Press Releases

January 31, 2005
For Immediate Release
Media Contact: Michelle Pintar
Direct: (414) 431-6104
E-mail: mpintar@wihumane.org

WHS Adoptions Exceed 7,400 in 2004

MILWAUKEE ? The Wisconsin Humane Society, an animal welfare organization whose mission is to build a community where people value animals and treat them with respect and kindness, is pleased to announce the total number of animal adoptions reached 7,479 in 2004. The last time animal adoptions exceeded this number was in 1972.

"Our goal has always been to match our animals with adopters who can provide a loving, nurturing home," said Victoria Wellens, executive director of the Wisconsin Humane Society. "We couldn't have exceeded our goal of 7,400 without our staff and volunteers giving 110 percent and kind individuals who opened up their homes and welcomed a companion animal to their family."

Numerous factors contributed to a successful 2004 adoption year at the Wisconsin Humane Society. Such factors include:

?    Behavior modification program: WHS staff spends many hours working with dogs on any issues they may have ? such as food guarding or manners ? which help make them more adoptable. In addition, cats are socialized prior to adoption so they become more comfortable with people and new surroundings.

?    High quality veterinary care: WHS veterinaries and technicians are highly trained in their field, and take the initiative to receive additional training and become more knowledgeable about animals and related topics.

?    Animal expertise and knowledge, including the Match Maker program: To help potential new guardians find their perfect canine companion based on their lifestyles, WHS has implemented a Match Maker program. Interested individuals only need to complete a short profile about their lifestyle to learn which dogs will transition easily. WHS then determines which canine would be the best fit based on their personalities.

?    Community support: The Wisconsin Humane Society is very grateful for generous donations and support from members of the community as well as individuals who chose to adopt and provide a companion animal with a loving, long-term home.

For more information about the Wisconsin Humane Society, or to view a current listing of animals available for adoption, please call (414) ANIMALS (264-6257) or visit www.wihumane.org.

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