Nearly 50 Puppies Make Their Way to Humane Society in Saukville

In preparing for its weekend opening, the Ozaukee Humane Society took its first shipment of puppies and a few dogs on Tuesday night, a total of 49 pets needing homes. The dogs arrived on the PetSmart Charities Rescue Waggin truck after driving all the way from Kentucky.

Beth Maresh, director of program services for the Wisconsin Humane Society,  said getting a shipment of dogs from the south is typical because fewer dogs are spayed or neutered in those states. Also, smaller shelters in southern states often are forced to euthanize the animals, so the shipments give them more chance to be adopted, she said.

Though there were 49 puppies, Angela Speed, the director of development and community relations for Wisconsin and Ozaukee County Humane Societies, said most dogs go home within two to three days, and she is guessing that rule will apply to this shipment.

"I expect that they will be gone by the end of Sunday," she said.

The shelter is set to hold its ribbon-cutting ceremony for its grand opening at 10 a.m. Saturday. The society is relocating from its Grafton location; construction on the Saukville building began in March 2010 and cost $6 million — which Speed said came from all donations.

Repairs are still needed in the , and Speed said the fixes are under way. The total cost of the fire damage can not be determined until the repairs have been made, though Speed said they estimate the  price tag to be well under $100,000.

"But the good thing is ," she said,"and that’s the important thing."

People can visit the shelter for its grand opening at 10 a.m. Saturday, and will also be able to get a tour of the facility as well as tour the Rescue Waggin. Those that choose to adopt this weekend will receive a free gift.