Posts by Wendy Welch

What’s Glyphosate doing in our neighborhood?

What’s Glyphosate doing in our neighborhood?

March 19, 2024 | Comments Off on What’s Glyphosate doing in our neighborhood?

I recently saw this disturbing sign in the park & nature area next to my home in Ann Arbor. I’ve lived here for roughly 25 years and have never seen such a sign. This lovely natural haven contains protected wetlands and is filled with furry wildlife, bats, songbirds, ducks, an owl or two, and a variety of trees, plants, and wildflowers. It is also a walking path for folks with dogs, the occasional orange kitty, moms with strollers, and kids going to and from school. If you are unfamiliar with glyphosate, I encourage you to do your own Googling to
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More dogs being killed nationwide, Ann Arbor shelter remains no-kill

More dogs being killed nationwide, Ann Arbor shelter remains no-kill

February 16, 2024 | Comments Off on More dogs being killed nationwide, Ann Arbor shelter remains no-kill

Ann Arbor, MI (February 16, 2024) – 689,000 animals were euthanized in animal shelters nationwide in 2023, according to Shelter Animals Count (SAC), the most trusted and current source for animal sheltering data. They recently released their Annual Analysis report, comparing animal sheltering from 2023 to 2022, 2021 and 2019 (pre-pandemic). The total number of animals euthanized was 19% higher than in 2022, and the highest number of dogs killed in the past five years. More than 6.5 million animals (3.3 million cats and 3.2 million dogs) entered animal shelters and rescue organizations in the US last year, about the
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Teddy’s Law:  The good, the bad, and what we should do next

Teddy’s Law:  The good, the bad, and what we should do next

January 21, 2024 | Comments Off on Teddy’s Law:  The good, the bad, and what we should do next

Teddy’s Law, recently signed into law by the Governor, was drafted so that dogs and cats used in laboratories can be adopted, instead of killed, when no longer of use. Big thanks to the lead sponsors, Senators Hertel and Polehanki, for working their hearts out to save animals who sacrifice so much. However, there were changes made before final passage that need our attention. Two bills were written to create Teddy’s Law: HB 148 requiring basic reporting on the number of animals used and released for adoption HB 149 requiring adoptions of research dogs & cats when no longer of
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After Detroit child killed by dog, a call to boost animal control services

After Detroit child killed by dog, a call to boost animal control services

December 20, 2023 | Comments Off on After Detroit child killed by dog, a call to boost animal control services

[Originally published on Bridge Detroit, 12/29/23] In October, we learned of another tragic death in Detroit due to a dog attack. Though the details remain sketchy, we know that a four-year-old lost his life and surely experienced horrific pain and fear during his last moments. And a family is now grappling with the worst trauma and grief imaginable. All of whom now deserve an open and honest examination of the system that may have failed them and how we can better protect others. Immediately after a severe injury or death by a dog, there are calls to ban “pit bulls.” We should search for solutions, and
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Chihuahua found inside a dumpster

Chihuahua found inside a dumpster

December 18, 2023 | Comments Off on Chihuahua found inside a dumpster

Ann Arbor, MI (December 18, 2023) – A heart-wrenching discovery was made last Monday the 11th around 3:30 a.m. near Ypsilanti’s Leforge and Green Road: a tiny pup was found abandoned in a dumpster, still stuck inside her crate. The pup, temporarily named “Frankie” is estimated to be approximately 10 months old and weighs a mere 5 pounds. “We are deeply grateful for the compassionate person who not only alerted us to this distressing situation, but also took it upon himself to help this poor little gal right away,” says Tanya Hilgendorf, HSHV’s CEO. “It takes a village to look
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Stay Safe on the Road While Deer are Chasing Tail

Stay Safe on the Road While Deer are Chasing Tail

November 7, 2023 | Comments Off on Stay Safe on the Road While Deer are Chasing Tail

Ann Arbor, MI (November 7, 2023) – As the temperature drops, deer affairs are heating up. November is a prime month for deer mating as well as deer hunting. As deer are on the move—“chasing tail” or “running from guns”—they can head out into the middle of the road. While deer collisions represent less than 3% of all car collisions in Ann Arbor, and none have been fatal, the Humane Society of Huron Valley (HSHV) wants to remind residents how they can prevent accidents and protect both people and deer. To help prevent accidents, HSHV suggests seven safety tips: Look
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Cayenne’s new life

Cayenne’s new life

November 7, 2023 | Comments Off on Cayenne’s new life

After losing Duke, our 7-year old Pitbull, unexpectedly to cancer, we were too sad to talk about any other dogs for a while. One day, my husband could not take it anymore and we wandered into the HSHV. That is when we saw Cayenne. She looked us nervously with her side eyes. We were told she has anxiety and is on her medication. We were concerned at first, since Duke had a lot of behavioral issues. She, however, has been a very happy dog once she got used to us and her new home. She loves to go for a
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It’s Friday the 13th and Do You Know Where The Black Cat Is?

It’s Friday the 13th and Do You Know Where The Black Cat Is?

November 6, 2023 | Comments Off on It’s Friday the 13th and Do You Know Where The Black Cat Is?

Yes, I’m talking about Uffda (formerly Puma). Later this month it will be 13 years since this one from HSHV moved in with me and in some ways it still feels as if it all happened just 13 days ago. He and I both knew we were meant for each other when we met, something that gets reaffirmed every single day. He was incredibly quick to make himself at home, sleeping on my bed the first night and every night since then. So here he is, at least 14 years old and possibly as old as 16 years old, still
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Izaak: More human than Dog

Izaak: More human than Dog

November 6, 2023 | Comments Off on Izaak: More human than Dog

Our special needs dog Grace enjoyed visiting a puppy in the neighborhood so our family decided that Grace would love to have a sibling puppy in our home. We went to HSHV when they had a lot of puppies from the Love Train but decided that an older “puppy” would probably be a better fit so we visited the other dogs and discovered “Otto” (now Izaak meaning “laughter” because he always made us laugh), an 11 month old dog found underweight and in need of a loving home. Izaak was about the same size as Grace (around 50 pounds) when
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The adventures Of Dwight & Jim

The adventures Of Dwight & Jim

November 6, 2023 | Comments Off on The adventures Of Dwight & Jim

In April ’22 I sadly lost my almost 21 year old cat, Shaney. I had him since I was a teenager and was at a loss. I drove out to HSHV the next day, just to see if I would connect with anyone. I immediately found a perfect pair of little black kittens that I named Dwight K Snoot and Jim Halpurrt (formerly Maui and Mewtoo). They had been brought all the way from Oklahoma because of overcrowding in shelters over there. I knew these little kittens were just what I needed to cheer me up. They have brought me
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