Category Archives: Events – Archive

Just for Fun Obstacle Course for Dogs!

Posted on April 24, 2013 by

Three years ago the Howl and Meow featured a Just for Fun Obstacle Course for Dogs. The new feature was just an experiment, we had no idea if it was a "keeper" or not. Well, the JFOCD was so much fun for the participants and the audience that OMHS has kept this feature in the Howl and Meow mix of events.

The Just for Fun Obstacle Course for Dogs begins at 12 noon. Participants are asked to complete a simple informational form so that each dog will be "announced" in a manner similar to the big, televised dog shows!  Each dog is given a number and the announcement begins with that number…"Dog number 301, a German Shepherd / hound mix, etc."  brings the dog and handler into the ring. And the fun continues as the dog and handler maneuver through the obstacles.

 

Download the Obstacle Course registration form here.

We have new obstacles this year thanks to Putz Plumbing & HVAC,LLC and Wertz Plumbing and Heating, Inc.  These two businesses have created a total of 4 jumps with moveable jump bars, and two sets of weave pole obstacles that are different in style.  We are very grateful for the donation of time and materials for these obstacles!  OMHS did purchase a new tunnel obstacle to add to the used tunnel we were given for last year's Course. In addition to these obstacle pieces, we have a ramp, a teeter board, and a sit station.  Every dog is a winner and each will receive a delicious treat to enjoy at home. 

Below are photos of the new obstacles.  The jump bars are very adjustable so even small dogs can be encouraged to give the jumps a try.  We have included here a photos of participants in previous Howl celebrations. 

Begin working with your dog today with just simple things like walking on leash, doing a sit and maybe a down.  You and your canine companion will be in for a really fun time.  Contact OMHS by email if you have questions.  Go to our Contact page on the main menu.

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Volunteers Needed for Howl and Meow!

Posted on April 23, 2013 by

Would you consider helping the Ocooch Mountain Humane Society with the May 5, Howl and Meow?

2013 marks the 11th anniversary of this feature-filled event celebration pets and their companions. An added bonus is that volunteers always have a good time working together for a great cause.

Work to be done at Howl and Meow:

Set up...begins at 8 a.m.  We need help setting up tables and chairs for many of the event areas.  We have a floor plan prepared to volunteers know where to place the furniture and other items.

Registration for the Pet Walk... two people are needed to check in the pets and people who are entering the Walk.

Kitchen and Grand and Glorious Food Stand…lots of fun in the kitchen with conversation and laughs. Help is needed at the counter greeting customers, taking orders, assembling sandwiches, cutting pies, cashiering.
Would you create a homemade pie? Please call 608-647-3461.

Plant Sale... help needed setting up table arrangement, checking in the donated plants (we keep a list of who donates to OMHS), pricing plants, cashiering the sales, boxing up the plants sold.  Proceeds go to help support the Spay Neuter Program.

Quarter Raffle…Help set up the table arrangement and place donated items on tables. Do you have an item or two to donate for bids?  Please call 608-647-3461. 

Photographer needed… Do you have a digital camera and would you be willing to take candid photos at Howl?  We need photos to document this 11th annual event.  Call 647-3461.

Videographer needed...OMHS would like to have video taken of various features of the Howl event. Video of the educational presentation would be especially needed.  A tripod-setup would be ideal to record the programs.  Please call 647-6453 or email info@ocoochmountainhumanesociety.org.


Thank you for your support of OMHS by volunteering your talent and time for Howl and Meow!  See you there!

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A Special Mother’s Day Gift Offer at Howl and Meow

Posted on April 23, 2013 by

The Ocooch Mountain Humane Society is very pleased to offer, at the Howl and Meow event , a special gift offer to celebrate Mother's Day which is right around the corner on May 12.  You can enjoy the features and events at Howl and also do some shopping for a very nice Mother's Day gift!

For a cost of $25 the Gift Offer includes the following:

One copy of the OMHS newly published cookbook,  "Purrfect Recipes for the Whole Doggone Family"  (Cookbooks are sold at $12.00 each.)

PLUS your choice of the following:

 Voucher for a hand-wrapped bouquet of fresh flowers from Added Touch Floral, Richland Center.
                       (The voucher allows you to pick up the bouquet at your convenience.)

       OR

A Mary Kay product of your choice… the products range from $16 to $25!  
  The Mary Kay products will be available at Howl and Meow. 


Orders can be placed online.  We suggest you contact OMHS via email regarding your gift selection. Payment of $25 for the gift can be placed online at Donate on the main menu.  In the comment/remarks
box indicate that you are choosing the Mother's Day Gift offer.

We look forward to helping you find a very nice gift for a special woman.

book and flowers Mothers Day deal cookbook Mary Kay special BEST
 

          

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Howl and Meow Celebration, Sunday, May 5

Posted on April 23, 2013 by

 2013 marks the 11th anniversary of the OMHS spring event, Howl and Meow!  The Board of Directors is pleased to present an event with a variety of features that are sure to be a pleasurable experience for visitors of all ages.

Howl and Meow
Sunday, May 5
10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Community Center, 1050 North Orange Street, Richland Center

Schedule for the day:
10-11a.m.    Registration for the Pet Walk
10 a.m.    Plant Sale begins
10 a.m.    Grand and Glorious Food Stand opens… special canine lunch this year.
10:15-11:15 a.m.  Madison Area Herpetological Society presents "Native Species, a program about the turtles, toads, snakes, salamanders, and frogs you may see in your garden, your lawn, while hunting for the elusive Morel mushrooms, or just on a walk in the woods.

11:15 to 12 noon         Pet Walk... see details about the pet walk below.

12:10 to 1:00 p.m.       Just for Fun Obstacle Course for Dogs: No special training for this fun event. All dogs are winners and receive a treat for participating. We have some new obstacles this year. If you don't have a dog to enter into this event, please join the great audience that is so appreciative of the dogs and their companions as they maneuver through the obstacles.  There are a lot of misses and non-jumps but it is all just for fun!

1:00-1:30        "Cats and Dogs, Snakes and Frogs:" Dion Kempthorne, English professor emeritus and former dean at UW-Richland will discus how our companionship with dogs and cats increases self-understanding.  He will read his poetry and the words of others to provide a thoughtful look at pets and animals as they enhance our lives.

1:30- -1:45    Announcements...Pet Walk winners, Mascots for the Year, Quarter Raffle Winners, Results of the Focus on Pet's Photo Contest.

2:00   Howl and Meow concludes!  Thank you for attending.                  

Pet Walk Specifics:  The annual Pet Walk is a pledge-sponsored outing that determines the Canine and Feline/Other Pet Species Mascots for the year.  Enter your pet in the walk and ask your family members, friends, neighbors to sponsor your amazing pet to be the OMHS Mascot.  Dogs, cats, and any species of pet can be a mascot… turtles, reptiles, birds, you name it. Just raise the $$ to win the contest.  Online donations are accepted, too.  You can download the Pet Walk form here.
Besides being honored as the Mascot of the Year, you and your pet will win Chamber Bucks that can be redeemed at many, many local businesses.  First prize is $100 in Chamber Bucks.  Second prize is $75 in Chamber Bucks and Third prize is $25 ion Chamber Bucks.  Of course, your pet will be hoping you spend the entire prize winnings on pet food and treats!

Plant Sale: A variety of plants will be selling at Howl and Meow with the proceeds earmarked for the Spay Neuter Program.  There will be vegetable plants, perennials, and some house plants, and from Lincolnway Nursery, donated shrubs, berry bushes, and trees!
If you have some seedlings started and would like to donate to the Plant Sale, please call 608-647-3461.  We ask that plants be potted… please do not bring a bucket with palnts and dirt to be potted at the event.  We do not have enough volunteers to accomplish that task.  You can pot your young plnts inpaper or plastic dringkiing cups… just poke a hole in the bottom for drainage.  If you have garden related items to donate, contact OMHS via email.. see contact us. We hope to have a very fine sale to help support this important program.

Mother's Day Gift Offers: For a cost of $25 the special honor for a Mom includes one copy of the "Purrfect Recipes for the Whole Doggone Family," the newly published OMHS cookbook and, either a hand-wrapped bouquet of fresh flowers from Added Touch Floral OR a Mary Kay care product with a value from $16 to $25…you select the product for your special mom.
Copies of "Purrfect Recipes" will be for sale at Howl without the Gift offer, of course.  Get your copy soon. Our inventory is shrinking fast!

Pets in Focus Photo Contest: Bring a 4×6 or larger, un-matted, un-framed photo of your pet(s) and enter the contest!  The most popular photo is determined by the amount of $$ raised in the container with your pet's photo number on it.  Please do not put your pet's name on the front of the photo!!!  The contest begins at 10 a.m. and ends at 1:15.  Winner is awarded $25 in cash. Start taking photos of your special pet(s) now to be ready for May 5.

Rural Route 1 Popcorn at Howl: We are pleased to announce that we will have best selling RR1 Popcorn for sale at Howl.  No waiting for delivery… we will have buckets of popcorn right here at the event. Flavors are: Caramel Corn, Cheddar Cheese, Mud Puddles, Microwave Butter. This is our first experience with RR 1 so we are limiting the flavors to the recommended best sellers. Stock up for summer popcorn fun at Howl!   

The Grand and Glorious Food Stand:What would Howl and Meow be without great food!  The happy crew will be serving homemade barbeque, Chicago style hot dogs with the traditional condiments, and homemade potato salad. Home baked pies and ice cream will top off your lunch.
Have Lunch with your Dog:Where else but Howl and Meow can you take your dog for a walk and then sit down with him/her and have lunch together? The Grand and Glorious menu will feature a special hot dog item for your canine companion's special lunch. 

The Quarter Raffle: Buy a bunch of tickets for 25 cents each and bid by placing tickets into the containers near the item you hope to win.  Bring some of your return address labels to stick onto the tickets to save the time of writing your name on each one.  We hope to have many quality items in the raffle such as pet food and treats, very nice stuffed toy animals, maybe some collectible items. household goods and items.  AND if you would like to donate a clean, lightly used or new item, please call 608-647-3461 or email OMHS.

Tees/Caps/Memberships:Sweatshirts, Tees, Caps in terrific colors will be available at the membership table.  OMHS welcomes new and renewal membership.  We have not raised the cost of dues since OMHS became an organization in 2001!

Just for Fun Dog Obstacle Course:This is a fun course for dogs and handlers right from the get-go. Each dog and handler are given a number upon registering for the course and announced as they start the course… the OMHS nod at the big dog shows you see on television. The registration form asks for information such as age, weight, favorite treats, favorite foods, favorite places to nap, special tricks or habits that are interesting, and where  We have two tunnels, two sets of weave poles, a ramp, a stop and sit area, and four jumps of varying heights for dogs and handlers to experience. This is a favorite event for the audience, as well, as everyone hopes each and every dog performs well. But if they refuse to jump or sit, the audience still encourages the with ooooo's and ahhhhhh's.  Each dog is a winner and receives a choice treat. 

Howl and Meow will be a fine day of fun, food, and learning.  There is no charge for admission. Mark your calendar now to volunteer or to attend the event.


 

 

 

 

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O’Delicious Bake Sale is Just Around the Corner

Posted on February 17, 2013 by

March 15, 2013 is the annual OMHS "O'Delicious Bake Sale," continuing the reputation as THE best bake sale in the County!  The Sale will be held in the Lobby of the Richland County Bank in downtown Richland Center.  The splendid sale begins at 9 a.m. and closes at around 1:30 when all the marvelous items are sold. OMHS is very grateful to the Richland County Bank for generously donating Lobby space for the sale… this is the 7th year for the sale and RCB has hosted it each year.

The O'Delicious Bake Sale features many ethnic goods.  After all the Vikings did invade much of Europe so why not include baked goods, not only with a hint of the Emerald Isle, but from the Scandinavian and European countries, as well.  The Bake Sale celebrates the ethnic ancestry of Richland County residents!

There will be Irish soda breads, scones, krumkake, kolache, and amazing biscotti. (Take it from me, the writer of this piece, the biscotti is amazing!)  Traditional baked goods at the Sale will include cookies, quick breads, cake, bars, candies, cheesecake, and luscious pies sold by the slice or as an entire pie. There will be jams and jellies, too. If the weather cooperates, we will have a limited supply of fresh watercress. (Intense, deep freezing temperatures can freeze the tips of the cress leaves, so we need cold, but not below zero temps, for the best watercress.)  Small veggie pack assortments will be available for a quick and satisfying snack around lunchtime to quell the munchies.

Carletta will be chairing the O'Delicious Bake Sale and will await your call to let her know that you will be donating and item or two for the sale.  Call 608-647-3461. Call by March 1, if you please.  Thanks for your generous sharing your baking skills!

Are you a  "noodler?"  We would really like to offer homemade noodles at the Bake Sale.  If you would prepare a wonderful batch of noodles, the O'Delicious Committee would be very grateful!

Brownies, bars, and cookies should be packaged 6 to 12 on a paper plate.   Do not bring and entire pan of items.  We cannot guarantee that the pan would be returned. During clean up a favorite pan could be lost of misplaced.  Not a good thing to lose a favorite kitchen item.

Speaking of volunteers, could you help out at the Sale?  If you are available to help on March 15 please call Carletta.  We always need assistance with setting up, selling, and replenishing the tables as items sell.

Needless to say, buyers are very, very welcome at the O'Delicious Bake Sale!  Raising fund for the Pet Care fund depends upon an excellent sales event and we hope that, if you are not donating baked goods or other items to the event, you will be an eager buyer of these homemade delicacies!  If you have questions please email info@ocoochmountainhumanesociety.org.

See you at the O'Delicious Bake Sale, March 15.

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Paws for the Holidays volunteers and generous donors create successful event!

Posted on January 3, 2013 by

The 3 November 2012, Paws for the Holidays event was very successful thanks to the hard work and talent of the volunteers who presented features of the day that appealed to a wide audience.  From the educational programs to the Amazing Bake Sale and the Pet Portraits there was activity in the Community Center all day from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.  The event raised approximately $6,000 that will give a real boost to the treasury to pay for costs of Pet Care, Adoption Center rent, Spay Neuter expenses, and other program and project needs.  OMHS thanks everyone who attended the event, thanks to the volunteers who gave time and effort, and a big thank you to the businesses and individuals who generously donated items for the Silent Auction!

Featured at Paws for the Holidays were:

The Grand and Glorious Food stand… serving the wonderful Chicago style hot dogs and much more!

The Amazing Bake Sale

Pet Portraits

The Silent  Auction

Shoppe 'til You Drop

OMHS Cookbook photo contest

Egger's Wreaths

Ruki'sRags

Madison Area Herpetological Society information table

Sandhill Marketing… bird seed sales

OMHS shirt sales

OMHS memberships   new and renewal

Spay Neuter information table

Adoption information and photos of pets ready for adoption

All of these featured booths and tables were staffed by smiling, happy volunteers.  It was a great day for everyone.

And the educational programs were icing on top of the cake, so to speak.  We learned about feeding wild birds and their migration patterns and response to drought, plus learning about reptiles and amphibians as pets.

OMHS looks forward to Paws for the Holidays, 2013!  

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Paws for the Holidays educational features were a fine success!

Posted on November 25, 2012 by

Saturday, November 3, was a very beautiful autumn day in southwest Wisconsin and Paws for the Holidays was a fine event for many OMHS members and new friends to gather to celebrate the joy of having pets in our lives.  The new Community Center building in Richland Center provided an excellent space for the many activities of the event.  Paws for the Holidays seems to be growing each year with more and more features to please the visitors.

The educational presentations were very well attended.  The Madison Area Herpetological Society was the center of attention for many visitors during much of the day.  Reptiles and amphibians are the fastest growing segment of the pet industry in the USA, therefore the program about choosing a reptile or amphibian for a beginning pet is extremely important.  The basic information about the care, housing, and feeding of these interesting animals was very timely. And reptiles and amphibians are hypo-allergenic!  They do not shed so the regular pet allergies are not a factor.  This was just one of the interesting facts provided in the presentation.

 

Ryan and Eric brought with them the following animals: "Big Betty," the Ball python, a Bredlei Carpet python, an Albino striped corn snake, a Florida Kingsnake, a Mali Uromastyx (lizard), a Crested Gecko,  Cherry head Redfoot Tortoise, a Fox snake, and a Tarantula (not a reptile or amphibian but an interesting pet possibility for some folks), and Madagascar Hissing Cockroaches. All of these animals are "beginner" types of pets. We were very pleased that several school teachers at the event asked Ryan and Eric about the potential of having MAHS provide a program at their schools.  Both young men were pleased to have the opportunity to share their interest and knowledge about these animals so OMHS is definitely doing its part in providing humane education, one of our goals!

Of course not everyone at the Paws for the Holidays event was interested in learning about the reptiles and amphibians.  Frankly, many people are afraid of these animals and do not want to be near them. We were careful to make sure that anyone who did not want to look at the animals did not have to do that.  They could walk past without seeing anything frightening.  However, the presentation and the information table in the large main room for Paws was continually surrounded by people of all ages wanting to ask questions, look at the animals close up, and even hold "Big Betty" or the corn snake.  MAHS provided an excellent feature for the Paws event.

 

Following the MAHS program the audience learned about the birds in our region of southwest Wisconsin and how they fared during the incredibly hot and dry summer.  Barbara Duerksen covered these topics in her presentation:

•       Last summer’s heat and drought – It is hard to tell how the heat and drought affected the success of many of our local birds.  Bluebirds, however, did very well in the state.  Dr. Kent Hall,  Coordinator of Data Collection and Analysis for BRAW, the Bluebird Restoration of Wisconsin, says that the Eastern Bluebirds had a record production last summer. BRAW members sent in reports of bluebirds fledged in their bluebird boxes, the numbers totaling 35,592, which is an all time high since 1994.  

 Drought can have a positive effect on wetlands, rejuvenating the productivity.  Nutrients from sediments are released and plants seeds that have been dormant have a chance to grow, providing a food source for birds later in the season.  This can be good for wetlands as long as the drought conditions don’t go on for too long.

•       What’s happening now in the bird world?  Migration is ongoing.  Most of the insect eaters have flown south, ducks are on the move, and birds like juncos, tree sparrows, and Rough-legged Hawks are coming in from the far north.   Due to poor conifer and deciduous tree crops further north, some of the more unusual winter finches are beginning to show up at feeders.  Evening grosbeaks, which are striking black and yellow birds a little smaller than robins, have been seen in a few spots from northern to southern Wisconsin, including a report of one last week in Richland County.  Pine Siskins and Red Crossbills have also been found in the county in the last two weeks. 

•       Feeding birds, attracting them to your yard – a good source of information for feeding birds is the Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology’s website: allaboutbirds.org.  Feeding information  is found under the menu for Birding Basics, then Attract Birds.  The lab suggests that black oil sunflower seeds attract the widest variety of birds, and are a good way to start.  Avoid the cheaper mixes with red millet and oats, which are fillers and aren’t  that attractive to birds.  White millet, however, is  liked by many ground-feeding birds. 

It’s important to keep feeders clean – scrub them regularly with dish detergent or a 10% bleach solution and let dry.

In the big picture, habitat is more important than feeders.  Native species of trees and shrubs provide more and better food for birds, with oaks at the top of the list.  Non-natives like the Norway Maple do little or nothing for birds.

A roost box is another way to attract birds to your yard.  It’s like a nest box, but has the entrance hole near the bottom, to preserve heat.  A good roost box design also includes perches inside.

• Upcoming bird events:

The Mississippi River Explorer Cruises are offering weekend wildlife cruises through November 18 from the Lansing, Iowa port.  This is a great way to see geese, many kinds of ducks, swans, pelicans and other birds up close.  A naturalist is on board to help identify the birds seen.

The Richland County Christmas Bird Count is scheduled for December 15.  Bob Hirschy is the coordinator,  647-3042

The 16th Annual Great Backyard Bird Count will be held from February 15 – 18, 2013.  See www.birdsource.org/gbba for details.

Barbara Duerksen is definitely our "go to person" in Richland County and our surrounding area for information about birds. We encourage all the bird watchers in the area to participate in the Christmas Bird Count.  It is fun and exciting to contribute to the data collected in this important survey.  Contact Bob at the number above to join the crew.

 




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Deadline of recipe submissions is December 1… be part of the OMHS cookbook!

Posted on November 25, 2012 by

Amazing as it may seem, December 1 is only a few days away! Meaning that your recipe submissions for the OMHS cookbook must be sent VERY soon.  Sit down this weekend and put those favorite recipes in writing… or typing… and send them off to us!  Or email them in a Word or pdf format to info@ocoochmountainhumanesociety.org.

Please consider participating in this special cookbook.  Send 1 recipe or up to 10 recipes that are your favorites.  The form for the recipe submission is on the Programs and Project page, just scroll down to cookbook.  The important part of the form is to use the abbreviations that are needed.  We need to have a standard for abbreviations so that our typists can breeze right along as they enter the recipes into the template for the publishing of the book.

The cookbook will be published and ready for sale in early 2013.  We will keep everyone posted on when it is available.  We are certain that the book will be a necessity in the kitchen library AND a family treasure with YOUR recipes in it.

Don't forget… December 1: deadline for recipe submission.  (December 1 postmark will be qualify your recipes for publication.)

Posted in Events - Archive, OMHS News - Archive | Tagged

OMHS Pet Food Pantry needs help

Posted on November 23, 2012 by

OMHS Pet Food Pantry opened in May 2009.

Between May 2009 and October 2012 OMHS has dispensed the following:

           24,588 pounds of dry dog food   (12.2 tons)

           13,167 pounds of dry cat food    (6.5 tons)

OMHS is supplementing the diet of the following:

                  160 to 185 dogs per month

                 210 to 270 cats per month

OMHS has funds for about two more months to continue this community service.  (December and January)

Can you please help OMHS help pets.

 

The history and the looming situation for the OMHS Pet Food Pantry:

In March, 2009, a small committee of OMHS Board members and friends, met to discuss the economic crunch felt by families and individuals out of work or ill, and how this environment was going affect the organization. It was determined that if people were out of jobs or ill or suffering another difficult income situation they may not have the ability to feed their pets.  If people had to make a choice between feeding their children or heating their house or paying the electric bill and feeding their cat or dog they would probably decide that the dog or cat had to go. How devastating it would be to surrender a pet.  Children would not understand it and adults would be heartbroken to lose a friend that welcomed them with love every day.

And that scenario would mean more intake of animals for OMHS.  And there we were with no shelter building!  So the committee decided to try to do a Pet Food Pantry, actually the only one in the southwest part of Wisconsin, at least at that time.  

A proposal was submitted to the full Board and approval was given to go forward with a plan that included the Richland Community Food Pantry.  Once per month clients of the RCFP who have cats or dogs can pick up a voucher and bring it to the OMHS Adoption Center where cat and dog food is dispensed.  The goal of the Pet Food Pantry is to supplement the diet of the pets in the households, not feed the entire dietary requirement. The dry cat food is dispensed in 2 pound amounts and dry dog food it dispensed in 5 pound amounts.  The client can come to the PFP one time per month. 

OMHS anticipated that the Pet Food Pantry would be a temporary project.  It has developed into a program that consumes money needed for the pets under our wing and in need of homes as soon as they are healthy and socialized. The cats and dogs we have in our care need vaccinations, spay and neuter procedures, de-worming, socialization, and food, all of which take dollars.  Presently OMHS has over 110 cats and kittens in our care, plus numerous dogs in foster care.  As a non-profit organization that receives no taxpayer money, OMHS has only the resources raised with events such as Paws for the Holidays, Howl and Meow, the Animal House food stand, and other projects. 

Therefore OMHS needs help to continue the Pet Food Pantry. Donations of bags of good quality cat and dog food are much appreciated.  There are PFP barrels for donations at Chet's Feed and Seed, Walsh Ace Hardware, and Burnstad's Market, or food can be brought directly to the Adoption Center on Tuesdays from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. or Wednesday from 5:30 to 7 p.m and Saturday, 9:30 to noon.  Monetary donations can be made online.  Go to donations on the main menu. Monetary donations can also be sent to Pet Food Pantry, OMHS, P.O. Box 229, Richland Center WI 53581. 

However you can help will be greatly appreciated.

 

 

 


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Paws for the Holidays… join in the celebration of pets!

Posted on October 8, 2012 by

Paws for the Holidays plans are in place for the 10th annual celebration of pets!  The event will be held Saturday, November 3, at the Community Center on Orange Street in Richland Center.  Doors open at 10 a.m. with a full slate of activities for this final fund raising event of 2012.  The raffle drawing, please see below, will be held at 1:30 p.m., November 3 , just prior to the closing of the event at 2 p.m. All proceeds are earmarked for pet care and other ongoing essential expenses for OMHS. 

Features for the day are:
 
The Amazing Bake Sale!  OMHS has incredible volunteer bakers and food creators who fill the event tables with ethnic and specialty items along with traditional taste treats.  Kolachy, lefse, krumkake, biscotti, kringle, scones, breads, pies, cookies, cakes, and bars will tempt the shopper.  Other special items are pickles, candies, jams and jellies, and homemade noodles.  If you would donate something delicious to the sale please call 608-475-0313.
 
Shoppe 'til You Drop:  This is a shopping opportunity to find gifts for pets and  people.  Many handmade items.  Reasonable prices.  Come shop with OMHS. We also take item donations for the Shopping area.  If you are a knitter or sewer or have a usable item to donate please call 608-647-3461 or email info@ocoochmountainhumanesociety.org.  Thanks!
 
Pet Portraits:  Always a popular spot at Paws for the Holidays is the Pet Portrait "studio" where we set up a nice space for pets and their people to have a portrait taken. The portrait sittings are taken with a digital camera and printed on the spot  We have a nice selection of frames, photo travel cups, and other items for the portraits to be inserted and sent as gifts or enjoyed at the pet's home. 

Silent Auction: The OMHS Silent Auction has a reputation for good quality items and the 2012 edition of the Auction is no exception.  We have an outstanding selection of items already donated.  Please check out the News post about the Silent Auction, complete with photos of many of the items.
 
Raffle: This is the second year for the OMHS raffle.  $500 is first prize, $250 is the second prize, and $125 is the third prize in the money raffle.  Cash just before the holidays is always welcome in the budget. You need not be present for the drawing.
Tickets are @ a donation of $1 per ticket or 6 tickets for $5. Tickets are available at the Membership table at  Paws or prior to the event at Chet's Feed and Seed, Richland Veterinary Service, Shireman Veterinary Clinic, Ed's Family Foods, and the Frame Corner. 
If you would like to donate for book or two of tickets, please contact OMHS at info@ocoochmountainhumanesociety.org and ask for details. You can arrange to get raffle tickets online.  Go to the donation tab on the main menu, choose the amount of your donation for the ticket books.  In the description box indicate that you are donating for raffle tickets. Be certain to give us your name and address so we can send the book(s) to you.  Complete the name/address info on the ticket stubs, keep the claim portion of the tickets for your records, and mail the ticket stubs back to us for inclusion in the drawing.  Again, if you have further questions, email OMHS if you would like to participate in the raffle but are not in a position to get to the ticket outlets in person. Thanks for the support of the raffle.
 

Educational presentations: OMHS is delighted to present two extraordinary programs at Paws for the Holidays. The programs will be much improved by the better acoustics in the meeting rooms at the new Community Center.  In the past, speakers were competing with sound generated by the activities in the large all-purpose room at the "old" Community Center.  We are very happy to be using the new rooms to make the programs much more conducive to learning, because audience members will be able to hear the speakers!!

  • Back by popular demand is Barb Duerksen who will present a program about the wild birds in our region of Wisconsin.  She will speak to the environmental stress of this past summer.  Questions are very welcome. 
  • The Madison Area Herpetological Association will present a program about the 10 Top Herps or Amphibians for the Beginner. They will also have an informational table in the All Purpose Room at Paws. They will have reptiles and amphibians on display. They have prepared a program explaining the responsibility of caring for these interesting animals.
Because we have these two presentations planned, we could call it a scheduled program of  Herps and Chirps.
 
Membership:  The membership table will be an active location as members renew and new acquaintances join OMHS. November is membership month for OMHS.  The membership rates have not increased since OMHS was incorporated in 2001.  Please consider joining our active and important community based organization.  Go to the membership tab on the main menu and join today!

Pet Food Pantry:  The OMHS Pet Food Pantry continues to distribute pet food to needy families and individuals whose pets are a source of comfort for them.  You can help support this program by bringing a 3 pound or larger bag of medium or high quality cat or dog food to Paws for the Holidays. (Please no "Alley Cat" brand food.) Bring your pet food gift to the Membership table and receive a voucher for 50 cents off your menu selection at the Grand and Glorious Food Stand. Thank you for your generosity.
 
Tee and Sweatshirts:  A great variety of colors and sizes of the OMHS shirts will be available for sale at very reasonable prices.  Show your support of OMHS by wearing a comfortable shirt sporting the name and logo! Joan will help you select just the perfect color for you or suitable as a gift for a friend. 
 
Paws will be a fun-filled day!
 
Please consider volunteering for setup, cleanup, bake for the Bake Sale, sell at the Shoppe, donate a quality item for the Silent Auction, make pets and people smile for their Portraits, and help in the kitchen. To volunteer, please contact Carletta at 647-3461 or email cheide@mwt.net
 
It is no secret that OMHS has simply amazing volunteers. Consider being part of this Paws for the Holidays!
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