A TAIL of A New Kind of Rescue Group in Northern Lower Michigan

There is a new animal rescue group in Northern Lower Michigan called Northern Michigan Rat Rescue (NMRR). While the Pet Friends website usually focuses on dogs, cats and horses, I was intrigued by this new group and wanted to learn more.

The organization is being run out of Cedar by Erin Dendrinos. She rescues domestic rats and keeps them in a shelter in her home as well as using other foster homes. NMRR does NOT take in feral or wild rats. Wild rats are dangerous and carry diseases that can kill tame rats. They do not domesticate well and their bites leave scars. It is also illegal in most states to transport wild rats off of your own property and release them elsewhere. Click here for the rest of the story.

Recent Product Recalls Concerning Pet Food:

Arrow Brand Dog Food due to aflatoxin. Please click here for more info.

Petrus Feed And Seed Stores, Inc. Recalls Its 21% Dog Food. Click here for more info.

For a list of all recalls animal & veterinary recalls & withdrawals in 2011, please click here.

Veterinarian Karen Mertaugh Lives an Unconventional Life

Veterinarian Karen Mertaugh spends time with her pets Frieda and Margarita, two goats that live on the 100-year-old family farm, the site of her and her husband’s practice, The Animal Medical Center. When you come to the house of Karen Mertaugh, chances are you’ll be greeted by a dog, a cat or even a school of fish housed on the west-side wall – all before setting foot in the actual home. Click here for more info.

City Commission Approves Dog Park Proposal for Traverse City (December)

On December 19th the Traverse City City Commission approved a proposal to establish an off-leash, urban dog park at the corner of Cypress and Division Streets in what was previously known as Veteran's Park. Click here for more info.

A Visit to the Charlevoix Humane Society Shocases Playful Cats (December)

There is an area in the Charlevoix Humane Society (in Boyne City) that the cats probably miss when they get adopted - the outside cattery. As I watched the cats play in the screened in area, I knew that if my own cat were to visit, he probably would want to stay so that he could enjoy the gentle breezes and watch the birds fly by.

The inside cat area is nice too with open cages and cats rotated throughout the day so that they can play together, mingle with potential adopters and enjoy the outdoor cat room by going through the little cat door. Allowing cats to live a more "normal" life and not be continually confined to a cage helps their stress level and adopters can get a better sense of the cat's true personality.

The welfare of the dogs is also given a high priority. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to photograph them as they were being walked in back of the building while I was visiting the cats. The dogs are given beds, blankets and toys for stimulation, walked several times a day and get a lot of yard time. Like most other shelter these days, Pit Bulls and Pit mixes make up a large amount of the dogs that end up in the Charlevoix Humane Society.

They also get a lot of hounds and hound mixes as well. The shelter makes use of local trainers and have trainers on staff to work with the dogs. The shelter manager even holds a degree in Biology with a special interest in canine behavior.

The Charlevoix Humane Society is equipped to hold 20 dogs and 30 cats. However, they are often overwhelmed by the number of cats coming in and many times have upwards of 50 cats in their care, using a combination of foster homes and using every available space in their facility.

In the last two years, they have been able to foster, transfer and adopt any healthy and adoptable animals, thus providing for what they said was a "live release rate for dogs in the 93% range." Cats, because it is an ongoing educational issue, provide a challenge since a large number of cats coming into their open admissions shelter are feral and thus unadoptable. They attempt to convince the people bringing the wild cats in to let them alter and return the animals, but as of yet their success rate with that strategy is only about 20%. They do have traps available for people who want to do TNR (trap/neuter/return).

It is their policy to give every animal a chance. If, after temperament testing (they do two separate sets of testing) they find an animal too aggressive or too poorly socialized to handle the stress of being housed at the shelter or even in a foster home, they will euthanize the animal.

The Charlevoix Humane Society is a 501(c)3 non profit with a volunteer board structure which makes policy under the guidance of the executive director. They have a service contract with the county to care for incoming strays and to deal with the public when redeeming their pets. This agreement allows for a small stipend and a fee-free building lease. They do not own the building or the land and therefore are unable to expand beyond our current level of service. The board is currently in the process of developing a plan to build a new facility which will allow them to offer more community services such as education, training, boarding and grooming, pet day-care and more appropriate facilities for longer term holding of animals awaiting adoption. The current facility would continue to house strays and serve as short term holding.

The current building went into use in 1998 but the Charlevoix Area Humane Society has been in existence since 1974. It is currently attached to the animal control but they are separate entities. The Humane Society receives their animals from animal control and the public as owner-surrendered pets. When the cats arrive, they are tested for feline leukemia, FIV and heartworm. Dogs from the hunting breeds (hounds primarily) are tested for heartworm and if they are transferring dogs to other rescues or shelters they will often test for heartworm as well. Any animal that comes in injured is seen by a veterinarian and treated within financial reason.

The Charlevoix Humane Society started spaying & neutering every pet before adoption three years ago. All pets are now altered before leaving the care of their facility. They are also up-to-date on vaccinations and microchipped as well.

From April through October they hold one to two clinics per month with discounted spay and neuter prices as well as discount vaccinations through the services of a "retired" veterinarian that spends his summers close by in northern Michigan. The rest of the year the Humane Society works with the public for as long as their funds last to provide assistance to low-income pet owners looking for help with spaying and neutering their pets and also emergency medical when they can.

In addition to adoptions at the shelter, they also take the animals to off-site adoptions one or two times a year so that they can be seen in other venues. In addition, they also will transfer animals to other rescue groups and breed-specific groups is the organization is a legitimate 501©(3) non-profit. They regularly use national breed club rescues to take on purebreds that come into the shelter.

The Charlevoix Humane Society allows volunteers in their facility to help with animal care and are always looking for people who can help with fostering animals or can work on fundraisers.

When asked what would help them have less euthanasias, they said that a formal, organized TNR program would be the biggest help at this point. Additional space and a facility more adequately designed for long term holding of pets with space for activities to stimulate and work with the animals would also be extremely helpful.

The most current pressing need is financing their current programs and eventually funds for expansion. They are spending nearly $15,000 per year on their spay and neuter program but could easily spend twice that assisting the community at large so donations to their operating funds and their spay and neuter program are the most pressing needs they have.

If you want to adopt an animal, donate or volunteer, please contact them:

614 Beardsley Street
Boyne City, Michigan 49712
Phone (231) 582-6774
www.charlevoixhumane.org

Animal Legislation Updates
(December)

With the start of the 2011 Michigan legislative session, all bills that were awaiting action at the end of 2010 must be reintroduced. The Michigan Humane Society will continue to update their page with information about legislation that will help improve animal welfare here in the state of Michigan. Click here for more info.

Feral Cats Now Resting a Little Easier With the Help of Local Rescue Group,
UN-Cats Feline Rescue
(November)

UN-Cats recently participated in the trapping of a feral cat colony in Copemish. They worked with All About Animals Rescue out of Warren and Carol's Ferals to transport the cats downstate for spay/neuter so that more homeless feral cats wouldn't be born. In the end, they were able to spay 11 female cats and neuter 9 male cats.

The cats have a loving, elderly caretaker who looks after them but she has fallen on hard times so any help with food, litter or blankets would be appreciated. If you are interested in helping, you can contact Mandie at UN-Cats on how to donate to help.

Six of the kittens were able to be put up for adoption through UN-Cats and the others were released back into the colony.

Photo credits: UN-Cats and All About Animals. For more photos, please click here.

Update on Adoptions of Animals in Howell Hoarding Case (November)
From Michigan HSUS

On August 19, The HSUS and the Michigan Horse Welfare Coalition assisted Livingston County Animal Control and the Livingston County Sheriff’s Department in the rescue of nearly 70 animals (horses, dogs, sheep, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, and chickens) from deplorable conditions at a Howell farm. The Michigan Horse Welfare Coalition provided funding for the horses to be boarded at a Livingston County stable, and continues to work on finding new homes for them. Horses’ Haven in Howell has also assisted with taking in horses (including Misty, pictured here) or caring for them during recovery from veterinary procedures. Thanks to the assistance of volunteers from SASHA Farm, the sheep and chickens have found a safe home, and Livingston County Animal Control has adopted out the dogs, rabbits, and guinea pigs.

Finding homes for the many cats was a little more difficult, considering the current overload of felines in Michigan shelters. Some of the cats were adopted out at the recent Ruff and Stuff Pet Fest in Warren (thank you SO much to volunteers Bonnie Charles and Lynn Donell for helping with that!) and at the Meet your Best Friend at the Zoo adoption event. But many still remained at the temporary shelter. Thankfully, HSUS Indiana State Director Anne Sterling stepped in to save the day and located two shelters in southern Indiana willing to take the remaining adoptable cats. So on September 26, I was able to transport 13 of the cats to Indiana’s Brown County Humane Society and the New Albany/Floyd County Animal Shelter. Thank you to Anne and the very kind and gracious staff of both shelters—talk about “Hoosier hospitality” at its best!

If you are interested in adopting any of the remaining horses from this case, or just want to get an update on how they are doing, visit the Michigan Horse Welfare Coalition’s Facebook page or go here.

Feral Cats Cleared out of Leelanau Forfeited Home and Taken to Cherryland Humane Society - Fate Unknown (October)

At least 34 cats were taken from the home of Robert Steven Saffell in Cleveland Township last week after his unfinished house was taken over by the township. This was a result of Saffell's inability to abide by the earlier settlement agreement over the property after he was sued by the township and Leelanau County for not paying property taxes over the course of several years and violating county and township codes and ordinances.

The cats were living in and outside of the home. The homeowner had been at the house about 20 years and most of the cats were born there. Saffell had not spayed or neutered any of them and he also allowed strays to move in with his colony.

According to Leelanau Animal Control officer Paul Peschel, upon arrival at CHS and assessment by staff, a small number of the animals were health compromised and needed to be euthanized. All the cats were taken to CHS because Leelanau County has a contract with them to accept "all dogs and cats impounded by (Leelanau) animal control". Normally, Leelanau County does not deal with cat issues, nor do they take them to Cherryland but this was a unique and unusual circumstance. Because this was a large event with health/welfare circumstances and court involvement, Leelanau County animal control was asked to take control of the situation.

The homeowner assisted Leelanau Animal Control early on, putting the cats he could handle in carriers. That accounted for about a dozen or so cats. There were ten to twelve young cats who were four to six months old who were living in an outbuilding. Those cats were hard to handle and traps were needed to catch them. Although the homeowner had been feeding the cats on his property, these cats were so hungry that they willingly went into the traps for the food. Sometimes it only took about ten minutes to catch one. The animal control officer would then take them out of the trap and put them in a large carrier. This routine continued for several days. Included in the cat count was a mom and five nursing kittens that were caught early on. The description of the cats as "feral" was used because most of the cats were on their own. Although they occasionally received food, they were not contained, which resulted in neighbor complaints.

According to Leelanau Animal Control officer Paul Peschel, he believes that most of the cats would have been adoptable. As he was the one who caught most of them, he saw that they were being traumatized and upset by his handling. However, after a ride to Cherryland, most were settled and could be taken out with gloves. He thinks that there were probably five or six that appeared to have respiratory issues. He noticed that many had resulting runny eyes from the respiratory issues and most of the cats were very young. Many, he thought, would require a lot of veterinary care and expense.

Pet Friends Magazine has contacted Cherryland several times about the fate of these cats but has been unsuccessful in receiving an answer from their Board of Directors. President Jess Reed responded to the request through Mike Cherry by saying, "Because we are an adoption agency, much like a child adoption agency, we do not furnish information concerning individuals or groups bringing animals in; those adopting animals; or the status of the animals. We do that for obvious reasons, including protecting those involved with relinquishments and adoptions."

According to Peschel, the contract between Leelanau County and the Cherryland Humane Society states that CHS is supposed to provide the county with documentation of the outcomes of animals turned in by Leelanau County animal control. It is possible through these means that we might someday know the fate of these cats. But for now, we wait.

Milk Bone Dog Biscuit Product Pulled (October)

eFoodAlert author Phyllis Entis, also known as the Food Bug Lady, posted a notice of recall of Milk Bone dog biscuits as posted on Ingles Markets website. Ingles Markets website states: Milk Bone Dog Biscuit 10lb Delmonte Pet has a recall on Milk Bone Dog Biscuit 10lb. Code #90967 Milk Bone Dog Biscuits 10 lb (UPC 24000-92502) with lot code 12071k Only! Click here for more info.

Senate Passes Legislation To Deter Animal Cruelty, Dog Fighting

The Senate unanimously passed bipartisan legislation designed to curb dog fighting by increasing criminal penalties.
The three bill package would allow for the seizure and forfeiture of real property used in animal fighting and make animal fighting a predicate offense for racketeering. The legislation would also make the owner, lessor or person conducting the activity guilty of nuisance. Click here for more info.

H.O.P.E. Needs Donations for the Pet Food Pantry

With more and more people having financial problems, Traverse City's pet food pantry is busier than ever. Please consider buying an extra can of food - or an extra bag - the next time you are out shopping for your own pet's food. H.O.P.E. could really use your help right now - especially with cat food. Lots of pets need help from the pantry and they hate to turn away a hungry face. You can drop off your donations at the Bay Area Pet Hospital in Traverse City or East Bay Animal Hospital in Acme.

Black Sheep Crossing Needs Your Help

Black Sheep Crossing is a farm animal sanctuary in Northport on the Leelanau Peninsula. They are home to many unwanted, abused, neglected, or abandoned animals. Black Sheep Crossing is a no-kill, nonprofit sanctuary that provides medical care and much love and attention to animals such as goats, sheep, horses, donkeys, pot-bellied pigs, and fowl. They also house several dogs and many, many cats (unfortunately they cannot take in more at this time).

Black Sheep Crossing is in need of small pet carriers, sturdy boxes small to medium in size, straw, hay, gift certificates to Hillside Feed & Seed, and of course, monetary donations. Sponsoring an animal (for any length of time) would make a great gift for the animal lover. Sponsors will get photos and regular updates on the animal chosen.

Please respond to this ad for pick up of items to donate. For more information, you can call Marty & Cherry Scott at (231) 386-7234. Address is 12540 N. Kehl Road, Northport, MI 49670.

Visit their website at: blacksheepcrossing.org

Cherryland Humane Society No Longer Allowing Members to Vote for Board of Directors

In a recent letter to their members, the Cherryland Humane Society in Traverse City outlined several amendments to the by-laws that their board of directors have made.

The amendment states "an amendment providing that members of the Board of Directors will be elected by the Board of Directors. The by-laws previously provided that directors be elected by the members of the Cherryland Humane Society present at its annual meeting."

No longer is the membership involved in choosing who runs the shelter. It looks like the policies will stay put, as there will be no way for the members to vote on who sits on the board.

There is also a story in the Record-Eagle about the change in the CHS bylaws.

Animal Control Rescues 64 Animals from Elderly Woman's Home in Livingston County

Livingston County Animal Control officials seized and rescued 64 animals on Friday from an elderly woman who allegedly wasn’t properly caring for them. Animal control officials were assisted by the Livingston County Sheriff’s Department and The Humane Society of the United States, an independent organization that does large scale rescues across the country. Animals seized from the house and barn included 10 horses, three sheep, 40 cats, three rabbits, two guinea pigs, three dogs, two chickens and one goat. Click here for more info.

Help Area Rescue Groups by Dropping Off Items in Elk Rapids

Bowsers By The Bay is now a drop off site for any donations for the local rescue groups (of customer's choosing). Bowsers by the Bay is at 201 EC Loomis Industrial Park Drive in Elk Rapids. They can receive donations of items or money and will contact your favorite group to let them know they have donations ready for them.

Bowsers by the Bay is a fitness and rehabilitation facility for dogs. They are truly cage free. They have about 4500 square feet of indoor and outdoor play/training space for dogs. All dogs must be temperament tested before they arrive. They provide day camp and boarding, training, full-service grooming and will eventually have a veterinarian on board to do physical rehabilitation work. Please stop by anytime for a tour. The fitness center is open Monday through Friday from 7 am to 6 pm and Saturdays by request. They board 24/7 and are staffed around the clock.

Pet Crisis Center in Bellaire is Now Open to Help Antrim County Pets During Emergencies

After seven years of planning, fundraising, building, decorating, and cleaning, the Pet Crisis Center in Bellaire is now a reality. It has been open about a month and they just had their very successful grand opening celebration on Wednesday, July 27th.

The Pet Crisis Center is a place that's available to residents of Antrim County. Even though WaLHFMF receives donations from all over Michigan and the United States, it was decided early on that the Pet Crisis Center would serve Antrim County only to see what could be accomplished in their own backyard.

(above - Before you enter the center, you will see a fountain and bricks purchased in memory of pets)

They will be working with local agencies including Antrim County Animal Control, Meadowbrook Care Facility as well as mental health and family services. They are a place of last resort when an emergency happens. Some of these emergencies include a pet's owner having a house fire, a domestic abuse situation, a military person leaving for duty or an elderly person who has to go into a nursing home. When the Pet Crisis Center can't reunite the pet with their owner, the animal will be put up for adoption.

(above - Sugar is 10 years old. She is the center's office cat but is up for adoption.
Her human Mom has MS and is now in a nursing home. She came in with 2 other cats Precious and Princess also up for adoption.)

During my tour at the Center, I was very impressed by the building. It's very clean, organized, colorful and welcoming. They use non toxic cleaning products as well as recycled newspaper litter and recycling within the center. They also have easy-to-clean floors and walls so that volunteers' time can be better spent with animal care and not cleaning. Everything seems to have been well thought out to enhance the lives of the pets.

The dogs have their own spaces, both inside and out, and also have a big play area in the back to run and enjoy.

The two dogs who were there during my visit were able to access most of the building and followed us wherever we went. The gorgeous Pit Bull mix, Brindle, who is at the center because her owner left for Army bootcamp ended up in almost every picture as she made sure she could see what we were up to.

(above - Brindle is a 9 month old Pit Bull mix. She has a wonderful personality and loves everyone including cats. Her owner has gone to Army boot camp. He has decided because his future is uncertain and Brindle is young to give her up for adoption.)

The cats have nice kitty condos with separate litter areas. During the day, the doors are all open and they are free to roam around the room and sit in front of the window.

(above - Don Juan is a young 12 years old, loveable and handsome. Adjusting to not being the only pet after being with his owner his whole life, Don Juan is doing pretty well with the others notice Princess in the background. His human Mom went into a nursing home and would like to see Don Juan adopted once more.)

(above - Snuggles came in with her sister Callie. They are three years old and their owner could no longer take care of them because of declining health. They hopefully will be adopted out together.)

(above - George came in with his friend Kittle. They stayed at the center while their owner got through a crisis and were reunited with him the day after this photo was taken. We love those happy endings!!)

Many of them have decided to move to new addresses during the day (i.e. they have decided their "assigned" quarters are only for sleeping and find a new condo during their free time). Others have decided to sit on top of the condos to properly supervise the cats down below.

(above - Pooh is WaLHFMF' front page adopt-a-pet in the summer newsletter. He is about 4 years old and a very nice cat who just loves attention. His owner went to jail and signed him off to be adopted.)

Getting the center built was a true community effort with many local
businesses donating their labor for free and offering their material at cost so that the donated money could be stretched as far as possible. Many individuals also donated time and money to make the center a reality. It was a labor of love for many.

I encourage all of you to visit the center and see what a remarkable accomplishment it is. I believe it's a model that could be used in all of our communities. It can be used as a stop-gap measure to keep pets from entering animal shelters when sometimes the reason they are there is a result of a temporary situation.

With as Little Help From My Friends is willing to share all that they learned along the way to others interested in starting a similar facility in their county.

AC Paw, Missaukee County Humane Society and the Osceola County Animal Shelter Win Top Awards from Pet Friends

Every year, the Michigan Department of Agriculture releases the “Michigan Animal Shelter Activity Reports” for licensed animal shelters in Michigan (please click here for the full report for 2010). Fostering-only groups do not have to report but some do. This report includes, among other things, intake and euthanasia information.

Pet Friends organizes the information every year for the animal groups listed our our "shelter" link so that our readers can have a better understanding of their local animal organizations.

This is the 3rd year of the Pet Friend Magazine's Annual "PAW" Award (Pet Friends Animal Welfare Award). The winners are based on the percentage of the least amount of euthanasias for the year 2010 compared to the intake numbers of cats and dogs. One new rule this year is for the shelter to take in at least 50 animals to make them comparable to other shelters in deciding who wins the awards.

AC Paw and the Osceola County Animal Shelter have tied for a win for the 2010 PAW Award from Pet Friends Magazine in the dog category for the least amount of euthanasias.

AC Paw and the Missaukee County Humane Society have tied for a win for the 2010 PAW Award from Pet Friends Magazine in the cat category for the least amount of euthanasias.

Please click here for our list of the shelter statistics for the Northern Lower Michigan animal shelters in our area.

Feral Cats Caught and Spayed or Neutured, then Freed in Muskegon County Program

With TNR, cats are live-trapped, spayed or neutered, and returned to where they were caught. While anesthetized, the tip of the animal’s left ear also is surgically removed to indicate the cat has been altered.

Three years ago, Muskegon-based Heaven Can Wait Animal Haven began providing TNR services. The nonprofit organization was started to help battle pet overpopulation by transporting cats and dogs to C-SNIP, a low-cost spay and neuter clinic in Grand Rapids. The group soon realized it needed to address the issue of feral cats. Click here for the rest of the story.

New leash on Dog Park Plans in Traverse City

The Traverse City community continues its effort to create a leash-free park for their canine companions. The Traverse City Commission approved the proposal for the dog park last month.  The dog park will be located on city land at Division and Bay Street. For more information on the story, please click here.

If you'd like to donate to help get the dog park up and running (scheduled for May of this year), send your donations to:

Mr. Lauren Vaughn, Superintendent
City of Traverse City Parks and Recreation
625 Woodmere Ave.
Traverse City, MI 49686

Make your check payable to City of Traverse City with Dog Park in the memo line.

Don't Forget to Pick up Your AC Paw Calendar

They're going fast so make sure to stop by the Dog Bakery, The Copy Shop or AC Paw adoptions at Petsmart and pick up a copy of the calendar for only $12. The calendar has been paid for by sponsorships so the money goes directly to pets in need!

KAM Rescue Group in Cadillac Disbands

Unfortunately, a new rescue group that started in Cadillac shut down almost as quickly as it started. Due to disagreements among the founders, they are working independently now, still rescuing animals but no doing it as an organization.

SUFA (Stand Up for Animals) is Now Operating as Pine Cone Farm

Linda Gottwald is now operating her animal rescue organization under the name of Pine Cone Farm. The animals up for adoption can be seen on her Petfinder site.

Here is the most recent link to the lawsuit concerning SUFA and activities in Florida.

Just One Day - to Save Pets in Shelters

What is a day? There are many ways to answer that question. A day is 24 hours. A day is how we measure how much time we spend at work. A day can be something we look forward to, a celebration of some kind. But in U.S. animal shelters, a day represents 10,411 lives needlessly lost. To most people, June 11 is Just One Day. But, June 11 is a day that could change everything for 10,411 companion animals, and a day that can change the world. On June 11, 2012, we could be a No Kill nation. For more info, please go to this website.

Cherryland Humane Society Has New Volunteer to Take Photos for Website (December)

The dogs and cats at Cherryland Humane Society in Traverse City have a whole new look. No, they aren't wearing doggie tuxedos or kitty hats. What they have is a great new way to show themselves off on the Humane Society's website - they have volunteer photographer, Kimberli Bindschatel, taking great photos of them that really show off their personalities. Kimberli started taking the photos about a month ago and goes in to the shelter every week to take new pictures. She also has two volunteers who help her – Ellen Cohn is great with the cats and Laura Dagwell handles the dogs like a pro. Some animals are easier than others to deal with as some of them love the attention and some are leery of the flash. But each animal has beautiful eyes and a story to tell and Kimberli does her best to show that story in pictures.

Kimberli's friend Laura sent her a video about four months ago showing a professional photographer in Texas who had volunteered to take photos at a shelter. Because of this, the shelter's adoptions increased significantly. Kimberli knew that taking photos was her way to help the local pets who need to find homes - so she made a call to offer her talents. A photographer of 25 years, she knew she'd be able to capture the cat or dog's soul with the right lighting and waiting for the perfect moment to photograph them.

Kimberli also volunteers at the Boardman River Nature Center, playing Ollie the Otter, their mascot, among other volunteer activities. She has two dogs of her own, Tucker and Kloe, both nine-year-old Brittanys from the same litter.

Even if you aren't looking for new friend to adopt, please check out the website and see some of Kimberli's great photos on the Humane Society's website here.

If you are a rescue or shelter worker or volunteer, please check out this link at Petfinder to get some great tips on how to take great photos of your animals!

Sara’s Legacy Pet Sitters Adds to the Team
Paid Advertisement (December)

Sara’s Legacy Pet Sitters / Dog Walkers
announced today the addition of two new pet sitters to the team.

Jean Gibbons, a retired chemist, brings a huge love of animals combined with a lifetime of experience caring for and sharing a home with numerous dogs and cats. She is experienced with animals with special needs that require additional attention. “I generally make friends with animals easily,” Jean says. Susan Gibbons, owner, adds “I’ve seen timid dogs jump up to be on her lap when they wouldn’t allow anyone else to get close.”

The same last name is not a coincidence. “When I was considering who to bring on board to help out, I couldn’t think of a better person,” notes Susan. “I trust my mom with all my children, both the four-legged as well as the two-legged.”

Shiloh Wolfe is the newest member of the team, but has the most professional
experience, owning her own pet sitting business, Unity Pet Care in Burlington Vermont for over ten years. Shiloh, also has great affection, for all types of animals, both large and small from pocket pets to German Shepherds… and even reptiles. Shiloh also has experience working with special needs pets. “We are truly fortunate to have Shiloh bring
her tremendous experience to the team,” says Susan. “Her calm presence is a magnet for all.”

Sara’s Legacy Pet Sitters / Dog Walkers provides customized professional loving care in your pet’s most comfortable environment, their own home. The pet’s routine is kept intact with no imposition on family and friends. Mid-day dog walks are available for those dogs needing a break during the middle of the day while their family is either away
or at work.

For more information call 231.632.2877 or go to the website here.

Secret Puppy Shoppers Test Pet Store Disclosure Practices (December)
Group finds Michigan pet stores would
be in violation of proposed Pet Lemon Law

Between March and September of 2011, Puppy Mill Awareness of Southeast Michigan members posed as puppy shoppers to question 23 Detroit-area pet stores about their suppliers, with the goal of supporting state wide disclosure requirements.  

“Breeder information, such as names and addresses, can help protect conscientious Michigan customers from unknowingly contributing to animal neglect and abuse at puppy mill operations.” said Pam Sordyl, the group’s founder.  

The investigation found that a total of 13 out of 23 establishments did not provide breeder names, 100 percent of the establishments did not provide details about the puppy's parents beyond sire and dam names, and 95 percent did not allow viewing of the parents.  

Click here to read the full investigation.

The group’s prior investigations, which included examining breeder shipping records, have revealed that puppy mill operations were supplying the same stores that claimed that all of their puppies come from reputable AKC breeders. Many of the stores stated that they work with local breeders, but USDA records show there are no USDA breeders in the Detroit area. 

“With disclosure requirements like those in S.B. 574, the proposed new Pet Lemon Law, pet stores would be held more accountable for working with licensed kennels.” said Sordyl. 

Kennels who sell to pet stores must be licensed by the USDA to sell wholesale. Licensing will ensure that the kennels are inspected – generally at least once a year. However, because USDA regulations are so minimal, licensing and inspections alone will still not ensure animals in breeding facilities are living in healthy environments. Because of this, Puppy Mill Awareness of Southeast Michigan suggests that the public avoid pet stores and choose to adopt an animal instead through local animal shelters, humane societies and animal rescue groups. 

“Buyers can make more informed decisions when purchasing their next family member with access to kennel information such as a breeder name and city.” said Sordyl. As of 2009, puppy buyers have access to kennel inspection reports and inventories online through the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) website.

“This disclosure survey will hopefully support the passage of disclosure requirements recently added to Senator Bieda’s Pet Lemon Law bill S.B. 574.” said Sordyl. 

Click here to read the entire text of S.B. 574.

MICHIGAN PET STORES SURVEYED:

1 The Family Puppy, Flint
2 The Family Puppy, Brighton
3 The Family Puppy, Roseville
4 The Family Puppy, Novi
5 The Family Puppy, Troy
6 Pawsitively Spoiled, Brighton
7 Shaggy Dog, Utica
8 Critter Pet Shop, Allen Park
9 Pet City Pets Wyandotte
10 Pet City Pets, Ypsilanti
11 Westland Dog Food Company, Westland
12 House of Pets, Garden City
13 Paws-n-Claws Pet Supplies, Eastpointe
14 Pollywood Pets & Acc Inc, Mt. Clemens
15 The Pet Place, Marine City
16 Barking Babes Pet Boutique, Fenton
17 Petland, Novi
18 Pet Station, Dearborn Heights
19 Downtown Hound Pet Center, Monroe
20 Teacups & Toys A Pet Boutique, Birmingham
21 Greenwood Pets & Plants, Warren
22 The Doggie Parlor, Eastpointe
23 Utica Pet Supply, Utica

The Puppy Mill Awareness Meetup of Southeast Michigan is working to end the mass production of dogs in commercial kennels ("puppy mills"). Our mission is to educate the public about the cruel cycle of commercial dog breeding and the pet store link. 

Contact:
Pam Sordyl, 734-718-7100
Email

Animal Shelter Tour 2011
(November)

In the month of October, I decided to visit some shelters that I have never been to before. These included the Little Traverse Bay Humane Society, Charlevoix Area Humane Society, Kalkaska County Animal Control and the Second Chance Ranch and Rescue. The story on Charlevoix will be in the December update but you can read about the other visits here.

D.O.G. Bakery in Traverse City Helping to Raise Funds for Local Animal Organizations (November)

The D.O.G. Bakery is teaming up with The Traverse City Toxic Cherries to help raise much needed cash for area animal rescue organizations.

Buy a Frisbee for $2.50 and more than $1 will go directly to local animal groups, including AC Paws, HOPE and the Cherryland Humane Society.

Wayne State University's Inhumane Dog Experiments: Queenie's Story (November)
By Allie Phillips,
Michiganders for Shelter Pets

PCRM (Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine) obtained shelter and veterinary records through the Michigan Freedom of Information Act for Queenie, a Dalmatian mix who was used in one of the experiments conducted by Donal O’Leary, Ph.D. These records show that Queenie suffered immensely at the hands of O’Leary and his staff at Wayne State University in Detroit.

Queenie was found stray in early 2009 by residents of Gratiot County, Mich., who kept her for weeks before surrendering her to the Gratiot County Animal Shelter on June 15, 2009. After 10 days at the shelter, she was transferred to R&R Research, a Class B “random source” animal dealer.

Queenie was sold to Wayne State University, and veterinary staff noted that she was “curious, gentle, [and] friendly” when she arrived on Sept. 16, 2009. Lab personnel renamed her “Lafayette,” and she was assigned to the experiment “Integrative Cardiovascular Control During Exercise in Hypertension.” She began treadmill training on Sept. 23, when she was noted to be “distressed.

Queenie remained “spooky” during her presurgery treadmill training, even jumping off the treadmill when one of the experimenters entered the room. She had to be given a bath on Oct. 15 because she had “fecal material all down [her] left side.” Her training continued until Dec. 1, when she had a left thoracotomy—a major surgery in which her chest was opened to implant devices in her heart.

After surgery, Queenie had to wear a jacket, t-shirt, and cervical collar so she would not pull at her stitches or at the foreign objects now in her body. Her face and paws were swollen, she was “whining [and] vocalizing a bit,” and she vomited immediately after being placed in her cage. By Dec. 8, she was back on the treadmill.

As Queenie healed from her first surgery, she experienced irritation, scabbing, leaking fluids, and other ill effects. She seemed “agitated,” “intent on cleaning feces from [her] rear,” and was “whining for attention.” On Dec. 15, she underwent another procedure—this time, experimenters placed catheters in Queenie’s neck and behind her abdomen.
Queenie’s recovery was more difficult after the second experiment. The next morning, Queenie was found lying on her floor and “reluctant to get up out of [her] cage,” vocalizing when laboratory technicians tried to assist her out of the cage. Queenie did not want to move, and lab technicians placed a muzzle on her to stop her from making noise and attempting to nip.

Queenie’s incisions constantly seeped large amounts of fluids. After relentless licking, sores appeared on her paws and right hip. She was forced to wear an even larger Elizabethan collar to stop her from further aggravating the sores.
Queenie was forced to run on the treadmill again. Initially, the experimental devices were not turned on so she could serve as her own experimental control. When the devices were later turned on, constant problems with the devices’ electronic signals occurred, which prevented the experimenters from collecting data. Still, according to her veterinary records, Queenie was forced to run on the treadmill, and experimenters gathered data when they could, dodging bites from this once-friendly dog and frequently stopping the experiment to clean up feces.

By March 2010, Queenie was hypertensive. In April, she was noted by one lab technician to be “acting very timid – like she can’t get [up]…shakes while getting up (back legs)… won’t get up for me.” That same day, she underwent treadmill experiments again. Two days later, Queenie’s leg became caught in the treadmill and she stumbled. For the next two weeks, Queenie was seen “tip-toeing” and limping, but she was still forced to run.

Queenie was used until June 2010, when experimenters accidentally cracked one of the devices implanted in her while “packing up probes” after a treadmill training session. They attempted to fix the device, but it broke again, retracting into Queenie’s body. On June 29, 2010, more than one year after she arrived at the Gratiot County Animal Shelter and more than nine months after she arrived at O’Leary’s laboratory, Queenie was killed.

Queenie was just one of the hundreds of dogs used in O’Leary’s experiments at Wayne State University.

Wayne State University: 20 Years of Inhumane Dog Experiments

Forced treadmill exercise. Major surgeries. Constant pain and distress. Queenie, a friendly Dalmatian mix, could have gone to a loving home after arriving at the Gratiot County Animal Shelter, but she was sent to a Class B dealer and sold to suffer in a cruel Wayne State University experiment instead.

At Wayne State University, Donal O’Leary, Ph.D., has been performing inhumane heart experiments on dogs for more than 20 years. Dogs are trained to run on a treadmill, undergo two or more major surgeries during which they are implanted with medical devices, and are then forced to run on the treadmill again with experimentally induced heart failure or hypertension.

O’Leary has received millions of dollars in National Institutes of Health funding for this research that has not led to human heart health breakthroughs, but he is not the only one who has profited from these experiments. R&R Research, a Class B dealer that purchases dogs and cats from animal shelters and has been cited for illegally obtaining animals eight times since 2007, makes thousands of dollars selling dogs to O’Leary.

Here is the link for you to take action.

Update on the Dog Park Plans in Traverse City (November)

Some citizens and one of the park commissioners are working on plans for a dog Park at the Veterans Park on Division and Bay St. The Dog Park will be on the next Park and Rec agenda on November 3, 2011. The meeting starts at 6:30 p.m. and is at the Governmental Center on Boardman Avenue in Traverse City.

The Dog Park website is here.

Local Animal Groups Need Funding Help After Working Together to Save a Cat (November)

It was one of those phone calls that breaks your heart. A cat who had just given birth to two kittens was in distress. Normally, HOPE (Helping Owners with Pet Expenses) doesn't get these sort of calls because they are not an animal "rescue" group. HOPE is a non-profit organization who helps owners with vet expenses and has a pet food pantry for people in Grand Traverse County and some of the surrounding counties.

The people who found the cat were in Grawn and worked at a storage facility. They thought the cat had been hit by a car (later it was discovered that the cat was stepped on by a horse). It was in bad shape. Susan Reabe, founder of HOPE, took the call and immediately went over to pick up the cat and the kittens. En-route to East Bay Hospital, she called up Un-Cats, a local cat rescue group, to see if they could foster the cats if HOPE could cover the medical expenses. They agreed.

The cat ended up being treated at East Bay Medical, Bay Area Pet Hospital (for 24 hour care) and finally by Dr. Henshaw at Oakwood Veterinary Hospital for orthopedic surgery. Although in the end, the kittens didn't survive, the cat is now doing very well after having pins and plates put in her leg and everyone has high hopes for normal recovery. The final cost: over $1400, which turns out to be a very "low" cost after the care was discounted for both groups.

This situation fell completely outside of the usual missions of both groups. HOPE usually deals with helping the pets of OWNED cats - and UnCats usually sticks to helping cats with FIV and Feline Leukemia cats as well as dealing with feral cat issues. But the animal welfare groups in this town find it hard to turn down an animal in need just because a dog or cat doesn't fit into the criteria of what kind of animal the groups are supposed to help.

Unfortunately, taking care of the cat, who is now named Angel, is taking a big financial toll on both groups, who are usually dealing with an animal that might only cost them $150 or less. If they are not able to cover these costs, they won't be able to help other cats and dogs who are going to need their help in the near future. In order to get things back on track, the two groups are working together again, fundraising to cover the vet costs of Angel and her kittens.

The good ending to the story is that the foster family who is taking care of Angel has fallen in love with the kitty and there is probably a good chance that Angel has already found her forever home.

Please donate so that both groups can continue to save pets in Northern Lower Michigan. You can donate at the link here.

Before and After: A Lesson in Love (November)

I recently came across a very moving photo online that truly shows the difference that love can make in a dog's life. It's a before and after picture of a shelter dog and explains why so many of us are involved in animal rescue. You can see the photo here.

Shooting Dogs in Michigan
By Georg Schluender (November)

I have heard some heated debates in Northern Michigan about shooting dogs that are chasing or being menacing to deer. It is the responsibility of the owner to take measures to train or contain a dog which preys on wildlife or domestic pets.  Only Michigan law officers can legally shoot a menacing dog and typically will not unless for fear of a lawsuit.

However many states such as Indiana have statutes providing that any dog known to have worried livestock or fowl or found roaming unattended may lawfully killed.  In Vermont, domestic pets “found wounding, killing or worrying another domestic pet or wolf-hybrid, a domestic animal or fowl may be killed" when reasonably necessary to prevent injury to the animal.” Ohio provides a dog that is chasing or approaching in a menacing fashion. Attempts to bite or otherwise endanger, kills or injures a person’s livestock, poultry, domestic animal, or other animal which is the property of another person can be killed at the time of that action. 

Alaska declares that any dog that “habitually annoys any wild deer, reindeer, sheep, cattle, horse, or other animal or bird either domestic or wild” may be lawfully killed. However, Alaska also includes the caveat that the owner, if reasonably identifiable, shall be notified and given reasonable opportunity to restrain the dog “at large” before it is lawful to kill it. In Wyoming imminent threat is not required to justify the killing, although it is not clear whether people other than the owner can lawfully kill the dog.

Still in Michigan there are many hook-n-bullet residents which follow the extreme laws of the wild west. Believing they have the right to shoot our dogs and in the last decade have found three dogs dead from gunshot wounds on rural roads and wilderness trails. Then there are those sick individuals who are simply getting away with murdering a family companion. I’m bothered by the fact of being threatened with someone shooting my family companion and not paying a penalty closer to murder. For the 1931 Act 328 of the Michigan Penal Code demands much more severe consequences then currently handed down:

(a) Imprisonment for not more than 4 years.

(b) A fine of not less than $5,000.00 or more than $50,000.00.

(c) Not less than 500 or more than 1,000 hours of community service.

While just last month Michael Hopkins of Fenwick when sentenced by Judge Hoort received only one year of probation, 200 hours of community service and $4,521.80 in veterinary restitution, plus additional court fees. Hopkins also had to forfeit his gun, write a letter of apology to the Crawford family and avoid any further contact with them. This happened in a residential area where children witnessed the crime and the dog’s leg was amputated.

Donald Williams of Greenville served only 93 days in jail for shooting his 7 year old beagle companion in the head and face.  Williams pleaded guilty to the fire arm charges in exchange for the prosecutor dropping the charges of killing an animal and reckless use of a fire arm. He had to also serve 2 years’ probation and was not allowed to own an animal in the future.

Scott Dorr Sutherland of Genesee County heinously tortured and killed three different family dog companions. Circuit Court Judge Geoffrey L. Neithercut even after hearing the emotional personal accounts of the families and Sutherlands no contest plea sentenced him to 180 days in a work release. He was also ordered two years of probation, must make restitution to the families affected by his crimes.

Kyle Luttrell of Niles was sentenced to only 1 year in county jail, to serve 200 hours of community service, and pay only $500 dollars in fines and restitution. After going onto his neighbor’s property and releasing their two family companions from the kennel and leading one of them back to his property. He then tied the dog to a tree and shot him multiple times.

Leniency isn’t given to the dog owner that doesn’t leash their dog in public so why would we do so for someone that shoots a families dog in a residential area with children present? I paid stiffer fines and restitution for playing mailbox baseball in the 80’s then these men did for “stealing” a family companion, torturing and killing. The prosecutors and judges are at fault as well for they are not even meeting the penal code minimums at sentencing. They can’t even recognize the dog as a living being that has been kidnapped, not “stolen,” from its family then tortured and killed. 

What happened to hanging the horse thief? As families with pet companions we need to be more vigilant when we hear of such animal abuse. Pet-Abuse.Com based in Southfield, NY keeps an update database with services and goals to assist in increasing public awareness regarding the connection between animal cruelty and violence in society. The website can help you contact the proper state authorities, prosecutors and judges regarding any of the 38 dog shooting cases or the 411 animal abuse cases still pending in Michigan courts. It is up to us to speak for those that can’t and make sure justice is served for their wrongful deaths.

Georg Schluender is the founder of DoggieTrek Fitness – “wellness for dogs and their human companions.”  A certified dog trainer with over 25 years of experience rescuing German Shepherds that currently resides in Traverse City and can be reached here.

Cherryland Humane Society Meets Fundraising Goal (November)

At a recent annual meeting, it was announced to the members that the Cherryland Humane Society has exceeded their $200,000 goal. They have also set up an online donation page at the website here. Many of the people who tried to donate to them during their big fundraising push had problems donating to them and this will make it much easier. In order to donate, please scroll to the bottom of the page and where it says "payment method" please choose "online via credit card."

Michigan Group Joins National Campaign to End Petland Puppy Sales (November)

A group of Michigan citizens have joined a popular campaign on Change.org calling on Petland to stop selling pets and support pet adoption instead. Pam Sordyl, founder of the Puppy Mill Awareness Meetup of Southeast Michigan, started a campaign on Change.org demanding that the Petland branch in Novi, MI stop selling puppies purchased from commercial breeding facilities known as "puppy mills" and support pet adoption.

For more on this story, please click here.

Winter Pet Care Tips
By Lori S. Mohr (via BestFriends.org)
(November)

Water.
Active dogs need as much water, or even more, in the winter than they do in the summer. Make sure that outside water supplies do not freeze. De-icers are available from pet supply catalogs, and run from $15.00 to $40.00. You can also purchase them from hardware stores.

Antifreeze.
Keep your pet away from antifreeze. Poisoning takes only a couple of licks. Antifreeze may lurk in your garage on your driveway.

Road Salt.
Keep your pet away from road salt. This chemical compound can cause painful burns to an animal's feet, tongue, and mouth. Wash it off immediately. Long-haired dogs can track in the chemicals on their body hair.

Snow.
Don't let your dog wander away in the snow. Scent, sound, and landmarks may become confusing, making it quite easy for dogs to become lost.

Keeping Warm
During the winter, dog sweaters are great for keeping long hair clean, dry, and away of chemicals. They are also wonderfully warm and cozy.

Michigan Legislative Update
(November)
From Michigan HSUS

Your help is needed to move two bills forward to end the use of gas chamber euthanasia by shelters and Class B dealers in our state. SB 423 and SB 424 (nicknamed “Grant’s Bills,” after the dog who died in St. Joseph County’s gas chamber) still await a hearing in the Senate Agriculture Committee.

IMPORTANT: If you live in Senate District 22 (which includes Livingston County and Shiawassee County, plus Bunker Hill township, Leslie city, Leslie township, Mason city, Stockbridge township, and Vevay township in Ingham County), please contact Sen. Joseph Hune (at 517-373-2420), the chair of the Senate Agriculture Committee, and ask that he give these bills a hearing.

You can mention that as a constituent who cares deeply about the protection of Michigan’s shelter pets, you are asking his committee to support legislation to require that only euthanasia by injection, the most humane method available, is used on shelter pets. For additional talking points and information on these bills, please visit Michiganders for Shelter Pets here.

SB 356, 357, and 358, to increase penalties for animal fighting, passed the Senate floor by a unanimous vote on September 7. SB 356 would add animal fighting to the list of crimes for which property may be seized and forfeited; SB 357 would designate a building, vehicle, boat, aircraft, or place used for animal fighting as a nuisance; and SB 358 would add animal fighting as a predicate offense of racketeering. The package of bills now awaits a hearing in the House Judiciary Committee.

Sen. Steve Bieda’s “Pet Lemon Law” bill, SB 574, passed out of the Senate Regulatory Reform Committee on September 27 and is now headed to the Senate floor. The bill would provide financial relief for those who purchase pets from Michigan pet shops or pet dealers (this does not include animal control shelters or animal protection shelters) with a contagious or infectious illness or a hereditary or congenital defect. The bill also requires sellers to give potential purchasers information about the breeder and broker of a dog or cat, the date of the animal’s birth, the date the pet shop or dealer received the animal, the breed and identifying marks of the dog or cat, the identity of a purebred dog’s or cat’s parents, and health information about the animal.

The Humane Society Veterinary Medical Association endorses euthanasia by injection instead of by gas. You can read more from them here.

A Pet Lover’s Ministry (October)

I first met Reverend Crystal Yarlott at an AC Paws fundraiser and adoption event where she was asked to conduct a Blessing of the Pets event. Often times, the pet is present for this blessing. Some people want a general blessing and others might have a sick pet that is in need of an extra special prayer. Crystal seemed to have a special gentleness and caring about her, as well as being very interested and attentive to the pets in attendance. As the years went on, I would often see her at local fundraisers, supporting animal rescue organizations to benefit cats and dogs in need. As I got to know her, I learned that animals have always been a part of her life and to her, taking care of her own pets and others in need is a very important part of who she is.

Reverend Crystal is the minister of Unity of Traverse City and she has been a minister for 22 years.

She was ordained in 1989 as part of the Unity centennial celebration class. She has served wonderful congregations in Georgia, Puerto Rico and Michigan. She considers Unity of Traverse City to be her all-time favorite church and Traverse City to be one of the most beautiful places in the entire United States.

Crystal grew up with animals and currently has four pets – three dogs and a cat. She has a two-year-old cockapoo named Reece who was supposed to be paralyzed from overbreeding at a Missouri puppy mill.

(above: Reece last spring)

Crystal thought the dog she would be getting would be a little slower and a good match for her older dog, so she was surprised to find out Reece wasn’t paralyzed at all and is a very spunky little dog. She recently said goodbye to her special soul dog, Clarissa, named after author Clarissa Pinkola Estes who wrote “Women who Run with Wolves.” The book recommended watching a dog's behavior as a way to discern love and loyalty. Wolves is a favorite of Crystal’s and helped to open her heart after she felt she had gotten estranged from people.

Crystal also has a Norwich terrier named Dutch who she’s had for about six months. "I'm a terrible foster Mom," Crystal admitted. "I was supposed to find him a new home but fell for his big brown eyes and steady gaze instead."

(above: Dutch when Crystal got him)

Dutch is currently on a strict diet program because his previous owner only fed him treats and didn’t take him on any walks for exercise. After the owner ended up in the hospital, Crystal and other neighbors walked Dutch and Winston, a dachshund cocker mix, while making adoption arrangements. But an incident made it clear to Crystal that she “had” to take him home. Crystal is grateful Dutch is now able to scratch his ears, a previously unattainable goal from being overweight. She is teaching him to walk with her on the treadmill, good for both of them come wintertime.

Her oldest dog, Mugsy, is 15 and she's had his since birth.

(above: Mugsy on the VASA)

She has a muted tabby cat named Nikki who came from  Cherryland Humane Society four years ago. She asked them which cat had been there the longest and was directed to Nikki, who had been there for nine months. Crystal took her home and hasn't regretted it a single day.

(above: Nikki)

When asked about her connection to pets, she says, “I love them. When I was a kid, I always knew I was going to have dogs (not kids). I love dogs. I get a lot of companionship from them. I’ve learn a lot from them…they’ll wag their tail at you no matter who you are or what you’ve done.”

When Clarissa died, Crystal threw out her Sunday sermon that day and talked about the experience of letting go  of someone so important to her. She knew others would relate. A pet who has been with you every day for many years is a big part of your life. She knows what it means to cope with an animal's death. Their unconditional love makes them very special family members. Although she has never officiated a pet funeral, she is open to conducting a funeral for a pet if asked.

One of Crystal's loves is officiating weddings (www.crystalyarlott.com). Through weddings, she supports animal welfare groups by tithing 10% to local and national animal rescue organizations. This can amount to a nice sum of money that is welcomed by just about any animal organization. In fact, she tends to get many wedding referrals from animal lovers throughout Michigan. Crystal contributes to local groups such as H.O.P.E. and AC Paw as well as national groups like Best Friends Animal Society, ASPCA and the North Shore Animal League. She has literature about some of our local animal welfare organizations in her church for people to read. 
She also has a prayer group made up of the CHS walkers where the group picks out a dog who has been at the Cherryland Humane Society for a long time. The dog is put on the church’s website and in the church's newsletter and the group prays for that dog’s adoption until they find the right new forever home.

For a while at Unity, people could bring their pets to Sunday service. However, some people complained about the noise and the pets restlessness, so bringing pets is no longer encouraged. Crystal feels a little regret over the decision, but understands not everyone loves dogs as much as she and many others at Unity do. She says, “Animals are a part of God’s creation and we have to learn how to get along together. They are not things that you can just leave at home and take them out whenever it suits you.” 

Many years ago as part of a prosperity program at Unity (where members are asked to give of their time and talents), Crystal decided to volunteer at the Cherryland Humane Society. During orientation, she learned about students from NMC who came over to the shelter to walk dogs. She didn’t really think much more about it. Then she came across a 12-year-old English Setter named Armstrong and while she was walking him, she noticed him limping. When she asked about the limping, the staff told her that he didn't get any exercise (the NMC students had gone home for the summer) and spent a lot of his time on his side in his kennel. She decided to go over to the shelter and make sure he got walked – and told others in the church about it. Word spread slowly but surely and soon there was a dog walking program started at the Humane Society. Five years later it’s such a popular program that there is a waiting list to walk the nearly 35+ dogs every day.

Crystal believes animals have a soul and they should be treated well and with respect. She doesn’t believe the lesson of caring is only in the Bible – but is written within a person’s heart. She says, “The same inspiration that inspired people to write the Bible is available now.” She thinks people can be in touch with who they are and don’t need an authority such as the Bible to tell them to be kind to animals or do the right things. Compassion and respect are part of being a good human being.

Weddings, counseling and special services are taking her on a new path in her life. She has decided to leave Unity in November and will be officiating weddings along with other creative pursuits in the future. She appreciates every aspect of the experience she has had and the people she has met along the way. She has been able to work with people and learn about herself – what she’s good at and what she likes to do. Chances are, no matter where her new opportunities take her, animals will play an important part in her spiritual journey.

Feral Cats Cleared out of Leelanau Forfeited Home and Taken to Cherryland Humane Society

At least 34 cats were taken from the home of Robert Steven Saffell in Cleveland Township. His unfinished house was taken over by the township after Saffell abide by the earlier settlement agreement over the property.

The cats were living in and outside of the home. About four cats had to be euthanized due to sickness and the rest were taken to to the Cherryland Humane Society (they have a contract with them to take their stray dogs). There has been no comment on the current status of the cats from the Cherryland Humane Society.