Posts by Wendy Welch

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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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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