TAYLOR COUNTY HUMANE SOCIETY April/May 2012 Newsletter

Furry Friends Need Fun, Too: How to Keep Your Pet Happy and Active
It seems like the most natural thing in the worldour pets need food, water, medical care and lots of love. But dogs and cats have other needs, too. Our furry friends need ample physical exercise and mental stimulation to lead truly full and happy lives. "They need jobs," says Kristen Collins, CPDT, ASPCA Animal Trainer. Dogs and cats need to stay busy and engaged, but unfortunately most pets are unemployeddaily they sit at home, chronically bored and waiting for their humans to return from work. And as we all know, an idle pet can quickly turn into a naughty pet when restlessness becomes overwhelming. "With nothing to do, dogs and cats are forced to find ways to entertain themselves," explains Kristen. "Their activities of choice often include behaviors we find problematic, like excessive barking or meowing, gnawing on shoes, raiding the garbage, eating houseplants and scratching furniture." To prevent behavior and health problems, Kristen recommends the following physical and mental workoutsboth when you're there to join the fun and when your pet is home alone. Move it! Healthy adult dogs need at least 30 minutes of aerobic exercise twice a day. Jogging, swimming and playing at the dog park are all great ways to burn excess energy. Engage in structured games like fetch and tug-ofwarthey're not only great exercise but also teach your pet impulse control and strengthen the bond between you. Keep your dog occupied when he's home alone by giving him a food-stuffed puzzle toy, like the Kong, or some tasty chew toys. Like their canine counterparts, cats also need plenty of aerobic exercise. Get kitty fit with rousing play sessions, such as chase and fetch with furry toys, small balls or toy mice. Encourage your cat's favorite home alone activities, including bird watching, exploring paper bags or boxes, watching cat videos or spending time in secure outdoor enclosures.

N3090 Bauer Drive P.O. Box 1 Medford, WI 54451 715-748-6750

Dog Seller License #268226-DS

Teach your cat new tricks! Felines are quick studies and can learn practical skills like coming when called, sitting up, rolling over and even using the toilet! Kristen adds: "The bottom line is that youre responsible for enriching your pet's life. Providing opportunities to exercise your cat or dog's mind and body will keep her healthy and happyand enhance your relationship, too." -- Originally published by the ASPCA

Mothers Day All You Can Eat Breakfast Buffet Medford Area Middle School Cafeteria Sunday, May 13th ~ 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 Noon Sponsored by Taylor County Humane Society and Medford Area Middle School Animal Advocates MENU Homemade French Toast w/syrup & powdered sugar Scrambled Eggs Hash Browns Sausage Links Cinnamon Crumble Coffee Cake Fruit Coffee Juice Milk Cost: $9.00 Adults & Teens (13 and up) $8.00 for Mothers and Pre-Teens (age 6-12) FREE for ages 5 and under

TCHS is seeking three new board members. That person may be you! We are always interested in new idea, goals, etc. Please contact Kelly Schultz at counselingconnection@tds.net if you are interested.

Friend us on Facebook. You can find us by searching for Taylor County Humane Society. You can find information about the adoptable pets, lost and found pets, upcoming events, pets that have been adopted and any items that are needed.

Fundraising Updates A doubles cribbage tournament benefiting TCHS was held on Saturday, April 14th at Foxys Cattail Tap in Rib Lake. $10 from each team entry was donated to TCHS to purchase pet oxygen masks for Taylor County Emergency Vehicles. A total of $200 was raised on Saturday and we wish to thank Dennis Foxy Fuchs for hosting, Peps Pizza for donating pizzas and all those who participated in this fun event. A TRUE PACKER BACKER Prior Turnmeyer-Clark, age 6 of Madison, WI, an avid Packer fan and grandson of Doris & Peter Kiefer, Medford, raised $550.00 for the Taylor County Humane Society. He asked family and friends to donate $1 for every Green Bay Packer touchdown scored during the regular 2011 season. Among local businesses contacted, Enerquip LLC and Schmiege Law Office matched touchdown contributions. Prior requested that this donation be made in memory of his goldfish, Gil. Great job Prior! We have received various types of donations recently, ranging from volunteer time to food to litter boxes, even someone's change jar which netted TCHS $85. All is greatly appreciated.

Junior Animal Advocates

The Animal Advocates at Medford Area Middle School (MAMS) had smencil sales to raise money for the Humane Society in March and did very well. Kelsie Drake and her 1st grade class at Medford Area Elementary School (MAES) offered to help by selling them at their school. They made posters and sold the smencils to the other classes in their school. They sold all the smencils that were sent to them. They were very dedicated and worked very hard. The class has offered to help with anything needed all year. They are called the Junior Animal Advocate Team. They will be helping out the MAMS Animal Advocate group in advertising for the upcoming Mothers Day Breakfast Buffet. Way to Go!

FEATURED PET
The next scheduled board meeting is Tuesday, May 22nd at 5:30 p.m. at the Frances L. Simek Public Library.

SHELTER HOURS
Monday - Noon until 5 p.m. Tuesday - Noon until 5 p.m. Wednesday - CLOSED

TOMMY
Tommy is neutered and up to date with shots. Tommy's story is sad one. He is about 3 yrs old. He was rescued from a cat hoarder where he was always tied up wearing a body harness. Tommy is calm and serene. He loves to be petted and to snuggle and hes known to be a real talker! Tommy truly deserves a second chance to know what it's like to have a REAL home. A home where there's plenty of love and to be free..........

Thursday - 1 p.m. until 7 p.m. Friday - Noon until 5 p.m. Saturday - 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. Sunday - CLOSED