Posts by Wendy Welch

Article in Prominent Conservation Journal Disputes Conclusions of Anti-Cat Studies

Article in Prominent Conservation Journal Disputes Conclusions of Anti-Cat Studies

October 9, 2020 | Comments Off on Article in Prominent Conservation Journal Disputes Conclusions of Anti-Cat Studies

October 9, 2020 – An article published recently in the highly respected peer-reviewed Journal of Conservation Biology focuses on key issues within the ongoing debate over how to control feral cat populations. We found it quite interesting and think it is a worthwhile read. Some key takeaways: While cats are predators, arguments that community (sometimes referred to as feral) cats are a main contributor to mass extinctions were found to be both overblown and oversimplified, according to an interdisciplinary team of scientists and ethicists In some cases, there is evidence that cats can contribute to the the conservation of endangered birds
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Should you let a new dog sniff your hand?

Should you let a new dog sniff your hand?

September 30, 2020 | Comments Off on Should you let a new dog sniff your hand?

  How many of us were taught to extend our hand when meeting a new dog to allow them to smell it? The “sniff test” is common advice that we have probably all done, but is no longer the advisable way to introduce yourself to a new dog.  Extending your hand towards a dog you don’t know could be seen as a potential threat, and trigger a defensive bite.  Instead, turn sideways, avoid direct eye contact, and possibly toss (don’t hand) the dog some treats. Dogs have amazing senses of smell – they can gather information just fine from where
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Need childcare? Animals to the rescue! Essential workers get 50% off school-day camp

Need childcare? Animals to the rescue! Essential workers get 50% off school-day camp

September 18, 2020 | Comments Off on Need childcare? Animals to the rescue! Essential workers get 50% off school-day camp

Ann Arbor, MI (September 17, 2020) — Navigating the new school landscape may be a challenge, but the Humane Society of Huron Valley (HSHV) is lending a helping paw. “Camp PAWS is one of our most popular programs during school breaks,” says Karen Patterson, VP of Humane Education and Volunteering at HSHV. “We are happy to extend this program into the school year to help support the wonderful essential workers and their families and offer a safe, fun place for their children to learn.” Camp PAWS provides a school-like environment for ages 5-11 with supervision and instruction from HSHV’s humane
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BOW… Wow! We’re the Best of Washtenaw because of you!

BOW… Wow! We’re the Best of Washtenaw because of you!

September 14, 2020 | Comments Off on BOW… Wow! We’re the Best of Washtenaw because of you!

Only because of you can we do what we do! Save animals. Help people. And keep spreading the love. And every year, you push us to do better, and we couldn’t do that without you, either! (Check out our annual report here.) So we are thrilled not only to be nominated for several 2020 Best of Washtenaw and Family Favorites awards… but win them! You make us who we are, and we are so honored to share the news of these awards with you. WINNER: BEST ANIMAL NONPROFIT WINNER: BEST VETERINARIAN WINNER: BEST ACTIVIST – HSHV’S CEO TANYA HILGENDORF WINNER:
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Building A Community Around Your Colony

Building A Community Around Your Colony

September 10, 2020 | Comments Off on Building A Community Around Your Colony

September 10, 2020 – Adding on to last month’s post on pre-scouting the area to help ID cats, another helpful step to take can be talking with members in the community about what they see and know about the cat population to help paint a fuller picture of the size/range of the population.   Before going out in the area it is best to be prepared with talking points on why TNR is the most effective and most humane way to reduce the cat population, and having handouts ready to give out is always a plus! At the very least
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Dogs have a 3-second rule, too!

Dogs have a 3-second rule, too!

September 4, 2020 | Comments Off on Dogs have a 3-second rule, too!

  Most dogs enjoy petting, but even the cuddliest dog has times when simply not in the mood!  Prolonged touching can be overstimulating to some dogs, and can make others uncomfortable or stressed.  When dogs don’t feel able to move away – which they may not when in physical contact with us – they may resort to telling us to back off in less desirable ways. Give dogs a way of “opting in” to social contact by using the “3-second rule” of petting.  Pet for no more than three seconds, then stop.  Does the dog nudge you or move into
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HSHV rescues 45 dogs and cats from Pittsfield Township home

HSHV rescues 45 dogs and cats from Pittsfield Township home

September 1, 2020 | Comments Off on HSHV rescues 45 dogs and cats from Pittsfield Township home

Ann Arbor, MI (September 1, 2020) — Following a tip from concerned sources that animals weren’t being properly cared for, Animal Cruelty Investigators from the Humane Society of Huron Valley (HSHV) executed a search warrant and seized 14 cats and 31 dogs from a Pittsfield Township residence Friday afternoon. Investigators from HSHV arrived to find two dead dogs and 43 animals living among raw sewage and excrement. Some of the animals were fearful and underweight, and several were in need of emergency medical care. They were immediately transported to HSHV for treatment. All of the animals are currently being cared
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1st Week Home

1st Week Home

August 28, 2020 | Comments Off on 1st Week Home

Ellie (aka Bloosom) fits perfectly in our home! Full of energy and loves to be outside. Perfect for when we camp. Thanks again to the Love Train!    
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