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©2012 Humane Animal Welfare Society (HAWS) | 701 Northview Road | Waukesha, WI | 53188 | 262-542-8851
Member, Wisconsin Federated Humane Societies, Inc. | Winner of the 2010 Waukesha County Executive Awards: Large Non-Profit of the Year.
Inaugural Winner of the "Chamber's Choice Award" presented in 2008 by the Waukesha County Chamber of Commerce and the Small Business Times.
HAWS is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt non-profit organization. | License #267280-DS
Member, Wisconsin Federated Humane Societies, Inc. | Winner of the 2010 Waukesha County Executive Awards: Large Non-Profit of the Year.
Inaugural Winner of the "Chamber's Choice Award" presented in 2008 by the Waukesha County Chamber of Commerce and the Small Business Times.
HAWS is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt non-profit organization. | License #267280-DS
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR'S BLOG
By Lynn Olenik, HAWS Executive Director
By Lynn Olenik, HAWS Executive Director
Lynn's February Blog
Post
We have the programs at HAWS that point to a successful future! But we know that we can’t do it without you, our community.
As a full service pet resource center, we treat those that are medically treatable and rehabilitate all those with poor behavior that we can. We do this while keeping our doors open so that our community’s strays and unwanted pets,
and those from families facing hardship, always have a place to go. We never charge for the public to surrender their animals, keeping pets off the street and getting them more quickly adopted into new loving homes.
We want to do more, and need your help and support of our programs. We have the programs at HAWS that create long-lasting solutions to community issues, prevention of abuse and neglect, and that curb pet overpopulation.
In 2012 alone:
• Annie’s Fund provided $10,000+ to medically treat animals so they could be adopted.
• Project Guardian spayed/neutered 497 feral and outdoor cats, lowering the number of incoming stray cats to 939, down 31.6% since the program began in ’05!
• 2873 spay/neuter surgeries were performed in our SNIP clinic.
• 999 cats, 468 dogs and 404 small animals were adopted into forever homes.
• Our Animal Rescue Team reunited 658 cats and dogs with their families, 445 wild animals were rescued and the team responded to 1589 calls. A new emergency response trailer was donated to serve our community if disaster strikes.
• Our Behavior Department celebrated its 500th graduate from the Mod Squad™ and helped 308 dogs learn the manners appropriate to be re-homed. These dogs got that second chance because of dedicated staff and volunteers – the vast majority of dogs with behavior issues can and are rehabilitated!
• 6176 people attended Education Department programs; 520 attended Kids ‘N Critters Summer Day Camp. We also provided values education to numerous schools and Scout groups through afterschool and in-house and programs. Values coaching and education on qualities such as empathy, compassion and nurturing help the youth of our community become better adults, fighting abuse and neglect.
• Volunteers logged over 12,000 hours this past year! Our community stepped up to assist with laundry, foster care, grounds care, cat and small animal socialization and more.
Each program makes a difference. We are dedicated to our full service and open admissions philosophy. Come along with us, and help as HAWS works to create a society that humanely deals with issues such as neglect, abuse and over population. As a team we accomplish so many wonderful things, and will continue to do so far into the future!
We have the programs at HAWS that point to a successful future! But we know that we can’t do it without you, our community.
As a full service pet resource center, we treat those that are medically treatable and rehabilitate all those with poor behavior that we can. We do this while keeping our doors open so that our community’s strays and unwanted pets,
and those from families facing hardship, always have a place to go. We never charge for the public to surrender their animals, keeping pets off the street and getting them more quickly adopted into new loving homes.
We want to do more, and need your help and support of our programs. We have the programs at HAWS that create long-lasting solutions to community issues, prevention of abuse and neglect, and that curb pet overpopulation.
In 2012 alone:
• Annie’s Fund provided $10,000+ to medically treat animals so they could be adopted.
• Project Guardian spayed/neutered 497 feral and outdoor cats, lowering the number of incoming stray cats to 939, down 31.6% since the program began in ’05!
• 2873 spay/neuter surgeries were performed in our SNIP clinic.
• 999 cats, 468 dogs and 404 small animals were adopted into forever homes.
• Our Animal Rescue Team reunited 658 cats and dogs with their families, 445 wild animals were rescued and the team responded to 1589 calls. A new emergency response trailer was donated to serve our community if disaster strikes.
• Our Behavior Department celebrated its 500th graduate from the Mod Squad™ and helped 308 dogs learn the manners appropriate to be re-homed. These dogs got that second chance because of dedicated staff and volunteers – the vast majority of dogs with behavior issues can and are rehabilitated!
• 6176 people attended Education Department programs; 520 attended Kids ‘N Critters Summer Day Camp. We also provided values education to numerous schools and Scout groups through afterschool and in-house and programs. Values coaching and education on qualities such as empathy, compassion and nurturing help the youth of our community become better adults, fighting abuse and neglect.
• Volunteers logged over 12,000 hours this past year! Our community stepped up to assist with laundry, foster care, grounds care, cat and small animal socialization and more.
Each program makes a difference. We are dedicated to our full service and open admissions philosophy. Come along with us, and help as HAWS works to create a society that humanely deals with issues such as neglect, abuse and over population. As a team we accomplish so many wonderful things, and will continue to do so far into the future!
Early March, 2013
It’s hard to believe March is here. Coming to the shelter today the
weather had the feel of late winter with the softer snow, the slush
and a few lazy flakes drifting down. It’s as if winter is giving one final
push. I’m sure we’ll have more snow and some freezing rain, but we’ve
seen the first of the season's kittens show up this week!
That’s a sure sign that the breeding has begun and that spring is heading
our way. Don’t forget, PROJECT GUARDIAN will spay or neuter the potential parents, helping to
eliminate the over population of cats in Waukesha County. Your dollars can quickly add up to assist with spays and neuters of animals in need - please consider a donation today to our SNIP clinic or Project Guardian!
I’d like to thank the many volunteers who have braved this winter’s cold, the freezing rain and the flakes to come out and help. Thanks to the dog walkers who bundle up, no matter the weather, and give an hour or two to walk the dogs. Thanks also to the cat volunteers and those that take out the small animals who probably didn’t miss a day, despite the weather. The animals appreciate it, and so do we. Your smiles and charitable attitude help lighten our days, especially over the time of shortened daylight and grey haze that envelops Wisconsin this time of year.
The ground hog said it, my dog’s rapidly shedding his coat in clumps, kittens are in foster care… These are all telltale signs of an earlier spring. Pretty soon there will be weeds to pull and mosquitos to swat; one season to the next with blessings and challenges. It is good to have our volunteers to count on season to season.
It’s hard to believe March is here. Coming to the shelter today the
weather had the feel of late winter with the softer snow, the slush
and a few lazy flakes drifting down. It’s as if winter is giving one final
push. I’m sure we’ll have more snow and some freezing rain, but we’ve
seen the first of the season's kittens show up this week!
That’s a sure sign that the breeding has begun and that spring is heading
our way. Don’t forget, PROJECT GUARDIAN will spay or neuter the potential parents, helping to
eliminate the over population of cats in Waukesha County. Your dollars can quickly add up to assist with spays and neuters of animals in need - please consider a donation today to our SNIP clinic or Project Guardian!
I’d like to thank the many volunteers who have braved this winter’s cold, the freezing rain and the flakes to come out and help. Thanks to the dog walkers who bundle up, no matter the weather, and give an hour or two to walk the dogs. Thanks also to the cat volunteers and those that take out the small animals who probably didn’t miss a day, despite the weather. The animals appreciate it, and so do we. Your smiles and charitable attitude help lighten our days, especially over the time of shortened daylight and grey haze that envelops Wisconsin this time of year.
The ground hog said it, my dog’s rapidly shedding his coat in clumps, kittens are in foster care… These are all telltale signs of an earlier spring. Pretty soon there will be weeds to pull and mosquitos to swat; one season to the next with blessings and challenges. It is good to have our volunteers to count on season to season.
March 25, 2013
I would like to thank the community for coming through so
strongly once again to help the cats from the hoarding situation
we recently faced! Your generosity and kind thoughts make a world
of difference in this tragic situation.
Questions have been asked concerning these cats and why such a large number were euthanized. First, let me state that a large number of cats found on the properties were already deceased. Many of the cats we removed lacked from any human contact and were emaciated, dehydrated and with severe skin and eye infections. The most difficult problem was that the cats that were suffering were also terrified of human contact. They were too ill to be neutered/spayed and returned to the outdoors and were not able to be medicated due to their fractious nature. They were truly suffering and, upon veterinary inspection, were found unable to be saved. The kindest thing we could do was to end their suffering. This is very sad for all of us, as we are here to save lives!
There is no Disney outcome for many neglected and abused animals.
We then must concentrate our efforts towards the others we can save. Some of these cats are shy and reserved, but not terrified. These are the cats our dedicated volunteers are working with while we medicate them for a variety of maladies. Eventually they will be spayed/neutered, and then join the others up for adoption. For these we wish for loving forever homes who will take them in as part of their family.
Again, a huge “thank you” to the community for helping secure the success of these cats!
Remember, if you suspect a case of animal hoarding, you can do your part to prevent a tragedy like this by calling a humane society, law enforcement or health and human services department - and not letting a situation explode. You can save not just one life but many.
I would like to thank the community for coming through so
strongly once again to help the cats from the hoarding situation
we recently faced! Your generosity and kind thoughts make a world
of difference in this tragic situation.
Questions have been asked concerning these cats and why such a large number were euthanized. First, let me state that a large number of cats found on the properties were already deceased. Many of the cats we removed lacked from any human contact and were emaciated, dehydrated and with severe skin and eye infections. The most difficult problem was that the cats that were suffering were also terrified of human contact. They were too ill to be neutered/spayed and returned to the outdoors and were not able to be medicated due to their fractious nature. They were truly suffering and, upon veterinary inspection, were found unable to be saved. The kindest thing we could do was to end their suffering. This is very sad for all of us, as we are here to save lives!
There is no Disney outcome for many neglected and abused animals.
We then must concentrate our efforts towards the others we can save. Some of these cats are shy and reserved, but not terrified. These are the cats our dedicated volunteers are working with while we medicate them for a variety of maladies. Eventually they will be spayed/neutered, and then join the others up for adoption. For these we wish for loving forever homes who will take them in as part of their family.
Again, a huge “thank you” to the community for helping secure the success of these cats!
Remember, if you suspect a case of animal hoarding, you can do your part to prevent a tragedy like this by calling a humane society, law enforcement or health and human services department - and not letting a situation explode. You can save not just one life but many.
May, 2013
The daffodils are up, the tulips are on their way and today the sun is out.
Spring has taken a while to get here. It does feel good though, now that it
has finally arrived. With spring, in come the kittens, the stray dogs and the
wildlife. Our ANIMAL RESCUE TEAM is busy on the road.
Stray dogs “happen.” They sneak out when the kids run out the door, they
find open gates and go for walks in the spring sunshine – just like we do.
A friendly dog looks for company where ever it can find it, so with more people outside, more dogs are enticed into excursions. I own huskies who are opportunists, and will run just for the joy of it! If you are not quick at the gate, the chase is on. Stray dogs happen. The most diligent owner can be challenged.
I continue to be amazed at the number of dogs that come to us that do not have any identification on them. Microchips are great BUT they cannot be read by the general public. A dog tag is an affordable and simple means to have your dog returned to you. Often, if it is a friendly dog, the finder will call you directly, preventing a trip to the shelter.
A few ideas for simple insurance:
• Get TWO tags: put them on separate rings so if 1 ring fails you will still have another tag.
• Check your tags on a regular basis.
• Put your CELL PHONE number on the tags! There are two sides to most tags, so fill them up with numbers. You will probably be out looking for your dog, so the cell phone number is the most important.
• Consider putting a number on the tags that is for a relative or your dog sitter in case your family is out of town and your dog gets loose.
• You can write your cell phone number ON the collar with a permanent marker if you have a nylon collar of a lighter color; more insurance if the tags come off!
• Microchips are a good, permanent form of identification. They prove ownership. If you have a microchip, does it have the correct contact information associated with it? This is a good time to update that. Often we will call in a chip, contact the number and find out the phone isn’t current or the owners have moved from the listed address…or the dog no longer even belongs to them!
Spring. It’s a good time to check on tags and update all information. Take a walk and meet the neighbors so they know who your dog is. Be prepared; maximize the chances of your dog getting returned and minimize the chances of them getting away. Nothing takes the place of supervision and leashes, but if the worst happens, tags and microchips will help your dog get home.
The daffodils are up, the tulips are on their way and today the sun is out.
Spring has taken a while to get here. It does feel good though, now that it
has finally arrived. With spring, in come the kittens, the stray dogs and the
wildlife. Our ANIMAL RESCUE TEAM is busy on the road.
Stray dogs “happen.” They sneak out when the kids run out the door, they
find open gates and go for walks in the spring sunshine – just like we do.
A friendly dog looks for company where ever it can find it, so with more people outside, more dogs are enticed into excursions. I own huskies who are opportunists, and will run just for the joy of it! If you are not quick at the gate, the chase is on. Stray dogs happen. The most diligent owner can be challenged.
I continue to be amazed at the number of dogs that come to us that do not have any identification on them. Microchips are great BUT they cannot be read by the general public. A dog tag is an affordable and simple means to have your dog returned to you. Often, if it is a friendly dog, the finder will call you directly, preventing a trip to the shelter.
A few ideas for simple insurance:
• Get TWO tags: put them on separate rings so if 1 ring fails you will still have another tag.
• Check your tags on a regular basis.
• Put your CELL PHONE number on the tags! There are two sides to most tags, so fill them up with numbers. You will probably be out looking for your dog, so the cell phone number is the most important.
• Consider putting a number on the tags that is for a relative or your dog sitter in case your family is out of town and your dog gets loose.
• You can write your cell phone number ON the collar with a permanent marker if you have a nylon collar of a lighter color; more insurance if the tags come off!
• Microchips are a good, permanent form of identification. They prove ownership. If you have a microchip, does it have the correct contact information associated with it? This is a good time to update that. Often we will call in a chip, contact the number and find out the phone isn’t current or the owners have moved from the listed address…or the dog no longer even belongs to them!
Spring. It’s a good time to check on tags and update all information. Take a walk and meet the neighbors so they know who your dog is. Be prepared; maximize the chances of your dog getting returned and minimize the chances of them getting away. Nothing takes the place of supervision and leashes, but if the worst happens, tags and microchips will help your dog get home.