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!  
Melaleuca Fundraiser-click here.

Buy cookbooks & other NHS goodies
online now, click here!


"We Are NHS" article
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