Do you have a creative mind and a love for animals? Take part in our Give a Stray a Story Contest!

So far this year, The Humane Society of Southern Wisconsin has taken in over 1,400 stray animals with high hopes of reuniting them with their families or finding them a loving forever home. Unfortunately, the history of these strays usually remains unknown. We believe they deserve a story to tell and are looking for creative minds to tell them! Heroic tales (pun definitely intended) of adventure and suspense are just as welcomed as a short and sweet fable. Give a Stray a Story is a completely ONLINE contest!


Here’s how you can participate!

  1. Click here to browse through our many adoptable pets! Choose one lucky animal! Stories must be about a pet here at our shelter, not a personal pet.
  2. Create a backstory for this animal! Be creative! Give us any genre of story, just make sure it is appropriate. General rule of paw, would you feel comfortable reading your story aloud at a school event? Stories must be between 1,000 and 2,500 words and include at least 3 illustrations or original photos.
  3. Submit your story by Monday, September 30th!

But, wait! Don't you want to know what you get if you win?

First Place Winner

The first place winner will receive a printed and saddle-stitched copy of their story professionally put together by New Vision Print & Marketing Services, LLC in Naperville, Illinois!

Runner Up

We know we won't be able to pick JUST ONE winner! The runner up of the Give a Stray a Story Contest will have the opportunity to NAME AN ANIMAL here at our shelter!