Gaining Momentum

The last several days have seen Chiva and me exploring and visiting northeastern Wisconsin. With the help of my new manager Denice and the local communitity residents and officials, Chiva and I are making the most of our time on the road.

Now that Denice is working hard behind the scenes, we are able to organize "Meet and Greets", presentations, fundraiser events, tours of animal shelters, and media coverage. I am so excited because I know we needed the help and will now be able to raise much more animal welfare awareness.

Visiting animal shelters is opening my eyes more and more each day. They all face numerous challenges and in most cases have inadequate resources. For example, the Menominee Animal Shelter makes do with little space. The shelter receives some 1,200 animals a year, but its only surgical room is crammed into a kitchen where other isolation animals are still present. Local families who are facing foreclosures are relinquishing their pets in order to save money. The shelter is becoming overwhelmed and conditions are extremely tight.

All animal shelters have their own unique needs, but they also share many in common. Fundraising and volunteers come from the community. If local residents are not pitching in to help, the animals feel the burden. Please visit your local shelter for additional information on how you can get involved.

Thanks again to all those who are helping. Together we will make a difference.

Here are some pictures from the last few days that were taken by new good friends and excellent photographers Jason Houge and Michael Peters. I think they are some of the best pictures yet.