The Fur (& Feather!) Flyer

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!