HSoMC Helps Animals Get Home for the Holidays
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We are especially pleased that Bitsey, one of our longest residents, found a new home as well.
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Since our last newsletter, we had two special adoption events resulting in 42 dogs and 42 cats being adopted. The HSoMC always seems to have an abundant supply of available cats, but we brought in dogs from other Michigan shelters and as far away as Texas. In addition to our normal adoptions and, as of the publication of this article, more than 2,000 animals have been placed in 2019. This is one of the highest adoption rates in the state!
And we never stop. Last week, we received close to 40 additional dogs from Texas and Detroit. These shelters were at capacity and by sending the dogs to the HSoMC, it enabled those shelters to avoid euthanasia and created additional space for other displaced dogs.
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Furthermore, those dogs will now find homes. Thank you to all who help these deserving animals transition from shelters to safe and loving homes.
Below is a photo of Laurel, who was in another shelter for over six months. She is a 6-year-old Terrier mix who loves everyone and everything. She spent a night with one of our fosters who reports she is housebroken, crate trained, and loves kids, cats and other dogs. We are so pleased that once at the HSoMC, she quickly found a new home to welcome in the new year!
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As you read through this newsletter, please think about the animals that we serve, and consider an end-of-year donation. By doing so, you not only support the life-saving work we've been doing all along, you also support the future of dogs like Laurel. Every donation, large or small, helps us save lives just like hers! Donations can be made at https://hsomc.org/donate/ or at the shelter. |
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Empty the Shelters – Holiday Hope
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The HSoMC held another Empty the Shelters event on December 13 and 14, during which 24 cats and 28 dogs found homes. Thank you to the BISSELL Pet Foundation for giving us holiday hope! As a result, we have the space again to help more animals! Thank you to everyone who made this possible, including our staff, volunteers, other shelters and the adopters who opened their hearts and homes to these amazing animals.
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HSoMC Board of Directors Elections
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Elections to the HSoMC Board of Directors will be held on Monday, February 3, 2020, at the American Legion Hall in Midland. There will be a short meet and greet session with the candidates starting at 6:00 p.m., followed by the election at 6:30 p.m. If you are interested in becoming a board member candidate for the upcoming election, please submit your letter of interest to Julie Eddy, at juliemb@gmail.com by January 6, 2020. In order to be eligible to vote in board elections you must have your membership dues for 2020 paid by January 31, 2020. Please click here for more information.
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Getting the Lives They Deserve
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Miller, a 4.5-year-old, wrinkly-faced Shar-Pei mix came to the HSoMC on November 21, along with 14 other dogs from our friends at the Ft. Worth, Texas, animal shelter. Once in Midland, he got to walk in the Midland Santa Parade with board member Beth Scoles and enjoy the brisk Michigan weather. Beth described him as an “adorable and well-behaved dog who did an AWESOME job and was great with kids, excellent around other dogs, and loved the parade atmosphere. He also has a major sweets craving and had to be steered away from every Tootsie Roll and Kit Kat in his path.”
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Miller when he first arrived
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Miller representing the HSoMC at the Santa Parade
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Meanwhile, Midland resident Megan had been following him on the HSoMC website. Having owned Shar-Peis before, Megan stated, “Whenever I see dogs that need to be adopted, I look to see if there are any Shar-Peis. Of course I immediately spotted Miller with that cute wrinkly face and those ears! A week later, I saw that he hadn’t been adopted yet, and decided I needed to check him out. I fell in love with the sweet boy as I walked him around the yard. And just like that, he was in the back seat, with his head hanging out the window on his way to his new house. He has done an amazing job falling right into place with my 3-year-old Shar-Pei, Lola, and 4-year-old Min Pin, Loki.”
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Hanging out with his siblings Lola and Loki
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Megan describes Miller as “very sweet and thinks he is a lap dog. He is playful and loves carrying around his stuffed animal. It didn’t take long for him to adjust; he just kind of fell right into place. He knows his routine of going outside to run and goes right to the kennel when we go to work.” Thank you to Megan and her family for opening up their hearts and their home to give Miller the life he deserves.
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Midland Gives Back to the HSoMC
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If you follow our Facebook page, you will see a number of events that are sponsored by local businesses and residents. Since we do not receive any dedicated government funding, we are extremely thankful for the actual donations generated from these events. In addition, we are honored that our community keeps us in their thoughts and their support. THANK YOU!
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A big THANK YOU to Midland Ford for the supplies and monetary donation!
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With all of the activities and options that kids have these days, it is always heartwarming when they take time to help the animals. Way to go and thank you!
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Vincent generously sponsored two cats for his tenth birthday!
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Audrey donated for her tenth birthday!
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Tanner, Taylor, Madalyn and Tyler played Santa and donated food and toys for Jackson and Patina!
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Gary’s 4-H group donated a bag of handmade dog toys. (Staff member Nicole’s dog was the model!)
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Jaxon helped Mylos by being his early Santa and providing food and a new bed!
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Once again, we are overwhelmed and grateful for the generous donations we receive from our community. THANK YOU!
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Aladdin’s Santa brought leashes, toys and food!
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Mills Activity and Dining Center did a donation drive!
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Nancy Buck donated 30 fleece cat beds...and says she wants to donate more!
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Members First Credit Union’s day of giving generated pet food and supplies!
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Thank you to Diversified National Title for their donation of food, supplies and a generous monetary donation.
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AmazonSmiles and the HSoMC Benefits
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We have seen an increase in our donations from AmazonSmiles...THANK YOU! For those who are not using AmazonSmiles, please consider since it costs you nothing but directly benefits the HSoMC. Signing up is easy. Simply visit the HSoMC under “DONATE,” and scroll down to the Section “Shop for a Cause.” Click on the link under AmazonSmile. When making purchases from Amazon in the future, just use the URL smile.amazon.com instead of the normal one. That’s it! Now, 0.5% of your purchases will automatically benefit the HSoMC.
Note: Purchases made through the mobile application do not go to the charity. Therefore, you need to use the web browser and the web address smile.amazon.com for the donation to occur.
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Upcoming Events
Last day to submit a letter of interest to become a Board of Directors candidate
January 6
Last day to pay dues to be eligible to vote
January 31
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Board Members and Officers
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President, Nikki Rayce
Vice President, Lynn Looby
Treasurer, Ben Dollard
Secretary, Beth Scoles
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Karen Brines, Director
Dana Courtine, Director
Jesse Donahue, Director
Julie Eddy, Director
Eric Soll, Director
Wendy Traschen, Director
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Mission
We provide temporary shelter and care for displaced animals, promote responsible pet care, and enrich our community through animals.
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Vision
All animals in our community have safe and loving homes.
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DONATE YOUR CAR TO THE HSOMC – We are currently looking for a van or SUV to transport our animals to events, other shelters and media appearances. If you have a vehicle that would be suitable, please contact Karen at karenbrines@charter.net.
Volunteers are always needed within the shelter! If you would like to help, we are in need of volunteers to assist with dog walking, cleaning cat cages, general housekeeping and fostering pets in need. If you would like to find out more, please email volunteerhsomc@gmail.com.
In 2019, the HSoMC placed over 2,000 animals. That equates to more than five animals per day including holidays and weekends! If you would like to become a member, please complete and submit our membership form. |
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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 HSoMC in their monthly issues.
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Articles written by Casey Nicholson and Lynn Looby. 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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