WAOW TV's Melissa Langbehn and HSMC Exeuctive Director Lisa Leitermann with June. MWC photo by Mike Leischner.
WAUSAU, WI (WSAU) — WSAU Radio and the Midwest Communications family teamed up with our news and weather partners at WAOW TV to sponsor the adoption fee for June, an adoptable cat at the Humane Society of Marathon County.
Current and former employees from both offices passed the hat to raise money to sponsor June’s adoption fees. On Monday, WSAU News Director Mike Leischner and WAOW TV’s Melissa Langbehn and Curtis Aderholdt presented the Humane Society with $342. The first $100 will cover her fees, the remainder will go to the HSMC 2nd Chance Fund to be used for emergency medical care for animals that are under their care.
“Let’s say we have a dog that has to have a mass removed or we just had a cat who we had to enucleate or remove an eye. Things that are above the regular spay, neuter, or vaccine. The fund allows us to prepare those animals for adoption, and give them a second chance,” said Humane Society of Marathon County Executive Director Lisa Leitermann.
June is a two-year-old calico cat who has been on the adoption floor since last July. According to the Humane Society, her name came from her previous owner. But after Monday’s donation, it will now represent former WAOW TV anchor Neena Pacholke, who died by suicide 18 months ago. Neena’s middle name is June.
“Neena was one of the first real friends I made in this market after I moved here in December 2017,” said Leischner. “This gesture is a way to keep her memory alive. As long as we keep saying her name and telling her story, it will be like she never left us.”
Those who would like to inquire about adopting June or any other animal at the Humane Society can fill out an application at their website.
Those in need of mental health resources are encouraged to contact North Central Health Care, UpliftWi, or contact the national suicide and crisis hotline by calling or texting 988.
Comments