Heather Christiansen// Board Member
”A society will be judged by how it treats its weakest members.” – Fyodor Dostoyevsky Don’t think I sit and read Dostoyevsky for pleasure. I don’t. But this quote reflects why I am on the HSMC Board of Directors, and I think of it often. In my work as a Clinical Pharmacist at Marshfield Medical Center – Weston, I am often faced with humans that are in difficult positions; they are afraid, confused, and overwhelmed. It is not difficult to imagine how life might seem to those who feel they have no control, and no voice (this also includes animals). It is encouraging that, as a board member, I participate in conversations with other board members holding different points of view, as we try to find the best way to look after these animals that have, in a sense, been placed in our care. I take this responsibility seriously, and I am proud to say I work with others who take it equally seriously. I can also come home to my adopted dog and two adopted cats, look them in the face, and know that I have played a part in helping other animals find loving homes.
Cathy Taschler// Board Secretary
When I decided I wanted to be on the Board of the Humane Society of Marathon County, I wondered why I waited so long. I started thinking about all of the animals that my family had through the years, coming to the realization that I have never lived without one! The comfort and unconditional love they give to us is a feeling that I have been blessed with my entire life.
Along with Volunteering, one of the areas I enjoy working on is the Fundraising Committee. To be able to plan and participate in events that raise money for the animals in need is very rewarding. The support shown by community members and businesses is remarkable and greatly appreciated.
About 8 years ago, I was walking a dog named Remington. A funny little guy. As we were getting closer to the door to go back inside his safe area, he stopped at my car and looked at me, as if to say…..”You’ve been wanting a dog” and here I am! It didn’t take me long after I looked in those eyes that I put in my application, and the rest is history! There is something about the animals that come from shelters. There is a degree of appreciation and love that is hard to measure.
“Animals are such agreeable friends. They ask no questions, they pass no criticisms”-Geoge Eiot
Melissa Beese// Board Treasurer
The Humane Society has always held a place in my heart! Living in Wausau my entire life and being an animal advocate, I have adopted 4 dogs and 2 cats from here, and rescued 3 others from cruelty. I have never lived without a dog or other animal in my life. There is nothing better than seeing that happy face when you get home from a hard day. Animals have great souls, but sadly cannot speak up for themselves so I wanted to be a voice for them by joining the Board at HSMC. In today’s world more than ever animals need us! I know we cannot save all of them, but I want to try to do my part to save the ones we can in our community. It takes nothing away from humans to be kind to our animals both large and small. In fact, it is rewarding to see animals thrive with just a little love. They have so much love to give and will never let you down.
My biggest takeaway so far has been the compassion I see in the other board members, staff, and the volunteers. The staff/volunteers at HSMC are like no other! You see the true passion in them, and I envy them because they get to be part of the lives of the best creatures on this Earth!
Donna Staples // Vice President
Upon retiring a few years ago, I wanted to make sure to continue to give back to the community where I lived, worked and played. Volunteering beyond human interests and needs, in addition to a history of volunteering for the Run for their Lives fund raiser), becoming a HSMC board member was a great fit as I’m a bona fide animal lover… especially dogs. I grew up with 6 siblings, and in our home, we always shared space and love with at least two hunting dogs at all times. That tradition of making a hunting dog a part of the family has continued ever since. My current pooch is a 10-year-old GSP that I adopted from Wisconsin German Shorthaired Pointer Rescue (WGSPR) five years ago. It was definitely a case of mutual rescuing at the time…. and a strong reason I’m now a pet adoption advocate.
I haven’t been on the HSMC board very long but already I feel the compassion other board members, employees and volunteers have towards our four-legged companions. I hope I can add value to the HSMC mission and continue to make a positive difference for our community.
Are you a community member with a passion for helping animals? We are looking for talented, compassionate individuals to join our Board of Directors.
