At HAWS we welcome the new season with a full calendar - including our annual meeting, classes and seminars, Mobile Adoption visits and more…all leading up to our fall fundraiser, HAWS Homecoming 2010!  And don't forget, there are always paws and claws available for adoption at HAWS!

Some September highlights:

• HAWS annual meeting is Monday, September 20^th at 7:00 p.m., featuring the year in review and election of new board members. All are welcome, voting is by membership only.
• Two special Mobile Adoption Center events include (1) Dog Day Afternoon on Sunday, September 12^th at the Waukesha Expo Center grounds right across from our shelter, and (2) a full day of activities supporting the HAWS cause on September 18^th at the Shoppes at the Fox River on Sunset Dr. in Waukesha - especially at Noodles & Co., Petco and Maurices!  We're bringing happy tails to your neighborhood - come see us.
• Various 6-week canine obedience classes begin on September 8^th, 11^th and 16^th.
• The Friends of HAWS monthly planning meeting is on September 8^th.
• Guinea Pig and Rabbit Pedicures are available for a donation on September 8^th and 18^th.
• We’ll be “Solving Common Canine Behavior Problems” with a free seminar on September 13^th.
• Learn to “Keep your Puppy and Your Sanity” with a free seminar on September 19^th.
• Our monthly First Aid for Pets seminar is on September 25^th.
• Meet a greyhound and talk adoption through the HAWS-GPA partnership on September 25^th.
   

Details, locations and registration (as needed) can be found on our website calendar, “Upcoming Events”.

By the way - you DON'T want to miss our fall fundraiser, HAWS Homecoming 2010! We’re Celebrating our Alumni with a football-themed party, featuring a Homecoming Court of adoptable pets; festive parade; ‘fan’-tastic food, silent/live auctions and casino gaming. We’ll even be watching the UW vs. Ohio State game – and raffling off the big-screen TV! General admission and VIP tickets for HAWS “big game” are now available, as are parade floats and additional sponsorships. Call 262-542-8851 or visit hawspets.org.

 

One unfortunate affect of our economy is what it has done to the non-profit world.  We thought fundraising was challenging before...!

But creativity is the key - and we have loads of creativity at HAWS.  (We have loads of laundry, too, but that's another blog entry entirely.)  Thanks to some fun-loving folks who work and/or volunteer here and their friends and contacts who are HAWS fans, we have some very neat activities coming up to help the HAWS cause.  Come join us!

HAWS Mobile Adoption Unit Brings Happy Tails to YOU!
Our Mobile unit and adoptable pets will be at Eclectica Bead Studio TOMORROW, August 25th, from 1-6pm.  They be at New Berlin Woodcraft on August 28th from 10am - 1pm, and then September is jam-packed with visits.  Check out the whole schedule here.

Getting by with a Little Help from our Friends:
The Friends of HAWS group ALWAYS has something neat planned - upcoming events include the Holiday Craft Bazaar & Bake Sale (yum!) and the annual bowling event (great family fun).  Learn more about them here, or just c'mon over to their monthly meeting, held the second Wednesday of each month here at HAWS.

Join our Team!  Show Your Spirit!
Our fall fundraiser is fast approaching.  HAWS Homecoming 2010, October 16th at Olympia Resort, will feature all the great things every annual gala does - fantastic food and beverages, silent/live auctions, casino games, music, adoptable pets - and this year we're even going to watch the UW vs. Ohio State game during our event.  Not only that, but one of the big-screen TVs we'll be watching it on will be raffled off!  Gooooo Team!  And bring YOUR whole team, too - this event makes a great office party or company outing, and you're supporting a great cause at the same time.

By the way - we'd LOVE to accept your donation of an auction item for our Homecoming event.  Contact marketing@hawspets.org if you have a great connection to game tickets, home-decor items and whatnot else!

By the way, part 2 - did you hear WE WON AN AWARD?!?!?!!!

JOIN US NEXT SATURDAY FOR THIS ALL-AGES, PETS WELCOME EVENT!

And don't forget the Pet Photo Contest to benefit the paws & claws at HAWS...

We'll see YOU there!

With temps flirting with the 90s and the humidity in "very damp" range, it is hard to focus on fall.  But that's exactly what we're doing at HAWS:

Our annual fall fundraiser is October 16th.  This year, we're having our very own HOMECOMING!  Rah!

Tickets will go on sale September 1st, but we need you to get involved already, right now:

Our Homecoming Committee is looking for sponsors for this fun event.  Sponsorships include special VIP tickets to the event with early entry and reserved seating, advertising for your company or group, and the great feeling you get when you've helped HAWS help the animals and their people in our community!  Get in touch with us by August 4th and you'll be part of our really neat (really, really neat), personalized event invitations that are sent out to 12,500+ friends of the HAWS cause.

It's very easy to get involved:  Head on over to our HAWS Homecoming webpage and download the sponsorship info, then send your sponsorship commitment form back to us via fax, snail mail, carrier pigeon (really, we do get plenty of those stopping by our shelter, so why not?!)...or email Jen or Nichole at marketing@hawspets.org and we'll get you all set.  Sponsorships range from $250 - $5000.  You can call us for more info, too - 262-542-8851, x107.

HAWS Homecoming will feature the usual great food, auction items, raffle and casino games, but this year we have a few special twists!  We'll kick off the evening with our very own Homecoming Parade (you can sponsor a float in that, too, by the way, for $100) and a Homecoming Court of Adoptable Pets from our shelter.  You might even be able to take home the King or Queen...

So Join our Team!  Show Your Spirit!  Become a Sponsor!  Rah!

By the way - HAWS fall fundraiser is one of the 2 main events our shelter does annually in support of our animals, services and programs.  Your support means the world to us and the animals and people we serve each day.  Thank you!
 

Since it is the Dog Days of Summer, we'd like you to meet one of our many adoptable dogs at HAWS!

This is Siska.  She is a German Shepherd mix who celebrated her 7th birthday in May.  This beautiful gal has a long coat which gives her a more shaggy appearance the most of the German Shepherds we're used to seeing.

Siska's story is a bit sad:  She was brought to HAWS after her owner died.  Other family members were simply unable to care for her, so she found safe haven with us.  We were happy to welcome her!

This loyal dog is working with our Mod Squad - the volunteers from our Behavior Department who do special things like Tellington TTouch to help the HAWS residents who need a little extra TLC.  Probably because of her age, a shelter environment is a little more disconcerting for Siska, so the Mod Squad daily spends time giving her the reassurance she needs to stay comfortable here while waiting for her new home.

Siska is looking for companionship and love, leisurely walks (when it isn't too warm out!) and a nice quiet place to relax.  Stop by any day to meet her!

By the way - this weekend is a BUSY one for HAWS!  Our annual Mini-Golf outing is Sunday, July 25th (sponsored by the Friends of HAWS group.)  Also, our Mobile Adoption unit will be all over the county, even in the Dousman Derby Days Parade on Sunday.  Check us out!

At HAWS we often hear a saying that is popular with cat fans, including many of our cat "cuddlers" volunteers:  Cats are like potato chips, you can't have just one.

Sure it is fodder for t-shirts and needlepoint pillows, but there is also much truth to the concept.  And most folks who have had cats will agree, 2 is better than 1!

While dogs are more "pack-oriented" by nature and will adopt their humans as their pack, cats are often more independent.  (Admit it, if you've ever been near a cat, you've been "dissed" by one...)  Cats do, however, enjoy the company of another one of their own kind, and this can make YOUR life better, and easier, as a cat guardian.

One of the plusses of cats:  they are great companions for busy people.  They sleep alot, so when you aren't home they're not missing you.  During your few precious hours at home, though, ANY pet - including a cat - requires attention, exercise and playtime.  If you have more than 1 cat, guess who they can play with and cuddle with?  Each other!  No, this doesn't let you off the hook completely, but it sure helps when you've had a particularly exhausting day.

(Sure, more than 1 cat means more than one litter box, and probably a bigger food dish, but you were cleaning and feeding anyway...)

We have lots of cats and kittens at HAWS, along with a program called "The Buddy System" - adopt 2 for the price of 1 with bonded pairs of adult cats (like Joey and Oliver, pictured at left).  Or, if you're ready for some real crazy fun, adopt 1 kitten and get the second at half price!

As long as you're looking for one cat, why not take two?!

By the way - coming up on July 25th, from 11am to 3pm, is the annual HAWS Mini-Golf Outing.  Join us at National Golf Center in Big Bend for 18 holes of putting for paws!  $12 per person, or $10 + an item from our Wish List.  Sponsored by the Friends of HAWS!

Meet Brewser, currently in residence at HAWS and available for adoption.

Brewzer is a 2 year old Jack Russell Terrier.  He’s wire-haired…and “wired”!  This active boy is ready to go, go, GO!  Like many members of his breed group, Brewzer is a high-energy dog and quite smart.  When properly channeled, his energy could make him a great running partner - or agility or flyball dog.  If you’re looking for a playmate to keep you active, Brewzer is your boy!  If you know and love your terriers, have we got the terrier for you!

(Funny how write-ups on Jack Russells and others of his ilk require the use of many "!!!!!"s.)

A dog like Brewzer illustrates perfectly why HAWS has our Behavior Department, Mod Squad and many volunteer dog walkers.  On any given day, our kennel is filled with dogs that don't quite fit the terms "average" or "typical."  These dogs may need special attention to keep them in the right state of mind...and to get them ready for their new adoptive homes.

In truth, there may not be such a thing as "average" anymore when it comes to shelter dogs.  We see all sizes, breeds, ages and energy levels.  Some are comfortable in a kennel environment, some are not so sure.  Some have good doggy manners, others need a little work on the basics.  And some, like Brewzer, just need more stimulation or enrichment to keep them on an even keel.

Our Mod Squad works with the more challenging adoptables.  Our dog-walking volunteers make sure all the animals in our care get out-and-about for exercise.  And our staff keeps an ever-close eye to make sure our residents are happy, healthy and ready to go home.

By the way - First Weber Realtors of Lake Country recently held a "Take Your Dog to Work Day" for their employees, raising over $800 for the HAWS cause!  A great day was had by all - both human and canine.

Did you know that ANY individual, business or group can do an event for HAWS?  Learn how at our website.

We at HAWS wish you and your entire family - including your pets - a safe, happy Fourth of July holiday!

But there are concerns during all the fun times:  fireworks and thunderstorms can stress some animals to the point of panic. While some find a great indoor hiding place under a bed or in the bathtub, others may injure themselves by jumping through screen doors or windows. 

We see lots more stray dogs coming into our shelter, and receive many more lost reports during severe weather and holiday celebrations including fireworks shows.  You can avoid the worry of a lost pet!

Here are some basics to remember:

• Leave your pet at home, even if it is used to going places with you.
• Leave your pet in an area of your home where it will be safe, comfortable and sheltered from any outside noise and lights. Turn on the air conditioning or a fan for background noise.
• Be sure to put away anything that can be damaged or might harm your pet if chewed.
• Never leave pets outside and unattended, even in a fenced-in yard.
• Make sure your pet has identification tags, or better yet, a microchip. Microchips are available at HAWS, 7 days a week.
• Consider having someone stay home with your pet during fireworks shows, especially if you will be away for several days on vacation.

If your pet goes missing, don't give up hope!  Call us at 262-542-8851 or stop by to see if you pet has made it to our safe haven.

And, to help dog owners make sure this summer is fun-filled and not stress-laden, Claudeen McAuliffe’s booklet "The Big Bang: How You Can Help Your Dog Cope with Storm and Noise Fears," is available at HAWS.  Pick up your copy today!

By the way - summer fun abounds at HAWS, at home, on the road!  Be safe wherever you are with your pet:  Keep your pet leashed (or safe at home - see above), always have water available for BOTH of you, stay in the shade or use sunscreen (seriously, some dogs need it, too - check with your vet!)...plan ahead to have a great time that will make many great memories to look back on when it snows again!

We LOVE this time of year at HAWS - and I think our shelter residents do, too.

Kids 'N Critters Summer Day Camp is in it's second week already!

This year, because of our facility expansion, we are able to have 2 sessions running at once - allowing more kids to attend and for a greater variety of camp offerings.  Camp runs through mid-August, offering 2- and 5-day sessions, for ages 7 up to 14.  Each camp involves activites and hands-on animal experiences, learning about our shelter and our adoptable pets...even helping make the animals even more adoptable!

Our specially-themed sessions this year are:

• Camp Gone to the Dogs
• Shutterbug Camp
• Art Camp
• Horseback Riding Camp

Camp is popular - kids come back year after year...and then become counselors when they're too old to be campers!  Parents start contacting us already in January to see what our schedule will be for the coming summer, to make sure their kids don't miss out.

The learning at HAWS doesn't take a break for the summer - it just gets better!

By the way - our Mobile Adoption Center is also not taking a break - we have a Dog Wash coming up, along with a cookout and more "dine-out" nights.  Join us as we bring our 4 paws to YOUR neighborhood!  

HAWS ever-popular Kids ‘N Critters Summer Day Camp began this week with a specially-themed session that will benefit campers and shelter dogs alike.

Children participating in this week’s Camp Gone to the Dogs are specifically working with resident shelter dogs, teaching them basic manners, training some fun tricks and generally helping the dogs to become more desirable to potential adoptive families that visit HAWS!

Dogs participating in the program are Sherlock, Jersey, Dana, Poppa and Lily.  All the dogs are available for adoption at HAWS and will be able to go home with their new families at the end of the week, once the Camp Gone to the Dogs kids have completed their project.

HAWS Humane Educator Khris Erickson, who is our camp director, notes “The kids will not only be training the shelter dogs but they’ll also be learning about responsibility for pets.  They will be caring for the dogs – cleaning the kennels, ensuring their dogs have fresh water, food and clean bedding, etc.  It is a great way for them to learn all the aspects of having a pet – care plus training.”

Kids ‘N Critters Camp runs June through mid-August.   Details on the different sessions can be found at www.hawspets.org or by calling Khris at 262-542-8851, x118.

By the way - there's something for everyone this summer at HAWS!  Our Mobile Adoption Center is out and about every weekend, classes and seminars continue...and our Everyone-Is-Invited Housewarming Party is coming up Monday, June 21st from 4-7pm.  C'mon over - we'd love to see you!

RIDE FOR ROVER
Saturday, June 12th

Join us at this rally for the paws and claws at HAWS.  Riders and Non-Riders are welcome for the all-ages fun...and a great way to help out the animals on a summer Saturday!

9:00 am 
Kick off the Ride at the Harley-Davidson Museum on Canal St., Milwaukee.  Lead by Dave Cook of Cooks Customs.

10:00 am (approx.)
Pit Stop at HAWS, 701 Northview Rd., Waukesha for snacks, beverages, potty breaks.  Tour HAWS and meet adoptable pets, even purchase HAWS gear!

Lunchtime
Rally ends at the Doggy Office, 3515 N. 127th St., Brookfield.  Enjoy a picnic and music by Cold Brew, play games, get your limited edition "1st Annual Ride for Rover" t-shirt, visit with the HAWS Mobile Adoption Center, check out bikes from Cooks Customs and more!


Admission/ Rider Bracelets: 
$15, or $10 with HAWS Wish List item.


Pre-register or register at any stop along the way!
Proceeds to benefit HAWS. 

Check out these links for details: HAWS WEBSITE   or   RIDE FOR ROVER WEBSITE.

By the way...there's not enough thanks to give to Jim Demos of the Milwaukee Small Breed Dog Group, the tireless organizer of this wonderful day!  Because of the generosity of his committee of volunteers and great support from sponsors and donors, this promises to be an amazing event for the HAWS cause.  Next time you see Jim, give him a high paw - he deserves it!!!

At HAWS we have something for every member of the family – pet or person – this month!  

HAWS’ busy calendar of activities for June is highlighted by the grand-opening House Warming Party on June 21st, from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m.  All members of the public are welcome to tour the newly expanded and remodeled shelter - even the "behind the scenes areas," learn about HAWS’ programs and services, visit adoptable animals and enjoy a cookout.  Pets are welcome, too!

Starting June 1^st, we will have new summer hours of operation.  Monday through Friday viewing/visiting hours are from 1:00 – 6:00 p.m., with the shelter open to receive animals from 9:00a.m. until 6:00 p.m. on those days.  On Saturdays, HAWS will open to receive animals from 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., with kennel viewing between 11:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.  On Sundays the shelter will have both receiving and viewing hours from Noon until 4:00 p.m.  We'll see you then.

The Ride for Rover motorcycle rally to benefit HAWS is Saturday, June 12th. The Ride, lead by Dave Cook of Cook Customs, starts at the Harley-Davidson Museum on Canal St. in Milwaukee at 9:00 a.m., “pit-stops” at the HAWS shelter at 10:00 a.m. for tours and socializing with the shelter residents and staff, and ends at the Doggy Office in Brookfield for a picnic lunch, music by Cold Brew, shopping for the HAWS’ cause and fun for all! HAWS’ Mobile Adoptions Center and adoptable pets will be featured. Both riders and non-riders are welcome to participate - $15/person, $5 with a HAWS Wish List donation.

HAWS’ Mobile Adoption Center will be active all month, and not just at the Ride for Rover!  Scheduled stops include Franklin Safety Day (6/5), West Allis Ala Carte (6/6), Culver’s in Sussex for a donation night (6/15) and Lake Country Rehab Center for a dog wash (6/26).

And, the final Nature of Dogs partnership event with the Waukesha Museum – the Best Friends Bash for kids ages 5-12 – is on June 5th.  $3/child, $1 off when you bring your best stuffed friend.

By the way:  June kicks off months of summer fun.  If you bring your pet along on vacation, be sure to call ahead to make sure it is welcome wherever you go!  Take vet records and your vet’s phone number – and don’t forget ample supplies of any medications your pet may need. Always have an I.D. tag on your pet, or better yet, have a microchip implanted. I.D. tags and microchips are available for purchase at HAWS, 7 days a week, for a nominal fee.

Never leave pets unattended in your parked car. The temperature inside a car, even with windows open slightly, can quickly reach deadly levels. In sunlight temps can rise more than 30 degrees per minute.  Anytime your pet is outside, make sure he or she has protection from heat and sun (a dog house does not provide relief from heat) and plenty of fresh, cool water.  

HAVE A GREAT SUMMER!

Presenting another special event from the HAWS and Waukesha County Museum partnership and "The Nature of Dogs" special photography exhibit...


Join us for  “Cock-Tails Happy Hour” on Thursday, May 27 from 5:00-7:00 p.m. - at the Museum at 101 W. Main St., Waukesha. Pets and their people are both welcome!

Our featured speaker will be animal behaviorist Beth Ament, who will discuss her work and also take questions from cocktail hour guests. Beth is the co-founder and Executive Administrator for the African Predator Conservation Research Organization.  After working in the zoo animal field since 1988 in Wisconsin, Iowa and Minnesota, Beth obtained her Certified Veterinary Technician certificate and is currently a licensed vet tech.  Unlike most CVT's she has worked on lions about as much as she has dogs and cats!  (Seriously, how cool is THAT?!)

Cock-TAILS guests can compete in an owner/pet look-alike contest (ALWAYS fun!) and a raffle for an autographed copy of The Nature of Dogs exhibit companion book by Mary Ludington. Canine visitors will enjoy “Puppy Petite Fours” treats from event sponsor, Petlicious Dog Bakery & Pet Spa. HAWS’ Mobile Adoption Center will host a meet’n’greet with adoptable animals from the shelter. 

The $5 advance admission ($10 at the door) includes viewing of The Nature of Dogs special exhibit, the first drink and snacks.

By the way - Museum visitors should also save their admission tickets and bring them to HAWS to be entered in the special Nature of Dogs Raffle Contest. Winners will be drawn on June 13 for prizes such as HAWS gear, restaurant gift certificates, pet goody baskets and more. Enter the raffle for each visit to the exhibit.  And while you're at HAWS...see who's available to be your new best friend!

Do you ever wonder if Fido is living up to his potential?  Or maybe you'd just like to meet some special canines who are a big part of our service industries.  HAWS and the Waukesha County Museum, as part of our partnership for "The Nature of Dogs" special photography exhibit, proudly present...

Working Dogs Day - a day of fun and learning for pets and their people!

Saturday, May 22^nd
11:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Waukesha County Museum
101 W. Main St., Waukesha

Bring your best pet friend and meet K-9 police, canine search and rescue teams, therapy dogs, animal rescue professionals, assistance dogs, Waukesha County Humane Officers and more!

SPECIAL FEATURE:
Pet Portrait Contest sponsored by Nancy G. Photography
For a donation of either $10 or a 10 lb. bag of kitten food, museum visitors receive a free photo session for their pet and a 5"x7" portrait. Prizes will be awarded for the best portraits.

View The Nature of Dogs exhibit and interact with dogs that help in our community every day.  Then take home your own photographic art from the Pet Portrait sessions!

By the way - museum visitors are also encouraged to bring their paid admission tickets to HAWS to be entered in The Nature of Dogs Raffle Contest.  The drawing for fabulous prizes - like pet gift baskets and certificates, Nature of Dogs merchandise and HAWS gear - will be held on June 13, 2010.

HAWS and the Waukesha County Museum, in conjunction with
"The Nature of Dogs" exhibit, proudly present...

Canine Cuisine Night
Wednesday, May 12th
6:00 - 8:00 pm
Waukesha County Museum
101 W. Main St., Waukesha

Can dogs eat people food? Absolutely!
(After all, it's what dog food in bags and cans is made of!)

Learn from Claudeen E. McAuliffe, HAWS' Behavior Department Manager and pet nutritional behaviorist, how to make some healthy and fresh additions to your dog's diet - out of ingredients you probably have right in your kitchen.
Get free samples and take recipes home to try!

Register for this event (download form here). 
Or, call 262-521-2859 ext. 226 to register. 
$5 for adults ($7 at the door), kids 12 and under are free.
While everyone is welcome, this event is tailored towards adults.

By the way - HAWS and the Museum still have several special events left during our partnership for "The Nature of Dogs"...like Working Dogs Day on Saturday, May 22 and Cock-TAILS Night on Thursday, May 27.  Won't you join us?  And as always...Adopt for paws from HAWS!

Would you like a reason to Paws for Thought?  Our e-blasts feature HAWS adoptable pets, breaking news and updates on all things HAWS.

Sign up on our website in the yellow SIGN UP box in the left column and be "in the know" with the HAWS cause!

Paws for Thought ~ May, 2010 ~     AN A-MAY-ZING MONTH   Highlighted May Events: Get all the details at our event calendar. May 8th Mobile Adoption at Petco - Waukesha New store - our 1st visit! May 8th, 12th, 27th Dog Training Classes begin! May 13th/16th Small Animal Pedicures May 22nd - Friends Plant Sale - Mobile Adoption at New Berlin Safety Day - First Aid for Pets at HAWS SUNDAYS Check out  Animal Advocate TV - coming soon, a tour of HAWS! And don't forget... June 12th Ride for Rover!     There's lots to do this month to support the HAWS cause - don't miss a minute, from our Mobile Adoption visits to our Friends Plant Sale to training classes and more! Have you signed up for Kids 'N Critters Summer Day Camp yet?!?!?!! Upcoming HAWS Events   THE NATURE OF DOGS CONTINUES... As part of The Nature of Dogs exhibit, co-sponsored by HAWS and showing at the Waukesha Museum, three very special events this month at the Museum explore and promote the bond with our canine friends. Canine Cuisine Night 5/12: Prepare "Cocker Casserole" & "Poodle Parfaits" - $5/advance. Working Dogs Day5/22: Features canines at work and in service. Pet portraits available! CockTAILS Night 5/27: Enjoy happy hour with other dog fans at the exhibit - $5/advance.

By the way - have you considered Getting Married for HAWS?  We'll even send out the thank-yous...!!

HAWS' 27th ANNUAL
PET WALKATHON IS
THIS SATURDAY
MAY 1ST!

Join us at Minooka Park from 9am-3pm for our 27th Annual event, a day-long festival for pets and their people!  You can help support the HAWS cause, on foot and online.

Each year this event is produced and sponsored by the Friends of HAWS volunteer group - their hard work makes sure that 100% of your donations for the Walk go directly to the animals at HAWS!

Walk the trails, enter the dog & owner contests, check out the Lure Course (weather permitting)...shop, shop, shop at our vendor booths...meet your favorite area Mascots and more.  There is something for everyone - for you, your pet, your kids, your parents, your friends...

Here's how to get involved:
Download a pledge form - you'll need it for free parking at Minooka on Saturday.
Set up your own personal online fundraising page.   I did - it's easy, fun...and it WORKS!

Be a BIGGER part of the action:
~ Become a Walkathon Sponsor.
~ Tell us Why You Walk - share your story with Walk@hawspets.org - we'll publish them on the Walk web page after the event! 


Don't miss a minute of the fun!
We'll see YOU this Saturday.
HAWS volunteers will be at the park rain or shine to collect donations.  Our rain date is May 8th, at HAWS. 


By the way...we've got another neat event coming soon:  Save the Date!!

Whatever way you like to ambulate, we've got an event for you at HAWS!

Coming up on May 1st is our 27th Annual Pet Walkathon at Waukesha's Minooka Park.  Hike the trails, then shop, have lunch, play games, meet'n'greet area mascots, enter the raffle, watch the dogs running the lure course...all in support of the HAWS cause.  To help, start collecting pledges or set up your very own personal HAWS fundraising webpage.  We'll see you soon!

June 12th is the day for the first ever Ride for Rover, sponsored by the Milwaukee Small Breed Dog Club and organized by Jim Demos.  Jim and his group of dog AND cycle enthusiasts decided to do a fundraiser for HAWS - what better way than to hop on a motorcycle on a beautiful early-summer Saturday?!  The "rally" will start at the Harley Museum in downtown Milwaukee, pitstop at HAWS for tours and snacks, and end at The Doggy Office in Brookfield with a picnic and fun for riders and non-riders alike.  Badges to ride are $15, and a discount will be available to those who make a donation off the HAWS' Wish List.

HAWS annual Bunny Day is THIS SUNDAY, April 25th.  If you already have a house rabbit or are thinking of getting one, this is the event for you.  Come learn from experts about rabbit care and behavior, meet with other rabbit fans and even win prizes.  Great supplies for your bunny friend will also be available for purchase.

By the way - "The Nature of Dogs" exhibit is now running!  This collaboration between HAWS and the Waukesha County Museum is a don't-miss, running until June 12th.  See the great photographs of Mary Ludington, join us for one of our special events during the run of the show - like this Friday's Rescue Night, and enter to win great pet-themed prizes.

Today's story from Sandy illustrates the importance of taking in animals with less than perfect health.  HAWS' Foster Caregivers program gives pet lovers the opportunity to make a difference for the short term.  Want to help?  Contact us at office@hawspets.org for details!

Sometimes animals come into your life expectedly. Some stay for a short time and leave a lasting impression. That was the case with little Streak.

The veterinarian I worked for called and said that a client had found a Lab puppy in their driveway and they were just leaving for a vacation. They called the local animal shelter to put in a "found" report and asked if our office would foster him until they returned.

It did not take much persuading for us to foster him.

At the time, we had 4 dogs and cats - and all got along great with the newcomer.  We named him "Streak" because he had a lightning bolt white streak on his chest. He was adorable and a very smart pup, quickly learning to do his duty outside, and basic commands sit, stay and down.

He spent most of his time in our kitchen, and we quickly observed a very disturbing situation. Streak would not leave the water dish alone and would drink until it was empty. He did this even before he would eat his food. While he became house trained within one week, his drinking was getting worse and worse and we knew something was not right.  Our vet diagnosed him with diabetes. We tried all known treatment for two months and nothing seemed to help.

During this time, he was becoming a member of our family, and, yes, we were going to adopt him. When he went outside with the rest of the dogs, he had a ball. He loved running under the big dogs and sharing their toys.

As time went on, Streak's condition got worse and our vet said that there wasn't anything left to try.  We had a difficult decision to make!  We could see him failing each day and finally we decided to give him a well deserved rest.

Yes, our hearts were broken and he left an empty spot never to be filled. It was very difficult to have him and then lose him. We had him for such a short time, but we knew he loved the time he spent with us and that he knew we were trying to help him.  I wish that love could heal all of them!  It doesn't, but we will never stop trying because there will be times when love can do it all and we only hope that the next one that comes to us can be that special one.

Please never be afraid to try to help such an animal:  even if they don't make it, you make a huge difference in their lives and nothing can be more satisfying.

By the way - April and May are great months for activities at HAWS!  Our Annual Walkathon is on May 1st, The Nature of Dogs exhibit and special events are on-going...and we've got lots of ways for you and your pet to participate and learn.  Join us!

HAWS and the Waukesha County Museum proudly present The Nature of Dogs, opening this Saturday, April 10, with a special party from Noon to 2:00p.m.!

The Nature of Dogs, on exhibit from April 10 - June 12 at 101 W. Main St., Waukesha, features the fine art photography of Mary Ludington. Notes HAWS Executive Director Lynn Olenik: “Ms. Ludington’s works showcase many of our favorite canine breeds and embraces their spirit and heart. This show is a must-see for any dog lover.” 

As the first stop on the exhibit’s tour, HAWS and the Museum are marking the 9-week run with special event nights, seminars and fun activities for all ages.

This Saturday, April 10, is “Opening Day” at the Museum!  Join our special guest Marilynn Mee from 96.5 WKLH at the official kick-off party for the exhibit from Noon – 2:00 p.m.  Giveaways include free admission to the Museum and HAWS bracelets to the first 96 people, and doggie bags for their pets – yes, pets are welcome!  Stop in to meet HAWS adoptable animals through our Mobile Adoption Center.  Popcorn and hotdogs will be served to complete the “tail”-gate.

Then:  mark your calendar for Rescue Night at the Museum, April 23^rd, 5-8pm. This exciting event will feature a meet-and-greet with local breed rescue groups and their representatives – both human and canine. Making a very special appearance that evening will be The Nature of Dogs photographer herself, Mary Ludington! 
    
See all The Nature of Dogs info at www.hawspets.org or www.waukeshacountymuseum.org.  Don't miss a minute of the dog-gone fun!

By the way - our 27th Annual Pet Walkathon is coming on May 1st - raise funds for HAWS on foot or online!  Learn more at our official Walkathon webpage.