It is hard to believe, but this is the HSoMC’s 12th issue! In the past year, the HSoMC has placed more than 2,000 animals, launched a new website, developed a new mission and vision statement and invested in a new long-term strategy ... and we are just getting started! This past weekend, ALL of the available dogs at the HSoMC were adopted! Thank you to our dedicated staff and volunteers, committed board members, generous community and all of the animals that motivate us to continue to live out our mission on a daily basis.
Below are some of the adoptions from the Pick Your Pet Picnic.
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The HSoMC Benefit Gala: Ties & Tails on October 11
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 You don’t want to miss the HSoMC’s ninth Annual Ties & Tails Gala. The gala features hors d’oeuvres, cocktails, entertainment and live and silent auctions. Best of all, your canine companions can join in with an evening of pampering at our dog spa, pet parade and a “pawparazzi” photo shoot, while their people enjoy the evening! The gala is the HSoMC’s biggest fundraiser and truly a night to unite for one cause and celebrate our local rescue successes. Our 2019 chairs are Melanie Kalmar and Jim Cordes, Tammy and Blake Bergeon and Kate and Jim Nigro. Please visit our site for more information on the Ties and Tails event. |
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Event Planner Erica Pina and Emcee Sara Simnitch “vogue” at last year’s event
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The HSoMC supporters Chris and Sheila Bowman peruse auction items
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The Brines sisters and friends congratulate their black lab, Kricket, on her runway success
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Adding a family member is such an exciting time, and there are things that you, as a responsible pet owner, can do to facilitate a successful transition and outcome. Whether your new pet is a dog or a cat, the following can help you achieve that goal.
- Pick a pet that is right for you and your lifestyle. We see animals of all ages and temperaments at the HSoMC. If you are not home most of the day or don’t have time to house break a dog, do not adopt an energetic puppy. They don’t come housebroken and typically need large amounts of exercise. Fortunately the HSoMC sees many senior animals who are already housebroken, or litter box trained and have developed their own personalities, so you know what you are getting. Many of these animals are former pets who have lost their original owners and are just looking for a warm and safe home to give and receive love. We have an abundance of cats who do not need as much attention as dogs. Alternatively, if you have a family with lots of helping hands, a puppy may be perfect for you! Many the HSoMC puppies are raised in foster homes where they get appropriate socialization, so you are off to a good start.
- Give your new pet time to acclimate to a new environment. Although cats and dogs have different needs, all animals are individuals with their own unique personalities. Shelter animals may never have lived in a home before. Give them time to adjust to your home and family.
- Introduce new pets to existing pets before you bring them home. The HSoMC is motivated to make our adoptions “furever,” and we strongly encourage meet and greets with your existing pets prior to adoption. It is just a fact that some dogs and cats need to be the only pet in the house and we need to respect that.
- Visit your veterinarian. All the HSoMC animals are vaccinated prior to adoption but you should check in with your own veterinarian to create the relationship and confirm your future schedule. If you are having issues, let your veterinarian know so that he/she can provide you with helpful information.
- Manage expectations. Young animals need to be taught proper bathroom etiquette and can be extremely energetic until they mature. All of these behaviors can be managed but understand your pet’s limitations and have patience until they learn about you and their new home. Consistency, structure, proper exercise and lots of love are key to creating a long and successful relationship between you and your pet.
For additional information, please see the HSoMC website under “Resources” or visit the Petfinder website:
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Luna: The Furriest Student
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At the HSoMC, we are excited to see animals enriching our community and happy to spread the word on the importance of properly trained therapy dogs. You may remember we told you about Jack, a former HSoMC dog, in our May issue. At Central Park Elementary School, Luna, a 10-month-old bernedoodle, is brightening faces and making a positive impact on students, teachers and visitors.
Luna is owned by the school but lives with her handler, Danielle Fox, a family intervention specialist at the school. She was initially purchased by generous Midland community donors. With funding supplied by Danielle’s family, Luna was trained by Grace Jackson at Great Lakes Canine Services out of Gaylord. After completing a two-week long “boot camp” this past summer focusing on impulsivity and learning to follow Danielle’s commands, Luna was ready for school!
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Luna Hanging Out in the Classroom
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Danielle said, “Even though she has only been in the school a few short weeks, we have already seen a tremendous impact on our students and staff. She has been able to assist some students to get back on track after struggling with frustration, anxiety and even seemingly small things like transitions to another class or assignment. We’ve had a lot of visits by staff during breaks to touch base and spend a few minutes petting her in order to relax and reset. It’s been encouraging to see her effect on the school population even walking through the hallways. Our students are not only happy to see her, but they are being reinforced about expectations and utilizing their skills to be patient, kind and respectful of both Luna and kids she might be working with at the time. It’s truly a great thing to witness!”
Danielle and the school are working on various fundraising options to expand Luna’s impact. One project is a “Luna Library,” which would have dedicated books for kids to be able to grow their literacy skills by reading to Luna. If you are interested in donating, please contact Danielle Fox at foxd@midlandps.org. Thank you to Luna for her contributions and Danielle for sharing their story.
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At the HSoMC, we love our cats! Did you know that dogs looking for forever homes inside our shelter are adopted roughly two to three times more often and faster than adult cats. Sadly, for the cats this a common thing in shelters nationwide. If you are not currently in a position to have a dog and you want a pet, a cat might be the perfect solution for you since cats provide companionship without the time and physical requirements that dogs need.
Right now, we have 30 adult cats (six months and older) looking for their forever homes. Each one is deserving and has overcome a variety of obstacles to get where they are, whether it was a health issue, getting lost or being surrendered by a family.
We hope you’ll give the HSoMC cats a second chance today!
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GETTING THE LIVES THEY DESERVE
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A Frightened Dog Finds a Family
 When Lucy, a 5-month-old Saint Bernedoodle, first arrived at the HSoMC on July 24, her fur was extremely matted and she was so frightened that she cowered and urinated if anyone looked or spoke to her. Our staff rose to the occasion by sitting down, literally, in order to calm her down.
Fortunately, our president Nikki Rayce (an experienced foster) took her home so that she could decompress. Several weeks later, after multiple accidents and anxiety episodes which resulted in chewing mishaps, she had gained enough confidence to be ready for adoption...to the right home.
As it turns out, the Corriveau family was specifically looking for an abused or neglected dog so that they could give it “a new lease on life.” They already had a 14-year-old beagle (Bailey) and were actively looking for a poodle mix due to the low shedding. When they received the notice from Petfinder, they immediately contacted the HSoMC to arrange a meeting. Paul Corriveau said, “We were instantly in love with Lucy. She was extremely sweet and just a tad goofy. Her personality is hilarious and the facial expressions she makes are priceless. We wanted to take her as soon as we could.” On August 9, Lucy hopped in their car and never looked back.
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Lucy was an “instant fit” with Paul, Monica and their 14-year-old son, Nikolas.
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Although there was some rough going the first few weeks because of accidents, Monica reports that “Lucy is a keeper and we LOVE HER! She has finally fully adjusted to home here. We give her a long evening walk to help her sleep through the night. She loves to cuddle and play, and we are enjoying every minute with her.”
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Understanding that her adjustment would take time, Lucy received the attention and love that she needed.
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In closing, the Corriveaus said, “A big thanks to all of the staff, volunteers and foster parents at the HSoMC, especially Nikki who played a huge role in socializing Lucy and working on some basic commands. There is such a feeling that I got when we were first at HSoMC to meet and greet and adopt her – that everyone there is doing it because they are passionate about saving animals and giving them a potential new lease on life. It was definitely meant to be!”
On behalf of Lucy and the other animals (past, present and future) at the HSoMC, a big THANK YOU to the Corriveau family and others who take a chance and help these animals find the lives they deserve.
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Adoptable Pet: Princess
Princess is a 9-year-old cat who came to us in April with severe aggression and litter box aversion. Her prior owners dealt with her “issues” by putting her outside – in the Michigan winter. By the time she arrived at the HSoMC, she was in bad shape: emancipated, crippled and frostbitten. Once at the HSoMC, shelter director Beth Wellman quickly discovered that Princess was in severe pain from a botched front declaw surgery and this was the cause of her behavioral issues. We were able to raise funds for a proper evaluation and correction, and she was placed in foster care. As a result of finally being pain-free, she is now pleasant and consistently using her litter box. Her foster mom describes her as giving endless headbutts and constantly purring. Unfortunately, she could only stay in a foster home temporarily, and she is now back at the shelter.
Please consider giving Princess the home she deserves. She must be the only pet, but after what she’s been through, she deserves to be someone’s one and only, pampered and treated like the princess she is! She will require a daily dose of Cosequin, but this is low-cost and easy to administer. As with all the HSoMC adoptable pets, she is spayed, current on vaccines and microchipped.
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MONTHLY HIGHLIGHTS & KIDS' CORNER
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The HSoMC thanks our community for their generosity! As a non-profit that doesn’t receive any dedicated governmental funding, we rely on donations such as yours. As our needs are constantly changing, please see our website for immediate needs. Also, consider listing us under Amazon Smile as your designated non-profit.
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Thank you to Betten Baker for thinking of HSoMC!
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The dogs at HSoMC send a BIG THANK YOU to Wayne and Barb Morrison, who donated dog biscuits in memory of Lynne Morrison, a former volunteer and advocate, on her birthday.
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Haley Fitzgibbon brought in donations of dog treats and cleaning supplies to celebrate her birthday!
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Ms. Ahearn’s class at Central Park Elementary had a generous collection for our cats and dogs!
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Seven-year-old Kelsey had a lemonade stand and donated the proceeds to HSoMC. THANK YOU, Kelsey!
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LIST OF ITEMS
ALWAYS NEEDED
Canned dog food
Hand sanitizer
Bleach
High-efficiency detergent
Dryer sheets
Clumping clay cat litter
Kong toys
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It is with mixed emotions that the HSoMC says goodbye to volunteer and foster coordinator Diane Lason (formerly Winkler) who is leaving us after six years of dedicated service. With an extensive background in animal care, Diane provided her co-workers and the public with helpful information regarding animal adoption and care. During her tenure, Diane managed and revamped our volunteer and foster programs and was an awesome person to work with! We wish Diane the best in her future endeavors and thank her for her commitment and hard work during her time with the HSoMC!
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Upcoming Events
Ninth Annual Ties & Tails Gala
October 11, 2019
Midland Country Club
7:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Tickets on sale now
Join us for the black-tie optional gala, featuring entertainment by Brett Mitchell & the Mitchfits, a live/silent auction, a pooch parade, cocktails and unique hors d’oeuvres created by executive chef Nate Sell.
2019 Chairs:
Melanie Kalmar and Jim Cordes
Dr. Blake and Tammy Bergeon
Jim and Kate Nigro
Empty the Shelters at HSoMC
October 12, 2019
Pre-approved applicants: 10 a.m.- 4 p.m.
General admission: 11 a.m.- 4 p.m.
HSoMC is participating in the Bissell Pet Foundation Empty the Shelters event once again! For the reduced fee of $25, you can adopt a dog or a cat. Our standard adoption process applies, and we encourage pre-approval by October 11. Adopt a pet and save a life!
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Board Members and Officers
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President, Nikki Rayce
Vice President, Lynn Looby
Treasurer, Mark Lollar
Secretary, Jessica Robison
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Karen Brines, Director
Dana Courtine, Director
Julie Eddy, Director
Beth Scoles, Director
Wendy Traschen, Director
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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 contact our Volunteer Coordinator at hsomcvolunteer@gmail.com or our Foster Coordinator at fosterhsomc@gmail.com.
In 2018, 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. |
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, Lisa Weldy and Jenna Dunn.
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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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