Cats and Dogs, a Magazine Devoted to Companion Animals

cats and DOGS B

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A Magazine Devoted to Companion Animals

Clyde’s Collars --- Page 17 There’s a $500 reward offered for Clyde’s return.

Janice Rysdyk BestPals Rescue – Page 9

Samantha needs a home Piper’s Palace – Page 13

Fall 2020

On the Wild Side Eagle rescue – Page 15

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CONTENTS Animals for Adoption Carol’s Ferals ........................................................................

5

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

6

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

8

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

13

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

14

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

24

Almost Every Month Business Card Directory ..............................................

4

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

10

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

15

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

15

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

18

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

21

Furry Philosophy Page 18

Features Pound Buddies Update ...................................................

4

29 cats and 2 dogs ............................................................

9

CBD Store ................................................................................

12

Crash’s Landing & Big Sid’s Hopes to Move .....

16

Clyde’s Collars ...................................................................

17

Shelters Ban Together to Save Lives.....................

19

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.

Fall 2020 • www.catsanddogsmagazine.com

Shelters Ban Together to Save Lives – Page 19

Publisher: Janet Vormittag Owner: JLV Enterprises LLC Deadlines Spring: Feb. 10 - Summer: May 10 Fall: August 10 - Winter: Nov. 10 Home delivery of Cats and Dogs is $16 per year. Make your check payable to Cats and Dogs and mail to: Cats and Dogs, P.O. Box 996, Jenison, MI 49429-0996

Advertising information: 616-777-0645 - catsanddogsmagazine@comcast.net

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Pound Buddies vs the Pandemic Plans continue to move forward with Pound Buddies’ new facility. Despite the pandemic, community support remains strong for Unleashing the Possibilities, Pound Buddies’ capital campaign to help purchase and renovate the former Hughes Builders site at 3279 East Laketon in Muskegon.

With an overall goal of $2.5 million, Jan Jacobs, campaign director recently announced Pound Buddies’ lead donor, Hines Corporation, has pledged $100,000 towards the project. Major donations have also been received from the One Lucky Dog Foundation, Hughes Builders and area individuals, Norma York Bremer and Barbara Kuipers, among others.

“We’re just keeping our heads down and moving forward the best way we can,” Jacobs said. “We simply don’t have another choice because of the condition of the current facility. Covid-19 or not, it’s time to have Muskegon County’s municipal animal shelter meet today’s industry standards and reflect the expectations of families living in our area.”

The current focus is raising funds to purchase at least 100 new 5’ x 8’ kennels, which will be significantly larger than the Keating Avenue kennels. These new larger kennels will enable dogs to stay cleaner, stand and turn more freely and reduce happy tail wounds and shelter stress. Reducing stress in dogs while in the shelter environment is paramount to preserving their mental and emotional well-being and enhances their ability to display their true personality when meeting adoptive prospects.

“This new facility, along with these new kennels will literally save lives,” Jacobs said. The kennels will be arranged in a way that promotes a more peaceful atmosphere, allows quieter interaction with staff, and gives more freedom for dogs to move about and feel comfortable.”

New Pound Buddies kennels can be sponsored for $5,000 each, and donors will receive permanent recognition with an engraved plaque displaying their personal message, installed on their designated kennel.

Whether it’s a beloved lost pet, or an animal recovering from neglect or abuse, the new Pound Buddies shelter design has been developed with the best living situation possible in mind.

Jacobs concludes, “Today, many people can’t bring themselves to even come to our shelter. We feel strongly that the new facility will be welcoming to visitors and volunteers, provide dramatically improved working conditions for staff, and ultimately increase the opportunities for shelter pets to find new forever homes.”

BUSINESS CARD DIRECTORY

616-949-1390 www.noahspetcemetery.com noahspc@comcast.net

To learn more, to make a donation, or to sponsor a kennel, visit www.poundbuddies.org or contact Jan Jacobs, Campaign Director, at jacobs0414@gmail.com.

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This page paid for by Clock Timeless Pets!

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www.catsanddogsmagazine.com • Fall 2020

29 cats and 2 dogs Include your pets in estate planning

By Janet Vormittag When Michelle Kenat was asked if she could take some cats and dogs from an elderly woman in Grand Rapids who had terminal cancer, she said yes.

“I never planned on taking all of them, but I could take some,” said Michelle, founder and director of BestPals Animal Rescue Center in Holland.

A few weeks earlier, when Michigan’s Governor had ordered businesses to close due to the coronavirus, Michelle took advantage of the situation. She placed all of BestPal’s cats in foster care so she could paint the floors in the building that housed the rescue’s cats.

So, when that call came in Michelle just happened to have an empty, clean and repainted kennel.

The animals in need of placement belonged to 82year-old Janice Rysdyk. Janice, a retired elementary school teacher, never married or had children. Her niece and nephew, who lived in California, were aware Janice had a plan and money set aside for her pets who were the center of her world. Janice had an agreement with a friend who would place her pets in the event of her death. This original agreement did not include the current number of 29 cats and 2 dogs, so a staff member from the veterinarian clinic Janice used made calls to find additional support.

“Most rescues could take one or two cats, which was heartbreaking to her,” said Michelle who went to visit Janice and to meet her pets.

Michelle points out that Janice wasn’t a hoarder. She loved animals and neighbors and friends took advantage of her big heart and took their unwanted pets and strays to her.

“She had an in-home sanctuary,” Michelle explained.

All the animals had names, they were spayed/neutered and microchipped. Some were on special diets.

Janice agreed to have her cats and dogs’ vaccines brought up-to-date and to pay Bestpals’ intake fee.

“I decided to take them all as to not cause Janice any more stress,” Michelle said. She added that the cats were losing their home, she didn’t want them to lose their buddies too.

Michelle first took Janice’s dogs; an 8-year-old pit bull and a 10-year-old husky. She is fostering them in her home until they can be adopted.

The day Michelle picked up the cats, Janice, who had just returned home from the hospital, wanted to say goodbye to each one. As she said her goodbyes, often with Fall 2020 • www.catsanddogsmagazine.com

Janice Rysdyk and a few of her cats that BestPals Rescue took in when the 82-year-old Grand Rapids woman died. tears in her eyes, she told Michelle every cat’s story, their medical issues and details about their personalities.

“She cared so much about each one,” Michelle said.

BestPals’ cat building has five 8-by-10-foot dog runs. Each one has climbing posts, cubbies with comfy beds and places for scared cats to hide. There are also two smaller 3-tiered cat cages. Because of Janice’s information, Michelle knew which cats were bonded and placed them together.

As the cats settled into the rescue, Michelle kept Janice updated on their progress.

Janice’s family wanted her to keep two cats. It was decided after the cats’ vet appointment, Michelle would bring two back to her.

But it wasn’t meant to be. Janice died 12 days after Michelle picked up her cats. She passed on the very day Dr. Jim Bader from Mapleview Animal Hospital came to BestPals to give the cats checkups and vaccinations.

“She had peace knowing her animals were loved and taken care of,” Michelle said.

Michelle said the story of Janice’s pets had a happy ending, but that isn’t always the case when someone dies and leaves behind their beloved four-legged companions.

She wants to remind people of the importance of including pets in their estate planning.

Before she passed, Janice made a donation to BestPals to help Michelle increase the size of the rescue’s dog kennel.

“I’m honored to have been able to help Janice,” Michelle said. “I look forward to expanding the kennel in her memory.”

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Willow’s World Morning Lap Nap

By Tricia L. McDonald I tend to wake up when Willow wiggles out from under the covers and steps on my face. Pain does that to me. One minute we’re all snoozing, and the next, she is getting everyone riled up. By everyone, I mean the other two dogs that might sleep later than 6:00 am.

After walking across my body (or my head), Willow begins the morning lick-ritual. She licks Mike’s face over and over and over until Eli joins her in the lick-fest. This is also an evening ritual, but only Ernie and Eli partake in it. At night, Mike loves it. He pats their heads and tells them how wonderful they are. I’m gagging at the sound of the constant licking.

Mike’s mood about this lick-ritual changes in the morning. He isn’t keen about it at the crack of dawn and will push Willow away from him. And yes, we’ve had discussions about how he is teaching them to lick his face, and it isn’t fair that he changes the rules in the morning.

Yet, it continues.

“No, Willow, no,” Mike lifts the covers and tries to push her underneath. She backs up and steps on my face. . . again.

“Owww!” I say.

Some mornings, she trudges underneath, cuddles into me and goes back to sleep for 30 minutes. Other times she ignores the lifted blankets and plops herself on top of the covers and rolls onto her back. This is the start of her happy rolling, which consists of moving back and forth for several minutes.

As she rolls, she kicks her legs out, and with Mike on one side of her and me on the other side, we’re the recipients of the kicking. Once she finishes this happiness, she crawls under the blankets and goes back to sleep. Again, for about 30 minutes.

If we’re really unlucky, she licks Mike’s face, jumps off the bed and barks at the door.

“Willow, no,” I say, but it’s too late because Eli jumps off the bed. Ernie stretches, appearing a bit annoyed. He would sleep longer if it weren’t for Willow.

Most mornings, Mike gets out of bed and ushers the dogs out the bedroom door. I snuggle into the blankets for a bit more shut-eye. He lets them outside to do “their Cats and Dogs -10

business” and then feeds them. Once everyone finishes eating their food, they make sure the other dog food dishes are clean. At that point, Willow heads down the hallway to our bedroom.

I hear the bedroom door open and Eli runs past Willow and jumps onto the bed. Willow follows and, you guessed it, climbs under the blankets. She curls against me and is ready for her mid-morning nap, even though she has only been awake for 20 minutes.

“Ernie, come here,” Mike says. Ernie has walked to my side of the bed. He walks back over to Mike, who picks him up and plops him onto the bed. Ernie gives me a tiny sweet lick on the face and I lift the blankets. He wanders underneath and fits himself around Willow’s body. Mike leaves the room and within minutes, the dogs and I are sleeping—for about 30 minutes. Then Willow has had enough and is ready to get up. . . again.

On mornings when I get up with the dog, it is the same in the sense of the dogs going outside for their business, then back inside where I feed and water them.

I clean up their bowls and sit on the oversize chair in the sitting room.

Before my butt even hits the material, Eli is sitting on my left. Willow leaps up and settles on the right side of my lap. Ernie is always last as he takes the longest to eat.

“Come on, Ernie,” I say as I pat the chair cushion. He looks at me as I continue patting. “I know you can jump up here.” He gives me a sad-eye look so I reach down to pick him up. He scoots around my hands and jumps onto my lap by himself. “You’re killing me, Ernie.”

Once all three dogs have rearranged themselves on my lap, I pick up my book and start reading. Millie (our cat) jumps onto the chair and settles on top of Willow.

For the next hour or so, we start our day in blissful quiet—except for Ernie’s snoring. I can’t think of a better way to start my day, unless it included Willow not getting out of bed so darn early.

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. www.catsanddogsmagazine.com • Fall 2020

In-Home Pet Care When You Can’t Be There

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Cats and Dogs A Magazine Devoted to Companion Animals

Our Readers Love Pets!

Contact us at:

catsanddogsmagazine@comcast.net or

616-777-0645

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

Fall 2020 • www.catsanddogsmagazine.com

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CBD, from the hemp plant, can exert profound healing and balancing effects on all mammals. By stimulating the endocannabinoid system, CBD can help the body rebalance to homeostasis.

Pet owners use CBD for a broad range of behavioral and medical issues, including cancer pain, anxieties, obsessions, arthritis, seizures, neurological and digestive

disorders, past traumas, social withdrawal, irritable moods, and cohabitating with other animals more positively.

While recovering from illness or surgery, CBD can stimulate appetite and speed healing. At the end of life, CBD can minimize the pain and anxiety your pet may be experiencing.

The endocannabinoid system is a network of receptors located throughout the body. Its purpose is to maintain a stable internal environment, which is known as homeostasis. If the body’s endocannabinoid production lags behind what it needs, CBD can help. CBD can also stimulate the body to build more receptors, which makes natural CBD work more effectively.

CBD for dogs and cats comes in many forms. The most common types are tinctures, also known as CBD oil, which can be given from a dropper directly into the mouth, added to food or a treat, rubbed into bare skin inside the ears, or dropped on an animal’s paw to be licked off. You may also want to give your dog or cat CBD biscuits, CBD capsules, and topical CBD balms that absorb quickly into the skin.

The right CBD dose will vary from animal to animal and depends on the situation, so it may be necessary to experiment to find the right amount and frequency of dosing. It is best to ask the experts at CBD Store of Michigan.

CBD Store of Michigan is located in Fremont Michigan with over 60 brands of CBD in stock. Every item is third party tested for potency. CBD Store of Michigan also checks for mold, heavy metals, pesticides and lead. Ordering online is a great way to get what you want delivered right to your door. Get FREE shipping when you use promo code “catanddog”. www.cbdstoremi.com or call (616) 291-9558

www.quickfixvet.com Schedule your appointment online Affordable dental cleanings Low-cost spay/neuter Vaccinations Microchipping Wellness checks Our Mission: To prevent the unnecessary euthanasia of healthy dogs and cats by providing quality, reduced-cost spay and neuter surgeries, and to provide low-cost basic services to those who need it.

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www.catsanddogsmagazine.com • Fall 2020

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

Fall 2020 • www.catsanddogsmagazine.com

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If you would like to be a Reuben’s Room volunteer call 616-481-6848

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www.catsanddogsmagazine.com • Fall 2020

On the Wild Side with Allyson Swanson If there is one good thing that has come from the Covid-19 pandemic, it is the increase in our community’s time spent in Michigan’s beautiful outdoors. With more people finding solace in nature, wildlife in need is being found more frequently. In a normal year, we can get up to 60 calls a day, but in 2020 we peaked at 120 calls in one day! With more animals than ever before, we have no choice but to encourage the public to step up and bring animals to us. However, on August 8th, a call came in that needed us to drop everything and go out ourselves.

We have to admit that whenever we receive a call about an eagle, we automatically require a photo to confirm species. I cannot begin to tell you how many “mistaken identity” eagles turned out to be baby pigeons or mourning doves. So, when this photo arrived, we were actually quite surprised to see an eagle sitting on a family’s garage roof in the Newaygo area. The homeowners confirmed the bird had been in their yard for 24 hours but were unsure what the exact injury was.

Lead Volunteer Alesha was the first to arrive and was able to confirm that although the wings seemed fine, the eagle was unable to get altitude to fly. Grabbing a heavy pair of gloves and another pair of hands in the form of volunteer Dan we were off to Newaygo.

Unfortunately, my college didn’t offer Catching an Eagle 101, but having rescued one other bald eagle a couple years ago, I felt confident we could get her.

However, upon arrival I was faced with the largest bird of prey I had ever encountered. Our first attempt, though well planned, fell short. Her legs and wings were still strong enough to give her speed in evading us. The second try was equally as close but still no eagle. Then finally, she took a wrong turn and ended up cornered by a chicken wire fence. I had almost forgotten the sheer power of a bird that size and what it feels like to hold those talons in your hands.

Safe and sound, we took her back to the center and gave her an assessment and began arrangements to transfer her to a center that specializes in Raptors.

We have just heard that “Patriot” is doing well at Wildside Rehabilitation and Education Center in Eaton Rapids, and she may yet be released back here in her family’s home range in West Michigan.

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 fifteen 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. allyson@wildlife-rehab-center.org – 616-606-5805

Fall 2020 • www.catsanddogsmagazine.com

Ask the Trainer Who’s training who?

By Robert Crough, Professional Trainer and owner of Paradigm Dog School For 20 years, I’ve trained companion dogs full time.

In that time, I’ve consistently been challenged with a common problem facing dog owners. The basic issue of dogs who are too smart for their own good! It’s a humorous statement, but it’s a very real fact that the dog can learn to “train” and modify their owners behavior in many situations.

For example, at dinnertime, a dog who has learned there is better food than kibble available, and trains the owner to stop feeding kibble (via a 12-hour hunger strike) and start feeding beef stew.

The pooch who is bored and taught the owner to wake up at 4 a.m. by simply panting too loud or moaning in the bedroom at night, to play the “in and out game.”

I know a very smart dog who, out of the blue, started fake vomiting in effort to train the owner out of bed in the morning!

We often have dogs in group class who try to train the owner to stop giving commands by using repetitive collar scratching followed by standing up and walking away every time the word “stay” is commanded.

My favorite is the dog who taught the owner to stop walking on the leash by collapsing in a heap of dead weight in the grass.

Dogs are creatures of habit, consistency and simplicity. As an owner, if you do nothing else, simply paying attention to and executing those three key points will make a substantial difference in your dogs behavior.

Creating good habits isn’t dictated by how well you perform on any individual day. Sustained daily effort is what makes the real differences in creating habits.

Staying consistent is the most important part of building a new behavioral habit. You cannot do it one way one day, then a different way the next. Remaining consistent with your rules everyday is likely the most important training point.

Simplicity is the key to communication. Avoiding miscommunication will exponentially help you with training your dog. Keep your cues, words, and concepts simple for the quickest results.

If you can find a way to keep those points in mind on a daily basis, you can guarantee that you will be training your dog and it won’t be the other way around.

To contact Robert Crough: visit www.paradigmdogschool.com or email paradigmds@gmail.com Cats and Dogs - 15

Crash’s Landing & Big Sid’s Sanctuary hopes to move

By Janet Vormittag Eleven weeks after the start of an $85,000 capital campaign for Crash’s Landing, the goal was not only met but exceeded. The GoFundMe account on August 7 had reached $87,300.

“We are shocked. Thrilled. We’re honored to have so many people support us,” said Sarah Klawiter, the shelter manager for the Grand Rapids-based cat rescue.

The money will be used for a down payment, closing costs and minor renovations to a new building.

Crash’s Landing was founded close to 18 years ago

by Dr. Jen Gillum. She’s been looking for a larger facility for three years, but size wasn’t her only concern. She needed to find a location where the zoning permitted a rescue. Plus, she needed a place where Crash’s sister rescue, Big Sid’s, could be housed Big Sid’s is dedicated to cats diagnosed with FIV (feline immunodeficiency virus) or feline leukemia.

Dr. Jen is also the medical director for both rescues.

“My dream - our dream, has always been to house all of our fabulous felines under one roof, with all the space they (and those who serve them) need to be comfortable.” Dr. Jen wrote online.

A perfect location was found in Tallmadge Township, just west of Grand Rapids. The building, at 3433 River Hill Drive, was constructed for two businesses. The rescues can be kept separate, each with its own entrance, but they’ll be right next to each other.

The building has multiple rooms, including a large laundry room, utility room, storage room, two large bathrooms, unlimited areas for vertical space add-ons for climbing kitties, large windows that open, a huge parking lot, beautiful landscaping with a big side yard where small events can be hosted, and a fenced backyard that can accommodate catios (patios for cats) for each group of cats.

“We fell in love with the building. It’s perfect for what we need,” Sarah said.

The location is only a couple miles from GVSU, and it’s hoped that students will volunteer at the rescue.

Crash’s existing building, 1545 Diamond Ave, NE, Grand Rapids, will be kept for permanent cat residents.

Years ago, Crash’s Landing and Big Sid’s were in separate buildings. Together they housed more than 200 cats. When the group had to relocate their Sid’s cats due to circumstances beyond their control, they merged the two rescues and had to reduce the number of cats in their care to 80.

With the new place they’ll have space for more than 100 residents.

“It’s so exciting. We’re so looking forward to moving in,” Sarah said. She’s hoping they can move in by the end of the year, but there are still a few details to work out including having a site plan approved by township officials and having an environmental survey done. “It’s just going to take time.”

Crash’s Landing is Grand Rapids’ largest no-kill shelter for at-risk and stray cats. Many of the cats they take in have been abused, abandoned or neglected. They rely on donations and volunteers and have a monthly budget of more than $14,000.

For more information on Crash’s Landing visit www.crashslanding.org.

If all goes right, the soon-to-be home of Crash’s Landing and Big Sid’s Sanctuary, 3433 River Hill Dr., Grand Rapids, which is in Tallmadge Township in Ottawa County.

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www.catsanddogsmagazine.com • Fall 2020

Clyde’s Collars Remembering Clyde Clyde’s Collars was created in honor of Bellwether Harbor alumni Clyde, who went missing from his home shortly after adoption. He has not been found. This program provides Fi GPS collars to dogs, like Clyde, who are fearful, skittish, or a flight risk. Families looking to adopt dogs in the program are gifted with a collar and a one-year subscription to Fi’s GPS tracking service upon adoption.

While Bellwether is launching this program with the focus on high risk dogs, they hope to expand Clyde’s Collars to include all dogs at the shelter. Being able to provide adopters with a Fi collar and one-year subscription to their GPS tracking service will provide an extra safety measure when combined with an ID tag and microchip. Clyde’s story is heartbreaking but not uncommon. This program has been designed to help prevent situations like this from happening in the future.

For more information on the Clyde’s Collars program or to sponsor a collar please visit their web page, www. bellwether.org, or contact them at 231-924-9230.

For individuals interested in a Fi GPS Collar but not adopting from Bellwether Harbor, they have a unique discount code. For every two collars purchased using this unique code, Fi will donate a Rescue Kit back to Bellwether Harbor.

-------------------------------------------------------There’s still a possibility Clyde’s story will have a happy ending, but as the days pass the odds are not in his favor.

“We’re devastated,” said Danielle (Dani) Merrill, founder and president of Bellwether Harbor Animal Shelter in Fremont.

Clyde was transferred to Bellwether Harbor in March. He had physical, mental and emotional issues, but Bellwether staff devoted time and love to help the hurting pit bull.

“He thrived in our care. He blossomed,” Dani said.

A family applied to adopt Clyde, and he got along well with them and their other pets.

“To us it was a match made in heaven,” Dani said.

On June 6, Clyde was adopted into his new family.

Five days later, he went missing. Scared by something in his yard, Clyde slipped away while on leash and disappeared into the woods surrounding his new home.

Bellwether staff, along with neighbors and their dogs, searched the woods for several days looking for Clyde.

Flyers were handed out, posts made on social media, rewards offered, and drones flown.

“There hasn’t been one sighting of him,” Dani said.

Fall 2020 • www.catsanddogsmagazine.com

Clyde went missing in Newaygo County on June 11. He was adopted from Bellwether Harbor five days prior to his disappearance. There’s a $500 reward offered for his return.

A $500 reward is offered for information or his return, and Clyde’s owners contiue to search for him.

The area where Clyde went missing is north of M-82 between Newaygo and Howard City. It is heavily wooded, making searching difficult.

In memory of Clyde, Bellwether has started Clyde’s Collars.

“We can’t change what happened,” Dani said, but she’s determined it won’t happen again.

From now on, any high-risk dog adopted from Bellwether will go home with a GPS tracking collar with a 0ne-year subscription to the company’s service. Using an app on a cell phone, dogs can be tracked by the GPS signal emitted from the collar.

“I wish we would have thought of this sooner,” Dani said.

She added the collar isn’t a substitute for microchips and an identification tag.

“Dogs should have all three,” Dani said.

A microchip, about the size of a grain of rice, is inserted in a pet’s neck. When scanned, it provides a tracking number that can be linked to the owner’s contact information.

Dani said the problem with microchips is people don’t always keep their information current. Plus, the animal needs to be taken to a shelter or veterinarian’s office to be scanned. But microchips do work and often unite lost pets with their owners.

Identification tags with a phone number work well when someone finds a lost pet. All they have to do is make a phone call to reunite the dog with its owner.

Dani still holds out hope that Clyde will come home or that he has been found and is being cared for. If you have seen Clyde or know anything about where he may be, please call the shelter at 231-924-9230.

For more information about Clyde’s Collar visit www.bellwether.org.

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Furry Philosophy

By Jodi Jarvis -Therrian, CCPDT-KA CTDI Do not let what you cannot do interfere with what you can do.~ John Wooden

I’ve always believed part of my purpose in life is to share humane education with children. When I reach my golden years, I want to look out onto this world and know there are others who love the animals and the earth. I want to be certain I have done my part to educate our future leaders. I believe now, more than ever, we need to encourage those future leaders to lift their heads up from their phones and computers and care about the world around them.

I believe 10-year-old Caden and 8-year-old Dawson should be commended. They are ambassadors for others, especially during these difficult times.

I am on the board of Muskegon Humane Society, and it was brought to my attention what these two entrepreneurs with huge hearts achieved for the animals.

During the pandemic, I’ve often had to talk to myself and move forward to celebrate the things I can do and not cry about the things I cannot do. These boys sure did that!

I spoke with Dawson and Caden’s mom and she told me about their project. At only 10 years old, Caden has his own wood-shop that started as a hobby. He created children’s chairs, tables and more. He is working on earning money to purchase a dirt bike, admirable on all accounts.

As a family they sat down and talked about how they could give back and help in the community. Dawson has a huge heart for animals. The boy’s mom told me how she also thought this would be a good project to incorporate learning, when the boys were home from school in April due to the pandemic. They decided to do a fundraiser for a place that had both cats and dogs. Having both was very important to them. Together the boys created squirrel, bird and chicken feeders from recycled smooth clean pallets. Their mom marketed on Facebook and the boys made a stand with a sign for at the end of their driveway. They sold them for $10 a piece and donated $200 to Muskegon Humane. This story continues with an added smile, while delivering the money to Muskegon Humane, they boys adopted Rocky, a sweet kitty.

These boys sure are creative thinkers that make things happen. I hope this article can inspire other children and adults alike to share their talents and time and put them to a positive use.

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Caden, left, and Dawson with Rocky kitty.

I was informed of a family where everyone, even the children, sorted cans at Muskegon Humane to help with a fundraiser. I also commend the children who give up birthday gifts and instead collect supplies to donate to the shelter.

I believe projects like this can help shine a bright light in our heart that we need instead of worry and negative media. I think these boys set an exemplary example of ways to take that extra time and make a difference in the lives of other creatures. I would like to invite your children to see how creative they can be. Encourage creative thinking if they are being home schooled or on a computer too much. Encourage them to share their time and talents.

Without the ability to hold bingo and other large crowd fundraisers Muskegon Humane and other shelters are struggling to find creative ways to earn money to continue to help the animals who need us so much.

If more of our future leaders could do what these boys did, imagine what a difference it would make. ONE

BY ONE WE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE. To purchase your own feeder you can email Caden and Dawson’s mom at Audramarie19@gmail.com. I can’t wait to get mine! The boys would also love any donations of smooth clean pallets for their projects.

www.catsanddogsmagazine.com • Fall 2020

Shelters ban together to save lives

By Alexis Ogborn, Executive Director at The Muskegon Humane Society At the end of July, Cathy Bissell assembled a team of shelter representatives to help an animal sanctuary in Louisiana that could no longer properly care for their animals. She was alerted to the dire situation by one of The Bissell Pet Foundations partnering shelters in the area, and she quickly assembled a team to help.

The situation at this sanctuary was more heartbreaking than anyone could have anticipated.

There were 165 dogs in cement kennels, living outside 24/7. They were never let out and some of the cages even required tools for us to get the dogs out. Their food was moldy and in buckets that were filled every few days.

There were dead rats in the kennels, which were also filled with old wormy feces. Many of the dogs chose to lay on top of their igloos because it was the only clean surface in their kennel. The dogs themselves were mostly seniors with medical conditions. They were left to suffer until they passed away on their own. Some of the dogs had been there for more than ten years.

As a shelter that helps southern dogs as well as Michigan dogs, we get asked all the time; “Why do you help dogs out of state?”

It’s because situations like this are happening all over down south and the local law enforcement officials aren’t stepping in. Rescues and laws in the south are far behind in animal welfare regulation and enforcement. This sanctuary and these dogs’ faces are the perfect example of why they need our assistance. This sanctuary has been in business since 1995. Even though they had kennels lined up next to a busy street, it took Cathy Bissell and her partners to step in to save their lives.

Thanks to this team, all 165 dogs who lived most of their lives out at Raven Woods Sanctuary have been removed and brought to Animal Rescue Corps (ARC) in Tennessee. While with ARC, the dogs received medical attention and evaluations before they were made available to partnering shelters across the country to help find them their real forever homes. Animal Rescue Corps

Fall 2020 • www.catsanddogsmagazine.com

is an amazing organization that stayed on site until every dog was removed from this property.

Many people assisted the effort lead by ARC. It takes everyone working together to accomplish great things.

Here is a list of organizations that were boots on the ground (or more appropriately, in the mud) to assist with this life saving mission: The Bissell Pet Foundation, Animal Rescue Corp, Harbor Humane Society, Detroit Dog Rescue, Hail Mary Rescue, Animal Rescue of New Orleans, and The Muskegon Humane Society.

We are honored to be part of such a passionate group of rescuers that believe, “If you want to go fast, go alone, if you want to go far, go together.” The Bissell Pet Foundation has time and time again shown that shelters can create the largest impact by working together.

A few of the scenes from the rescue of 165 dogs at an animal sanctuary in Louisiana.

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www.catsanddogsmagazine.com • Fall 2020

Community Resource Guide Cemeteries

Pet Boarding/Sitters

Clock Timeless Pets 1469 Peck St., Muskegon, MI 49441 231-722-3721 - www.clocktimelesspets.com

Canine Country Club In-home pet sitting and dog walking 231-755-3230

Noah’s Pet Cemetery & Crematory 2727 Orange Ave. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546 616-949-1390 – noahspc@comcast.net www.noahspetcemetery.com

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

Sleepy Hollow Pet Cemetery 2755 64th St. SW, Byron Center, MI 49315 616-538-6050 – www.sleepyhollowpc.com info@sleepyhollowpc.com

Pet Villa – Lodging, Daycare, Grooming 3934 3 Mile Road NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49534 616-735-3191 – pvpetvilla@gmail.com www.thepetvilla.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

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 Cannonsville Critters Helping cats in Montcalm County Michelle Hocking, 989-287-2553 Continued on page 22

Fall 2020 • www.catsanddogsmagazine.com

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Continued from page 21

Community Resource Guide 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 Headin’ Home Pet Rescue 185 Panther Dr., Holland, MI 49424 616-886-1474 - headinhomerescue@sbcglobal.net www.headinhomerescue.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

www.westmichiganferretconnection.com

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

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Spay/Neuter

C-SNIP Affordable spay/neuter services We have clinics in Grand Rapids and on the Lakeshore 616-455-8220 – info@csnip.org www.csnip.org Quick Fix Veterinary Clinic www.quickfixvet.com Affordable routine care, dental cleanings and spay/neuter

Specialty Businesses CBD Store of Michigan For you and your pet 37 East Main St., Fremont, MI 49412 616-291-9558 – rglupker@gmail.com www.cbdstoremi.com 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.

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 www.quickfixvet.com Affordable routine care, dental cleanings and spay/neuter

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

www.catsanddogsmagazine.com • Fall 2020

Fall 2020 • www.catsanddogsmagazine.com

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