Make the Lives of Homeless Animals Sparkle and Shine This Holiday Season

Grateful for surviving each day without being attacked by another desperate dog, a tiny Pomeranian lived in a chain-link world that extended as far as the eye could see. Like all the dogs at the puppy mill, he was surrounded by the non-stop, anxious barking of hundreds of dogs, yet he was all alone.

It was tragic for him to never experience affection or love, but even worse, he was terribly neglected. The delicate pup couldn't take a step without his legs rotating outward so badly that they "popped" as he walked. He cringed with every step. It hurt just to watch him make his way slowly toward us.

At first he was terrified of people, but with reassurance and kindness, he slowly learned to trust us. It was empathy from people like you that made all the difference. People reaching out with love, compassion and needed gifts transformed this little dog's life and made our community a kinder place.

By mid-November, the Wisconsin Humane Society will have accepted more than 1,600 dogs like our little Pomeranian from a large scale breeder. Each one required so much and each one gave back so much in return. With the help of folks like you who share our passion to help animals, we save lives every day and have given each of these dogs a hopeful future.

Our sweet pup got the help he needed at WHS. He had surgery to repair his legs and behavioral intervention to heal his heart. Thanks to our shared work, he has recovered and found a wonderful new home. The dogs we've helped aren't suffering anymore, but sadly, there are thousands more animals who need our help just as much.

In fact, we care for thousands of cats and other animals each year. A newborn tabby recently came to WHS with an eye infection. While just a tiny sprout, her eye had deteriorated into a serious, painful infection and had to be removed. We made sure she got the specialized surgery she needed to end her suffering. It wasn't long before the adorable baby was romping around playfully again and found a fantastic new family.

Each year we celebrate our hope to end the suffering of animals and to make our community a more humane place to live. In honor of this year's Hope's Lights Celebration, we have named our friends Sparkle and Shine.

There are several ways you can contribute to Hope's Lights.

• Purchase a light online in honor or memory of someone and send an email to let them know.
• Purchase a light online in honor or memory of someone and print a card to send or give your honoree.
• Print a form and mail it in with your contribution. We will be happy to personalize cards and send them through the mail on your behalf.

Watch Sparkle and Shine's television debut on the Hope's Lights 2008 commercial! This may take several minutes to load so please, be patient.

Come light the lights, meet the stars and join us for the Hope's Lights Celebration!

If you would like more information, or would like to make a contribution in person, please call our Hope's Lights information line at 414-431-6190.