Eye on Oshkosh - Animal Welfare and HSUS, taped 5-18-17

Animals and Animal Welfare subject of latest Eye on Oshkosh

The latest edition of Eye on Oshkosh is now online. In this edition, host Cheryl Hentz talks with Melissa Tedrowe, Wisconsin State Director for the Humane Society of the United States, about a variety of animal welfare and protection issues. Included in the conversation was the role HSUS plays in animal welfare and protection, and what specific role Tedrowe plays in accomplishing its goals and mission; how something becomes a law; where Wisconsin ranks in comparison with other states when it comes to animal protection laws; and how people can get involved in helping HSUS help animals, or just helping animals in general whether its volunteering at your local animal shelter, or working with an animal rescue group. You can see the show here: https://youtu.be/EcohbTEIMuY

Pet Remembrance Service offered at First Congregational Church

Pets give us unconditional love and years of joy; they’re often regarded family members. So, when we lose them, the grief we experience can be as powerful as it is with the loss of any other family member; in some cases, more so. Because of that, pet memorial services have become popular in recent years. They give us a chance to celebrate the life of a beloved pet and grieve their loss. They also provide an opportunity to start coping with the loss and moving toward healing. 

The Animal Ministries group at First Congregational Church in Oshkosh is hosting a citywide Pet Remembrance Service.  At this special service we’ll share memories, we’ll laugh, we’ll cry; but most importantly, we’ll acknowledge our loss and pay tribute to these cherished members of our families. If you – or someone you know – has recently lost a pet, or simply would like to honor a pet who has passed some time ago, please join or invite them to join us. 

This Pet Remembrance Service will be held from 10 to 11 am on Saturday, June 24 in the FCC Sanctuary. If you wish, you may bring a picture, collar or favorite toy of your beloved departed pet or pets to be blessed during the service, and you’ll have an opportunity to share a few words about those you have lost, if you so choose. Those attending will also receive a special memento to take home to remember the service by. While the service is free and open to the public, a freewill donation will be taken.

If you have any questions regarding this service, or would like information on becoming a member of the FCC Animal Ministries Group (you needn't attend First Congregational to be a member), please call Cheryl Hentz, facilitator at 920.209.PETS (920-209-7387). We hope to see you at 10 am on Saturday, June 24 to celebrate and honor the life of your dearly departed pets. First Congregational Church is located at 137 Algoma Blvd., one block west of Main St., near downtown Oshkosh. 

Adopt a Pet; Save a life

May is National Pet Month and May 5-7 is National Pet Adoption Weekend. This is a perfect time to make an addition to you family. But before doing so, make sure you have done due diligence to determine what is the most appropriate pet for your home and family. If you are a crazy, busy family, always on the go, or away from home a lot, then perhaps a pet that requires less care and attention is the way to go. Fish and certain birds could fall into this category. If you have more time, a dog or cat might male the perfect addition. Only you know what your schedule is like and the amount of time you have to give. So do your research and consult your local humane society for the best pet for you.

If you are adopting a four-legged pet, especially a dog or cat, PLEASE do not get a pet from a pet store, puppy mill, or even a backyard breeder. Rescue and adopt a pet from your local humane society or an actual dog or cat rescue group. There are professional breeders out there who do a could job and thoroughly vet prospective adopters to make sure their dogs and cats are going to responsible, loving homes. But others are only irresponsibly adding to an already-burgeoning pet overpopulation. So save a life and help control the pet population by adopting from a shelter or rescue group.And never get or giveaway an animal on Craig's List or some other similar means. the horror stories about what either has happened to that animal, or what could happen are too numerous to mention.

Again, if you want more information about responsible pet adoption and being a responsible pet owner, consult with your local humane society, or the Humane Society of the United States at www.hsus.org.

One of the best ways to experience unconditional love is through pet ownership!