The Fur (& Feather!) Flyer

Normally HAWS promotes a Pet of the Week.  But, like most everyone else, we’ve become victims of March Madness!  So, in the spirit of the season, we’re presenting…

HAWS bracket is complete!  We have some lively competition and a few genuine underdogs (get it?  Under DOGS!), but overall it is a strong field.

Representing the Northwest Region are Dash the Westie, Alaster the Collie/Shepherd, Piggy the Pit Bull and Wilbur the Rottweiler (both pictured).  We expect a strong showing from Dash, but don’t be surprised if Wilbur makes things interesting in this region. 

From the Southwest we have Carter the Lab (pictured), Vince and Oliver the young Pit Bulls, and the Dynamic Duo of Cagney and Lacey – this Poodle and Shih Tzu combo are veterans and will make it hard for the boys to advance beyond the first round. 

Out of the Northeast are Sonny the Terrier mix, Xena the Husky, Bella the Beagle and Wren the Lab.  This region shows the most diversity within our bracket.  It will be anybody’s horse race coming out of the Northeast!

Finally, rounding out the field from the Southeast are Josh the Terrier (pictured), Red the Lab/Terrier, Mocha the Lab and Captain, also a Lab.  The early favorite is Mocha, with Red turning some heads and changing some minds…

Okay, no, we’re not having an actual tournament – and, honestly, there are no losers in this bracket!  We are, however, using the fun this time of year to promote the overabundance of wonderful adoptable dogs currently living at HAWS.  Come in to the shelter from March 26 through April 6 and receive a leash/collar set with each dog adoption, along with a doggy treat bag.  All dog adopters will also have the chance to win fun prizes like ½ off their adoption fees, HAWS merchandise, dog toys, discounts on training classes and training books.

Now is a great time to bring home your best friend.  I mean...TEAMMATE!
 

By the way - Don’t worry, cat fans!  The felines will be taking over the building soon enough – you’ve heard of the World Series of Cats, right...?

Just in time for Easter - and a little late for St. Pat's Day...a bunny success story: 
Music Appreciation - Miss Bella.pdf. 

Did you know that, along with dogs and cats, HAWS also adopts out small animals?  Over the last decade, rabbits in particular have become very popular as pets – but they are more labor-intensive than most people realize.

For $4.00, you can buy a ceramic pin at HAWS that looks like a chocolate bunny - to help spread the message that rabbits should not be casually acquired, and to educate the public about their special needs.  A card that is distributed with each pin lists important facts that should be considered before bringing a rabbit home as a pet.

Our goal is to educate the public of the challenges of properly caring for rabbits and to encourage them to purchase chocolate Easter bunnies (or stuffed toy animals) rather than live rabbits!  So go ahead, indulge the RIGHT craving, and “Make Mine Chocolate!”™

By the way – when you’ve done your research and you’re truly prepared for a rabbit in your household, come to HAWS.  We have PLENTY of them available for adoption, all 12 months of the year.  Some of HAWS' rabbits currently up for adoption are pictured throughout this blog posting.  Move your mouse across their pictures to learn more about them.

Hannah was a Pit Bull that had wandered throughout the Little Muskego Lake area for several years before she finally found sanctuary at HAWS.  There was talk of making her an official “mascot” - she was such a favorite of the staff, volunteers and visitors.  Ultimately, though, the goal was to find Hannah a home and family ready to understand her.

One of HAWS Kids ‘n Critters Summer Camp counselors agreed to foster Hannah for a time, but, the actual task of getting Hannah home with Tracey and Jeff was no easy feat.  You see, Jeff hasn’t always been comfortable with dogs due to an incident when he was a child.  And Tracey had already asked Jeff to “share” her with Boris, a 7-year-old Rottweiler.

Fortunately, the relationship between man and man’s best friend grew to the point where now, Tracey says, “Jeff went from germ freak to rolling on the floor with a Pit Bull and Rottweiler – slobber, hair and all!”  They made Hannah an official member of the family by adopting her permanently on Wednesday, October 3, 2007.

Hannah and Boris have forged a typical brother-sister relationship.  If Hannah has a toy, Boris wants it, but, many times you will find them cuddling together.  There was also the night that Boris was caught sneaking bones from his treat container - while Hannah stole the London broil from the counter top!

Hannah’s well-being is still a popular topic at HAWS.  “Many people from the shelter come up to me and thank us for taking her.  But I choose to think we are the lucky ones!  Hannah has been a wonderful addition to our family.  She adds so much love.  We feel truly blessed and so grateful to have her in our lives.”

By the way – Animals staying at HAWS do not have a time limit.  We are committed to finding homes for all adoptable animals placed in our care – even if it takes some extra time, like Hannah.

NEWSFLASH:  HAWS IS IN DIRE NEED OF TOWELS - BOTH BATH TOWELS AND LARGER HAND TOWELS.  IF YOU HAVE SOME LYING AROUND AT HOME YOU'D LIKE TO DONATE, WE'D LOVE TO TAKE THEM OFF YOUR HANDS!  AND NEXT TIME YOU'RE AT THE HEALTH CLUB, ASK THEM IF THEY HAVE A FEW EXTRAS TO SPARE.  THANK YOU!!!