News and Events

Be Kind to Animals Week

In honor of Be Kind to Animals Week, OHS hosted an event on Saturday, May 2, 2009 at the North Shore Academy of the Arts in Grafton. The Be Kind to Animals Celebration honored local children, teachers, volunteers and community members who have exemplified kindness towards animals. Special thanks to US Patent Services in Grafton for generously donating all of the beautifully engraved plaques for the ceremony. Kindness Awards were given to:

Lilly Clark, Saukville Elementary
Ben Koehler, Kennedy Elementary
Christian Finley, Saukville Elementary
Shannon Knowski, Lincoln Elementary
Cecielia Decker, Ozaukee Elementary
Matthew Baughman, Ozaukee Elementary
Greta Klas, Ozaukee Elementary
Abby Giesen, Donges Bay
Isabelle Teich, Grafton Elementary
Alexandra Jane Ottesen, Saukville Elementary
Julia Pawelec, Wilson School
Elizabeth Franzke, Saukville Elementary
Jasmine Al-Aidy, Webster Transitional
Arianna Rose, Ozaukee Middle School
Carolyn Henkle, Port Catholic School
Maggie Lane, Webster Transitional
Becca Siverhus, Lake Shore Middle School
Madeline Niedfeldt, Lake Shore Middle School
Evan Lallensack, Rosemary School
Chelsea Rowe, Lumen Christi Catholic
Grace Hu, Parkview Elementary
Madeline Boulier, Lake Shore Middle School
Allison Smith, Westlawn Elementary
Bobby O’Neil, Westlawn Elementary
Lilly Pankow, Lincoln Elementary
Brittany Cassel, John Long Middle School
Ashlee Morrison, Thomas Jefferson Middle School
Alexandra Weiss, Pru Palecek Piano Studio
Christopher Weiss, Pru Palecek Piano Studio
Donges Bay Elementary School
Grafton Elementary School
Kim Powell
Kathy Karrels
Elaine Koepke
Evan Walters
Kaylee Walters
Kit Walters
Jayne Risberg

Gregory Jon from AM920 WOKY was the emcee for the event. Thanks, Gregory, for your enthusiastic support and extraordinary job!

Service Day Success

Students from Steffen Middle School in Mequon held their annual community service day at the Ozaukee Humane Society. They made the shelter sparkle by cleaning, dusting, mopping, folding laundry and scrubbing dishes. They even found time to make enrichment toys for the dogs! Way to go, kids!

Victoria Wellens Memorial Service
The Wisconsin Humane Society is hosting a public Memorial Service to celebrate the life of this remarkable leader and friend on Monday, April 13, 2009 at the Pfister Hotel, 424 E Wisconsin Ave., Milwaukee, (414) 273-8222. Doors open at 5:00 p.m. and the service will begin promptly at 6:00 p.m. A special block of rooms has been set aside for out-of-town guests; please contact the Pfister for reservations. Special thanks to Marcus Hotels and Resorts and the Pfister Hotel, who have graciously donated the space for the memorial service. Learn more about Victoria's life and accomplishments.

In honor of the work that Victoria Wellens did for the Wisconsin Humane Society, The Pfister Hotel would like to donate 10% of revenue on Monday, April 13 from 7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. to the humane society. 10% of all revenues from Café at the Pfister, Mason Street Grill, Blu or the Lobby Lounge will be donated back to the Wisconsin Humane Society in Victoria’s name. Reservations are strongly recommended.

Wisconsin Humane Society Appoints Interim Executive Director

Due to the passing of Executive Director Victoria Wellens, the board of directors at the Wisconsin Humane Society has announced the appointment of Ellen Clark as interim executive director. To read the full press release, click here.

Kudos to Area Kids

Inspired by Dr. Seuss, Mrs. Heinz’s 5th grade class at Grafton Elementary organized a school-wide donation drive for the animals at OHS. Director of Program Services, Beth Maresh, brought an adoptable puppy to the assembly and picked up hundreds of generous donations from the OHS Wishlist. The students wore pajamas to the assembly and Principal Jeff Martyka, donning a Cat-in-the-Hat costume, even read a Dr. Seuss book! As Dr. Seuss may say, Did they succeed? Yes indeed, yes indeed! Thanks, kids!

Calendar Contest Winner Announced!

This fabulous photo of the perfect car ride won the hearts of many voters. Congratulations to Ditto's family and everyone who won a spot in the 2009 WHS/OHS calendar!

The remaining top twelve photos, shown below, will be featured as full-page, monthly stars. Photos that were among the first 500 received will be placed throughout the calendar.

Be one of the first to get your calendar! Pre-order your calendars now and get them before the holiday season.

Community Exceeds Expectations

When we announced our goal of adopting 400 cats in July, we knew it was a tall order! Thanks to the caring communities surrounding the Wisconsin and Ozaukee Humane Societies, Sophie, a 10-month-old Bombay mix, was our 400th adoption at 11:20 a.m. on July 31. We didn't stop there. Sixteen additional cats found loving homes after Sophie, bringing the total cats adopted in July to 416 adoptions! What a purr-fect month!

Wisconsin Humane Society Agrees to Assume
Assets of State’s Largest Puppy Breeder

MILWAUKEE — In an unprecedented move locally and nationally, officials of the Wisconsin Humane Society (WHS) announced today that they have reached an agreement to buy the assets of Puppy Haven Kennel in Green Lake County, located about 20 miles northwest of Waupun. The owner, Wallace Havens, who runs one of the largest dog breeding facilities in the nation, has agreed to sell his dog breeding business assets to the Wisconsin Humane Society, who will cease operations at the Green Lake facility and find homes for more than 1,200 dogs who have been residing there.

Margaret Stratton, president of the board of the Wisconsin Humane Society said, “Assuming the assets of this facility will allow us to provide wonderful homes for more than a thousand dogs. These dogs will soon enjoy the love and companionship of people who will treat them as members of their families. To our knowledge, this groundbreaking action is unique in the humane movement. This is consistent with the Wisconsin Humane Society’s mission to build a community where people value animals and treat them with respect and kindness. We are always working to educate people interested in obtaining a dog that they must consider the physical, social and emotional needs of the dog and find out as much as they can about the dog’s background.”

Havens estimates that he sells about 3,000 dogs per year. All of the dogs that the Wisconsin Humane Society obtains from Puppy Haven will be spayed or neutered, thus ending the production cycle that has kept them housed at Puppy Haven their entire lives. WHS veterinarians are currently evaluating many of the dogs and are readying them for adoption.

“Havens is proud of the fact that the dogs from his facility will be going to the Wisconsin Humane Society. He is retiring and not interested in pursuing a future breeding business. For that reason, Havens was willing to discount the sale of the kennel assets,” said Tony Enea, Wisconsin Humane Society board officer. According to Havens, “At this time in my life, selling the kennel assets to the Wisconsin Humane Society is the best choice for me and my family because the dogs that I bred will be in the best possible hands."

Victoria Wellens, executive director of the Wisconsin Humane Society, reported that the transfer of dogs will occur over several months so each dog can be provided with the best possible care while WHS continues to serve animals from the community.  To date, about 300 dogs from Puppy Haven Kennel have been transferred to WHS to find homes. According to Wellens, a variety of unique resources will be required to place all of the dogs since many of them will need time to adjust and become accustomed to living closely with people. “Our employees and 900 volunteers are well prepared for this challenge to help provide a wonderful future for the dogs,” Wellens said.

Wellens also stated that PetSmart Charities has provided a generous gift of equipment to care for the animals, including leashes, collars, toys, food bowls and grooming supplies.  There are many needs that still remain, which will be posted on the online WHS Wishlist.

The Wisconsin Humane Society has a 130-year history of providing leadership in the humane animal welfare field, and hopes that this action will be a catalyst for people to come together to enact stronger laws and regulations to end exploitation of breeding dogs.

For more information, please see our Frequently Asked Questions, available in pdf form.

Celebrating Summer, Saving 400 Lives

Join the Wisconsin and Ozaukee Humane Societies in celebrating summer by adopting one of our many available cats! During the month of July, every cat goes home with a free gift bag and certificate for a free Cat Behavior Seminar.

We also have exciting gifts and discounts for adopters who bring home small animals and dogs, too! Check out the details today!

Models Wanted: Clothing Optional

Does your dog strike a pose when you bring out the camera? Does your cat smile when you say "cheese"? The Wisconsin & Ozaukee Humane Societies’ calendar contest is back and entries are now being accepted!

The first 500 photographs submitted are guaranteed to be included in the calendar. Be sure to read the contest guidelines and submit your photo! Don't delay, enter today!

The gravel driveway at OHS did not handle the winter weather very well and was filled with multiple potholes. Driving to OHS and walking the dogs was becoming increasingly difficult, so we looked for a repair company. After speaking to many businesses, Glenn Erickson and JoAnne LaVake from Lifestyle Environments, Inc. jumped right up! They wanted to give back to the community and always had a love of animals, so they thought this was the perfect time to donate their hard work and skills. Glenn worked diligently to find another business to help cover the cost of the gravel. Mary Sciascia, Vice President of Finance, LaBudde Group Inc., immediately stepped up and offered to pay for the entire cost of the gravel!

JoAnne and Glenn spent several hours at OHS on their day off, donating their time and machinery to take care of all the pot holes on the gravel driveway. Thank you for working so hard to make sure that OHS was able to save so much money, which enables us to provide great care for more animals.

Winner of Tote Design Announced!

Students from Cedarburg High School wanted to help the cats rescued from a house in Cedarburg where over 100 cats were found. They created designs for a tote bag contest and we have a winner. Congratulations to CHS student, Anna Quackenboss! All proceeds from the sale of this cool tote bag will benefit the cats at the Ozaukee Humane Society. Purchase yours online or in-store at OHS or WHS before they're all gone!

2008 OHS Open House

On Sunday May 18, OHS hosted an Open House. It was an exciting, fun-filled day! Guests enjoyed face painting and crafts, agility demonstrations and of course, great food and beverages. Thanks so much to McDonalds of Saukville, Silver Creek Brewing Co. and Cedarburg Party Shop for donating supplies for the event!

The tote bag design created by a Cedarburg High School student made its debut; make sure to get yours online before they are all gone! Make sure to check out all the cute photos, below, from the great celebration!

Be Kind To Animals Week Kicks Off to Great Start!!

Be Kind to Animals Week is May 4 through May 10! OHS hosted an event on Saturday at the Grafton Public Library to honor local kids for their creative posters, photography and poetry, all of which highlighted animals and the important role they play in our lives.

Meg Mackenzie from AM920 WOKY was in attendance as the emcee for the event. Thanks, Meg, for your dedicated support and fantastic job!

In addition to honoring the contest winners, we honored three volunteers, Maggie Szpot, Laurie Szpot and Mary Kate Duffy. Also honored were two Kind Kids, Alyson Rausch and James Zipter. The winning posters, photographs and poems are on display through May 10 at the Grafton Public Library’s Children’s Department.

Help save the cats rescued from Cedarburg home

Cedarburg Police responded to calls about odors coming from a home in Cedarburg after receiving complaints from neighbors last Friday. The conditions in the home were deplorable. Dozens of live cats have been brought to OHS for medical care. Additional cats have been found dead. All of the cats require medical care and OHS is seeking financial help from the community. Read more about these neglect victims and help them today!

We Raised the Woof!
The weather couldn't have been better for the 2007 Paws & Claws Gala at Pier Wisconsin. Perhaps the mosquitos were awestruck by the fabulous dresses and flew away; even they cooperated! The gala was a fantastic evening of silent and live auctions, dinner by Bartolotta's, music, dancing and even fireworks. George D. Dalton was also recognized with a special award for his generous contributions to WHS. All the proceeds raised will go directly to benefit the animals of the Wisconsin and Ozaukee Humane Societies.

Congratulations to Ann Zizzo for winning the grand prize of $10,000 cash in the raffle contest. The first prize winner was Mike Lauer, who won a 37’ 1080p HDTV LCD Monitor and a 8GB iPod Nano. Just in time for Packer season, too! Be sure to check out the glamorous gowns and even a very special guest in a tuxedo, below! (He's the one looking dog-tired).

We know that animal lovers come in all ages, yet we're often surprised by the generosity of children in our community. Children from Woodview Elementary School in Grafton recently donated nearly $1,400 to the Ozaukee Humane Society! This impressive fundraiser demonstrates the respect and kindness that children feel for animals. OHS thanks all the students, teachers, staff and parents involved with this event! A round of a-paws to all of you!

OHS Delivers Pet Oxygen Masks

to Ozaukee Fire Chiefs!

Board member, Laurie Yingling, pictured above and OHS Shelter Manager Kim Schultz, delivered 18 animal oxygen masks to the Ozaukee County fire chiefs during their monthly meeting on Tuesday, April 10. Port Washington State Bank representative, James Schowalter, posing with Esther the pooch, also stopped by the firehouse in Port Washignton. The bank donated a generous $825 to the fundraiser, which has now successfully equipped every firehouse and emergency response unit with an animal oxygen mask!

Help Save Dogs' Lives!

Concerned about Medical Schools using live dogs in laboratory settings?
Check out our official stance below. If you are interested in helping to save the dogs slated to be killed at the Medical College of Wisconsin, please use the contact information below, and be sure to visit the website: www.saveMCWanimals.org.

OHS Statement regarding the Medical College of Wisconsin’s use of live dogs in classrooms:

The Highway 45 billboard sponsored by the Physicans Commit-tee for Responsible Medicine reflects the frustration of people in our community who believe that alternatives exist to the dog lab being conducted at the Medical College of Wisconsin. The Ozaukee Humane Society opposes the use of live animals for student training at the Medical College of Wisconsin. Man's best friend deserves better. The practice is inhumane and unnecessary, and degrades the ideals of compassion and respect for animals. Alternative methods which are successfully administered at the majority of medical colleges in the U.S. can be easily employed with existing resources available at the Medical College of Wisconsin.

WHAT YOU CAN DO:
Visit: www.saveMCWanimals.org
Contact: Ryan Merkley, research program coordinator for the Physician’s Committee for Responsible Medicine, at 202-686-2210, ext. 336, or rmerkley@pcrm.org.
Write your local paper: The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel recently carried an article on the SaveMCWanimals.org billboard and the dogs need your help to make sure this issue stays in the news. Please take a few minutes today to write a brief Letter to the Editor of the JS. Read the article here.

Showing off at OHS!

Nearly two hundred people came to the Ozaukee Humane Society on a stormy April 30, 2006 to celebrate the outstanding improvements made to the shelter facility. Guests were able to mingle with other dedicated supporters and they had the opportunity to meet adorable animals and ask questions of OHS staff and Board members about the addition and future goals for the shelter. Board Members Laurie Yingling & Tony Enea provided an overview of the expansion and future OHS goals. Visitors were very grateful that animals have such great surroundings to heal, relax and find new homes.

Thanks so much to Tony Enea of Ruvin Brothers Artisans & Trades of Glendale. They managed the project and were successful in getting 90% of the project donated by local contractors and trades people. An additional thank you goes out to hundreds of hard working OHS volunteers, the wonderful staff, Starbucks Coffee in Brookfield and Grafton for their generous donations and to caring OHS donors for their continued dedication to animals.

If you haven’t had a chance to see OHS’s new addition, please stop by and visit us!

OHS' New Look

A new addition at the Ozaukee Humane Society will give animals a lot more room to relax and take it easy.  OHS has added an additional third more space to help better serve animals and adopters.

This new space will provide prime real estate for some happy cats while they are waiting for new homes.  Rabbits and small animals will also get new apartments.  The revamped building now houses a new cat adoption room, a small animal room and more space for staff and storage.  These features will make it easier for potential adopters to meet their perfect match.  Ruvin Bros. Artisans & Trades of Glendale, Wisconsin managed the project and were successful in getting 90% of the project donated by local contractors and trades people.

Come out to OHS and check out its new look!

Compassionate People Help Combat Animal Suffering

On February 28, the Ozaukee and Wisconsin Humane Societies worked with local veterinarians and veterinary technicians to spay and neuter 148 animals for Spay Day USA, a national day of action to reduce animal overpopulation and thus, to prevent animal suffering.

While the goal was to spay 130 animals, a whopping 148 animals - 147 cats and one dog - were altered!  Not only did each animal get sterilized as part of the OHS and WHS Spay Neuter Assistance Program, they also received a thorough examination and vaccinations to help reduce the spread of disease.

The amazing number of sterilizations was achieved with the help of volunteer veterinarians, certified veterinary technicians and veterinary assistants, in addition to the dedicated WHS veterinary department staff.  Thank you so much to the following participants who donated their time and talents to help reduce animal overpopulation and made Spay Day 2006 the most successful yet!  Please be sure to patronize their organizations.

Virgil Baeza - Wisconsin Veterinary Referral Center

Katie Bartberg - Animal Emergency Center

Dr. Nan Boss - Best Friends Veterinary Center

Heather Darbo, CVT - Animal Emergency Center

Dr. Cindy Farris - Forest Home Animal Clinic

Dr. Sue Fluhr - Tender to Tender Touch

Charmaine Herda - Forest Home Animal Clinic

Dr. Elisa Horsch - Best Friends Veterinary Center

Dr. Nancy Keefe - Small Animal Center

Dr. Lisa Kluslow - Best Friends Veterinary Center
Dr. Marla Lichtenberger - Animal Emergency Center

Dr. Nancy Lindner - Brentwood Animal Health Center

Dr. Linda Olson - Care Animal Clinic

Pamela Radabough, CVT - Best Friends Veterinary Center

Dr. Barb Rossi - Mobile Vet Care

Dr. Teresa Sahe - The Whole Pet

Erin Voelz, CVT - Animal Emergency Center

Andrea Ward, CVT - Animal Emergency Center

Cindy Wartner, CVT - Best Friends Veterinary Center

Sue Wegmann - Forest Home Animal Clinic

Everyone can help to reduce animal overpopulation! 

Here's how:

• Call OHS or WHS to see if you qualify for their Spay Neuter Assistance Program (SNAP), which is designed for those who understand the benefit of spaying or neutering their animal but cannot afford to do so.  To see if you qualify for SNAP, call (414) 431-6205.
• Spread the word about the importance of spaying and neutering companion animals to your family and friends.  Sterilization is the only humane means of ending overpopulation.
• Keep your cat indoors.  Cats are actually more likely to die prematurely from disease, speeding vehicles and human abuse while roaming outside. 
• If you see a free-roaming cat, call your local animal control facility.
• Support OHS and WHS so that homeless animals who need help can receive the care they need, while our education and veterinary staff work to curb the problems at their roots.  To make a donation to help OHS and WHS' lifesaving efforts, click here.

Veterinarians with Passion and Hearts of Gold

There are many compassionate people with big hearts and a strong desire to help cats - Wisconsin's most at-risk companion animals - and these people are coming together at the Wisconsin Humane Society on February 28.  These individuals will combat the suffering caused by cat overpopulation on Spay Day USA, a national day of action to reduce animal overpopulation and thus, to prevent animal suffering. 

Who are these dedicated people?  Not surprising, they are people who have dedicated their lives to helping animals.  Approximately 10 compassionate area veterinarians and 10 veterinarian technicians are driven to donate their time and talents to spay or neuter a goal of 130 cats on Spay Day through the Ozaukee and Wisconsin Humane Societies' Spay Neuter Assistance Program.  SNAP is designed for individuals who understand the benefits of spaying or neutering their animal, but cannot afford to do so.  This year, SNAP will focus on cats because they are far less likely to be altered than dogs.  By altering cats that would otherwise be contributing to the already staggering population of cats, these veterinarian staff will be reducing animal overpopulation and helping to prevent animal suffering. 

Watch this web site after February 28 for a list of the veterinarians and veterinarian technicians who selflessly donated their time and talents to help prevent animal suffering and be sure to patronize their organizations!