Cats and Dogs, a Magazine Devoted to Companion Animals

B

Y

cats and DOGS

A Magazine Devoted to Companion Animals

Jan Jacobs: Campaign Director at Pound Buddies

Rescue – Page 12

Holly Guild

New Executive Director at the

Humane Society of West Michigan

Page 26

Jayne Vonlinsowe and Duchess.

Bellwether Harbor’s

Seniors for Seniors Foster Program

Page 11

Crusier needs a home – Page 20

Winter 2019-2020

FREE

NOAH’S

Pet Cemetery & Crematory

2727 Orange Ave. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546

www.noahspetcemetery.com - 616-949-1390

CONTENTS

Animals for Adoption

Cannonsville Critters ...................................................

BestPals Animal Rescue ..................................................

Bellwether Harbor ..........................................................

Reuben’s Room Cat Rescue ............................................

Carol’s Ferals .......................................................................

Muskegon Humane Society .........................................

Crash’s landing .................................................................

Almost Every Month

Business Card Directory ..............................................

Willow’s World ..................................................................

Ask the Trainer ...................................................................

Cat Corner ............................................................................

Furry Philosophy ..............................................................

On the Wild Side ................................................................

Community Resource Guide .......................................

Features

Moving with Pets ..............................................................

Seniors for Seniors ..........................................................

Pound Buddies’ Capital Campaign ..........................

C-SNIP adds 2nd location ...........................................

Piper’s Palace .........................................................................

Presents for Pets ...............................................................

New Director at HSWM .................................................

Is Michigan No-Kill? ......................................................

Hearts of Hope Fund-raiser .......................................

C-SNIP Receives BISSELL Grant ..................................

7

9

10

15

17

23

31

5

6

14

19

20

21

28

4

11

12

13

22

25

26

27

30

30

Moving with Pets – Page 4

Piper’s Palace – Page 22

Chalsey Schmidt, left, and

Wendee Hofbauer, founder of

Piper’s Palace – Page 22

Winter 2019-20 • www.catsanddogsmagazine.com

Cats and Dogs - 3

By Janet Vormittag

Moving with pets

After 16 years of living in Michigan, Nicole Schramm

decided to move back to her native Germany. Her work

Visa was getting harder and harder to renew, and she

worried about being asked to leave the United States

without warning. Her concern wasn’t for herself, but for

her pets.

Nicole had two dogs and 12 cats.

“They’re my family,” she said.

Nicole has always been an animal advocate. While

living in Grand Rapids, she volunteered at various

shelters and rescues including Crash’s Landing, Carol’s

Ferals, the Humane Society of West Michigan and

Mackenzie’s Animal Sanctuary.

When Nicole adopted her pets she promised to care

for them for the rest of their lives.

“It wasn’t an option to leave them behind,” she said.

Nicole planned on returning to Germany, but the

town where she wanted to relocate wouldn’t allow

one of her dogs. Sparty, an American bulldog mix,

was considered dangerous. Because of the breed

discrimination, Nicole opted to move to Austria instead.

She hired an international pet shipping business,

PetRelocation, to arrange and oversee the move of her

furry four-legged family.

The price tag left Nicole stunned. To transport

the animals from Grand Rapids to Austria would cost

$29,500. She credits her ex-husband and his parents with

helping make the move financially possible. She said they

understood how much her cats and dogs meant to her.

The relocation company guided her through the

many regulations. The animals needed to be checked by

a veterinarian and had to be implanted with a specific

type of microchip before a rabies vaccine could be

administered. They had to be rechecked by a veterinarian

within 48 hours of boarding their flight and needed an

EU health certificate.

While dealing with the transport of her pets was

daunting, Nicole also had to sell her house, car and

belongings. The cost of shipping was so high it made

better sense to sell her furniture, kitchenware, clothes

and everything else and then buy new when she reached

her destination.

One of the reasons Nicole had so many cats was

she took in strays. She refused to take them to a shelter

or rescue where there was a chance they would be

euthanized.

Earlier this year when she heard a mother cat and

four kittens were in the road near Breton and 28th Street,

she raced to the area. One of the kittens had already

been hit by a car and killed. She was able to catch the

remaining kittens and the mom cat and brought them

home.

Top: Nicole Schramm with her cats and dogs a few days

before moving to Austria.

Bottom: Waiting to be picked up by PetRelocation.

Nicole eventually found homes for the kittens and the

mom cat, who she had named Banana. But Banana quit

eating when placed with a new family. Blood work didn’t

detect a reason for her refusal of food so Nicole brought

her back home.

“She was confused and lost trust because I gave her

away,” Nicole said.

Banana went ten days without food. The vet was

about to insert a feeding tube, when Nicole was finally

able to coax the weary cat to eat.

Banana became cat number 12. “It was meant to be,”

Nicole said.

Before she left, Nicole was able to buy a house in

Austria that a friend checked out for her.

The animals were scheduled for pickup by the

relocation company on Nov. 10 and would be driven to

Chicago where they would spend the night. The following

day, after their last health check, they would be placed on

a flight. The relocation company would also pick them up

in Austria. Nicole’s flight was Nov. 12. She would arrive at

her new home before the pets would be delivered there.

When we talked, she had five days before her flight

and was overwhelmed by all she had to do.

Her advice to anyone moving with pets is, “Where

there’s a will, there’s a way.”

Update: Nicole posted on Facebook Nov. 14 that

everyone arrived safely, and they were all settling into

their new home.

Cats and Dogs - 4 www.catsanddogsmagazine.com • Winter 2019-20

BUSINESS CARD DIRECTORY

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Cats and Dogs

PO Box 996, Jenison, MI 49429-0996

616-777-0645

catsanddogsmagazine@comcast.net

www.catsanddogsmagazine.com

Cats and Dogs, founded in 2006, is a free publication

supported by advertisers. Magazines are distributed throughout

Kent, Ottawa, Muskegon and surrounding counties. We

are not responsible for services and products advertised. All

rights reserved. No part of this magazine may be reproduced

without permission from the publisher.

Publisher: Janet Vormittag

Owner: JLV Enterprises LLC

Deadlines

Spring: Feb. 15 - Summer: May 15

Fall: August 15 - Winter: Nov. 15

Home delivery of Cats and Dogs is $16 per year. Make your

check payable to Cats and Dogs and mail to:

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Cats and Dogs - 5

Willow’s World

The (as yet unnamed) Book

By Tricia L. McDonald

Fourteen years ago a little white dog came into my

life. I had no doubt I would love her, I just didn’t know I

would fall head-over-heels in love with her. But I did, and

I believe the feeling was mutual. Her name was Sally, she

was a mini bull terrier, and most of you reading this know

all about her.

Sally taught me how to be a good dog owner

(although I slipped on one or two occasions), and about

unconditional love. What I didn’t expect from this little

white dog was how her presence opened doors for my

writing career. I mean what can you learn about writing

from a dog, right?

It all started when I was asked to write for this

magazine on a monthly basis. I thought, okay, but who

is going to want to read about my dog? Every month I

wrote about some event with Sally and by doing so, I let

you (her readers) have a peek inside our family life with

the little white dog. Soon there were lots of Sally readers

who looked forward to discovering our latest tale. From

licking toads to eating butterflies to doggy painting – I

shared our stories. Some were gross, some were funny

and some were heartbreaking – but they were all written

with love.

These stories became the catalyst for the publication

of four Life With Sally books. Four books filled with little

white dog tails were being read throughout the United

States and even internationally. I couldn’t believe it when

I received an email from a gentleman in South Africa

who told me how much he enjoyed reading about Sally.

Really? My little Sally?

I was looking forward to writing about her as an old

lady, but it wasn’t to be as Sally’s life ended on a cold

March day. She was only 12 years old when her body quit.

Her stories were over…

…but were they?

Early on in Sally’s life, I had toyed with the idea of

writing a children’s book about her and the other animals

in her life. I even wrote one chapter. Then life got busy

and this idea (along with the chapter) were pushed

aside…for a very long time. In my grief over losing Sally,

I started thinking about that book again. Where did I put

those notes? Could I do something with them? Is there

really another Sally book to be written?

I am ecstatic to say YES!!! Over the past couple years

I have been working on this new Sally endeavor and it

will be published in March of 2020.

If you are a Sally reader, you will recognize many of

the characters in this first book (yes, I said first as I am

now working on the second book), such as Eli, Mary and

of course Sally. Plus, there are amazing new characters

like a blue heron named Miss Blue and a toad called King

Croaker. There is a cranky tom cat named Orangey (guess

what color he is?), and Whiskers, a rat who tells really tall

tales.

There is adventure, excitement and some sadness

along the way as they take on the challenge of rescuing

some friends from a very bad person. I wrote this book

for middle graders (8–12 year olds), but I think other

ages are going to enjoy reading this book as well.

My only problem at this point—and it’s a big one—is

that I don’t have a title for the book yet. But don’t worry,

I have my Sally thinking cap on and I’ll have a title before

the book is published!

The book’s debut will be at the Women’s Expo on

March 13-15, 2020 inside the Devos Place in Grand

Rapids. Then I will be at the PetExpo at the DeltaPlex in

Grand Rapids on April 4 & 5.

In the meantime, here is a little snippet from the (as

yet unnamed) book:

Two furry black arms shoot out of the cage, grab

Whiskers and pull him tight against the opening of the

crate. Whiskers’ eyes bulge and his four tiny legs thrash

as he tries to pull away from the hands, not paws,

holding him.

Mittens yowls and runs backwards, her nails

scrabbling on the floor. Her fur puffs out and her tail

becomes twice its normal size so she looks like a fuzzy

porcupine. Sally backs into the darkness of her crate and

tucks her nose under her paws.

“Let go of me, you beast!” Whiskers screams.

The hands hold tight as the tiny black and white rat

thrashes about. Almost as fast as it happens, it ends.

Whiskers goes limp in the hands of the monster.

You can purchase Life With Sally: Little White Dog

Tails, Still Spinnin’ Tails, Waggin’ More Tails and

Princess Tails in Grand Haven at Must Love Dogs

and The Bookman; in Grand Rapids at Schulers

Books. You can order books at amazon.com. The cost

is $13.95. The books are also available on Kindle and

Nook for $5.99.



Cats and Dogs - 7

In this collection of humorous short stories, you’ll meet the cats who

kept the author sane during life’s trying moments. Those same furry

friends also drove her to the brink of crazy cat lady status. Janet questions

if she’s soft in the heart or soft in the head.

You’ll meet more than 20 kitties including Lucy who started Janet’s love

affair with cats. Lucy, a partially paralyzed kitty, competed with Janet

for the house title of Best Mouse Hunter. Janet used a live-trap and

practiced catch-and-release. Lucy’s method was catch-and-eat, and she

left only a trophy tail as proof of her prowess.

There are tales of Buddy, aka Basketball Cat, who couldn’t say no to

snacking; Wild Cat, who took more than a year to tame; and Frosty

Flake, a foster kitten with attitude who never left. You’ll also learn about

Janet’s trip to an animal shelter to pick up four kittens, which resulted in

16 kittens in carriers being packed into her car.

Each story features black and white photographs.

You Might be a Crazy Cat Lady if… takes the crazy out of the cliché

Crazy Cat Lady and replaces it with compassion. It makes an ideal gift

for anyone obsessed with our feline friends.

$13.95 plus tax ($14.79) ---- Free Shipping

Mail check, made payable to Janet Vormittag, to:

Cats and Dogs, P.O. Box 996, Jenison, Mi 49429-0996

Also available at Amazon.com


A special thanks to Noah’s Pet Cemetery & Crematory for sponsoring our page.


Cats and Dogs - 9


Seniors for Seniors

By Janet Vormittag

Bellwether Harbor Animal Shelter in Fremont is

looking for people 55 and older who live in Newaygo

County and want to share their home with an older cat.

The nonprofit recently launched Seniors for Seniors

Foster Program, which places senior cats with senior

citizens.

“People benefit and the animals benefit,” said

Bellwether founder and president Danielle (Dani) Merrill.

“Elderly people can feel isolated. This is a way for them to

feel less alone.”

Under the program, Bellwether gives qualified

participants a cat to foster without any financial

obligations.

“We’ll provide everything,” Danielle said.

Everything includes food, a litter box, litter, a carrier,

bowls and whatever else is desired such as a scratching

post or lint roller to remove cat hair.

Danielle said older people sometimes hesitate to

adopt because they worry about what will happen to the

cat if something happens to them.

The Seniors for Seniors Foster Program solves that

problem.

Bellwether will take the cat back if a home can no

longer be provided. They’ll also help take care of the cat if

the foster parent becomes hospitalized.

As part of the program, someone from Bellwether

visits the foster home periodically for a wellness check

and to restock supplies. If needed, they’ll also provide

transportation to a veterinarian.

The cats eligible for the program are 7 years old

or older, or have been at the shelter for longer than

18 months. There are about a dozen cats available for

seniors to foster. All of the cats have been spayed or

neutered, dewormed, are up to dates on vaccines and

microchipped.

“All they need is love,” Danielle said.

Jayne Vonlinsowe heard about the program when she

attended a Seniors Expo in Fremont, where Bellwether

had a booth. She had never had a cat before but was

intrigued by the idea. She went to Bellwether to meet

some of the kitties.

“She picked me,” she said of a pure white cat named

Duchess.

Jayne, who is 76 years old and lives on social security,

said her blood pressure has gone down since Duchess

came to live with her. “She’s an angel, and I don’t know

what I would do without her. She’s spoiled rotten. I buy

her toys all the time.”

Jayne highly recommends the program. “I love

everyone at Bellwether,” she said.

The Seniors for Seniors Foster Program is partially

funded by a grant from the Fremont Area Community


Above: Danielle

Merrill with the

cats available for

the Seniors for

Seniors Foster

Program.

Right: Jayne Vonlinsowe

and her

cat Duchess.

Foundation’s Elderly Needs Fund. There is a $15

participation fee, but Danielle doesn’t want that to stop

anyone from applying. If needed, the fee can be waived.

A common problem at animal shelters is older cats

are often bypassed for adoption for young playful kittens.

“We’ve been criticized for holding cats too long,”

Danielle said, but she refuses to euthanize animals whose

only crime was they didn’t get adopted. She feels the cats

at Bellwether have a good quality of life. Volunteers and

staff interact frequently with the cats, plus they often get

playtime outside their cages. As long as the cats don’t

display signs of depression, they’re kept.

The shelter can house about 12 dogs and up to 40

cats.

Danielle is hoping the Seniors for Seniors Foster

Program will place some their older cats into loving

homes. Bellwether has a waiting list of people who want

to surrender their cats. “We can only take one when one

gets adopted,” Danielle said.

If you are interested in the Seniors for Seniors Foster

Program or if you know of any seniors in Newaygo

County who would benefit from having a cat please call

231-924-9230 ext 4.

To learn more about Bellwether Harbor Animal

Shelter or the Seniors for Seniors Foster Program visit

www.bellwetherharbor.org.

Cats and Dogs -11

Pound Buddies initiates

capital campaign

By Janet Vormittag

Twenty years ago, Jan Jacobs adopted a 16-year-old

blind and deaf poodle from the Muskegon County Animal

Shelter. “I could tell she was somebody’s pet. How did she

end up on the verge of being euthanized?” asked Jan, a

life-long animal advocate. The abandoned pup spent her

final months with Jan and her family.

That first experience with the county shelter, then

known as Vector Control, stayed with Jan through the

years. The concrete floors and walls. The chain-link and

metal-barred tiny kennels. The deafening barks of caged

dogs that echoed with hopelessness.

When Jan retired from her job at Mercy Health,

where she spent more than 15 years in the Office of

Philanthropy, she had one goal.

“I want to help Pound Buddies build a new shelter,”

she said.

Pound Buddies Rescue, whose members used to

volunteer at Vector Control, now manages the county

shelter.

Jan’s first step towards her goal was to volunteer. “I

needed to know the organization from the ground up,”

she said. Among her duties were walking dogs, washing

food bowls and fostering.

“It’s not for the faint of heart,” she said.

Shelter Executive Director Lana Carson recalled

Jan’s first day. Staff had picked up a small dog that had

a sweater taped to her tiny body. The pup screamed

whenever anyone came near her and had to be sedated to

have the tape peeled off. Jan was asked to give the dog a

bath.

“I wanted to see if she had grit,” Lana said.

She did.

Months later when Jan asked for a meeting with Lana

to share her ideas for a capital campaign to fund a new

building, Lana became excited. She said they had a great

team at Pound Buddies but nobody had the skill set to

run a capital campaign.

“Jan was the right person at the right time,” Lana

said. The board created a position for a campaign director

and immediately hired Jan. She started August 1.

It’s not Jan’s first capital campaign endeavor. A

few years ago she helped lead a successful campaign for

a new facility for Out Side In, Inc., an equine assisted

psychotherapy horse farm in Grand Haven.

Currently the animal shelter operates in an 8,000-

square-foot building that is owned by the township and

leased to the county. It’s financially beyond renovation.

“From the outside, the building is in poor condition,”

Jan said.

The shelter was built in the 1960s. The antiquated

design was for disease control. Dogs were only kept for

Pound Buddies Rescue Executive Director Lana Carson,

right, discussing plans for a new build with Campaign

Director Jan Jacobs.

the state required time and then euthanized.

The kennels, measuring only 3-by-5 foot, are

smaller than the 4-by-9 foot required by the Michigan

Department of Agriculture.

More than 90 percent of the dogs at the shelter are

larger dogs. Staff and volunteers give them a break from

their confinement as often as possible.

“The conditions are deplorable,” Lana said.

They currently house close to 135 dogs.

The shelter has one multiuse room for meetings,

lunchroom, and meet-and-greets for pets and perspective

new families.

Pound Buddies operates form 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. every

day including holidays and weekends.

The goal is to have the new building be more than

twice as big. Pound Buddies Rescue will own it. The

group has a 10-year contract with the county to care for

stray pets that will begin when they move to the new

facility.

Jan said she is looking for either vacant land to build

on or land with a building that can be converted for

shelter use. Zoning and permits have to be considered.

Besides more space for the dogs, the building has to

have room for cats, a quarantine area, offices, and enough

land for outside activities for the dogs. The goal is to also

have space where someday they can accommodate spay

and neuter services, TNR (trap-neuter-return) initiatives,

a community training room and a pet pantry.

“We want to be the community’s animal center where

our priorities are rescue, shelter, adopt and educate,” Jan

said.

Currently Pound Buddies works with area cat rescues

including Heaven Can Wait and Faithful to Felines when

cats are brought to the shelter. They plan on continuing

those relationships.

Jan estimates the capital campaign will be for $2.5 to

$3.5 million. If they find a building to convert, the price

tag will come in at the lower end of the range. A new

building would cost more.

“We’re on the fast-track for this,” Jan said.

Continued on page 13


Continued from page 12

C-SNIP opens second

location in Fruitport

Top: Campaign Director

Jan Jacobs visiting with

two dogs at Pound Buddies

Rescue.

Above: Entrance to

Pound Buddies Rescue,

1300 East Keating Ave.,

Muskegon, Michigan.

Left: Kennels at the current

facility are too small

for large dogs.

She’s been meeting with bankers and donors so

they’ll be ready when they find the right property.

“I’m committed. I won’t give up,” she said.

She added that she wants a building that will match

the good work being done by the volunteers and staff at

Pound Buddies.

“I love it. I’m so excited. I couldn’t be happier,” Lana

said.

Both women can’t wait until they move and leave the

old building behind.

“Instead of a ground breaking, we’re going to have a

door shutting,” Lana said.

If you’d like to donate to the campaign, contact Jan

Jacobs at 231-557-8268 or jacobs0414@gmail.com.

For more information on Pound Buddies Rescue visit

www.poundbuddies.org.


C-SNIP, a nonprofit spay/neuter clinic located in

Kentwood, Michigan, announced it will be opening

a second clinic located in Fruitport, in the facility

recently vacated by the West Michigan Spay Neuter

Clinic (WMSNC).

“It is C-SNIP’s goal to move as quickly as possible

in order to fill the community’s need for affordable,

accessible spay/neuter surgery for dogs and cats in

this region,” said Sharon Caldwell-Newton, C-SNIP

Executive Director.

C-SNIP is planning to open the Fruitport location

on Dec. 3. During the month of December, they

will offer surgeries on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

The veterinarian team will be Dr. Julie Eberly and

Dr. Alana Gillhespy. They will provide spay/neuter

procedures for approximately 30 dogs and cats each

surgical day. This will be in addition to C-SNIP’s

Kentwood location, which offers surgical services

four days per week and serves approximately 70 dogs

and cats each surgical day.

“We believe pet owners should have access to

affordable, basic veterinary care, especially spay/

neuter surgery,” Caldwell-Newton said.

Spay/neuter surgery is the most effective strategy

contributing to the reduction of shelter admission

and euthanasia rates in West Michigan. C-SNIP is

pleased it can be a resource and provide a solution for

pet owners and rescue groups who are committed to

preventing accidental and unwanted litters by those

at-risk dogs and cats living in the Lakeshore region.

People can call 616-455-8220 to schedule an

appointment at the C-SNIP Lakeshore facility.

The phone line is staffed M-F, and a message can

be left after hours. After the new year, people

can scheduled surgeries online through C-SNIP’s

website.

Visit www.csnip.org for information on pricing,

services and general spay/neuter questions.

AP K W C D

Cats and Dogs -13

In-Home Pet Care

When You Can’t Be There

THE CAT’S MEOW

Pet Sitters

Jeanine Buckner

Veterinary Assistant

616-791-9696

Loving Home Care For Your Pet

During my 18 years of working in veterinary

medicine, I realized the need for an alternative to

boarding. Thus, The Cat’s Meow Pet Sitters was created.

By keeping your feline friend in her familiar home

surroundings, you and your cat experience less stress

while you are away. My first home visit with you and

your cat is at no charge. Information regarding medical

care, instructions on feeding and watering, litter box

patrol and playing with and/or grooming your cat will

all be discussed. At no additional charge, bringing in

mail and/or newspapers and watering plants can also

be done. Pampering your cat in her/his own home is a

wise alternative to boarding. Your cat will thank you!

Jeanine Buckner, Owner

Need more

customers, clients or volunteers?

Advertise in

Cats and Dogs


Reach more than 12,000 people

who care about pets.

Contact us at:


616-777-0645

Ask the Trainer

How to Use the Desensitization

By Bob Crough

* Begin by exposing your dog to a very low level or small

amount of whatever is causing the fear. For example, if

the dog is afraid of bicycles, start with a bicycle placed at

a distance of 100 feet from your dog.

* Reward the dog for organic calm, nonfearful behavior

in the presence of the bicycle. Gradually move the

bicycle closer to him. As long as your dog remains

relaxed, reward him with treats and praise. If at any

point he becomes anxious, move the bicycle further away

and proceed at a slower pace.

* When your dog can remain relaxed in the presence

of a stationary bicycle, move the bicycle 100 feet away

again, but have someone ride it slowly by him. Again,

gradually increase the proximity of the slowly moving

bicycle, rewarding your dog for remaining organically

calm and relaxed. Repeat this procedure as many times as

necessary, gradually increasing the speed of the moving

bicycle.

* This process may take several days. You must proceed

at a slow enough pace that your dog never becomes

fearful during the desensitization process. If you move

too quickly, success decreases. If the fear is to great to

work alone, always seek a professional trainer for help.

Bob Crough, Owner of Paradigm Dog School, has spent

18 years using positive science based methods. He

specializes in behavior modification, obedience, dog on

dog aggression, fearful issues, and training average

people to be better handlers and owners.

He owns, has co-owned, and managed dog training

businesses, dog daycares, boarding facilities, and

grooming shops over the years in West Michigan. He

studied animal biology at Grand Valley State University,

and also has logged over 35,000 hours working with off

leash domestic packs of 25-30 animals learning handson

k9 behavior and social skills. He is a Certified Dog

Trainer, Dog Behavior Specialist, Pack Rehabilitation

Specialist, a member of the Association of Professional

Dog Trainers, and AKC.

Paradigm Dog School: 616-886-4214

paradigmds@gmail.com

www.paradigmdogschool.com


This

Reuben’s Room Cat Rescue

page is sponsored by

Sleepy Hollow Pet Cemetery.


Cats and Dogs - 15

Hempworx products

can be purchased online at

mydailychoice.com/deblewis

or

dogsbay.net/cbd

or

bought at Dogs Bay’s two locations

3675 64th St., Holland 49423

3225 132nd Ave., Holland, 49424



Cats and Dogs - 17

“Compassionate Care

for all Cats.”

Dedicated and compassionate care for your furry family

member is our top priority. In a quiet and feline friendly

environment we provide:

* Internal medicine

* Ultrasound and X-ray

* Dentistry and oral surgery

* Ophthalmologic surgery

* Feline boarding

* Routine vaccinations and examinations

* Behavioral consultation

* In-house and reference blood work and more

Stop in and visit us at 3604 64th St., Saugatuck, Michigan or

call us at 269-455-5056 to schedule an appointment.

www.laketowncathospital.com

Quick Fix

Veterinary

Clinic

Offering affordable

routine wellness care

and spay/neuter services.

Come visit Mr. Butler at

Santa Fe Trading Co.

325 Butler, Saugatuck, Michigan

www.santafetradingco.com – 269-857-1359

Open Year Round

Weekend clinics and surgeries.

www.quickfixvet.com



Cats and Dogs - 19

F u r r y

P h i l o s o p h y

By Jodi Jarvis -Therrian

“Saving one dog will not change the world, but surely

for that one dog, the world will change forever.”

― Karen Davison

I have had the privilege of observing what huge

hearts the girls at Muskegon Humane Society have. They

do so much in our community. Recently, they became a

part of The Prison Enrichment Training Program. I felt

I had to share some details and answer questions others

asked me.

At the shelter I noticed one dog, Cruiser, who had

been there for a long time. Dogs who are in shelters too

long, may start to have behavioral issues. At Muskegon

Humane the dogs get walks, yard time, interactive toys

and love. The cats even have a catio and cat TV. Sadly,

nothing can take the place of a home. Cruiser broke my

heart being there for almost 3 years. Chelsie Blaine, an

amazing kind trainer at the shelter, worked with Cruiser

to learn desirable behaviors. She spent her own time

giving him extra love. However, Cruiser needed a lot of

extra time that this program provides.

This program at the Brooks facility seems to provide

a win-win. Where else does a person have 24 hours a day

to commit to a dog to help them overcome their hurdles?

Alexis Ogborn, Muskegon Humane Director, gave

me this background about the program and Cruiser:

Photography by The Bearded Lady Pet Photography

Cruiser is ready for adoption at Muskegon Humane

Society after being trained through

The Prison Enrichment Training Program.

“Cruiser joined our shelter family in early 2017. He

was transferred from Detroit Animal Control. Although

he doesn’t have any aggression issues, he is a large, goofy

dog that just doesn’t know his size...so he continues to

be overlooked. This program has given him the oneon-one

attention and training he needed to become a

well-trained adoptable dog. He no longer jumps on new

visitors. He can now play well with other dogs. He listens

and follows his trainer, and knows many commands

including: sit, stay, shake, crawl, down, drop it, leave it,

touch, roll over and more.

In August, after months of preparation, we launched

a prison foster and training program with Brooks

Correctional Facility. This program is designed to give

purpose and aid in rehabilitating prisoners while they live

and work with a shelter dog. It is going to give many of

our long term dogs like Cruiser the opportunity to have

24 hour companionship and training to help him and

his friends ‘put their best paws forward’ when they get

adopted.

We started with eight dogs moving in with their

inmates at the Brooks facility. They have a weekly

training session with our certified dog trainer and are

given homework with their dog for the week. After

12 weeks of training, the dogs become available for

adoption, but can continue working and living at the

prison until a suitable owner is found. Once a dog is

adopted, the process repeats.”

This program was very well laid out and planned.

When I interviewed Chelsie and Alexis I found out

there is a separate wing for inmates with dogs that is

connected to a private outdoor secure yard just for the

dogs. They have access to this area 24 hours a day to let

the dog out to go potty and play. The other inmates are

not allowed to enter that wing or yard. Each dog also

gets to spend a day up front in the office at the prison

to experience a different environment. They are totally

committed to making this program work.

Continued on page 21


Continued from page 20

The inmates are very eager to learn. They go through

an intense screening process to be allowed in this

program. They become attached to these dogs and care

for them immensely. They notice the littlest bump on the

dog and inquire about it. They worked ahead on lesson

plans and are so happy to connect and teach these dogs.

The inmates are learning numerous skills and giving a

priceless gift of constant care and companionship to these

dogs.

One of Cruiser’s inmate trainer’s stated, “I’ve been

in prison since I was 19, so, me and him both are exactly

alike we both know nothing, but being locked up. So if I

can give him a chance to get a home then that’s me giving

back, and really that’s the only way I can give back right

now.”

It makes a heart smile to hear that a very stressful,

over excitable black lab, Frank, will live happily ever

after. After 11 weeks in this program, he regained focus,

and did all the commands asked of him. He was adopted

to a forever home.

At the time this article was written Cruiser had some

interest but has not been adopted yet. Please share this

story and help to spread the word for him and others

looking for their forever home. One by one we can make

a difference. There are so many good pets in shelters that

deserve a chance to be snuggled and loved.

For a full list of available pets at Muskegon Humane for

adoption please see muskegonhumanesociety.org/

Memory Stones by Jodi

Honoring the memories of your loved ones in a beautiful

way. Fur or ashes can be permanently fused in a

stone that can be made into a sun catcher, keychain

or jewelry.

www.memorystonesbyjodi.com

231-893-1227

P Q R S T U V


On the Wild

Side

with Allyson Swanson

Hope: a feeling of expectation and desire for a

certain thing to happen.

At the Wildlife Rehab Center, nearly all of the

animals we take in are admitted with a degree of hope in

the forefront of our minds. Hope that a bird will fly again

or hope that a squirrel’s arm will heal correctly. But for

one critically injured animal who arrived at WRC late this

Summer, our hope for her was so strong that she earned

that as her name.

“Hope” is a baby opossum that came in from

Muskegon with a severe injury to her face. Most likely

inflicted by an animal attack, the incident caused her to

lose a portion of her nasal cavity and her vision. Hope

was in such critical shape when she arrived that we

feared she wouldn’t survive the hour, let alone that day.

However, the way she was fighting to stay alive melted

our hearts and we knew we had to try to save her.

At first, each day was a gamble, but with dedication

and a wonderful veterinarian we were able to pull her

through. For over two months, everything seemed to

be going well, but recently Hope had a relapse and

hemorrhaged from her nearly healed wound. She lost

so much blood that we feared she would die despite all

her successes. We had to rush her to the vet and perform

a blood transfusion to save her life yet again. To our

astonishment it worked and she has bounced back. Proof

you never know what the future will bring, but all you can

do is try.

Completely blind but doing well, Hope has since

begun her training as the next WRC Ambassador

Opossum. Hope has helped the public understand and

bond with opossums and will continue to do so with her

very own book! Hope’s rescuer, the Good Samaritan who

initially found her in the road, was so touched by Hope’s

journey and what we do at WRC that she has written

and illustrated her first children’s book. “Hope: The Tale

of A Blind Possum” by Diane Neas is set to be available

this holiday season with a portion of the proceeds going

to help the rehabilitation of more animals. Follow us

on Facebook or check our website for upcoming “book

signings” where Hope will be making her debut! Just

remember, “there is always hope!”

Allyson Swanson is a Licensed Wildlife Rehabilitator with

Wildlife Rehab Center Ltd, 1504 Union Ave. NE, Grand Rapids.

She has been licensed since 2013 but started as a volunteer

over sixteen years ago. Since then she has worked with

countless species of birds and mammals and has become one of

the main local resources for Virginia Opossums. She is also the

Center’s Education Coordinator and does presentations with

their Educational Ambassador animals. allyson@wildliferehab-center.org

– 616-606-5805.

Cats and Dogs - 21

Piper’s Palace

Rescuing kittens

By Janet Vormittag

When her 4-year-old cat died last Janaury, Wendee

Hofbauer was devastated. She had adopted Piper as a

kitten and had fallen in love with the gray and white kitty.

“I had her four short years,” she said. Piper had

eaten a string, which punctured her intestines and the

damage couldn’t be repaired.

To honor Piper, Wendee decided to start a kitten

rescue in her hometown of Zeeland. Piper’s Palace, which

is a nonprofit 501c3 organization, opened in July.

Shortly after that a friend introduced her to Chalsey

Schmidt. The meeting was magic.

“We were on the same page,” Wendee said.

“We clicked,” said Chalsey who lives in Holland.

Both wanted to rescue kittens, and they held similar

beliefs on mandatory spay/neuter and complete health

care for kittens in their care.

Chalsey’s journey to rescue started when she was 8

years old. She found a kitten and her mother taught her

how to bottle-feed the youngster. “I was in love,” she

recalled.

Whenever anyone asked Chalsey what she wanted

to do when she grew up, she would say she wanted to

rescue cats. And that’s exactly what she has been doing.

Through word-of-mouth she became the go-to person

when orphan kittens were found. So far she has bottle-fed

237 kittens.

“It’s tiring. It’s exhausting, but I can’t see my life

without kittens,” Chalsey said.

Newborn kittens have to be fed every two hours.

Every week the time between feedings can be increased

by an hour.

Chalsey admits letting her babies be adopted is hard.

They’re cautious when approving adoptions. They require

veterinarian references, and if the adopter rents, they

make sure the landlord is okay with kittens.

“We make sure they go to the best possible home,”

she said. Chalsey loves it when adopters send her

photographs. “It’s not required, but I always ask if they

can send pictures.”

One of the reasons Wendee and Chalsey work with

kittens is because they are easier to place. “People like

them young, 12 to 14 weeks,” Chalsey said.

All their kittens are vet checked, spayed/neutered,

microchipped, have age-appropriate vaccines, treated for

fleas/ticks and dewormed.

Veterinarian bills come in faster than donations. Both

women spend a lot of their own money to take care of the

kittens. Wendee said the hardest thing about running

a rescue is financial. “I thought it would be easier,” she

admitted.

Chalsey Schmidt, left, and Wendee Hofbauer, founder

of Piper’s Palace, with kittens available for adoption.

They took in six kittens with genetic heart defects

who have a life expectancy of 6 to 18 months. So far two

have died. Three of the remaining kittens will live out

their natural lives with Wendee. One is with Chalsey.

Piper’s Palace has partnered with PetSmart in

Holland where they do adoptions the first weekend of

each month.

Long-term goals for Piper’s Palace include having a

building and a spay/neuter program.

“No one should be breeding cats when they can get

perfect cat off the street,” Chalsey said.

For more information on Piper’s Palace visit piperspalace.wixsite.com/kitten

or follow them on Facebook.

Some of Piper’s Palace’s kittens.


This page paid for by Clock Timeless Pets!


Cats and Dogs - 23


Presents for Pets

”Twas the night before Christmas at the animal

shelter, the dogs were asleep, tired from their helterskelter.

Their stockings were hung from the cages with

care, in hopes that Santa Claus would find them all

there. The dogs were all snoring and snug in their beds,

while visions of doggy treats danced in their heads…”

It’s that time of year again! The Holiday season is a

busy time for everyone with decorations, get-togethers

and gift exchanges. We at Sleepy Hollow want to make

sure that the Holiday cheer is spread to the four legged

members of the community as well! That’s why in 2012

we began our annual “Presents for Pets” campaign!

Presents for Pets was created for the homeless

pets and animals in need in West Michigan by the Staff

of Sleepy Hollow Pet Cemetery & Crematory. We at

Sleepy Hollow have a passion for the homeless pets,

shelter animals and injured wildlife and want to make

a difference this holiday season! We are blessed to

have our own rescue kids at home, all of various breeds,

sizes, shapes and health conditions. We would like to see

all animals in the community experience a wonderful

Holiday as if they were our own.

There is a great need in West Michigan for this

type of holiday campaign. With similar collection

drives for children and families available, there is no

campaign designed to help the animal rescues, shelters

and wildlife during the holiday season; thus, the birth of

Presents for Pets. Our goal is to collect as many items as

possible for distribution to various rescues, shelters and

wildlife organizations in our community. That’s where

you come in!

Take a copy of our wish list with you during your

Holiday shopping. Pick out any of the needed items and

then visit our website at www.presentsforpets.net and

find a drop off location near you! We will then take all

the collected items and distribute them amongst the

local shelters in need! Help us make an animal’s holiday

“furry and bright”!

See ad on page 24


Cats and Dogs - 25

Humane Society of

West Michigan

gets new director

By Janet Vormittag

For nine years Holly Guild worked at the Capital Area

Humane Society in Lansing. When a recruiter contacted

her about a job opening in Grand Rapids, she decided to

apply.

Holly was hired as the executive director at the

Humane Society of West Michigan.

She started August 26.

“There aren’t a lot of shelters I would have left that

job for, but this was one of them,” she said. “I’m super

excited to be here.” She was pleasantly surprised by the

support given to the humane society by the people of

Grand Rapids. “It’s a philanthropic community and they

love animals.”

Holly replaced Trudy Ender who left to become the

executive director at Susan G. Komen, Michigan.

Holly said the Capital Area Humane Society is similar

in size, budget and staffing to the Humane Society of

West Michigan.

HSWM has 47 employees, some of them part-time. It

operates with a $2.3 million budget.

One of the first things Holly did was have a staff

meeting where she asked everyone to write down

suggestions for improvement on Post-it Notes. One wall

of her office is covered with the yellow slips of paper,

which are divided into five categories including staffing,

programs and culture. Her goal is to develop a strategic

plan for the humane society. She would love it to become

a resource for anything pet related.

Holly said she has seen a lot of changes over the

years in shelters. She recalls a time when puppies were

euthanized for space.

“Now it’s rare to get a litter of puppies,” she said.

To meet the demand for puppies, some shelters and

rescues will go to high-kill shelters in the southern states

and bring litters back to Michigan. Holly said the south is

about 20 years behind many of the northern states when

it comes to spaying and neutering pets.

She said while there aren’t many unplanned litters of

puppies in Michigan, the same isn’t true with kittens.

“Part of the problem is society doesn’t value cats as

much as they do dogs,” she said.

Holly also believes in trap-neuter-return (TNR) of

cats, where feral or outside cats are live-trapped, spayed

or neutered, and then returned to where they were

caught.

“We struggle with people who don’t agree with TNR,”

she said.

Humane Society of West Michigan’s new Executive

Director Holly Guild with owner surrendered 8-year-old

Rosco who is sharing her office because he is stressed

when in the kennel.

She said the overpopulation of cats seems daunting

and overwhelming but she reminds herself that it was

once that way with dogs.

“Education is key,” she said. The humane society

holds programs for children with the hope kids will grow

up with a mindset of being responsible pet owners.

Holly grew up on a farm and was involved with 4-H,

showing horses, rabbits, goats and sheep at local fairs.

She is a licensed veterinarian technician having worked

at Michigan State University’s Veterinary Medical Center

and has experience with large and small animals.

“My heart is definitely in animal welfare,” she said.

Humane Society of West Michigan, 3077 Wilson Drive

NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49534

616-453-8900 - www.hswestmi.org

AMPB


Is Michigan No-Kill?

By Julie Steffen, founder of Mosh Pit Rescue, a homebased

rescue in Grand Rapids, MI.

If you were on social media in September 2019, you

likely saw the headline, “Michigan has become a no kill

state for animal shelters.” Countless people immediately

reacted by hitting like or share. Many others commented

“yay” or “about time.”

As the smoke cleared, Mosh Pit Rescue realized some

people didn’t fully understand what this headline and

designation really meant. Misconceptions flew around the

Internet ranging from “no kill is zero kill” to “I can now

surrender my pet and it will be safe” to “no kill is the law

now.”

The term no-kill is incredibly confusing. No-kill

means that 90% of intake animals leave the shelter

alive, either via adoption, return to owner, or transfer to

another shelter. Said another way, no-kill means up to

10% of animals that enter the shelter can be euthanized

for any legitimate or illegitimate reason, including lack of

space.

The biggest misconception about the no-kill

designation for shelter animals is what an Animal Shelter

means. Animal Shelter includes all municipal shelters

and any private rescue with a physical facility. This

means every humane society and private rescue with a

building is included. Private rescues are generally not

open intake, meaning they do not have to take in every

stray and owner-surrendered animal. Private rescues can

pick only adoptable animals to bring into their programs

and refuse animals when their capacity is full. These

private rescues do wonderful rescue work, which should

be celebrated, but their ability to cherry pick animals

makes them incomparable to the government-run, open

intake shelters.

Shelters included in the no-kill designation do not

include home-based rescues where foster pets live in

people’s homes as temporary pets. When a home-based

rescue pulls a dog out of a municipal shelter, it counts as

an adoption for that shelter.

The pressure to become a no-kill shelter can

influence decisions such as lowering adoption standards

to move more animals, transferring to rescues that

are not reputable, adopting out animals with behavior

problems to avoid euthanasia, and categorizing domestic

cats as feral when they should be homed. When pressured

for a 10% or lower kill rate becomes the goal over animal

welfare, no-kill shelters become a victory on paper only.

An additional concern is the lack of accountability

over the numbers shelters report. Shelters self-report

their kill numbers. Who is checking to make sure shelters

are not manipulating numbers? Who verifies that all

rescue transfers really happened? Who verifies that all


owner-requested euthanasia is really by owner request? It

would be amazingly easy to fake a rescue transfer form or

forge an owner request form.

Mosh Pit Rescue pulls dogs out of kill shelters and

no-kill shelters.

A no-kill label does not equate to humane treatment

of animals. For example, the Kent County Animal Shelter

is a kill shelter on the upswing. The animals at KCAS

receive sufficient vet care, are on heartworm prevention,

are on flea/tick prevention, and vaccines are properly

boosted. Animals are spayed and neutered in a timely

manner.

A different West Michigan shelter Mosh Pit pulls

from is a no-kill shelter. Animals there are not sufficiently

or accurately vetted, are not on heartworm prevention or

even heartworm tested, are not on flea/tick prevention,

and vaccines are never boosted. Spays and neuters

happen sometimes months after an animal has entered

the shelter. Mosh Pit has pulled animals from this nokill

shelter with visible fleas, untreated heartworm,

kennel cough, bladder stones, skin issues, dental issues,

hydrometra, bladder infections, ear infections, and every

kind of worms.

Instead of labeling shelters based on numbers on a

piece of paper, consider the humanity shown to animals

in that shelter, examine the creativity that goes into

adoption programming, look at the vet treatment of

animals, even when vetting them requires extra time,

effort, and money, and recognize community involvement

and fundraising efforts.

No-kill must be more than numbers.

No-kill should be an attitude where animal lives

matter and care is humane.

-----------------------------------------------------------

Earlier this year, the Michigan Pet Fund Alliance

announced a statewide average live-release rate of 90

percent which they claim makes Michigan a no-kill state.

According to Nathan Winograd, the founder of the

No Kill Advocacy Center, the 90 percent standard is too

low.

There are 36 shelters in Michigan that have liverelease

rates below 90 percent. Lake County euthanized

73 percent cats brought into the county shelter. Cass

County euthanized 70 percent of their cats. Berrien

County euthanized 70 percent of their cats. St. Clair

County euthanized 53 percent of their cats.

The Michigan Humane Society handles more dogs

than any other agency in Michigan. In 2018, they

euthanized one out of every three dogs.

The 90 percent live-release rate is a wonderful

milestone but it doesn’t make Michigan no-kill. Too

many cats and pit bull type dogs are still being

euthanized. Until those killings are stopped, Michigan is

not no-kill.

Janet Vormittag, Cats and Dogs Magazine

Cats and Dogs -27

Community Resource Guide

Cemeteries

Clock Timeless Pets

1469 Peck St., Muskegon, MI 49441

231-722-3721 - www.clocktimelesspets.com

Noah’s Pet Cemetery & Crematory

2727 Orange Ave. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546

616-949-1390 – noahspc@comcast.net

www.noahspetcemetery.com

Sleepy Hollow Pet Cemetery

2755 64th St. SW, Byron Center, MI 49315

616-538-6050 – www.sleepyhollowpc.com

info@sleepyhollowpc.com

Feral Cat Support Services

A Feral Haven

Supporting feral/community cats in Ottawa and Allegan Counties by

loaning live traps, and providing spay/neuter vouchers and food.

http://www.aferalhavenmi.org – 616-399-1774

a.feral.haven.mi@gmail.com

Humane Societies/Shelters

Allegan County Animal Shelter

2293 33rd Street, Allegan, MI 49010

269-686-5112 - www.petfinder.com/shelters/MI299.html

Harbor Humane Society

14345 Bagley Street (at US 31), West Olive, MI 49460

616-399-2119 - www.harborhumane.org

Humane Society of West Michigan

3077 Wilson Drive NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49534

616-453-8900 - www.hswestmi.org

Ionia County Animal Shelter

3853 Sparrow Drive, Ionia, MI 48846

616-527-9040 - www.petfinder.com/shelters/MI342.html

Kent County Animal Shelter

740 Fuller Ave. NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503

616-632-7300 - www.accesskent.com/kcas

Pound Buddies Animal Shelter & Adoption Center

1300 East Keating Ave., Muskegon, MI

231-724-6500 - www.poundbuddies.org

Grooming

Doggie Paws

Brenda Christensen

410 E Division St, Sparta, MI 49345

616-887-7060 – brendasilverleaf@yahoo.com

www.doggie-paws.com

Pet Boarding/Sitters

Canine Country Club

In-home pet sitting and dog walking

231-755-3230

Dogs Bay Inc

Boarding, daycare, grooming, CBD products

3675 64th St., Holland 49423 or 3225 132nd Ave., Holland, 49424

616-218-4493 – dogsbayinc@gmail.com – www.dogsbay.net

Pet Villa – Lodging, Daycare, Grooming

3934 3 Mile Road NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49534

616-735-3191 – pvpetvilla@gmail.com

www.thepetvilla.com

The Cat’s Meow

Loving Home Care For Your Cat

Jeanine Buckner, veterinary assistant - 616-481-6878

Pet In-Home Hospice

Heaven at Home Pet Hospice

In-home pet hospice, palliative pet care and euthanasia for

companion animals

616-498-1316 – doc@pethospicevet.com

www.pethospicevet.com

Pet Services

Pleasant Hearts Pet Food Pantry

Helping keep pets and families together since 2016

info@pleasantheartspetfoodpantry.org

www.pleasantheartspetfoodpantry.org

1539 Taylor Ave. NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49505

Pet Training

Paradigm Dog School

Professional dog training

616-886-4214 – paradigmds@gmail.com

www.paradigmdogschool.com

Wolf Song Enterprises, LLC

Animal behavior consulting, Animal training, Animal talent

Wolfsongenterprises@gmail.com – 231-744-7141

Rescue Groups

Bellwether Harbor

P.O. Box 475, 7645 West 48th St., Fremont, MI 49412

231-924-9230 - www.bellwetherharbor.org

BestPals Animal Rescue Center

13888 Blair St., Holland, MI 49424

Call for appointment, 616-212-3368

www.bestpalsarc.wix.com – bestpalsarc@gmail.com


Community Resource Guide

Cannonsville Critters

Helping cats in Montcalm County

Michelle Hocking, 989-287-2553

Carol’s Ferals

Trap-Neuter-Return and Adoption

616-560-0555 – www.carolsferals.org

Crash’s Landing

Cat Rescue & Placement Center

No-kill, Non-profit 501(c) organization

616-821-6065 - www.crashslanding.org

Hearts of Hope Dog Rescue

Until there are none, rescue one

616-366-8455 - rescueofhope@gmail.com

www.rescueofhope.com

Mackenzie’s Animal Sanctuary

‘A home along the way’ for dogs in need.

Adopt - Volunteer - Donate

8935 Thompson Rd. Lake Odessa, MI 48849

www.mackenzies.info

Muskegon Humane Society - a no kill, non-profit shelter

2640 Marquette Ave., Muskegon, MI 49442

231-773-8689 - www.muskegonhumanesociety.org

Pet Tales Rescue

A non-profit, volunteer, foster-based, all-breed dog/cat rescue.

Kathy Brown, P.O. Box 88084, Kentwood, MI 49518

616-446-1591 – pettalesrescueboard@gmail.com

www.pettalesrescue.com – www.facebook.com/pettalesrescue

Reuben’s Room Cat Rescue

Jeanine Buckner

A no-kill, non-profit 501 (c) (3) organization

616-481-6878 - www.reubensroom.petfinder.com

Safe Haven Humane Society

P.O. Box 55, Ionia, MI 48846

Fax: 517-579-5948

616-522-1611 – shhspets@hotmail.com – www.shhspets.com

Vicky’s Pet Connection

www.vickyspetconnection.com

West Michigan Ferret Connection

Education - Boarding - Adoptions - Rescue

Dee Gage, 616-447-2978 - wmfc2001@sbcglobal.net

Westie Rescue Michigan Inc

A nonprofit volunteer organization providing assistance and foster

care for homeless West Highland White Terriers.

Jackie Curtis – 810-632-5477

westierescuemi2@yahoo.com – www.westierescue-mi.com

Wishbone Pet Rescue Alliance

Managing the Allegan County Animal Shelter

P.O. Box 124, Douglas, MI 49406

(800) 475-0776 - www.wishbonepetrescue.org

Spay/Neuter

C-SNIP

Dogs. Cats. Spay. Neuter.

1675 Viewpond Dr. SE, Kentwood, MI 49508

616-455-8220 – info@csnip.org

www.csnip.org

Specialty Businesses

Critter Cottage

Adoption/outreach for Vicky’s Pet Connection

7205 Thornapple River Drive SE, Ada, MI

616-682-4855 - www.vickyspetconnection.com

Happy Cat Cafe

Cat Lounge & Adoption Center

447 S Division, Grand Rapids, MI 49503

616-202-4750 – happycatgr@gmail.com

www.happycatgr.com.

Kristina VanOss Studio

Pet portraits made personal

616-566-2113 – inastateofre@gmail.com

Wishbone House

Thrift shop and Pet Adoptions

165 Blue Star Highway, Douglas, MI

269-455-5247 – www.wishbonepetrescue.org

Veterinarians

Family Friends Veterinary Hospital

6555 28th St. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546

616-575-6520 – chelsey.rosemeck@familyfriendsvet.com

www.familyfriendsvet.com

Laketown Cat Hospital

3604 64th Street, Saugatuck, MI 49453

(269)455-5056 mail@laketowncathospital.com

www.laketowncathospital.com

Quick Fix Veterinary Clinic

Offering affordable routine wellness care and spay/neuter services

south of Grand Rapids.

www.quickfixvet.com

Wildlife

Lowell Farm and Wildlife Center

12494 Vergennes St., Lowell, MI

616-885-4223 – www.farmwildlife.org

Wildlife Rehab Center

1504 Union Ave. NE, Grand Rapids

616-361-6109 – www.wildlife-rehab-center.org


Cats and Dogs - 29

Dog Rescue Celebrates Most-Ever

Adoptions at 4th Annual

Raise the Woof Fundraiser:

‘A Night in Hollywoof’

Hearts of Hope Dog Rescue, a local non-profit

organization, will host its fourth annual Raise the Woof

fundraiser as it celebrates 1,700 adoptions since its

beginning.

The event, taking place Nov. 22 at the Stache Bar

inside the Intersection, will feature live music by Melissa

Dylan, a cash bar, complimentary hors d’oeuvres, and a

huge raffle and silent auction with items from businesses

and organizations around the community. Additionally,

attendees will meet some of the amazing rescue dogs

Hearts of Hope is working to save at the event, themed,

“A Night in Hollywoof.”

“In effort to kick off 2020 with a strong financial

outlook, and the ability for us to save more lives in the

coming year, this event is critical for us,” said Janelle

McFarlane, Hearts of Hope Dog Rescue founder. “The

number of lives we have saved has increased nearly 30

percent since last year, so we have set an ambitious goal

to raise $20,000 at this year’s benefit. Think of it as $20k

for 2020!”

Raise the Woof has served as the organization’s staple

event to increase awareness for the rescue and raise funds

to help animals in need for the last four years. Hearts

of Hope is on par to adopt out more than 300 dogs in

2019—the most the organization has done in one year.

But with more adoptions, comes more medical expenses.

The organization’s total expenses in 2018 climbed more

than $100,000, with half of those covered by adoption

fees. In effort to cover the rest, the group depends on

donations and fundraising activities.

To make this benefit a success, Hearts of Hope

Dog Rescue has received the support of countless

compassionate businesses and organizations in West

Michigan though cash donations, as well as items for the

event’s auction, raffle and goodie bags. Guests will have

the opportunity to take home items ranging from one end

of the spectrum to the other, including a Bissell vacuum,

professional photo session, a gym membership, among

countless other fantastic prizes.

Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door. To

purchase tickets or for more information about the event,

visit https://rescueofhope.com/raise-the-woof/.

Hearts of Hope Dog Rescue, established in 2011,

is a network of volunteer foster families in the Grand

Rapids area who are committed to saving the lives of

unwanted dogs of all backgrounds. Learn more at www.

rescueofhope.com.

BISSELL Pet Foundation

$40,000 grant will prevent

overpopulation by funding

spay/neuter efforts

C-SNIP, a nonprofit spay/neuter clinic serving West

Michigan, announced it has been awarded a $40,000

grant from the BISSELL Pet Foundation to support its

efforts to reduce pet overpopulation, unwanted pets, and

shelter admissions that result from accidental litters.

The BISSELL Pet Foundation’s grant to C-SNIP

will help provide 1372 spay/neuter surgeries for at-risk

dogs and cats living with owners experiencing financial

challenges. A recent report published by the United

Way of Michigan found in 2017 that 37% of working

families in Kent County were unable to afford basic

needs. These same individuals are also unable to afford

the regular fees to spay/neuter their beloved dog and/or

cat. The Individual Assistance Fund at C-SNIP allows

the organization to adjust its spay/neuter fees to a price

the pet owner can afford. Grant funds from BISSELL Pet

Foundation will be used by C-SNIP to subsidize those

spay/neuter fees for those who need some extra financial

assistance.

“At C-SNIP, we believe that pets strengthen and

enhance families. We also believe that every pet owner

should have access to affordable, basic veterinary

care, especially spay and neuter surgery. BISSELL Pet

Foundation understands the preventative power of spay/

neuter and has been a long-time supporter of C-SNIP.

Thanks to this 2019 grant, C-SNIP can continue to make

spay/neuter affordable and prevent future accidental

litters,” said Sharon Caldwell-Newton, C-SNIP’s

Executive Director.

Since 2001, C-SNIP spayed/neutered over 174,000

dogs and cats.

C-SNIP is a a charitable 501(c)(3) non-profit veterinary

clinic focused on spay/neuter surgery for dogs and cats.

We offer spay/neuter surgeries to both individual pet

owners and to local rescue organizations. We perform

50–70 spay/neuter surgeries per day. We also offer

vaccines, microchips, and flea treatment at the time of

surgery and during outreach vaccine clinics. Grants and

charitable donations allow us to subsidize our fees even

further when an owner has a financial hardship.

BISSELL Pet Foundation is a charitable 501(c)(3) nonprofit

organization with a mission to help reduce the

number of animals in shelters through pet adoption,

spay/neuter programs, microchipping and foster care.

The foundation is supported by generous donors and

BISSELL Homecare, Inc. Up to $25 for every pet product

purchased helps fund the foundation’s mission. For more

information about BISSELL Pet Foundation, visit www.

bissellpetfoundation.org.



Cats and Dogs -31

Cats and Dogs, a Magazine Devoted to Companion Animals

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