Adoptions Under Way at Humane Society in Saukville

The grass is greener on the other side for the Wisconsin Humane Society — Ozaukee Campus, which opened the doors to its $6 million, "green" facility on Saturday.

At 22,000 square feet, the building, 630 W. Dekora St., Saukville, is classified as a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design and the only LEED Gold classified animal shelter in the midwest, according to a press release from the society — formerly known as the Ozaukee County Humane Society.

Tony Enea, president of the Wisconsin Humane Society, had the honor of cutting the ribbon at the society's official 10 a.m. opening.

"We’ve got lots of wonderful animals inside obviously available for adoption, we’ve got a lot of community programs, puppy classes and things we’d love for you to learn more about — so when you’re inside talking to people, please ask," he said. "We’re thrilled to be in Saukville, Saukville has been so welcoming to us — it’s been terrific."

Sharon Dossett was the lucky number one, making the first adoption and becoming the happy new owner of a boxer mix puppy named Bacall. Dossett said she showed up at 8 a.m. to the Humane Society thinking there would be a long line — only to find out she beat everyone there. She's renaming Bacall to Lela.

Just 12 minutes after the doors opened, eight puppies were already set to be adopted on paper.

Katie Longlais and Jesse Mrotek, both of Milwaukee, had their eyes set on Bacall, too, and were saddened to hear she was the first one gone. The two have been looking for a boxer mix puppy since December to no avail — they even drove to Illinois, slept in their car and waited in a long line only to have the family in front of them adopt the last three available.

But, they "decided to roll the dice again," at the Humane Society, Mrotek said, and were looking for other boxer mix puppies the society has available.

Sue Shannon, a volunteer with the Humane Society, was helping to organize the adoptions. Adopters have to fill out profiles, which they can do either online or at the society, she said. Then, they have to meet with an adoption counselor before they can pick a pet.

Shannon said the society works to update the available pet list every half hour on its website, but because of the overwhelmingly busy opening it might be a bit behind on Saturday.

The society closed the doors to its Grafton location earlier this week in preparation for the move, looking forward to its new location and facility.

"Situated in a hard-to-find location off Highway W in Grafton for the past 23 years, the society’s previous location didn’t reflect the impact they had on the community," a press release said. "The previous shelter, which was built as an outdoor theatre concession stand, was outdated and did not provide space for proper housing, a veterinary clinic or classroom space."

The new facility features low-flowing plumbing fixtures that lessen water use, solar panels to heat water for uses such as bathing, the use of plants to help with irrigation and used local building materials in its construction to cut back on transportation costs as well as support local business, according to a fact sheet from the society. Signs around the facility boast many more of its "green" features.

The Humane Society is still in need of volunteers, and people interested in donating in any way can contact the society at 262-377-7580.