Press Releases

March 1, 2005
For Immediate Release
Media Contact: Michelle Pintar
Direct: (414) 431-6104
E-mail: mpintar@wihumane.org

HUMANE EDUCATION CLASSES AVAILABLE

MILWAUKEE ? In an effort to promote treating animals humanely and strengthening the human/companion animal bond, the Wisconsin and Ozaukee Humane Societies offer numerous educational programs. Photo and interview opportunities are available for these programs.

· People and Animals Learning (PAL) Program: WHS' PAL program is designed to instill in youth-at-risk a respect for animals while raising self esteem and self awareness. Participants ages 10-13 years old come to WHS for two weeks and get involved in everything from dog training to feeding baby orphaned birds. At the end of the program, PAL participants take part in a graduation ceremony.

· Be Kind to Animals Week: May 1-7 is Be Kind to Animals Week. WHS uses this week to emphasize the importance of treating animals with respect and kindness. Festivities include a kick-off event to celebrate humane kids, teachers and everyday people in our community as well as a poster, photo and poetry contest.

· Milwaukee Christian Center and St. Amelian-Lakeside: WHS will soon begin working with the Milwaukee Christian Center 's risk prevention program, Project Challenge. The Milwaukee Christian Center serves a diverse population of residents - including many Hmong and Lao, as well as some from Spanish-speaking cultures - on the south side of Milwaukee . A group of five to 10 adolescent boys will come to the shelter one to two times per month to assist with dog grooming, make cat posts and learn about the proper care of animals.

· Awessi: OHS visits classrooms in Grafton and Cedarburg with the Awessi program once every month. Topics range from feline and canine communication to wildlife rehabilitation and pet overpopulation.

· Read to Rover: WHS and MPL have partnered to create Read to Rover, which allows children with reading difficulties to read aloud to a supportive, non-judgmental listener ? a certified companion dog. Read to Rover has touched many lives and helped children reduce their apprehension of reading aloud.

· Scout Night: Every month from September through May, WHS hosts Scout Night. Each night up to 75 Brownie, Junior, Cub and Eagle Scouts participate in a behind-the-scenes tour, a cat communication workshop and a dog behavior workshop while emphasizing being kind and respectful to animals.

· Guardian Animal Network: The Guardian Animal Network was developed to encourage responsible animal guardianship, end cruelty and neglect and promote kindness towards all animals and people. The network includes individuals who serve as animal advocates and promote ending cruelty and sustaining empathy and kindness in the community.

· The Link: In addition to ongoing work with police and other social service agencies with regard to the link between animal abuse and human violence, a new program has been developed called "Building Humane Families." A collaboration with The Task Force on Family Violence and the Child Abuse Prevention Fund, the seven-week curriculum targets pre-schoolers, school-age children and parents/caregivers, all who work directly with animals at the shelter.

· Wildlife Detective Workshop: Through a series of exercises, students from 1st to 5 th grade learn what to do if they encounter wildlife that may need help in their community, when to intervene and when to leave wildlife alone, and how they can help WHS help wildlife. At the end of the workshop, they receive their badge declaring each student a Wildlife Detective.

· Camp Critter: During the summer, WHS hosts a one-day camp for young people ages 8 to 11 interested in helping animals. The camp features a tour of the facility, arts and crafts, and even a chance to meet some adoptable animals.

· Gosling Guild: The Gosling Guild is a club at WHS developed for kids who love animals. Through their involvement, kids get to be involved in a number of special events just for Goslings throughout the year.

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