Serving the animals and citizens of Iowa County and its surrounding communities
Here I sit watching the snow falling and the turkeys at the bird feeders! As tired as I am of the snow, I am even more tired of those blasted turkeys!!! Back to the snow…I think back to last year’s drought which was actually an extension of the 2010 drought. Southwestern Wisconsin precipitation (data from the Lone Rock Tri-County Airport) is almost fifteen inches behind normal since August of 2011. It is said that (on average) one inch of snow equals ten inches of liquid precipitation. Using that comparison, SW Wisconsin has then had 6.88†of precipitation this winter. So “Let it snow, let it snow, let it snowâ€! However, in actuality, because of the frozen ground only a small portion of this moisture makes it into the soil – too much of it will end up being run off and won’t do SW Wisconsin much good. It would be heavenly to have timely rains this summer – the last few summers have been so challenging – especially for the farmers! Speaking of challenges, we have our share at ICHS also, but through commitment, hard work and huge support from our followers, we are meeting those challenges head-on…As you read this letter, it is important to remember that I am a volunteer and these are MY thoughts.
Lots of progress and good news to tell you about! The adoptions in 2013 (yes, I know it’s early in the year) have been phenomenal – both dogs and cats – but especially the cats! Thirty-five cats were adopted out in the first two months of this year! People (especially those who have visited ICHS in the past) ask, “Where are all of the cats� Our cat population is low - however we still have lots of nice kitties so if you are looking for a furry feline, you will have quite a variety to choose from. When looking for that “purrfect†cat, there is a “Top Ten†poster at the shelter which lists the cats that have been at ICHS the longest – so please check those cats out! So many of the cats (who have made that list) have since found homes – Max, Cameo, Milton, George, Babs, Barry, Duchess, Noreen, Sarah, Zipper – some of those cats had been with us for 4-5 years! But the way the “Top Ten†poster works is that when one of the “Top Ten†is adopted, a new kitty is added to the list so there will always be ten on that poster. Our goal is to get these long-term kitties in “forever homes†– perhaps YOUR home!
Our dog population is lower than usual also – we have approximately 20-25 dogs at the moment as eighteen dogs have been adopted in the first two months of this year! Finding your forever canine companion at ICHS is not quite as guaranteed as finding the perfect cat. But we are working towards remedying that situation. Since I started writing PawPrints (back in 2009) I have sounded like a broken record in asking that the dogs get more attention, exercise and training. Thanks to the AWE Committee and HAWS, our long-term dogs are finally going to get the help which they so desperately need. Dr. Claudine McAuliffe and her staff from HAWS (Humane Animal Welfare Society located in Waukesha) received a grant to help six shelters in Wisconsin. ICHS was one of those selected. Dr. McAuliffe and Cheri Phillmore (along with the rest of the ICHS staff) will be using/developing individual Mod Squad training scripts for each of the dogs. As a result of the AWE Committee’s work, Pam Richardson, Joy Richardson and Arnette Small have completed behavior assessments of most of the dogs – thank you ladies! With help from HAWS, the staff is being taught to assess the dogs themselves since timely assessments need to be on-going. Each dog will then have its own personal ‘behavior modification script’. After the scripts are in place, there is one more necessity – and that is to have dedicated volunteers choose a dog and work with that dog to modify the dog’s behavior(s) so that it can eventually find a home. This is very exciting!
The Animal Adoptability Committee is just about finished with its work. Dr. Marla Lind has led a small group of volunteers in a quest to decide the standards and guidelines which will determine the adoptability of the animals here at ICHS. In addition, if an animal does not meet the adoptability criteria, the committee has provided the process which ICHS will follow to determine how that animal can best be helped to meet the adoptability requirements and/or have a quality life away from ICHS. Dr. Lind and the committee will be presenting their work to the public on Wednesday, March 13, at Stonefield Apartment Homes in Dodgeville at 7:00 PM. This meeting will be informational and there will be time for questions and answers. Copies of the documents may be viewed on the ICHS website at www.ichs.net, obtained at the shelter or will be mailed to current ICHS members upon request.
Spaying and neutering pets is essential in stopping the influx of homeless cats and dogs coming through our doors. Educating the public about the need for spaying and neutering is important, but in today’s tough economy, financial assistance is also necessary. There is a new Low Cost Spay and Neuter Clinic in Mt. Horeb for cats. The Dane County Humane Society and Sharon McGann have teamed up to provide help for those needing financial assistance in spaying and neutering their cats. Call (608)838-0413 ext 103 or go to snap@giveshelter.org for more information.
If you have any suggestions or ideas about the content of ICHS PawPrints, please contact me, Terri Davis, at roadhogbiker@gmail.com
A small, but enthusiastic group of volunteers meet monthly to plan the ICHS fundraisers. We meet the 3rd Tuesday of the month at 7 o’clock at the shelter (call Cheri for verification). Our meetings include the discussion of ideas for possible events as well as the planning of actual events. The Fundraising meeting follows the 6 o’clock Outreach and Education committee meeting (for information regarding this committee, see the November 2011 Newsletter or call Cheri for details). Please join us if you would like to be a part of either of these two committees. And if you can’t make it to the meetings, please e-mail Cheri at ICHS and share your ideas with her.
Easter Bake Sale
It’s time for the annual “Easter Bake Saleâ€. This traditional event dates back to the early beginnings of ICHS. The sale will be at Spring Gate Mall in Dodgeville (near the entrance to Piggly Wiggly) on Saturday, March 30. The sale begins at 8:00 AM and continues until 2:00 PM or until all the “goodies†are gone. Every year the variety and amount of donated treats is greater than the year before! It is absolutely amazing how much community support goes into this event – both in providing the delicious baked goods as well as in purchasing them! So, be a part of this year’s bake sale – there is something “yummy†for everyone’s tastes.
Paws Fur a Cause
The 5th annual “Paws Fur a Cause†event will take place on Saturday, April 6th. This is a 5K run or 2 mile walk which has become increasingly popular since it began a few years ago. Since its beginning, this event has been coordinated by Dodgeville High School students/volunteers. The run starts at 9 AM with the walk beginning at 9:15 AM. Dog(s) are welcome to accompany the walkers but will not be allowed in the run. Registration begins at 8 AM at the shelter or you can register online by going to http://www.ichs.net/5krunhtml and clicking on the link provided for online registration.
Comin’ Together Fur a Cause
This is a first time event that we hope will catch on and if so, we will try this in other communities next year. This is a Spaghetti Supper in Arena (northeast Iowa County) and will be held at the VFW Hall on Saturday, April 6. (Although out-siders☺are welcome) I am not going to bother with directions as this event is meant primarily for people living in/close to Arena. Half of the proceeds will remain in the community to be used to provide assistance with low-cost spay and neuter vouchers. The other half of the proceeds will go to the Circle of Caring Fund at ICHS which is used for treating animals with medical needs beyond what is typically budgeted for. The meal will include spaghetti, garlic toast, cole slaw, beverage and (perhaps dessert). Serving will be from 5-7:30 PM. Take-outs will be available. There will be a 50/50 raffle and a few items to raffle off. Following the supper, open Euchre will start at 7 PM.
The QuadruPedal (charity bike ride), ICHS Plant Sale and the “Artists to the Rescue†Live Art Auction are other up-coming fundraising events which are being worked on. Stay tuned!
Volunteers
Volunteers are the heart of ICHS. Whether you are a cat cuddler, dog walker/trainer, help with fundraising and outreach, baking, walking parade routes, working at Meet & Greets, maintaining the building and grounds, providing foster care, sitting on committees or reside on the Board (the list goes on) – ICHS cannot exist without YOU! Your contributions are priceless! In recognition of our many volunteers, there will be a Volunteer and Staff Recognition Get-together to honor all those who help with ICHS’s mission. This Recognition get-together will take place on Monday, April 22nd at Stonefield Apartments Homes prior to the monthly Board meeting. Be on the lookout for more information and hope to see you there!
January & February Adoptions
| January Cats Millie Dayton Helga Grayson Babs Peaches Connie Blitzen Hans Heinrich Hamilton Marco Ramona Molly Scarlett Antonio Harry Vanessa Hannah Clarice Sarah |
January Dogs Rosie Fitz Candy Cane Ellie Mae Marky Polly Jack Oliver Winnie Chanel Shadow Betty |
February Cats Miss Muffins Elvis Zipper Chuckie Barney Moonpie Tabitha Elf Rudolf Midnight Festus KayDee Andy Kate |
February Dogs KT Jake Sierra Tallula Micah Rayne |
We all know that all animals are ‘special’ but the animals featured in this section are indeed special. These are ‘special needs’ animals. The special person/family who adopts one of these animals knows that this may/may not be the long-term relationship which we hope for when we open our hearts and homes to a new family member. These animals ‘forever homes’ with us may be just for a short time before they move on…But, nevertheless, these animals need a home and a loving family just as we all do. Are you possibly the family that could provide a home for one of these animals? If not, do you know of a family who could provide a loving home for these animals? If so, please come out to ICHS and find out more about these animals from the ICHS staff.
Cameron
Ourpopulationof FIV (Feline Immuno-deficiency Virus) kittieshas shrunk to only one, Cameron. The others (which have been featured in past issues of PawPrints) have all found their special homes. Cameron is a handsome, active, playful guy who loves attention. He is a very normal cat in all respects – the difference is that Cameron has the FIV virus which does affect his immune system – but slowly - over a period of years. Although we call Cameron “specialâ€, there really are no special considerations when adopting him. He must be kept indoors. He may live with other cats since FIV is not easily passed between cats (it would be best if your other cat(s) are good-natured and amicable to a new pal). FIV is primarily spread by serious bite wounds so if you have other cats, it is important to properly introduce Cameron to the others (but you would do that with any cat that you bring home). It is also important to keep Cameron free from stress so a quiet home would be best. Cameron is about two years old and so he should be a part of your family for many years to come. Is it possible that YOU might just be the special family that Cam is looking for, and that when the next PawPrints is published, there will be no FIVs to feature?☺ So…Cameron is in need of YOU!
Wilbur, Lance & Frieda
Lance, Wilbur and Frieda are FeLV (Feline Leukemia Virus) kitties. Lance has been at ICHS for awhile (on the Top Ten chart). He is a handsome, playful orange tabby with a wonderful personality. Although he can be a “lap-cat extraordinaire†there are times when he prefers his solitude. Wilbur is a handsome beige kind of guy. He has been with us less than a year and needs more practice being with people – he can be a bit “rough around the edges†– especially if he gets carried away while playing. Frieda, a beautiful gray lady, has only been at ICHS a couple of months. She is so affectionate and only wants “lap time†when she is taken out of her cage. FeLV cats are harder to place in homes than FIV cats. If you only want one cat, any of these would be perfect! FeLV cats must be only cats (they can live with other FeLV cats) and they must be kept indoors. FeLV cats may be asymptomatic (free from symptoms) for years and will hopefully live relatively long lives. So…if you are looking for a kitty companion, these kitties are looking for YOU!
Vegas
Vegas is considereda special kitty because of her ‘catitude’. She is one of those cats who is difficult to place. Anyone who knows cats is aware that most Tortis and Calicoes are known for their “temperamentsâ€. It is believed that she will do fine once adopted, but that’s the problem – how do you get someone to adopt her because she can be a bit “scary†if she doesn’t know you! Vegas is approximately 5-6 years old. She had been abandoned by her previous owner and has been at ICHS for three years. She was very scared and confused when she came to the shelter. She lives in the quiet Catnip Lounge where she is somewhat isolated from noise and people. However living in this quiet room also means that she doesn’t have a lot of contact with people and so people who are looking for their ‘forever’ cat never meet Vegas. But…there is a sign on her cage which says “Staff Only†which would deter most people from adopting her anyway. Now, it’s not that Vegas isn’t friendly – she’s just “choosyâ€. She even prefers some staff to others. The main problem occurs when it’s time for her to return to her cage. She is declawed in the front so scratching is not an issue and I don’t believe she has ever bitten anyone. She just hisses and vocalizes a bit. She apparently does well with other cats. Vegas is like other ‘hard to place’ cats which we have had at the shelter (most of them being Torties and Calicoes) in that once they go to a home, they do very well. An experienced ‘cat-family’ living in a quiet household is exactly what Vegas needs. So…Vegas needs a home.
Packman
Packman is a very special guy, but he’s only special because he’s special (as all cats are). Packman is a young, handsome, long-haired black cat. He lost one of his ears due to frostbite, but that just adds to his charm. Packman has the distinction of being the first stray cat to be brought to our new shelter because he was the last cat brought in at the old shelter on Bennett Road. Actually he had been there for awhile. He had been living in the storage shed to the west of the main building. We were cleaning the shed out when Packman was discovered hiding in a box. Upon being discovered, he raced to the open door. The door was slammed shut just in the nick of time and then it was just a matter of patience and perseverance before Bonnie was able to catch him. Packman settled into the shelter routine quickly, however after two years, he is still a bit timid/shy when he first meets someone. Packman was temporarily fostered for a few months last winter and he did well. He does get along with most cats, although he remains by himself in a cage. He is by himself because he needs a special diet. He had urinary issues last spring. Upon diagnosis of the problem, Packman was put on a special diet and he is doing fine. Living in a home environment with other cats, it should be easy to monitor his food, but it is difficult to do so in a communal room at the shelter. Packman would do best in a quieter household as loud noises tend to frighten him. So…Packman needs a home.
Long time volunteer, Betty Kieffer, sent me this poem “ A Dog’s Pleaâ€. Thank you, Betty, for the poem and for all that you do for the animals.
It is never easy to say “goodbye” to our friends and family, but please note that your adopted pet has touched many lives. When your pet crosses the Rainbow Bridge, feel free to let us know about your loved ones passing.
I need your help if I am to continue to feature the success stories which begin the moment your adopted companion chooses you. It is not difficult for me to write a paragraph that showcases your pet. The problem that I have is finding YOU and your pet. I don’t know who you are or how to contact you. If you would be interested in sharing your pet’s story in the newsletter, please e-mail me at roadhogbiker@gmail.com . A picture and a brief write-up about your pet(s) is all that I need. If I don’t have enough info, I will get back to you. It would be helpful to know your pet’s shelter name (if you renamed your pet), when you adopted, pet’s favorite activities, other pets that you may have and whatever else you would like to include. If you are not able to send a picture, that’s OK. Many of you send periodic updates regarding your adopted pet to the shelter. I can use those write-ups if you would please indicate (in your letter to ICHS) that you are giving me permission to include your pet’s story in the newsletter. I hope to hear from you!
Harry & Tinsel
I had no intention of adopting these two sweet kitties – in fact, there were others on “my list†of adoptees. Tinsel came home when my Socks unexpectedly left me. I had been totally unaware of Tinsel (Lolly was the chosen one) until I learned that she had a dire need for dental work. So after helping with those expenses, it seemed as though she was “sort of mine†so I brought her home in September. Then my big guy, Buckshot, was euthanized in December and although I had been promising Sylvia that she was to be my next kitty, Harry wasn’t doing well (kidney disease) and so it seemed that he needed to join the family. Tinsel and Harry are best friends. They are kind of a “Mutt and Jeff†pair. Harry is tall and gangly while little Tinsel is short and compact. They spend hours cuddling and bathing each other. Harry has fit right in, but life for Tinsel is totally on her terms. (If she feels like it) she can be quite the lap cat – and she won’t take “no†for an answer – even if Raymond (my eyeless cat) is already on my lap. I have to put my feet up so that she can be on my knees. She has trained me well!
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PetFinder
Iowa County Humane Society
305 Co. Rd. YZ
P.O. Box 195
Dodgeville, WI 53533
Phone: 608-935-1381
Fax: 608-935-2884
e-mail: office@ichs.net
For additional contacts go to:
Board of Directors and Staff
WI Dog Seller & Dog Facility Operator license #267019-DS
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