2 Wheels for 4 Paws: 52 Weeks, 1 Important Cause
Animal Hospital of South Milwaukee is proud to announce our year long event “2 Wheels for 4 Paws”. The Hospital Administrator and Owner of Animal Hospital of South Milwaukee, Isaiah, will be cycling every single day without rest for a total of 365 days(52 weeks) to raise awareness for animal care and encourage those in the profession to practice the very highest level of veterinary medicine. Each week he will adorn the colors and logo of different organizations as he cycles around Wisconsin. Each organization that partakes during this 52 week long event either stands for the betterment of animal lives or upholds the highest standards of veterinary care. Animal Hospital of South Milwaukee will be giving away wristbands to any who wish to show support for the event and the cause. Check back to this page every week as we showcase the different organizations and how they support the important cause.
Week 1: Animal Hospital of South Milwaukee
Our Mission
Animal Hospital of South Milwaukee is a locally owned veterinary practice staffed by professionals who uphold animal care at its highest standard. We strive for excellence in all aspects of veterinary medicine, including client communication and education, progressive medicine, proper use of modern equipment, and compassionate animal care. The staff of Animal Hospital of South Milwaukee promises to treat every client fairly and every patient with the best care. We will place the welfare and health of every animal above and beyond all else.
Week 1: Report and Tally
“The first week of the event will probably be remembered as being the toughest mentally and physically(not to mention slowest) for me. I have been on a cycling hiatus for 14 months and cycling daily out of the blue has been quite a shock. Everyday seemed like a struggle as I force myself to get on that saddle and pedal-however I kept doing so because I am reminded of the importance of the cause. Each week I will include photographs with the weekly reports, that are either memorable moments or just amazing scenery that I was lucky enough to have seen. The two photographs from this week that show roads were when I felt the most exhausted but somehow managed to crawl back home. It felt like a wake-up call as to how monumental this undertaking truly is but so is the effort given by all of the organizations involved with the event. If you do see me on the road, feel free to wave or stop me to chat. I always welcome a friendly interruption.”
Week’s Statistics
Total time in saddle: 7 hrs 48 mins
Total distance: 122 miles
Week 2: Belle City Veterinary Hospital
About Us
Belle City Veterinary Hospital is a full-service veterinary medical facility, located in Racine, WI. The professional and courteous staff at Belle City Veterinary Hospital seeks to provide the best possible medical care, surgical care and dental care for their highly-valued patients. We are committed to promoting responsible pet ownership, preventative health care and health-related educational opportunities for our clients. Belle City Veterinary Hospital strives to offer excellence in veterinary care to Racine, WI and surrounding areas.
Week 2: Report and Tally
“I am glad to announce that I have experienced my first flat for this event. Among those who I cycle with, we believe that the first flat is usually the worst (often occurring at the the most inopportune time). Fortunately for me however, it happened close to my destination and I just rolled home cautiously. The biggest discomfort during Week 2 has to be the sweltering heat and heavy humidity-which reminded me of the weather back home. However, during two of my rides, I was pleasantly stopped by a couple of the hospital’s clients and I was able to spend some time talking about the details of the event. That alone made the heat and humidity bearable. The photograph from this week was taken in the city of Franklin, WI around 6:45 pm and was one of the cooler evenings during the past week. Some great news accompany Week 2 of “2 Wheels for 4 Paws”: three more organizations are planning to partake in the event, and other cyclists have come forward volunteering their weekly mileage to the event as well!”
Week’s Statistics
Total time in saddle: 8 hrs 52 mins
Total distance: 141.3 miles
Week 3: University of Wisconsin-Madison: School of Veterinary Medicine
University of Wisconsin-Madison is the only veterinary school in the state of Wisconsin and admits roughly 80 plus students each year for their veterinary program. The school teaches and trains the brightest minds to be future veterinarians and has garnered multiple accolades for their curriculum. The research and studies conducted at their facilities enable the veterinary field to produce advanced vaccines, such as Schering-Plough’s Norbivac vaccine against Lyme disease, and propel into veterinary medicine of the future.
Week 3: Report and Tally
“The weather this past week has been amazing: cool, dry and low winds. I could not have asked for better cycling conditions. I definitely needed nature on my side too since my aim during Wisconsin’s 2nd Week for the Animals was at least 200 miles. That target is not too far off (44 more miles with 2 days to go), assuming conditions remain this favorable. After 2 weeks of cycling on the road, I decided to mix it up a little and took out the mountain bike for a trail ride at Johnson’s Dog Park on Hwy 38 in Racine, WI. There is usually plenty of dog owners there and are often spaced far apart (minimizing the risk of being overwhelmed by many dogs on my bicycle). The photo for the week is one of my favorite paths as we walk out of the park. Being an off-leash area, I was able to bring Tundra along for the ride. I met quite the number of dog owners there and many were interested in getting involved. I can only hope for weeks like this all the time. Oh and one final note: Look out for this event on Examiner.com as their columnist, Terri Noppen, showcases the event and Animal Hospital of South Milwaukee on her latest article. Credit goes to Susan L. from Second Hand Purrs for informing her of the event!”
Week’s Statistics
Total time in saddle: 9 hrs 3 mins
Total distance: 156.1 miles
Week 4: Second Hand Purrs
Second Hand Purrs is dedicated to the betterment of misplaced felines in the Greater Milwaukee area. We strive to give feline owners and concerned citizens an option other than abandonment or euthanasia. We feel there is an additional need for more no-kill shelters for cats.
Most of our animals come to us directly from prior owners that for whatever reason cannot care for their cat(s) any longer. The number one reason for animals being surrendered is because owners are moving and cannot – or will not – take their cats along. Other reasons for cats being surrendered are an owner’s death, a divorce, or people become bored with – or tired of – their current pet. Some of our animals are also found as strays. Whatever the reason may be, we believe these cats deserve a second chance at a permanent and loving life-time home.
Week 4: Report and Tally
“Wisconsin’s 2nd Week for the Animals ran from August 14th through the 22nd and I had a personal goal to cover at least 200 miles during the event. Everything was looking great, as per last week’s report (44 miles with 2 days to go) but a storm came through on Saturday the 21st and things started to look a little bleak. Since the storm carried on during the afternoon, I decided to wait it out. Unfortunately, by 5 pm the storm did not look like it will subside. Nonetheless, the day’s ride had to be done and I went anyway. Fortunately, the rain did subside after 20 minutes of cycling and only strong gusts carried on for the rest of the ride. The photograph above is taken during that stormy ride. And with good news, I bring you the total miles during Wisconsin’s 2nd Week for the Animals: 218 miles.”
Week’s Statistics
Total time in saddle: 8 hrs 52 mins
Total distance: 159 miles
Week 5: Antech Diagnostics
As Will Rogers once said, “The hardest job in the world is the Veterinarians”. At ANTECH Diagnostics, our goal is to make your job easier.
Our mission is to help veterinarians’ practice better medicine and operate more efficiently. We provide high quality diagnostic testing, supporting information & consultations, and on-going educational opportunities to veterinarians and animal health care professionals nationwide. We improve efficiency by offering innovative packages to increase the speed and value of our services, and to minimize the costs.
Lost Weeks: Weeks 6 to 25
I would like to firstly apologize for the missing weekly reports for Weeks 6 to 25 for this event. Even though the website could not be updated, total time and distance traveled has been kept up to date and tallied on my bicycle’s data log. I have kept a personal journal throughout these weeks but most are ramblings of my personal thoughts. I have skimmed through them and will share a few memorable ones.
“I have been cycling thus far with only cycling bibs and the sponsored shirt since the beginning of the event. However, today I found myself in need of my trusted leggings. It was around 6 pm and the days seem to have shortened slightly. The decrease in daylight and increase in wind means Fall will be upon us soon: my favorite season.”
“Today was the start of a short getaway weekend for Karrin and I. After work on Friday, we drove to the family cabin in Townsend, WI. The drive took about 4 hours and we arrived close to 11 pm, with the rest of the family already setting up the different beds. I was suddenly reminded as I unpacked the car that today’s cycling has not been completed! I had brought along my bicycle but not night gear as I had no plans to cycle at night in a rural area. Thanks to Aunt Shelly however, I was still able to complete the day’s cycling. Aunt Shelly drove behind my bicycle with the headlights on while we traversed the country roads and allowed me to complete the day’s cycling. This has to be the most exhilarating ride yet – even with the odd looks we got from the locals driving by.”
“With the cooler weather, cycling has felt easier. As a matter of fact, tallying up this week’s total definitely showed it. I am about to surpass 200 miles for the week and I have still another day’s worth of cycling to add! This Utopian weather will not last however, as I felt my first chill at the end of the ride a day ago. Father Winter is knocking at my cycling door.”
“There has been some early scares for snow the past week. However, all were in fruition as it totaled to nothing more than a few specks of dusting. The cold has not been so forgiving however. Just 2 weeks ago, I had mentioned to a client that this year’s winter is supposed to be one of the harsher ones – and I’m definitely not happy to be right on that one. The full fingered gloves are out, the long leggings have been out since early Fall and luckily one of the sponsor’s shirts was a thicker long-sleeved shirt.”
“Having 2 different bicycles, a road bike and a mountain bike, gives me the luxury to cycle in almost any weather. However, it also means twice the maintenance – something I tend to procrastinate. Today my road bike has decided to remind me of my folly by snapping its chain just as the day’s cycling began. The snow and salt from the wintery roads have taken its toll and so has the increased mileage. Out came the trusty mountain bike and I was glad I did. Before I was done with the day’s cycling, there was an additional 2 inches on the ground. Dodged a bullet there!”
Those are the most memorable entries I have during the lost weeks. 25 weeks into the event however, I still have not missed a day of cycling, albeit a few had to be done indoors. Look forward to the updates starting next week!
Total distance: 3316 miles (Week 1 through Week 25)
Total time time in saddle: 197 hrs 57 mins
Week 26: Greater Chicago Cavalier Rescue
Experienced Cavalier rescuers established GCCR in 2005, for the inherent legal protections and to maximize the benefits for those who support the rescue effort. GCCR has two purposes: to add resources to Cavalier rescue efforts in the greater Chicago area, and to assist current and prospective Cavalier owners in making decisions about the health and care of these wonderful animals.
the growing popularity of Cavalier King Charles Spaniels has prompted increased breeding by unscrupulous breeding and puppy mills. This development suggests that owners’ concerns about health as well as the number of Cavaliers in need will only grow. Placement of Cavaliers in new homes without appropriate, knowledgeable veterinary testing may result in unforeseen, serious heartaches for new owners. The GCCR as well as other dedicated Cavalier rescuers and owners are here to help.
Week 26-32: Report and Tally
Note: Due to the shortage of participants for the event, we have prolonged each organization to 6 to 12 weeks.
“I believe that some of the harshest days of 2010-2011 Winter season definitely occurred between Week 26 and Week 33 of this event. Snow often don’t faze me as much as the extreme cold, like we have had multiple days of within these weeks. When days of zero degrees occur things tend to go wrong- and they do so rather quickly. I believe the total number of cars I witnessed left by the side of the road was in the 30′s during these excruciatingly cold days, and those are only the ones I saw while cycling. Motorized vehicles are unfortunately not the only things adversely affected in such cold temperatures. My bicycle started having issues while out in the cold as well- 4 flats and 1 snapped chain. I blame the contraction of air and metal for these adversities. In addition, my cellphone (with which I take photographs with) stopped working as well. However, the biggest problem I have faced thus far is the breakdown of the human body. Due to the extreme weather and increased time spent on the bicycle, my knees have started to bother me. In fact, there was a whole week of continuous crackling in my knee as I pedaled for the event. I am happy to report that this has subsided as of 2 weeks ago and a day of cycling has still not been missed! Meeting people during the cold days were definitely few and far between but I am optimistic for the upcoming weeks. Until then, be safe out there.”
Total distance: 1001 miles (Week 26 through Week 32)
Total time in saddle: 67 hours 42 mins
Week 33: Happy Endings No Kill Animal Shelter
Happy Endings provides a safe haven for feral, stray, abused, neglected, unwanted and critically injured cats. We care for cats that are sick and provide homes for all cats until they are ready to be adopted. Animals are never euthanized by Happy Endings for convenience sake, but only when, in a veterinarian’s professional opinion, It is in a state of terminal suffering.
Many of the cats at Happy Endings are strays or have been mistreated during their lives. As a result, some are quite shy and considered ‘unadoptable’ by other shelters. Happy Endings has a socialization program where volunteers work with the cats on a daily basis to build a trust of people. We offer a secure, loving environment until they are adopted.
AHOSM Note: We have worked closely with Happy Endings No Kill Animal Shelter on numerous occasions, events and cases. We are always surprised as the dedication and effort put forth by all members of this wonderful organization. They are completely ran by volunteers only and it is their active commitment to their mission that allows them to continue saving more cats.
Week 33-44: Report and Tally
“With the end of the event drawing near (July 31st, 2011), I find myself trying to inch out every single mile from each ride. The longer days are definitely helping but the swinging temperatures, and in turn looming storms, do not. Many cyclists will attest that there is no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing. However, when Mother Nature decides to be fickle, choice of clothing can be difficult. Either way, I regress. Cycling for this event is but a means to an end, and the “end” is to create and increase awareness. The opportunity to do so is also increasing as the weather is turning warmer and more pet owners are out taking a stroll or jogging along the many paths around town. So once again, if you see a cyclist, wearing the showcased organizations colors and logo, do not hesitate to pull me over to talk, I am never against taking a short breather on the bike.”
Total distance: 2258.6 miles (Week 33 through Week 44)
Total time in saddle: 147 hours 37 mins
Week 45: Milwaukee Emergency Center for Animals
Our mission is to be the leader in providing high-quality critical and specialty pet health care in Wisconsin. Through our staff’s excellence, dedication, compassion, and professional demeanor we will medically treat each patient and educate our client and rDVM so they can become an active participant in their pet’s medical care.
AHOSM Note: The owner of MECA, Dr. Lichtenberger, DVM, DACVECC, and the hospital administrator, Frank Mahler have both gone above and beyond the typical duties of a referral/ER facility for AHOSM. Both individuals assisted our hospital administrator in setting up the needs of AHOSM’s upgraded facilities and are never more than a phonecall away when assistance is needed. In addition, MECA’s dedication to continuing education for referring veterinary clinics and hospitals in the area is a goal we all aspire to achieve. Thank you once again.
Week 45-52: Final Report and Tally
“The final weeks of the event felt bittersweet for me personally. On one hand my body definitely could use a few days of rest from the non-stop cycling of the event, but on the other, speaking with strangers I meet on the road was always something I looked forward to. I have to admit that although I have experienced large volumes of cycling prior to the event, it was always scheduled periodization that involved differing levels of intensity and coupled with rests. 2 Wheels for 4 Paws was a completely different experience for me. It involved physical and mental struggles, both as a cyclist and a new business owner. However, the rewards have been immense. Multiple individuals I’ve met started volunteering with local shelters and humane societies and many more within the veterinary field are starting their own events. I highly doubt my contributions compare to the likes of Lance Armstrong and his cancer foundation but I have absolutely no doubt that it has helped the animals.
This past year has been full of mistakes made and lessons learned. However, the one decision that I undeniably have no regrets about is this event. Since the last day of 2 Wheels for 4 Paws, I have taken a few rest days in between but continued to turn the pedals. I hope that if you see me on the road, you will still continue to flag me down. A sincere thank you to all of the organizations that took part in this event. Your contribution to the betterment of animal lives cannot be more highly praised. And I would also like to thank all off the individuals I have met, without whom I would have no breathers in between pedal strokes. Thank you.”
Total distance: 1107.4 miles (Week 45 through Week 52)
Total time in saddle: 70 hrs 32 mins
Total distance (Week 1 to 52): 8261.4 miles
Total time (Week 1 to 52): 518 hrs 23 mins
