Puppies who get Parvovirus have, on average, about an 9% survival rate. But at Ann Arbor’s Humane Society of Huron Valley (HSHV) right now, their survival rate is 100%.
Read More
Posts by Wendy Welch
Shy to outgoing in seconds
Hi! My name’s Danielle. I took my family to HSHV to inquire about adopting a little feline friend. I wasn’t having any luck until I came here. We found Dan snuggled in his blanket. When we were able to meet with him he instantly took to my two small boys, my husband and me. We knew then he was a keeper! We were told during his paperwork that he is a shy guy and that it’d take some time to earn trust. Boy, we were all wrong! He started snuggling the second we got him home. He has slept in
Read More
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
Read More
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
Read More
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
Read More
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
Read More
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
Read More
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
Read More
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
Read More
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
Read More