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.
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Tags: antigo pets, cats, dogs, langlade county humane society, pets for adoption antigo
What a great idea ! Hopefully the Humane Society accepts your offer to help. FREE advertising to get unwanted pets adopted out to good homes, why wouldn’t they ?
If you go to http://www.petfinder.com and search under the zip 54409, the Langlade Humane society website comes up.
I could also create one for them to link to petfinder for $35.00 per year.
Right now I’m working at getting collages of the available pets up in the local stores, and applying for grants to remodel and expand the current shelter.
Anyone intrested in helping with fundraising or attending the monthly board meeting PLEASE come to the next meeting. It is always the first Thursday of the month at the Safety Building 6pm to 8pm in the basement. We are really growing but need more volunteers to really make a difference. An hour a week or an hour a month would help.
I think it is just awesome that the Humane Society and this website are working together to list the pets up for adoption. There are so many animals there that need good homes and this site is just super for viewing them and hopefully more will be adopted because of it. Keep up the good work !!!!!
I just want to commend all of you on trying to help the Humane Society. It seems like they are finally on the right track!
It does seem like a lot of good things are happening at the Humane Society lately. I’ve noticed a lot more exposure in the newspaper, Shopper’s Guide, and even some new signs put up. I heard a whole new bunch of peope took over and that it was basically an overthrow of power there last month. That even the police were brought in to keep order! Whatever happened, it looks like it was a good thing.
I agree, best wishes to the new staff!
WOW! Did anyone see the very long letter of resignation from the NEWLY elected President of the Humane Society? It was in today’s April 1st edition of the Shopper’s Guide. WHAT IS GOING ON OVER THERE? It seemed like everything was going great and now this!
I too am disheartened by the resignation letter in shoppers guide. I actually cried after reading her letter. It’s a shame that after all the years of trying to get someone in there who knew what needs to be done, that she is meet with such resistance that she has resigned in such a very short period of time.
I was estatic when I learned about all the changes being implemented and had rallied the troops, so to speak, so they would once again begin supporting our animal shelter. Many of my friends and family had quit donating to the shelter since the previous board seemed to not have the best interests of the animals in mind. We have come together and decided to once again donate our time, money and items to the shelter, as there was finally someone who appreciated the donations and made sure they were put to good use.
It seems that after reading the letter, we are right back to where we started from.
Many people supported the changes being made at the shelter and have only begun to become involved again.
I, for one, will no longer stand by and let the people at the shelter do what is easiest for them instead of what is best for the animals. Someone went through the motions to make sure the animals got to the shelter and were given a second chance. To have the shelter employees drop the ball is unacceptable.
I truely hope that Brenda Unger rethinks her resignation or that it is not to late to change her mind. She was exactly what our shelter needs.
If anyone knows Ms. Unger, would you please, pass along our comments of support. I would really like to get in touch with her and see if there is anything that can be done to rectify this situation.
Ms Unger is not a good person. The whole way the election was done was pathetic. Not to mention her comments about not standing up because the President was blind and can’t see anyway. I was all for the change initially, but the more I saw of her and her obnoxious husbund the less I thought of them and was actually disheartened to see them win. And now she gets frustrated and quits because she can’t get her own agenda through. There are several members on a board for a reason, to keep one person from doing stuff against the interest of the organization. Bostwick may not have been the best or smartest, but at least he did what he did out of caring. Everyone was so anxious for change, just like they were with Mayor Moron, that they looked past the person they were voting for.
Alexis, and this is not sarcastic, why don’t you run for president? If you care that much for the organization and want to see it succeed, take it one step further. I would love to, but I am already on boards of a few different organizations and don’t have that much time to give.
There are lots of things that could be done there, but I think she just thought she would go in and everyone would bow down to her and let her do whatever she wanted.
Thank you Alexis, ddddd and Sherry for the comments you have made here. The animals in our community have always been my first and foremost concern. The Director that was appointed Chair of the Policy/Procedure Committee wanted the Presidency. Unfortunately for me, I bought into his care and concern routine – I’m usually good at reading people – but he was a better con artist, and it was my idea to appoint him as a Director. Once he became a Director, his agenda was clear. He continued to stay in close contact with the Secretary that had resigned March 1st; she is the one that was doing secretarial duties even though she was no longer secretary. Rather than be upset with this person for continuing to do secretarial duties that were not hers to do, the Board was upset with me because I asked her to refrain from doing anything more. Even though the new pre-pay policy was going over well and adoptions were strong, certain members of the Board continued to have negative comments about it and gave me a hard time. The pre-pay had been discussed, along with a “deposit” policy – these 2 options were the most common for shelters that could not afford to spay/neuter before pets were adopted — a spay/neuter program was my next plan of action by talking to another vet clinic. Per the Humane Society of the United States, our Society has an obligation to make sure pets are spayed/neutered- it’s the only way to reduce overpopulation and give the animals the best chance possible for adoption. I also believe it’s important to work with other shelters and transfer pets if needed, to again allow for the best possible chance at adoption. The Humane Society of the United States does not believe in adopting to “outside” homes – they believe, as do I, that pets should be members of the family. The Director and Chair of the Policy/Procedure Committee that wanted to be President, has now been appointed as such. As I indicated in my letter, he has already questioned cleaning procedures and whether they could be reduced; he has also questioned staff as to whether the dogs could be brought in earlier in the afternoon. If this happens, the dogs will be back to spending up to 20 hours in their cramped cages vs. having the outside time they need. This “new President” does not believe in giving a volunteer program a chance and has fought against me on that from the very start – he has made it clear he wants community workers at the shelter; it was to the point I threatened to veto any motion he made to bring back community workers, and we would take it to the membership – he was angry! The Board may keep the crematory service – at least for the dogs – only because they found out it’s cheaper than rendering! I wouldn’t doubt they will start selling cats to NASCO again — makes you wonder how many cats were put down, not out of necessity, but to make $$. I do know that the shelter will lose at least some community support and contributions, because there are people that liked the changes; there are people that got involved specifically because of me and my vision. As for “ignorant people suck” – I never made a comment about “not standing up because he’s blind”…….. I would never even think about making such a comment – that’s not my style. So, you are mistaken! As far as everyone anxious for change — obviously, there are many people in the community that wanted change in a big way. I have talked to many people, from attending meetings, telephone discussions, and those stopping in the shelter — and they were very happy with the changes I had put into place. I am the only Board member that worked at the shelter 7 days a week working in the office, and/or cleaning the adoption wards and outside kennels. I know first hand how well the cleaning procedures were working that my husband devised. I know first hand how well the new adoption contract was working that included the “pre-pay” receipt. I know first hand that the animals were being held, snuggled, brushed, walked….. and were more content even in the stressful, sometimes chaotic, shelter surroundings. When we took over the shelter, there were 3 cats on the adoption ward that were terribly matted – one so bad she couldn’t stand to be touched. The previous staff put them out for adoption in this condition. Another staff member and I did dematted two of the cats – the other (Hanna) was taken to the vet clinic for sedation and shaving. Hanna had a wonderful personality and was one of the first cats taken to our adoption cages at PetSmart. I did not want to resign — I called the VP out of frustration and said I was done because I was not getting any support – I called her back and told her I was not resigning – I was just frustrated. The Director that wanted the Presidency called the other Board members and said they should accept my resignation – and so they did. At that point, I only had support from our newest Director and our new Secetary; they both resigned as they did not want to be a part of the Board with the direction it was going. The shelter has already regressed and I’ve only been gone a week and a half; I’m sure it will continue to do so. Just like before, this Board does not have a commitment to the animals; too many familiar voices from the not distant past! It makes me sick to think about what the pets in our care will once again be denied. The membership chose me as President; as such, I was a confident spokesperson and was intent on leading the shelter in a new direction – but I could not continue without support.
It is irrelevant if she was a good person or not, I believe in the changes she installed at the shelter. I am standing up for her not for her but because I believe in what she was doing. The policies she instituted should have been put in place a long time ago.
And I was thinking about running but I am afraid that I would not have enough time to do the position justice(I work 2+ jobs and have a family and home to take care of). I also am afraid that I would become too attached to the animals and I’d end up with a menagerie of animals in my home:) It is still something I am kicking around and only time and further research will tell.
Brenda, thank you for your post. I appreciate you stepping forward and making it known what kinds of things are going on behind the scenes.
I believe that we, once again, need to oust the board. I know that sounds extreme, but we need to make sure that the boards intrest lies with the animals not themselves.
Please know that there are many of us who wish for the shelter to improve and we would like to help.
I also hope to see you all at the meeting tonight to make your concerns known.
There are definitely changes that need to be made there. I like a lot of the ideas that were brought to the front by Ms Unger. However, I am sure that the budget for a small time shelter in a town that already has very little money to give keeps some of those ideas from becoming a reality. In an ideal world, we would all be able to see everything that we think should happen put through and given an oppurtunity. As opinionated as I am, I know my views are not shared by everyone and I don’t expect all of my ideas and values do be accepted by the membership bodies of the organizations that I lead or am just a general member of. When my ideas don’t pass, I don’t feel necessary to quit and pout. Ms Unger, if you are so concerned about the shelter two things would have happened. One, you would have continued on and accepted the decisions that were made as a complete governing body and continue to attempt to implement your ideas. You are not going to get everything that you want and to think that you were going to get everything is ignorant. Maybe everyone else doesn’t think thing are as big of an issue as you do. Still, no reason to resign after a month. Work within the confines that you are given and do the best you can.
Two, you would have never put such a lengthy and detrimental resignation later in the paper. Do you think your letter will help the shelter gain more support from the community, or less. Because you are no longer the President do you seek to make it more difficult for those that follow you? Your comment about the shelter not having respect from certain places does nothing to help the shelter or the animals that you care so much about. I would love to go back and see how many times you said “I” in the letter. This wasn’t about the shelter, it was about you! What does Brenda Unger do for the shelter and the animals, I, I, I.
I shouldn’t even address the comment about the comment about the Chair of the policy committee being a “better con artist.” Freudian slip, perhaps?
I may be wrong about the comment about Bostwick being blind. It was either you are Balcerzak, but I distinctly remember you giving a less-than-heart-felt apology at the election for something. What was that about? I thought it was because you made the comment about his blindness>?
The shelter does need new direction. The old board was simply that, old. Old and out of date. I don’t doubt they did what they felt was right for the shelter. Is giving the animals away for testing humane? Maybe, maybe not. However I’m sure they did it because they felt is was needed to keep things afloat. Were they live animals that were given away? I remember there being a fridge outside that they kept the dead animals in to give for research, but I don’t recall them giving live ones away.
Alexis, I was not going to attend any further meetings, but decided to attend tonight’s because of my article. I want to be there should the Board decide to try and refute any of my statements. The VP has left for a long vacation so she will not be there. I keep in touch with one of the staff members; she told me that the cleaning procedures my husband put in place are no longer being followed as directed. I was also informed that a St. Bernard that was euthanized was left laying outside for 2 days. I know what you mean about giving time — I am taking an on-line course on medical terminology and we are starting to build our home; both ventures were put on the back burners because getting the shelter on track was more important. My hope was to fill open Director positions with people from the business community; and to get more new members involved on committees, etc. It has been a welcome pleasure reading your comments and knowing of your concerns; I hope I get to meet you tonight.
The policies that were put in place were from ideas I brought to the Board; these were not my decisions alone. I also know that many people in the community had stopped supporting the shelter because of the Board – there are people in this community that have the means to support a cause they believe in – and support doesn’t have to be monetary only – it can come from giving of oneself as well – or donating services or supplies. I saw that from the volunteer applications coming in; grooming services being offered; being told by one of the Town Chairs that I made a great impression when speaking at a recent meeting (oh oh, there I go with that I, I, I, again). Volunteers that applied have been calling the shelter to find out when they should come in; yet community workers are still the Board’s first choice. We all have our own opinions – mine have come from many years of involvement in animal welfare – and much research. If you want good things to happen – you have to be proactive in making them happen – through outreach and education. You should read my comments again about the sale of cats – I did not say live animals were sold; I do believe the animals in our care deserve respect; having pets cremated also prevents diseased animals from becoming “pet food”.
We just moved to this area a year ago, to enjoy nature and all the northwoods has to offer. My wife, Brenda, saw the shelter while checking out the area and decided she would get involved as she has in the past with other shelters: namely Dodge, Washington, and Ozaukee county humane societies. She was a board member and a volunteer as well as a foster home for animals. We have also supported them financially, both personally and as a business. When she first attended a meeting she was shocked to say the least. First was the low attendance second was the organization itself, talk about stale and stagnant. What she first hoped was to bring new life as well new blood to the shelter. Everyone is supposed to be here for the animals, sometimes when things become mundane we loose sight of the objectives.
One thing that was demonstrated at meetings, that if any change was going to take place it was going to be a battle. In order for that battle to be victorious it would take a very strong leader with a strong backing. Brenda was assured she had that before she even ran for president. In fact she was asked, no, more like begged to run.
In extreme cases, it takes extreme measures to get change done. Normally in these cases both sides come on strong and than a middle ground is established. In this case some of the first things that had to happen was to implement what the existing bylaws stated in article I, that was that the LCHS was to follow the HSUS guidelines. After presenting this to the new board, which ran for change, they started to back down to the same old what was. So the struggle continued only this time from within. Less then one week after the change a new board member went around claiming to represent the board trying to oust the new president, even threatening to quit if they didn’t get their way and start a new shelter, claiming they had enough money to do so. If this person has that kind of money why didn’t they contribute financially to the shelter instead? After that was finally quelled things seemed to be on track only to find out it was still continuing behind peoples back. To say Brenda gave in so quickly you are sadly mistaken. She has fought hard for change and improvement for the lives of the animals in the shelter and the area. This started shortly after we moved here 1 year ago. As she stated she has put her life on hold in order to do this. She found a lot of people stepping forward to help but not willing to stand in the forefront with her.
It was with sincere regret that she resigned. BUT you can’t change things by yourself. It seems some want to condemn her for giving up, but if you were at the meeting last night you saw what she has been battling. The people who said they wanted change, where are you?
If any change is going to take place for the animals then a lot more people are going to have to step forward united and be strong and willing to fight for that change.
I think it is unfair for people to judge others without walking in their shoes or even knowing them.
If you notice both Brenda and myself do not hind behind fake names we put ourselves right out there.
Like the rest of you, I love animals. I bring in all my cans, donate money, sponsor ads and have actually taken in 5 different animals from the Langlade shelter. I’ve spent thousands and thousands of dollars trying to make these sick animals healthy, as well as getting them spayed and neutered. I am also continually haunted by the ones I’ve left behind. Like ALEXIS, I cannot spend a lot of personal time with the animals, because it is emotional torture for me, yet I do feel guilty for not doing more. Each time I’ve gone in, I have left crying. I cry about the animals, the look of desperation on their faces, the dirty cages, the lack of anything other than the absolute basics that they have. I’ve spoken to the people in charge many, many times over the years and was always very distressed at how “desensatized” they appeared to be. Besides the continual chain smoking that made the entire building an unhealthy place for any creature, they seemed unable to do anything, but go through the regular daily motions. Nothing extra, not ever! I’m not saying they were bad people, but I think when anyone becomes this worn out by a job or situation, it’s time to move on. I know for a fact that Brenda Unger was BEGGED to run for President and everyone I talked to was THRILLED that she accepted and was voted in. What happened after that I am baffled by! She has obviously spent countless hours devoted to this cause … and for what? To go back to the same old cruel practices? I think she was the best thing the shelter could have ever hoped for! The new board may mean well, but to me it seems to be more of a “social club” than a team willing to get their hands dirty and do some serious work to get changes in place. They meet for pizza and cocktails and yak yak yak, but it’s all talk and no action! Then in comes Brenda Unger and she’s all action. She wants to get stuff done NOW, while the others seemingly want to yak about it for a few more years. Brenda’s resignation is a sad loss for all the precious animals who desperatey needed her!!!
The people that said they wanted change…they were probably the ones that bought their membership a month before the meeting, voted because they were conned and told to vote for change, and will never be seen from again.
The Humane Society is an organization and one person can only make so much of a difference. Their ability to present and enact changes within the structure (and budget) is what makes them good leaders. Ms Unger obviously was not the person to lead the Humane Society to a better state. I’m sure there is more to the story than one person’s short and unsucessful plight to improve the world than Ms Unger is letting on. If all of these ideas for change were so good the resources were available I’m sure they would have been accepted and acted on.
Thanks for your time Ms Unger, now its time to move on and find someone that can do the job and not be so self-serving and obnoxious about it.
And yes, it was Ms Unger that made the comment about the former president’s blindness as I have confirmed it with several people that were in attendance and I thought I heard it myself.
Good riddance!@
In response to “stupid people suck” – the resources are the people. I was confident that once the community saw changes we promised being acted on, physical and financial support would follow – in fact, that was starting to happen. I guess I had more faith in this community than you do.
Did anyone attending the April 3rd meeting see leadership qualities from the new president or secretary? Changes that had been implemented were being replaced by old standards. The president and secretary could not answer questions; the old regime ate them up and spit them out – it was pathetic!
As far as the “blindness” statement – I don’t know who you confirmed it with, but you are wrong!
yes, the meeting was more unorganized than ever…ridiculous! At least read up on the rules of order and bylaws to know how to run a meeting. Every time someone disagrees with what’s going on is someone going to run to the police? They have better things to do than listen to some people cry about someone not agreeing with them. Leave the cops be until the fists get thrown, then call them.
Anyone attending the last meeting is now aware of how unprepared the new board is. We were supposed to be reassured by a president who’s only answers were “I don’t know” “I don’t have that information” and “I’m not sure”??
The fact of the matter is that the new board is not in place due to proper procedure and the previous board was voted out. Period.
The shelter was created to fill a need. The need of a community to have a place for unwanted animals to be taken and the need of an animal to have a second chance at a good life. The fact that the meetings are nothing more than two groups fighting for dominancy shows how far we are from the true reason we all came together..the animals.
And for those who speak of the lack of funding for proper procedure, you obviously did not view the financials of the shelter. There is money there and money that could be better spent.
Ms Unger is self-serving and obnoxious??? Have you ever gone to a meeting and listened to the previous board members??? Talk about obnoxious and self-serving.
I truly don’t give a flying fig who is on the board or what chair they hold. I only care that the animals are being cared for and being given every chance at a good life. The board needs to realize that the shelter can run smoothly, on less money, with more community support if we could all just find some common ground.
Alexis is absolutely right in her comments – and that’s where I’ve been all along – I got involved because the animals were not properly taken care of – and that’s where the circle has come around. The Board should be representing the best interest of the shelter residents – the old Board did not – nor is this one. I hope you will get more involved, Alexis – the animals need more people like you!
yeah Alexis, i think u should get more involved and turn these people around. get some sense into the people and help the animals. im sure u know enough people who could help u and them in one way or another.
The reason I first came to this site was to simply leave a message encouraging people to volunteer and / or become members. Then I saw all the comments left here, way too many to spend time reading all of them.
I feel a need to share my prespective of whats going on at the shelter. I have been in attendance of every meeting since I joined June of 2007. I have been at the shelter to nuture and clean for the animals when needed, almost every week when the previous board members were there and have continued to go several times a week, throughout all the changes. I go to be with the animals and comfort as many as I can. I don’t give anyone’s personality the power over my decision to be there for the animals. I’m there for the animals, and will continue to be there no matter who’s running it, who likes me or who doesn’t. My committment is to the animals, and I will try and support anyone’s efforts to run it as long as they are team players. .
The new board and new employees are going thru allot of “growing pains” as it is whenever there is change.
There are still many unanswered issues and will continue to be as the shelter struggles to re-organize under new direction. Right now there are more questions than there are answers. I’m not going to defend anyone, but I encourage you to give the shelter some time to prove itself to you. Watch for what you see in the community, not what you hear! The cats and dogs now have soft beds, clean cages, toys and treats, and the dogs are usually outside in the runs. I see good things happening, and some of Brenda’s good ideas being followed up on. I see the members making a positive impact for the animals, and I see some concerns also. But I trust in time things will work themselves out.
I encourage everyone to become a member and attend the monthly meetings ( and join us for BB Jack’s great pizza after) so you can see first hand what the issues are and how things are handled. You will also be given a copy of the bi-laws. It only cost $10.00 a year, and you never have to volunteer beyond that or go to the shelter if its too hard for you. There are many ways to help that don’t include your presence at the shelter. But if all you can do is attend one 2 hour board meeting a month that would really be great. You’ve probably spent more than that much time on this site already.
The first year I started “animal rescue” I cried EVERYTIME I went to the shelter. I learned to deal with it because what they are going through isn’t about me and I can’t help them if I’m thinking about how I’ll feel. I feel the animals need me as they do you! Now the animals only see my smiles because I’m happy to spend time with them.
But don’t come and be part of the problem. Be part of the solution. Think of being part of a team and that the main goal is HARMONY. Be patient and kind, not demanding and righeous. Things may not always go perfect and sometimes the meeting may not be as organized as people learn their new roles, but the best thing for the animals is not who’s running it or cleaning it but that we all work together for the good of the animals. Expect that you won’t agree with how everything is done, but if you listen to someone first, they may be willing to listen to you next time. Don’t take sides, but vote on what your heart tells you is fair and accept that things won’t always go you way.
Now please look for another way to support the shelter, or help any animal, rather than bicker on this site.
You won’t see me here again, but I hope to see you at the next meeting.
Remember please spay and neuter all your animals. Its the best step towards stopping animal abuse and neglect.
I know how hard Brenda & Art worked to change things & I understand frustration caused when things are not proceededing as a person had planned. Brenda was & would have continued to be just what that place needed. I volunteer at the Society as much as my health will allow. I see the dedication & concern the workers & volunteers have for the animals. I see the warm welcome people receive when they come in, whether they are there to look, adopt,bring in a stray,work or volunteer. I feel a different atmosphere when I walk in the door than when the previous shelter workers were running it. There are smiles & “Thank you’s” now. I had never heard that in the past years ,except when Tina & Gynene were running it for a time.
I feel as KitKat does…..There may be conflict, there may be things that are not going “my” way,but I refuse to take any of it personally.It is a CHOICE. My reason for being there, being a member,attending all meetings with an open mind & not being childishly argumentative, is my concern for the animals. I am not concerned with who said what, who can do it better,etc. but with who cares about the animals enough to show up & help in any capacity they are able to. All that bitterness & backstabbing takes up energy best reserved for what REALLY matters. The animals!
The previous administration always bad mouths the way things are done or not being done now. NO ONE comes to volunteer but they send in a family member on a regular basis to find things, real or imagined, to bring up at the meetings. Maybe instead of just doing a walk-thru, they should actually DO some of the things that they believe are not getting done, say …grab a pail with water & disinfectant & scrub if they see it needs it. Or stay & fold those mounds of laundry we have every day BECAUSE we believe that every animal needs a little soft comfort, or wash those dozens of pails, food dishes, & toys that need to be done & is never ending. Or grab a paint brush & help paint the ugly white/yellowed walls that YOU helped create by years & years of smoking in the shelter.
It’s always those who do nothing that talk the loudest. The monthly meetings are proof of that. It amazes me each month that grown people will argue, bicker & name call like they are 7 years old again.”Ma, she hit me!” “Because he hit me first!” “No, she’s lying!” “But he took my bike!” “But she tried to take it when I was on it first!” “But it’s MY bike, Ma!!” GEESH!!!Why can’t we all just get along??
I have got to add that the former president, Mr. Bostwick, seems to be above all the name calling & whining that the rest of his family members & friends indulge in with zest at every meeting. I want to thank him for that. They should put some of that energy they have at the meetings into doing what they claim they care about…..helping the animals . We need to support our current administration in whatever way we can, instead of tearing it down, then arrogantly saying “I told you so”.
I am sorry that some people here think we are doing nothing more than “bickering” on this site and bashing the board members.
I think it is important to come together and share information, thoughts and experiences. Many people are not aware of what goes on and this gives them the ability to stay up-to-date and shows how many different sides there are to each and every issue posted here.
Some people call it rumors and gossip…I call it sharing thoughts and ideas.
Kudos to everyone who is willing and able to post their opinions here.
Finally, I urge everyone to attend a meeting of something they feel strongly about(the shelter, city board, county board, etc.) We can all post our disgust with the situation here but it does nothing more than give us a place to vent and a way to find like minded people. To make a difference, you have to become involved. I believe that the first step to that is making sure our leaders are not just involved but are qualified to do the job that should be done.
Brenda,
I am glad to see you are still posting here and on some level are continuing to stay involved.
I would like to get together with you, as I have many thoughts, ideas and questions I would like your opinion on. (Your email keeps kicking mine back as spam…not ignoring you…just can’t get through.)
I also want to thank those how have expressed encouragement in my involvment. I will definately share any thoughts or plans I consider with all of you.
Good for you Alexis! I think you are awesome for stepping up and getting involved. You sound like a great advocate for the animals and will be a great communicator to the board that is now in such turmoil. Also, THANK YOU for sticking up for the rest of us. What the heck is wrong with us sharing thoughts and ideas on the “Buzz.” I don’t think it’s bickering or a waste of time at all! I have learned so much since I found this site. Some good, some bad, but hey … at least we all care enough to discuss the things going on around us! So what if we don’t all share the same opinions? That’s what keeps it interesting!
Alexis:
Try emailing me again – if it shows up in my spam filter, I’ll release your address, but I haven’t seen anything. I’ll be happy to help you in anyway I can. I noticed Shalimar mentioned the heavy smoking of the previous staff – the butt smothered grounds were the main reason the new Board instituted a smoke-free environment that included the property, as well as the shelter building. Unfortunately, I have heard that the New President has rescinded that new policy – he not only brought back the community workers, but is providing them with a smoking area on the grounds. Too bad if it’s true. I guess the other Board members must have changed their minds and decided a smoke-free zone isn’t beneficial after all.
I have recently been into the langlade county shelter and im exstatic about all of the wonderful changes ive seen since the new president has taken over. I went in to adopt a cat when brenda was working there and i was denied simply for the way i dressed! she said that i didnt look like i had the money to support the animal. i tell u now i probably make more money than she will ever realize and i work hard for it.
i went in and saw the new staff and the were all wonderful. They still had the cat i wanted and they let me fill out an application and after a 2 day wait i got the phone call that i could take my new kid home. i was so happy i almost cried. these are the kind of people we need at the shelter. people who love the animals and also care about the people that take their animals home and make them a part of their family. I think the shelter has a chance to thrive now that the predjudice is GONE! all the new staff are wonderful and they all love what they do. you can just tell.
too bad the smoking is back, can’t wait for the smoking ban to be passed.
hopefully everyone can get through the animosity and get Humane Society back to being a little more stable. It was running fairly smoothly (although maybe not as professional as it could have been), then it was showered with a hostile take over and tons of turmoil created by those who have now ran away and continue to try and make themselves look like the good folk after creating a situation that is now worse then it was before. It will take time for the new administration to mop up the damage.
The Animals for Change, or whatever their name was, had some good ideas and brought some issues to point. Too bad it couldn’t have been done in a more harmonious way that would have been beneficial to the society.
Not sure if anyone from here wrote it, but someone had a really nice letter to the editor about this in the ADJ today.
The new board and new employees are inviting the public to an “Ice Cream Social” at the shelter May 31st from 11 am to 3:00 pm, to meet the new board and employees and answer any concerns or questions the public may have. There have been some rumors and and misconceptions about some of the new policies and actions of the shelter that we want to put to rest. Please don’t wait to May 31st to meet the board. Come to the monthly meeting next Thurs at 6pm at the basement of the safety building. Look for a Letter to the editor in the near future. Thank you for your concerns for animals.
The only thing “detremental” to the humane society is the board’s lack of leadership and insight.
And to imply that by discussing what is going on, we are somehow responsible for the disharmony surrounding the shelter is assinine.
This blog is a place to come and share thoughts, feelings and ideas.
Like it or not, many posting here are also members and volunteers, do they not have the right to a voice in this situation???
Informing others about the things that are happening can only be considered “detremental” if it uncovers items that those in power wish to keep hidden from public view. Is that the case here???
The request to have this blog removed only leads me to believe that there are members who wish that those who ask the hard questions and want honest answers, would just go away, so they can continue to run this much needed shelter into the ground.
THANK YOU!!! to the person/s involved with keeping this blog and standing up against those who want it taken down, merely because they do not like all that is being said. It is that kind of narrow-mindedness that is hindering the shelter.
nice job Alexis, I agree. Although people’s thoughts may not always be what others WANT to hear, I think it is very important for them to see what other’s perceptions are. What is being said on a blog is not the problem, the problem is what is or is not being done and it should be open for everyone to see. If people really care, they would go to the meetings, talk with people invovled in the day to day activities of the shelter, etc and not just read blogs about what the insights (or ignorances) of the posters.
I wish to comment on Larry Anderson’s letter in the ADJ. I believe Larry is the husband of new Director Pat Anderson. In his letter, he comments that there is nothing wrong with adopting to outside homes. What I see are dogs that are tethered, usually by chaining, to a dog house, tree, or they are banished to a kennel. Most often, their chain is long enough to encircle a dog house, or they can sit on top of the house; often times the chains are thick and heavy, restricting movement even more. Same goes for many of the kennels – they are large enough for a dog house and not much more. Many kennels aren’t even kept by the house, but are located by the garage or behind another building. These situations often consist of the dogs’ small area being filthy with feces because it’s never cleaned up. I’ve seen dogs get tangled in their chains, preventing them from getting to water and food. Many dogs will bark constantly – out of boredom – seeking attention. Others become depressed and lay there, not really caring anymore. I must have heard this question a million times from people that see dogs kept under these circumstances “Why do they even have them?” — a very good question!!
The pets we adopt are “companion animals” and have the right to be treated as such. These dogs are no longer wild and running in packs – they are domesticated and look to us as their “pack”. They need social interaction with their family.
The by-laws of the Langlade County Humane Society state it is their responsiblity to adopt to “suitable homes”; in the majority of cases, outside homes are found to be unsuitable. The Humane Society of the United States, which is mentioned in the by-laws, has a flyer entitled “Do You Chain Your Dog”. I think that flyer would be an excellent resource and should be handed out to the public. There are many animal welfare organizations that do not approve of adopting to outside homes, and more communities are adopting “anti-chaining” ordinances. Check out dogsdeservebetter.org.
Why would anyone get a dog, just to chain it up outside? Especially in the ridiculous weather we have in Wisconsin? I live very close to someone who does this to many, many dogs and it’s absolutely heartbreaking! Why get a pet if you are going to treat it this way? No matter how many times I’ve complained, nothing is done. Why would the shelter allow anyone to take a dog home, when they are admitting to making it stay outside? You’d think at least they would check the home for fencing, etc., so the animal would not have to spend it’s life on a chain!
Being a member of the Humane Society & also a volunteer, I have learned that there is basically nothing the Shelter can do for these poor animals & nothing the Antigo Police Dept. can or WILL do. There is far more abuse & neglect in this city than I ever thought possible. I have taken calls with details that give me nightmares. A rabbit left to starve to death in a cage in a vacated house,found by the landlord who was never told they were moving, a man out on Old 26 who starved his dog to death, yet still owns another, a cat brought in by an Officer that was left in an abandoned house with no food, no water, for no telling how long,whose ears were so frostbitten they fell off in pieces like broken china,We have no Humane Officer,which is badly needed,by the way, & the police claim they can do nothing, other than “suggest” the abusers take better care of their animals. I know this 1st hand with talking to Officer X after I was admonished for trespassing for being in the yard of a dog who was neglected. I had PO’ed the owner. I didn’t get a citation
I have seen animals out for 8-15 hours in hot summer sun with no shade, no water, no food, no toys,tied on a short chain attached to a tree. I have seen a pan of hot water thrown at a dog who would not obey a command, I have seen a dog drop-kicked by a teenage boy,I have seen dogs punched in the face, I have seen dogs so matted they can hardly move, I have seen people leave an animal in a house all day, then come home & rub it’s nose in the mess it left because it could not hold it any longer & the owner was sure it was out of vindictiveness…..what a fool!!!How idiotic to assign human emotions & thought processes to animals! They love us no matter WHAT we do to them!! I have seen collars so tight that the animal couldn’t bark or swallow, I have seen a dog locked in a basement, in the dark of autumn, for days with no food, water, toys, attention or even a light left on. WE NEED a HUMANE OFFICER!! We need someone who will speak for these poor defenseless animals! We need someone who can & will put the animals first! People often lie when confronted with charges of abuse or neglect.But the animals can’t talk to tell us the truth, so we need to err on the side of those who have no voice.The shelter is doing a wonderful job of taking in strays, adopting animals out to proper homes, medicating the sick etc, but when an abuse case comes in or is called in,sad to say, we really have no authority. Oh, we can get irate & all up in their face if we know who they are, but in this town, we have no legal recourse. We need to pursue this. I nominate Brenda for her intellegence,chutzpah & for getting things done. What do ya say, Ms Unger?
and where do you suggest we get the money for a humane officer?
To be honest, I really haven’t thought that far ahead. I need to do some research on the training needed & where to go for it, cost etc. Perhaps Judy Calloway would be open to discussing those issues since it has been brought up that she either is certified as one or has looked into being certified as one. She must know where a person would start & since she still is a member of the Society & attends meetings, I am assuming she still cares about the animals in this town & I would hope that her quitting her position at the shelter & any bad feelings she may harbor toward any persons involved in the new administration would not stop her from doing the right thing by the animals. Some people were involved in the Society for many years, then all of a sudden their concern & support just stopped with the new administration installed. I have to question a persons motive for being a member at all when they step back when things don’t go their way after seeing the need first hand . That makes their love of animals conditional & contingent on who’s in charge so to speak. The animals don’t care who is in charge. All they care about is a full belly, a clean bed, some attention & a commitment by us to “do the right thing”. It’s a good motto to live by.Sometimes we just have to swallow our pride,humble ourselves & just do the right thing.I have tried hard to live by that rule. & you know? When I do that, I can ALWAYS look at myself in the mirror, because my motives are pure & it was not my own interest I pursue. I believe that God put us incharge of all His creation,including the animals. I believe that if we fall short of doing what we can, that we will have to answer to Him for it. There is way too much apathy in this world. How many wonderful people we have in our membership! How much knowledge & experience!How much we could accomplish to the good if we could just get past all the pettiness & personality conflicts! When someone gets on my nerves, I just keep saying to myself” I do NOT have to like this person, but they are here because they love these animals as I do” & anyone who loves animals has SOME good in them. I make an extra effort to find that good.
And,”Ignorant people suck”, that screen name does nothing to enhance goodwill toward others. Ignorance means just a lack of knowledge, nothing to be ashamed about there…..on the other hand “stupid” means foolish or lacking normal intelligence. Those of you that have the knowledge need to come forward in a show of solidarity & because of a common denominator: Our love of animals.
Judy went to Madison for her training – it was a 40 hour class. It was up to Judy to follow thru on the certification but she never did. A humane officer can be part of the law enforcement; a county employee, or can work as an “independent” and contract with who they wish. The health department said they paid for Judy’s training – the prior administration said the shelter paid for it.
According to Judy she has been certified for over a year and a half.
According to the State, she is not.
Also, I believe on-going training is required in order to keep the certification because things are always changing.
Gosh, I sure wish she would have pursued & followed up on it! Whether she likes the rest of us or not, I just have to believe she loves animals! Why else would anyone work at the shelter for so long? Lord knows it isn’t the pay. I just took pictures of a dog this evening who could really use her help! I am hoping, since the police are useless in this field & we don’t seem to have a Humane Officer, that I can help this lil fella …..& soon.
I could not agree more that we need a humane officer.
Our neighbor recently contacted the police/sheriff’s department, regarding a cat that was stuck on top of a utility pole by our homes. It had been there for two days. The officer told us that there was nothing they could do and to “open a can of tuna and put it at the base of the pole. If it’s still there in two days, call us back”. (Why would we call you back in two days when you can do nothing now???)
On Monday, I called the Humane Society and asked if they had any advice. I spoke to a very nice woman named Jenna, who stated that I should probably continue with my plan to contact WPS and to give them her name and the number of the shelter, as they would be willing to send someone out with the WPS member to assist with a catch pole and help once the animal was off the pole.
I contacted WPS, and the lovely lady(Alice) agreed that this was an emergancy and immediately filled out a service request. She stated that she was not sure the guys would be able to do anything but she would try. I also passed on the info Jenna gave me.
On Monday afternoon, WPS came and got the cat off the pole. Unfortunetly, the cat ran off before it could be contained, but at least someone cared enough to give it a chance. They also contacted the Humane Society to let them know that someone had gone out and the situation had been taken care of.
Thanks to those at the shelter and thanks to WPS!!! I am sending a nice thank you note to both of them.
With all the slack the police have been recieving lately, I thought that at the very least, they would have used this as a great human interst story to help their image in the community. As usual, they did nothing but drop the ball. Or should I say, they did nothing AND dropped the ball.
Great News!!!! LCHS has acquired funding for a new spay and neuter program. These funds are being used to facilitate LCHS’s goal of having all animals spayed or neutered when they leave the shelter. At this point most adoptable pets are spayed or neutered and ready to go.
Spaying or neutering, rabies and all routine vaccinations as well as worming are included in the adoption fee.
The Freedom Run is fully operational for day use with six individual 5′ x 10′ kennels. Food and water is available all day as well as blankets and toys. These units are tarped for shade and other weather protection. The hope is that dog houses for each unit can soon be obtained.
The other side of the Freedom Run is a 30′ x 10′ free play area for prospective parents. There are two doggie pools with toys and benches for the public’s use for visititing or interacting with any pet they are interested in.
The shelter is open to the public Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 12:00 noon to 5:00 PM; Wednesdays 12:00 noon to 7:00 PM; Saturdays from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM.
Volunteers are welcome from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Currently the shelter is in need of both dry and canned cat food and canned dog food.
Donations of General medical supplies (such as A&D Ointment, Vasoline, Udder Balm, Iodine, Antibiotic and Hydrocortizone Ointment, Q-Tips, Cotton Balls, Vet Wraps, Milk of Magnesia, Pepto Bismol, Coated Children’s Aspirin and Children’s Benedryl) are always needed. Cleaning supplies are also in short supply.
The staff at the shelter is working very hard to meet the needs of the community and provide for the homeless pets in Langlade County and appreciates your support.
I am a volunteer for an up and coming animal shelter.. It will be built in the near future.. We are still receiving funds for it ..
Since we are new and just starting out.. Most information would be helpful.
We are in the process of filling our board members..
All of our animals are housed at the present time with volunteer’s in there homes.
I have a few questions though,
1. How do I go about seeing bi-laws from one’s rescue originization?
2. What defines a member in good standing ?
I appreciate all the information, it will be a big help .
I see the adoption fee is now $100, up from $25. No wonder the place is over-filled. People in this town can’t afford to walk across the street, much less pay a $100 for a cat.
Jean, good luck. Just google “humae society bylaws” and you will see plenty of listings to get you started.
Generally, a member in good standing is someone that is current on their dues and does not have any disciplinary actions pending against them.