Sunny the Therapy Dog with Owner/Handler Angie Moe Read more on Page 3
IN THIS ISSUE:
Photo Credit: Brian K. Powers Photography
PAGE 1 KHS Contact Information Upcoming Schedule
PAGE 2 2018 Statistics Letter from Aaron Winters
PAGE 3 Compassion in the Courtroom: Making the case for Therapy Dogs
PAGE 4 Facts about Therapy Dogs PetSmart Charities Grant Funding for 2019
PAGE 5 Honorary & Memorial Gift Directory Gifts made after December 1, 2018 will appear in the next issue of Humane News & Views
PAGE 6 Honorary & Memorial Gift Directory, cont’d Volunteer Opportunities Dog License Reminder
KALAMAZOO HUMANE SOCIETY 4239 SOUTH WESTNEDGE AVENUE, KALAMAZOO MI 49008 | (269) 345-1181 | KAZOOHUMANE.ORG
FALL2018 PAGE 2
KHS AT A GLANCE JANUARY 1 TO DECEMBER 31, 2018 838
Female Dogs Spayed
811
Male Dogs Neutered
1,897
Female Cats Spayed
1,769
Male Cats Neutered
5,315 SURGERIES IN 2018 OVER 72,000 CATS AND DOGS ALTERED SINCE 2002! 751 CLIENTS visited our Food Bank a total of 3,845 TIMES and received 52,390 POUNDS of cat litter and pet food which included:
483 cans of cat food 30 cans of dog food 1,125 bags of cat litter 3,066 bags of dry cat food 2,876 bags of dry dog food Thanks to you, KHS has been able to provide 11 dog houses and 10 bundles of straw. We’ve loaned out 4 citronella bark collars, 4 live traps and 5 pet crates. KHS volunteers have given us an incredible 3,081 hours of their time!
Two thousand nineteen will be one of the most eventful and exciting years in the long history of the Kalamazoo Humane Society. We celebrate the 35th Anniversary of the Dog Walk & K-9 Festival, we will break ground on our long-awaited Animal Care & Resource Center, and we will expand our services to meet the needs of our community more effectively. The support and dedication from our communities and donors allowed us to reach these milestones. Since our beginning in 1897, the Kalamazoo Humane Society has been a pioneer in animal welfare. Two women concerned about the treatment of children and livestock in Kalamazoo have left a legacy of compassion and innovative problem-solving behind them. We are honored to be able to carry the torch they lit so long ago; a light that still guides us today as we enter the next chapter in our story. We are thankful for the support we receive, and we sincerely appreciate the trust you have in us to improve the lives of animals with your generous contributions to our services and programs. Because of this, we know that transparency is a top priority. It’s easy to claim transparency, but without the quantifiable impact to support it, 'transparency' is just a word. We want to give you more than words. We are proud to be able to provide you with solid stats and numbers that show how we turn your gifts to us into real-life solutions for pets and people that have nowhere else to turn for help. Many people wonder how we can make a difference when we aren't sheltering pets. It's important to understand that there are multiple components to the issue of animal welfare. Sheltering and pet rescue is an essential component, and our local shelters and rescue groups are doing a fantastic job of managing the homeless and abandoned pets that need a second chance. Another critical element is PREVENTION. Here at KHS, we specialize in prevention. We have concentrated our every effort on preventing pets from abandonment or ending up in shelters and rescues. When we reduce the number of unwanted cats and dogs and help owners keep the pets they have, we're allowing the shelters and rescues to focus on the smaller percentage of pets that are truly in need of rescuing. Rather than spread our resources thin over multiple areas, we have zeroed in on prevention, which allows us to maximize our effectiveness. While you look over our 2018 statistics, please know that our success is a direct result of the contributions, grant funding, volunteering and support of those that understand that prevention is the best medicine. Thank you for a fantastic 2018. We look forward to giving you an even more incredible 2019, with your continued support. With deep appreciation,
For volunteer information, contact Sarah Mead at 269-743-0382 or smead@kazoohumane.org
Executive Director Kalamazoo Humane Society
PAGE 3
Making the case to allow therapy dogs in courtrooms to provide support to crime victims and witnesses Dr. Angela Moe, a Professor of Sociology at Western Michigan University, purchased a golden retriever with a plan to make a positive difference in the lives of people surviving in, what can only be described as, their worst days. Without fully knowing how it would work out, and without any past experience in owning, training and working alongside a therapy dog, Angie jumped in.
“Victims, they have to tell their story so many times. Can’t we make it a little bit easier?” Meet Sunny the Therapy Dog. He’s celebrating his 3rd birthday in February 2019 and has proven to be everything Angie hoped he could be. By the age of one, Sunny earned his CGC and was a certified therapy dog by two years old. WMU has been very accepting of Sunny, and he is a regular in the classroom when Angie is working. Now, he’s officially the first therapy dog to be permitted in Kalamazoo County 8th District court, offering comfort, courage and soothing support to victims and witnesses in the Jason Dalton proceedings. Sunny was available in the Victim/Witness areas and has developed a strong attachment to several of the survivors of one of Kalamazoo County’s greatest tragedies. “There is so much sadness. This is positive. This is positive all the time. We're bringing levity to sad circumstances,” says Angie, “He can help people who are going through the worst days of their lives.” Angie is hoping that Kalamazoo County will be more open in the future to allowing dogs in the actual courtroom, something that has never been done. The only barrier between allowing therapy dogs to offer support to victims in the courtroom are the Judges themselves.
Only about 1/3 of Michigan courtrooms allow therapy dogs, despite there being no law preventing it. The decision is at the sole discretion of the Judge presiding over the case. If given permission, a therapy dog could go into a witness box to provide non-disruptive comfort during testimony. For now, Sunny has been limited to the victim advocacy areas of the prosecutor’s office. Angie believes that part of the fear of letting a dog into the courtroom is that it is new and that the judge may not know what to expect. She explained to me that allowing a dog into a courtroom does not mean that the dog has an all-access pass and that permission could be granted on a case-by-case basis. She also emphasizes that in many cases, no one would even know the dog was there. Sunny could be stationed behind the witness stand, out of sight of everyone except the witness, and remain there during the testimony to not interrupt the proceedings.
“The entire criminal justice system is not set up to support victims. This is a simple, natural, informal way to help people.” HOW CAN YOU HELP?
Angie says that getting the word out about Sunny and therapy dogs is very helpful. Anyone who knows someone working in the courthouse, or the Judges themselves, are encouraged to offer words of support for allowing therapy dogs into the courtroom. In the meantime, Sunny and Angie will continue to provide behind-the- scenes comfort to those who need a silent and soft friend to support them.
Follow Sunny on Facebook and Instagram: @sunnythetherapydog | #sunnythetherapydog
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THERAPY DOG FACTS 1. Therapy dogs are not service dogs, and are not protected under Americans with Disabilities Act the way service animals are. 2. Any type of dog could be a service dog, but Sunny was specifically selected by his breeding for a higher likelihood of success. 3. 15 Hours of service is a long week for Sunny. His owner/handler is able to see his stress cues, and knows when to call it a day. 4. Therapy animals and handlers are generally a volunteer-based service, however in some instances compensation is provided. 5. Certification for therapy animals is available through several credible organizations. Sunny is certified through Pet Partners, which is a nonprofit. 6. Sunny wears his vest when he is working, and seems to understand that he is on the job when the vest is on. Some of the “bling” on his vest was given to him by the people he’s comforted. 7. One of things most surprising things about working with a therapy dog to Sunny’s owner/handler, Angie, was the emotional toll Sunny’s interactions would have on herself.
Kalamazoo Humane Society announced it has recently received a $32,000 grant from PetSmart Charities, the leading funder of animal welfare in North America, to help fuel its spay and neuter efforts in southwest Michigan. With the help of this donation, the organization will offer spay and neuter surgeries to 500 bully breed and large breed dogs for a $20 co-pay. The Kalamazoo Humane Society has focused its mission on pet population control. By offering discounted and subsidized spay and neuter services for cats and dogs, the number of animals entering area shelters has decreased, as well as the number of animals euthanized. The Kalamazoo Humane Society's dedication to reducing the number of unwanted litters of cats and dogs in southwest Michigan has far-reaching effects, as area shelters are bringing in animals from other states as a result of fewer stray and unwanted animals available in local communities. Since 2002, when the Kalamazoo Humane Society began the Operation Fix-It spay and neuter program, the organization has altered over 72,000 cats and dogs. "We've been on the front lines, battling pet overpopulation and making a positive impact on responsible pet ownership, animal health and public safety in our local communities," says Aaron Winters, Executive Director of the Kalamazoo Humane Society. "Grant programs that help us reduce the cost of spay and neuter surgeries help us reach out to pet owners who could otherwise never afford to have these procedures done." “We are thrilled to support its initiative to make affordable spay and neuter services accessible to a specific population of pets – big dogs – that often strain the resources of shelters,” said Kelly Balthazor, regional relationship manager at PetSmart Charities. “We look forward to seeing the positive impact the work of this organization will have on the pets throughout Kalamazoo County.” To register your dog for spay or neuter at this discounted pricing event, or to find out more information, please visit the Kalamazoo Humane Society website at https://www.kazoohumane.org/petsmart or call 269-345-1181. PetSmart Charities aims to proactively prevent pet homelessness. Since 1994, the organization has granted more than $100 million to support spay and neuter efforts across the United States.
PAGE 5 We gratefully acknowledge these gifts made in honor and memory of beloved friends, family and pets. Honorary and Memorial gifts made on or after December 1, 2018 will appear in the next issue.
In Memory of Pets…
VanDenBrink-Webb
"Adam" Tucker Denise Tucker
"Wilson" Vizard Dan Kamerman
"Bali" Clinard Chris, Jason & Nathan Chmura
In Memory of…
"Boo" Gilett Peggy Weipert
Jill Arvidson Jim & Judy Baurs
"Brodie" Daily Janice G. Herrick
Audrey K. (Horn) Baugh "The Slipper Lady" David & Helen Horn
"Cole" Dayharsh Gerald & Marie Dayharsh "Cozzie" Holthof Richard & Janet Dreger Karen Petersen David & Joyce Conrad "Daisy" Haan Joanne & Shawn Connors "Fortune" Grahek Melissa Smith "Jack" McGehee Karen Douglas
Catherine "Katy" Chase Mike & Deb Killarney Karen Wagner Brian & Donna Zelner Donna Yvonne Conrad Sally K. Hughes Veronica Knapp Lizzy Mosley, Peachie & Tofu Barbara Murdock Marty, Shari, Jake & AJ - Rivolake Neighbors Richard & Marina Titus
"Jackson" Wight Amy, Tim, Charlie & Olive
Jim Cook Marcia Cook
"Kiki" Emily Freed & Brad Hershbein
Patricia Ann Cooper Kalamazoo Dept of Public Services Flower Fund Committee
"Leila" Mansfield Lauren & Billy Gallagher "Lucy" Hackney John & Dee Goes "Mac & Sam" Brandt Aprill & Ashli Brandt "Marshall" Johnson Susan Michaud
Ruth Elizabeth Cutler Tobi & Adam Gaff Margaret K. (Peg) Eiszner Bruce & Lorraine Alden Joseph & Marcella Kelemen Angela & Kirk Korista R. Stephen Sedgwick
"Max & Molly" Roach Sheri Masters
Tari Eldridge John & Cathy Lewis
"Maya" - Our daughter, Princess & Little Girl...always & forever Federico White
Dana Lynn Fish William & Margaret Gray
"Pebbles" Sanderson Mary Lou Sanderson "Remy" Freed The Studio "Scooby" Dall Laura S. Modic "Smoky" Traub Lyle & Darlene Schenck "Timmy & Toby" Kalvin Sheri Masters "Tristan Tobasco" Webb W.W. Webb & S.E.
Martin O. “Orly” Gilcher The Torrey Cousins Woody Grassi Flakey Flyers #58 Cindy Hamacher William & Brenda Irwin Louise Heller Margaret McClish Edward Holthof Richard & Janet Dregar Karen Petersen David & Joyce Conrad
Mike Hughes Lyle & Darlene Schenck Sharon G. Oppenhuizen William & Sheila Novess Virginia Marian (Penny) Perse Sharon & Duane Bowker Comstock Community Center Bell Ringers - Beverly Perry, Ebie Metzer, Lorna Wolterink, Rosemary Knox, Dawn Lake, Janet Livers, Pat Fox, Terri Stevens, Delores Baksi, Laurel Eppstein & Peggy Kuiper Crystal Mountain Dale & Rita Davis and Barbara Davis David Delmar III Nellie Holdridge Don & Jo Markwart Mike & Callie Moreland Gary & Char Newton Connie Penny Cheri Ruzza Annette M. Ruzza Charlie & Betsie Scott Debra Snell Richard Warner Julia Wilkinson Jim & Janice Wise Merlyn & Juanita Peterson William & Sheila Novess Pamela Phillips Kim Baker Kris Baker James & Judy Phillips Colleen Ziemer Mary Riefel Marie Ketvirtis Richard A. "Rick" Smit Kathleen M. Nichols Mike & Vicki O'Hara Philip Smit Donald Carlton Snow Bob & Paula Cook Ann Paulson Judy VanBrussel Norma J. Bailey & Diane J. Martin Doug & Vivian Blakemore Bruce & Karen Dentler Susan Klein Virginia Mattox Bill & Sandy Owen Lindsey Redpath Stacy & Brad Richards Ray & Carol Scotese Lorrel Sherburn Susan Taylor
Benefits of Volunteering & how you can get started Combats stress and depression. Studies on volunteering show that you become happier the more you volunteer because your body releases dopamine, which has a positive effect on how you feel. Contributes to a longer life. Studies show that long-term volunteers have better overall health and a reduced risk of Alzheimer's and heart disease. Expands your connections. You can create friendships through volunteering, as well as maintain a social network for future career benefits. Teaches new skills. Volunteering gives you the opportunity to explore new skills and interests that can improve your career.
Ready to get started? We're always looking for passionate volunteers to represent KHS at various events, including our annual Dog Walk & K-9 Festival! If you're ready to reap the benefits of volunteering, visit kazoohumane.org/volunteer for a complete list of our volunteer opportunities and fill out our volunteer application.
Did you get your dog license?
Questions? Email our Volunteer Coordinator at smead@kazoohumane.org
Call your county Animal Services Department for dog license details and deadlines.
Animals need your help.
4239 South Westnedge Ave Kalamazoo, MI 49008
• Register to walk • Volunteer • Donate & fundraise • Tell your friends Learn more at: khsdogwalk.org Locally printed at
Saturday, May 11
9AM to 2PM Prairie View County Park
khsdogwalk.org
