Posts by Wendy Welch

Ducky’s story

Ducky’s story

November 6, 2023 | Comments Off on Ducky’s story

When I first saw Ducky (Bibimbap), I was taking one of the adults I caregive for with disabilities. We instantly fell in love with her when we saw her. I knew then she needed to heal in a home with a family. When we saw her she had a plethora of issues – healing from a very recent leg amputation and being spayed, an ear infection and a nasty skin infection. I brought her home a week after her procedures and she began to heal and get stronger. Flash forward to today, she runs miles with me, plays for hours
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Healing a Broken Heart

Healing a Broken Heart

November 6, 2023 | Comments Off on Healing a Broken Heart

In March, I lost my best furiend, Heisman unexpectedly to cancer. He was only 7 years old, he was my “first” dog as an adult, and I couldn’t have asked for a better pupper. Heisman’s loss really shook me, and I struggled moving forward. I knew that we would adopt our next pup from the Love Train, and after a particularly difficult week coming home from vacation (to an empty house), a group arrived to HSHV from the Love Train. Without hesitation, we made our way to HSHV to find our new furbaby. I had an idea of who I
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How to introduce guests to your avoidant or reactive dog

How to introduce guests to your avoidant or reactive dog

October 26, 2023 | Comments Off on How to introduce guests to your avoidant or reactive dog

Does your dog avoid or react to strangers? Bark, growl, run away, or hide? Here’s what we suggest. (Note: Please consult with a professional trainer for biting.) Prepare Yourself Make sure you are familiar with the dog’s behavioral history, what has and has not worked in previous introductions. Use correct equipment (collar/harness and non-retractable leash) and have high-value treats with you. Have a helper with you when introducing a dog that may struggle with new people. The helper can assist with handling the dog if there are problems, coach the guest and narrate what they are observing, provide a second
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Local Youth Win Humane Youth Awards

Local Youth Win Humane Youth Awards

October 13, 2023 | Comments Off on Local Youth Win Humane Youth Awards

Ann Arbor, MI (October 13, 2023) — The Humane Society of Huron Valley (HSHV) proudly announces local winners of the highly anticipated Humane Youth Award, now in its sixth year. The Humane Youth Award honors young champions who have made outstanding efforts to protect and advocate for animals, people, and/or the environment—making a significant impact in our community. This year’s winners are: Zachary Koolage-Hall, 12, of Ann Arbor, is the winner of HSHV’s 2023 Humane Youth Award.  Zachary was chosen as this year’s winner because of his unwavering dedication to the community’s cats.  Part of an HSHV foster family, Zachary has
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Humane Society of Huron Valley ranked among top 1% of charities

Humane Society of Huron Valley ranked among top 1% of charities

October 11, 2023 | Comments Off on Humane Society of Huron Valley ranked among top 1% of charities

Ann Arbor, MI (October 11, 2023) –Charity Navigator announced its awarding Ann Arbor’s Humane Society of Huron Valley (HSHV) with its topmost Four-Star Rating, for the 13th year in a row, placing HSHV among the top 1% of charities ranked nationwide. In addition to signifying financial health and ongoing accountability and transparency, the rating designates HSHV as an official “Give with Confidence” charity. Charity Navigator is America’s largest and most-utilized independent charity evaluator. Since 2001, the organization has been an unbiased and trusted source of information for more than 11 million donors annually. “We are delighted to provide the Humane
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Treating is Tricky: Making a plan for training

Treating is Tricky: Making a plan for training

October 3, 2023 | Comments Off on Treating is Tricky: Making a plan for training

The legendary animal trainer Bob Bailey once said, “Training is a mechanical skill.” While it seems like it shouldn’t be complicated, it can be surprisingly tricky to juggle a leash, treats, clicker, and anything else you might need in a training session. Because learning happens fastest when consequences are clear and occur quickly after the behavior, we can end up confusing our dogs if we are fumbling, dropping treats, and delivering rewards late. Before a training session, it is a good idea to make a plan. Think about how you are going to hold the various equipment, decide how you
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Unmasking Cat Litterbox Problems

Unmasking Cat Litterbox Problems

October 3, 2023 | Comments Off on Unmasking Cat Litterbox Problems

Cats get surrendered each year because of litterbox problems. We sympathize with both the cats and the people; no one wants a cat thinking (of their bathroom) outside the box! Litterbox issues can often leave cat guardians feeling helpless and upset with their cat. The first thought might be that the cat is lashing out or “getting back” at their owner for something, but it’s almost always something that we can identify and treat.  The first place to check is with your veterinarian. They can take blood and urine samples and look your cat over for any pain or mobility
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17 Cats Found in Ann Arbor Parking Lot

17 Cats Found in Ann Arbor Parking Lot

September 27, 2023 | Comments Off on 17 Cats Found in Ann Arbor Parking Lot

Ann Arbor, MI (September 26, 2023) – The Humane Society of Huron Valley (HSHV) is providing shelter, care, and attention to 17 cats who were allegedly abandoned in a parking lot near Owl Creek Apartments in Ann Arbor. The incident has prompted an investigation. The 17 cats, ranging in age from 5 months to 5 years, were discovered in distress, left to fend for themselves in a situation that left them vulnerable and without proper care. The cats are understandably scared, and several have various medical needs, including severe eye issues and skin conditions. HSHV remains committed to rehabilitating and rehoming
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Are you catching your dog being good?

Are you catching your dog being good?

August 2, 2023 | Comments Off on Are you catching your dog being good?

It is great to have a dog that responds reliably to cues to “sit,” “stay,” “leave it,” “come,” etc., but wouldn’t it be great if your dog naturally did these behaviors on their own, before you even needed to ask? Often dogs get our attention when they are doing things we don’t like, but we aren’t as good at noticing all the times they are making good decisions naturally. If we train ourselves to notice those moments though, and reinforce them, our dogs’ good habits will become stronger. So, make a practice of “catching your dog being right.” Every day,
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Another puppy found abandoned, emaciated in Washtenaw County – Information wanted

Another puppy found abandoned, emaciated in Washtenaw County – Information wanted

July 28, 2023 | Comments Off on Another puppy found abandoned, emaciated in Washtenaw County – Information wanted

Ann Arbor, MI (July 28, 2023) – A 10-month-old puppy was found abandoned in a blanket-covered crate in Ypsilanti’s Recreation Park Tuesday. The Humane Society of Huron Valley is conducting an investigation, actively seeking tips from anyone who might have information. Two good Samaritans saw the crate on the side of the road, near a wooded trail, covered in a blue and tan quilt (see picture). The puppy is now at the Humane Society of Huron Valley (HSHV), where he’s being cared for and treated. The severely emaciated puppy was covered in diarrhea and urine.  After bathing him, HSHV’s medical team
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