15 Summer – Final color - Humane Society of Bay County

Summer 2015
w w w. h u m a n e s o c i e t y b a y c o u n t y . o r g
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Humane So ciet y of B ay Count y
President’s Message
Humane Societ y 2015
Calendar of Events
Humane Society Board Meetings,
6:30 p.m. in Westminster Presbyterian
Church, 103 E. Midland St., Bay City.
(Entrance on DeWitt St.)
July 16, August 20, September 17
Public is welcome to attend!
July is Adopt a Rescued Rabbit Month. Take dog & cat
food & litter to the Pet Pantry at Salvation Army, 10th &
Adams, to help pet owners and pets in need.
July 1 – Animal Sanctuary Day
July 2 – HSBC Low Cost Spay/Neuter Transport (see p.9)
July 15 – I Love Horses Day
July 16 – HSBC Low Cost Spay/Neuter Transport (see
p.9)
July 18 – HSBC Trap, Neuter, Return Workshop, Wirt
Library (see p. 8)
August is Adopt a Shelter Dog Month. Take dog & cat
food & litter to the Pet Pantry at Salvation Army, 10th &
Adams, to help pet owners and pets in need.
August 6 – HSBC Low Cost Spay/Neuter Transport (see
p.9)
August 8 – World Cat Day
August 15 – Dog Days of Summer at My Secret Garden
(see p.7)
August 20 – HSBC Low Cost Spay/Neuter Transport (see
p. 9)
August 31 – National Mutts Day
September is World Animal Remembrance Month.
Take dog & cat food & litter to the Pet Pantry at Salvation
Army, 10th & Adams, to help pet owners and pets in need.
Sept. 3 – HSBC Low Cost Spay/Neuter Transport (see p.
9)
Sept. 14 – Pet Memorial Day
Sept. 17 – HSBC Low Cost Spay/Neuter Transport (see
p.9)
Sept. 20-26 – Adopt a Less Adoptable Animal Week
Take a Stand Against Animal
Cruelt y in Bay Count y!
Until
They
Have a HAll
ome
In the HSBC spring newsletter I shared with you heartbreaking and
inexcusable incidents of animal cruelty in our community within the
last two years.
There was Sassy, a schnauzer that “accidentally” had scalding water
poured on her before the man responsible for this act then took the
dog to a rural area and ran over her several times with his car to kill
her. Tragically, Sassy died.
There was Ace, a beautiful, black 8-month-old community cat whose
caregivers found him on their porch with such severe intentional injuries
that both his eyes had to be removed. The veterinarian who treated
Ace said it is the worst case of animal abuse she has ever witnessed.
Thankfully, Ace survived and has been adopted.
But just since the spring newsletter, two more shocking stories of animal
abuse have surfaced:
Whitey, a beautiful young service dog for a man with a head injury, was
shot. Whitey has been under specialized veterinary care, and it is still
not known if he will need to have his leg amputated.
Tarzan, a beautiful kitten, was held by the neck and slammed into the
ground while police were present. This kitten is now under the care of Bay
Animal Hospital to treat the fractures to his femurs and pelvis resulting
from the abuse. He will be adopted from Bay Animal Hospital after the
necessary surgeries are completed.
Then on June 7th another incident of animal cruelty occurred in which a
family cat was shot with a pellet or BB gun. Jish, this loved family pet,
now has a damaged spine and needs extensive treatment.
To all animal lovers, these stories are unimaginable. Why would
someone hurt a defenseless animal? What kind of person does such
things? We don’t know these answers, but we do know that people
who abuse animals are a danger to society. Animal cruelty and
abuse are not only unacceptable, but in Michigan they are a felony!
Oct. 11 – HSBC Fur Fest 2015, 11 am-11 p.m.,
Castaways, (see p.7)
Nov. 7 – HSBC Annual Dinner, 5 p.m., VNO Wine
Warehouse, Bay City
Designer - Adele Hetzner; Editor - Leslie Prast; Staff Writer - Sylvia Robins
1
989.893.0451
Thankfully, the great majority of people in our community would
never abuse an animal, but the Humane Society of Bay County
believes it is now time for all people who are horrified by animal
abuse to take a public stand against it.
(continued on page 2)
President’s Message
continued from page 1
To fight back, the Humane Society of Bay
County is creating a $100 Paws Cause
Club. Our goal is to have at least 100
members join this club to show their
opposition to animal cruelty and to support
the HSBC in taking action to prevent these
shocking acts which not only hurt animals
but tarnish the image and reputation of all
residents of Bay County.
The personal benefits of becoming a
member in this club are:
• Recognition by name, printed in The Bay
City Times
• Lapel pin showing membership
• Annual luncheon to learn about progress
against animal abuse in Bay County
• Joining with others in our community to
combat animal cruelty
I personally ask you to join me in becoming
a member of this $100 Paws Cause Club
to make a strong public stand against the
mistreatment of innocent creatures and
stop the atrocities against animals which
are happening in our community!
Jeannie Wolicki-Nichols, President
Humane Society of Bay County
Witnesses to Dog Killing Receive Award
The Crime Victims Community Awareness Rally and Award Presentation
on Wednesday, April 29, recognized Sandra Migut and Kelly Rappleyea
for their role in bringing to trial a man who was ultimately charged
with and convicted of animal cruelty in Bay County. The Bay County
Prosecutor's Office, Bay Area Women's Center and the Great Lakes Bay
Region Child Abuse and Neglect Council co-hosted this event.
Kelly Rappleyea and Sandra Migut are Portsmouth Township residents
who on Jan. 22, 2014, saw Aaron A. Bellor repeatedly drive over and kill
a schnauzer named Sassy. Both women called 911 to report the incident
as Bellor drove away. According to the award, “Both women helped the
prosecution secure convictions for unlawfully killing an animal and not
having adequate care for an animal.” Bellor was sentenced to 180 days in
jail and three years' probation for this crime. Mr. Bellor would have gotten
away with this despicable act without these two women taking immediate
action to report animal cruelty!
Jeannie Wolicki-Nichols, President
2
Kelly Rappleyea
Sandra Migut and
with their awards
Past Events
Thelen Love-a-Pet
Event
June 13 was the date for the second Thelen
Subaru Love-a-Pet Event at the Civic Arena.
Forever homes were found for three of our
adorable HSBC kittens and one HSBC senior
foster dog (see photos). In addition to money
made from selling our handmade pet items,
Bestway Carpet & Upholstery Care donated $25
for each of our adopted foster animals, adding
$100 to our income from this event. Thank
you to Thelen Subaru and Bestway Carpet &
Upholstery Care for their support for the HSBC
and the homeless pets of Bay County!
This lucky foster kitten
found a forever home.
An HSBC foster kitten and
her new mom
Jeannie Wolicki-Nichols, HSBC President
Love at first sight
Even this senior foster dog
went to a forever home
Bay Area Communit y Foundation Funds Help
Animals in our Communit y
A very special thank you to the Learman Family Donor
Advised Endowment Fund for giving the Humane Society
of Bay County $600 in memory of Elizabeth Koehler, and
to the Higgs Family Donor Advised Fund, which donated
$1,200 to replace the four waste receptacles at the Bay City
Dog Park at the Fairgrounds.
a
ity Foundation’s Lis
Bay Area Commun
to
the grants check
Cleland (r) presents
el and Dee Bishop
HSBC’s Rose Kess
In addition, the HSBC is the recipient of two $1,000 grants
from the BACF Animal Welfare Fund. One grant is for
our HSBC Dog Foster Program for supplies such as food,
vaccines, medicine and veterinary services, while the other
grant is for the HSBC Explorers Program.
Over the years the Bay Area Community Foundation has
been very supportive of our Humane Society and our efforts
to help the animals of Bay County. Thank you to BACF many tails will be wagging in their “furever” homes because
of this support!
Dee Bishop, Co-Vice President
3
Past Events
Dichroic Glass by Laurie K.
A FaceBook event in which people had one full week to
purchase some of the most gorgeous
handmade glass
jewelry by Laurie, a
fellow Michigander.
There were so many
great colors and designs
to choose from that it was
hard to decide. We were
able to raise $152.60 from
this event and are fully
accessorized with our new
jewels.
welry
Glass Je
ic
o
r
h
ic
D
O’s Pub & Grill Fundraiser
O’s Pub & Grill hosted a special event on May 12,
2015, and donated 10% of sales that day to the HSBC.
Customers were able to purchase a “Mug for Mutts” or
“Wine for Felines” glass at this event, and it was great
to even see some people start drinking out of them right
away. Sherrie Anderson had a great smile as she waited
on customers as our guest bartender for the evening.
She was able to learn quickly and made us some tips!
We held three 50/50
raffle drawings which
allowed us to meet
and mingle with
customers. Overall,
we were able to
obtain $654.50 at this
event.
Ion Clay Creations
This was a FaceBook
event where 20%
of the sales were
donated to our
Humane Society.
Five clay figures
were created and
auctioned off on
Saturday, May 30,
for one hour. This
site has over 6,000
Ion Clay Creations
followers, so it was
no surprise when one
figure sold for $90!
Within just that one hour we were able to
make $80 for the HSBC!
Village Inn Fundraiser
Village Inn in Linwood hosted a Mugs for Mutts event on
June 18 from 4-10 p.m. Those who purchased a souvenir
HSBC “Mugs for Mutts” glass enjoyed their first drink
on the HSBC. On top
of that, we held 50/50
raffles during the night,
and Village Inn offered
to donate 10% of their
sales from everyone who
purchased a Mug.
HSBC Explorers
Eat Wings, Raise Funds
Buffalo Wild Wings on Wilder Rd.
dedicated one whole evening for
people to donate to the HSBC.
Coupons for this fundraiser were
available on email, FaceBook, and
our website. Handing in a coupon
on June 17 for meals at Buffalo
Wild Wings provided for 20% of the bill
to be donated to the HSBC. Friends and families had a
great meal in a great atmosphere while helping the HSBC!
4
Zorn Animal Clinic hosts
HSBC Explorers
HSBC Exp
lore
Bruno’s P rs tour
et Parlor
Explorers learn how
to play Flyball with dogs
Kristyn Frost
Past Events
Judy V. Spencer Fund 5K-9 Walk/Run
Our second annual 5K-9
event took place on a
bright and sunny Saturday
morning, April 11. With
over 199 participants,
an increase of over 20%
from last year’s event, the
excitement was evident.
This year we added a
Mike Spencer welcomes
Cutest Lap Dog Contest
participants
which Prime Brothers
Furniture sponsored by
providing an armchair. Free to enter, participants signed
up and got their picture taken in the chair with their pets.
Our 5K-9 Committee chose the Top 5 final contestants,
whose photos were posted on our 5K-9 Judy V. Spencer
Fund Facebook page. The winner with the most votes
was Lauren Johnston with her labradoodle, Sammy.
We also had a tremendous t-shirt sponsor in Catholic
Federal Credit Union. They not only provided volunteers
for us, but they also promoted the event tirelessly, and we
couldn’t be more thankful for this partnership. Cumulus
Media has also played a big role in not only the success
of the 5K-9 event but also in the success of the Judy V.
Spencer Fund.
As a spokesperson for the Judy V. Spencer Fund, I
am humbled by the kindness and generosity shown by
participants and volunteers who not only believe in the Judy
V. Spencer Fund but also are willing to donate their time
and money to such a cause. My family and I are extremely
grateful for their support, and there’s no doubt my mom,
Judy V. Spencer, is looking
down from heaven, so
humbled and proud that she
will be remembered as a
source of strength to those
who are in a domestic
violence situation. She
was such an inspiration to
me, and now that we have
events like the 5K-9 Run/
Walk, I know her story of
strength and fortitude will
stay alive for many years
to come.
epare for
Three supporters pr
the race
Michael P. Spencer
Walkers and their dogs at the starting line
Kitten Shower Brings In Donations
Chaired by Marykay Plotnik, suitably attired in a kitten
costume, the HSBC Kitten Shower on April 25 at VNO
Wine Warehouse benefited the HSBC Cat Foster
Program with donations of food and other pet supplies.
One feline was adopted at this event, and $310 in cash
donations plus a little over $100 from handmade pet item
sales were received in addition to many great shower
gifts for our fostered kittens.
Marykay Plotnik
5
hostess
Shower
Plotnik
Marykay
Shower gifts for the HSBC
foster kittens
Past Events
Humane Societ y Volunteer
Workshops
Three Volunteer Workshops were hosted to share with
the community volunteer opportunities available to people
that would like to help animals in Bay County.
Community members learned about the programs that
have been created to meet our Mission, which is to Save,
Protect and Enhance the lives of animals in Bay County.
Guests were invited to complete an application form to
choose areas they would like to learn more about and to
get involved.
Thirty guests attended the three meetings. If you would
like to learn more about sharing your time and talents with
animals, please contact info@humanesocietybc.org . You
can make a positive difference in the life of an animal in
Bay County!
Jeannie Wolicki-Nichols, President
Bay Area Communit y
Foundation’s “Give Local Bay”
Campaign
Give Local Bay on May 5 was a huge success for the
Humane Society of Bay County. It not only raised money
for the Humane Society’s Endowment Fund, it showed
that the community supports the efforts of the HSBC. Our
organization had the greatest number of people donating
and was the 4th organization in amount of money raised,
receiving $3500 in donations plus an incentive award of
$5,955.80 based on how much money we brought in during
this event. The donations surpassed our expectations,
growing our HSBC endowment in the Bay Area Community
Foundation by more than $9,455.80 in a single day!
The Community Foundation hopes to make Give Local Bay
an annual event. This is a great way to ensure that nonprofit organizations which work so hard in Bay County to
improve the lives of residents will receive funds to sustain
our programs into the future!
Mackensen Donations
Jeannie Wolicki-Nichols, President
Lobby Day
Rose Kessel and Pres.
Jeannie Wolicki-Nichols
at Humane Lobby Day
in Lansing
Donations from Mackensen students to the HSBC Mackensen
teacher Karrie
Marciniak’s
students with
an HSBC foster
dog
6
Humane Lobby Day
at the Michigan
State Capitol
Past
Events: (continued...)
Upcoming
Events
Paw Prints Fundraising Campaign
Visit one of these local locations and for $1 put your name
on a Paw Print to show your support for our Humane
Society. HSBC Paws Prints can be found at:
• Main Street Seed and Supply
• Pet Supplies Plus
Support the Paws
• Soldan’s Feed and Pet Supplies
• Mulligan’s Pub
of Bay County
• Gatsby’s Seafood and Steakhouse
$1
• Marathon Gas Station on Euclid
• Doggie Groom Shoppe
Donate a
• King Party Store on Madison
dollar, and
proudly
• 7-Eleven on Columbus
display your
paw!
• Riverview Party Store
• Kawkawlin Party Store
• Brissette’s 6 Twelve Inc.
• K&K State Park Grocery Store
• A Clean Cigarette (both Wilder and Center locations)
“Bravelets” Online Fundraising
Project
Be Brave is a great jewelry line that supports many types
of causes. For every Bravelets product purchased, $10 is
donated to the associated cause. What does bravery mean
to you? Please visit the website at https://www.bravelets.
com/bravepage/humane-society-of-bay-county and
purchase a bravelet or two to support the bravery of not just
our volunteers but the bravery of animals and their neverending ability to love.
HSBC to Celebrate “Dog Days of
Summer” at My Secret Garden
Terri King, owner of My Secret Garden, and her staff will
again host the HSBC on Sat., August 15, 2015, from 10
a.m. to 4 p.m. as part of their annual “Dog Days of Summer”
sales promotion. Pet owners are invited to bring their dogs
on leashes (costumes encouraged but optional). The HSBC
will have sales tables with our handmade pet items, as well
as some of our adorable HSBC foster animals available
for adoption. Once again,
Terri will generously donate
10% of sales that day to the
HSBC. Plan to shop at My
Secret Garden, 600 Saginaw
St. in downtown Bay City on
August 15 and help us raise
funds for our programs to
save homeless animals in
Bay County.
Fur-Fest 2015: Rockin’ the Rescue
Twelve hours of fun and music are in store on Sunday,
Oct. 11, 2015, from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. at Castaways,
3940 Boy Scout Road in Bay City. Children will enjoy
the Kids’ Activity Tent from 2 to 5 p.m., and there will be
a raffle for a moped, jewelry and 2 bikes with training
wheels. Also, come for the 50/50s, silent auction, basket
raffles and many door prizes as well.
7
Enjoy a delicious spaghetti dinner for just $8 (age 12 and
over), $4 (under age 12) and free for ages 5 and under.
Emcee for this event is Lynn Roberts of Radio Z93,
with featured bands Civil Infraction, Adaboy, Less Than
Ordinary, Drift Lifted, and Robertson Brothers Band.
Mark your calendar now and plan to enjoy Fur Fest 2015
on Oct. 11.
Sherrie Anderson
Upcoming Events
8
Past
Events: (continued...)
Upcoming
Events
All About Animals Rescue
Bay Cit y Low Cost Spay/Neuter Transport
The All About Animals Rescue Transport Van will safely pick
up your pet in the morning at Tractor Supply, 2886 Wilder
Road in Bay City, fix your pet at their Warren clinic, and
return your pet the next morning.
AAAR veterinarians specialize in pediatric spay/neuter,
safely fixing pets as young as 8 weeks old (must weigh
2 lbs. or more). Wellness services such as vaccines,
heartworm testing and microchipping are available for
your pets at the time of surgery for an additional charge.
Call toll-free 888-577-2943 for more information and an
appointment.
Fix Your Pit or
Pit Mix for $20 in
August!
All About Animals Rescue is offering
a special price of $20 (in August only)
for spay or neuter surgery for pit bull
and pit mix dogs. Other services are
available at additional cost. AAAR
transports for Bay City are scheduled
on August 6 and August 20. To make
an appointment, call AAAR toll-free
at 888-577-2943 and ask for the Bay
City transport.
HSBC Obtains Trailer
The HSBC now
has use of the
trailer we need,
thanks to the
generosity of
Sherry Nelson
and Al Seaver.
THANK YOU, AL
& SHERRY!”
9
Low-cost Spay/Neuter Fees:
Cats $40
Dogs $80
Mom Cat $40+$10 each kitten (2-3 mos.)
Business Member Highlight
Three veterinarians, two licensed veterinary technicians,
and a staff of seven additional employees at Bangor Vet
Clinic stand ready to tend to the medical needs of beloved
pet cats, dogs and pocket pets (gerbils, hamsters, guinea
pigs, etc.). The practice was originally established by Dr.
Young in the late 1960s, but since 1994 has been under
the direction of Kay Shorkey, DVM, and her husband, Lee
Shorkey, Office Manager. Other vet professionals at Bangor
Vet Clinic include CheralynnAsa, DVM, and Mary Isaac,
DVM, plus Ashley Bills, LVT and Nadeene Delong, LVT. In
addition, veterinarian Dr. John Gumms is under contract to
perform orthopedic surgeries on Bangor Vet Clinic patients
when needed.
In the words of Lee Shorkey, “Bangor Vet Clinic is a member
of the HSBC because we care a lot about the animals of
Bay County. We make sure that we take great care of all
the animals brought to us, and we treat them with love and
respect.” The Humane Society of Bay County is proud
to count Bangor Veterinary Clinic as one of our valued
Business Members for 2015.
Leslie Prast Past
Events:Updates
(continued...)
Program
Thank You to our Wonderful Volunteers!
Our HSBC is blessed with a host of caring volunteers who give generously of their time, talents, skills and energy to support
and work on our many projects, programs and events. We greatly appreciate the following people for all they have done to
directly and indirectly help the HSBC and the animals of Bay County:
Sherrie Anderson
Debbie Andrews
Dick Arnold
Cathy Bannick
Joyce Bannick
Stephanie Beiser
Dee Bishop
Mary Kay Bluhm
Linda Bodrie
Robbie Bristow
Teresa Cunningham
Sheri Felske
Judy Fletcher
Kristyn Frost
Amy Gokee
Abigail Gower
Jessica Gregory
Stephanie Guerrero
Mario Guerrero
Adele Hetzner
Clarissa Horner
Karen Irvine
Christina Kababic
Kelly Klammer
Destiny Kennedy
Rose Kessel
Greg Kimbrue
Kerri Kosnick
Cindy Krupa
Jamie Krupa
Susan Long
Tonya Lyons
Cheryl McKenzie
Jean McPhee
Misty Michelle
Sherry Nelson
Larry Nichols
Jessica NordstromKernstock
Ron Pacholka
Cole Pero
Marykay Plotnik
Ben Poirier
Leslie Prast
Marilyn Przeslawski
Lynn Roberts
Sylvia Robins
Al Seaver
Susan Somerville-Franz
Bonnie Spegel
Michael Spencer
Lezlee Spreeman
Ron Sujkowski
Sandy Wahr
Liz Ward
Sue Wolff
Jeannie Wolicki-Nichols
Jennifer WoodCzuprynski
Carrie Wood
Joe Wozniak
Tribute to Longtime HSBC Volunteer Dick Arnold
One of our most dedicated volunteers, Dick Arnold, has
announced his “retirement” from his HSBC volunteer
“job” as our Donation Bank Coordinator. Thanks to Dick’s
making his tireless rounds to almost 60 local businesses
every month to collect the money from our donation banks,
the HSBC has gained many thousands of dollars over the
past 15 years. In response to our request, Dick tells his
own story of his time as a valued HSBC volunteer:
“In either 2000 or 2001, Mary Rodgers, then president of
the HSBC, asked if I would be interested in helping with
the donation bank program. There were 7 or 8 of us at the
time, but relocation, illness and death eventually left only
me. It was a simple job: once or twice a month check on
the banks, count the money, and send it in. Not rocket
science, but I enjoyed it and made some friends through the
years. I never did keep track of the total amount I collected,
but it never seemed to be enough.
“My work with the HSBC and Katy Bishop's Animal Friends,
another organization I also loved, has been entirely
satisfying. I have always had a soft spot for all animals.
They make me smile and fill me with a kind of happiness.
In my younger years a lady by the name of Dorothy Flood
had a profound influence on me. At that time, late 40's and
50's I believe, she was the lone local voice for animal rights.
I read her constant letters to the editor and was totally
impressed with her courage in her ongoing battles with the
authorities from ‘The Dog Pound.’ I wish she were here
today to see how far we've progressed.
10
Dick Arnold with his granddog, Cookie
“I am entirely proud of the HSBC and the work its members
are doing, and I feel privileged to have been a small part of
it. I look excitedly toward the new No Kill shelter, and hope I
can be of some help.”
We’ll miss you, Dick, but we wish you well. You have our
deepest appreciation for your integrity, commitment, and
devotion to helping further our HSBC mission so long and so
faithfully.
Leslie Prast
Past
Events:
(continued...)
Program
Updates
Temporar y Foster Homes Needed For
Adoptable Cats and Dogs
The Humane Society of Bay County is seeking foster homes for adoptable animals. Interested individuals and families must fill out an application; be willing to
have a home visit prior to placement; provide food, water, treats,toys, etc.; and
be willing to pick up and/or drop off animals at adoption events. The HSBC will
cover costs for vet care if needed. Fostering saves lives by helping animals who
need a little extra time and TLC prior to adoption.
Our HSBC Foster Program felines and canines are vet checked, sterilized,
tested, dewormed, vaccinated for rabies and distemper/upper respiratory infection, and given flea
medication before placement in temporary foster homes for socialization before being made available for adoption.
Please contact the HSBC at (989) 893-0451 to save the life of a homeless pet while it waits to be adopted
Pet Food Pantry
Any time is a hard time for pets and their
owners who are facing financial challenges.
To help address this need, our HSBC
has established a Pet Food Pantry at the
Salvation Army, 10th and Adams in Bay City,
where donated dog and cat food and litter
are repackaged and distributed to needy pet
owners. Please make a donation of these
pet items to our Pet Food Pantry at the
Salvation Army on a regular basis.
Besides individual donors, Pet Supplies
Plus, Soldan’s, Tractor Supply, and Kroger
on Center Ave. are partnering with the
HSBC to help keep the pantry filled, but
there is never enough for all who ask for
help.
The greatest need is for cat food and litter.
Please donate – your generosity could help
keep a beloved pet from being surrendered
to the high kill Bay County Animal Shelter. If
you need help transporting your donations
of food or litter to the Salvation Army, just
call Ron at 989-392-5363 for pickup and
delivery. Please donate today!
Ron Pacholka
HSBC Pet Food Pantry Coordinator
11
Past
Events:
(continued...)
Program
Updates
HSBC TNR (Trap-Neuter-Return) Program Wish/Needs List
Reliable, independent volunteers to assist with humanely
trapping feral cats. Transport needed for trapping days to
reach properties needing help.
our Spay/Neuter Transport weeks. We have two transports/
clinics per month, on the first and third Thursdays and
Fridays.
Duties would include setting traps; refreshing water and
food; and caring for the cats while being housed at our
holding facility before surgery; transporting cats to and
from S/N surgery.
If you have an interest in learning how to humanely address
the feral cat issues in our county and becoming a part of the
solution, then this opportunity may be for you.
We send our TNR cats to All About Animals Rescue on
the AAAR transport van to their clinic in Warren, MI for
low cost sterilizations. We especially need help during
TNR is a rewarding experience. Each cat that is TNR'd
means hundreds of unwanted births are not going to occur
-- and that's a great thing to be part of. Join our TNR team
and you'll see! Contact Susan at tnr@humanesocietybc.org
for more information.
Max: A Lucky Black Cat
Max is a black cat between 1 and 2 years old who showed up in Vaughn Barrett's
yard about a year ago. Vaughn and his wife began caring for this apparent stray
and eventually took him to their veterinarian. Unfortunately, Max was diagnosed
with feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) but was otherwise healthy. (In this regard,
poor Max was not lucky!) Because Max is FIV positive, the vet advised them not
to bring him into their house, which they share with their five resident cats. And
so Max, though fed and watered, lived alone in a dark garage with limited human
contact, in spite of being a very loving and friendly feline.
I've known Vaughn for several years as he's my floor and carpet cleaner. When
he came to my residence on April 23 to clean my carpets, we had our usual
chit-chat, and Vaughn mentioned Max. He wistfully said, "It'd sure be nice if Max
could have an indoor home.” We both agreed that finding a home for him would
be a long shot, but at least Max was having his basic needs met and was not
homeless.
Fast forward one hour: I'm now at Dr. Englehardt's vet office with one of our affectionate HSBC foster cats, Lil' Princess. She's a neck cuddler and head butter for
sure, and as Christa, the vet tech, was holding her, she remarked, "You're going
to be super easy to adopt. I want a
Max and Vaughn
difficult cat, one nobody wants, like a cat
with FIV.” My jaw dropped to the floor!
Coincidence? Serendipity? Somehow the
universe lined up that morning as I served as the conduit for Vaughn,
Max and Christa to connect. A few conversations and a short week later
Max, now renamed Igor, is happily co-habiting with Christa. He has been
neutered and all his medical needs will be attended to by Christa and the
vets she works for. Who says there aren't happy endings, even for FIV
positive black cats?
Max and Christa
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Sherry Nelson, HSBC Volunteer Matchmaker
Welcome “A Board”
Interested in being a voice for the voiceless?
Willing to devote time to make a difference to the
animals of Bay County? HSBC is offering you
the opportunity to become involved in our animal
welfare community and have a “voice” in HSBC’s
path to fulfilling our mission and goals.
By serving on the Board of Directors, you can
vote on all decisions of the HSBC if you have the
desire and ability to be part of our team. In order
to become a candidate, you must:
1.Attend at least one HSBC Board of Directors
meeting.
2.Volunteer your time at one HSBC event.
3.Be a paid member of the HSBC.
Complete the online application at humanesocietybaycounty.org/board-of-directors/ or request an
application from MarykayPlotnik, info@humanesocietybc.org. You can also call (989) 893-0451
and ask to have one mailed to you. Submit the
application to Marykay’s email (above), or mail to
HSBC, P.O. Box 215, Bay City, 48707 no later
than August 1, 2015.
Marykay Plotnik, Vice President
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Legislative Update
U.S. Dept. of the Interior Spending Bill: Wolves would lose
federal protection across a huge portion of their range, and
the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service would be barred from
completing work on an anti-ivory trading rule, according to
provisions included in an Interior Department spending bill
recently introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives.
We must defeat or remove these provisions and a raft of
other anti-animal riders to the annual spending bill. The bill,
as currently written, is a grab bag of the worst anti-animal
provisions circulating in the Congress. Please call our U.S.
Representative Dan Kildee at (202) 225-3611 and politely urge
him to oppose the Dept. of the Interior spending bill and the
anti-wolf and anti-elephant protection riders included in this
legislation.
Michigan Senator Introduces PAWS Act: Multiple studies
have shown that domestic abusers often seek to manipulate
or intimidate their victims by threatening or harming their
pets. Thank you to our U.S. Senator Gary Peters (D-MI)
and Senator Kelly Ayotte (R-NH) for introducing the Pet and
Women Safety (PAWS) Act to protect victims of domestic
violence from emotional and psychological trauma caused by
violence against family pets.
HSUS - Michigan
HSBC Toy and Bed Sales
Amount for sales of toys and beds, Mar. 16 - June 15,
2015, is $1,564.16.
Visit one of these business locations to get your pet a special toy or
bed and support our Humane Society:
CATNIP TOYS ONLY:
Bangor Township Hall
Bay Valley Animal Hospital
Clayton Cleaners
Monitor Township Hall
Villa Hair Salon
Zorn Animal Medical Center
CATNIP & DOG TOYS:
Bay Farm Services (dog toys only)
Dirty Paws
Doggie Groom Shoppe
Valley Animal Clinic
CATNIP TOYS, KICKEROOS,
CATNIP MICE, CAT BLANKETS,
DOG TOYS, DOG BANDANAS, &
DOG BEDS:
Bay Animal Hospital
Humane Societ y
Donation Banks
New 2-piece cat carrier
sets, with a blanket for
the inside and a matching
cover for the outside to
keep your cat cozy and
calm when traveling.
$23/set. To order, call
Bonnie at 895-9750.
Thank You
Thank you to the following sewers, knitters and crafters for giving of
their time and talent to help animals in our community: Mary Casault,
Marykay Plotnik, Kathy Gibson, Becky Diehl, Elaine Sheppard, Sue
Schwab, Judy Bristow, Nettie Rohde, Sherrie Anderson and Angela Van
Hamlin. Special thanks to Diane Broadfoot for the donation of the lovely
cotton prints for catnip toys.
If you would like to help The Humane Society, we are always in need of
cotton fabrics with small prints (especially animal prints) and college logo
prints for catnip toys. We can always use fleece material for dog beds
and cat blankets, polyfil and thread. Donations help offset our costs on
these items so more money goes to help the animals. To volunteer as a
sewer, knitter or crafter or to donate, please call Bonnie at 895-9750.
Bonnie Spegel, Sewing Coordinator
Visit one of these business locations to make a donation. Total collected from HSBC donation banks
from March 16 through June 15, 2015, is $2,842.42.
Special thanks to Larry Nichols for visiting all the following businesses every month to collect this money
and to our generous donors.
7/11 #83 Wilder
7/11 Food Store S. Euclid
7/11 Food Store Old Kawkawlin Rd.
7/11 Food Store N. Henry
Auburn Animal Pal
Auburn Cleaners
Bangor Twp. Offices
Bay City 8
Bay Clipper Barber Shop
Bay Farm Services Inc.
Beson’s Supermarket
Big Boy Center
Big Boy Euclid
Brissette’s 6-12
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Bryden’s Electric
Cass Av. Party Store
Clayton Cleaners
Crystal Clear Creations
Duso’s Bar George’s Auto Repair
Green Hills Golf Course
Ideal Party Store
Intermission Deli
K&K State Park Grocery
KayBee’s K-9 Training
Kelly’s Kanine Parlor
KFC Bay Road
KFC Center
KFC Euclid KFC Three Mile
Klender Design
Kolka’s Corner Store
Layerer’s Pharmacy
Linwood Corner Restaurant
Messy Mutt’s Bath Boutique
McCandles
Monitor Pharmacy
Morgan’s Auto Repair
Old Town Gym
Riverview Party Store
Soldan’s Feed & Pet Supply
St. Laurent Bros.
State Theatre
Still Tubby’s
Stock Pot Restaurant
Sudzy Puppy
Taco Bell Wilder
The Barking Club
The Country House
The Doggie Groom Shoppe
The Rathskeller
Tuthill Bros Food Store
Vet-Med
Wanigan Eatery
Waterfront Market & Deli
Weiss Fruit Market
Yarn Supply
Volunteer Profile
Meet Sherry Nelson and
Allen Seaver
Our volunteer spotlight in this newsletter falls on a couple, Sherry
Nelson and Al Seaver, who volunteer in both the HSBC Foster/
Adoption Program and the TNR (Trap, Neuter, Return) Program. If
two heads are better than one, Sherry and Al prove that two heads,
hearts, and pairs of hands are best of all when it comes to helping
HSBC animals in need!
Sherry and Al w
ith Clyde
Al, an electrician, and Sherry, a nurse anesthetist at a Saginaw hospital, enjoy
putting their professional skills to work for the HSBC and playing a role in helping homeless animals survive and
thrive. Sherry has always had an interest in animal welfare organizations but became involved in HSBC handson work after attending last year’s Michigan No Kill Conference, where she saw the connection between TNR and
fostering to save cats’ lives. The devoted owner of 4 male cats, Sherry puts her human medical training to use
for the HSBC in helping to care for sick HSBC foster cats, as well as trapping feral cats for the TNR program. In
contrast, Al has been a dog lover/owner most of his life, but was “roped into” attending a HSBC TNR workshop by
Sherry, where he was recruited to help increase the warmth in the garage where our TNR and foster cats are kept
while awaiting sterilization surgery. From then on, Al was “hooked” and now serves the HSBC in many capacities
when an electrician/all-around handyman is needed. Although he no longer has time to dedicate to owning a dog,
Al says that he can now get his “pet fix” from helping the cats in the HSBC foster and TNR programs.
Sherry’s response to a request for her advice on volunteering for the HSBC is, “Just try it – any part of it. The
reward is the work; your time or spare room could save a life! We need foster homes desperately, even for as
little as two weeks for kittens needing attention, and we will remove a cat immediately if the fostering doesn’t work
out. You can do more good through fostering than owning.” When asked what advice he has for potential HSBC
volunteers, Al says, “You don’t have to have direct contact with the animals; if you have a talent, it can be used to
help. Put your humanity into action. Someone has to do something to help these animals – BE that someone!”
Leslie Prast
Note: Please see pages 18 and 19 for info on how to volunteer and foster.
VNO Wine Warehouse
Helps Raise Funds for HSBC
Greg Kimbrue, owner of VNO Wine Warehouse
& New Age Restaurant, 515 E. Midland St.
in Bay City, is helping to support the HSBC
by selling HSBC wine in bottles with special
animal labels created and printed by the HSBC
(see photo, right) at his wine bar and restaurant.
In addition, pet owners can have labels custom
made with photos of their pets on them (must
order one case). All profit from sales of these
special pet-lovers’ bottles is donated to the
HSBC. For more information, call (989) 8930451 or email humanesocietybaycounty@
gmail.com. Thanks, Greg!
15
Or, put your beloved pet on
the wine of your choice, we
will design a label for you
(must purchase one case).
Makes a great gift!
VNOs makes donations
to Humane Society of Bay
County.
Foster Success Story: Bandit
Bandit
Bandit, an adorable 8-year-old Shih Tzu, has found a
wonderful new home thanks to the HSBC Dog Foster
Program. Bandit was an owner surrender – a family member
had taken him in when his owner passed away, but they
were not able to keep him permanently and reached out for
assistance in finding him a new home. Bandit also needed
some medical care done, but they were not able to provide
that for him.
Only a couple of days after Bandit came to us, I stopped into my
pharmacy to pick up a prescription for another HSBC foster dog. We
happened to show the woman working at the front counter Bandit’s photo
and told her his story. She called us up a few days later and said that
she hadn’t been able to stop thinking about Bandit, so we set up a time
for Bandit to meet her and her current dog. The meeting turned out well,
and she immediately filled out the application to adopt Bandit. In all, it
only took two weeks for Bandit to complete his medical treatment and
for his adopter’s paperwork to be processed before he went to his new
forever home with a loving family.
Bandit is an active little dog for his age, and is great with other dogs
and children. He loves going for daily walks with his new mom,
Barbara, and canine sister, Phoebe. As the newest addition to the
family, Bandit has settled in well, is doing great, and is being spoiled
by Barbara and her husband. Bandit especially enjoys visits from
Barbara’s children and grandchildren.
Bandit with
Mom Barba
ra and
“Sister” Pho
ebe
What started out as a sad story for Bandit has turned into a very happy
ending for this little dog. So far, the HSBC Foster Program has placed seven dogs into wonderful new
homes, with three more currently in the program who are adoptable now or in the near future.
Stephanie Beiser, Dog Foster Coordinator
“No matter how little money and how few possessions you own,
having a dog makes you rich.”
--Louis Sabin
Commemorate an event in your life with a donation to the Humane Society
To make a donation, please complete the information listed below. Mail form and check to :
Humane Society of Bay County, Inc, PO Box 215, Bay City, MI 48707
NAME: ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________
EMAIL ADDRESS: _____________________________________________________ PHONE: _________________________________________
In Memory of: ______________________________________________________________________________________________________
In the Name of: _____________________________________________________________________________________________________
Comments: _________________________________________________________________________________________________________
16
Donations and Memorials
March 16 - June 15, 2015
In Loving Memory...
Donald Bowman
Donald & Lorena Bowman
James Delong
Gloria & Bernard Frazee
Deborah & Kendall Harrington
Donna & Ronald Harrington
Deborah Henderson
Dawn and Daniel Jezewski
Phillip Stahle
Doris & Alana Wenban
Judy Brydern
Maureen Grabowski
Lorene Buday
Bunch Family
Patricia Davidson
Cindy Anderson
Hope Bertrand
Roger & Elizabeth Cooley
Lawence & Theresa Dauer
Terrence McMullen, CPA
Benjamin Pillars
Ms. Anne Rose
Nancy & Dave Rowan
Michael & Barbara Wegener
Kathy Dockett
Marty & Jill Jones
Genevieve Gorzinski
Jim Gorzinski
Karen Gracyk
Steve Girardot
Gayland Hagelshaw, Jr.
Yolanda & Thomas Bork
Jackie Her
Nancy Parks
Jane Reynolds
Patricia Hammitt
Jill Buehl
Maureen McDermott
Norma Hill
Sherry Nelson & Al Seaver
Susan Sommerville-Franz
Jeannie Wolicki-Nichols
Elaine Hughes
Mrs. Shirely Notte
Yvonne Juhl
Staff of the Career Complex,
Sag. Schools
Elizabeth Koehler, “Aunt
Betty”
Learman Family Donor, Endowment Fund
Bay Area Community Foundation
Jean LeVay
Becky Reimann
Sheffield Bay
Charlene Lockhart
Robert & Gloria Beaver
Andrea Burless
Darrell & Audrey Harrison &
family
Kopischke family
Jan Martin
Mr. & Mrs. Melka
Paul & Erma Schulze
William & Bonnie Stender
Thomas & Julie Sullivan
Connie Wines
Janet & John Zender
John Mazer
Meadowbrook Clothiers
Kortni Kay Meyers
Tony Spiridigliozzi
Valerie Murphy
Pattie Behmlander
Patricia Botkins
Sharon Childs
Mary Degg
Merry Lou Holsapple
Janet Jonas
Robert Kostus
Jack & Kathy Layle
Susan Ludwig
Margie Murphy
Maureen Murphy
Debbie Nation
Jessica Nearman
Stephanie Nearman
Roy Schairer
Denise Schwarztly
Jeannie Townsend
Elaine White
Tom Nalazek
Jeannie & Larry Nichols
“Penny”
Diana Volz
Gail Phillips
Connie Reed
Rebecca Reimann
Orv Reno
Mary Ann Tobias
Judy Rock
Catholic Federal CU
Lora Gage
Marcia Grabowski
Randall Groya
Nancy & Craig Jablonski
Diane Yearkey
Sidney, “Beloved Pound Puppy”
Diane and Randy Broadfoot
Stormy, loved pet of Barb Bowes
Dee Bishop
Alana C. Wenban, DVM
Beth Wirgowski
Edna Wilkinson
Jim & Lou Nees
Scott Ostrom
Kim & Len Stevens
David Wooten
Kathleen Payne
Donations...
Mary H. Anderson
Bay Area Community Foundation
Bay Area Runners Club
Rhea Boucher
Givealike
Karen Graczyk
Kathryn Loan
Susan Martin
Mary Matuszewski
Midland Michigan Kennel Club
Philip Newton
Marykay Plotnik
R.A. Rahall, D.O.
James Whyte
Mr. & Mrs. Ronald Witucki
Cat Foster:
Gary Kuerbitz
Leslie Prast
Dog Foster:
Bay Area Community Foundation
17
Explorers:
Bay Area Community Foundation
No Kill Campaign:
Sarah Smith
Pet Sponsor:
Mr. & Mrs. Michael Dalton
Shelter Building Campaign:
Nancy DeMaria
Whitey:
Barbara Almy
Bock & Wallen, P.C.
Shannon Carroll
Timothey Franklin
Kerry Janca
Mr. & Mrs. Kenneth Kerouac
Marilyn Leffler
Sally Loomas
Mary Matuszewski
Shirley Notter
Lewis Reynolds
John Shankin
Beryl Tarrant
Jane Wackerle
Catherine Zeder
May Ziehm
Give Local Campaign:
Kathleen Bauer
Helen Bishop
Megan Biskup
Linda Boedeker
Doreen Briggs
Judy Brunner
Mitzi Dimitroff
Jennifer Flynn
Jennifer Gallagher
Gregory Grocholski
Stacie Hegenauer
Adele Hetzner
Trevor Holmes
Kelli Jankens
Leslie Koscielecki
George Lauinger
Cynthia Luczak
Ann McManmon
JoAnne Meerdo
Sherry Nielsen
Jeannie Nichols
Larry Nichols
Marykay Plotnik
Leslie Prast
Norman Prast
Steven Prast
Leon Reilly
Erin Riley
Sherry Rivet
Matt Sheahan
Stacey Skorupski
Sarah Smith
Kathy Staudacher
Samantha Steffey
Marci Toporski
Erika Trapp
Shannon Vasko
Lorraine Young
Financial Corner
Second Quarter 2015
(March 16, 2015 through June 15, 2015)
INCOMING SUPPORT
Donations
Donation Banks
Bequests
Fundraising
Membership
Foster Program Trap Neuter Return
Education Total Public Support
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
2,749.85
3,119.58
5,525.00
1,641.00
2,770.00
7,867.90
100.00
0.00
$23,773.33
OUTGOING SUPPORT
Spay/Neuter Rebates Shelter Adoption Rebates
Community Outreach
Bay County Animal Control
Operational Expenses
Fundraising Expenses
Membership Expenses
Dog Park Expenses
Foster Program
Trap Neuter Return
Education
Total Outgoing
$
150.00
$
320.00
$ 1,622.50
$
0.00
$ 2,115.52
$
808.10
$ 1,144.18
$ 1,983.10
$ 20,068.43
$ 1,574.02
$ 2,276.91
$32,062.76
HSBC Membership:
Now’s the Time!
Membership levels and categories are:
Animal Friend - $20
Junior Animal Friend (under age 18) - $10
Animal Supporter/Family - $35
Business Membership - $50
Animal Advocate - $50
Lifetime Membership - $500
Senior Animal Friend (age 60+) - $15
Senior Lifetime Membership (age 65+) - $250
To join or renew your membership, please send your check
(made out to Humane Society of Bay County) to HSBC,
PO Box 215, Bay City, MI 48707, and, if possible, include a
donation as well. You may also join or renew on the HSBC
website: www.humanesocietybaycounty.org . Thank you for
your membership, donations and gifts – your support makes
possible our continuing work for the animals of Bay County!
Temporary Foster Homes Needed For
Adoptable Animals
The Humane Society of Bay County is seeking foster homes for
adoptable cats and dogs. Interested individuals and families must fill
out an application, be willing to have a home visit prior to placement,
provide food, water, litter, treats, etc., and be willing to pick up and/
or drop off animals at adoption events. The animals will have been
sterilized, vaccinated, dewormed and treated for fleas prior to fostering.
The HSBC will cover costs for vet care if needed.
Please contact Cheryl McKenzie, HSBC Cat Foster Coordinator, or
Stephanie Beiser, Dog Foster Coordinator, for more information at
(989)-893-0451 or email humanesocietybaycounty@gmail.com. Open
your heart and home to save the life of a homeless cat, kitten, dog or
puppy while it waits to be adopted!
Ads Being Accepted
for Newsletter
Our Animal Tales newsletter is read by well
over 400 people. Please consider placing
a small ad in our next newsletter for your
business or for an item you wish to sell. We are
asking that you send in a donation for your ad.
Be sure to include your contact information!
18
2015 Humane Societ y Board of Directors
Jeannie Wolicki-Nichols, President
Marykay Plotnik & Dee Bishop, Co-Vice Presidents
Judy Fletcher, Treasurer
Sandy Wahr, Secretary
Sheri Felske
Kristyn Frost
Stephanie Guerrero
Cheryl McKenzie
H E L P WA N T E D !
Pet lovers to support the work of the HSBC by volunteering in our programs,
projects and activities. No qualifications needed, except the desire to
support the work of the HSBC in our mission to save, protect and
enhance the lives of animals in Bay County. To volunteer, please
see our website, www.humanesocietybaycounty.org, call
989-893-0451, or fill out and mail the application below to Humane
Society of Bay County, PO Box 215, Bay City, MI 48707. Thank you!
HSBC Volunteer Application
First Name: __________________________________ Last Name:_________________________________________
Street__________________________________________________ City__________________________ Zip_________
Home Phone: _____________________________
Cell Phone: _____________________________
E-mail Address: _______________________ _____________________________________________
What is the best way to contact you? ❑ Home Phone ❑ Cell Phone ❑ E-mail
Current Occupation: _____________________________________
Are you 18 years or over? ❑ Yes ❑ No
I’d like to help in the following areas: (please check)
ANIMALS:
WORK FROM HOME:
❑ Sponsor a pet to increase their chance of being adopted
❑ Provide a temporary foster home for a pet until it is adopted
❑ Clean the cages of our adoptable pets at Pet Supplies Plus
❑
❑
❑
❑
❑
❑
❑
❑
❑
❑
and Soldan’s
Transport animals to events and veterinarians
Groom animals if needed
Manage animals at adoption events
Photograph adoptable animals for social media
FUNDRAISING:
❑ Sew, knit or crochet items for our sales table (patterns and
materials supplied)
❑ Bake treats (for humans or pets) for our sales table at events
❑ Organize a can drive for the foster program
❑ Serve on a committee to create & implement fundraising
projects
❑ Work on our annual events: Canines, Cats and Cupids Gala
in Feb.; Strut Your Mutt Walk in the spring; Art Fair in the
summer; Holiday Santa Pet Photos in December
EVENTS:
❑ Set up and take down displays, tables, tents, sales items
❑ Transport items from/to our storage shed
❑ Work at the sales/information table or animal adoption events
19
Assist with publicity/public relations
Answer HSBC voicemail messages
Help with computer needs
Create fliers and signs
Write grants
Assist with HS mailings
ASSIST WITH ANIMAL-RELATED COMMUNITY ISSUES:
❑ Pick up and deliver pet food and litter to the Pet Food Pantry
at Salvation Army
❑ Join a HS committee to manage the feral & stray cats in our
community
❑ Support a No Kill Shelter operated by the Humane Society of
Bay County
WORK WITH JR. MEMBERS OF THE HS:
❑ Develop projects for their involvement with the HS
Humane Society of Bay County, Inc.
PO Box 215
Bay City, MI 48707
Return Service Requested
Humane Society of Bay
Count y Mission
Mission
The Humane Society of Bay County was formed in November 1984 by a group of concerned citizens who recognized
a need within our community. Since that time, this organization has acted as the animal advocate in our community.
Your support continues to be our inspiration as we look forward to a future of improved welfare for all animals.
Mission: The Mission of the Humane Society of Bay County is to save, protect
and enhance the lives of animals in Bay County.
Vision of the future: The Humane Society of Bay County is the community’s
resource organization for saving animals and looks to a future no-kill shelter.
Values: All animals’ lives are valued - No Kill Shelter for Adoptable Animals
- Affordable/Free Spay and Neutering Program - Educational Programs at all
levels throughout Bay County
Meetings are open to the public and are held at 6:30 p.m., on the third Thursday of each month in Westminster
Presbyterian Church, 103 E. Midland St., Bay City, Michigan.
Please join us!
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