Support for Lifesaving Animal Care
Support for Lifesaving Animal CareNorthLakes 100 Who Care Ashland & Bayfield Counties are proud to announce the Chequamegon Humane Association (CHA) as the recipient of the 2026 Environmental, Recreation, Garden, and Animals Category Award, receiving more than $14,000 to support its vital work caring for vulnerable animals throughout the region.
For many families, pets are far more than animals — they are cherished companions, loyal friends, and beloved members of the family. Through its unwavering commitment to animal welfare, the Chequamegon Humane Association helps ensure that animals experiencing hardship receive the care, compassion, and second chances they deserve. As the only open-admission animal shelter serving Ashland and Bayfield Counties, CHA provides refuge and hope to approximately 1,000 homeless, abandoned, neglected, and stray animals each year. Every animal welcomed through its doors receives safe shelter, veterinary care, behavioral support, and the opportunity to find a loving forever home.
“Animals enrich our lives in countless ways,” said Tom Ossowski, presenter for the Chequamegon Humane Association. “When we face the heartbreak of seeing animals neglected, abandoned, or in need of medical intervention, organizations like the Chequamegon Humane Association step forward with extraordinary compassion. Their work not only saves lives but helps strengthen the bond between people and the animals who bring so much joy, comfort, and unconditional love into our communities.”
CHA invests more than $100,000 annually in veterinary medical care, ensuring that animals receive treatment regardless of the condition in which they arrive. From emergency surgeries and chronic illness management to dental care and rehabilitation, the shelter is committed to meeting each animal’s unique medical needs.
The importance of this work was recently highlighted when CHA welcomed 16 beagles rescued from a large-scale breeding operation. While their story captured the hearts of residents across northwestern Wisconsin, it also underscored the reality that many animals entering the shelter require extensive medical care before they can begin the next chapter of their lives. Their journey reflects the same compassion, patience, and dedication that CHA extends every day to local animals and the families who eventually welcome them home.
Funding from 100 Who Care Ashland & Bayfield Counties will help establish a Lifesaving Medical Fund, providing resources for emergency surgeries, diagnostics, medications, dental procedures, and other critical treatments. The fund will allow CHA to focus on what matters most — giving animals every possible opportunity to heal, recover, and thrive — without financial limitations determining the care they receive.
“Every animal deserves the chance to live a healthy, comfortable life and experience the love of a family,” Ossowski added. “This investment represents our community’s belief that compassion matters and that lifesaving care should be available when animals need it most.”
With more than 160 members, the winning nonprofit receives over $14,000, while the two runner-up finalists each receive $1,780 through the Edward O. Bufkin Jr. Finalist Fund. This fund was established by 100 Who Care member and Washburn resident Shari Nelson in honor of her father’s legacy of community generosity and service.
100 Who Care Ashland & Bayfield Counties was founded and is hosted by NorthLakes Community Clinic. Operating under a giving-circle model, members contribute $100 three times each year and collectively select local nonprofit organizations to receive the pooled donations. Since its launch in 2022, members have generated significant support for local nonprofit organizations, creating meaningful economic impact and helping address critical needs throughout the region.
For more information about becoming a member of 100 Who Care Ashland & Bayfield Counties, please contact Madelaine Rekemeyer at mrekemeyer@nlccwi.org
