Making a Difference: MAPS Recalls Year’s Success Stories

Marshfield, WI (OnFocus) The year was an eventful one for Marshfield Area Pet Shelter.

In August, the nonprofit broke ground on a permanent facility. In February, it stepped into the national spotlight after taking in a litter of puppies found abandoned in a dumpster.

But in between these exciting events, the year was full of quieter success stories that made all the difference for the animals in its care, and turned what might have been tragedy into a happier ending.

In May, a dog named Theodore was surrendered to the shelter and required extensive grooming to be freed from a pound of matted fur.

During this two-hour process, shelter staff discovered a growth on his face and several diseased teeth which needed removal. Expenses for Theodore’s care were covered through donations. The dog later found a new home in Madison.

Donations also assisted the shelter in rescuing injured pets. Willow the cat was found injured on the side of the road, an x-ray revealing she had a broken leg. Outfitted with a purple cast to heal, Willow was successfully adopted into a home.

In June, MAPS discovered dog Cricket was positive for heartworm and raised funds for her treatment. She was transferred to the Humane Society of Portage County for long-term care and after three months, was finally ready for adoption.

For animals with advanced medical conditions which are unlikely to get adopted, the pet shelter sponsored foster families to allow the animals to live out the rest of their days in a comfortable and loving home. Daisy the dog and Chrissy the cat were two animals placed in “fospice” care.

MAPS undertook care of numerous animals that were left outside its doors. A total of 17 cats were taken in by the pet shelter in 2019 after they were found abandoned at the entryway of its temporary location, the former airport terminal building on 29th Street. Thanks to community donations, all of the cats were able to be vaccinated, neutered, microchipped, and placed for adoption.

To support the shelter’s mission into the new decade, donate by PayPal at this link or by mail to MAPS, PO Box 147, Marshfield, WI 54449. Donations are tax-deductible.