Animal Tribune Summer/Fall 2014 Edition

Summer/Fall 2014 EditionTRIBUNE

an ima l

Announcing Sip to Save Lives, a beer and wine tasting event

Success Story: DoraFeatured Pet: Peggy

Board of DirectorsSarah Fortune, PresidentBill Soper, Vice-President

Dr. Sarah Young, SecretaryJay Jaehnke, Treasurer

Pat CaffreySister Helen Deppe

Kris NandoryMonica Redmond

Tony RobertsJudy Rusch

Animal Care & Adoption Counseling

Lanette Ehrhardt Carissa FaasKatie Knox

Melissa LynchKelly Metzger

Krissy MickelsonMarlaine Moede

Holly SauerGinny Schetter

Holly BarnesArika Wussow

Ariel VanCura CahoonMacey Tralmer

Abby Guggenbuehl

MaintenanceDavid Collins

Humane & Animal Control OfficersBrad AdenSamantha OldenburgRich SchraderTravis Wills

Animal BehaviorShirley Richards

Program Managers & AdministrationHeather Hankins, Executive DirectorDanielle Dunham, Education CoordinatorAmber Grosch, Kennel Operations ManagerKathy KasaKaitas, Animal Control SupervisorJake Kuhlman, Accounting ClerkSamantha Luhmann, Community Outreach CoordinatorAlyssa Longhway, Volunteer CoordinatorBetsie Nachtigal, Customer Relations ManagerErin Olson, Pet Therapy DirectorLynn Zee Dokken-Knox, Management AssistantHannah Manske, Operations Assistant

Customer RelationsGrace AsherSonia CollinsLynn Zee Dokken-KnoxJessica UptonBarbara ShaferKristina Mazur

animal TRIBUNE | 1 Coulee Region Humane Society | 608-781-4014

News & Updates

TGI Friday’s 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 DogThe 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.

TRIBUNEan ima l

a n e x t e n s i o n o f t h e C o u l e e R e g i o n H u m a n e S o c i e t y

www.couleehumane.com 2 | Summer/Fall 2014 Edition

BarkBuddyThe 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.

ALÁNOThe 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.

EbayT 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.

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.

“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.

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.”

2014 Rummage Sale 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.


The Coulee Region Humane Society welcomed a new employee to manage the organization’s marketing and communications department.

Samantha Luhmann, a former La Crosse Tribune reporter, is now the shelter’s community outreach coordinator.

“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.”

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.

Luhmann pursued a career in communications because of her

longtime passion for writing. It was also important to her to invest in a job that allowed her to help others, she said.

Luhmann is able to do just that at the animal shelter — in addition to writing.

“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. “My goal is the same as anyone who works in the animal welfare industry: Save lives.”

To contact Luhmann, email [email protected]

a new face to community outreach

Samantha LuhmannCommunity Outreach Coordinator

PROMOTIONS & NEW HIRESSamantha Oldenburg, former animal care giver, has been promoted to an animal control officer.

Betsie Nachtigal, former operations assistant, has been promoted to customer relations manager.

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.

Grace Asher, former customer relations associate, has been promoted to lead customer relations associate.

Travis Wills, former Florida state certified officer and nuisance animal/gator trapper, has accepted a position as an animal control officer.

Barbara Shafer, former hospice nurse, has accepted a position as a customer relations associate.

Kristina Mazur 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.


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.

The Coulee Region Humane Society’s Board of Directors is made up of 10 individuals from all throughout the Onalaska area.

Sarah Young, veterinarian at Central Animal Hospital in Onalaska, is one of them.

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

“teacher” to “veterinarian.” I aimed for that the rest of my school career.

How did you get involved with CRHS? 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.

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,

Meet the Board:Sarah Young

Sarah Young, veterinarian at Central Animal HospitalCoulee Region Humane Society Board of Directors

Happy Endings


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

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.

Dora, a 6-year-old blind black Labrador retriever, was adopted by Kris and Amanda Wenzel from the Coulee Region Humane Society June 2014.

DORAThe 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.


And impaired vision doesn’t prevent the beloved game of fetch.

“All she wants to do is fetch from morning until bedtime,” Amanda said. “She knows right where to go to find her toys.”

But a few weeks after Zeus, a Rottweiler Labrador mix, passed away, expanding their family seemed fitting.

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. 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.” “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.

ABOVE: Zeus, Kris and Amanda Wenzel’s Rottweiler Labrador mix.BELOW: The Wenzel family, including Dora (Labrador), Kris, Amanda and Apollo (beagle.)


Sip toSave l i v e s s

TickeTs and informaTion 608-781-4014

Purchase online

www.couleehumane.com

Purchase in PersonCoulee Region Humane Society, 911 Critter Court in Onalaska, or at the door

Java Vino2311 State Road, La Crosse

5 - 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 3

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 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.

Where:

When:

WhaT:

cosT:

The Coulee Region Humane Society presents a beer and wine tasting event to benefit the homeless animals in the Coulee Region and beyond.

Thanks to our main sponsor, Franke & Turnbull CPA’s, and supporters: Jay Jaehnke, James Longhway, Kathi and Don Etten, and the following


Sip toSave l i v e s s

“Peggy’s going to be a good dog for someone who wants a buddy to do yard work with (for example),” she said. “Not for a person who is a 5-mile runner and wants to have a dog run with them.”

Peggy is in good health overall; however, a small mass cell tumor was surgically removed in July soon after it was diagnosed as cancerous.

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.

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 used for breeding.

But despite her past, Peggy is still very much in love with people.

Peggy also does excellent with children of all ages and enjoys being snuggled and pet. She is a very affectionate, easygoing dog that is very social and well mannered.

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.

STATSName: 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!

PEGGY


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 FundLa Crosse Community FoundationFranke FoundationTaebel Fund

Northern Hills Elementary SchoolUnity Team Sixth Grade, Longfellow Middle SchoolHolmen Middle School Student CouncilTreehouse Gift and Home

Jennifer Mitchell Abigail WoodNatalie McCannRebecca IhrkeRosemary GreanyNatalie MurphyMady GagermeierShelby TrautmanRayna McArdleSydney StonerBebe Sherwood Britta RoteringWesley OlsonMaeven Olson

Farmers Market Bake Sale 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.

SAVE THE DATEValley View Mall Adoption EventAn 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.

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.”

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

• 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

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, Wal-Mart, 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.

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

Nonprofit OrganizationU.S. Postage PAID

La Crosse WI 54601Permit No. 6

911 Critter CourtOnalaska WI 54650

Animal Tribune Summer/Fall 2014 Edition

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Transcript of Animal Tribune Summer/Fall 2014 Edition