The Fur (& Feather!) Flyer

Time is a precious commodity at animal shelters, including HAWS.  There's never enough hours in the day to do all that we want to do, and to reach everyone we want to reach!

The other day, while paging through an animal rescue publication, I came across something very interesting in the "letters to the editor" section.  When referring to animals the writers' had acquired from animal shelters, a single phrase was used repeatedly:  "...when his time was up..."

That made me think of 2 things.

1. We are very fortunate at HAWS that our animal residents don't face a time limit for adoption!
2. How many people in our community are aware of that fact?

While we are not considered a "no kill" shelter, our animals are not on a schedule with a cut-off date for adoption.  We evaluate the health and temperament of each animal that comes through our doors, then make the best decision on a course of action.  Should this animal go into foster care for behavioral issues?  Should this pet be kept in our medical ward to treat any health concerns - including positive heartworm?  Can this pet be placed in our adoption ward immediately?  What type of home will this animal be best suited to?  Is this animal a risk?  Are we acting humanely and in the pet's best interest?  Do we need to re-evaluate our initial decision?

Difficult decisions are made on a daily basis by the trained, knowledgeable animal welfare professionals at HAWS.  Those difficult decisions are made easier, however, by a network of caring volunteers, dedicated breed rescue groups and even other shelters who want to help us and share our mission of providing sanctuary for animals in need.

Together, we are able to make the most of the time we have.

By the way - did you resolve this New Year to get involved, or exercise more, or meet new people?  HAWS can help you with all three (and more)!  Become a volunteer or member, join our Friends group, organize a fundraiser/supply drive at work...give us a call or log onto www.hawspets.org for ideas.

"I could never work there, I love animals too much."

"How can you work there, isn't it just too hard?"

"I couldn't work there because I'd want to take them all home."

Every HAWS employee - and I'm guessing most of our volunteers - has heard one of the above sentences at one time or another, from strangers, family members and even good friends.

One day a co-worker and I were discussing just why do we work at HAWS?  Each day we are faced with negative stereotypes and many frustrations.  Our biggest burden these days is probably education - showing the public just what we do, teaching animal awareness on all levels, breaking apart the negative feelings and demonstrating that today's animal shelters are positive places, places that are making a difference.  But often we don't feel like we're even making a ding, let alone a dent.

My co-worker put it this way:  "What people don't understand is that it's not that we DON'T care and that's why we can work here.  Or that we somehow are better at dealing with our feelings than they would be.  But every day our work is satisfying, because even with the bad stuff, what we do every day is helping and making a difference.  We've helped people neuter their beloved cat after it's started spraying in the house.  That's one less cat we have to find a new home for.  We've taught people how to make their unruly dog happy and social.  That's one less dog we have to find a new home for.  We've helped people sterilize their barn cats so they can keep mousers but don't have to deal with "what will we do with all these kittens?"  That's HUNDREDS of cats we don't have to find new homes for.  We've hosted clinics in order to help senior citizens keep their pet, often their only companion, healthy.  It's as much about helping people as it is about helping the animals." 

"We do see the abuse cases, and they are very sad.  But once the animal is in our care, to that pet, the past is over and now is what's important.  Often for a pet that has been hit by a car, the kindest thing to do is to put them to sleep.  That pet will no longer be suffering.  Sometimes we provide medical treatment above and beyond and it just doesn't work out and the pet has to be put to sleep - after all of us are attached to it.  We just hope that pet was spoiled and loved more in the week we had it than it had been in its whole life.  Of course it's hard.  We all get attached.  We all cry at some point.  But there is nothing wrong with getting attached and having to say goodbye over and over and over, especially when the BEST happens and the story ends in adoption!  Someone has to take a chance and give their love freely.  THAT'S what it means to work here."

If you're thinking you could never work or volunteer at HAWS because you love animals too much, you are exactly who we need!  You understand it's hard, but you still stop by the shelter, or thank us, or give a donation, or talk about animal welfare when you can.  Lots of little dings add up to a really big dent...

By the way - Happy Holidays and a wonderful 2009 to all - stop by and see us sometime!

At my house we're twice-a-day dog walkers.  Not only is walking beneficial to our dogs (amazing how well-behaved a tired dog is) but it also is good for us humans and our health.

We always have a good laugh this time of year about how, when it gets cold, many of our fellow dog walkers seem to disappear.  I'm not the heartiest of souls, but my spouse and I usually play a guilt trip on each other if one is going to chicken out on the walk because of the weather.  We're Wisconsinites!  We can handle it!  (We're nuts!)

One thing we don't laugh about, however, is uncleared sidewalks.

I can't tell you how many times one of us has slid, slipped, done some strange dance to stay upright, or actually fallen because the walkway isn't clear.  Usually the end result is a dog rolling it's eyes at our antics, and we get right up and continue on, mental-noting to have the aspirin handy tomorrow.  This past week the changing conditions meant black ice under the snow, or "wet" areas actually being solid sheets of ice.  It was pretty treacherous in some cases.

One thing keeps us from getting angry, though:  many of our neighbors have dogs - and, huh, what do you know, they're conscientious about shoveling!  It seems there is an understanding amongst us:  our dogs are important to us, as is their health, and we want to be able to get them out and exercised without danger.  And, let's face it, if one of us is injured in a fall, we're not the only ones that suffer.

Next snowfall - which I believe is going to be tonite - please keep us dog walkers in mind.  We don't need pristine walks, just a clear, safe path.

Our next project:  people who don't pick up after their dogs...oh, don't get me started...

This time of year we notice a few things more than during the warmer months - one thing being that pet hair and dander can be bothersome even to those who don't have allergies.  Our windows are closed tight so no air can leak out, but that also means no breeze is chasing irritatants out of the house, either, to be replaced with fresh air.

So, what to do?  Before you pack up Fido or Fluffy and send them HAWS' way, there are a few things to keep in mind - things that apply even in warmer, more tolerable weather!

These are the basics for those with sensitivity to pet hair and dander according to HSUS - the Humane Society of the United States:

• Try to maintain allergy-free areas - preferably bedrooms - and keep your pet out of them!
• Vacuum, vacuum, vacuum!
• And don't forget to dust with something that removes the dander and particles, not that just stirs them up to settle again.
• Now is a great time of year to check your furnace filters for efficiency anyway, so, while you're at it, pick up the type that trap pet dander.
• "Hydrate" your house - maybe your sneezing isn't because of Fido or Fluffy, but because of winter dry air...?
• Wash blankets/comforters as often as possible - using hot water if you can.

And, of course, there's another benefit to all this cleaning:  when mom or grandma comes over for the holidays, she'll be impressed with your housekeeping!

 By the way - we've got a "new" website!  Surf on over and check out www.hawspets.org!  And while you're there, please give a donation to help us Celebrate the Season!

Just some thoughts and musings from your favorite HAWS...

HOLIDAY SAFETY
Thanksgiving can be a happy feast for all beasts - man and pet.  But it can also pose some safety risks.

• Don't let your pet chew on turkey bones - they are small and brittle and can be a choking hazard.  Bones that break off can also cause blockages in your pet's digestive system.  However, it's up to you how much turkey MEAT you sneak to Fido or Fluffy...
• Make sure your pet doesn't ingest toxic food or drinks such as alcohol, onions, raisins, walnuts, yeast dough...check out the complete list of toxic foods at the HSUS website.
• If you take your pet with you over the river and thru the woods, be sure to keep them safely secured in your vehicle while you're traveling, using a car gate, crate or pet seat restraint.
• Are you stressed at holidays?  Your pet probably is, too!  Get away from it all and go for a nice looong walk!

HOLIDAY GIFT IDEAS
Has HAWS got THE gift for all those pet lovers in your life:  the Best Friends Cookbook.  This cookbook, available at HAWS for only $15.00, is over 200 pages of recipes for people and pets - including Skunk Spray Anitidote!!  Produced by the Friends of HAWS group, all proceeds from the sale of these books goes directly to support HAWS.  So, get an encyclopedia of cooking greats and help HAWS at the same time.  Now, THERE'S a gift that truly keeps on giving - even Jackie thinks so.  Stop by our shelter at 701 Northview Road, Waukesha or call us (262-542-8851) to get yours!

HOLIDAY DONATIONS
We know you're inundated by donation requests from all over.  We also know that times are tight!  If you have the means, we still really need your financial support.  As a private non-profit organization, HAWS receives no tax funding of any kind.  We also don't receive funds from the national organizations like HSUS or AHA.  Nope!  We're on our own out here, relying on our surrounding community to support us.

This year our annual holiday fund drive marks the return of a HAWS tradition:  our shelter lobby Holiday Tribute Tree.  Along with your tax-deductible donation, we're also inviting our community to send in a picture of their best animal friend - and a few sentences of why this companion is so important to you.  We're sharin' the joy:  "Celebrate the Season, Celebrate our Best Friends."  Call the shelter for more details - 262-542-8851.

By the way - while our shelter is closed to visitors on Thanksgiving Day, we are open normal hours every other day this weekend.  Stop by and see if your best friend is waiting for you here!

Wow, did it get cold in a hurry!

Usually we don't need to start thinking about "winterizing" our canine and feline friends so quickly, but it is better to act now than pay the price later.  Is the antifreeze in your garage out of reach?  Are you using a paw-friendly salt for your driveway and sidewalks?

CAT SAFETY
The best thing to do to keep your cat safe during cold weather months is...keep it inside during the cold weather months!  (Actually, at HAWS we feel pretty strongly that pet cats should always stay inside, no matter the season.)  We hear stories often of a cat climbing in under someone's car hood to get warm, and then being injured once the car is started.  Or, we've heard of a wandering kitty suffering frostbite on their sensitive toes, noses and ears.  Temps can quickly turn dangerous - don't risk the safety of your favorite feline.  We all know they prefer to be cuddling in a warm blanket by the fireplace, anyway...

DOG SAFETY
Some dog breeds thrive in cold weather - huskies, malamutes and other double-coated breeds were originally bred to withstand cold extremes.  Other breeds may need a coat while cavorting in the colder temps.  It is also a good idea to put boots or socks on your pooch while outside - to keep their paw pads from cracking from winter dryness, and to ensure road and sidewalk salt doesn't become lodged in their toes.  Inspect their feet each time they come back inside, and keep some Vaseline handy to moisterize and protect those paw pads.

Pets spending a lot of time outdoors in the cold weather will need more food:  keeping warm depletes energy reserves very quickly.  Also, if you have a water bowl outside, make sure it doesn't freeze over!  Always be alert for signs your pet isn't doing well such as shivering and lethargy.

Enjoy the changing seasons safely with your best friend!

By the way - are you starting to think about holiday gifts?  Need ideas for your animal-loving family and friends and their pets?  HAWS has several gift ideas, from Paver Bricks to t-shirts to toys and books.  Stop in today!

This past Friday, our shelter's "spooktacular" evening of fun - the HAWS Halloween Howl 2008 - turned into a celebration of another sort, featuring this special announcement:  HAWS has secured the necessary funding to allow for construction to begin on the Shelter's expansion project in the near future.

Our facility expansion plans were first announced in September, 2007 when we publicly launched our capital campaign with a goal of $1.86 million.

"The original gift we received from the Merkel estate, along with that from the Winzenreid Family and the most recent gift from the Schiemel estate, plus the generous support from our community, has made this possible," stated Lynn Olenik, HAWS Executive Director.  "We're ready to move ahead with this project."

"We decided to move ahead because the animals have a need," continued Olenik.  "Through the building project, we will gain things such as better isolation quarters.  We'll eliminate much of the cross contamination and improve ventilation throughout the building - all things that will greatly improve the comfort and health of the animals in our care."

With the cost of building products rising the HAWS Board of Directors felt this was the best investment in our future, and therefore wise to move ahead with this project.  Fundraising will continue for things such as landscaping, caging/fixtures, medical equipment, and furniture for the rooms.

And, there is always a need for donations for the animals that look to our shelter for help.  Every day it costs $3,000 to open the doors to HAWS and provide care for the 6,000 animals we assist each year.

Overall, HAWS' goal has always been to be self-sustaining.  We are a great example of the impact that gifts from estates, wills and bequests have on the health of non-profit organizations and then in turn the community!  These gifts sustain organizations for the long hall, allowing success, even during the toughest of times.

By the way - join us at the shelter at 701 Northview Road, Waukesha, this weekend for our Friends of HAWS group's annual Holiday Bazaar and Bake Sale - from 9am - 4pm on Saturday, Nov. 8th.  Do some early holiday shopping, or just stop by for some homemade treats!

The following information is from About.com's Veterinary Medicine advice section.  Good things to keep in mind to ensure both you and your best friend have a safe and boo-tiful time this Halloween! 

Halloween can be a frightening and stressful time for your pets. As a pet owner, you know your pet best, but here are some points to consider for your pet's safety.

• Continual doorbell ringing and people at the door (in costume, no less!) can be stressful for a pet. Some pets may experience stress-related diarrhea or potentially injure themselves if crated or otherwise contained. Keep your pet in a quiet and safe place on Halloween.
• Watch your pet around strangers in costume -- some animals may become unexpectedly aggressive or fearful, even normally friendly pets.
• Candles and Jack-O'-Lanterns within a pet's range are a fire hazard. Wagging tails and frightened cats zooming through the house can easily tip over a candle or carved pumpkin, causing burns or a fire.
• Candy - many pets have a sweet tooth. General overindulgence, chocolate, and plastic/cardboard candy-filled toys can cause serious medical problems!
• Keep your pets indoors on Halloween night, especially black cats. Animals are at risk for cruel treatment by some Halloween pranksters.

Look at all of that candy!  For many people, Halloween = candy. Please warn children not to share their goodies with the family pet:

• Chocolate is toxic to pets. Granted, a 50 pound dog would have to eat about 50 ounces of milk chocolate (but only 5 ounces of baking chocolate) for a toxic dose, but much smaller amounts can cause vomiting and diarrhea. Signs of chocolate toxicity include tremors, nervousness, vomiting, diarrhea, increased heart rate, and in severe cases, seizures and death. If you suspect that your pet has eaten chocolate, consult your veterinarian right away!
• Other candies, such as lollipops and those with plastic components, pose a danger if ingested. Lollipop sticks and plastic parts can cause intestinal obstruction and potentially rupture the intestines, which is a life-threatening emergency.

Halloween costumes for pets have been around for many years.  While the costumes can be entertaining for us, caution is advised before dressing up your pet.

• A pet in costume should NEVER be left alone and unsupervised. Some pets, if left alone in costume, may chew it up and ingest it. This could cause intestinal obstruction if more than small shreds of material are consumed.
• Tight elastics on the costumes can get lost in the pet's hair, potentially causing owners to overlook them, leading to swelling and pain in the area of the elastic. And, if the costumed pet escapes or is frightened away, the costume could entangle the pet on trees, fences, etc.

Play it safe and have fun:  With a little caution and some common sense, Halloween can be a fun time for all. Remember if you see or suspect any acts of animal cruelty, please call us!

By the way - tickets are still available for HAWS Halloween Howl II on Friday, October 31st.  Join us for a spooktacular evening to benefit the animals and programs at HAWS.

From a recent press release out of our marketing office... 

The Humane Animal Welfare Society (HAWS) of Waukesha County, Inc. reminds everyone that relief from the woes and the stresses of life these days can be very simple:   take a cue from man's best friend.

"Pets provide so many benefits for us on a personal level," states Lynn Olenik, HAWS Executive Director.  "Just being responsible for the life of a pet can give us something positive to focus on.  Pets are friends and entertainers - even built-in exercise programs.  When the dog needs a walk, or the cat needs play time, we go - and it really helps us, too."

According to the Humane Society for the United States (HSUS), it is well known that relaxed, happy people do not become ill as often as those who suffer from stress and depression.  Animal companionship helps lower a person's blood pressure and cholesterol levels.  Studies have shown that having a dog increases survival rates in groups of patients who have suffered cardiac arrest.   

Dog walking and pet grooming also can provide increased physical activity that can strengthen the heart, improve blood circulation, and slow the loss of bone tissue.

Those who are not able to have a pet of their own can volunteer at HAWS and still reap the rewards.  "We are always looking for dog walkers or cat and small animal socializers," notes Olenik.  "The animals here at HAWS and our volunteers both benefit greatly from the time."

"Just having a pet in your life can offer a sense of well-being and encouragement," continues Olenik.  "They often provide the reason to get up in the morning - and remind us that life goes on and that we have much to be thankful for.  Life's simple pleasures are still available!"

By the way - tickets are still available for HAWS Halloween Howl II - RSVP by October 25th and enjoy a "spooktacular" evening all to benefit the animals and programs at HAWS!

Get into your favorite Halloween costume and join us for a "spooktacular" evening of fun to benefit the animals and programs at HAWS.  HAWS Halloween Howl II (our annual fall fundraiser) is set for Halloween night, Friday, October 31, 2008 at Olympia Resort, 1350 Royale Mile Road in Oconomowoc.  The fun begins at 6:30 p.m. and runs until midnight.

This year's HAWS Howl features live entertainment by the Booze Bros. Revue - back by popular demand, great food buffets including a sushi bar (also back by popular demand!), live and silent auctions, raffles, casino games, costume contests, an adoptable pet meet'n'greet area, and much more.  All proceeds support HAWS' animal care services and the many educational programs at HAWS, which promote responsible pet ownership and prevent animal abuse and neglect in our community.

HAWS Halloween Howl II admission tickets are $55 per person, and can be purchased by calling 262-542-8851, or logging onto the Howl event page at HAWS website.  RSVP by October 25!  Don't miss out on the party of the season!

Raffle tickets are available to everyone - you need not be present at our Howl to win one of the 3 great "green" prizes:  a Trek 7100 Bike (mens or ladies) from Emery's Bicycles, your choice of 2 trees from Piala's Nursery of Waukesha, or $500 in cash!  Those can be purchased via phone, online or also at the shelter.

Join us for a great time - party on Halloween and support a great cause, too!  The animals of the Waukesha County area thank you!

By the way - we're teasing you AGAIN!  Can you "dig" it?  (That's a hint to some great news we'll tell you about next time...)

Kids are really getting involved at HAWS - from volunteering at the shelter to doing school projects that promote animal welfare to donating the proceeds from their lemonade stands...young adults, teens and tweens are coming up with some great ideas to support HAWS!  Our caring community has a bright future.

One such caring kid is Jake Zellmer.  Jake and his extended family, the Zellmer-Granzows, have continued their support of HAWS through several generations.  Jake's grandfather is a retired Waukesha policeman who was part of our early animal control efforts.  Each year the family donates in memory of Jake's uncle, Jeff.  Jake's mom, Amy, led the "HAWS Drive 2008" - even getting the hotels she works with to donate their used towels.

(Ironically, the Bellagio in Las Vegas didn't have any used towels, so they donated new ones, which leads us to wonder if the HAWS animal residents are thinking red, black, odd, even, double down, call, fold, raise...)

This year the family took their support of HAWS to a new level:  Jake, 13, who drives the #99 car in the Central States Region Jr. Division Super Cup stock car circuit, has made HAWS an honorary sponsor of his racing team.  HAWS' logo is on his car and trailer, and Jake is making several personal appearances on HAWS behalf.

This past Sunday, Jake joined our Mobile Adoptions unit at an event at Drexel Interiors on Bluemound.  Bleary-eyed from a late night of racing on Saturday, Jake took on any comers who wanted to challenge him to Playstation's NASCAR '09.  While the Drexel set up included a large screen flat panel TV and comfy couch, he resisted the urge to nap.  We would've certainly understood, though, because the reason for his fatigue was...

...Jake is the 2008 Season CSR Jr. Division Super Cup Champion, AND he also won the Indiana and Illinois Tri-State Championships a few weekends earlier!  The points race for the Super Cup is similar to NASCAR's, and the race on Saturday was the decider in a hotly contested circuit.  WAY TO GO JAKE!  (And look out, NASCAR...!)

We're celebrating our partnership with Jake and his amazing season this Saturday, September 27th with R.A.C.E. Day at HAWS.  Meet Jake and take him on in Playstation if you've got the nerve - watch the hamster races - meet a retired racing greyhound - help us build our "brickyard" at HAWS and buy a tribute paver brick - win a prize by voting in our election race - adopt an animal and also win a prize in our pennant race - join in the "racy" fun.

R.A.C.E. with us - Rescue - Adopt - Care - Educate!

By the way - watch this space next week for an exciting announcement about our facility expansion campaign...

I've been sharing my office the past few days.  Anyone who has had to do that knows how trying it can be; close quarters usually cut into productivity.  But I'll actually miss my "roommate" when he leaves.

You see, "he" is Casey, a 10-year-old spaniel who lost his dad/owner unexpectedly.  While his extended family desperately wanted to keep him, they simply weren't able, so he was in need of a new place.  Immediately when he set foot in our administrative office he found the old cushy brown chair across from my desk, and that was that.  The good news is he has already found a new place to live, and will be going home today to spend the rest of his days with a few other seniors (pets and people).

Spending this week with Casey has reminded me how rewarding adopting an older pet can be.  Sure, taking home a kitten or puppy adds to the magic of your household, and the antics are certainly entertaining.  But when you adopt an adult or senior pet, you're truly giving a second chance to a most deserving being.  And they, like Casey, are great listeners.  I know my stress level has been low this week just having him to talk to!

Usually older pets end up at HAWS because of a tragic or unforseen circumstance.  These pets have so much to give - and so many more years to live!  They are ready to settle in almost immediately to a life as your companion.  They only ask for care, comfort, love...and a few snacks....

Samantha the Husky (6), Billy the Brittany (6), Barkley the Beagle (8), Cabby the Terrier (8), Ozzie the Shorthair (4), Mini the Shorthair (5) - these are all "older" pets that are available at HAWS right now.  All wonderful companions, yet sometimes they get looked past, because we have kittens and puppies also currenly at the shelter.

Well, I've gotta go - Casey has been waiting patiently for me to finish so we can debate Yost vs. Sveum.

By the way - our Senior Caregivers Pet Health Fair yesterday assisted almost 2 dozen seniors and their pets!  Remember, if you have a senior in your family that could use assistance with their companion animal, give us a call at 262-542-8851.

The Humane Animal Welfare Society and the Aging and Disability Resource Center of Waukesha County have partnered to assist seniors, their pets and caregivers.  By pooling resources and working together, we can reach a larger segment of the community.  We're calling this cooperative effort P.A.L.S., which stands for Pets Are Life Savers.

Anyone who has a pet knows about the joy and love they bring - sometimes these little beings are what give us a reason to get up in the morning!

The spirit of the P.A.L.S. partnership is to give seniors the tools that will allow them to keep their companion pets with them, longer.  HAWS is providing reduced fee vet services, pet care counseling and just basic information as needed.  ADRC is promoting the partnership and assisting with regular Pet Health Fairs.

Here is the information for the next Senior Caregivers Pet Health Fair.  If you or someone you know might benefit, please get in touch with us here at HAWS, or contact the ADRC.  We'll see you soon!

SENIOR CAREGIVERS PET HEALTH FAIR
Presented by HAWS for the Pets of Waukesha County's Seniors
Monday, September 15, 2008
1:00 - 7:00 p.m.
HAWS Shelter - 701 Northview Road, Waukesha

Reduced fee (and some are free!) services available include pet wellness exams, vaccinations, health screenings/tests, identifying microchips, and spay/neuter surgeries.  Counselors will be available for pet care and general pet questions and concerns.  Transportation (for pets) will be available.

Call 262-542-8851 to RSVP, set your appointment, or to have any questions answered!

By the way - we're currently offering reduced fee adoption of cats older than 4 months - now that kitten season is over, it is time to think "older" cats - and we have PLENTY to choose from.  Stop in today, adopt, and receive some great prizes, too!

We're back - it is still morning at HAWS.  And now, on to the cats!

The caregiver cleaning the cat areas begins by taking all adoptable cats out of their cages and placing them in suitable carriers.  Blankets are taken to the laundry and water dishes and toys to the kitchen to be washed.  Litterboxes are completely emptied and taken to another room to be washed.  Newspapers lining the cages are thrown away.  (Incidentally, we're always in need of newspapers, and other cleaning supplies.)

Theses cages, like the dog kennels, are also soaked in a disinfectant and let sit for at least 10 minutes.  After they are rinsed with water they are soaked in bleach for another 10 minutes, and rinsed again.  Each cage is squeeged to make sure it is dry, and then lined with newspapers.  Clean litterboxes, blankets, dishes and toys are placed back in the cages - followed by the cats.  The carriers the cats were in are then cleaned and set up for the next use.  The same process is repeated in the stray cat holding room and the medical/isolation cat room.  The whole process takes up to 4.5 hours.

When the kennels and cat areas are cleaned, each caretaker goes on a 30 minute break to eat...and rest!  But, the cleaning process continues at noon, starting with the 2 caretakers going through and giving each dog fresh food. 

Fortunately, by this time another worker has arrived to help out.  This worker will go through and give all the cats in each room a plate of tasty wet food as a treat.  After, they go back and clean up each cat cage and give all the dogs fresh water.  In the meantime, the 2 original workers split with 1 taking care of the adoptable dogs kennel and the other taking care of the stray and isolation kennels.  Dogs are taken out again to do their "business," food is picked up, fresh water is given, and clean blankets and toys are handed out. 

This process of feeding and straightening up needs to be finished by 1:00pm when the kennel doors open up to the public for viewing.  Thankfully there is usually a volunteer who will come in and clean the housing for any small animals that may be in the shelter.  If not, the kennel workers need to fit this into their routine as well.

Over the next 4 hours, the dogs are rotated in and out on 45-minute intervals.  Caretakers also need to keep up with miscellaneous duties such as laundry (up to 35-40 loads/day), dishes, preparing outgoing animals for adoption and settling in the new residents, filling litterboxes, and keeping the building clean and the animals clean and comfortable.  The cats are checked on once more before the kennel closes, being given another treat of wet food and cleaned out again.

And then it all starts over again the next morning...

By the way, don't forget you can see Meteorologist Rob Haswell from Fox 6 and his HAWS kennel adventure - click on this link to watch his adventure!

Have you ever stopped by HAWS in the morning and wanted to see the animals, only to find out that the kennel is closed until 1:00 pm?  Maybe you've looked through the kennel door and wondered...what is going on back there? 

Here's your chance to get an inside view!

On a typical day, 2 kennel caregivers care for up to 200 animals, with help from 2 more workers that come in later in the day and a handful of dedicated volunteers.  The 2 morning kennel workers divide their duties - 1 working with the dogs, the other with the cats.

The caretaker responsible for the dog kennel begins at 7:00am by taking all adoptable dogs (sometimes almost 2 dozen!) out to the individual exercise runs.  Once all dogs are out, all blankets are picked up from their kennels and thrown into the laundry, dishes and toys are taken to the kitchen to be washed, and any miscellaneous items left behind - such as poop or treats - are scooped up and thrown away.

The entire kennel is then soaked down with a disinfectant and allowed to sit for at least 10 minutes.  The kennel is then rinsed with water and soaked again in bleach, to sit for another 10 minutes and then to be rinsed again.  A squeegee is used on the entire floor so all puddles are dispersed.  The drain in each kennel is emptied out.  Finally, each kennel is given a water bowl and the dogs are brought back in.

The same process is repeated in the stray dog holding kennel, the isolation (medical ward) kennel and the overnight drop off kennel.  When all the dogs are back in their "houses," each run is then soaked in disinfectant, rinsed, soaked in bleach and rinsed again. 

The whole process of cleaning the dog kennels takes about 4.5 hours - sometimes longer depending on other circumstances that arise from day to day.  Sick animals need to be medicated, each room of the building is cleaned, supplies and donations need to be put away.  Kennel caregivers are also called on to help visitors who come in the morning (surrendering animals, claiming strays), and take care of requested animal pick-ups throughout the county.

Next week:  we're still not done - and it isn't even close to 1:00pm yet!

By the way, Meteorologist Rob Haswell from Fox 6 helped out in the HAWS kennel one morning - click on this link to watch his adventure!

Combining several of our favorite things, our Kids 'N Critters Day Camp participants last week helped make videos of some of the adoptable animals here at HAWS.

To see to the videos that were made, click on the Pet Showcase page of the HAWS website, which will link you to our listings on Petfinder.com.  Adoptable pets that have a video have "View Video" as one of the choices to the right of the large photo in their individual listings.  Currently videos are available for Bruno, Rosie & Fritz, and Velvet, with more to come!

Not only is video a great way to showcase our adoptables, but the campers really enjoy putting the videos together.  While most folks visiting our website take a look at the Pet Showcase, sometimes the simple still photos posted there really don't do a pet justice!  The kids are asked to design ways to show the pets in their best light, in action, having the same kind of fun that the dog or cat could have at your house. 

Who says you should never work with animals and kids?!??!!! 

By the way - PEGGY WAS ADOPTED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

HAWS' Mobile Adoption Center visits area businesses, pet fairs, festivals and events in the Waukesha County area all throughout the year.  It's another way we're reaching out to our community with the message of adoption, education and responsible pet ownership.  We set up inside and outside of stores, malls, parks... wherever pet people may be!  HAWS representatives even bring along an adoptable pet or two for viewing.

So if you can't come to our shelter in Waukesha, you can meet with us when we're out and about - and learn how you can bring home your new best friend right in your own neighborhood!  (Potential adoptors will need to provide proof of home ownership or landlord approval, and up-to-date vaccinations for animals currently owned, before any adoption can be approved.)

Dateline, July 16, 2008 - WAUKESHA

The Humane Animal Welfare Society (HAWS) of Waukesha County, Inc. Animal Rescue Team sprang into action early this afternoon when a wayward Waukesha County Fair participant wandered across the shelter's front lawn on Northview Road in Waukesha.  The County Fair grounds are just down the road, west of HAWS' shelter at 701 Northview Road.

"We're used to seeing dogs being walked on our grounds, but not livestock:  it was quite a shock to look out our windows and see a large black steer looking back at us," said Jennifer Smieja, HAWS Development Coordinator.  "He seemed somewhat spooked, and just searching for a safe place away from the commotion and traffic."

HAWS Adoption Counselor Lisa Neaman, who has shown animals at the Fair in past years, identified the bovine as possibly a black Angus crossbred steer, weighing a minimum of 800 pounds.

Neaman, Kennel Lead Jaime Merkel and Spay-Neuter Clinic Manager Cassie Gugin ran out to assist the steer's handlers and a Fair official who were attempting to corral it back to safety.  The round-up lasted about a quarter mile, when the group was finally able to get a halter around the steer and wrangle it back into a trailer.  The HAWS staffers offered water for the animal that was obviously tired and weary from his jaunt.

Smieja noted with a smile: "With our ‘open admissions' policy, it makes perfect sense to us that he would seek Shelter at HAWS."

By the way - HAWS Halloween Howl II is coming up October 31, 2008!  Sure, it's warm outside, but mark your calendar now for a spooktacular time - and a great way to celebrate Halloween and help animals all at the same time.  Tickets will be available in late August...

She's still here.

Peggy (aka, Miss Piggy) has been at HAWS since February 1st of this year.  She was a stray that was wandering in Menomonee Falls who didn't get reclaimed by her owner.  So, after the 7-day hold period, we temperament tested her and put her up for adoption, hoping to place her in a new home.

She's still waiting!

It is a common misconception that shelters have a "death row" or "euthanasia list" - a list of animals that will be put down after a certain time frame if they are not adopted.  HAWS doesn't have a time limit - and Peggy is our latest proof of that.

So what kind of home does Peggy need?  Well, she's not a cat fan, so one without cats.  She does well with dogs - but not every dog, so we'll do an introduction with her and your resident best buddy.  Peggy loves people.  And kids.  She's been spending time with our Kids'N Critters Day Camp participants, doing training and socialization demos.  She "hangs" in the office with us, knows her manners, and is just a pleasant dog to be around.

It breaks our hearts to see the other dogs come and go, adopted out while Peggy waits.

We're just hopeful that the right home is coming.  Soon.

By the way - our kid's camp is in full swing, and having a blast!  If you missed out on this year's sessions, mark your calendars:  we also have winter camps while school is out, and we'll be taking registrations early next spring for the 2009 sessions.  Watch our website!

There was a great article in the Monday paper about the most common names for pets in our area.  We have our own list of "too popular" names that we try to avoid whenever a pet comes into HAWS needing a moniker.

For the most part, staff has sworn off of names like Buddy, Fluffy, Blackie, Shadow...

Here are some of the pets currently available at HAWS with the best names!

ACORN
This handsome cat is a shorthaired gray tabby.  Actually, Acorn was stuck up a tree and rescued by a HAWS staff member, so we can take credit for this name.

BLUE CRUSH
Blue Crush is a female Indian Ringneck Parakeet that was flitting around a business in Menomonee Falls.  Another "stray," she was also named by our kennel staff.

BO & ARROW
These two darling Guinea Pigs were surrendered together and will be adopted out together.  We're not sure if their aim is true but they DO "quiver" a little bit....

CHURCH
You've heard of a Churchmouse, how about a Church CAT?!  Another shorthair, Church has a beautiful dense gray coat.  He is 6 years old and a sweet young man who just needs some companionship.

SHREDDER
An American Mix rabbit, Shredder is just over a year old, and has been neutered.  Don't be fooled - he's more of a "gnaw-er."

By the way - we are selling tribute paver bricks as part of our fundraising campaign for our new facility.  We will continue selling the bricks even after we've reached our goal for construction, but what a great way to honor a family member or beloved pet, or just get your name "etched in stone"!  Log onto our facility expansion page to download a brick order form, or stop by the shelter and pick one up!