Posts by Wendy Welch

Humane Society of Huron Valley achieves 14th consecutive Charity Navigator topmost rating

Humane Society of Huron Valley achieves 14th consecutive Charity Navigator topmost rating

June 24, 2024 | Comments Off on Humane Society of Huron Valley achieves 14th consecutive Charity Navigator topmost rating

Ann Arbor, MI (June 24, 2024) – The Humane Society of Huron Valley (HSHV) is thrilled to announce that it has earned its 14th consecutive 4-star rating from Charity Navigator, the leading charity evaluator in America. This prestigious rating signifies HSHV’s enduring commitment to financial health, accountability, and transparency, designating HSHV as a “Give with Confidence” charity. This recognition places HSHV among the top 1% of nationwide charities evaluated by Charity Navigator. Charity Navigator rates nonprofit organizations based on four key indicators, known as beacons: Impact & Results, Accountability & Finance, Culture & Community, and Leadership & Adaptability. Earning the
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A Tale of two kangaroos

A Tale of two kangaroos

May 28, 2024 | Comments Off on A Tale of two kangaroos

Right before COVID shut down the world in early 2020, we welcomed a 12 year old little Border Collie from HSHV into our lives. We named her Joey. When we adopted her, we didn’t know how long she would be with us, but Joey was my constant companion for the next 3 1/2 years. She spent every minute with me as I adjusted to working from home and was never more than a few feet away. When we lost Joey this past summer within months of losing two other dogs in our family, our house was broken. Joey’s two doggy
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Brittany Slinker, DVM

Brittany Slinker, DVM

May 14, 2024 | Comments Off on Brittany Slinker, DVM

Outpatient Veterinarian Companion Animals – Lincoln Memorial University Dr. Brittany Slinker is an Associate Veterinarian at the Humane Society of Huron Valley. With a passion for animal welfare and healthcare, Dr. Slinker received her Bachelor’s degree in Biology from Madonna University in 2016. She furthered her education by obtaining a Master’s degree in Veterinary Biomedical Science in 2018, followed by her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from Lincoln Memorial University in 2023. Dr. Slinker is dedicated to providing compassionate care to all animals. Her commitment extends beyond the clinic, as she shares her home with nine cats (Titters, Cali, Axel, Oaty,
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Should animal cruelty victims be “jailed” for years while their abusers walk free?

Should animal cruelty victims be “jailed” for years while their abusers walk free?

May 8, 2024 | Comments Off on Should animal cruelty victims be “jailed” for years while their abusers walk free?

I can’t imagine anyone answering “yes.” Most know even the nicest, most loving shelters, like HSHV, are not suitable homes. Long-term sheltering, where an animal spends most of their day caged, is damaging both physically and mentally. That’s why Michigan has an animal forfeiture law. To protect animal cruelty victims from further suffering, a prosecutor’s office can request a hearing that’s presided over by a judge who reviews the evidence, and decides if the animals can be released for adoption while the slow wheels of justice turn. However, many Michigan counties, including Washtenaw County, don’t pursue animal forfeiture. At HSHV,
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Our shelter is full – Adopt a dog at HSHV at any price

Our shelter is full – Adopt a dog at HSHV at any price

May 3, 2024 | Comments Off on Our shelter is full – Adopt a dog at HSHV at any price

Ann Arbor, MI (May 3, 2024) – While there’s a cost to overcrowding, there’s currently no cost to adopt an adult dog at the Humane Society of Huron Valley (HSHV). “April usually means fewer dogs coming into our shelter,” says Matt Schaecher, COO at HSHV. “But not this year. We’re facing an urgent capacity situation, and really need folks to adopt.” Now through May 18, the date of the beloved annual “dog party” and fundraiser Walk & Wag—people can adopt a dog over 6 months of age for any price, including for free. Every dog has been spayed or neutered,
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Free pet vaccines at “Friends for Life” event

Free pet vaccines at “Friends for Life” event

April 24, 2024 | Comments Off on Free pet vaccines at “Friends for Life” event

Ann Arbor, MI (April 24, 2024) – The Humane Society of Huron Valley (HSHV) is excited to announce a special “Friends for Life” free vaccination clinic for the pets of seniors and those facing serious financial or housing challenges in Washtenaw County. Event details: Date: Saturday, May 4, 2024 Time: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. First come, first served; walk-ins welcome, though pre-registrations encouraged. Location: Manchester United Methodist Church – 501 Ann Arbor St, Manchester, MI Cost: FREE to pets of Washtenaw County seniors, low-income and housing insecure This free event is made possible by the Buhr Family, the Banfield
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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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