Heather Drievold
Every wagging tail and playful meow has a story to tell. But for millions of dogs and cats across the U.S., that story begins in a shelter, waiting for the right family. At the Coulee Region Humane Society, we see firsthand the challenges and rewards of helping these animals. That’s why we’re so excited to introduce “Petflicks: Coulee Region’s Funniest Pet Videos,” a community-driven fundraiser that combines joy, creativity and compassion to address pet homelessness.
About 6.5 million pets enter U.S. shelters annually, including about 3.3 million cats and 3.2 million dogs. While shelters work tirelessly to place these animals, hundreds of thousands remain unclaimed, and some face heartbreaking outcomes. An estimated 689,000 shelter pets are euthanized annually.
Locally, CRHS provides care for thousands of animals each year, with over 2,300 pets entering our doors in 2023. Of these, 1,443 found homes, and 870 benefited from foster care. While these numbers reflect progress, they also highlight the ongoing need for community support to ensure every animal gets a chance at a happy, healthy life — especially because at Coulee Region Humane Society, we never euthanize due to overcrowding.
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According to Dr. Nicole Azene of Onalaska Animal Hospital, studies have shown that owning a pet can significantly enhance physical and emotional well-being. “Dogs encourage exercise through regular walks, improving cardiovascular health and reducing the risk of heart disease. Cats, with their calm demeanor, can lower stress levels and even help alleviate symptoms of depression.”
For families, pets often are more than companions — they’re confidants, protectors, and members of the household who teach empathy and responsibility. For individuals, pets provide unconditional love, helping combat loneliness and anxiety. And for the pets themselves, a home means a life filled with safety, care and affection.
Recognizing the unique bond between people and pets, CRHS has partnered with Onalaska Animal Hospital to create the Petflicks. This fundraiser celebrates the joy pets bring to our lives.
Through Jan. 24, pet owners can submit videos of their funniest or most heartwarming pet moments. Each $30 entry fee directly supports CRHS’s mission and includes a complimentary 50-50 raffle ticket. On Jan. 27, all submissions will be posted online, allowing the public to vote daily through Feb. 8. The winner will be announced during a Facebook Live event on Feb. 9, after the nationally televised Puppy Bowl.
A $1,000 reward goes to the top-voted video.
With Onalaska Animal Hospital sponsoring and underwriting the contest, every dollar raised will help us provide essential services for animals, from medical care and food to fostering and adoption programs.
Raising awareness about pet adoption is equally important. Shelter animals are often overlooked in favor of pets from breeders or pet stores, but they are just as loving, loyal, and deserving of a home.
Whether you’re a proud pet owner or someone who loves a good laugh, there are many ways to support Petflicks:
• Submit a video — Share your pet’s funniest moment and compete for the grand prize.
• Vote — Encourage friends and family to vote for their favorite videos during the public voting period.
• Buy a raffle ticket — Available for $20 at Coulee Region Humane Society or, with advance notice, at Onalaska Animal Hospital.
For contest details and to enter, visit bit.ly/Petflicks. To learn more about CRHS, visit couleehumane.com.
Heather Drievold is Executive Director of the Coulee Region Humane Society. She can be reached at Heather.Drievold@couleehumane.com.
