Posts by Wendy Welch

HSHV + Food Gatherers Gather Over 26,000 lbs of Donated Pet Food

Ann Arbor, MI (October 2, 2024) — Thanksgiving started early at the Humane Society of Huron Valley (HSHV), with a 26,000 lb pet food donation from PetSmart Charities and a partnership with Food Gatherers. This generous contribution marks a significant step forward in ensuring local pets stay healthy and in their homes during challenging times. “The demand for our Bountiful Bowls pet food pantry has skyrocketed over the past few years, and this greatly helps us in meeting the growing needs of our community,” said Cameron Greig, HSHV’s Community Cat and Bountiful Bowls Coordinator. In 2023, HSHV handed out more
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Humane Society of Huron Valley Seeks Information on Kitten Found Shot 30+ Times

Ann Arbor, MI (September 13, 2024) — The Humane Society of Huron Valley (HSHV) is seeking the public’s help in identifying those responsible for the cruel shooting of a 7-month-old kitten found near the intersection of Carpenter Road and Washtenaw Avenue, close to the Red Lobster in Ypsilanti, Michigan. The kitten, now named Sugar, has numerous wounds across her face and body and was brought to HSHV by a Good Samaritan. X-rays indicate she’s withstood approximately 35 pellets shot from a BB gun. Sugar has several severe injuries, including on her eyelid, between her eyes and throughout her small frame.
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Caitlyn Rize, DVM

Outpatient Veterinarian Companion Animals – University of Minnesota Dr. Caitlyn Rize is very excited to return to HSHV after previously working as a vet tech from 2015-2017. She graduated with her DVM from University of Minnesota in 2021 and spent time working for large animal welfare organizations in Minneapolis, MN and Denver, CO prior to returning to Ann Arbor. Before embarking on her veterinary career, Dr. Rize completed a Master of Social Work degree at University of Michigan – she is especially passionate about upholding the human animal bond by making veterinary care more accessible for marginalized pet owners and
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HSHV Honoring Michigan State Representative Matt Koleszar with Legislator of the Year Award for Animal Advocacy

Humane Society of Huron Valley to Honor Michigan State Representative Matt Koleszar with Legislator of the Year Award for Animal Advocacy Ann Arbor, MI (September 5, 2024) — The Humane Society of Huron Valley (HSHV) is proud to announce that Michigan State Representative Matt Koleszar will be honored with the Legislator of the Year award at the annual “Compassionate Feast” dinner and fundraising event. The award will be presented on Friday, November 8, at St. John’s Resort in Plymouth, Michigan, in recognition of Rep. Koleszar’s outstanding contributions to animal welfare and his tireless advocacy for legislative reforms to protect Michigan’s
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30 Birds Abandoned at Door of Humane Society of Huron Valley

Ann Arbor, MI (August 22, 2024) – Early Monday morning, staff at the Humane Society of Huron Valley (HSHV) were surprised to find 30 birds—26 parakeets and 4 cockatiels—abandoned outside the shelter’s front doors. The parakeets were all piled into a cardboard cat carrier, and the cockatiels were left in a cage—all a bench outside the Adoptions entrance. They were discovered by HSHV Clinic staff as they arrived for work August 19. This incident is unfortunately reminiscent of a similar occurrence in April 2023, when 19 birds and one cat were left at the shelter’s entrance. Just as in that
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Humane Society of Huron Valley seeking information on emaciated dog tied to tree

Ann Arbor, MI (August 15, 2024) – The Humane Society of Huron Valley (HSHV) is seeking any information regarding a Standard Poodle tied to a tree near the maintenance entrance of Saginaw Forest Park by the intersection of Liberty and Wagner in Lodi Township, on Sunday, August 11th.  The dog was found and brought to HSHV by a Good Samaritan. The pup, now named Cypress, is approximately 3 years old, and was severely emaciated and matted.  (Picture 1: Dog before being medically groomed; Picture 2: After matted fur was removed.) Anyone with information that could help in this investigation –
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It was love at first sight. Sebastian found his forever home!

I adopted Sebastian (previously Adam) in February. He’s an adorable rascal. He likes to play hide-n-seek by hiding behind the drapes! Seriously! If anyone wants to adopt, HSHV is the place. HSHV was wonderful helping me find the right kitty. Thank you to all your wonderful staff! Here’s his recent picture. (He also has a thing about sticking his tongue out.)   Adam now Sebastian
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Humane Society of Huron Valley so full, they’re using dog yard to house a pig

Ann Arbor, MI (August 12, 2024)— The Humane Society of Huron Valley (HSHV) is currently housing an unusual guest in an even more unusual location. Due to an overwhelming number of animals at HSHV, including a few farm animals, the organization has temporarily converted one of its dog play yards into a cozy home for a friendly potbellied pig. The pig was discovered in a field at Meadowlark Equestrian Center. HSHV is currently searching for the owner. If no one steps forward in the next few days, the pig, whom HSHV has given the affectionate name “Cucumber,” will be put
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Humane Society of Huron Valley Rescues 34 Cats and Kittens from Hoarding Situation in Manchester, Michigan

Ann Arbor, MI (August 2, 2024) – The Humane Society of Huron Valley (HSHV) has successfully rescued 34 cats and kittens from a home in Manchester, Michigan. The cats, ranging in age from newborn to 6 years old, were found living in deplorable conditions. The approximately 1,000 square foot home, owned by a senior resident who had been hospitalized, was lined with trash, urine and feces. HSHV was alerted to the situation by Michigan State Police mid-July and immediately took action. The owner stated she was “overwhelmed,” and surrendered all animals to the care of HSHV. After many successive days
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Third Time’s the Charm? Tiki The Escape Artist Dog Seeks Forever Family

Ann Arbor, MI (August 1, 2024) – After a recent famed escape from a shelter, Tiki the Houdini dog is again available for adoption. The 10-year-old stray dog has busted out of the Humane Society of Huron Valley (HSHV) after-hours not once, but twice. He was briefly adopted last week, but returned when it became clear he needed special separation anxiety help. “He is a very good boy whose heart’s desire is to be around people,” says Tanya Hilgendorf, HSHV’s CEO. “We’re hoping he can find maybe someone in their golden years—a stay-at-home mom or dad, perhaps—to share their love
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