Catd & Dogs Magazine

cats and DOGS

A Magazine Devoted to Companion Animals

Tangerine needs a home Page 5 Executive Director of Noah Project Mashele Arndt getting a kiss from Layla – Page 8

Jennifer McVoy with Johnny Non-profit helps people and horses – Page 12

March 2018

How to litter train your rabbit – Page 4

FREE

If you rescue cats and would like to host a “Crazy Cat Lady Party” to raise funds for your organization, contact Janet Vormittag at 616-777-0645 or email her at geocat01@ comcast.net for details.

Fun, educational and will help answer the question, “Am I a Crazy Cat Lady?”

CONTENTS Animals for Adoption Muskegon Humane Society .........................................

5

Noah Project ........................................................................

9

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

11

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

14

Safe Haven Humane Society .......................................

17

Almost Every Month West Michigan Critter Haven ..................................

4

Our Readers Write ...........................................................

6

Magic Needs a Home – Page 11

Business Card Directory .............................................. 10 Cat Corner ............................................................................. 15 Calendar of Events .......................................................... 16 Furry Philosophy ............................................................... 18 Life with Willow ................................................................ 20 Community Resource Guide ....................................... 21 On the Wild Side ................................................................ 23

Features Noah Project’s New Director ...................................

8

Non-profit helps people and horses .................... 12 Faithful to Felines: Angus ........................................... 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. They are distributed throughout Kent, Ottawa, Muskegon and surrounding counties.

We are not responsible for services and products advertised.

March 2018 • www.catsanddogsmagazine.com

Angus – Page 19

Your feedback and ideas for articles are welcome.

All rights reserved. No part of this magazine may be reproduced without permission from the publisher.

Publisher: Janet Vormittag Owner: JLV Enterprises LLC Home delivery of Cats and Dogs is $24 per year. Make your check payable to Cats and Dogs and mail to: Cats and Dogs, P.O. Box 996, Jenison, MI 49429-0996 For advertising information: 616-777-0645 or catsanddogsmagazine@comcast.net.

Cats and Dogs - 3

West Michigan Critter Haven Saving lives and educating the community

How to Litter Train Your Rabbit Rabbit are easily litter box trained just like cats!

Brittany Schlacter Director at West Michigan Critter Haven All too often rabbits get unjustly stereotyped as dirty animals. In reality, they’re immaculately clean. Not only do they keep their fur tidy, they also prefer to use the restroom in a specific area of their enclosures. This makes the wonderful candidates for litter box training! Here are some tips to litter train your rabbit: Age: A rabbit’s attention span and knack for learning increases as they grow older. This means that older rabbits are easier to litter train. Babies can be a challenge, but if you stick with it they will eventually get it.

Spay/Neuter Your Rabbit: When rabbits reach the age of 4-6 months, their hormones become active and they usually begin marking their territory. By spaying or neutering your rabbit, he or she will be more likely to use the litter box. This is the most crucial step in litter box training.

Types of Litter: We recommend using compressed wood stove or equine pellet bedding in litter boxes. It’s cheap, absorbent and works great to minimize odor.

You can buy this bedding at Lowe’s, Tractor Supply or any other farm and home stores. Carefresh and other compressed paper beddings work well too. Avoid pine and cedar wood shavings, as the gases they emit can cause liver damage.

Cleaning and Disposal: To encourage your rabbit to use their litterbox, clean it often. Use white vinegar to rinse boxes out—for tough stains, let pans soak.

Accidents outside of the cage can be cleaned up with white vinegar or club soda. If the urine has already dried, Gidget using her litter box. you can try products like “Nature’s Miracle” to remove the stain and odor. To dispose of organic litters, they can be used as mulch, or can be composted. Rabbit pills (feces) can be directly applied to plants as fertilizer.

Housing Your Rabbit: Use a cage/pen large enough to contain small litter box (along with bunny’s Cats and Dogs - 4

food and water bowls, toys, etc.) and still allow enough room for the rabbit to stretch out. Place the box in the corner of the cage that he goes in. With a litter box in the cage, when the rabbit is confined to his cage when you’re not home, cage time is learning time.

Pills vs. Urine: All rabbits will drop pills around their cages to mark it as their own. This is not failure to be litter-trained. It is very important for your rabbit to identify the cage as her property so that when she leaves the cage for the bigger world of your house, she will distinguish the family’s area from her own and avoid marking it. To encourage this, make the rabbit the king of his cage. Try not to force him in or out of it—coax him. ​Running The House: Even if your goal is to let your rabbit have full run of the house, you must start small. Start with a cage and a small running space, and when your rabbit is sufficiently well-trained in that space, gradually give her more space. Doing this gradually allows your rabbit to adjust and not lose good litter habits.

The Training Method: Start with a box in the cage, and one or more boxes in the rabbit’s running space. If she urinates in a corner of the cage not containing the box, move the box to that corner until she gets it right.

Don’t be concerned if your bunny curls up in his litterbox.

Once she’s using the box in the cage, open her door and allow her into her running space. Watch her go in and out on her own. If she heads to a corner where there’s no box, or lifts up her tail in the characteristic fashion, cry “no” in a single, sharp burst of sound. Gently herd her back to her cage and her litter box, or into one of the boxes in her room. You don’t want to make the cage or the litter box seem like punishment. A handful of hay in the box makes it a more welcoming place. After she first uses the box, praise her and give her a treat. Once she uses the box in her room a couple of times, you’re well on your way, as her habits will be on their way to forming. As she gets better trained in her first room, you can increase her space. Don’t hurry this process. And if the area becomes very big, or includes a second floor, be sure to include more litter boxes, so as not to confuse her. Remember, as she becomes more confident and uses fewer boxes, you can start to remove some of her early, “training” boxes.

Keep Things Consistent: Get your rabbit into a daily routine and try not to vary it. Rabbits are very habitual and once a routine is established, they usually prefer to stick with it.

Compromise: If your rabbit continually urinates in a spot where there is no litter box, put his box where he will use it, even if it means rearranging his cage or moving a table in the living room. It is much easier to oblige him than to try to work against a determined bunny!

Visit: http://wmicritterhaven.org to see our adoptable rabbits. Email info@wmicritterhaven.org if you have questions about adoption, care and exotic vets in your area. www.catsanddogsmagazine.com • March 2018

Miss Margaret is a 1-yearold female who is a favorite with staff and volunteers.

She is a playful little girl who enjoys toys and treats.

Margaret will amuse you as you watch her zip and zoom around the house, chasing down a jingly ball, or scampering up a scratching post to get a better view of the goings on outside a sunny window.

Margaret made her way to our shelter as a stray. She is ready for new beginnings however...could that next start be with you?

a no kill, non-profit shelter

2640 Marquette Ave., Muskegon, MI 49442 (231) 773-8689 office@muskegonhumanesociety.org www.muskegonhumanesociety.org “like” us on facebook! facebook.com/muskegonhumane Wednesday, Thursday, Friday: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Tuesday: 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. – Saturday: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Closed Sunday and Monday Hi, I’m Dora! I’m a super sweet and friendly girl just waiting for my ‘fur’ever home! I love people––I’m a social girl! I have a silly, goofy personality to match my cuteness. I get along well with other dogs and have a buddy here at the shelter who I like to play with. Please contact my friends at the shelter for information about me!

Little Bear is a handsome 5-year-old Maine coon who is looking for that “purr”fect home. Little Bear is a shyer boy who is quite content to observe the goings on from his kennel. His ideal person would allow him to come out of his shell at his own pace. Because Little Bear is sensitive, he would be best in a quieter home as the sole animal to love and adore. If you are interested in this lad, please spend some time with him today! FIV+ Hi, I’m Maggie! I’m a sweet senior girl looking for my ‘fur’ever home. I was transferred to MHS during the hurricanes. I was heartworm positive, but I have completed treatment and am keeping my paws crossed for a negative test in the next few months. I’m a quiet girl, so I’d prefer a home without young kids, but I do enjoy the company of other dogs. I’m in a foster home currently, so please contact my friends at the shelter if you’d like to meet with me.

March 2018 • www.catsanddogsmagazine.com

Missy is a 3-year-old female lab mix who LOVES to follow you around. She is a people-pleaser!

Missy is full of playful energy and a very fast learner. She knows ‘sit’ and ‘shake’ and will always fetch her squeaky toy when asked.

Missy also does well in playgroups with other dogs at the shelter.

Could she be the one for you?

Tangerine is a 2-year-old female who has a “purr”sonality as bright as the fruit that shares her name!

Tangerine came to MHS as part of the hurricane relief efforts. She is very loving and snuggly but also enjoys a good jingly toy to play with or some catnip and treats to indulge in. This lovely sweetheart would make a great companion for any family looking for a new feline to love and adore. She would be great to carry on day-to-day adventures with the kids, and to warm the laps of mom and dad as they watch TV. This page paid for by Clock Timeless Pets!

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Our Readers Write Bootsie “adopted my parents” when they were camping in Mississippi just before Katrina hit.

The whole campground was wiped out by the hurricane, but Bootsie came to Michigan with my folks. Bootsie was my Dad’s cat. I lived with my parents since 2009 as their full time caregiver. Mom died in 2009 from metastasis breast cancer and my father in 2017 from cancer and Alzheimer’s.

I took care of them 24/7. Now it is just Bootsie and me. And Bootsie only has a couple of months at most.

Blessings, Pamela J. Stevens-Noble Bootsie was my Dad’s cat. Probably the only cat on earth who ran for a meal when a spiritual song or Amazing Grace blared out from the stereo in the basement at noon. Dad would open the can of cat food and feed it to him as he was serenaded by the music. Our former pastor, Len Kuyvenhoven, said he’s the only cat who will know all the hymns when he dies and runs into heaven.

I had to take Bootsie to the vet.

I know he’s only a cat, but he was Dad’s cat.

And since Dad has died he has bonded with me.

Today, the vet said, Bootsie has metastasis GI lymphoma.

The vet said Bootsie will be gone in a few months.

He’s only a cat.

He is only a cat.

He was a feral cat— And when he dies I envision him running through the field going to heaven.

On the other side of the field will be Mom and Dad with arms extended out waving at him with their arms flailing, they will be rejoicing, that their beloved Bootsie is finally back with them.

But for me, my heart aches, and my heart cries out, “Where God, is Your Amazing Grace?” And then I feel guilty with my frustration and my anger and my tears and my weakness and I say how can I claim to have faith when I don’t have any at all?

I don’t know why I tell you this other than that you know what it’s like to love an animal.

And what it is like when your heart hurts.

And what it’s like when cancer sucks the absolute life out of everything.

Everything you love vacuumed away out of reach ...

And maybe it’s just nice to know that we aren’t alone We need reassurance that indeed we are not Alone Even when we suffer, Maybe, especially, when we suffer, and grieve.

He is only a cat ...

But he is a cat who knows Amazing Grace.

And ...

Maybe he understands Grace better than I do.

And maybe, Someday, I will learn to understand Grace too.

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www.catsanddogsmagazine.com • March 2018

DeltaPlex, 2500 Turner Ave. NW, Walker – westmichiganpetexpo.com

March 2018 • www.catsanddogsmagazine.com

Cats and Dogs - 7

Noah Project’s New Executive Director

By Janet Vormittag When Mashele Arndt heard Noah Project was looking for a new director, she decided to apply for the job.

“I wanted a career that would be rewarding,” she said.

With a background in emergency medicine, Arndt had been working as a human resource consultant, but she admitted she liked the idea of working with animals.

As a person who took in strays and found them new homes, she knew a job at a no-kill animal shelter would be a perfect fit.

Arndt was hired and started Nov. 20. The previous director left the day before Arndt began so she’s been learning the ropes from staff, board members and volunteers.

Noah Project, 5205 Airline Hwy, Muskegon, has three full time employees, including Arndt, and five parttime workers. They have more than 30 volunteers.

“It’s teamwork. We all help each other,” Arndt said. “They all have done so much to support me in this position.”

Arndt admits the job has been challenging, but she finds great satisfaction in finding new homes for the cats and dogs who come into Noah Project. They average 12 to 15 adoptions per week and are selective on who gets to adopt; they ask for a veterinarian reference, personal references and, if needed, do a home visit. They look for a positive reaction between the animal and potential adopter.

“It’s all about the animals––making sure they’re healthy, have a warm place to stay, vaccines and food until we find them a forever home.”

Arndt has been spending a lot time in the community getting to know people from area schools and businesses.

“Our community is amazing,” she said, adding they donate money, supplies and gift cards which are much needed to keep the doors open at the no-kill shelter.

Noah Project has six rooms for free-roaming cats with a capacity of 48 cats, but they try to keep the number of cats closer to 30. They have space for 23 dogs.

One of the volunteers who helps with the cats at Noah Project is Abby Aultman. She helps clean, gives medicines and plays with the cats. She is home schooled and said she has autism. Volunteering helps with her communication skills. “I absolutely love it,” she said. “If it were up to me I’d adopt them all.”

For more information visit: http://www.noahprojectmuskegon.org/

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Mashele Arndt, the new executive director at Noah Project getting a kiss from Layla, a chug, which is a cross between a Chihuahua and a Pug.

L to R: Sam Wilburn, kennel support, Mashele Arndt, executive director and Connie Huffman, office administrator. Not Pictured: Tori Wright, volunteer coordinator; Jeff Carrigan, shelter care and adoption counselor; Terra Duke, shelter care; Jean Hentschel, office administrative support and runs the Bingo nights; Emily Irish, laundry and cat care.

Volunteer Abby Aultman with Mary, one of the cats available for adopton at Noah Project. www.catsanddogsmagazine.com • March 2018

March 2018 • www.catsanddogsmagazine.com

Cats and Dogs - 9

BUSINESS CARD DIRECTORY

Family Pet Lodge Cageless cat and dog boarding

1,500-square-foot fenced in area for dogs 80-square-foot cat rooms Located near the G.R. Ford Airport Veterinarian owned and operated

www.familypetlodge.com

616-446-7013 – familypetlodge@yahoo.com

Who will take care of your pets if you can’t?

Pet Trusts: • Ensure your pets will be taken care of for the rest of their lives.

• Can be a stand-alone document or part of your Estate Plan.

• Different options depending on your needs and budget.

Don’t leave your pets’ future to chance! www.michiganpettrust.com 616-682-5574 – info@cottrelljacobs.com

Oak Haven Providing all the dignity you r Forever Friend deserves

616-949-1390 www.noahspetcemetery.com noahspc@comcast.net Serving the Greater Grand Rapids area Bonded and Insured Pet Sitting Overnight Care Dog Walking Training 616-334-8438

Free Meet and Greet

fuzzbucketspetsitting.com Cats and Dogs - 10

www.catsanddogsmagazine.com • March 2018

BestPals Animal Rescue Center The Mission of BestPals Animal Rescue Center is to provide a guaranteed adoption for companion animals and to partner with other organizations to provide a no-kill community. We welcome you to visit our wonderful pets!

13888 Blair St., Holland, MI 49424 Call/Text for an appointment: 616.212.3368 Contact: bestpalsarc@gmail.com to foster or adopt www.bestpalsarc.wix.com/bestpals - Facebook - Twitter - Instagram Bandit is a 5-year-old beautifully striped male cat who arrived last November from a family that had children off to college and didn’t have time for him. He likes to get pets, but doesn’t like to be picked up. Bandit likes his space and would be best as the only cat.

Ellie and Billy were surrendered because their owner could no longer care for them because of housing. They are both around 2 years old, female and male. They are available to be adopted separately. Both seem affectionate.

Brady is a 3-year-old, 80-pound energetic chocolate Lab who was surrendered from a large family with small children and that wasn’t a good fit for him. Brady can be reactive with other dogs. He needs exercise, a job to do and a non-dominant dog in his new home, does well with cats. Older children ages 9 and up. He is very playful and loves to play fetch. Walks well using a Gentle Leader/Harness.

Meet Trillium and son Pepe who have a special bond. Trillium is 2 years old. She is affectionate and loving but doesn’t like other cats or dogs, except Pepe. Pepe is 6 months old. He is fun loving, feisty and playful. He was born blind and he never lets that stop him.

Magic is a precious 12-year-old male poodle. His owner passed away so he made his way to BestPals from out of state through Wild Dog Rescue. He was matted and in rough shape so he was shaved down and his foster mom keeps him warm with sweaters, cuddles and furry friends. He recently had dental surgery to remove his teeth but has a healthy appetite. He’s a very special boy that would enjoy many more days in a warm lap or cozied up to some furry pals.

Ivy and Suzy came from Calhoun County shelter due to overcrowding. They are bonded sisters. Both are still a bit shy but enjoy being petted.

They’ll need time to adjust to a new home. Good with other cats, not sure about dogs.

Julia and Ava were brought to BestPals recently at 4 months old. They are an adorable pair and we would like to see them go into a home together. They have been spayed, microchipped, vaccinated and will be attending our cat yoga classes.

March 2018 • www.catsanddogsmagazine.com

Cats and Dogs -11

Non-profit helps people and horses

By Janet Vormittag Jennifer McVoy’s knowledge and love of horses has evolved into a one-of-a-kind business that helps both people and thoroughbreds.

McVoy has had horses her entire life. She studied business in college, but after working in the corporate world decided it wasn’t for her, so she returned to school and became a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW).

For 15 years she worked as a traditional therapist. As a school social worker she developed the idea to use her horses over summer break to help reach troubled youth.

It worked so well she started the non-profit, Out Side In, where she offers equine assisted psychotherapy.

Located in Grand Haven, Out Side In offers therapy sessions that are tailored to the individual and can include observing horses, interacting with the animals and sometimes riding.

Using metaphors is an effective technique in therapy.

For example, the herd dynamics of horses are similar to the social structure of humans. Watching the interaction of the herd can help people understand themselves and their relationships.

Jennifer McVoy, LMSW, with Johnny, the great grandson of Secretariat, a racehorse who, in 1973, became the first Triple Crown winner in 25 years. McVoy is the founder and executive director of the non-profit Out Side In, which offers equine assisted psychotherapy.

As a therapist with an intimate knowledge of horses, McVoy’s observation of the interaction between a client and horse can be revealing. “Horses have an incredible sense of what we’re feeling, and they mirror those feelings,” McVoy said. One of the lessons to be learned; if you make a change, the horse will respond differently.

McVoy said she had 36 clients waiting for her to get the non-profit up and running. The following year that number doubled. The positive response was instrumental in the decision to quit her job and go full time with the new venture.

Cats and Dogs - 12

“It grew incredibly fast,” she said. A larger facility was built that includes offices, an indoor arena and a heated barn.

Seven years later, Out Side In has three therapists who see an average of 80 clients a week ranging in age from 4 to 83 years old.

“It’s a diverse population. Anyone a traditional therapist would see,” McVoy said.

Four years ago, Grand Haven resident Laura Deal brought her son, who had been diagnosed with ADHD and anxiety, to Out Side In. “It’s been phenomenal,” said Deal. “He’s matured and has become more calm over the years.”

Deal herself started seeing McVoy last year after the death of her step dad. She said life was getting crazy and she was having anxiety. “It’s helped me put things www.catsanddogsmagazine.com • March 2018

Out Side In, located in Grand Haven, offers equine assisted psychotherapy. in perspective. It’s a safe place. You’re not judged by the horses.”

Three years ago when McVoy needed an additional horse for the stable she found a retired thoroughbred on Craig’s List. The gray horse turned out to be the great grandson of the famous Secretariat, a racehorse who, in 1973, became the first Triple Crown winner in 25 years.

“I fell in love,” she said. When she wanted a second thoroughbred she went to a racetrack and discovered there were a lot of horses in need of rescue.

She became accredited with Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (TAA) to take in retired thoroughbred race horses, retrain them and adopt them to new homes.

Twenty thoroughbreds have been giving a new life thanks to the efforts of the staff and clients at Out Side In. “They’re unbelievable horses–amazing, intelligent, sensitive and eager to please,” she said adding they are intuitive and have amazing personalities.

The thoroughbreds are especially good when the therapists work with veterans. Both the horses and the veterans were trained for one thing––the horse to race and the veteran to be a soldier. When they’re no longer needed for what they were trained for, they feel anxious and disposable. Veterans come weekly to help rehabilitate the horses. In helping the horses, they are helping themselves.

McVoy said their program of rescuing thoroughbreds and using them with veterans is a new concept. Her goal is to share the idea with the hopes of helping more veterans and saving more racehorses.

There are usually 15 to 20 horses at Out Side In including two miniature horses. Some are permanent residents, but others are available for adoption. All are used in therapy.

McVoy said she works with several agencies throughout the community and is proud that area professionals have seen a value in the work they do using horses.

March 2018 • www.catsanddogsmagazine.com

McVoy tells the parents of kids who are resistant to treatment just to get them there. “We’ll do the rest,” she said. Once the kids meet the horses, they’re hooked.

“It’s so much more effective than traditional therapy,” McVoy said.

For more information visit www.outsideinstables. com.

Cats and Dogs -13

This Reuben’s Room page is sponsored by Sleepy Hollow Pet Cemetery.

Cats and Dogs - 14

www.catsanddogsmagazine.com • March 2018

Cat Corner

Call for an Appointment

It’s Been Fabulous!

231-366-7067

By Michele J. Dunckel Ten years ago, the editor of Cats and Dogs, Janet Vormittag, asked me if I’d be interested in writing a bimonthly cat column. I jumped at the chance! Those years have gone by so fast.

If you’re a regular reader, you know I started this journey in Michigan, the owner of a cats-only boarding facility and rescue. Then I retired to Boston and have had great fun as a feline foster mom working with rescue agencies in Boston’s South Shore. Along the way I’ve learned so much, always eager to share it with you through Cats and Dogs.

Now I’m embarking on another adventure: I’ll soon be living in Ireland and working with rescues in the County Galway area. While I make the move and get settled in my new home, you won’t be hearing from me.

In the future, I hope to send in a column or two about the state of animal rescue in Ireland.

Though I’ve addressed many different topics, there are three subjects about which I’ve been adamant and hope you will always remember: ♥ Never buy from a breeder. Rescue agencies are full of wonderful cats and kittens who need your love! ♥ Always get your pet spayed or neutered. ♥ Never, ever let your kitty outside! No matter how they complain, they will adjust.

Thanks so much to you, Janet, and our wonderful readers! Best wishes to all.

After 50 years of personal cat rescue and twelve years of owning a one-of-a-kind cat hotel, Michele Dunckel retired and relocated to Boston. Her passion for cats continues as she volunteers with local animal rescue groups. Reach her at micheledunckel@gmail.com.

Thank you, Michele, for sharing your wisdom and experience with the readers of Cats and Dogs. We wish you well in the next chapter of your life and look forward to hearing about cat rescue in Ireland.

Safe travels!

March 2018 • www.catsanddogsmagazine.com

West Michigan Spay & Neuter Clinic (a 501c3 non-profit organization that accepts donations)

A low-cost spay/neuter clinic.

6130 Airline Road Fruitport, MI 49415 www.wmspayandneuter.org info@wmspayandneuter.org

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 Cats and Dogs -15

Calendar Pet Adoptions, Fund-raisers, Special Events Adoption Events Wednesdays – 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. and Sundays – 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Cat and kitten adoptions at Carol’s Ferals and Friendlies, 4600 Knapp NE, Grand Rapids. (Brooknelle Pet Resort) Saturdays and Sundays – Noon to 5 p.m. Heaven Can Wait Animal Haven cat and kitten adoptions at PetCo, 5239 Harvey St., Muskegon. 231-737-5644.

Saturdays – 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Barry County Animal Shelter Cat Adoptions at ACE Hardware, 111 E Main St., Hastings.

Sundays – Noon to 2 p.m. and Thursdays – 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. or by appointment, 826-0927. Cat and kitten adoptions at Focus on Ferals, 7962 Clyde Park, Byron Center.

March 3 – 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Pound Buddies Rescue Adoption Event at Chow Hound, 628 N Beacon Blvd., Grand Haven.

March 3 – Noon to 2 p.m. Luvnpupz dog adoption event at Pet Supplies Plus, 6159 Kalamazoo Ave., Grand Rapids.

March 3, 10, 17, 24 & 31 – Noon to 2 p.m. Hearts of Hope Dog Rescue Meet and Greet at PetSmart, 4645 Canal Ave. SW, Grandville.

March 3 & 17 – 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Humane Society and Animal Rescue of Muskegon County Adoption Event at PetSmart, 1720 E. Sherman Blvd., Muskegon.

March 3 & 17 – Noon to 3 p.m. Lake Haven Rescue Adoption Days when we bring available dogs to Pet Supplies Plus, 4920 Wilson Ave. SW, Grandville. In addition, Lake Haven does daily adoptions of declawed/altered cats and kittens at the Grandville Pet Supplies Plus and our other locations as follows: Pet Supplies Plus, 3593 Alpine Ave. NW, Grand Rapids; Chow Hound, 7485 Cottonwood Dr., Jenison; Chicago Drive Vet Clinic, 6418 Industrial Dr., Jenison. www.lakehavenrescue.org.

March 4 & 18 – 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Crash’s Landing Meet & Greet Open Adoption Hours, 1545 Diamond NE, Grand Rapids. For more information; adoptions@crashslanding.org.

March 4 & 18 – 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Pound Buddies Rescue Adoption Event at PetCo, 5239 Harvey St., Muskegon.

March 10 – Noon to 3 p.m. Pound Buddies Rescue Adoption Event at Pet Supplies Plus, 2500 E Beltline SE, Grand Rapids.

March 10 – 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Harbor Humane Society Adoption Event at Chow Hound, 660 Chicago Dr., Holland.

March 10 – 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Humane Society and Animal Rescue of Muskegon County Adoption Event at Chow Hound, 628 North Beacon Blvd., Grand Haven.

March 10 & 24 – 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Unleashed Love cat and dog adoption event at Pet Supplies Plus, 6159 Kalamazoo Ave., Grand Rapids.

Cats and Dogs - 16

March 11 & 25 – 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Pound Buddies Rescue Adoptions at Tractor Supply Co, 6435 Airline Hwy, Fruitport.

March 17 – 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Pound Buddies Rescue Adoption Event at Tractor Supply Co, 1550 Whitehall Road, North Muskegon.

March 17 – Noon to 3 p.m. Harbor Humane Society Adoption Event at Chow Hound, 628 N Beacon Blvd., Grand Haven.

March 24 – Noon to 3 p.m. Pound Buddies Rescue Adoption Event at Grand Haven 9, 17220 Hayes St, Grand Haven.

March 31 – 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Pound Buddies Rescue Adoption Event at Family Farm & Home, 2301 Holton Rd, Muskegon.

Fund-raisers and Special Events Second Tuesday of every month – 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.

West Michigan Pet Loss Support Group at Heaven at Home’s offices, 1530 Monroe NW, Grand Rapids. Facilitated by Ginny Mikita. All are welcome. Please bring a photo of the companion animal(s) you have lost or are losing. RSVP at 616-460-0373 by noon the day of the meeting.

Thursdays – 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) training session at Carol’s Ferals and Friendlies, 4600 Knapp NE, Grand Rapids. (Brooknelle Pet Resort). Check web site for details: carolsferals.org.

March 3, 17 & 31 – 11 a.m. Yoga with BestPals kitties, $10 suggested donation. Bring your own yoga mat or you can purchase one. RSVP at bestpalsarc@gmail.com or message on BestPals Animal Rescue Center Facebook page to save your spot. Space is limited. Held at BestPals’ special event building; 6674 B Blair Lane, Holland. See ad on page 16.

March 10 – 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Microchip Clinic at Bellwether Harbor, 7645 West 48th St., Fremont. The $30 fee includes registration. The majority of the proceeds support shelter operations. Tell family and friends with pets to have them microchipped! 231-924-9230 or www.bellwetherharbor.org.

March 11 – Crash’s Landing Volunteer Tour, 1545 Diamond NE, Grand Rapids. Tour our shelter, meet the kitties and find out how you can help. RSVP to volunteers@crashslanding.org.

April 7 & 8 – West Michigan Pet Expo at the DeltaPlex, 2500 Turner Ave., Walker (see ad on page 6). Stop at the Cats and Dogs Magazine booth and meet authors Janet Vormittag and Tricia McDonald.

MC P K O T If you have events you’d like listed in the Calendar, please e-mail catsanddogsmagazine@comcast.net.

MC P K O T www.catsanddogsmagazine.com • March 2018

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

March 2018 • www.catsanddogsmagazine.com

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Furry Philosophy

By Jodi Jarvis -Therrian The meaning of life is to find your gift. The purpose of life is to give it away. ~Pablo Picasso To do what you love while helping others at the same time is a true gift.

Recently, a good friend’s sweet dog, my dog Odin’s good buddy, Roxy, came to stay with me for a week.

I took her to the non-profit, low-cost West Michigan Spay & Neuter Clinic. While there I observed a group of individuals who have huge hearts. I found that meaning of life by giving back with all that they are.

West Michigan Spay & Neuter’s mission statement is to: “significantly reduce the number of unwanted and homeless dogs and cats by providing the public with high-quality, low-cost spay and neuter services in a nonprofit setting.”

They also state the admirable message: We are just crazy about cats and dogs! Spending even a short time with your pet gives us a lot of satisfaction. Our goal is for you to leave our clinic with the satisfaction of knowing that your pet received the very best care, and will not add to the large population of unwanted cats and dogs in our community.

I felt compelled to share with my readers a little more about this group. I was so impressed with how extremely kind they were to the pets, how efficiently they have things set up so everyone gets all the information, instructions and care they need. I was also impressed with the cleanliness and all around care.

Everything was run so smoothly. We were checked in and given the option of paying for a rabies vaccine at a low-cost price. We were then sent to our vehicles to wait to be called, one at a time, to bring in our pet. It was a very good way to allow you to sit with your pet, waiting comfortably without a zoo of dogs in a waiting room.

It was very quick and efficient. They were very kind to Roxy when it was her turn. She went with them, tail a wagging, as they talked sweetly to her. We were given an exact pickup time to get after-care instructions.

At pickup time, everyone congregated in a room where we were given specific after-care instructions. I thought to myself, “What a great way to give the best care and serve the most people in a time effective way.” We were given an opportunity to purchase a cone (of shame) in our pet’s size at a discounted price, to prevent the pet from licking open the wound. We had the opportunity to ask questions and were given a 24 hour, after care, emergency number, just in case.

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Staff at West Michigan Spay & Neuter. Front left to right: Brooke Bierman, vet assistant; Manda Scholten, vet assistant; Jessica Mastbergen, scheduling manager.

Back left to right: Dr. Rachel Stawski; Brenda Orling, clinic assistant; Laurie Morrall, clinic assistant.

This was not a cold clinic, quite the contrary. This was a caring place with a wonderful staff. They really care. Roxy wasn’t even mad at me when I picked her up, and the staff was very kind when they brought her out to me also. Roxy and I say, “4 PAWS UP”, except Roxy says, “The cone of shame is not her favorite.” She kept grabbing a toy and it would just sit on the edge of the cone, putting a very confused look on her face. She healed up nicely with no complications at all.

Thank you West Michigan Spay & Neuter for being such a wonderful asset to this community!

To see how you can help or donate please go to http://www.wmspayandneuter.org/donate/ or you may also donate by sending a check to: West Michigan Spay & Neuter Clinic Inc., 6130 Airline Rd., Fruitport, MI 49415.

Keep connected on Facebook: Memory Stones by Jodi, Furry Philosophy, Camp Kylee, Odin J.s Earthly Treasures, Dog Blessed LLC. Also furryphilosophy.blogspot.com.

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

www.catsanddogsmagazine.com • March 2018

Faithful to Felines gives FIV cats a second chance

Right: Angus as he looked when he was first brought to Pound Buddies Rescue.

By Janet Vormittag Angus the cat has a checkered history, which was discovered when he was posted online as a stray. He had been trapped, neutered and adopted as a barn cat, but then he disappeared. Eventually he was brought to Pound Buddies Rescue in Muskegon as a stray. The white and tabby cat was in rough shape but friendly so he was transferred to nearby Faithful to Felines.

“He’s a nice cat, super sweet,” said Janie Duca, the president of the Board of Directors, and a 15-year volunteer for the non-profit cat rescue.

Angus was diagnosed with entropion, a medical condition in which the eyelid folds inward and causes the eyelashes to continuously rub against the cornea causing irritation. Surgery corrected the condition.

Unfortunately, Angus was also diagnosed with Feline Immunodeficiency Virus. FIV used to be a death sentence for cats, but as more is learned about the virus, cats once euthanized are now given the chance to live a normal life.

The virus is present in the blood and saliva of infected cats. It can only be transmitted from cat to cat, not to humans or other animals. It’s transferred between cats when they bite when fighting––the virus in the saliva of an infected cat is injected directly into the blood stream of the cat it bites.

The virus depletes the number of white blood cells, which eventually makes the cat less able to fight off infection. It’s a slow acting virus so many FIV positive cats can enjoy a normal lifespan with no apparent health problems.

“A lot of these cats live a long healthy life,” Duca said.

When Angus’ owners stepped forward to claim him, Duca said, because of the FIV, they didn’t think it was a good idea for the cat to return to a barn. His owners agreed and even paid for the surgery for his eye, Lucky for Angus, Faithful to Feline has a room devoted to FIV cats.

“He’ll live there until he’s adopted,” Duca said.

Duca said they opened the FIV room about three years ago. “We didn’t have the heart to euthanize any more FIV cats.” They now care for FIV cats like normal cats, they just keep them separate from non-infected cats.

She added that a lot of the FIV cats do get adopted.

“He (Angus) could be with the rest of his life, but I doubt if he will be.”

Left: Angus after some TLC at Faithful to Felines.

Below: The FIV Room at Faithful to Felines.

For more information about Faithful to Felines, 2525 Hall Rd., Muskegon, MI 49442, visit their web site at http://www.faithful2felines.com/.

March 2018 • www.catsanddogsmagazine.com

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Life with Willow Poop!

By Tricia L. McDonald Let’s talk about poop. Sharing my home with two cats and two dogs I deal with a lot of poop—both directly and indirectly. If you’re squeamish, you might want to skip this article.

We have two kitty litter boxes that are scooped every day at least once, sometimes twice (okay, really just once unless there is a really stinky poop after scooping).

I learned early on that cat poop is an enticing aroma to dogs. Willow and Eli are no exception. In fact, poop from any animal is enticing to some dogs—and by some dogs I mean Eli. In our new house, we put the kitty litter boxes in the lower level where Mike built a wonderful kitty area. It consists of three six-foot wide shelves and it is where all the food and poo paraphernalia is kept. The idea was to get the kitty litter boxes (or kitty snack boxes as the dogs call them) up off the floor. If the dogs couldn’t reach the boxes, there would be no more snacking. Great idea, but it did NOT work. Dogs are quite creative when it comes to acquiring kitty litter snacks. In other words, they can climb.

After a bit of thought, we realized we had to close off that area to the dogs. However, that meant shutting the cats inside that room and we wanted them to have access to the whole house. That is when I found the Built-in Cat Door. Mike cut a hole in the bottom of the door, screwed the pet portal onto the door and ta-da! Now Millie and Socks could have access to the house and their food and litter boxes. The dogs could not. That was the plan, but as we soon learned—things don’t always go as planned.

There was one small (and I mean that literally) problem.

Willow was small enough to fit through the door—for a while, that is. Mike removed the “pet portal” and adjusted the size of the opening. When we are in that part of the house with the door closed, she puts her head through the opening and whines. Sorry Willow.

Let’s move on to dog poop. Willow and Eli were always great at going out into the woods to “do their business.”

Lucky us. No scooping or stepping in the stinky stuff.

When we moved into our new house it was already winter so we didn’t get a chance to acclimate them to the woods around our home. Since Willow tends to be a wanderer, when she needs to go out we put her on a lead. First I put her out the front door, but after seeing the UPS guy trying to side-step around poop just to leave a package on the porch I decided to change it to the back door.

Did you know that snow is a great cover-up? You hardly notice the dog poo! Until the snow melts and then all you see are piles and piles and piles of the disgusting stuff. That entails grabbing the shovel and spending too much time poop-scooping.

Eli and Willow offered to help with the poop clean-up in their own special way, but I politely declined. In reality I was yelling at them to “drop-it” while gagging at the same time.

Finally, whatever happened to alone time in the bathroom for the humans? Saturday I was spending a little me-time sitting on the throne when Willow started scratching on the door wanting to come in. I opened the door and she laid down beside my feet. Then Eli wandered in, laid on my feet and fell asleep. Seriously?

Thank goodness the cats were downstairs in their private kitty lair.

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 splatteredinkpress. com or amazon.com. The cost is $13.95. The books are also available on Kindle and Nook for $5.99.

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www.catsanddogsmagazine.com • March 2018

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

Family Pet Lodge Cageless cat and dog boarding, near the G.R. Ford Airport www.familypetlodge.com 616-446-7013 – familypetlodge@yahoo.com Fuzz Buckets Pet Sitting In-home pet sitting, dog walking and training Serving the Greater Grand Rapids area 616-334-8438 – fuzzbucketspetsitting@gmail.com www.fuzzbucketspetsitting.com

Oak Haven Pet Crematorium & Cemetery 10950 Northland Dr., Rockford, MI 49341 www.oakhavenpc.2295 – 616-866-2295

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

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

The Cat’s Meow Loving Home Care For Your Cat Jeanine Buckner, veterinary assistant - 616-481-6878

Dog Walkers Walk MI Dog Peter Bouchard, Top Dog 234 Glenview Court NE, Rockford, MI 616-953-6459 – topdog@walkmidog.com www.walkmidog.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

Pet In-Home Hospice Heaven at Home Pet Hospice Dr. Lauie Brush, DVM 616-498-1316 – www.pethospicevet.com

Pet Training Dog Blessed LLC – Certified Dog Trainer Through CCPDT Classes in Whitehall and Shelby or private in-home training.

AKC STAR Puppy, CGC & Trick Testing, Dog Sports, Reactivity dogblessedllc@gmail.com – 616-430-0297 www.dogblessedllc.com – www.facebook.com/dogblessedllc/ Wolf Song Enterprises, LLC Animal behavior consulting, Animal training, Animal talent 1657 S. Getty, Suite 28, Muskegon, MI 49442 Wolfsongenterprises@gmail.com – 231-744-7141

Rescue Groups A Feral Haven -- Advocating for feral cats in Ottawa County www.aferalhavenmi.org – 616-399-1774 a.feral.haven.mi@gmail.com A New Start on Life – Specializing in puppy mill dogs www.anewstartonlife.com - 1-866-716-9393

Kent County Animal Shelter 740 Fuller Ave. NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503 616-632-7300 - www.accesskent.com/kcas

Allies for Greyhounds of West Michigan, Inc. 866-929-DOGS - http://www.afgwm.org

Montcalm County Animal Shelter 155 Quarterline St, Stanton, MI 48888 989-831-7355 - www.petfinder.com/shelters/MI669.html

Australian Shepherd Rescue in Michigan www.arim.org

Estate Planning (including pets) The West Michigan Estate Planning Center 6739 E Fulton, Suite A-10, Ada, MI 49301 www.michiganpettrust.com 616-682-5574 – info@cottrelljacobs.com

Pet Boarding/Sitters Canine Country Club In-home pet sitting and dog walking 231-755-3230

March 2018 • www.catsanddogsmagazine.com

Basenji Rescue and Transport (BRAT) www.basenjirescue.org - toatbasenjis@yahoo.com Basset Hound Rescue of Michigan 501 (c) (3) 616-291-1357 - www.bhrom.org Bellowood All breed canine rescue. Cedar Springs, Michigan www.bellowoodrescue.com – 616-696-2846 Bellwether Harbor P.O. Box 475, 7645 West 48th St., Fremont, MI 49412 231-924-9230 - www.bellwetherharbor.org

Continued on page 22

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Continued from page 21

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 Carol’s Ferals –Trap-Neuter-Return and Adoption 616-560-0555 – www.carolsferals.org Cat Tales Rescue Muskegon, 1-231-798-1033 Crash’s Landing - Cat Rescue & Placement Center No-kill, Non-profit 501(c) organization 616-821-6065 - www.crashslanding.org Faithful to Felines - Cat rescue in Muskegon County www.petfinder.com/shelters/MI75.html – misscat5@charter.net Family Paws Rescue Non-profit 501c3 – Grand Rapids 616-322-4031 – www.familypawsrescue.com Focus on Ferals - Trap-Neuter-Return 616-826-0927 - www.focusonferals.org Forever Pets – Helping Homeless Pets Find Forever Homes 231-225-1184 – www.forever-pets.petfinder.com Golden Years Alaskan Malamute Rescue Shirley Thomas, 231-766-2170 - malamute49445@yahoo.com www.goldenyearsamr.org

Mackenzie’s Animal Sanctuary - a no-kill dog sanctuary www.mackenzies.info - 616-693-2490 Michele’s Rescue www.michelesrescue.com - info@michelesrescue.com Muskegon Humane Society - a no kill, non-profit shelter 2640 Marquette Ave., Muskegon, MI 49442 231-773-8689 - www.muskegonhumanesociety.org Noah Project - a no-kill, non-profit animal shelter 5205 Airline Road, Muskegon, MI 49444 www.noahproject.petfinder.com - 231-865-1264 Pet Tales Rescue Kentwood, MI – www.pettalesrescue.com Pound Buddies Animal Shelter & Adoption Center 1300 East Keating Ave., Muskegon, MI 231-724-6500 - www.poundbuddies.org 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 Saving Argo Dog Rescue 501 (c) (3) organization – 616-318-7373 www.savingargo.com – savingargorescue@gmail.com The Long Dog Retreat Dachshund Rescue 501 (c) (3) organization in SW Michigan www.thelongdogretreat.org – 757-647-5146

Grand River Rover Rescue Portland, MI – 517-526-3621 – grrrescue@yahoo.com www.petfinder.com/shelters/MI706.html

TLC Chow Rescue 616-738-0438 - www.tlcchowrescue.com

G.R.A.C.E. Greyhound Retirement, Adoption, Care, and Education - www.houndsofgrace.org

Vicky’s Pet Connection www.vickyspetconnection.com

Great Lakes Golden Retriever Rescue 616-336-1707 – www.greatlakesgoldens.org

Voice of Animals Rescue www.voiceofanimals.petfinder.org

Great Lakes Weimaraner Rescue www.greatlakesweimrescue.com - 1-877-SAV-A-WEIM

West Michigan Critter Haven – small animal rescue www.wmicritterhaven.org - info@wmicritterhaven.org

Headin’ Home Pet Rescue, Inc. www.headinhomerescue.org - 616-886-1474

West Michigan Ferret Connection Education - Boarding - Adoptions - Rescue Dee Gage, 616-447-2978 - wmfc2001@sbcglobal.net

Hearts of Hope Dog Rescue 616-366-8455 - rescueofhope@gmail.com www.rescueofhope.com Heaven Can Wait Animal Haven Feline adoptions – 231-737-5644 Keeper Kitties Rescue 313-400-5949 – keeperkitties@gmail.com – kkrescue.org Keeshond Rescue Central States www.petfinder.com/shelters/IL119.html – 847-922-2240 Lake Haven - Non-profit rescue for cats and dogs www.lakehavenrescue.org LuvnPupz - Rescue - Rehabilitate - Rehome www.luvnpupz.org – luvnpupz@luvnpupz.org

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Westie Rescue Michigan 248-879-2479 - bew1234@sbcglobal.net - www.westierescue-mi.com Wishbone Pet Rescue Alliance P.O. Box 124, Douglas, MI 49406 (800) 475-0776 - www.wishbonepetrescue.org Wild Dog Rescue 2525 Blue Star Highway, Fennville, MI 49408 wilddogonline@gmail.com - www.mosseyhollow.com

Spay/Neuter West Michigan Spay and Neuter Clinic 6130 Airline Road, Fruitport, MI 49415 www.wmspayandneuter.org – 231-366-7067

www.catsanddogsmagazine.com • March 2018

Specialty Businesses Critter Cottage - Adoption/outreach for Vicky’s Pet Connection 7205 Thornapple River Drive SE, Ada, MI 616-682-4855 - www.vickyspetconnection.org

Wildlife Wildlife Rehab Center 1504 Union Ave. NE, Grand Rapids 616-361-6109 – www.wildlife-rehab-center.org

Wishbone House – Thrift shop and Pet Adoptions 165 Blue Star Highway, Douglas, MI 269-455-5247 – www.wishbonepetrescue.org

On the Wild Side with Allyson Swanson If you’ve ever had to bring a baby animal to the Wildlife Rehab Center, you know what an eye-opening experience that can be. When a member of the public finds an animal in need, it is more often than not, a once in a lifetime encounter for them. What they don’t realize is that for us, it’s everyday life.

Three cat-attack birds, ten orphaned baby ducks, four baby squirrels and a hit by car opossum….and that can all be before noon!

Each year, the government asks us to report on all the intakes for the year. The results are in!

During 2017, WRC took in a grand total of 1,852 reported animals (not including miscellaneous species such as turtles, nonfederally protected birds, etc.). The reported number included 327 opossums, 135 squirrels, 129 rabbits and other mammals and 1,261 migratory birds!

Every year, we find ourselves taking in more and more animals due to increased need and a decreasing number of rehabilitators in Michigan.

Being a younger member of the rehabber community, I have hope that as the West Michigan community gets more involved with our organization, we may one day be able to acquire some larger funding and expand the March 2018 • www.catsanddogsmagazine.com

efforts of WRC. I envision a larger center with species specific caging, an updated hospital area, a nursery for infant wildlife, perhaps even a venue for fundraisers and educational events. With the proper funding, we could even begin to take in species we are not currently equipped for, such as fox, deer and more raptors.

An expansion of WRC would be a great addition for the education of the community as well. We currently have small programs for school groups, college internships, corporate community service groups and more, but with a more structured facility, we could grow these even more. I would love to have families tour the grounds, meet educational ambassadors and learn more about rehabilitation and how it services our community. The sad truth is that most people don’t know who we are or what we do until they find themselves in need of our services. I hope someone someday soon will share my vision and help make it a reality.

Allyson Swanson is a Licensed Wildlife Rehabilitator with Wildlife Rehab Center Ltd, 1504 Union Ave. NE, Grand Rapids. She has been licensed for the past four years but started as a volunteer over twelve 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@ wildlife-rehab-center.org – 616-606-5805.

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