Members of the Barn Quilts of Oconto County project sponsored a community quilt block for the Oconto Area Humane Society. Project volunteers had varied reasons for sponsoring the quilt block.
BQOOC volunteer Donna Baird sponsored the block in memory of her husband, Bill, who served on the OAHS board for many years. The Baird family continues to provide support to the animal shelter.
Volunteer Fran Wishneski said she hopes the quilt draws attention to the importance of the humane society. Her daughter-in-law Dr. Kate Carlson, from the Hometown Veterinary Clinic in Oconto Falls, volunteers at the shelter several hours each month.
Volunteer Les Schultz is a retired biology teacher and has a strong love of animals.
Kay Rankel and Lynn Jones, coordinators of the BQOOC project, are both dog lovers and believe in the importance of animal rescue.
The Oconto Area Humane Society is an open admission shelter and is dedicated to providing protection, care and shelter for abandoned and homeless companion animals.
When the need for a shelter was first realized in 2002, it was estimated that more than 2,000 animals were abandoned or lost in Oconto County each year. Since opening its doors in 2005, the shelter has taken in an average of 800 animals per year.
The staff educates the public about pet care issues, and staff and volunteers care for the animals in need and ultimately place them into their forever homes.
The shelter operates on a tight budget. The majority of financial support for the shelter comes from fundraisers and private donations. The shelter relies on volunteers to help with the bulk of the work needed to care for the animals and building. This helps them keep their doors open and the services available.
The quilt block was installed on the side of the animal shelter, 150 N. Katch Drive, Oconto. All quilt blocks are painted at New View Industries in Gillett by workers and volunteers.
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