Posts by Wendy Welch

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
Read More

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
Read More

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
Read More

We Can—and Should—Coexist with Urban Wildlife

We Can—and Should—Coexist with Urban Wildlife

June 16, 2025 | Comments Off on We Can—and Should—Coexist with Urban Wildlife

Local governments are increasingly facing challenges from urban wildlife. As we expand into natural habitats—and restore green spaces and waterways—encounters with animals like deer, coyotes, and beavers are inevitable. What’s troubling is how often the response is reactive, violent, and uninformed. The recent killing of a family of beavers at Ann Arbor’s Leslie Park Golf Course is a case in point. Beavers are remarkably intelligent and ecologically vital—nature’s engineers. But when conflict arose, the only response was lethal removal – reportedly using gruesome Conibear traps that are illegal in Ann Arbor.. It was stated that there was a search for
Read More

HSHV Commemorates 15 Years of Pet Loss Support Group: A Lifeline for Grieving Hearts

HSHV Commemorates 15 Years of Pet Loss Support Group: A Lifeline for Grieving Hearts

June 12, 2025 | Comments Off on HSHV Commemorates 15 Years of Pet Loss Support Group: A Lifeline for Grieving Hearts

Ann Arbor, MI (June 12, 2025) — 2025 marks the 15th anniversary of the Humane Society of Huron Valley’s (HSHV) Pet Loss Support Group, a community-driven program that has helped hundreds of people navigate the profound and often misunderstood pain of losing a beloved animal companion. “When the death of my cat Buddhe (pronounced “buddy”) hit me harder than any pet loss before, I felt it might be helpful to attend a support group,” says attendee Marty Davis-Merritts. “Experiencing commonality with others in their grief process and supporting each other has been a great help and I recommend the group often
Read More

Learn About Co-Existing with Coyotes via Humane Society of Huron Valley Free Virtual Event

Learn About Co-Existing with Coyotes via Humane Society of Huron Valley Free Virtual Event

June 5, 2025 | Comments Off on Learn About Co-Existing with Coyotes via Humane Society of Huron Valley Free Virtual Event

Ann Arbor, MI (June 5, 2025) — The Humane Society of Huron Valley (HSHV) is proud to host “Co-existing with Coyotes,” a free virtual event on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, from 6 – 7:30 PM EDT on urban coyotes. Coyotes are highly adaptable animals who have been increasingly spotted in suburban and urban areas. This sometimes leads to appreciation—but also concerns and misunderstandings among community residents. To address these issues, HSHV has invited Karin Saucedo, Texas State Director for Project Coyote, to lead the seminar and discussion. Saucedo will delve into coyote behavior and feeding patterns, what we’ve seen in
Read More

Humane Society of Huron Valley Earns 15th Consecutive 4-Star Rating from Charity Navigator

Humane Society of Huron Valley Earns 15th Consecutive 4-Star Rating from Charity Navigator

April 22, 2025 | Comments Off on Humane Society of Huron Valley Earns 15th Consecutive 4-Star Rating from Charity Navigator

Ann Arbor, MI (April 22, 2025) — The Humane Society of Huron Valley (HSHV) proudly announces its 15th consecutive 4-star rating from Charity Navigator, America’s premier independent charity evaluator. This distinction places HSHV among the top 1% of charities nationwide, underscoring its enduring commitment to financial health, accountability, and transparency and to using donations effectively and efficiently to support its mission. Charity Navigator assesses nonprofit organizations based on key indicators, including Accountability & Finance, Culture & Community, and Leadership & Adaptability. HSHV’s perfect score of 100% reflects its excellence in these areas, affirming its status as a “Give with Confidence”
Read More

The Void Had Me At Hello

The Void Had Me At Hello

April 11, 2025 | Comments Off on The Void Had Me At Hello

March 26, 2025 marks half a year of us being under the same roof. I remember last September, after learning that I had to take my first test in my Honors Art Appreciation class, which was balanced with 15 other credits, I was thinking about a source of energy that could strengthen my mental health. I was excited about the idea of ​​getting a four-legged companion, and without further ado, I did it after a few weeks of thinking about it. When I first saw him on the website, I felt a special connection and immediately decided to “summon” this
Read More

Happy, healthy baby

Happy, healthy baby

March 10, 2025 | Comments Off on Happy, healthy baby

Munna rescued ME about 8 months ago. She was just over 1 year old. Skin and bones, after already having kittens. Today, she is HAPPY and HEALTH., as am I. Thank you!!   Munna now Munna
Read More

Justice for Abused Dogs After Years-Long Legal Battle

Justice for Abused Dogs After Years-Long Legal Battle

March 4, 2025 | Comments Off on Justice for Abused Dogs After Years-Long Legal Battle

Ann Arbor, MI (February 26, 2025) – A long and painful road to justice has come to an end for two Australian Shepherds rescued from severe abuse in 2022. The Humane Society of Huron Valley (HSHV) is relieved to see accountability in the case, though it underscores the urgent need for systemic change in how animal cruelty cases are handled. In March 2022, a veterinary clinic alerted authorities after treating an 8-month-old Australian Shepherd puppy for a broken leg and discovering multiple new and old fractures across her small, 35-pound frame—contradicting claims that she had merely “fallen down the stairs.”
Read More