Monthly Archives July 2025

Looking for the ultimate reward?

Looking for the ultimate reward?

July 31, 2025 | Comments Off on Looking for the ultimate reward?

Performing preference tests with your dog can help you learn a little more about what sorts of treats are highest value to them. Knowing the value of treats can help you when creating training plans and managing arousal and excitability. Being thoughtful with our treats can lead to increased clarity for our dogs and better training outcomes. How to conduct a taste test with your dog You’ll want several small dishes and a variety of treats (use small portions to prevent an upset stomach). Place a small number of treats in each bowl and place the bowls close to each
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An update on Uno

An update on Uno

July 30, 2025 | Comments Off on An update on Uno

Uno and his siblings arrived at HSHV in April 2025. Orphaned and struggling, they needed urgent help, and we quickly got them into the care of one of our amazing fosters. Thanks to an incubator, syringe feeding, and plenty of love, the kittens now had a fighting chance. But as Uno grew, his breathing became labored. He had “funnel chest,” a condition in which his sternum and rib cage curved inward, leaving little room for his heart and lungs to grow. This is often fatal and requires costly surgery. Thankfully, due to the kindness of HSHV supporters like you, Uno
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Starving Dog Dumped in Ypsilanti; Humane Society Seeks Information

Starving Dog Dumped in Ypsilanti; Humane Society Seeks Information

July 24, 2025 | Comments Off on Starving Dog Dumped in Ypsilanti; Humane Society Seeks Information

Ann Arbor, MI (July 24, 2025) — The Humane Society of Huron Valley (HSHV) is investigating a suspected case of animal cruelty after a dog was found abandoned and in severe condition on the side of the road in Ypsilanti. The female dog, who looks to be approximately 5 years old and a bulldog mix, was discovered this Sunday, July 21, near the intersection of Chalmers and Washtenaw Avenue. She was found covered in urine and feces, emaciated, and in need of immediate medical care. A concerned Good Samaritan brought her to HSHV’s shelter. It is suspected she may have
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The Sister They Always Needed

The Sister They Always Needed

July 16, 2025 | Comments Off on The Sister They Always Needed

After unexpectedly losing our first dog Halloween of 2024, we made it all of 3 days before we knew we needed another baby to love. After a few weeks of searching, we found sweet Zoey, who was being fostered by the incredible Gretchen after being brought into HSHV right before giving birth to her NINE babies. Poor mama was so scared of everything when we brought her home, but over time she really began to open up and show us her personality (which turned out to be way more sassy than shy) and show off exactly how smart she is.
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Pumpkin is where he truly belongs!

Pumpkin is where he truly belongs!

July 16, 2025 | Comments Off on Pumpkin is where he truly belongs!

I adopted Pumpkin after I fell in love with an older ginger cat I had fostered, but unfortunately couldn’t adopt, due to my circumstances. That set me off on a hunt for a furry companion. Enter Pumpkin, a 10-year-old who had been abandoned by the family who had him for 6 years. His story, and medical condition, touched my heart, and I was convinced he was the one! Almost four months later I couldn’t be happier at my decision. Bringing sweet Pumpkin home has brought so much joy into my home, and he has reciprocated my love manifold times. We
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Luna’s love and adventures

Luna’s love and adventures

July 16, 2025 | Comments Off on Luna’s love and adventures

Luna has been such a blessing to our family. We went to HSHV in December 2024 looking for a companion for not just us but our 7 yr old pittie Rwby. We had to say goodbye to 3 of our 4 dogs between 2/2014-10/2024(Buddy 16, Bella 14, and Tuff 10). We had met other dogs from other rescue groups but Rwby wanted nothing to do with them for one reason or another, but she had been very depressed for a couple months and not improving. She grew up with our other dogs and had never been alone. I believe Luna
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Ethel and Lucy find a fur-ever home

Ethel and Lucy find a fur-ever home

July 15, 2025 | Comments Off on Ethel and Lucy find a fur-ever home

We met Ethel and Lucy at HSHV and instantly knew they were a catch. They were surrendered together as litter mates and we wanted to make sure they would not be separated. They greeted us with their warmth, playfulness and affection. It was an easy decision to bring them home with us. They have adapted very well to their new environment. They love toys, treats, nap time, cat trees, hiding under blankets, chin scratches, pets, playing together, and bird watching. We can’t be happier we found them when we did. They have brought us great joy, and they seem happy,
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Huey Needs a Foster

Huey Needs a Foster

July 8, 2025 | Comments Off on Huey Needs a Foster

Age: 4  Sex: Male   Breed: Shepherd  Weight: 56 Pounds Huey is a high energy dog who would love the opportunity to get out of the shelter and into a home environment! He’s a young guy who loves playing, especially fetch, and would love to be your play buddy! He has been working on his basic training skills and learning to engage with his person on walks. He will need a foster who is willing and able to manage his energy and continue working with him on his manners. He has been aloof and uncomfortable with other dogs here, and would likely prefer to be the
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Your dog, Treat Expert

Your dog, Treat Expert

July 1, 2025 | Comments Off on Your dog, Treat Expert

Treats are an important part of teaching your dog new skills, but it can be hard to know what treats to use for your dog. When training, it is important to choose appropriate reinforcement for the learner so that they are motivated to keep learning but still able to think clearly while we are attempting to teach. There are many variables that go into choosing treats, here are a few tips that can get you started on the road to training success. No two dogs will have all of the same preferences. Pay attention to what your dog seems to
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Did I adopt a kitten… or a T-Rex?

Did I adopt a kitten… or a T-Rex?

July 1, 2025 | Comments Off on Did I adopt a kitten… or a T-Rex?

Have you heard of the “T-Rex phase” of kitten-hood? It’s called this because kittens will sometimes stand up on their back legs, batting at things with their tiny front legs, running like crazy, much like a stampeding T-Rex. We use this phrase to describe the “terrible two’s” period of a kitten’s life, usually between eight weeks/three months to two years old, typically peaking at ten months. The age at which this phase happens and how long it lasts strongly depends on previous socialization and what they learned from mama, littermates and the humans they’ve interacted with. How did people play
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