Milwaukee Post
Issue link: https://www.ifoldsflip.com/i/305790
Post Staff WAUKESHA – The Metropolitan Builders Association received the 2013 Volunteer Group of the Year Award from the United Way in Waukesha County for volunteering their services for The Women's Center's Transitional Living Program, a service which provides afford- able homes to abused women and their children transitioning from violence to independent living. "The MBA is thrilled to receive this award in recognition of the hard work that MBA members put in to rehabilitate the four homes for The Waukesha Women's Center," MBA Executive Director Kristine Hillmer said in a news release. MBA members donated supplies, money, and their time and expertise to convert a five bedroom, single-family resi- dence into a two-family home with sepa- rate entrances and utilities, as well as ren- ovating three front porches and a balcony on other Women's Center homes. Planning, demolition and remodeling began in July of 2012 and was finished in early 2013. As a result of this award, The Women's Center will receive a $500 from the United Way in Waukesha County. Post Staff MILWAUKEE – The filing of state and federal charges last month against a dozen Milwaukeeans in an illegal dogfighting ring shows much work needs to be done yet to raise awareness of being kind to ani- mals. Now one year shy of marking a century of effort, the American Humane Association's annual celebration of "Be Kind to Animals Week" will take place from Sunday through May 10. One of the goals of the week is to have all animals treated humanely – family pets and ani- mals in the wild – and advocate on their behalf by reporting signs of abuse. According to the association, animal cruelty and abuse is not only tragic for ani- mals, but also an indicator that other forms of abuse such as domestic violence could be happening. It suggests if one sees something that looks suspicious – a dog chained in a neighbor's yard that looks underfed, a child putting a cat in a box and kicking it around the yard – don't hesitate to let someone know. "Being kind to animals begins at home," said Karen Sparapani, executive director of the Milwaukee Area Domestic Animal Control Commission, the stray holding facility for the 19 municipalities in Milwaukee County. "Parents should make an effort to teach children how to be safe around and respectful of animals which will not only keep them safe when they encounter animals throughout their lives, but will also instill a lifelong understand- ing that creatures without a voice will always need us to watch out for them. "So many people get companion ani- mals as a whim or by thinking with their heart not their head, and do not realize the commitment." She discourages people from getting a dog or a cat if one is not in a place in their life where they do not have some stability. "Life can throw you a financial curve- ball every once in a while, and bringing home a new dog or cat will only add to that chance," she said. If a few hundred dollars – or in some cases much more – can come between keeping or surrendering a pet, Sparapini advised potential owners "to please think long and hard before bringing one home." "So many people surrender animals to shelters because of a new partner, a new baby on the way, or having to move. While changes in life can be catastrophic, many people can successfully weather the storms of life without having to get rid of a beloved companion." "We see animals surrendered the same week they were acquired because of hav- ing to move, or learning of a baby on the way," she said, adding that most animals will be in two or three homes before they finally find a permanent "forever home." Locally, more than 12,000 animals each year are seen at the MADACC, which is charged with the responsibility of rescu- ing thousands of lost and homeless ani- mals and animals suffering from cruelty, neglect and indifference. For more information on volunteering, adopting or fostering, call the MADACC at 414-649-8640, visit it at 3839 W. Burnham St., West Milwaukee, or log onto www.MADACC.com. May 2, 2014 • Milwaukee County Post • 13 'Being kind to animals begins at home' Metropolitan Builders named United Way's Volunteer Group of Year •Experienced team of veterinarians & technicians •Convenient full-service diagnostic department & lab •Modern, clean laser-based surgical suite •Dedicated to preventative health care •Boarding Quality Service by Caring People 237980087 A Full-Service Small Animal Hospital www.vetmedassociates.com Veterinary Medical Associates, Inc. 6210 Industrial Ct., Greendale • 414-421-1800 •Full Service Grooming •Full Line of Supplies & Gifts •Vet Recommended •Evening & Sat. Appointments •30 Years Experience Making The World a Happier Place, 4 Paws at a Time! Located in Layton Mart Mall 3068 E. Layton Ave. www.casualcaninepetgrooming.com free medi bath or toy (limited selection) with purchase of full grooming service 237980025 Casual Canine Pet Grooming 3068 E. Layton Ave • St. Francis • 414-744-6930 Located in Layton Mart Mall With this coupon. Not valid with other offers or prior services. Pugs, Pug Mix & "Smushie Face" Breeds Invited MILWAUKEE COUNTY INDOOR SPORTS COMPLEX • 6000 W RYAN RD • FRANKLIN 237980088 WI Licensed Private INVESTIGATORS INVESTIGATORS • Process Service • Skip Tracing • Criminal Defense • Background Checks • Domestic Cases "Cheaters" Legal Investigations & Process, LLC 414-979-9696 Thomas Fischer Investigations, LLC 414-460-0006 238212040