Langlade County Humane Society – We want to help!
It is a disappointment to me that the Langlade County Humane Society does not already have a website and I am sure this is due to lack of funding. As a local resident I feel it would be a good advertising outlet for them. As such, as webmaster of antigobuzz.com, I would be more than happy to create a page for this purpose and update it, etc. With the hours of operation for the Langlade County Humane Society, I think a webpage would provide a good tool for people to see the available animals any time, day or night. Here’s hoping we can work together and get something setup!
—————UPDATE!————–
After talking to some people, we have now added to our site the animals for adoption at the Langlade County Humane Society! Please, if you are looking for a pet, adopt one!
———-UPDATE 04/15/08———————
The following email was received by a member of the Humane Society. This is a prime example of what we are working against. We have decided not to honor their request.
As a member and volunteer of the Langelade Humane Society, I’m requesting that you please remove the current Humane society blog. I am asking on behalf of the residents (animals), and employees’ request. It is obvious it is being used out of animosity, and the information is being construed to the public to the point it is detremental to the harmony of the shelter.
.
Tags: antigo pets, cats, dogs, langlade county humane society, pets for adoption antigo
try “humane society bylaws” not “humae”
oops
$100 to adopt an animal???? You’ve got to be kidding me!!! It’s only $35 most other places, that absolutely rediculous for what salaries people make in this town. No wonder there are over 80 cats at the shelter right now. Humane Society, get off your high horse and get back down to reality….give these unwanted animals loving homes.
JEAN,
A second animal shelter in Antigo! What a wonderful idea, and needed very badly. How can one contribute or volunteer?
The current shelter has tripled the number of animals that can be held with all the new building changes they made, and they have committed to being a LOW kill shelter, vs a NO kill shelter, which also keeps the number of residents high. I also heard they are going to have special rates to increase the number of adoptions. I know $ 100 for a cat sounds high, but if you take a cat you got free, to a vet, and have it fixed and get it all the shots, that the shelter ALREADY takes care of, you’d spend well over $100.00. A responsible pet owner is aware of the vet costs and know that this is really a deal. The Marion Sanctuary charages over $100. So it really is realistic.
When did the shelter start taking care of spaying and neutering?
The LCHS recieved a $5,000.00 donation and they have been using it for spay and neutering since June of this year. This information was also on Anne’s reply dated July 19th. All this information is given out at the monthly meetings which meets the first Thursday of the month at 6pm in the basement of the Antigo Safety building.
All intrested people should attend to be less ignorant of the shelters strong efforts to provide the best care possible.
I’ve been at every meeting & heard NOTHING about $5000.00
First the Shelter looks wonderful. How amazing it is when you can get $ to back you. Second the previous people that were great to deal with. Third I stopped in this last week and was treated like sh*t. And I have in the last 10 years adopted 2 Cats and 3 dogs from there but from my experience last week they will be lucky if I ever come back and or send anyone there. As for getting help from Volunteers or Community Workers whats the difference as long as the animals are being cared for. And from what I understand Judy was a Humane Officer but then again I also know that someone else is going soon to school for this. Sooo
Judy was SUPPOSEDLY a Humane Officer,but she would never show anyone her credentials,nor could anyone pin her down as to when she received her certification. If she really cared about the animals, she’d be down there volunteering her time or talking to the city/county on how to get paid for being our Humane Officer. Then we could have someone who would follow up on all the abuse & or neglect cases we have. Instead, she breeds dogs, just adding to the problem. Unfortunately, our police force won’t do it. All they do is haul strays down to the shelter.
I agree, we need a Humane Officer-the cops shouldn’t be burdened with such calls. They are not equipped or trained to deal with animals and I would much rather see them writing speeding tickets to all the maniacs that drive by my house.
I have a few concerns. I remember about 3 years ago when there was a huge push for a new ‘No Kill’ animal shelter, and as I understand it – it fell through because of lack of funding. According to Jean, the project is still moving forward. I have no problem with the idea of a self-funded private non-for-profit opening a new shelter, however don’t we think we are really wasting valuable resources when by looking at the option of combing the one we already have and with the new proposed site, you could cut down a lot on overhead costs. I realize that if you have to have funds to take care of 200 dogs, it does not matter if there are 200 dogs at one location, or 200 dogs at 2 separate locations. It is still 200 dogs. But when you have 2 locations, you have 2 sets of administrative staff – money that could be otherwise spent on day-to-day operations of a facility. It just doesn’t make any sense. I realize that the management up until late of the humane society lacked a serious direction, but from what I have heard things have turned around significantly.
As far as becoming a ‘Humane Officer’ to ease the burden on the local police, both city and county – most cities that have smaller populations (think under 50,000 here) do not have an ‘Humane Officer’ that is paid through the county or city. With all the current funding problems we have in both the city and county, I think pushing an idea of adding even a part time officer (say County) would be looked upon as an expense not needed. Then you have to think about all the time dedicated to the process of prosecuting the offenders. Humane officers simply turn the animals over to the shelter/vet (and who will have to pick up that cost? Right now it is the shelter, then it could be the city or county) and then the humane officer has to turn the case, once completed over to the DA. Remember – innocent until proven guilty. We are already talking about a new judge and courtroom because of our over-taxed county DA and Judge. I can just see the outrage when we are spending our time prosecuting animal neglect rather than drug possession. Please do not get me wrong, I cannot stand animal abuse and neglect, and we already have laws in regards to that, even if they are not looked into because we do not have someone dedicated to that job. The ASPCA and shows like ‘Animal Cops’ truly glorify the job, and in reality there is sooo much more than just saving animals. When someone gets arrested for animal abuse and neglect, where do they go? County Jail, where our tax payer dollars go to feeding them, bathing them, and housing them in an already over-crowded jail.
Let us also not forget that an ‘Humane Officer’ is not just an animal lover, but must be someone who has a degree in criminal justice, just like a cop because when it comes down to it, they must be able to perform the same job functions.
I am not against helping the shelter or animals in the county in any way. In fact, throughout my teenage years I volunteered every summer with Judy. I doubt she was a humane officer, and I would be willing to bet it was nothing more than an informal agreement with police to take care of animals when in need.
I, for one, do not see the need to add another staff to the county or city police force for the express purpose of fighting animal abuse. I want my children to live in a drug free city first. It is up to us, as citizens to notice animal abuse and neglect – report it – and follow up to make sure the proper authorities have dealt with it. Just my opinion
The Langlade Humane Society is having a Volunteer Orientation & Organizational Meeting at the Antigo libary Oct.15th, 2008 starting promptly at 6pm to 7:45pm. Many of the board members will be present. Information about volunteering in many areas of the shelter and sign up will be offered. Membership information and application will also be provided. The shelter is very full and we are short on staff. Yet we have maintained a very “LOW- KILL” status, looking at other options such as rescue groups and transfering to other shelters.
In the future we are planning on holding community education programs at the libary about the need for Spay & Neutering and TNR to reduce the Feral (wild) cat population, as trapping or killing them is NOT working.
Everyone who is arguing about who did or is doing the better job is just wasting valuable time that could be used to help at the shelter. There are many small jobs that could be done to be helpful and using their time more wisely. Your comments are well thought out but not necessary. No one will ever agree who did the better job while in control at the shelter.
The present board is doing all they can to help the animals to have a good life until one of you who are on this page b*tching about what needs to be done , get finished and step up. We need help in so many ways and all you have to do is ask and they will let you know how. It only takes one person to make a differnce.
I don’t completely agree with all of the things being done around the shelter but I will help when it is needed and that is almost continuously. How many of you can say that? Antigo needs more people who will step up and quit b*tching to make this a better town. It is real easy to just sit there but it takes a better person to say what can I do to help?
Please think about what I have said here and lend a helping hand. Even if you don’t love animals there are many other causes that need YOU.
Pet Lover you are correct and I will indeed take your suggestion to heart. Could you though tell me the story behind the illegal mobile home parked next to the shelter? I have been hearing a lot of stories and a lot of complaints and the last I heard the police were becoming involved. Why is that thing parked there and is it going away soon?
Did everyone see all of the beautiful little faces on the back page of the Shoppers Guide this weekend? Please make one of these previous, innocent gifts from God a part of your family if you haven’t already!
does it really matter y the mobile home is parked there? one of the reasons is that they had a severe case of ring worm and had to disinfect the entire building, with doing that they would need somewhere to house the animals for that time being. it doesnt bother me or others im sure but being someone who criticizes before knowing the truth or what is going on u could have called them and asked them first. or hey send them an email. that might work if they have an address. and the mobile home is probably temporary and will be moved once they solve their problems with the ill animals.
Whoa there “antigo”! I simply asked a question; what with the attack on my character? I did not criticize, I asked a question of Pet Lover because I wanted to know the story. Now that I have been attacked in such a way it does make me want to stay as far away from the organization if this is the way their members treat people. I of course am assuming you are with the organization since you seem to be in the know on the ringworm problem. And it does matter if the organization is doing something they were given permission to do versus just pulling in the mobile home for other reasons. I did try to ask some people I knew were members but they did not know why it was being done, therefore I asked Pet Lover because I wanted to know. I was not being critical by asking a simple question.
i didnt attack u on your question. i think that if no one answered your question as to why and they work there maybe they should. like i said pick up the phone and call. im not being rude or critical. just a statement. and no im not a member, as for my family takes up most of my nitely duties, and i work a full time job, would i like to be yes, just not enough time in the day or week. so if it sounded critical sorry not meant to be that way, just that i think the easiest and most factual way is to call them yourself and ask.
I haven’t been on this site for a while. I noticed a comment from “getoverit “back in September regarding a Humane Officer and feel clarification needs to be made.
You do not need any kind of degree to become a Humane Officer. You need to take the 40 hour state training; you are certifed at the end of that 40 hours. In order to retain certification, you must re-certify every 2 years by taking additional training. The 40 hour training session runs about $500.
A Humane Officer does not have to be an employee of the municipality – but can be an independent contractor. Therefore, the county/municipality can save money by not paying out benefits, etc. As an independent, the Humane Officer would set their terms; maybe an “on-call” payment system.
A Humane Officer just doesn’t go in and confiscate animals; their first intent is to educate and try for better living conditions, etc. and it is a last resort to remove animals, unless the situation does warrant immediate action.
I believe it would be very beneficial to have a Humane Officer; it may be that people would take better care of their animals if they know a Humane Officer will respond to complaints and that offenders can be prosecuted. It would be a very progressive statement for this County and people would know they can no longer treat animals any way they want because they are their “property”.
Judy, the previous Shelter Manager, was state certified after completion of her 40 hour training class, but she never pursued recertification; at least she hadn’t in March ‘08.
Couple other notes — I have not seen any fund raising activities being promoted and wonder what has happened to the Fund Raising Committee. Other shelters always seem to have an activity going – especially during different holidays or seasons – but I haven’t seen or heard anything for Langlade Humane in a long time.
As far as the constant need for help- why did the Board fire an emloyee that gave her all and was at the shelter anytime she was needed, and yet they are constantly seeking employees and/or volunteers? This employee was at the shelter on her own time taking care of the pets, in addition to her regular work schedule. How does a Society member get banned from entering the shelter they support? Doesn’t make any sense to me.
The current fundraiser activities and answers to many of the questions posted on this site are talked about at the monthly Shelter meetings held every first Thursday of the month in the basement of the Safety building at 6pm. Ther are currently 3 board positions open, and will be voted on in Feb or March. All are invied to join at any time. The boardmembers share in all the decisions about staff hiring and firing. If you want to understand more, volunteer to be on the board.
The fundraiser activities were also included in the story on the front page of the Antigo Shopper a few weeks ago. There are many Wish List posters displayed at stores where we share fundraiser activities. Right now we are saving the caps and milk bag tops from all the Nature’s Touch products at Kwick Trip and the circles from the Glazer donuts. You can drop them off at the shelter. Arby’s is helping us out by giving us $25.00 coupon books to sell for $5.00 each. They can be purchased at the monthly meetings or at the shelter. We are also collecting circles from Purnia pet food bags. We do need to do more fundraising and are in the process of organizing our volunteer list and identifying our fundraiser volunteers. We would really appreciate anyone who has any fundraising EXPERIENCE to get us going. Just come to the monthly meeting and bring it up for discussion. We really need to get a new shelter soon.
We had hoped to have more people show at last month’s Volunteer orientation meeting held at the libary Oct 15th.
The shelter is in need of workers and members that can work together as part of a team, regardless of how many hours they work or free time they put in, they have to be able to get along with everyone involved at the shelter, regardless of personality conflict. Its about the animals, not personalities. We are looking at having a professional that has volunteered her time, to come in and work with the staff to teach conflict resolution skills. It is a very stressful job and involves having to make some very difficult decisions at times, which doesn’t always make people happy. But I have to believe eveyone cares about the animals and we have to keep fighting for them no matter how confusing and upset we get over things. We are all the animals have and we can’t let them down.
The Langlade Humane Society now has a manager and things are going much better.
Check out the Community Outreach meeting Feb 18th, 6pm to 7pm, at the Antigo Libary. The local Humane Officer will be there to explain her role in the community.
Is Sherry still comming to this sight? She seemed so uplifting to this talk page? Sherry did “you” see the newest add for the Strippy Kitty Sale those photos turned out great! Did you know that 2 of those cats are SPECIAL NEEDS? Both Seinior Cats Both cat social Both REAL SWEET And the shelter has a Comment, suggestion, complaint,& question box on the counter so if you have something ti say and want a responce you can now get the truth Fase to Fase Cool.
Oh yes, I still visit Antigo Buzz…thanks for your comments, tootsNtoo! I did see the newest kitty sale ad and ooed and awed over them all. It sounds like the animal shelter staff has turned things around…hopefully for the better of all the animals involved. And from what I hear, volunteers are still needed and wanted there. Take a few minutes to check it out if you have some time on your hands, the homeless and innocent of God’s creatures will always need us.
My husband and I attended the Feb. 18th outreach session held at the Library. Julie Oppelt, the independent Humane Officer, was the guest. She explained her role as a Humane Officer and the training it took to get there. She has a contract with the Langlade County Health Dept and Sheriff’s Dept on an “on-call” basis; but Julie is already finding that the Sheriff’s dept. is not cooperative. She has a great attitude and says she’s not one to back down or give up – I sure hope that’s true! Julie was not only informative, but listened to various complaints of animal neglect in our County.
It is my understanding that Julie will be returning to upcoming Outreach meetings – it would be great to see more of the public there. Most people attending this session were from LCHS – I would think having a Humane Officer in our midst would be of interest to many people – for as many abusers as there are in this area — there are also a great many people that are concerned with the care and conditions that prevail.
One thought for the LCHS Board — if Julie had a contract directly with the shelter – even if that contract was for minimal pay — say even a small monthly fee vs. “on-call” – Julie would the have authority to investigate complaints that were called into LCHS – vs. people having to call in their concerns/complaints to the Sheriff’s dept instead, when many of us know those calls go unheeded.
I hope more of the community will get to know our new Humane Officer and offer their support and encouragement – she is a much needed resource – and just like many of us – works hard at being a VOICE FOR THE VOICELESS!!
FYI : Julie Oppelt, the Humane Officer, will be at the next Libary-Shelter Outreach Meeting, being held March 11th at 6 pm. She may also be at the March 25th Libary-Outreach Program
We have so much we can learn from her, we hope she continues to find time to come to these meetings. She has also agreed to become a Humane Shelter member and attend the monthly meetings so she will have a better idea of the issues the shelter faces and have a vote in the decision making process.
Save the dates: May 15th Langade Humane Shelter
“Paws for A Cause”Fundraiser and Auctions
May 30th 2nd Annual Ice Cream Social and
Membership Drive
Check out the NEW Langlade Humane Society Website.
Date change! The 2 Annual ice cream social has changed to June 13th vs May 30th.
Hope to see a good turnout at the Brat fry & fundraiser this Friday at Time For Paws!
New stuff happening @ the shelter they say all the 2008 cats are on sale $50.00 a 4 pay steel. The time 4 paws is tonight should be fun. The grass is so long on the lot but that aside arn’t the dandiLions beauitiful? The dogs seem so happy to be out and about. I heard the shelter is going to have a auction the same day that they have there Annual Ice Cream Social ! that in it self should be AWSOME they are going bigger & better as the time goes on. I guess the animal population is down I was told they did alot of cat transfers this year, to Milwakee Wi. to the big shelter there they get all the fixin’s and are adopted out with in the week. gotta go
The shelter is in need of Foster Care, as it looks like we may not be able to expand this year. We are having a orientation about how to be a Foster Home for the shelter, at the Libary June 24th at 6 pm.
If you can’t make it call the shelter and aks for Jenna. She can fill you in.
A acquaintance of mine has a web site that is dedicated to informing the world about puppy mills. I found your site and appreciate what you are doing. Too many individuals don’t get how much animal cruelty is going on today. Thanks for assisting the movement.
We always donate our aluminum cans to the Humane Society. A couple weeks ago in the evening, hubby dropped off 3 huge black industrial size garbage bags full of cans. Their container was full so he had to put them on top sticking out. He also left a box of cans of power baby formula for the puppies and kittens. Probably $50 worth. He drives by there on his way to work so the next morning early he sees they are gone ! Wondering, he called me from work and asked me to call the Humane Society and find out if they got them or were stolen. I tried to talk to the manager and left a message for her to call me. No call yet, 2 weeks later. Makes you wonder if they really need money ? Why wasn’t the dumpster emptied so this doesn’t happen? Make us wonder what happened all the other times we donated to the Humane Society ? Who or what actually benefitted? Make me really sad.