Guess who is Pet of the Month!? None Other than Byron!

Posted on June 18, 2013 by

Yes, Byron, is the Mid-June to Mid-July Pet of the Month!  This amazing dog has done so very, very well in foster care that he is just a shoe-in for the honor of POM!  This is a great dog who will be such a wonderful adopted companion! You can see the astounding progress this dog has made just in viewing the photos!  The shining eyes are brimming with life and are testimonial to the great foster care he is receiving AND his eager grasp on the care.  Good nutrition, exercise, and respectful handling and training are totally visible in these new photos. 

You must go to his other page on this site to learn more about his first contact with OMHS. On that page you will see the first photo taken of him!  He was a stray dog just desperate for care. His first photo shows the sadness in his soul from his hard life as a stray.  He is a lucky dog, because OMHS provided the love and gentleness plus respect and dignity he needed to get his confidence and trust in humans up and running.

And run, now…oh, yes, this "old guy" just loves to play fetch. And he loves to play with any toy whatever it is.  Playtime is probably his favorite time other than mealtime and then napping!

Our heartfelt congratulations and thank you to the wonderful foster care home providing new life for Byron!  

Please to to his page that was posted on May 22 to see the first photo available of Byron to see the dramatic change in Byron.  Call 608-647-7848 to interview this charming gentleman dog! You can see that Byron is all dressed up for his interview with you!  He is at the top of his game!! 

Click on his photos to see the entire picture of this handsome dog.

Posted in Available Dogs, OMHS News - Current/Recent, Pet of the Month | Tagged , ,

Byron, a Dog with Poetry in his Soul

Posted on May 22, 2013 by

Byron is an 8 plus year old German Shepherd/Yellow lab mixed breed dog. This is a dog with an untold history written all over him!  Byron was the proverbial stray dog that just showed up at a home in Richland County.  He was is desperate need of food, shelter, and care.  Upon his first physical examination at the veterinary clinic, after OMHS took Byron under its wing, it was suspected that he had a mass in his abdomen.  Thus an exploratory surgery was done and it was discovered that he has an enlarged spleen… happily there was no mass to be concerned about!  He and his spleen are doing just fine in foster care. 

Byron is doing very well in his excellent foster care home.  He is getting very good nutrition and has put on some needed weight… he was very malnourished when OMHS took him in.  Byron gets along just fine with the other dogs in residence at his foster care location.  He responds very well to people and he just loves playing with toys of any sort… this "old guy" really perks up when it is play time.  He plays fetch very well and begs for more and more and more!  He is a very playful mature dog.

Byron is simply a very wonderful older dog.  He will do well in a quiet home where he can snooze and go for walks.  Because he is an senior dog he will need a home with a family or individual who can give him the care, love, and respect he deserves. As you see in his photos, this dog has been around and in some fairly tough circumstances.  He needs a break from his rough and tumble life… he needs retirement.

Byron and his foster mom attended Howl and Meow.  They visited with many people and lots of dogs.  Byron interacted very well with everyone.

Now a word or two from Alfred Lord Byron:

At Howl and Meow, Dion Kempthorne, English professor emeritus and former Dean UW-Richland, read poetry and literary pieces about dogs and cats and other animals for one of the educational programs of the day.  Kempthorne explained the great love that the famous English poet Lord Byron had for dogs.  Lord Byron's noble Newfoundland, "Boatswain" (Bo-sun) was especially loved.  To honor this great dog Byron wrote: Inscription on the monument of the Newfoundland Dog: A Memorial to Boatswain by Lord Byron.
 
"Near this spot
Are deposited the Remains of one
Who possessed Beauty without Vanity,
Strength without Insolence,
Courage without Ferocity,
And all the Virtues of Man without his Vices.
This praise, which would be unmeaning Flattery
If inscribed over human ashes,
Is but a just tribute to the Memory of
Boatswain, a Dog
Who was born at Newfoundland, May, 1803,
And Died at Newstead, November 18, 1808."

Below are photos of Byron. Click on them to enlarge.  (We will add more photos when available.)  This is a dog with great heart and staying-power!  He may look a bit on the scruffy side but he has a deep and comforting soul.  Reach out to adopt this fine dog and make some poetry together!  

Call 608-604-7848 to interview Byron.

Byron with foster mom May 5 Byron has some experiences to share.

 

 

 

 

 

 


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Mackerel Tabby Cat “Bo” is Pet of the Month!

Posted on May 22, 2013 by

  Bo is OMHS Pet of the Month for early May!  He is a handsome young ( 9 months old) mackerel tabby cat, neutered, and ready for a home! He is a sweet and friendly kitten who was very tiny and undernourished when he was found abandoned, sad, and in dire need of help.  Bo was so thin and malnourished that is was really touch-and-go for some weeks before he was beginning to show progress.  It was thought that his immune system may be compromised and that he would not be able to survive. 

Bo 1 April 2013

 

But of course the OMHS volunteer staff gave him loving and tender care and worked diligently with him to get him on the track to good health. Bo was fed kitten food with high caloric value to help him gain weight slowly and carefully.  The proper meds were dispensed to help him fight respiratory complications. Bo began to make real progress!

 

Bo is  now a handsome young cat…he is a success story. Click on his photos for a larger, complete view of this personable kitten!

 

Bo needs a permanent indoor home where he will have at least one other cat for companionship… he is very sociable and needs the companionship of another cat or two or more to continue his wonderful personality traits. He is healthy, up to date on his vaccinations and will be a wonderful addition to a household.  Bo is a very attractive tabby.

 

Please interview Bo at the OMHS Adoption Center, 1400 West Seminary Street, Richland Center.  Hours are Wednesday, 5:30 to 7 p.m. and Saturdays, 9:30 a.m. to 12 noon.  You may also call 608-604-3483 to arrange an appointment at a different time.

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Successful Howl and Meow!

Posted on May 22, 2013 by

There were two goals in place for the 11th annual Howl and Meow and both were accomplished on Sunday, May 5. The goals were to raise needed funds for the organization, and secondly,  to renew old acquaintances and make new friends… both two-legged and four-legged friends, that is. The winter months are always difficult for OMHS because the ability to continue to raised needed dollars is more difficult due to weather complications here in Wisconsin.  The winter was long and very snowy, as an example.

Howl and Meow was successful in that just over $6000 gross was raised with the Pet Walk, Food Stand, Plant Sale, Quarter Raffle, Silent Auction, Rural Route 1 popcorn sale, OMHS Cookbook sales and Mother's Day Gift packages, Memberships and Tee shirt sales, and the Pet's In Focus photo contest.  The Board of Directors is very pleased with the results.  The bills are not all in yet for the Howl expenses but it is expected that the net gain will be well worth all the planning and hard work.

The mascots for 2013 were designated by the pledge results of the Pet Walk.  Dogs Jackson and Bud, (their human companion is Sharon P)  are the canine mascots; and  cat Dunkie (Duncan), whose human companion is Mari Sue B., is the feline pet mascot for the year. 

It should be noted that cat Super Gladys won the Pets in Focus contest.  Many young people know Gladys as the Art Room cat for several years at Doudna School. Gladys is seen here in her super hero cape as she was photographed at school.
Super Gladys attired in her cape and defying gravity in the Art Room.

OMHS is very pleased to report that there were 18 dogs participating in the Just for Fun Dog Obstacle course!  Eighteen is the largest number of animals entered into the course in its three year existence!  The new obstacles made of pvc pipe were wonderful additions to the course!  The obstacles were constructed by Putz Plumbing HVAC (three jumps and one weave pole set up) and Wertz Plumbing and Heating (one jump and one weave pole set up.)  We are very grateful for these donations!
We are very encouraged by the participation in the Obstacle Course and hope to see even more dogs and handlers in the event next year.

The Plant Sale raised over $900 for the support of the OMHS Spay Neuter program!  Grant monies are running out and the program needs all the financial help it can get.  The donations of plants by OMHS members and friends was surprising and amazing considering the very, very late spring weather allowing perennials to be available.  Lincolnway Nursery, Richland Center, again donated an array of shrubs and trees!  Thank you all!  

And OMHS has new members as a result of Howl and Meow and some membership renewals were welcomed, as well. If you are not a member please consider joining an energetic organization. Please go to the membership page on the main menu of this site.  OMHS is a small organization with a huge, warm heart! 

Two new features of the Howl and Meow event, the Silent Auction and the sale of Rural Route 1 popcorn, successful in helping add to the funds raised. We do have a small inventory of popcorn left from Howl and Meow and will sell it out at Animal House and the Rummage Romp.

The Grand and Glorious Food stand was a popular spot with people enjoying the menu offerings all day long.  There was never a minute when there were not diners at the tables.  Many, many Chicago Dogs were consumed and the homemade potato salads and homemade ice cream were simply delicious! The variety of homemade pies was again a testimony to the baking and creating skills of OMHS members and friends.

The Quarter Raffle offered an amazing array of items for bidding and the bidding was quite competitive!  The Silent Auction had many high quality items for bids such as hand built bird feeders by Doug Duhr and many large bags of dog and cat food donated by Chet's Feed and Seed.  Chet's also donated bags of kitty litter.  A big thank you to all the donors to the Silent Auction and the Quarter Raffle.  Your generosity is appreciated as OMHS works diligently to help animals in need of homes and love.

Below is a gallery of photos from Howl and Meow. 

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Miss Sadie Sue is Pet of the Month!

Posted on May 1, 2013 by

Sadie Sue is a young Beagle/Jack Russell Terrier mixed breed, spayed female dog who is perky and energetic and loving!  She is probably under 2 years old.

This little gal was found abandoned or dumped out on a county road. She was wandering for several days along the road, confused, hungry and sad. She was picked up by a kind man who brought her to the attention of OMHS. With OMHS,Sadie Sue has received good nutrition, loving care, has been spayed, brought up to date on shots, and now is ready for a home where she can settle in to the routines of family living. Sadie Sue is not longer the sad and needy little dog when OMHS first took her under our wing!  She is a fast learner and wants to be busy. She loves attention, obviously.  She has energy, and intelligence and Sadie will steal your heart with her eagerness to please you.  If there are children in the home, Sadie would do best with kids 7-8 years of age… she is so eager to play that in buzzing around she could easily topple over young children. Even at 25 pounds she is a bundle of muscle and activity.  Please call 608-694-7848 for much more information about lovely, personable Sadie Sue! She definitely deserves the respect and dignity she was denied in the months prior to her introduction to OMHS! 

Call 608-604-7848 to interview this wonderful young dog!

Sadie Sue relaxing Sadie Sue 2

Posted in Available Dogs, OMHS News - Current/Recent, Pet of the Month | Tagged , , , ,

Onyx is Pet of the Month!

Posted on May 1, 2013 by

Onyx has been selected as one of two dogs for Pet of the Month honors!

Onyx is a 10 year old spayed female dog who is a wonderful Black Labrador/Chow mixed breed dog with the Labradors "I want you to like me" personality!  She is very good-natured, a quiet and well-mannered dog who will be a devoted companion!  She nudges her foster mom for attention and to be petted!  At Howl and Meow she was mellow and met other dogs without any show of concern or anxiety.  At the educational program presentations she just snoozed next to the chair of her foster mom!  Onyx is the whole package!

Onyx was surrendered to the Ocooch Mountain Humane Society because her family of a decade had moved to town.  Rather than the family acclimating this wonderful dog to town-living, Onyx is now in need of a caring and loving home. And actually she does very well in town at her foster home!   She has very good manners, quiet with a submissive type of personality.  She naps in her comfortable crate.  As you note in her photos she is getting a bit gray as she ages.  She appears to have very good teeth for a ten year old girl. 

Onyx loves companionship and deserves a home where she will get the respect she deserves.  She will do well on leash. Onyx is seen in the photos below at her foster care location and at Howl and Meow.  She is thriving in foster care despite the fact that she was abruptly separated from her long time family.  Onyx is a real trooper and willing to give all the love you can take!! She will settle into household routines easily!   Oh, did we mention that Onyx loves to go for a ride in the truck or car!  Please call 608-604-7848 for many more details about this very fine dog. Interview Onyx!  She will steal your heart.

Click on the photos of Onyx for a larger, complete view.  Thank you for understanding the needs of this mature dog looking for a home.

Onyx was calm cool and collected with her Foster Mom at Howl and Meow
Posted in Available Dogs, OMHS News - Current/Recent, Pet of the Month | Tagged , , , , , , ,

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.

Posted in Events - Archive, OMHS News - Current/Recent | Tagged , , , , , , , ,

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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