Many animals need our care, like this pig at Heartland Farm Sanctuary. | Photo via Heartland Farm Sanctuary
Locally, there are about 13,000 adoptions every year at the Wisconsin Humane Society. In 2022, about 3,050 animals were adopted from the Dane County Humane Society.
But what about animals that aren’t dogs and cats? Luckily, there are several organizations nearby that help our no-legged, two-legged, and four-legged friends:
🐍 No-legged
Reptile Rescue of Wisconsin, 113 E. Cook St., Portage
“We are accepting reptiles others will not.” They accept domestic-bred reptiles such as ball pythons and albino milk snakes and also has all sorts of other reptiles, like Russian tortoises and chameleons.
Snakes, tortoises, geckos, and more are cared for at Portage’s Wisconsin Reptile Rescue. | Photo via Wisconsin Reptile Rescue
🦜 Two-legged
Feathered Friends Sanctuary and Rescue, 1570 County Rd. A, Edgerton
For nearly two decades, the organization has provided a safe haven to homeless parrots living in captivity.
International Crane Foundation, E11376 Shady Lane Rd., Baraboo
Celebrating its 50th anniversary, the International Crane Foundation works worldwide to conserve cranes and the ecosystems on which they depend. Visitors to the facility can see all 15 of the world’s crane species.
🐏 Four-legged
Heartland Farm Sanctuary, 424 US-51, Stoughton
Heartland provides specialized care to rescued farm animals, offers education programs, and provides experiential therapy. Animals include donkeys, geese, goats, pigs, and more.
North Winds Rescue and Healing, 3857 W. Jargo Rd., Deerfield
The nonprofit’s work is to rescue, rehabilitate, retrain, and rehome horses.
Lions, tigers, and more are cared for at Wisconsin Big Cat Rescue in Rock Springs. | Photo via Wisconsin Big Cat Rescue
Wisconsin Big Cat Rescue, 305 Pine St., Rock Springs We’re not talking obese tabby cats here, we’re talking tigers, lions, and more. The USDA-licensed organization is a rescue and education center.
Wisconsin House Rabbit Society, Madison
A chapter of the international House Rabbit Society, the organization rescues homeless rabbits and provides education and outreach.
🏠 Your typical house pet
Was one of your New Year’s resolutions to adopt (or foster) a furry friend? The Dane County Humane Society currently has little to no wait. We’re quite partial to Eeyore, Whiskey, and Beet Root, but can you really go wrong with whoever you choose?
Events
Friday, Jan. 5
Madtown Doubledown | Friday, Jan. 5-Sunday, Jan. 7 | Times vary | Madison Curling Club, 4802 Marsh Rd., McFarland | $5-$10 | Get swept up in the sport of curling.
Drumline Live | Friday, Jan. 5 | 7:30 p.m. | Overture Center, 201 State St., Madison | $25-$60 | Feel the HBCU marching band experience right here in Madison.
Saturday, Jan. 6
Wisconsin Winter Brunch | Saturday, Jan. 6 | 11 a.m.-2 p.m. | The Deliciouser, 931 E. Main St., Madison | $55 | Tantalize your tastebuds with the help of local food professionals.
Women’s Basketball vs. Elgin Community College | Saturday, Jan. 6 | 12-2 p.m. | H. Douglas Redsten Gymnasium, 1701 Wright St., Madison | Free | The WolfPack take on Elgin Community College on the hardwood.
Not Your Grandmother’s Pollinator Garden | Saturday, Jan. 6 | 1 p.m. | Hawthorne Library, 2707 E. Washington Ave., Madison | Free | Have you herb? Pollinator gardens are cool.
Sunday, Jan. 7
Exploration Station: Nature Mosaics | Sunday, Jan. 7 | 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m. | Madison Children’s Museum, 100 N. Hamilton St., Madison | Cost of admission | Help cultivate your child’s creativity.
Nature Hike | Sunday, Jan. 7 | 1-2:30 p.m. | UW-Madison Arboretum, 1207 Seminole Hwy., Madison | Free | Take a guided hike and learn things about plants, animals, phenology, and more.
Monday, Jan. 8
LEGO Club | Monday, Jan. 8 | 6-7 p.m. | Fitchburg Public Library, 5530 Lacy Rd., Fitchburg | Free | Have a kid who likes to play with LEGOs? Come on by, but wear sturdy shoes.
2SLGBTQ+ dry new year potluck | Monday, Jan. 8 | 1-5 p.m. | Wil-mar Center, 504 S Brearly St., Madison | Free | Celebrate the new year with community and casseroles.
For those missing our typical white Wisconsin winter, it may be heading our way early next week. A snow and wind alert has been issued for next Monday and Tuesday. It will be colder later in the week with chances for snow showers and flurries. (Fox 47)
Development
Three development projects in Madison have been a long time coming. They’re finally coming to fruition and will have long-term impacts on the city. The Lake Monona waterfront, the Black Business Hub, and Centro Hispano are in varying stages of completion. (Cap Times)
Edu
Your child’s report cards will soon have fewer letters on them. Madison Metropolitan School District is beginning to phase outletter grades. Starting at Madison East High School, the district is testing out a new grading method called standards-based learning. (Wisconsin State Journal)
Arts
Joey’s Song, a benefit to raise awareness for epilepsy research and provide services for children with special needs, is going to rock this year. It takes place this Saturday, Jan. 6, and includes Butch Vig (Garbage), Chris Collingwood (Fountains of Wayne), Vicki Peterson (The Bangles), and more.
Active
Tie up those tenny runners, blow up that basketball, and prime your pickleball racket. The local YMCA and the Wisconsin Athletic Club are suggesting adults try a sport in the new year. The benefits of adults being active has been well-documented. (Wisconsin Public Radio)
Health
Roughly half of Dane County homes tested have elevated levels of radon. The gas can enter the home through the ground. Those exposed to radon long enough can develop a deadly form of lung cancer. Test kits are available through a variety of channels. (Channel 3000)
Community
The V for this coming Valentine’s Day can be for veterans. The Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs, based in Madison, is asking the community to consider sending Valentine’s Day cards to retired service members living in local veteran homes. (WAOW)
Food
Nearby Paoli is cooking this winter. Seven Acre Dairy is running a Winter Wonderland Dinner Series. Nine guest chefs will prepare meals running nine weeks on Wednesdays, starting on Jan. 10. Some dinners will include the guest’s book with purchase. Sellouts appear likely. (Cap Times)
Sports
Welcome to Mad City, Devin Boyce. The former USL League One champion midfielder just signedwith the Forward Madison FC squad. He started 23 games for Greenville Triumph SC last season, scoring a goal and tallying three assists. (Channel 3000)
Travel
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Finance
One of our top New Year’s resolutions? Getting our finances in order. Money Pickle matches you with a trusted advisor tailored to your needs through a complimentary video call to help you navigate your money. Book your free session.*
Opening
🥘 New year, new menus
Madisonians have new restaurants to look forward to
The Wedge, coming to Atwood Ave., will serve high end beers and cheeses. | Photo via The Wedge
Madison is a town for foodies. Most everyone knows this, including “Top Chef.”
Luckily, there is a bevy of new eateries and watering holes coming soon.
A few of those we’re most looking forward to:
Butterbird, 1134 Regent St., Madison
The casual counter service restaurant is set to open mid-January. It comes from the minds of Shaina and Joe Papach, owners of the Harvey House.
Le C’s Patisserie & Tea House, 7601 Elmwood Ave., Middleton
An additional location is coming in February. The popular bakery will have its favorites available, like bubble teas and cheesecakes.
Minocqua Brewing Company Tap Room, 2927 E. Washington Ave., Madison
Owner Kirk Bangstad will be opening a new taproom in the previous Growlers to Go-Go site in early 2024.
The Wedge, 2001 Atwood Ave., Madison
Two things that Wisconsinites love? Beer and cheese. Jacob Guyette will marry those two in the space once occupied by One Barrel Brewing Company. It should open by March.
The Buy
The Buy 1.05.23 (Affiliate + Six & Main)
The product you’re most curious to try from Six & Main’s mocktail guide — featuring mixers, sparkling teas, and botanical syrups.
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I once took in an injured bird that I found in my backyard. I nursed it back to health and would walk proudly around the neighborhood with it on my shoulder. Once it got healthy, it flew off. I still miss Edgar Allan Crow.
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