Our second quarterly newsletter is out!
Janurary 2012 Newsletter

Shelter Establishes ‘Health Care Fund’ for Aspen

The OAHS, Inc. would like to introduce you to Aspen. She is a one-year-old small Terrier mix that was surrendered to OAHS on the day before Christmas Eve. Her owners had her for 3 1/2 months and neglected to bring her in for treatment despite her weight loss, and loss of hair/skin infections.

The shelter director had her examined at OVC immediately after her arrival, and a skin scrape showed that she has Demodectic Mange. This condition, though not fatal if treated, is very uncomfortable for the animal, and will require months of care for Aspen to fully recover. She is currently receiving prescription medication on a daily basis, and will require future ‘skin scrapes’ on a regular basis to determine if she has been cured of the mite infestation. It was also necessary to treat her for fleas upon her arrival.

Aspen’s condition upon being admitted to the shelter demonstrates the need for public awareness on the following items:

1. Pet ownership comes with a very real level of responsibility. Your pet depends on you for all of its healthcare needs. ‘Minor’ health problems in pets, as in people, become much more severe if left untreated.
2. Animal ‘abuse’, like child abuse, comes in many forms and levels of severity. It is not simply the act of intentionally inflicting harm; it also includes neglecting to provide the essential care an animal needs. Even well-meaning pet owners can be ‘abusing’ their pets due to simply not being aware of the animal’s needs, or what the animal is experiencing.
3. The OAHS, like other shelters, exists to alleviate suffering in animals, but part of our goal is to also educate the public to hopefully prevent future cases such as this. The OAHS is grateful that Aspen’s owners made the responsible choice of bringing her in, but our ultimate goal is to prevent cases like this from ever occurring.

Aspen is a very sweet girl and is improving daily. To offset the costs of providing the medications and extended period of care this dog will need to fully recover, the shelter has established a special fund for Aspen. If you would like to help the shelter offset the cost of care for this dog, please donate by visiting the shelter, or mailing your donation to ‘Aspen’, c/o The OAHS, Inc. P.O. Box 241, Oconto WI 54153.

Posted January 9, 2012

Local Author Supports Humane Society with Publication of Latest Book

Kathy Campshure, a local author of two fantasy/romance novels, has announced the upcoming release of her latest book. Titled Deer Hunting from a Recliner: A Collection of Essays Reflecting on Everyday Life in Northeast Wisconsin, the book is comprised of first-person essays that originally appeared in the Oconto County Reporter from 2000 through 2004. Campshure, who is the current president of the Board of Directors for the Oconto Area Humane Society & Animal Shelter, Inc., is pleased to have made arrangements with the publisher to have a portion of the proceeds from the sale of this book donated to help care for the numerous OAHS shelter animals awaiting their ‘forever homes’.

Print Version        Digital Version

In addition to her previous novels, Campshure has written and produced six plays which were presented locally by the Machickanee Players, Oconto, and the Mielke Theater in Shawano. Her one-act, Adamantine, went on to be performed in New York City in 1998. Deer Hunting from a Recliner is available from either of the links above.

Join us for a book signing February 11, 9:30 - 11:00!
Kathy will be selling and signing copies of Deer Hunting From a Recliner at the Gillett Public Library on February 11, 9:30 to 11:00. The library will also be collecting items for donation throughout the entire month in honor of the author's release.

Posted December 27, 2011

Cat of the Week

The Oconto Area Humane Society, Inc. is ‘getting the word out’ on a very special cat awaiting adoption at the shelter!

This week’s spotlight shines on ‘Amelia’. She is a beautiful one year old who would love to be the newest member of your family. She is the perfect combination of cuddly and playful. She loves to sit on your lap and purr, but can't resist playing when she sees her favorite toys! Her adoption fee is only $20, with her new family being responsible for her spay surgery within 30 days of adoption. Many area veterinarians are offering a spay/neuter discount, free health exam and/or free fecal examination, and her new family would be responsible for her spay surgery within 30 days of her adoption. Please ask for details!

We welcome visitors for ‘Amelia’ or any of the other animals at the shelter. Remember, the OAHS offers a ‘two for one’ special on all cats -- adopt two for the price of one!

Posted January 24, 2011

Volunteer of the Month: Mary Kuczynski

Mary has been volunteering at the Oconto Area Humane Society since October, 2011. She chooses to spend her time here because she enjoys interacting with all of the animals.

Mary always has a favorite pet at the shelter. Here she is pictured with one her favorite adoptable dogs, Bones. Also pictured is her daughter, Kaitlin, who also volunteers her time at OAHS.

When Mary is not dedicating her time to the animals at the shelter, she spends time caring for her own dogs, helping clean Lambeau Field, caring for her daughter, and enjoying dance and country music.

We thank Mary for all of her volunteer efforts and for improving the lives of the pets at the Oconto Area Humane Society!

Posted January 2nd, 2012