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TRIBUNE Summer/Fall 2014 Edition
Announcing Sip to Save Lives, a beer and wine tasting event Success Story: Dora Featured Pet: Peggy
animal
TRIBUNE an extension of the Coulee Region Humane Society
News & Updates TGI Friday’s
Board of Directors Humane & Animal Control Officers Sarah Fortune, President Bill Soper, Vice-President Dr. Sarah Young, Secretary Jay Jaehnke, Treasurer Pat Caffrey Sister Helen Deppe Kris Nandory Monica Redmond Tony Roberts Judy Rusch
Animal Care & Adoption Counseling Lanette Ehrhardt Carissa Faas Katie Knox Melissa Lynch Kelly Metzger Krissy Mickelson Marlaine Moede Holly Sauer Ginny Schetter Holly Barnes Arika Wussow Ariel VanCura Cahoon Macey Tralmer Abby Guggenbuehl
Maintenance David Collins
Brad Aden Samantha Oldenburg Rich Schrader Travis Wills
Animal Behavior Shirley Richards
Program Managers & Administration Heather Hankins, Executive Director Danielle Dunham, Education Coordinator Amber Grosch, Kennel Operations Manager Kathy KasaKaitas, Animal Control Supervisor Jake Kuhlman, Accounting Clerk Samantha Luhmann, Community Outreach Coordinator Alyssa Longhway, Volunteer Coordinator Betsie Nachtigal, Customer Relations Manager Erin Olson, Pet Therapy Director Lynn Zee Dokken-Knox, Management Assistant Hannah Manske, Operations Assistant
Customer Relations Grace Asher Sonia Collins Lynn Zee Dokken-Knox Jessica Upton Barbara Shafer Kristina Mazur
TGI Friday’s in Onalaska donated more than $200 to the Coulee Region Humane Society in July after the restaurant hosted an all-day fundraiser to support homeless animals in the Coulee Region and beyond. The fundraiser gave 25 percent of the total sales of all participating parties to the shelter.
Walk for a Dog
The Coulee Region Humane Society is now a part of the WoofTrax Walk for a Dog program. Walk for a Dog is a Smart Phone app created by WoofTrax, a nonprofit organization, that promotes healthy pets and healthy humans while raising money to support local animal shelters. The app records the amount of miles users walk with their dog each day and makes a donation to a participating shelter based on the number of people walking and the total amount of miles walked. WoofTrax will distribute payments three times per year, with the last round of payments averaging 25 cents per mile.
Thompson Animal Medical Center
Thompson Animal Medical Center in La Crosse raised $1,180.55 for the Coulee Region Humane Society in August during its open house. The event featured tours of the clinic, visits with CRHS Pet Therapy dogs, demonstrations by the La Crosse Police K-9 Unit, raffle tickets and more. The veterinary’s newest doctor, Dr. Kate, was also available to greet and welcome the public.
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Coulee Region Humane Society | 608-781-4014
BarkBuddy
The Coulee Region Humane Society’s shelter dogs can now be viewed by local residents on the BarkBuddy smart phone app. BarkBuddy, a branch of Bark & Co., a company dedicated to building products that foster the health and happiness of dogs, allows users to locate dogs available for adoption in or nearby their area. BarkBuddy helps people find their perfect match by locating dogs that best meet their qualifications.
ALÁNO
The Franke Foundation established the nonprofit membership organization ALÁNO in an effort to bring local nonprofits together and create a vehicle of collaboration. The Coulee Region Humane Society is now a part of the organization. In July, the shelter hosted its first ALÁNO meeting, which housed dozens of representatives from various nonprofit organizations. The shelter’s involvement in ALÁNO will foster new relationships and fundraising opportunities.
Festival Foods Brat Barn Staff, volunteers and Pet Therapy members of the Coulee Region Humane Society raised nearly $700 for the shelter in June at the Festival Foods Brat Barn in Holmen. The fundraiser was a first-time event and will likely take place again at various Festival Foods locations.
Ebay
T shirts, sweatshirts, pet toys, leashes, collars and other Coulee Region Humane Society merchandise will can now be purchased online through Ebay. Recently, the shelter sold a baby gorilla doll that was handmade by a friend of the shelter for $200.
www.couleehumane.com
The Education Room at the Coulee Region Humane Society was filled with donated items for the shelter’s annual Rummage Sale. More than $2,000 was raised for spay and neuter assistance.
2014
Rummage Sale
The Coulee Region Humane Society hosted its annual Rummage Sale May 16-17 at the shelter. The sale is a fundraising approach for the shelter’s spay and neuter assistance program, otherwise known as S.N.A.P. Local residents and fellow animal lovers donated a surplus of supplies for this year’s event, including home decor, bikes, clothes, books, jewelry, pet supplies and more. Kids’ stuff, such as games and toys, and holiday decor, were particularly popular, said Heather Hankins, executive director.
More than 200 people attended the 2014 Rummage Sale and brought in about $1,000 more than last year. The Coulee Region Humane Society profited $2,091.67 at this year’s event. “Thanks to everyone who came out to the shelter and participated in our Rummage Sale,” Hankins said. “We’re looking forward to next year’s sale.”
“The Rummage Sale went really well this year,” she said. “We had a lot of great items donated for sale.” On the last day of the sale, buyers were given the opportunity to purchase a paper grocery bag for $5 to fill with as many items as possible. This feature brought in a significant amount of people.
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a new face to
community outreach The Coulee Region Humane Society welcomed a new employee to manage the organization’s marketing and communications department.
longtime passion for writing. It was also important to her to invest in a job that allowed her to help others, she said.
Samantha Luhmann, a former La Crosse Tribune reporter, is now the shelter’s community outreach coordinator.
Luhmann is able to do just that at the animal shelter — in addition to writing.
“I feel so blessed to have a job that combines both my passion for writing and animals,” she said. “It’s the perfect fit for me.”
Samantha Luhmann Community Outreach Coordinator
“Not only do I get to be a part of an organization that I truly support and believe in,” she said, “but I also get to use my writing as a tool to help animals.
A Minneapolis, Minn. native, Luhmann moved to La Crosse June 2013 after graduating from Winona State University. She majored in mass communications, emphasizing in journalism, and minored in Spanish.
“My goal is the same as anyone who works in the animal welfare industry: Save lives.”
Luhmann pursued a career in communications because of her
To contact Luhmann, email samantha.luhmann@couleehumane.com
PROMOTIONS & NEW HIRES Samantha Oldenburg, former animal care giver, has been promoted to an animal control officer.
Grace Asher, former customer relations associate, has been promoted to lead customer relations associate.
Betsie Nachtigal, former operations assistant, has been promoted to customer relations manager.
Travis Wills, former Florida state certified officer and nuisance animal/ gator trapper, has accepted a position as an animal control officer.
Hannah Manske, former animal care giver, has been promoted to operations assistant. Lynn Zee Dokken-Knox, former humane officer, is now the shelter’s management assistant.
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Barbara Shafer, former hospice nurse, has accepted a position as a customer relations associate.
Ariel VanCura Cahoon has accepted a position as an animal caregiver. Macey Tralmer has accepted a position as an animal caregiver. Abby Guggenbuehl has accepted a position an animal caregiver. Holly Barnes has accepted a position an animal caregiver.
Kristina Mazur has accepted a position as a customer relations associate.
Coulee Region Humane Society | 608-781-4014
Meet the Board:
g n u o Y h Sara
The Coulee Region Humane Society’s Board of Directors is made up of 10 individuals from all throughout the Onalaska area.
“teacher” to “veterinarian.” I aimed for that the rest of my school career.
Sarah Young, veterinarian at Central Animal Hospital in Onalaska, is one of them.
I was asked to be on the Board of Directors in 2012. I have thoroughly enjoyed working with everyone at the shelter and the board, and feel like I am making a real difference. I have been on several event planning committees and am also the chairperson for the shelter’s Destination Zero committee.
Young knew she wanted to pursue a career in animal welfare from a very young age. And her passion for animals can be seen in more than just her working life. The following is a Q&A with Young.
Are you originally from Onalaska?
I grew up in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. I attended Iowa State University where I received my Bachelor of Science in Animal Science and my Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine. My husband was in the Air Force ROTC while at Iowa State University and was stationed in Anchorage, Alaska for my last two years of veterinary school. Upon graduation, I joined him at a small animal veterinary clinic in Anchorage. We wanted to be closer to our family in Iowa and we had an opportunity to get out of the Air Force so I transferred to a small animal veterinary clinic in Onalaska.
Do you have any pets?
We have two cats (Cricket from CRHS and Mezzo from a shelter when we were at Iowa State) and one dog, Juneau (an American Eskimo adopted from CRHS).
Why do you love animals?
I love animals for reasons I can’t even explain, it’s in my blood. If you look back at my elementary school scrapbooks starting around first or second grade, what I wanted to be when I grew up changed from
www.couleehumane.com
How did you get involved with CRHS?
the way they are happy to see you after a hard day of work, and the million ways they make us feel whole.
What’s the most important thing you’ve learned throughout your experience with animals?
Since animals can’t talk, we have to look at their behaviors, activities, and body language to figure out what they are saying. We have to act in accordance to the best interest of the animal, we have to be their voice since they cannot speak in words.
What about the CRHS makes you the most proud?
I am most proud of the work they do to stand up for those without a home or voice. I am proud of the events that they put on but even more than that, I am proud of the little things they do every day that very few people see, like laundry, socializing the cats, assessing dog behavior, cleaning litter boxes, tending to rescued wildlife, and so many other things they do with dedication.
What would your life be like without animals?
My life would be a lot emptier without animals in it, not only because of my career but also in my home. Pets fill our lives and hearts in places that we didn’t know were empty. Their quiet understanding, their goofy antics, their irritating habits, the way they vomit only on the carpet and often when you are running late,
Sarah Young, veterinarian at Central Animal Hospital Coulee Region Humane Society Board of Directors
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Happy Endings A R DO The Coulee Region Humane Society is an open door animal shelter that accepts any animal free of charge regardless of its circumstance. Dora, like many animals that find their way to the shelter, was surrendered because her family could no longer care for her. Finding homes for animals is a challenge overall, but it’s especially difficult when an animal suffers from a permanent medical condition. At the age of 6, Dora was diagnosed with cataracts and completely lost her vision.
Dora, a 6-year-old blind black Labrador retriever, was adopted by Kris and Amanda Wenzel from the Coulee Region Humane Society June 2014.
Nights at the Wenzel’s are often consumed by one particular activity: Fetch. From the moment the couple gets home from work until often the wee hours of the night, Winona residents Kris and Amanda Wenzel spend most of their time playing with their “children,” Apollo and Dora. Dora, the Wenzel’s newest addition, is particularly enthralled with fetch. The 6-year-old black Labrador retriever never tires from the chase and remains overly excited for every throw. Like many labs, Dora’s former family raised and used her
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as a hunting dog. But Dora’s hunting days came to an early end when her vision diminished from cataracts. That’s when she was surrendered to the Coulee Region Humane Society to find a more suitable home. And it only took one look at Dora for the Wenzels to know it was theirs. “We said her name,” Amanda said, “and all she did was pick up her toy and scoot closer to (her kennel’s) door.” “That was it.” Earlier this year, the Wenzels were not looking to adopt another dog. They had two dogs, Apollo and Zeus, at the time that kept them more than busy.
Coulee Region Humane Society | 608-781-4014
But a few weeks after Zeus, a Rottweiler Labrador mix, passed away, expanding their family seemed fitting.
And impaired vision doesn’t prevent the beloved game of fetch.
For a while, the Wenzel family consisted of just Kris, Amanda and Zeus. But Apollo joined the family in 2011 when he wondered into their yard and never left.
“All she wants to do is fetch from morning until bedtime,” Amanda said. “She knows right where to go to find her toys.”
Apollo, in many ways, was a blessing for Zeus because Zeus was depressed at the time, Amanda said. He was diagnosed with dog diabetes a few months prior and was slowly losing his sight. So when Apollo came along he took on the role as Zeus’s personal guide. He would pick up Zeus’s leash and lead him around the house, Amanda said, which improved both his mobility and mood. Keeping Zeus despite his condition was never a question for the Wenzels. Caring for a blind—and diabetic—dog wasn’t hard when it was considered as family, Amanda said. And Kris and Amanda had the same attitude when they first laid eyes on Dora. Immediately, she was considered as one of their children and it didn’t matter to them if she couldn’t see. They knew she needed a special home and they were more than willing to provide one for her. “The Wenzels wholeheartedly love their dogs,” said Samantha Luhmann, the Coulee Region Humane Society’s community outreach coordinator. “Dora couldn’t have found a better, more loving home.”
ABOVE: Zeus, Kris and Amanda Wenzel’s Rottweiler Labrador mix. BELOW: The Wenzel family, including Dora (Labrador), Kris, Amanda and Apollo (beagle.)
“I’m just thankful to the people that gave her up to give her a second chance,” Amanda said. Since joining the Wenzel family early this June, Dora has adapted exceptionally well. She maneuvers throughout the home with ease and can easily find her toy bin. Apollo has also stepped up to help and has taken back on his role as a guide. Contrary to popular belief, Amanda said, there aren’t many challenges when it comes to owning a blind dog. You have to let them know when there are steps and curbs to climb, but otherwise they know what to do.
www.couleehumane.com
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Sip toSave
l i v e s s
The Coulee Region Humane Society presents a beer and wine tasting event to benefit the homeless animals in the Coulee Region and beyond.
Where:
Java Vino 2311 State Road, La Crosse
When:
5 - 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 3
What:
An assortment of wines and beers presented by Java Vino, featuring Pearl Street Brewery, Broken Earth Winery, Tiziano Wine, Treasury Wine Estates and Andeluna Cellars. Chinese raffle, live music, starring GrassRun Band, and hors d’oeuvres included.
Cost:
Cost is $30 per ticket if purchased in advance or at the door. A discounted rate of $50 for two tickets is available if purchased in advance.
Tickets and Information 608-781-4014
Purchase online www.couleehumane.com
Purchase in person
Coulee Region Humane Society, 911 Critter Court in Onalaska, or at the door
Thanks to our main sponsor, Franke & Turnbull CPA’s, and supporters: Jay Jaehnke, James Longhway, Kathi and Don Etten, and the following
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Coulee Region Humane Society | 608-781-4014
PEGGY Peggy was surrendered to the Coulee Region Humane Society April 21, 2014. Her former owner could no longer care for her because he moved in with his sister, whose dog did not get along with Peggy. The man who cared for Peggy prior to surrender adopted her from a person in Illinois. It is unclear why Peggy was given up originally; however, there are speculations. Because Peggy is dog selective and does not get along with certain dogs, it is likely that she was raised in a home with other aggressive dogs. According to Peggy’s surrender form, her former owner guessed that Peggy was involved with dog fight training. Based on the size of her nipples, as
well, it is also assumed that Peggy was “Peggy’s going to be a good dog for used for breeding. someone who wants a buddy to do yard work with (for example),” she But despite her past, Peggy is still very said. “Not for a person who is a 5-mile much in love with people. runner and wants to have a dog run with them.” Peggy also does excellent with children of all ages and enjoys being Peggy is in good health overall; snuggled and pet. She is a very however, a small mass cell tumor was affectionate, easygoing dog that is surgically removed in July soon after it very social and well mannered. was diagnosed as cancerous. According to the Coulee Region Humane Society’s records, Peggy has never lived with cats or other small animals, so it is best if Peggy settles down in a home where there are no other pets. Peggy is more of a “lazy Jane,” said Amber Grosch, the Coulee Region Humane Society’s kennel operations manager, and prefers to just lounge around.
Peggy is also very well behaved and does great in weekly basic obedience classes. “Peggy is such a sweet girl,” Grosch said. “She’d be great in a home with an easygoing family where she can be the center of attention.” Visit the Coulee Region Humane Society during kennel hours to visit with Peggy.
STATS Name: Peggy Age: 5 years Breed: American Staffordshire Terrier, Black with White Gender: Female - Spayed Compatibility: Gets along well with people, great with kids FYI: Peggy would do best in a home with no other dogs. A generous volunteer donated $75 toward her adoption fee, which is now only $50!
www.couleehumane.com
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First Lutheran Church teens donate $1,202 Four eighth-grade students from First Lutheran Church in Onalaska raised $1,202 in June to support the Coulee Region Humane Society. The donation was a part of a community service project members of Paula Skoy’s confirmation class were required to complete. Kate Dabrowski, Laura Munson, Grace Johnson and Katie Larkin collected monetary donations through an envelope system at their church. The envelopes asked congregation members to donate between $1 and $100 to the shelter. The girls also asked for tangible donations of supplies on the shelter’s wish list. Items such as bleach, paper towels, dog and cat food, and toys were gifted. “We are so thankful that Kate, Laura, Grace and Katie thought of the Coulee Region Humane Society for their community service project,” said Samantha Luhmann, the shelter’s community outreach coordinator.
“This donation was incredibly useful and helped provide shelter, food, enrichment and health care to the many animals that depends on us each and every day. We couldn’t do what we do without this kind of support.” The amount of animals entering the Coulee Region Humane Society has risen by 23 percent throughout the past nine years. As an “open door” shelter, the Coulee Region Humane Society will accept any animal, regardless of its circumstance. In 2013, the Coulee Region Humane Society cared for a total of 2,926 animals and assisted 977 wildlife. “We see a large volume of animals come into our shelter every year,” Luhmann said. “We are so grateful to every single person that donates time, money and supplies to help keep us going. It’s appreciated more than words can say.”
Thank you! The following youth, groups and organizations donated funds and supplies to our shelter this quarter to help the hundreds of animals we care for on a daily basis. St. Croix Belisle Fund La Crosse Community Foundation Franke Foundation Taebel Fund Northern Hills Elementary School Unity Team Sixth Grade, Longfellow Middle School Holmen Middle School Student Council Treehouse Gift and Home Jennifer Mitchell Abigail Wood Natalie McCann Rebecca Ihrke Rosemary Greany Natalie Murphy Mady Gagermeier Shelby Trautman Rayna McArdle Sydney Stoner Bebe Sherwood Britta Rotering Wesley Olson Maeven Olson
SAVE THE DATE Farmers Market Bake Sale
Valley View Mall Adoption Event
The Coulee Region Humane Society will participate in the city of La Crosse Farmers Market Saturday, Sept. 20 at Riverside Park. Baked goods, including cupcakes, cookies, brownies, bars and more, will be available to purchase. Pet Therapy members and their dogs will also be present to socialize with and welcome shoppers.
An adoption event will take place from 1 to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday Oct. 3 and 4 at Valley View Mall. Dogs and small animals will on site and available to meet. Animals at the Coulee Region Humane Society will also be available from 1 to 5 p.m. If possible, please bring current pet vet records for adoption process.
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Coulee Region Humane Society | 608-781-4014
Wish List------------------Animal and Kennel Care
• Kong stuffers—small treats, peanut butter, spray cheese • Toys for cats—little mice with a tail and bell on the end, balls, etc. • Toys for dogs—sturdy, squeaky toys, Kongs, etc. • Rawhide bones or chips—items to keep our dogs busy • Pig ears • Dog treats—soft and hard • Dry cat food—Science Diet, Eukanuba and Purina • Dry kitten food—Science Diet, Eukanuba and Purina • Royal Canin Babycat 34 dry food • Dry dog food—Science Diet, Eukanuba, Iams and Purina • Dry puppy food—Science Diet, Eukanuba, Iams and Purina • Clay cat litter (non-clumping) • Leashes—1-inch thick and 4-6 feet long • Martingale collars for dogs • Feliway spray—behavior modification • Carefresh bedding • Newspapers • Guinea pig food • Timothy Hay • Aspen shavings or chips (no pine or cedar) • Small animal food—birds, ferrets, hamsters, rabbits, turtles, etc. • Small animal litter • Fresh carrots and romaine lettuce for small animals • 12-inch diameter metal oil pans (to use as little pans) • Pooper Scoopers—heavy duty • Dish rags/wash cloths
www.couleehumane.com
• Gas gift cards (transportation of animals to vet clinics, CVIs, etc.) • Gift cards to buy supplies— Target, Wal-Mart, Sam’s Club, PETCO, PetSmart, Wags and Whiskers, etc. • Gift cards to buy building supplies—Farm and Fleet, Home Depot, Menard’s, etc. • Aluminum cans to support spay and neuter program
Office Supplies
• Small gift bags to send info home with adopters • Stamps • Copy paper—8.5X11, plain white
URGENT
• Meat-flavored baby food—no onion or garlic powder • Royal Canin Baby Cat dry food for orphaned kittens • Cat scratchers— www.stretchandscratch.com • Canned cat food—loaf please, no meats in gravy/sauce • Kitten Milk Replacer—KMR brand only • Dry kitten food—Science Diet, Eukanuba and Purina • Bleach
Cleaning Supplies • • • • • •
Laundry detergent for washers Garbage bags—33 and 33 gallons Windex Dryer sheets Paper towels Kleenex
Education
• Gift cards to buy craft supplies— Hobby Lobby, Michaels, WalMart, etc.
Pet Therapy
• White ink jet card stock • Avery High Visibility labels— Inkjet #8293—1 1/2 inch diameter • New or gently used children’s books (for Read to Rover) • Gift cards to buy office supplies —Target, Wal-Mart, Sam’s Club, Office Max, Office Depot, etc.
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Nonprofit Organization U.S. Postage PAID La Crosse WI 54601 Permit No. 6
911 Critter Court Onalaska WI 54650