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Despite all of the uncertainty in our human lives, one thing remains certain: the needs of animals and pet owners continue. Although the rest of our lives may be on “pause” due to COVID-19, the HSoMC has been very busy during the last month. We have continued to expand our Pet Pantry, delivering thousands of pounds of pet food to multiple locations throughout Midland, and we worked with local law enforcement authorities and took in 22 dogs (including 16 puppies) from an extreme neglect situation in Saginaw County. We also helped another shelter by accepting four dogs from a hoarding situation and continued our normal activities. Additionally, we had one of our biggest adoption months and placed 163 dogs and 126 cats! While we continue our mission to serve our community, we also are experiencing the financial impact of COVID-19 since we are unable to have in-person fundraising events. Fundraising is an important part of our revenue since we do not receive any dedicated governmental funding. Unfortunately, our primary fundraiser, Ties & Tails, is traditionally held in October, so we will not be able to have it in-person. Although we are looking at alternatives, we expect it to bring in much less revenue than prior years. As you read through this newsletter, including the next article on our virtual fundraiser, Mutt-a-ritaville, please consider donating. No amount is too small, and we appreciate your support.
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HSoMC Seeks to Raise $50,000 with August Mutt-a-ritaville Fundraiser
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Since March 2020, the Humane Society of Midland County has faced increased challenges due to COVID-19, forcing us to limit operations for safety reasons. During a time of tremendous hardship, we continue to welcome homeless pets and provide emergency services and shelter to pets in need – without any dedicated governmental funding.
Because our traditional spring and summer HSoMC fundraisers were canceled, we launched a month-long fundraiser entitled “Mutt-a-ritaville,” inviting our supporters to donate and participate all month long.
With a tropical twist, we shared digital downloads, videos and more on our social media feeds to rally our community! As a result, we received a lot of positive feedback and fun responses along the way, and many generous donations. Some of you even helped us name incoming pets!
Throughout the event, we were able to raise awareness about many of the services we provide, including:
- Extensive medical care, including veterinary exams, microchipping, vaccinations, dental cleanings, X-rays and emergency medical treatment
- Low-cost spay/neuter procedures
- Pet Pantry Network – supplemental pet food for qualifying Midland County residents
The Mutt-a-ritaville grand finale was posted to our Facebook page on August 31. If you didn’t catch it then, you can watch it now by clicking on the preview below!
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While we did not meet our $50,000 goal, we appreciate every single donation and contribution to our shelter. We know that times are difficult right now. The money we raised will help keep our essential programs moving forward and assist with daily operations. Without our generous community, we wouldn’t be able to do what we do for people and pets! Thank you!
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BISSELL Pet Foundation® Spay & Neuter Grant
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The BISSELL Pet Foundation® is a strong supporter of animal rescue and the HSoMC was thrilled to receive a grant supporting our spay and neuter programs. THANK YOU, BISSELL PET FOUNDATION®!
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The following is reprinted in part from “Managing Mask Phobia in Dogs, News Center, Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine”
Regardless of your position on masks, it looks like they are going to be required for the foreseeable future. As odd as it is for humans to see others in masks in public places, it is equally disturbing for some dogs. The full article is in the link below but things that you can do to help your dog manage are as follows:
- Pair a mask wearing person with something your dog loves such as a treat or a favorite toy. He will then associate masks with a favorable experience rather than something that is scary or alarming.
- If your dog is so frightened that he will not go near anyone in a mask, then you need to desensitize from a distance by having another person in a mask armed with treats and then approach slowly from a distance.
If your dog acts aggressively toward a person in a mask, then you should involve your veterinarian or a professional trainer. Under no circumstances should you put your dog in a situation where he or she could cause injury to others. Read the full article here.
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Dogs From Hoarding Situation Find Hope at the HSoMC
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In early August, Saginaw County Animal Care & Control removed 44 dogs and puppies from a serious hoarding situation. They called on us to assist with three litters of puppies, and of course we said, "YES!" The mothers to these eight chihuahua mixes were too malnourished and sick to care for their pups. We happened to have a nursing mom who recently weaned pups, and after a few days of patience and love, she accepted them and began nursing them!
We are happy to have been able to step in and help another Mid-Michigan shelter in their time of need (puppies are NOT available at this time, no inquiries please).
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Help us support these puppies and their foster families until they are ready for adoption. Your donation helps us do just that!
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Pet Pantry Expands Its Reach
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The HSoMC has expanded its Pet Pantry non-shelter locations and provided pet food and supplies to West Midland Family Center, North Midland Family Center, Blessed Sacrament, Midland High School, Aldersgate Methodist Church and Midland County Emergency Food Pantry Network. The HSoMC is committed to keeping companion animals in their homes when possible. This is even more important during this time of economic stress and uncertainty since people derive comfort from their pets. Now more than ever, families need the comfort, support and unconditional love of their pets. We do not want any Midland County resident to surrender their pet due to lack of food. No one should have to decide whether to feed their pet or pay their rent.
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Board member Julie Eddy helps unload 95 packages of cat food and 68 bags of dog food!
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Volunteers Miles Trump and Andrzej Malekian help deliver food at the West Midland Family Center.
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Below are some of the happy faces (both humans and animals) from this month's adoptions!
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We appreciate the generous donations from our community. We couldn't do what we do without you!
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Thank you to Target of Midland for stepping up and donating much-needed cleaning supplies!
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We can never get enough bleach!
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MidMichigan Health donated bags of cat litter, one of the most “in-demand” items in our Pet Pantry.
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The HSoMC Can Drive Was a Huge Success...So Huge That We Need Your Help!
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We asked, and you answered with so many cans that we need volunteers to help us return them. The donations exceeded our capacity, and we are no longer accepting any more cans or bottles. Additionally, we welcome any volunteers to help us return them to stores. If you are interested in helping return bottles and cans, please come to the shelter during normal business hours. Thank you for your support!
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Upcoming Events
Please save the dates on all of our confirmed events below.
Rhoda's Free Feline Frenzy & Big Jim's Bully Bonanza
Wednesday, September 2-Wednesday, September 16
All adult cats (6 months & older) – NO FEE
All kittens (5 months & under) – $20 FEE or 2 kittens for $30!
It's BACK! This year by appointment only! Submit your application at www.hsomc.org with "Feline Frenzy" or "Bully Bonanza" in the name spot to get pre-approved! Help us honor the lives of two compassionate and caring volunteers, Rhoda and Jim, whom we lost too soon to cancer.
Cats on Yoga Mats
Friday, September 18
6-7 p.m. with Sarah Nelson
7:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m. with Keri Kenney
Ashman Lofts
Alignment 8 Yoga & Cycle and Yoga with Sarah Nelson are thrilled to bring you Midland’s fourth annual fundraiser featuring yoga and cats, benefiting the Humane Society of Midland County!
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Thank you to all of our Ties and Tails Gala sponsors and supporters including our partnership level sponsors below.
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Melanie Kalmar &
James Cordes
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James Fitterling &
Alex Lee
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Thank you to our donors, members, volunteers and staff! And a special thanks to Midland Neighbors for featuring the HSoMC in their monthly issues.
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Photography by Deb Lambesis and Lisa Weldy.
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Adoption Hours: Monday-Friday 12-7 p.m. & Saturday 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Intake Hours (By Appointment Only): Monday-Friday 12-6 p.m. & Saturday 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
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