Photograph by Jean Cornelius
GREEN LAKE AREA ANIMAL SHELTER MAJOR EXPANSION COMPLETE by Jean Cornelius
Two 10 x 14-foot cat colony rooms with large glass windows and an inviting reception/retail area greet visitors as they enter the expanded Green Lake Area Animal Shelter (GLAAS). The shelter wrapped up a major three-year expansion in 2016, launched by a large estate gift received in 2014. Expanded space for cats, a stainless-steel dog bathing tub, extra storage for food and supplies, and easy-to-clean Extrutech plastic wall panels are just a few of the improvements that enable the shelter to better serve the community and pets in need of homes. Adopting from GLAAS saves the lives of two animals: the one adopted and the one moving into the empty space. The shelter’s focus is on enhancing the lives of animals and people through education, adoption, and compassion. An open admission shelter, GLAAS accepts and places primarily dogs and cats. The shelter also offers low-cost spaying, neutering, and microchipping. Partnering with licensed veterinarians at the Spay Me! Clinic in Madison,
GLAAS has facilitated the spaying and neutering of over 7,000 animals, making a tremendous impact on the overpopulation of pets. Every day, shelter staff examines, assesses, and provides veterinary care for pets. They talk with potential adopters to create successful matches. Most animals end up in shelters not because of abuse or bad behavior, but because of "people” reasons: divorce, a move, lack of time, or finances. GLAAS relies on donations for vaccinations, medicines, heat, utilities, payroll, building maintenance, and veterinary services. A wish list of needed items is on their website and includes cleaning, pet, and office supplies. Donations can be made online. Volunteers are needed for cat and dog socialization, cleaning, office work, and event assistance. The popular fundraiser Lucky Dog CaTsino Night is an evening of casual gaming and raffles at Ripon’s Royal Ridges on April 29.
Photograph by Jean Cornelius
Another fundraiser, the Dog Walk, is held during Ripon’s Septemberfest event on September 16. Dogs, their owners, and people who love to see dogs in costume are welcome at Ripon’s Village Green for dog contests, raffles, and a walk on the Northwestern Trail. Top pledge earners for the walk win prizes. A house is not a home without a pet! Many are waiting at GLAAS to be loved and to bring comfort, happiness, wonder, and laughter to your life. Visit in person or online at glaas.org. The shelter is located near Green Lake, just east of the intersection of Highways 23 and 49 on Busse Drive. Call (920) 294-3042 and like the shelter on Facebook to stay up to date. Jean Cornelius is a freelance writer and pet photographer. jeancorneliuspawtography.com Photograph by Jean Cornelius
60 | Green Lake magazine 2017