The Fur (& Feather!) Flyer

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!