Posts by Wendy Welch

Humane Society of Huron Valley so full, they’re using dog yard to house a pig

Humane Society of Huron Valley so full, they’re using dog yard to house a pig

August 12, 2024 | Comments Off on 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

Humane Society of Huron Valley Rescues 34 Cats and Kittens from Hoarding Situation in Manchester, Michigan

August 2, 2024 | Comments Off on 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

Third Time’s the Charm? Tiki The Escape Artist Dog Seeks Forever Family

August 1, 2024 | Comments Off on 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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Dog takes Empty the Shelters™ to heart

Dog takes Empty the Shelters™ to heart

July 17, 2024 | Comments Off on Dog takes Empty the Shelters™ to heart

Ann Arbor, MI (July 17, 2024) – To alleviate the strain of an overflowing shelter and find families for homeless animals, Humane Society of Huron Valley (HSHV) is currently participating in “Empty the Shelters,” a national adoption event sponsored by the Bissell Pet Foundation. And one senior pup is taking matters into his own paws. Tiki, an incredibly sweet 10-year-old stray dog found in Washtenaw County, has escaped the shelter – twice. Because HSHV is so full, he was housed in a staff office—typically considered a nice place for an animal to stay. “He was put in his crate in
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Humane Society of Huron Valley joins 390+ shelters nationwide to Empty the Shelters™

Humane Society of Huron Valley joins 390+ shelters nationwide to Empty the Shelters™

July 11, 2024 | Comments Off on Humane Society of Huron Valley joins 390+ shelters nationwide to Empty the Shelters™

Ann Arbor, MI (July 11, 2024) – The Humane Society of Huron Valley (HSHV) is hoping to empty their shelter, with the help of BISSELL Pet Foundation and the community. From July 8-31, adopting an adult cat or dog (over 6 months of age) at HSHV will only be $50, thanks to sponsorship from BISSELL Pet Foundation, a national animal welfare organization dedicated to ending pet homelessness. “Empty the Shelters” will be taking place in 390 shelters in 44 states to help deserving shelter pets find loving homes. HSHV in Ann Arbor will participate now through July 31, offering $50
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It only took 6 years of asking for a dog!

It only took 6 years of asking for a dog!

July 5, 2024 | Comments Off on It only took 6 years of asking for a dog!

Last summer, after trying to convince my parents for six years that we should get a dog, we adopted August (we just call him Gus). I wrote letters to my parents, made a Google Doc presentation about the benefits and drawbacks of having a dog, and basically begged. For YEARS. And now we have one! Gus is doing great! He just had his first birthday and he is sitting next to me as I write this. He is very happy, and his butt is very floofy. Paco now August (Gus)
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Humane Society of Huron Valley achieves 14th consecutive Charity Navigator topmost rating

Humane Society of Huron Valley achieves 14th consecutive Charity Navigator topmost rating

June 24, 2024 | Comments Off on Humane Society of Huron Valley achieves 14th consecutive Charity Navigator topmost rating

Ann Arbor, MI (June 24, 2024) – The Humane Society of Huron Valley (HSHV) is thrilled to announce that it has earned its 14th consecutive 4-star rating from Charity Navigator, the leading charity evaluator in America. This prestigious rating signifies HSHV’s enduring commitment to financial health, accountability, and transparency, designating HSHV as a “Give with Confidence” charity. This recognition places HSHV among the top 1% of nationwide charities evaluated by Charity Navigator. Charity Navigator rates nonprofit organizations based on four key indicators, known as beacons: Impact & Results, Accountability & Finance, Culture & Community, and Leadership & Adaptability. Earning the
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A Tale of two kangaroos

A Tale of two kangaroos

May 28, 2024 | Comments Off on A Tale of two kangaroos

Right before COVID shut down the world in early 2020, we welcomed a 12 year old little Border Collie from HSHV into our lives. We named her Joey. When we adopted her, we didn’t know how long she would be with us, but Joey was my constant companion for the next 3 1/2 years. She spent every minute with me as I adjusted to working from home and was never more than a few feet away. When we lost Joey this past summer within months of losing two other dogs in our family, our house was broken. Joey’s two doggy
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Brittany Slinker, DVM

Brittany Slinker, DVM

May 14, 2024 | Comments Off on Brittany Slinker, DVM

Outpatient Veterinarian Companion Animals – Lincoln Memorial University Dr. Brittany Slinker is an Associate Veterinarian at the Humane Society of Huron Valley. With a passion for animal welfare and healthcare, Dr. Slinker received her Bachelor’s degree in Biology from Madonna University in 2016. She furthered her education by obtaining a Master’s degree in Veterinary Biomedical Science in 2018, followed by her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from Lincoln Memorial University in 2023. Dr. Slinker is dedicated to providing compassionate care to all animals. Her commitment extends beyond the clinic, as she shares her home with nine cats (Titters, Cali, Axel, Oaty,
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Should animal cruelty victims be “jailed” for years while their abusers walk free?

Should animal cruelty victims be “jailed” for years while their abusers walk free?

May 8, 2024 | Comments Off on Should animal cruelty victims be “jailed” for years while their abusers walk free?

I can’t imagine anyone answering “yes.” Most know even the nicest, most loving shelters, like HSHV, are not suitable homes. Long-term sheltering, where an animal spends most of their day caged, is damaging both physically and mentally. That’s why Michigan has an animal forfeiture law. To protect animal cruelty victims from further suffering, a prosecutor’s office can request a hearing that’s presided over by a judge who reviews the evidence, and decides if the animals can be released for adoption while the slow wheels of justice turn. However, many Michigan counties, including Washtenaw County, don’t pursue animal forfeiture. At HSHV,
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