated in the first-ever Dog Day Afternoon at a Milwaukee Admirals hockey game, raising funds through ticket sales and showing off a few of our adoptables at our Mobile table in the Bradley Center during the game.  HAWS dogs Shala, Coco and Tucker had a very "cool" time, as did the volunteers and our own mascot, Lucky.  Lucky is a big fan of Roscoe, the Ads mascot, and was THRILLED to meet him. 

Also in February, HAWS was honored to partner with the Marcus Center for the Performing Arts and the producers of the touring company of the Broadway show Cats for fundraising and adoption awareness.  A portion of the proceeds from ticket sales on both opening night, February 26 and Friday, February 27 were donated to HAWS.  Additionally, our Mobile Adoption volunteers - with a special guest appearance by our good friend, Marilynn Mee from WKLH - were on hand before the performance on Friday showcasing some of HAWS' very own "cast" of cats; Snowy, Comet, and Lennox (yes, Lennox was rescued from a vent!).  Show-goers enjoyed seeing the adoptables from HAWS, and also learned about volunteer opportunities, kids' camps, and all the other activities HAWS has to offer.  The Marcus Center lobby was so busy at times the line was all the way to the door!  Although only there a few hours, the cats were exhausted from all the adoration - apparently it's hard work being a star!

By the way - our Mobile Adoption Center would love to visit YOUR business.  Give Cassie, our Mobile Adoptions Coordinator a call at 262-542-8851 (leave her a message at x200 if she's already out with the Center) or email her at mobile@hawspets.org.  We love to bring happy tails to you!

The Hounds are Back!  The Hounds are Back!

In 2006, when the second to last dog track in Wisconsin closed it's doors to racing in Lake Geneva, HAWS joined with greyhound rescue to help house and promote the breed and the unique situation they face.  We took a break for awhile, but now...

...the greyhounds are back!  And they want your couch.

(No, you DON'T have to be an athlete to own one, unlike the misinformed TV host of the Westminster Dog Show said.  Quite the opposite - most greyhounds love naps and quiet snuggle time.)

HAWS is in partnership with Greyhound Pets of America - Wisconsin, promoting retired racing greyhounds, and pet adoption as a whole.  Here's how it works:

• Several greyhounds are living at the HAWS shelter, available for viewing 7 days/week.  Currently in residence are Rosemary (who is originally a chica from Mexico) and Tucker.
• You can view the hounds the same as any HAWS adoptable - just fill out an application and into an interview room you go!
• (Okay, you fill out a yellow GPA application rather than a pink HAWS app, but they're both the same length - 1 page, 2 sides - so it takes the same amount of time.)
• Think a fast friend is right for you?  Take your yellow GPA application home and pursue the adoption through them - local reps are waiting for your call or fax.

Why is this partnership so important?  We here at HAWS feel it is important to help out at home, and this can be done through things like supporting our local breed rescue groups - because we're stronger when we work together.

This Saturday, February 28, we're having a Greyhound Party at the HAWS Shelter from about 1pm until about 4pm.  Stop by and meet this "greyt" breed - and definitely take a look at all the other animal friends in our shelter that are waiting for a new home.

By the way - have you purchased your fundraising tickets to the Thursday or Friday "Cats" shows yet?  Log onto www.eventusher.com and enter passcode HAWSCATS - we'll get $10 from your purchase as a donation.  And be sure to stop by our Mobile Adoption table before the performance on Friday and check out our own "cast" of HAW adoptable cats!

Did you know that February is Adopt-A-Rescued-Rabbit month? 

The House Rabbit Society and Petfinder.com are promoting rabbits as pets, using this month to show what a house rabbit is really like.  People often don't think about rabbits as house companions because they remember them from childhood as being kept in a hutch in the back yard.  Or maybe they saw them at the fair in a tiny cage in a pile of shavings, cute but uninteresting.  In truth, with the right handling and socialization, they can be wonderful, interactive and loving companions.

Generally when people think "animal shelter" they think of dogs and cats in need of homes.  In reality we do so much more than that here at HAWS.  Getting information out to members of our community about our many events, programs and services is critical to our success as an organization.  This is why it’s so important for us to publish our newsletter, Tattle Tales, and why we blog here at "The Fur (and Feather!) Flyer." 

 

HAWS decided many years ago that one our major focuses would be on education.  Dealing only with animals and not addressing education is like bailing out a leaky boat without making any effort to plug the leak.  Many of the animals we take in could actually stay in their homes if the public had a true understanding of the issues animal shelters face, had enough knowledge about the animals in their care to deal with behavior problems, and had a resource to go to when they need help.  This is what our education department aims to do.

 

We now have an additional blog called the Critter Connection that is devoted to education, written by our Humane Educator, Khris.  Khris promises it won't be a boring recitation of facts, statistics and how to!  Instead it will be (hopefully) an entertaining account of some of the experiences she has running the education department here at HAWS, and her readers just might learn a little something along the way.

 

By the way - with the warmer weather you may notice some "leftovers" in your yard...did you know that 1 dog can easily produce 274 pounds of waste in a year...which has 2.8 trillion units of bacteria!  Sure makes those doggie pick-up bags sound more and more important...

It's that time of year again - Spay Day USA 2009 is February 24th. 

In conjunction with the Humane Society of the United States' (HSUS) national Spay Day USA on February 24, HAWS is offering free spay-neuter services to qualifying Waukesha County residents.  To offset the costs, we're also seeking donations from the community to "Sponsor a Spay."

"Spay Day USA is a great event - it promotes the control of our pet population through spaying and neutering in a real positive light," said Lynn Olenik, HAWS Executive Director.  "It also gives us a chance to promote our Spay-Neuter Initiative Program (SNIP) and how we can lend a helping hand our neighbors in need."

From February 16- 27, 2009 the SNIP clinic at HAWS will be providing free spays and neuters for the pets of those Waukesha County residents that qualify for the program.  Applications for the free surgeries can be obtained by logging on to our SNIP webpage, or by stopping by the shelter.  "We are hoping to help as many as 60-70 pets, but we're also going to focus those 2 weeks on cats and kittens, Pit Bulls and Pit Bull mixes," said Olenik.  According to Olenik those are the species and breeds found to be most in need of sterilization services in Waukesha County. 

A little known but important fact:  a mother cat and her first litter of kittens can produce up to 500,000 more cats in their lifetimes.  Wow.  That's alot of extra cats!  (To see those cats - and other pets - available for adoption at HAWS, click here.)

"All residents of Waukesha County can get involved in Spay Day USA, by promoting spay and neuter for pets, and by giving financial contributions," said Olenik.  "Donations at any level will help out - from $5 on up."  Donors can call the shelter at 262-542-8851, mail in their contribution along with the Sponsor-A-Spay form, or log onto our website to give online or get more information.

By the way - February is an amazing month at HAWS - amazingly active, that is!  Check out our events calendar and join in the fun - at our Friends' Have a Heart Bake Sale on 2/13-14, at the Admirals game on 2/15, at the performances of Cats on 2/26 & 2/27...we'll see you there!

Now here's a match that makes sense:

Cardiac rehab patients from Waukesha Memorial Hospital - just down the road from HAWS - are starting a volunteer dog-walking program in February.  The patients are going to get the exercise they need to stay healthy, while giving the dogs at HAWS the exercise THEY need to stay happy.

People in the know tell us that spending time with animals can be medically beneficial.  Medical studies and field reports say that patients experience many therapeutic benefits thanks to pet therapy, including:

• Decreased anxiety and depression
• Increased self-esteem
• Lowered blood pressure
• Increased motivation to get well
• Decreased need for painkillers in some post-operative patients

The great thing is that the dogs will benefit just as much from the social time.  And, the feedback we receive from the walkers on the dogs' likes, dislikes and behaviors will give us an even better idea of what type of new adoptive home will be best for the pets.  Win-win!

The Phase 4 cardiac rehab patients from ProHealth Care's Regional Heart & Vascular Center at WMH (the Excel program) will pair up with specially chosen "pet therapy" dogs and walk their new best friends along the walking paths at our shelter.  Walkers will have special times throughout the day to do their program - and we're hoping they decide this is a more than once a week activity!

We know the dogs are going to love it with all of THEIR hearts... 

By the way - lots of neat events coming up in February for HAWS and our friends...2/15 is Dog Day at the Admirals, 2/26-27 we have a fundraiser with the Marcus Center and the touring show of "Cats" - check out our website and event calendar for details!