
Who We Are and What We Do The goals of the Northwoods Humane Society are to provide shelter and new homes for abandoned and surrendered pets and to help prevent unplanned litters of puppies and kittens by a very proactive spay/neuter program. The NHS was authorized as a non-profit organization in 1987 and through dedication and perseverance, the dream of the present day shelter became a reality in October of 1996. The NHS building incorporates an upstairs apartment for a live-in caretaker, an office, reception area, pet visitation room, dog and cat isolation rooms, 16 dog runs, 30 cat runs, a 100’x100’ outdoor fenced play area, 3 fenced and covered outdoor exercise areas, multiple indoor and outdoor cat play areas, a kitchen, laundry/grooming room and storage. Later, in memorial to their daughter Mandy, Wally and Ann McIntire donated the outdoor pavilion, which serves a multitude of purposes from picnics and yard sales to dog obedience classes. Another addition was the Morton building which is used for isolating new, at-risk arrivals as well as additional storage. The NHS complex is situated on 87 lovely acres of woods and fields with well-maintained and marked trails for the enjoyment of the dogs and those who walk them. A sparkling white climate controlled van transports the animals in safety and comfort. The NHS does not euthanize animals unless there are terminal illness or debilitating health issues, aggression or other behavior issues. The dogs and cats are provided high quality food, top veterinary care and, perhaps most importantly, loved and taught that people can be good. The NHS is very active in educating and helping the public spay and neuter their dogs and cats. All dogs and cats are spayed or neutered before leaving the shelter, with local veterinarians supporting an early spay/neuter program for puppies and kittens. There is the SNAP (Spay Neuter Assistance Program) for low/fixed income families where the cost is shared by the NHS, the veterinarian and the pet owner. During the month of February, local veterinarians sponsor reduced price spays and neuters. The NHS commits funds for free spays and neuters and also helps provide transportation. The NHS, through the Pat Geddeis Emergency Medical Memorial Fund, is able to help defray the costs of emergency medical treatment for pets of low income families. Unfortunately, the PGEMMF is limited and one of the goals of the NHS is to increase this fund and its abilities to help families care for their pets. The NHS strives to educate the public through articles in the Sawyer County Record, the LCO Times and newsletters. During the summer there are free obedience classes hosted by Regina Petty to help with behavior issues, a top reason pets are surrendered to shelters. Regina also works with families in their homes to learn how to live with their pets and modify unwanted behavior. The NHS is a nonprofit 501(C)3 organization and receives NO funds from any local, state or federal government. The annual $140,000.00 working budget comes entirely from donations, fundraisers, memberships, adoption fees, memorials and income from the Thrift Shop. It is a large endeavor requiring much time, creativity, planning and work to raise this amount every year in a small community, but the NHS members feel it well worth the effort to offer such an inviting, safe haven for surrendered and abandoned animals as well as help prevent future unplanned litters. As you look around our site, you will notice that we have included stories about many animals we've had the privilege to know over the years. There are so many stories that we can't begin to tell them all, but we hope you enjoy the ones we've included. Located 4 Miles East of Hayward on Hwy 77 at O’Brien Hill Road Hours: Mon-Sat 11a.m.-3:00 p.m. Closed Sundays |
| Do your online shopping & earn cash back for the NHS. There are over 1,500 stores that will donate from 2%- 4.5% of your total purchase or a flat rate. It's easy, just click on the link and shop your favorite merchants, the rest is done for you! |

| Many thanks to: Proceeds of the second annual Rob Wallace Memorial Golf Scramble. . .click here to go to Sawyer County Record story. 'Cause Fore Paws’ tourney draws 31 teams, Click here for the rest of the story courtesy of the Sawyer County Record. Super Raffle 2009 Winners |