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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’x 100’ 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

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