(PRESS RELEASE) ST. FRANCIS, WI — Charlee Bear, a family-owned company that offers healthy, wholesome dog treats, has been named the Animal Welfare Champion Sponsor of the Humane Animal Welfare Society’s (HAWS) upcoming Happy Tails: An Evening to Benefit HAWS fundraising gala.
The Happy Tails event will celebrate 60 years of HAWS’ dedication to creating a more compassionate community through adoption, education and advocacy for animals. As the top sponsor of this year’s event, Charlee Bear will make a monetary contribution to HAWS and provide product and experiences for the event’s auction, helping to raise even more funds for HAWS’ lifesaving programs.
Charlee Bear and its sister brand, Hound & Gatos, both part of Wisconsin-based Gott Pet Products, have been proud supporters of the Happy Tails gala since 2019, contributing a combined $75,000 in lifetime sponsorships, which underscores a deep, shared commitment to improving the lives of animals and strengthening the human-animal bond.
“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.”
Peter Gottsacker Jr of Gott Pet Products, Kristy Boulos of Matrix Partners and Rob Cadenhead of Gott Pet Products.
Image Rights: Kristy Boulos
Charlee Bear’s philanthropic spirit is rooted in the company’s namesake — a beloved rescue dog named Charlee — and continues to guide the brand’s mission to support animal shelters and rescue organizations nationwide. Last year, the company donated more than 52,500 bags of treats to organizations in need, including 14,400 bags to the Bluegrass Pugfest in Kentucky, with a retail value exceeding $39,000, as well as $23,600 worth of treats to HAWS to help care for dogs displaced by Hurricane Helene. In 2025, Charlee Bear has already doubled that effort, donating an impressive 112,512 samples to pets in need and making an even bigger impact on animals nationwide.
The Happy Tails gala will take place on Friday, October 17, at the Milwaukee Marriott West. The event will feature a gourmet dinner, exclusive auction items and appearances by adorable adoptable pets, all benefiting HAWS’ mission to strengthen the connection between animals and humans through education, adoption and compassionate outreach.
Travis Derby from Derby Realty shows adoptable pup, Zayda, some love.
Image Rights: Humane Animal Welfare Society’s (HAWS)
About Gott Pet Products, LLC
As a family-owned company, Gott Pet Products is committed to supporting a healthy lifestyle and ensuring that pets thrive. Their Charlee Bear Grain Free Crunch and Original Crunch dog treats are Pocket Perfect low-calorie training treats that won’t make a mess in an owner’s pocket. Bearnola Bites, Meaty Bites, and the newest additions, Nuggets and Necessities Toppers, round out the line of Beary Tasty Treats™, offering dogs a variety of delicious and nutritious options. Charlee Bear’s Nuggets were recognized with a 2025 Pet Innovation Award for Health Focused Dog Treat of the Year. Also included in their portfolio are Hound & Gatos natural diets for cats and dogs, which contain real meat and are available in 12 canned recipes to please all palates.