Help Vilas Humane

Vilas Animal Shelter
P.O. Box 904
2477 Highway 45 N
Eagle River, WI 54521

History of The Humane Society Of Vilas County

The Humane Society of Vilas County, formerly the Vilas County Humane Society began in approximately 1959. Although details are sketchy, Dr. E. Francine Gough was able to recall that Bea Treutel was probably the organizer and driving force of the society at that time. She was aided by Joyce Larkin, and together, they owned the local newspaper, The News Review. Bea lived on the farm on Highway 70 (Eagle River) now owned by Pete Jovanovic, and provided cages in her bam for stray and unwanted dogs. For a time, Elaine Enlow, who owned and operated a local Dog Boarding Kennel, housed strays when necessary. And did so until her death. The shed at the Eagle River City Shops was then used, with Wesley LaCrosse acting as caretaker. Later, Jan Bacic was appointed as the caretaker, along with her husband Carl, and her son Jerry Block, Sometime after that the society received a bequest, which enabled them to remodel the shed, adding kennels, heat and hot water. Much of the remodel work, and the maintenance, was done by Carl Bacic. Some of these records still exist.

When Jan retired from the animal shelter she gave the humane society checkbook to Dusty Leet, as she had been hired by the Vilas County Public Health Committee, to be the "Animal Shelter Agent". Dusty started the current Humane Society of Vilas County with it. The first President for this charter was John Anderson. The board also included Kathy Oatman, Dusty Leet, Jane Powell, Dr. Francine Gough, JoAnne Casey, and Rusty Williams. The Society is a 501 (c) 3 Non Profit Organization, dedicated to Animal Welfare Issues.