Posts by Wendy Welch

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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Puppy abused and abandoned in Ann Arbor parking lot, Tips sought

Puppy abused and abandoned in Ann Arbor parking lot, Tips sought

July 27, 2023 | Comments Off on Puppy abused and abandoned in Ann Arbor parking lot, Tips sought

Ann Arbor, MI (July 27, 2023) – The Humane Society of Huron Valley (HSHV) is seeking help from the community on an animal cruelty incident that happened Monday. A puppy was running loose in the Carrot Way Apartments parking lot (1731 Dhu Varren Rd, Ann Arbor). Witnesses reported seeing a man cruelly kicking the puppy before abandoning him, then fleeing the scene. The tan and white male puppy, approximately 5 months old, is now in the care of the Humane Society of Huron Valley, receiving medical attention, nourishment, and behavioral support. Anyone with information related to this incident is strongly encouraged
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Muzzles aren’t just for bad dogs…

Muzzles aren’t just for bad dogs…

July 5, 2023 | Comments Off on Muzzles aren’t just for bad dogs…

Muzzles aren’t just for “dangerous dogs.” Any dog could potentially bite if they are injured, in pain, not feeling well, or scared. All dog owners should consider having a well-fitting, comfortable muzzle on hand, and should proactively train their dog to be happy and comfortable wearing it. This can usually be easily done, especially with the help of some spray cheese! Hopefully, the muzzle will never be needed, but if something does happen, everyone will be glad that this safety tool can be easily put on, without causing additional stress to the dog. Muzzles also have other uses, such as
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It was a big week…

It was a big week…

June 22, 2023 | Comments Off on It was a big week…

A 1 month-old kitten, a feisty tabbycat and a black lab pup…these 3 animals have something unexpected in common. In the same week, they were all diagnosed with needing specialty surgery.
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Animal lovers: Beware of traps

Animal lovers: Beware of traps

June 22, 2023 | Comments Off on Animal lovers: Beware of traps

Our Emergency Rescue team is experiencing the usual high volume of summer rescue calls: helping ducklings stuck in storm drains, squirrels in car engines, skunks in window wells, foxes hit by cars, birds caught in fishing line. But the most heart-breaking incidents involve traps, and we may begin seeing a lot more of them.
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Cues, part two: What to do when your dog won’t respond.

Cues, part two: What to do when your dog won’t respond.

June 12, 2023 | Comments Off on Cues, part two: What to do when your dog won’t respond.

Our last tip addressed things to consider when a dog is not responding to a trained cue.  We mentioned that the first step is always to rule out whether there is a medical reason for the dog’s unwillingness or inability to respond.  Assuming that there is not a physical reason found, here are a few more things to consider if your dog isn’t responding to a cue you believe they know: Does the dog truly understand the behavior?  Perhaps we haven’t trained something as thoroughly as we think we have, especially if it is a more complicated or challenging task. 
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