Posts by Wendy Welch

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™

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!

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

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

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

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?

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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Our shelter is full – Adopt a dog at HSHV at any price

Ann Arbor, MI (May 3, 2024) – While there’s a cost to overcrowding, there’s currently no cost to adopt an adult dog at the Humane Society of Huron Valley (HSHV). “April usually means fewer dogs coming into our shelter,” says Matt Schaecher, COO at HSHV. “But not this year. We’re facing an urgent capacity situation, and really need folks to adopt.” Now through May 18, the date of the beloved annual “dog party” and fundraiser Walk & Wag—people can adopt a dog over 6 months of age for any price, including for free. Every dog has been spayed or neutered,
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Free pet vaccines at “Friends for Life” event

Ann Arbor, MI (April 24, 2024) – The Humane Society of Huron Valley (HSHV) is excited to announce a special “Friends for Life” free vaccination clinic for the pets of seniors and those facing serious financial or housing challenges in Washtenaw County. Event details: Date: Saturday, May 4, 2024 Time: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. First come, first served; walk-ins welcome, though pre-registrations encouraged. Location: Manchester United Methodist Church – 501 Ann Arbor St, Manchester, MI Cost: FREE to pets of Washtenaw County seniors, low-income and housing insecure This free event is made possible by the Buhr Family, the Banfield
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