Fundraisers will support polar bears and zoo project    

Henry Vilas Zoo said it will host two winter carousel ride fundraiser events in early 2013 to benefit the Animal Health Center and Polar Bears International.

The zoo carousel will be open Jan. 19 and Feb. 23 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. for carousel rides, refreshments, kids’ craft activities and photos with Vilas mascot Henry the Lion.

Rides will cost $2 and organizers will ask attendees make a donation for refreshments and craft activities.

In honor of National Dog Week, the Dane County Humane Society will reduce microchip fees for dogs.

National Dog Week began Monday and will continue through Saturday, Sept. 30.  This week, microchips will cost $15, 50 percent off its original price.

Dane County Humane Society emphasized the importance of having dogs wear collars with ID tags in addition to a microchip, said a press release.  This provides multiple formed of identification if owners and pets are separated.

"Pet owners don’t expect their pets to be lost or stolen and they hope that leashes, fences and doors will be enough to keep them safe at home," said Gayle Viney, DCHS Spokeswoman.  The reality is that accidents do happen, and when they do, many owners are unprepared.  "The ID tag provides immediate owner information and the microchip provides back up information if the ID tag is separated from the animal," said Viney.

A local non-profit organization is hosting a fundraiser for Madison Police Department’s K-9 Unit.

Capital K9s helps to fund the unit through their annual Dog Paddle event.  Now in its sixth year, the event will be held at Goodman Pool, located at 325 W. Olin Ave.

At the Dog Paddle, dogs can swim, play and compete for prizes.  Past events have had 1,000 dogs in attendance.

Capital K9s recently helped the Madison Police Department purchase two new dogs which each cost $50,000, according to the non-profit.

The event will be Sept. 9 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.  Admission costs $12 for dogs and dog owners enter for free.

To register, purchase tickets, and for more information about Capital K9s and the dogs, visit http://www.capitalk9s.org/