If the Olympics have inspired you to be more active this spring, bring along a friend like Champ for the ride! 
This dog is a personal trainer and best friend in one, just awaiting a guardian as happy and optimistic as he is.

This 1-year-old black Labrador Retriever mix will impress you with his athleticism, eagerness to learn and commitment to good health. He has been neutered, microchipped, vaccinated and goes home with a certificate for a free veterinary exam. 

Buy some stock in tennis ball manufacturers and head on down to WHS at 45th & Wisconsin to meet Champ.   See him, and all available dogs, at www.wihumane.org.

Legally Blonde: The Musical
Uihlein Hall – Marcus Center
929 N. Water Street
Tuesday, April 13, 2010 7:30 p.m.

Come Opening Night!
A portion of the cost of every ticket for Tuesday, April 13 goes to WHS if you enter the secret code!

1. Go to www.eventusher.com 

2. Enter the passcode: whsfundtix

3. Order tickets!

Batman & Robin. Abbott & Costello. Marty & Bruiser. You may see these handsome chaps strolling in tandem with our volunteer dog walkers around the grounds of WHS. These two best friends have lived their whole lives together and we want to find them a home for two. They were brought to us because their guardian fell seriously ill and could no longer care for them. Marty is a 12.5 year old Beagle and Bruiser is a 5.5 year old Pug/Beagle mix. Looking to double your happiness?

Cat Behavior Seminar
Date: Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Time: 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. 
Sign up!

Please join us at WHS for an excellent program with a presentation and videos on feline behavior and training given by Kim Rinzel, M.S.  She will give you great insight on many topics including, but not limited to the following:

• Introducing your cat to other animals
• Solving aggression between households cats
• Reducing play aggression
• Preventing or solving litterbox problem
• .How to provide exercise and mental enrichment to your cat
• How to keep your cat from waking you in the middle of the night
• How to read your cat's body language

A $10.00 fee for this seminar includes a $5.00 certificate to use in Animal Antics, the Wisconsin Humane Society retail store. We offer a variety of fun toys and treats to exercise and provide enrichment for your feline, canine or small animal. All proceeds from this seminar will go directly to help the animals at the Wisconsin Humane Society.

Join the Wisconsin Humane Society at the Great Lakes Pet Expo at State Fair Park on Saturday, February 6 from 10:00a.m. – 6:00p.m.  It’s Wisconsin’s largest indoor festival for animal lovers.

Shop for unique products, meet adoptable animals looking for new homes, and enjoy the entertainment that ranges from  “Animal Idol” and a parade of adoptables, to police dog and herding demonstrations.  We’ll be at booth 420, so make sure to stop by and say hello!

Admission is only $6 for adults and $3 for kids. Bring a can of food with you to receive $1.00 off of your admission price.

Smart and silly, Scout is a handsome Jack Russell who is nine years young.  He has classic Jack Russell markings and is just 18 pounds. This intelligent guy is a joy to train - he learns very fast and is a motivated student. Got a bunch of tennis balls?  We've got the dog for you!

Learn more about adoption policies, training tips, and see all the available animals at www.wihumane.org.

A Milwaukee man brought a young Opossum to the Wisconsin Humane Society (WHS) Wednesday night with a horrific story. He saw several children kicking and beating a helpless animal in an alley near Burnham Street. The man was able to rescue the tiny girl from the terrible abuse and immediately brought her to the WHS Wildlife Rehabilitation Center. The children ran off and were not apprehended.

When Ellie the Opossum was first admitted, she was in shock and suffering from hypothermia; her condition has since improved and she is responding to treatment.

There is a strong and compelling link between cruelty to animals and violence toward humans. In the vast majority of cases, cruelty to animals is just one aspect of a social environment marked by violence. In fact, people who abuse animals are five times more likely to commit violent crime. When an animal is abused, not only does an innocent animal get injured, but the person who commits the offense often falls into a cycle that could ultimately result in violence against other people.

The Wisconsin Humane Society has a variety of educational programs to end the cycle of violence and teach children about compassion and respect for animals. In fact, nominations are now being accepted for the People Animals Learning (PAL) program. Milwaukee area teachers, school administrators and other educators are invited to recommend underserved children for this summer program, in which students develop compassion and self-esteem while working with dogs, cats, wild animals and each other. For more information about PAL, please call (414) 431-6159.

Sadie is an 8-year-old Shepherd mix whom the volunteers adore because she is sweet, gentle and always appreciative of her daily walks. She may be a senior, but she has a young heart and walks with a skip in her step!  She has been with us for a while, but don't miss this older girl. Sadie has an incredible demeanor and would be a great addition to a home where she can be the center of attention. She especially likes belly rubs.  Visit Sadie today at WHS, located at 45th & Wisconsin.

ADOPTED! Tasha is a stunning Siberian Husky and Border Collie mix available for adoption at the Wisconsin Humane Society. A playful 9.5-year-old female, Tasha has a gorgeous, fluffy black and white coat and sweet brown eyes. Her smiles absolutely lights up a room.

 Like all of the dogs at WHS, Tasha has been spayed, microchipped and vaccinated. Visit her today at WHS, located at 45th and Wisconsin Avenue.

Tips of the Week: They may wear a fur coat all the time, but cold weather is still a threat to the health of animals. Even Northern Breed dogs like Tasha need heated, comfortable shelter away from bitter cold temperatures and high winds to stay safe.

If you see spilled antifreeze, clean it up. The sweet taste of this lethal poison actually attracts animals.

Always keep your dog leashed on snow and ice. Despite their powerful noses dogs often lose their scent in the snow and ice, and can easily become lost.

Salt and antifreeze can kill dogs, so it is very important that these harmful substances are wiped off before your dog has a chance to lick them off his or her own paws.

For more cold weather tips, visit www.wihumane.org.

Precious may dream of a new home for 2010, but first, her eye has to heal from an agonizing injury. How it happened, we may never know, but fortunately she was surrendered to the Wisconsin Humane Society.

When Precious arrived, her eye looked horrible. It was swollen and cloudy, and the veterinary staff couldn’t even see her iris. Sensitive to the terrible pain, she meowed loudly when our veterinarians gently examined her. They suspected that her injury was caused by blunt force trauma of some kind, but luckily, she survived.  Precious is now quickly healing in our Intensive Care Unit at WHS and loves her plaid cat bed and glitter ball toys. Appropriately named, Precious is a very affectionate, curious cat.

This sweet girl is just one of many patients in the Intensive Care Unit at WHS, where animals recover from fractures, illnesses, specialized surgeries and traumatic abuse. These innocent animals depend entirely on the support of the community for their medical and behavioral care, as well as the adoption services that match them up with loving families when they are fully recuperated.

Will you donate to help pay for Precious’ care?   You can even sponsor Precious in honor of a loved one this holiday season, and send a special card to share her story. WHS relies entirely on the community's support to care for animals like Precious and we deeply appreciate your support! 

 
When Sadie met Santa this week, all she asked for was a new home. Got any room in your sleigh for a dog like Sadie? 

Sadie is a loving, sweet senior dog who is looking for a happy home with all the amenitites: kind guardians, a soft couch, regular outdoor excursions and tasty food. She prefers a home where she can be the center of attention, too.

At 8-years-old, Sadie already knows basic cues and how to politely greet guests. She is also an excellent listener. When you come home from work, Sadie will want to hear all about your day, especially if you give her a belly rub and scratches behind her ears. She loves attention!

Looking for a sweet, older dog? Open your heart and home to Sadie. Learn more about the adoption process for dogs at www.wihumane.org.    

Shyla is a gorgeous four-month-old Domestic Longhair seeking her purr-fect match this holiday season. Could it be you? Shyla is a playful gal who likes to swat at cat charmers and chase felt mice. She has a silky black coat and a warm personality.  Like all of the cats at WHS, Shyla has been spayed, microchipped, vaccinated and tested for feline Leukemia. 

Tip of the Week:  Tinsel, string, ribbon and yarn will all be seen as wonderful play things, especially to your cat. Keep these things out of kitty’s reach. They can cause serious internal damage if swallowed. Learn more at www.wihumane.org.

Top Ten Reasons to Adopt a Rabbit

The Wisconsin Humane Society currently has many adoptable rabbits looking for homes for the holidays. Rabbits are sure to make your holidays ‘hoppy’ and extend the joy throughout the years. This month, every rabbit adopter who purchases a kit, which includes aspen bedding, timothy hay, Oxbow rabbit food, a water bottle, a ceramic dish, an Atomic treat ball and a toy, will have the $15 rabbit adoption fee waived!

Could a bunny be the companion for you? Check out the Wisconsin Humane Society’s top ten reasons to adopt a rabbit:
 

1) All of the rabbits at WHS have been spayed or neutered, microchipped, given initial vaccinations and a health exam.
2) Rabbits live an average of 8 to 10 years, giving you a decade of joy!
3) Rabbits are social, entertaining companions!
4) Many rabbits are litterbox trained!
5) Rabbits are very clean animals and rarely need bathing.
6) Once a rabbit knows his name, he’ll come running for a pet, kiss, or treat!
7) You’ll never have to take a rabbit outside in the middle of the night.
8) Adopted rabbits go home with a certificate for a free veterinary exam!
9) Rabbits often do great in pairs – WHS offers a Happy Hopping dating service to find the perfect match for your rabbit!
10) A bunny will be your best buddy!

For more information on adopting a rabbit from the Wisconsin Humane Society please call 414-ANIMALS or visit www.wihumane.org.

BEHAVIOR CONSULTATIONS
Need Some Expert Advice? Sometimes you may have concerns about your dog's behavior that go beyond the scope of regular dog training classes or seminars. To schedule a one-on-one behavior consultation with one of the animal experts at the Wisconsin Humane Society, please call (414) 431-6114.

This may get you in the holiday spirit! Two kids stopped by on Friday night to drop off money they had been saving for WHS animals... instead of buying holiday presents, they chose to donate their savings to help animals like Judd, a puppy they got to meet. Thanks so much opening your hearts to help animals!

Rocco is a three-month-old Standard Rat. He has a soft white and black coat and long white whiskers. Rocco is a very companionable rat who is quite comfortable being held. He loves to explore fresh places and meet new people. His great personality makes him a favorite of the volunteers and staff at WHS!

Rocco’s diet consists of pellets, sometimes oats, fruits and vegetables (in moderation) and water. He also loves to chomp on Garden Wafers, his favorite treat!

Interested in adopting a rat like Rocco? To learn more about the adoption process for small animals, visit www.wihumane.org.

Hope's Lights Celebration
Join us for this special celebration and lighting ceremony at the Wisconsin Humane Society at 5:30 p.m. on Sunday, December 6. Come for behind-the-scenes tours, holiday treats, a special presentation by FOX 6's Nicole Koglin and live demonstrations. There will be many animals to meet, including WHS alumni and this year's Hope and Joy, two animals with remarkable stories.  Sign up today! 
 

Governor Doyle Signs Puppy Mill Bill

Thank you, Governor Doyle! Authored by Senator Pat Kreitlow and Representative Jeff Smith, Senate Bill 208 and Assembly Bill 250 was signed into law on December 1, 2009. The bill will establish a much-needed licensing and inspection program to end the suffering of thousands of dogs at the hands of unscrupulous dog breeders. This dog breeder bill will also level the playing field for reputable breeders who already practice humane care for their dogs. Pictured are Governor Jim Doyle with Wisconsin Humane Society representatives, Angela Speed, Tony Enea and Jodi Habush.
 

A little Pekingese arrived at WHS this summer with a painfully infected, bulging eye. A sweet kitten came in with a deformed paw, which had essentially died after being tied with rubber bands.  These innocent animals were not the only abuse and neglect survivors we saw this year, but we remember their stories - and countless others - because they touch our hearts.

Hope and Joy are being honored at this year's Hope's Lights event on December 6, 2009.  This free holiday event celebrates the animals in our lives and helps us remember those we've lost. Come meet the real Hope and Joy, enjoy refreshments, watch the Gosling Guild kids' club members carol and enjoy behind-the-scenes tours of WHS.  We're even auctioning off a SmartCar Convertible! How's that for a holiday present? 

Please help us continue to care for animals like Hope and Cheer. WHS receives no government support or tax dollars, so the community's support is essential.  

Purchase a light online in honor or memory of someone and send an email or card to let them know.  A single $20 donation goes a long way to help us care for injured, abused and homeless animals. All these donations go directly to help animals like Hope and Joy receive the care - and second chances - they so deeply deserve. Thank you, and we hope to see you at the Hope's Lights event on December 6 at WHS.