Posts by Wendy Welch

Environmental experts to discuss why Ann Arbor was smart to stop the deer cull

Environmental experts to discuss why Ann Arbor was smart to stop the deer cull

January 12, 2022 | Comments Off on Environmental experts to discuss why Ann Arbor was smart to stop the deer cull

Proponents of culling deer say it’s “Deer vs. the Environment,” but the truth is more complicated. And for Ann Arbor, who’s been paying to kill deer for more than 5 years, it’s been expensive, divisive, and arguably unsuccessful. Though cancelled for the last two years due to the pandemic and budgetary constraints, some policy makers still believe culling is necessary to protect the environment. Two prominent scientists and field researchers answer questions on why putting it back in the budget would be a mistake from an ecological perspective. Dr. Oswald Schmitz, Oastler Professor of Population and Community Ecology at the
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FREE cat & dog adoptions with “Home for the Pawlidays”

FREE cat & dog adoptions with “Home for the Pawlidays”

December 9, 2021 | Comments Off on FREE cat & dog adoptions with “Home for the Pawlidays”

Ann Arbor, MI (December 9, 2021) — Dozens of deserving dogs and cats at the Humane Society of Huron Valley (HSHV) hope to get a home this holiday. And HSHV is waiving the adoption fees for those who qualify. Alonzo, Bailey, Cassius, Cliff, Cody, Diamond, Julius, Junie, Linden, Magnolia, Norm, Panda, Ren, Vala, Wheatly and Willow: That’s just part of the list of very good dogs who are dreaming of loving families who’ll take them “Home for the Pawlidays.” And cats like Baby, Cole, Chloe, Doobles, Dr. Dre., El Paso, Flo, Hamilton, Linda Anastasia, Loki, Lola, Pixie, Shye, and Sophie
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Free Kitty Kisses and Hugs for Highschoolers

Free Kitty Kisses and Hugs for Highschoolers

December 7, 2021 | Comments Off on Free Kitty Kisses and Hugs for Highschoolers

Ann Arbor, MI (December 7, 2021) — With so much anxiety and sadness in the air, particularly for high schoolers, Humane Society of Huron Valley’s Cat Café is offering free kitty comfort for teens. The Tiny Lions lounge and adoption Center (TLC) is free to high school students this Wednesday, December 8 through Sunday, December 12; they’ll be welcomed by the dozen or so joyful kittens in the café. “Cats are therapeutic,” says Karen Patterson, VP of Humane Education and Volunteering at the Humane Society of Huron Valley (HSHV) which operates the cat café. “Studies show that cats’ purring helps
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Local Youth Win Humane Youth Awards

Local Youth Win Humane Youth Awards

November 23, 2021 | Comments Off on Local Youth Win Humane Youth Awards

Ann Arbor, MI (November 23, 2021) — The future is looking warm and fuzzy, thanks to local youth Isabel Sutton, Oreen Morag and Sydney Bennett. They are the winners of the fourth annual Humane Youth Awards by the Humane Society of Huron Valley (HSHV). The Humane Youth Award honors young people who have both personally and through the inspired efforts of others, raised awareness for and helped create a more peaceful life for people, animals and the environment.   Isabel Sutton Isabel Sutton, 12, of Ann Arbor, is the winner of HSHV’s 2021 Humane Youth Award. In addition to volunteering
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Velma’s amazing transformation!

Velma’s amazing transformation!

November 15, 2021 | Comments Off on Velma’s amazing transformation!

Velma came in to HSHV this past summer with her friend Daphne as strays. She came with tons of wounds and painful paw injuries, but that never dulled her sparkle. She won the hearts of staff and volunteers showing off her loveable and snuggly personality, so much so that an adoptions staff member had to take her home and spoil her endlessly! She has been doing amazing at home with her kitty friends and is learning the rules of the house! Velma loves to chew on bones, throw stuff animals around, go on walks or sprints with mom, and of
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Importance of a safe and dry shelter for TNR cats in the winter

Importance of a safe and dry shelter for TNR cats in the winter

November 10, 2021 | Comments Off on Importance of a safe and dry shelter for TNR cats in the winter

TNR is the only scientifically proven way to reduce the overpopulation of cats, and as a bonus it is safe and humane. However, when TNR surgery is performed in the winter, there are safety concerns that must be addressed to make sure we aren’t hurting the cats we are trying to help. When cats undergo TNR surgery to be sterilized and vaccinated they have their bellies shaved, females more than males, but both have a bare spot that can get wet/cold and lead to suffering, frost bite, or even fatalities in cold weather.             For
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Holidays not so fun for your pup?

Holidays not so fun for your pup?

October 28, 2021 | Comments Off on Holidays not so fun for your pup?

Many of the “pandemic puppies” who were adopted since March 2020 may be experiencing their first holidays with larger family get-togethers this year now that vaccines are more widespread. 
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Animals Welcome Local Children on the Autism Spectrum 

Animals Welcome Local Children on the Autism Spectrum 

October 26, 2021 | Comments Off on Animals Welcome Local Children on the Autism Spectrum 

Ann Arbor, MI (October 26, 2021) — Story Time at the Humane Society of Huron Valley (HSHV) just got warmer and fuzzier. “We’ve offered our Little Paws Story Time for several years, but we know some children struggle with sitting still for longer stories, or feel overwhelmed by bright lights or crowded spaces,” says Jessie Hitt, HSHV’s Humane Education Manager. “So we’ve started ‘Sensory Story Time’ to offer a welcoming space for neurodivergent and autistic children and their families.” Sensory Story Time recently launched on select Tuesday mornings at HSHV. It includes stories, fingerplays, and personal interactions with the adoptable
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