Shawano Humane Society Lets Donors Name Exes in 'Love Stinks' Fundraiser

The annual event allows people to write their former partners' names on paper hearts and place them in a cat's litter box.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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The Shawano County Humane Society in Wisconsin is hosting its annual 'Love Stinks' fundraiser, where for a $5 donation, supporters can have an ex-partner's name written on a paper heart and placed in a cat's litter box. The humorous event has seen strong participation so far, with some donors submitting over 10 names to fill an entire litter box.

Why it matters

The 'Love Stinks' fundraiser provides a creative and cathartic way for people to get over past relationships while also supporting the important work of the Shawano County Humane Society in caring for animals in need. The fundraiser taps into the universal experience of heartbreak while generating much-needed funds for the shelter.

The details

For a $5 donation, the Shawano County Humane Society will write an ex-partner's name on a paper heart and place it in a cat's litter box as part of the 'Love Stinks' fundraiser. The event has proven popular, with some donors submitting over 10 names to fill an entire litter box. Humane society officials say the fundraiser is a fun and unique way to raise money for animal care and shelter operations.

  • The 'Love Stinks' fundraiser is accepting donations through Saturday, February 14, 2026.

The players

Shawano County Humane Society

A local animal shelter in Shawano, Wisconsin that provides care and adoption services for animals in need.

Pam Nowak

The executive director of the Shawano County Humane Society.

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What they’re saying

“Some people have sent over 10 names. They fill an entire litter box, so it's really neat. There are a lot of options.”

— Pam Nowak, Executive Director (wearegreenbay.com)

What’s next

The 'Love Stinks' fundraiser will conclude on Saturday, February 14, 2026, with the humane society collecting all the paper hearts with ex-partners' names and placing them in the cat litter boxes.

The takeaway

The Shawano County Humane Society's 'Love Stinks' fundraiser provides a humorous and cathartic way for people to move on from past relationships while also supporting the important work of the shelter in caring for animals in need. The event's popularity demonstrates the universal experience of heartbreak and the desire to find creative outlets to process those emotions.