The Fur (& Feather!) Flyer
Established in 1965, HAWS assists over 6,000 animals and welcomes more than 31,000 human visitors annually. As an "open admissions" shelter we lead the community in animal welfare and assure sanctuary for all animals in need, regardless of age, health or temperament. HAWS is a non-profit, entirely donor-fund organization with an active humane education program, and both wildlife and companion animal rescue services for Waukesha County.
HAWS License #267280-DS
Sweet Sisters Seeking Sanctuary
We have a wonderful selection of cats available for adoption at HAWS right now. Good for you if you're looking for a cat!
May we suggest: Radar and Lola.
(Radar is the brown tabby, Lola the black and white with tuxedo markings.)
Radar and Lola are a bonded pair. These sisters, both 2-years-young, are spayed and ready to go home today if the right person came to visit! They arrived at HAWS on November 9 because of a death in their family, and they are now patiently waiting for their new forever home.
Our volunteer cat socializers report that Radar and Lola are mature and not troublemakers. They are serene and sweet little girls who like attention, but also peace and quiet. A home with windows to look out of - and a few birds in the area - would be perfect. You will love spending time with them, curled up this winter with a good book...maybe one about bird-watching?!
By the way: HAWS will be open for receiving only this Saturday, 12/31 from 9am - 3pm. We will be closed Sunday to observe New Year's Day...but we'll be back open for business as usual on Monday, January 2. A Happy New Year to all pets and their people!
By the way, part 2: While you're surfing, check out our Upcoming Events for January! It's going to be a great month, with Oompa Paws on 1/28, Janboree at HAWS on 1/21, our bowling party on 1/29...c'mon along for the fun!
Come Say Hello to Your (New) Little Friend!
HAWS has many, many, MANY little pets currently available for adoption! So, we're having a special event to promote them...
Come to HAWS this Sunday, October 2nd, from Noon - 3pm for our first-ever
GERBIL JAMBOREE & HAMSTER HOE DOWN!
Meet the many adult and baby gerbils and hamsters in need of loving forever homes. We have singles, pairs and trios all available!
Adopt a little best friend from HAWS for only $5!
(Along with your little best friend you'll also receive a free care item.)
Volunteers will be on hand to answer your little pet questions, to make sure you and your new best friend get things started off on the right paw!
By the way - don't forget to reserve your spot along the catwalk for HAWS' Fashion for Paws fundraiser on Friday, October 14th! Only a few weeks away - don't miss this fun and fashionable evening in support of the HAWS cause.
Twice as Nice, "Two" Cool, "Two-tally" Awesome Pairs!
It is raining cats at HAWS! But we still think it's "Pair"-adise...
Currently living in our Cat Adoption Area are almost a dozen pairs of bonded cats. All the pairs are adults, ranging in ages from 14 months to 12 years. They are a myriad of colors and sizes, males and females. Do a little pre-shelter-visit window shopping here...
We need to adopt them out with their buddies. So, we're having a 2-fer adoption special!
RIght now YOU can adopt a pair of bonded adult cats for $22.22. And, along with the cats, you'll receive a "two-tally" awesome gift pack of 2 litter pans, 2 cans of food, 2 bags of treats, 2 rope toys and 2 ball toys. Now that's "TWO" COOL!
Stop by HAWS 7 days a week to adopt - weekdays from 1-6pm, Saturday from 11am-4pm and Sunday from Noon-4pm. Come to cat pair-adise today and find not just one but TWO new best friends.
By the way - HAWS will be closed for viewing/adoption on Monday, May 30, to observe Memorial Day. Those needing assistance with lost/found animals can still call the HAWS main number at 262-542-8851.
Could it be...Spring?!?!?!?!!!
Everyone at HAWS is excited about the weather forecast for this week...and there is speculation that our snow cover will be gone by the weekend because of the mild temperatures!
Of course, that brings with it a "heads-up" (or 2) for pet owners.
1. Along with the (brown) grass becoming visible, also becoming unburied are the little "treasures" that have accumulated over the past few months...the organic material (wink, wink), lost toys, spilled garbage, etc. Honestly, this stuff can be downright dangerous to your pets. Animal waste carries bacteria and germs that can still be active even after being out in the cold for some time. The garbage that got spilled and then buried during our frequent snowfalls is now out there for your pets to "enjoy" - and you really never know what they'll find. (Chicken bones? Yikes! Tossed-out anitfreeze containers? Double Yikes.) So the dog-owner-walker words to live by this spring: Its a walk, not a buffet - eat at home. Inside.
2. Yes, it is great "dog" weather! But please remember, if you let your dog off-leash anywhere - your yard, the park - keep an eye on them and be vigilant. When we have a spike in temps we also have a spike in stray dogs reported and coming in to HAWS. Make sure your best friend is safe and secure rather than wandering loose - and enjoy the weather together with an on-leash walk or a fenced-in game of fetch.
By the way - Have you bought your tickets yet? You can take your dog to the Milwaukee Admirals game on Sunday, March 27th (no, really!) and HAWS can get a donation from your ticket purchase! Go to the listing on our Upcoming Events website calendar for buying instructions, or call Brian at the Admirals office directly (414-227-0567) and tell him you want to help HAWS! Pups and pucks - what fun.
"B" is for Best Buddies
Today’s blog is brought to you by the letter B – as in Best Buddies. And HAWS has a bounty of adoptables whose names begin with B – namely Benson, Bonnibelle, Burt, Big Mike, Bruno, Binky, Birdie, Bogey…and all the bunnies!
Benson is a 6-years-young Toy Poodle. This little man would like a more businesslike home with (slightly) older kids, or all adults.
Seven-year-old Bonnibelle is a Persian cat. She loves attention and brushing – which helps because she will need regular grooming for her lovely coat.
Burt is a boffo domestic shorthair, age 5. He loves to play as much as he loves quiet cuddle time!
Big Mike the turtle is of the Red-Eared Slider breed. He’ll probably do best as an only child…or an eternal bachelor, all by himself…
Bruno is a green-yellow Parakeet, while Binky and Birdie are blue-white Parakeets. They are three of the bunches of birds currently residing in the HAWS aviary.
Bogey is a black Mouse. He has lots of mouse buddies also to choose from, if you’re looking for a bevy of them to bring home.
Bunnies are currently great in numbers at HAWS. And while none of them have B-names, they are still beautiful little companions - and have their own day at HAWS on May 1st!
By the way – our Friends of HAWS annual Bowling event – the HAWS for Paws Bowl – is now in its 6th year! Join us January 30th at Fracaro’s Lanes in Waukesha from 11:00am – 2:00pm for a fun-draising day to benefit HAWS. $15 gets you 3 games + shoe rental. Families and teams are welcome, with special rates for teams of 4-6. Call Maria at 262-490-2102 to reserve your lane. Be sure to be there!
Not Just Packers vs. Eagles
We have plenty of Green Bay Packers fans here at HAWS, and this weekend's matchup with Philly is a common topic of discussion - in and outside of work.
But, as many know, it isn't just about the teams when one of the teams has Michael Vick as their QB.
"So, since you're all about animals, how do YOU feel about Michael Vick?"
Most of my co-workers and I have gotten asked this question in the past, but the questions are more direct this week. (I can honestly say that my opinion on the matter is no different now than it has been for the past several years: What Vick did to the dogs in his "care" was beyond cruel and inhumane, and I was glad to see he was punished and imprisoned.)
But has he paid his debt to society? Is he truly sorry? Has he changed? Does he deserve to be back in the NFL? I wish I could definitively answer those questions, but I can't. And I know I wouldn't really have the intestinal fortitude to meet the man and ask him in person.
So the debate continues. THAT, however, is the silver lining! (Really, there is one - keep reading.)
As long as Vick is playing (well) and is in the spotlight, the debate and the issue of dog fighting remains in the public eye. His "fame" allows for continued awareness of the problem of dog fighting, its cruelty and pervasiveness (don't kid yourself, dog fighting is going on in Wisconsin). It gives the animal welfare world a great opportunity to teach how wrong dogfighting is, and we can take more steps towards ending it.
I'm not as big-hearted as a dog - the species is incredibly forgiving and loves us no matter what. All the more reason to welcome the "Vick question," and I have an answer at the ready:
"I'm glad you asked that. For me, it's not about Vick, but about the dogs. Here's what you can do to help..."
By the way - Pitbulls, pit mixes...all the "bully" breeds make GREAT pets. Don't discount them because of the stereotypes or negative images you see. Do your research - talk to pit owners and their families - and THEN decide.
Even if you aren't the lucky guardian of a Pit, you can help dispel the myths about them. No, they're not pre-disposed to being mean or to fight - like any dog they are the product of their environment. (Bite cases involving Golden Retrievers are more common!) Like any intelligent, strong and active breed, when given structure, training, exercise and love, a Pit Bull is a fantastic companion. They're lovers, not fighters...
Pets are a Gift, but Not as Gifts!
I had a rather shocking encounter with a relative over Christmas this year that really got me thinking.
Being that I've been an employee of HAWS for more than a dozen years, my family and friends long ago got used to my pro-animal welfare mantras and viewpoint. What a surprise, then, when one of them told me that they "were worried I was going to bring the kids a dog as a present this Christmas."
I think my jaw is still on the floor. Dumbfounded. Speechless.
HAWS, along with most rescues, strongly discourages the giving of pets as gifts for any occasion. In fact, it is an item on our application and is discussed during adoption counseling. A pet is a life that requires a lifetime commitment - it isn't a token, or a plaything to get bored with, or a trendy accessory - too often that is the way a gift is viewed.
Personally I believe very much in the importance of the no-pets-as-gifts policy, because I have seen first hand the number of animals that have been surrendered to HAWS because they were unwanted gifts. (If a person wants a pet, they should be part of the process of choosing that pet - their responsibility, their choice. Its only fair. Besides, who wants someone else picking their best friend for them? Chemistry is important in human-pet relationships, too.)
Not to mention, an employee of HAWS could very well be in jeopardy of losing their job if they participated in the giving of a pet as a gift. (See #2 and the number of surrenders...that is not a good way to ensure job security.)
Doing my best not to get on people's nerves or be preachy, maybe I haven't talked about this concept, let alone other animal welfare issues, strongly enough? Maybe it is okay to turn more moments with family and friends into "teaching moments."
I encourage everyone to have discussions - with family, friends, co-workers - about animal welfare issues. Working together we can all help HAWS achieve our goal for 2011 and beyond: using our reach as a humane society to create a whole Society that is Humane!
By the way - even tho the "giving season" is over, the need is not. We need you to Support the HAWS Cause the whole year through - with supply donations, monetary contributions, your time and talents.... Please stop by the shelter and join us!
Purr-ade at our FAN-tastic Fundraiser!
This weekend, be sure to join HAWS Mobile Adoption Center, the Friends of HAWS and lots of other pet-friendly people/places at Dog Day Afternoon at the Waukesha Expo Center. Sunday, Sept. 12th, from 10am - 2pm!
(And now, a *PUN ALERT*)
A big part of our fall fundraiser, HAWS Homecoming '10, is an old-fashioned Parade, complete with floats. The processional will wind through the entire Olympia Resort venue where our event is being held, leading our guests to the main room for a Live Auction - which will feature a 'KLH hosting gig, front-row-behind-home-plate Brewers tickets, a year-long massage membership, a dinner/moonlight boat cruise and more great items.
Want to PARADE your business?
Get in the game and help animals come home with a HOME-COMING float!
It is sure to be a HIT PARADE and a PURR-fect way to keep your biz a-'float.'
So go with the 'float.'
Forget Sunday/sundae - we'll have a FLOAT!
So how do you go about securing your very own 'float"ation device for HAWS? It is very easy: you give us a $100 donation and a 2'x3' sign with your business logo on it. We do the rest! We'll decorate your wagon (and we mean that literally - we're using little red wagons) and have an enthusiastic volunteer ready to be the wheels! All floats will be on display before and after the parade, too, in a pretty noticeable spot (the hallway to and from the Resort entrance) so you'll get lots of "play" at our Big Game!
Interested? Call us at 262-542-8851, x107 or email marketing@hawspets.org.
By the way - adopters from now until October 9th will be able to purchase 2-for-1 tickets to HAWS Homecoming '10...and will be entered in a contest to win 2 VIP tickets! NOW is the time to adopt 4 paws from HAWS!
Fall Fun for All - Including the "4-Pawed"
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 20th 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 12th at the Waukesha Expo Center grounds right across from our shelter, and (2) a full day of activities supporting the HAWS cause on September 18th 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 8th, 11th and 16th.
- The Friends of HAWS monthly planning meeting is on September 8th.
- Guinea Pig and Rabbit Pedicures are available for a donation on September 8th and 18th.
- We’ll be “Solving Common Canine Behavior Problems” with a free seminar on September 13th.
- Learn to “Keep your Puppy and Your Sanity” with a free seminar on September 19th.
- Our monthly First Aid for Pets seminar is on September 25th.
- Meet a greyhound and talk adoption through the HAWS-GPA partnership on September 25th.
TWICE the Fun!
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!
Staying Happy & Healthy
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.
A Happy Fourth to All!
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.
Kids 'N Critters Day Camp has begun!
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
HAWS has the Cure for the Summertime Blues!
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 1st, 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!
Drinks & Dogs - Enjoy a "Yappy" Hour this Thursday!
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!
Cocker Casserole - Lab Lasagna - Poodle Parfait!
HAWS and the Waukesha County Museum, in conjunction with
"The Nature of Dogs" exhibit, proudly present...
Paws for Thought
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!
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