Charlee Bear has been named the Animal Welfare Champion Sponsor of the Humane Animal Welfare Society's (HAWS) upcoming Happy Tails fundraising gala. The St. Francis, Wisconsin, U.S.-based dog treat manufacturer will provide a monetary contribution to HAWS and donate products and experiences for the event's auction.
The Happy Tails event will celebrate 60 years of HAWS' work in animal adoption, education and advocacy. Charlee Bear and its sister brand, Hound & Gatos, both part of Gott Pet Products, have supported the Happy Tails gala since 2019, contributing a combined $75,000 in lifetime sponsorships.
"Supporting HAWS and its incredible mission has been an honor for our team," said Peter Gottsacker Jr., supply chain director at Gott Pet Products and a member of the HAWS Board of Directors since January 2025. "At Charlee Bear, we believe every animal deserves love, safety and a forever home. Helping HAWS continue to make that possible is something we're extremely proud to be part of."
In 2024, Charlee Bear donated more than 52,500 bags of treats to animal welfare organizations, including 14,400 bags to the Bluegrass Pugfest in Kentucky, with a retail value exceeding $39,000, and $23,600 worth of treats to HAWS for dogs displaced by Hurricane Helene. In 2025, the company has donated 112,512 samples.
The Happy Tails gala will take place on Friday, October 17, at the Milwaukee Marriott West.
