Brownies, Fairies and Cookies Unite For a Cause

Lake Country School 3rd grade Brownie Troop# 2990 unanimously voted Animal Fairy Charities as recipient of proceeds from this year’s cookie sales.

Each year, Girl Scouts of America gives a portion of the profits from their ever-popular cookie sale back to the individual troops to use as they see fit. Many of the troops use the proceeds to creatively “give back” in some way. “When presented with the many options of good causes to help out this year, the girls in our troop were immediately drawn to animals,” stated troop leader Meg Weishar. “And taking care of animals is part of the Brownie/Girl Scout credo. We did a bit of research on local organizations that help animals and found Animal Fairy Charities.”

Animal Fairy Charities is a non-profit organization designed to help animals by supporting and acknowledging the people that are out in the trenches everyday, caring for companion animals in need…at shelters, rescues and the like. AFC raises and distributes funds to those shelters and rescues in need, largely through donations and the sale of their children’s book and pewter Animal Fairy ornaments, designed to be given in recognition of those who love and care for animals…or the “animal fairies” of the world. The organization also recently launched a television show to aid in their mission. Animal Advocate Television is a show dedicated to raising awareness around issues relating to animals…fostering and adoption programs, legislation, tours of shelters and rescues and teaching children compassion at an early age. “We were delighted to learn of the troop’s interest in helping the animals.” said AFC founder, Deb Lopez. “It’s perfectly in line with our mission at so many levels. We’re grateful for their thoughts…and their donation will go a long way towards helping our companion animals in need.” For more information visit: www.animalfairycharities.org, 262-989-0604 info@animalfairycharities.org

 

Muskego Food Pantry Drive

Let’s help fill the shelves of the Muskego Food Pantry. For every bag of non-perishable, non-expired food brought in from now until 11-30-09 you will receive 20% off any one regularly priced item. With more jobless families and a record high of patrons at the Food Pantry last week Thursday, the pantry is getting bare. Most needed items at this time are cereal, fruit, veggies and toilet paper. Other suggested items are canned goods, jellies, peanut butter, pastas and sauces. Dog, Cat, any pet food is really appreciated because sometimes families only have enough to get their food and not the pets. While you’re at the store why not pick up some extra pet food for the pantry, every little bit helps. Of course, anything you’d like to donate would be appreciated.

Bring your bag to Pet Supplies ‘N’ More S83 W20411 Janesville Rd Muskego WI 53150

 

Animal Idol Competition in Search of Performers

Producers of the Great Lakes Pet Exposition are searching for Wisconsin’s most talented pets to perform on stage and entertain thousands of pet lovers on Saturday, February 6, 2010 at the Wisconsin Expo Center (State Fair Park).

Pets have been entertaining our audience for five years,” says Expo Founder Penny Romasko.  “It’s time to add to our entertainment line up.”   To do this, the producers of Wisconsin’s premier pet lovers’ event have decided to sponsor the first annual Animal Idol competition in concert with the Exposition.

The selected pet will receive a $500 cash prize and will appear as a featured act at the Great Lakes Pet Exposition in 2010 for the competition and in 2011 as a solo featured act.   Second and third prize winners will be featured on the Expo website where they could be discovered by pet talent scouts.

Auditions will be held on Sunday, November 15, 2009 at Petlicious Dog Bakery and Spa in Waukesha.   The top five most talented pets will be selected to appear on the main stage at the Great Lakes Pet Exposition.  Celebrity judges will host the competition complete with critiques and a winner will be selected and awarded the prize.

Every pet who auditions will receive two complimentary tickets to the Great Lakes Pet Expo (a $12.00 value).   The entrance fee for the competition is $20.   For more details visit the Expo website at:  www.petexpomilwaukee.com.

 

Celebrate Howl-o-ween in Estabrook Park

Celebrate Howl-o-ween with Residents for Off-leash Milwaukee Parks (ROMP), Friends of Estabrook Park and the Village of Shorewood at the new Estabrook Park dog exercise area (DEA) on Sat, Oct. 17 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dress up your mutt and enter the canine costume contest. Judging begins at noon. Prizes will be awarded for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place. All attendees with a current DEA permit will be entered into a drawing to win some fun door prizes donated by Community Bark and Companion Natural Pet Food, two locally-owned businesses who are the events sponsors. Hot cider will be provided for human companions while canines will enjoy a special cake.

The new DEA at Estabrook Park (4400 E Estabrook Parkway, Shorewood) is 3 acres, fenced-in and features a separate small dog area. The DEA is located on the west side of the parkwary across from the pond in the northern half of the park closer to the Hampton Ave entrance. Estabrook is the first county park to have a DEA located within it. Granville and Runway Dog Exercise Areas are both designed only for off-leash dog exercise. A permit is required for regular use of the DEA. Annual permits are $20 and to obtain a permit, a dog must have a current license from their municipality and up-to-date on their rabies vaccination. For more information about the permits, visit www.countyparks.com.

“We are thrilled to have another dog exercise area in Milwaukee County, especially one that is located on the east side. It’s been years of work to find a location on this side of town and the Village of Shorewood was a big help in making this happen. They provided some financial support and were open to the idea of locating a dog exercise area within an existing park – the first to follow this model in the county,” said Robin Barry, ROMP spokesperson. “With Estabrook, Milwaukee now has three dog parks which offer dogs and their human companions a variety of choices they can legally exercise their dogs off-leash.”

Granville, Milwaukee’s first DEA located on the northwest side of the county, offers a more wooded environment with trails and access to the Menomonee River. The Runway, located in Oak Creek, offers a 26-acres of fenced-in field with trails and a small dog exercise. Estabrook’s DEA, due to it’s size and location, fits seamlessly into the park creating a mix of recreation for the whole family to enjoy with a nearby playground, natural scenery and historic buildings. “It’s our hope that the new DEA at Estabrook will be a catalyst to the revitalization of the park and attract more families,” said Robin.

ROMP advocates for dedicated off-leash dog exercise areas in Milwaukee County and educates the community about responsible dog ownership. ROMP works closely with the Milwaukee County Parks System to ensure dogs have fenced-in places to run free and play safe. For more information about this event, ROMP, and off-leash dog exercise areas, visit www.milwaukeedogparks.org.

 

Animal Fairy Charities Launches Affiliate Program

Animal Fairy Charities launches affiliate program to help animal shelters and rescues raise funds for their organization during this tough economic climate. Animal Fairy Charities, Inc., a non profit organization and the creators of The Animal Fairy, will be offering other animal welfare organizations the chance to share in the sales of their popular holiday ornament and other related merchandise. The Animal Fairy Desk Piece and ornament symbolizes the guardian of all animals and was created to honor those for their years of service and commitment for caring for animals, to honor and pay tribute, to acknowledge those who love and care for animals, and as a commemoration for those who have lost a beloved pet. The organization is offering affiliate programs where animal shelters and rescues can earn a percentage of sales just by linking to Animal Fairy Charities store front and referring sales. “Last year our Animal Fairy Holiday Ornament was very popular”, said Debra Lopez, co founder of the organization. “With the holidays quickly approaching, this is a perfect time to get on board”, Lopez added.

For more information about Animal Fairy Charities Affiliate program, you can log onto www.animalfairycharities.org or contact Debra Lopez at 262-989-0604. Animal Fairy Charities, Inc., Franklin, WI (established June 2007) is a Wisconsin based 501(c)3 non-profit organization following a “United Way” method by providing the Animal Welfare Industry and supporters a way to give to one entity, which are subsequently distributed as annual grants to other non-profits that advance their mission.

 

No Buddy Gets Left Behind

Ruffin’ It Resort, voted Best of Madison, is pleased to announce the 2^nd Annual ‘Great Pumpkin Bark Away’ to benefit SPCA: Operation Baghdad Pups “No Buddy Gets Left Behind” program.

Operation Baghdad Pups provides veterinary care and coordinates complicated logistics and transportation in order to reunite these beloved pets with their service men and women back in the U.S. These important animals, befriended by our service heroes while deployed in war zones, not only help our troops cope emotionally during combat, but they also help them readjust to life back home. To learn more and to see photos from the various rescue missions, please visit www.spcai.org/baghdad-pups.

Throughout the month of October, Ruffin’ It Resort suggests a $5.00 donation for this special cause and in return individuals can choose a FREE pumpkin from Ruffin’ It Resort’s ‘pumpkin patch’. There are many pumpkins to choose from, all unique in shape and size, but all united to make a difference in the lives of our military men and women.

 As a final celebration to the month-long fundraiser, Ruffin’ It Resort will host their annual Howl-O-Ween Party. Humans and their four-legged ghouls & goblins are invited to join in the festivities on October 29th from 7:15-9:00 PM at Ruffin’ It Resort. A $5.00 door donation will provide guests with a night full of howling fun. There will be many ‘paw’riffic games, costume contests, photos, spirits & treats. Come and celebrate Howl-O-Ween and support Operation Baghdad Pups!

 To see pictures from last year’s Howl-O-Ween Party, please visit: http://www.ruffinitresort.com/halloween2008.php

 

Pet Photos w/ Santa again offered at HAWS

The Humane Animal Welfare Society (HAWS) of Waukesha County, Inc. and the Friends of HAWS volunteer group has announced they will again be offering Pet Photos with Santa.  Pictures will be taken by members of the Unlimited Vision photography club, with all proceeds from the photos supporting the animals, programs and services at HAWS.

Appointments are available on Saturday, October 31 and Sunday, November 1, between 9:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.  The $30 fee includes the photography sitting, one (1) 8”x10” print and two (2) 5”x7” prints.  Pet owners will receive a CD of their photos for an additional donation of $5.

To reserve their session, pet owners should contact HAWS at 262-542-8851.  Sittings will be in 15 minute increments.

“We love the Pet Photos with Santa weekend,” notes Friends group President Nancy Mayo.  “It gives us a chance to interact with so many great pets and their people, and is a wonderful way to get in the spirit of the holiday season – all while helping HAWS.”

HAWS, a non-profit organization established in 1965, assists over 6,000 animals each year and welcomes more than 31,000 human visitors to our shelter annually.  As an “open admissions” shelter HAWS assures sanctuary for all animals in need, while offering educational programs and services to promote responsible pet ownership and prevent animal abuse.  The shelter is located at 701 Northview Road in Waukesha , Wisconsin . For more information call (262) 542-8851 or log onto our website at www.hawspets.org.

 

Dog Jog Results

More than 400 dogs and owners went dog wild in a race to benefit homeless animals during the 26^th annual Dog Jog on Sunday, September 20.

“More than $25,000 was raised to benefit area humane organizations,” said Dr. Linda Sullivan, an instructor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Veterinary Medicine who helps coordinate Dog Jog each year.

Top pledge collectors were the Nelson family (Dave, Patty, Alexa and Kylie), of Stoughton, Wis. with their three dogs, Rex, RJ and Hula. They raised more than $2,600 in pledges. The family has maintained the top pledge collector slot for many years.

In second place was Beth Viney, with her dog Tzar. They raised $1,225. Sally Probasco and her dog, Rosie, were third-place fundraisers for the event.

Dog Jog proceeds benefit humane organizations that participate in the veterinary school’s Cooperative Shelter Spay/Neuter Program for shelter pets or that participate in other school activities that directly benefit sheltered animals. This year’s beneficiaries included Angel’s Wish (Dane County), Country Animal Haven, Dane County Humane Society, Iowa County Humane Society, Humane Society of Jefferson County, Rock County Humane Society, Sauk County Humane Society, Washington County Humane Society, and Watertown Humane Society (Jefferson County).

The top pledge winner received a gift certificate for a photo session with Dramatic Paws Animal Photography. The top 20 pledge collectors received goody bags filled with dog treats and toys. Winners of each category received a medal.

The school is also grateful to the event’s supporters, including Culligan Total Water (provided bottled water to keep dogs and people hydrated during the race), John Urban (emcee), Isthmus/The Daily Page.com (donated ad space), Doggie Doo (dog dropping pick-up), Merial Ltd. (race bandanas), Royal Canin, and Full Compass (sound system).

Veterinary medical students in the Companion Animal Club, along with assistance from area humane organizations, organized the event itself.

Out of approximately 400 participants, Kyle Gleason and his dog, Charlie, were the overall race winners. He was also first place in the men’s category. First place woman was Erica Barkei with Hundi. First place girl was Claire Checovich and Bennet. First place boy was Adler Schmidt and Maybe. Winners of the costume contest were Jessica Huittl and Ben Head with their chihuahuas dressed as Dr. Doolittle and company.

Dog Jog is an annual 2-mile run/walk sponsored by the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Veterinary Medicine to benefit homeless animals.

 

“Fitness Boot Camp” Offers to Help HAWS

A local fitness entrepreneur is offering residents an opportunity to get in shape for a good cause.

Jeremy Belter, who operates “Fat Blasting Fitness Boot Camps” in New Berlin , will donate all proceeds from his Sept. 26 workout session to the Humane Animal Welfare Society of Waukesha County. The 9 a.m. “boot camp” will be held at Star of Bethlehem Church, 3700 S. Casper Drive , New Berlin .

The “boot camp” session is a 30-minute full-body circuit training regimen. Participants should arrive by 8:45 a.m. and bring their own exercise mat and dumbbells. Suggested minimum donation is $15 per session.

In addition to getting a healthy workout, participants will be able to interact with several “adoption-ready” animals that will be brought to the event.

“The goal of my fitness boot camps has always been to help people improve their physical and mental health,” Belter said. “It’s great to add another positive focus by benefiting HAWS, which provides such a valuable service to our community both for displaced animals and the many families that adopt them.”

Belter, 31, has worked as a fitness coach for five years. He operates the “Fat Blasting Boot Camps” under the auspices of his company, Fitness4U. His charitable sessions are part of a nationwide initiative titled Boot Camps With a Purpose, started in 2007 by a fitness club owner in Exton , Pa.

HAWS  participates in numerous fund-raisers, but none literally as physically strenuous as the fitness boot camps, said Jennifer Smieja, its Development Coordinator.

“I really appreciate that Jeremy is doing this,” Smieja said. “It’s contributions from individuals and businesses such as his that allow the Humane Society to continue providing services to the community.”

CONTACT: Jeremy Belter, Fitness4U, (414) 234-8697 or jeremybelter@gmail.com

Jennifer Smieja, Humane Animal Welfare Society, (262) 542-8851, ext. 107, or Jennifer@hawspets.org

 

5th Annual Washington Bark Day

The 5th Annual Washington Bark Day will be held on Sunday, September 13 from 11 am to 4 pm at Washington Park (1859 N 40th St).  Bark Day attracts over 500 dogs and their owners to the park for a day of tail-waggin’ fun including lure coursing, games, demos, contests, and vendor booths featuring local pet-related business and animal welfare organizations. Admission is $6 per dog and while supplies last, dogs will receive a goody bag filled with treats and other fun items.

“Come with your dog for the fun and games but also take time to enjoy the scenic beauty of Washington Park. This park has a great history and is going through a revitalization. Many people don’t remember that it was the original zoo and designed by landscape architect Frederick Law Olmstead, who also built Central Park in New York and Milwaukee’s own Lake Park,” says Robin Barry, president of Residents for Off-leash Milwaukee Parks (ROMP).

Event schedule:
11:00   Opening Ceremony
11:15   Musical Squares
11:30   Stay Just a Little Bit Longer & Dog-Ups – sit/stay & push-up contests
Noon   Best Dressed Canine – dogs will be judged on the creativity of their costume
1:00     Blessing of the Animals preformed by Fr. Dominic Roscioli
1:15     Parade of Dogs featuring all registered dogs and dogs available for adoption
1:30     Milwaukee Dog Training Club Demo
2:00     Craziest Dog Thought featuring Madame Geldon, Fortune-teller
2:30     Owner/Dog Look-a-like, Best Vocal Performance from a Canine, Best Kisser & Best Trick contests
3:00     Musical Squares
3:15     Silent auction closes
3:30 Auction winners announced
3:45     Prize awarded to the dog that came the farthest & closing remarks

Activities held throughout the day:
· Silent Auction
· Lure Coursing
· Canine Fortune Telling by Madame Geldon
· Pet Portraits
· $1 Games –Haystack Hunt, Dog-pin Bowling, Tennis ball Fetch, & Bobbing for Hot Dogs

This year, the event was organized by Neighborhoods United for Washington Park (NUWP), Residents for Off-leash Milwaukee Parks (ROMP), and Urban Ecology Center (UEC). Their partnership represents three groups joining forces to organize an event that benefits activities in Milwaukee County Parks. UEC has locations within Washington Park and Riverside Park and proceeds from the event will help fund its programs. NUWP raises money to fund improvements at Washington Park and ROMP supports Milwaukee dog parks.

ROMP advocates for dedicated off-leash dog exercise areas in Milwaukee County and educates the community about responsible dog ownership. ROMP works closely with the Milwaukee County Parks System to ensure dogs have fenced-in places to run free and play safe. In 2005, ROMP helped the Milwaukee County Parks System establish a new a 26-acre fenced in dog park called the Runway Dog Exercise Area along with the new dog exercise area opening this Fall at Estabrook Park in Shorewood.  For more information about this event, ROMP, and off-leash dog exercise areas, visit www.milwaukeedogparks.org.