cats and B Y OGs · 2019-09-01 · Cats and Dogs - 4 • Fall 2019 By Janet Vormittag After 13...

cats and dOGs a MaGazine devOted tO cOMpaniOn aniMals

FREEFall 2019

Heather Clark and Rachel Jensen Pleasant Hearts Pet Food Pantry – 3

KobyKoby’s Promise – Page 31

Allie Good–Gadziemski with Moana and Mowgli.Dominion Sanctuary – Page 11

B Y

On the Wild Side – Page 12

Cats and Dogs - 3Fall 2019 • www.catsanddogsmagazine.com

Animals for Adoption Cannonsville Critters ...................................................

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

BestPals Animal Rescue .................................................. Reuben’s Room Cat Rescue ............................................

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

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

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

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

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

On the Wild Side ................................................................ Ask the Trainer ...................................................................

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

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

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

Features Kent County Animal Shelter needs you .............

Dominion Sanctuary .....................................................

Pleasant Hearts Pet Food Pantry ........................... Shelter Statistics ..............................................................

CBD oil for pets..................................................................

Koby’s Promise ......................................................................

CONTENTS

7

9

10

15

17

23

25

5

6

12

14

19

22

28

4

11

13

20

24

31

Furry PhilosophyPage 22

Namiko Ota-Noveskey and Dutchess

Kent County Animal ShelterPage 4

cats and dOGs

PO Box 996, Jenison, MI 49429-0996

616-777-0645 [email protected]

www.catsanddogsmagazine.com

Cats and Dogs, founded in 2006, is a free publication supported by advertisers. Magazines are distributed through-out Kent, Ottawa, Muskegon and surrounding counties. We are not responsible for services and products advertised. All rights reserved. No part of this magazine may be reproduced without permission from the publisher.

Publisher: Janet Vormittag Owner: JLV Enterprises LLC

DeadlinesSpring: Feb. 15 - Summer: May 15Fall: August 15 - Winter: Nov. 15

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Cats and Dogs - 4 www.catsanddogsmagazine.com • Fall 2019

By Janet Vormittag

After 13 years of working at the Humane Society of West Michigan, Namiko Ota-Noveskey took over the reins at the Kent County Animal Shelter. She started May 13 as the Animal Shelter Program Supervisor.

“I think I’m so much more useful here. There’s so much potential to do good. It’s exciting to see things happen,” she said.

Namiko said her biggest challenge is functioning with the absolute minimum number of staff. “We really need to involve the community.”

While there are a few volunteers who help at the shelter, there isn’t an official volunteer program. Namiko wants to change that. Besides walking dogs, volunteers could foster kittens and other animals who would do better in a home setting, they could help with fundraising, provide enrichment activities for shelter animals and help with community events. She would love it if volunteers took a dog for an afternoon to give them a break from being in a kennel.

“Animals are a community issue,” she added.Namiko replaced Carly Luttmann who resigned in

September 2018 after complaints about high euthanasia rates.

Namiko said shelters shouldn’t be judged by euthanasia numbers alone. She thinks they should be judged by the quality of care given to animals while they are at the shelter.

“Every animal should be given a chance, but it’s not enough to just feed them and give them toys. They need mental stimulation,” she said. “This is a transitional place, but they still need a quality of life. We really need volunteers to make that happen.”

She said before she was hired, shelter staff was already working to increase the live-release rate by transferring more animals to other shelters and rescues and by increasing adoptions.

In the month of June 2018, homes were found for 67 animals. In June 2019, homes were found for 132 animals.

Namiko said the staff and animal control officers are hard-working and dedicated.

“It’s important to us that the adopted animals stay in the home,” she said. Staff does adoption follow-up to help resolve any issues people may have with having a new animal as part of their household.

The Kent County Animal shelter is an open-admissions shelter meaning they don’t turn away any animals brought to them. They also take in strays.

By law, strays who have an indication of ownership such as a collar, tags or microchip have to be held for seven business days. Without any indication of ownership, they have to be held four business days.

There are no laws regarding the hold time of cats, but generally the guidelines for dogs are followed.

“There’s a significant difference in the reclaim of dogs and cats,” Namiko said. “People don’t know how to find their cats.”

In 2018, 677 dogs and 28 cats were returned to their owners.

Dogs running loose tend to get picked up by animal control. Cats are independent, good at hiding and can survive on their own. By the time they get brought to the shelter, their owner has usually already given up any hope of finding them.

To help reunite stray pets with their owners, the shelter recently started using FindingRover.com, which uses facial recognition software. Pet owners posts photos of their missing pet, and the shelter posts photos of strays. It’s too early to say what impact the technology will have on reclaim statistics.

Namiko has a master’s degree in applied psychology and keeps current on research regarding shelter animals. She has assessed thousands of dogs and said behavior assessments should be an information-gathering tool, not a pass-fail test. While she believes every animal deserves a chance, she said some dogs are not safe to have in the community.

“Sometimes it’s really sad, but if the last kind thing we can do is euthanasia, then that’s what we do. It is our commitment to give every animal a chance for a happy life. Even if appears to be a small chance, it is our job to try our best.”

If you are interested in volunteering at the Kent County Animal Shelter, 740 Fuller Ave. NE, Grand Rapids, you can stop by and fill out an application or email Namiko at [email protected]. They’re open Monday-Thursday 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. and Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Namiko Ota-Noveskey, the new Program Supervisor at the Kent County Animal Shelter and Dutchess, an owner surrendered cat who has anxiety and shares Namiko’s office until a new home can be found for her.

Kent County Animal Shelter looking for volunteers

www.catsanddogsmagazine.com • Fall 2019 Cats and Dogs - 5Fall 2019 • www.catsanddogsmagazine.com

BUSINESS CARD DIRECTORY

Oak HavenProviding all the dignity your

Forever Friend deserves

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[email protected]

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Contact us at:[email protected]

616-777-0645

C S AL P H


You can purchase Life With Sally: Little White Dog Tails, Still Spinnin’ Tails, Waggin’ More Tails and Princess Tails in Grand Haven at Must Love Dogs and The Bookman; in Grand Rapids at Schulers Books. You can order books at amazon.com. The cost is $13.95. The books are also available on Kindle and Nook for $5.99.

Willow’s World The Wet Dog

By Tricia L. McDonald

Whenever my daughter and her husband come to visit, their dog Lyle jumps out of the car and heads straight for the pond. Through my garden and across the lawn, he runs. No amount of yelling stops him from that sparkling water…his destination. He takes a huge doggy leap and splash! he lands in the water. I swear he is smiling the whole time. I find myself smiling too! Every time they come over, he does the exact same thing.

I’ve always wanted a dog that liked to swim. I’ve seen videos of dogs swimming with their owners and it looks like so much fun. For the owner and the dog!

Eli, our Jack Russell/Australian cattledog, came to us with his own attitude and that included no interest in swimming.

When we got Sally I thought I might have a chance with her. It wasn’t to be. Sally would tease me by wading in the pond, but only until her tummy started to get wet. That didn’t work for her and she was out of there! Once she was chasing Jacob around the pond and she tried to catch him by taking a short cut. The short cut turned out to be deeper water and she disappeared underwater. When she popped back up, it was as if she could walk on water. She was out of that water pronto! I thought maybe the breed didn’t like to swim, but I’ve seen lots of photos of bull terriers swimming. So what the heck?

It wasn’t that Sally didn’t like to get wet, because she always went a little crazy whenever we got the hose out. She would jump and bite at the stream of water for as long as we would hold the hose. So what’s the difference between a pond of water and a hose of water?

When Willow joined our family, I thought I had another chance. If I introduced her to water when she was a puppy, maybe she would become a swimmer. First, I took her in the shower with me. Sadly, she seemed to enjoy rolling around on the towels afterwards more than the actual shower.

I discovered she had an obsession with balls, so I would throw one into the pond to tempt her into jumping in the water to get it. She would pace at the edge of the pond and just like Sally, she would wade in until her tummy got wet. Then she was done. It seemed she was following in Sally’s dry paw prints.

I had heard and believed that bulldogs couldn’t swim, so when Ernie (our French bulldog) joined our family, I never even considered he would be interested in the pond. I would soon learn I was mistaken.

Willow taught Ernie the enjoyment of playing with balls. If they are outside together, there has to be at least three balls out with them. One for Willow, one for Ernie

and the third is for when either of them loses their ball. Often Willow will take her ball to a small hill by the

pond. She sits at the top of the incline and drops her ball. It starts rolling and sometimes Willow is able to catch it before it hits the water. Other times (and more often than not), she misses and it ends up in the pond. That is it because Willow is not going to go in and get it.

Along comes Ernie! He spots the ball floating in the pond and whoosh! He takes a superman leap and lands in the water. I expect to see him struggling, but instead he dog-paddles out to the middle of the pond and tries to grab the ball in his mouth. When he mouths it, the ball sinks and pops up a bit away from him. He chases it around in the pond until he gets it in his mouth. Then he swims to the side and climbs out—the victor!

Now that I have my swimming dog, I realize it isn’t as wonderful as I thought it would be. Ernie spends a good deal of time smelling like a wet dog. Have you ever smelled a wet dog? Let’s just say I don’t think it is ever going to be made into a candle scent.


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

www.catsanddogsmagazine.com • Fall 2019 Cats and Dogs -11Fall 2019 • www.catsanddogsmagazine.com

By Janet Vormittag

Allie Good–Gadziemski has always been attracted to pigs. “They seem so vulnerable and human-like in their personality,” she said.

Three years ago Allie, her husband, Jim, and their four sons took an RV trip to Farm Sanctuary in New York. After a tour of the farm, they spent the afternoon in the pig barn with the animals who fascinate Allie.

“They were so magical and peaceful,” she recalled. “I felt like I was in a movie with majestic creatures.”

The visit had a profound impact on Allie and her family. Two years after the road-trip, they moved from Ada to a 12-acre farm in Sparta with the intention of starting a sanctuary for pigs and other farm animals.

Their mission is to provide a loving permanent home for rejected and abandoned animals and to spread compassion throughout the community. In January 2019, the sanctuary became a 501 c 3 non-profit organization.

Last spring, they took in their first residents, three homeless potbelly pigs; Big Carlos, Moana and Mowgli. Soon three chickens joined the family, Bosco, Allie and Ariella. In August, they took in an abandoned pig named Margaret.

While they can legally have up to 30 animals on their acreage, Allie said they are being cautious and mindful of growth. “We don’t want to get in over our heads or lose the enjoyment factor.”

They recently held a fund-raiser for fencing materials so they could provide a home to three pigs from a 74-pig seizure. They needed $2,000 and more than $2,100 was donated. “It was phenomenal,” Allie said of the community support. The pigs arrived mid-August.

They chose the name Dominion Sanctuary hoping the name would encourage people to think about what dominion means. Allie is saddened by the religious use of the word dominion to condone unnecessary violent choices.

“True dominion is caring and being responsible for who is in our care. Participating in the violent cycle of meat and dairy industries is not acting in compliance with dominion, but I know people don’t realize how easy it is to make changes. Our traditions run so deep. Habits are ingrained. It’s hard to even think about it. It was for me. You can eat healthy and live a peaceful compassionate life without meat and dairy. The animals here help people make that realization, just by being who they are.”

Allie grew up eating meat, but as a child had a soft spot for animals. “My heart would break for animals I didn’t even know,” she said.

When she was 20 years old she became a vegan, even throwing away her down-filled pillow and beeswax chap stick. Vegans don’t eat meat, dairy products, eggs, honey

or use any products derived from animals such as leather.Allie changed when she became pregnant with her

first child. She felt a need to fit into society, and to her that meant eating a traditional American diet including meat. She used to tell her kids someday she would be vegan again. “The social conditioning is so strong. I knew the facts but couldn’t change.”

Four years ago, her then-12-year-old son visited a friend whose pet rabbit had been butchered for meat. He came home and asked her if that someday could be immediately, and he would join her. Mother and son became vegetarians and shortly after that vegans.

“I’ve always known the dairy industry is part of the meat industry. It’s all connected,” she said. Dairy cows give birth to produce milk. The babies are taken from them and sold for veal or raised to be dairy cows or butchered for meat. “The suffering is terrible.”

It didn’t take long for the younger sons to join their mom and brother in their lifestyle change. A year later, Jim did too. Allie said everyone’s path to eating a plant-based diet is different and she wants the sanctuary to support and encourage people on their journey. “If their heart is open, getting to know an animal, looking into their eyes, can make a big difference.”

Allie’s non-profit holds Pigs & Kids Programs where children can have fun, meet the animals, learn about pigs and chickens and enjoy some plant-based snacks. “They can see the animals as individuals,” she said. “Meeting the chickens and pigs plant the seeds of compassion.”

For more information visit www.dominionsanctuary.org. You can also follow them on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.

Dominion Sanctuary Left: Allie Good–Gadziemski with Ariella and Bosco.

Below: Allie with Moana and Mowgli.


On the Wild Side

with Allyson Swanson

their new surroundings! But, in “mink style” they dug out the first night and set themselves free.

Despite the vast amount of time, money and work that went into raising these “hellions” as we called them, knowing that they have their freedom back is a wonderful victory. I will always remember their separate personalities, shiny chocolate fur and their shrieking screams.

Allyson Swanson is a Licensed Wildlife Rehabilitator with Wildlife Rehab Center Ltd, 1504 Union Ave NE, Grand Rapids. She has been licensed since 2013 but started as a volunteer over fifteen years ago. Since then she has worked with countless species of birds and mammals and has become one of the main local resources for Virginia Opossums. She is also the Center’s Education Coordinator and does presentations with their Educational Ambassador animals. [email protected] – 616-606-5805.

Early this spring, when I first received the call about a baby otter found on the banks of the Grand River I was astonished. Having been part of a couple beaver rescues just weeks before, I was willing to believe it possible. I imagined a sweet, quiet, fluffy baby otter arriving. What I received was a little different. Enter our first baby mink of the year. Mink are semi-aquatic carnivorous weasels. The poor baby fit in the palm of my hand and screamed its head off for 24 hours straight.

We called her Banshee and she was a spunky baby. There was a short period of time when she got sick and we thought we would lose her but with medical attention she rallied and continued to grow strong and healthy. A mink was a rare intake for us, so imagine our surprise when 3 more came in from different areas of Michigan. Hunter from Ludington, Pip from Holland and Oboe from Grand Haven. If I had thought one mink was a handful, four was chaos. Constant energy and curiosity! However, seeing them turn and frolic in a pool of water chasing minnows was as graceful and entertaining as any ballet.

Mink stay with their mothers for quite a period of time to learn how to hunt, swim and evade predators. So when it came time to release them, we knew we needed to be picky with the area and provide them with a safe space to return to as they figured out how to live in the wild. We chose a beautiful riverside area in Whitehall to set up an enclosure and shelter for them while they got used to

Need more customers, clients or volunteers?

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Cats and DogsA Magazine Devoted to Companion Animals

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By Janet Vormittag

Rachel Jensen was bothered when people dropped off their pets at the Kent County Animal Shelter because they financially couldn’t afford to keep them. “Just because you lost your job doesn’t mean you should have to give up your pet,” she said.

Rachel was an animal control officer and volunteer at the shelter for more than eight years.

In December 2016, she and a handful of friends started Pleasant Hearts Pet Food Pantry. The pantry is a volunteer and donation based non-profit organization.

Their goal is to ensure pets stay in their homes and never have to experience shelter life.

The pantry stocks food for dogs, cats, birds, rabbits and pocket pets. They also have other pet supplies such as carriers, crates, flea & tick products, toys, treats, beds, bowls and much more.

They’re open every other Saturday from noon to 2 p.m.

While Rachel is excellent at community outreach, volunteer Heather Clark is using her management experience to keep the pantry running smoothly.

The pantry does more than just offer pet supplies. They give tips on responsible pet ownership and direct people to low-income vaccination clinics.

Within the year, they hope to have a grant so they can offer pet owners free or low-cost spay/neuter surgeries for their cats and dogs.

“We feel very strongly that every animal should be spayed or neutered,” Heather said.

Part of their five-year plan is to help pet owners with unexpected veterinarian medical bills. Rachel said while at the shelter she would also see people relinquish pets when the animals were injured or sick and the vet care was too expensive.

The pet pantry relies on donations to keep their doors open. They have donation barrels in local businesses and an Ottawa County pet supply distributor gives them products when available.

They are always in need of kitty litter, kibble and canned food for both dogs and cats.

Cash is always in need for such things as rent and insurance. The women hold fundraising events. On Facebook, their birthday fundraisers benefit the pantry. In addition, they partner with local breweries and restaurants that donate a portion of sales to non-profits.

The Pantry was started in the basement of a dog training facility in Grand Rapids. In June, it was moved to 1539 Taylor Ave, #5, in Grand Rapids.

Heather said the current location is perfect; it has air conditioning, the road isn’t busy, there’s a bathroom and there’s room for everything onsite.

They now have more than 300 clients.To receive help, pet owners must have photo

identification, sign a waiver and provide information on their current pets.

“We won’t service people who get new pets,” Rachel said.

Both Rachel and Heather have full-time jobs. They also volunteer at the Wildlife Rehab Center in Grand Rapids. Rachel volunteers at Pound Buddies in Muskegon and fosters dogs.

“Our hearts are full,” Heather said.

Visit www.pleasantheartspetfoodpantry.org for more information or email [email protected]. You can also follow the pantry on Facebook or Instagram.

Heather Clark, left, and Rachel Jensen in front of some of the supplies available from Pleasant Hearts Pet Food Pantry.

Pleasant Hearts Pet Food Pantryhelping keep pets in their homes

AMP X


Call for an Appointment

231-366-7067

West Michigan Spay & Neuter Clinic

(a 501c3 non-profit organization that accepts donations)

6130 Airline RoadFruitport, MI 49415

[email protected]

A low-cost spay/neuter clinic.

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

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

THE CAT’S MEOW Pet Sitters

Jeanine Buckner Veterinary Assistant

616-791-9696 Loving Home Care For Your Pet

Ask the TrainerTreat your leash like a service vest

Often I see dogs being vilified for aggressive reactions while meeting other dogs on leash. In many cases, the behavior can be understandable as dogs may not consider a face-to-face greet respectful.

Though humans and dogs share similar social family structures, we have completely different social behaviors, and introduction rituals. When greeting, humans stand face-to-face, plant feet, make hard eye contact, vocalize in excited happy loud tones, and lock hands. Dogs, on the other hand, remain very calm and quiet, and do a ritualistic circular butt sniffing action. They do not stop moving, vocalize at each other, touch, or make hard eye contact. The greeting rituals of dogs and humans are 180° opposite of one another.

When socializing in public with our dogs, as responsible owners, we should respect the greeting ritual differences. It’s easy to want to let our dog go face-to-face on the street with another dog. This most often causes serious miscommunication between dogs. Dogs do not have similar faces like humans do, and some dogs cannot make facial expressions others dogs can. Simply teaching our dogs that we are going to be respecting these differences will decrease bad experiences your dog will have on the walk.

The leash should be considered a sort of “service vest”. When we see an actual service dog in public, we do not allow ourselves, our dogs, or even our children to run up to them. We know they should be respected as the dog is doing a job. When out in public on leash our dogs are also doing a job. They are under full control and must remain respectful to everyone and everything they see in public.

To be responsible owners we should adopt the rule; the dog should NOT meet anyone on the leash (dog or human) for the first time, especially face-to-face with a strange dog. We should train in advance about how to properly greet a human so we can have exceptions to the rule for purposes of socializing during human interactions. Proper meeting of new dogs should be done with a very loose leash or off leash completely (i.e. doggy daycare, play dates, etc). Understanding and respecting these differences, while creating a simple rule, can greatly improve your dogs behavior and reputation on leash.

Robert Crough, Professional Dog Trainer – Pack Rehab Specialist – Owner of Paradigm Dog School

Paradigm Dog School: 616-886-4214 [email protected]


This Reuben’s Room page is sponsored by

Sleepy Hollow Pet Cemetery.


Stop in and visit us at 3604 64th St., Saugatuck, Michigan or call us at 269-455-5056 to schedule an appointment.

www.laketowncathospital.com

Dedicated and compassionate care for your furry family member is our top priority. In a quiet and feline friendly environment we provide:

* Internal medicine* Ultrasound and X-ray* Dentistry and oral surgery* Ophthalmologic surgery* Feline boarding* Routine vaccinations and examinations* Behavioral consultation* In-house and reference blood work and more

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Cats and Dogs - 19Fall 2019 • www.catsanddogsmagazine.comwww.catsanddogsmagazine.com • Fall 2019


Humane Society of West Michigan(formerly Humane Society of Kent County)3077 Wilson Drive, Grand Rapids, MI 49534

2017 2018

DOGS RECEIVED/ADMITTED: RETURNED TO OWNER:ADOPTED (Altered):ADOPTED (Not Altered): SOLD: TRANSFERS: SHELTER ANIMALS EUTHANIZED: OWNER REQUESTED EUTHANIZED:

CATS RECEIVED/ADMITTED: RETURNED TO OWNER:ADOPTED (Altered):ADOPTED (Not Altered): SOLD: TRANSFERS: SHELTER ANIMALS EUTHANIZED: OWNER REQUESTED EUTHANIZED:

* Owner requested euthanized animals ARE included in intake totals.

Kent County Animal Shelter 740 Fuller NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503

2017 2018

DOGS RECEIVED/ADMITTED: RETURNED TO OWNER:ADOPTED (Altered):ADOPTED (Not Altered): SOLD TRANSFERS: SHELTER ANIMALS EUTHANIZED: OWNER REQUESTED EUTHANIZED:


* 2017 - Owner requested euthanized animals ARE NOT included in intake totals.* 2018 - Owner requested euthanized animals ARE included in intake totals.

2,05220

1,63525

019

134217

Allegan County Animal Shelter(Managed by Wishbone Pet Rescue since April 2011)2283 33rd St., Allegan, MI 49010 2017 2018DOGS RECEIVED/ADMITTED: RETURNED TO OWNER:ADOPTED (Altered)ADOPTED (Not Altered): SOLD: TRANSFERS: SHELTER ANIMALS EUTHANIZED: OWNER REQUESTED EUTHANIZED:


* 2017 - Owner requested euthanized animals ARE NOT included in intake totals.* 2018 - Owner requested euthanized animals ARE included in intake totals.

Harbor Humane Society (Ottawa County)14345 Bagley St., West Olive, MI 49460

2017 2018

DOGS RECEIVED/ADMITTED: RETURNED TO OWNER:ADOPTED (Altered):ADOPTED (Not Altered): SOLD:TRANSFERED: SHELTER ANIMALS EUTHANIZED: OWNER REQUESTED EUTHANIZED:

CATS RECEIVED/ADMITTED: RETURNED TO OWNER:ADOPTED (Altered):ADOPTED (Not Altered): SOLD: TRANSFERS:SHELTER ANIMALS EUTHANIZED: OWNER REQUESTED EUTHANIZED:

* Owner requested euthanized animals ARE included in intake totals.

527176254

803

3124

3486

24920

00

2710

2,61113

2,16623

012

159195

1,339226943

00

287449

1,71231

1,16500

228265

28

1,56929

36100

551679247

2,070649554

60

131758229

1,87848

1,318213

03

67204

2,36313

1,92476

03

95191

1,458229

1,13100

4071

0

2,00370

1,49400

72177

0

2,246677550

130

202436354

2,04928

32600

1,038340310

508---

21123

04

5812

302---

24136

00

1213


Pound Buddies Animal Shelter Muskegon County1300 E. Keating, Muskegon, MI 49442 2017 2018DOGS RECEIVED/ADMITTED: RETURNED TO OWNER:ADOPTED (Altered):ADOPTED (Not Altered): SOLD: TRANSFERS: SHELTER ANIMALS EUTHANIZED: OWNER REQUESTED EUTHANIZED:


* . Owner requested euthanized animals ARE NOT included in intake totals.

Montcalm County Animal Shelter 154 Quarterline St., Stanton, MI 4888 2016 2018DOGS RECEIVED/ADMITTED: RETURNED TO OWNER:ADOPTED (Altered):ADOPTED (Not Altered): SOLD TRANSFERS: SHELTER ANIMALS EUTHANIZED: OWNER REQUESTED EUTHANIZED:


* Owner requested euthanized animals ARE included in intake totals. * No numbers submitted for 2017.

Ionia County Animal Shelter275 Sprague Road, Ionia, MI 48846 2017 2018DOGS RECEIVED/ADMITTED: RETURNED TO OWNER:ADOPTED (Altered):ADOPTED (Not Altered): SOLD TRANSFERS: SHELTER ANIMALS EUTHANIZED: OWNER REQUESTED EUTHANIZED:

CATSRECEIVED/ADMITTED: RETURNED TO OWNER:ADOPTED (Altered):ADOPTED (Not Altered): SOLD: TRANSFERS: SHELTER ANIMALS EUTHANIZED: OWNER REQUESTED EUTHANIZED:

* As of August 2017, this facility does not provide owner requested euthanasia.

1,160346253264

016811010

36316

19549

05622

9

2004255

10

785

15

3120

6800

15956

3

Every year the live-release rate from animal shelters improves, so a huge thanks to all the shelter workers, volunteers and rescue groups who help find homes for the cats and dogs in our shelters.

Consider AdoptionWhile homeless cats and dogs are being euthanized is

shelters and humane societies, please consider adoption. Many of the dogs sold in pet stores, through classified ads and over the Internet come from puppy mills. Sometime puppy mills sell directly to consumers through websites designed to give the impression of a reputable breeder.

A puppy mill is a massive breeding operation where hundreds of dogs are kept in overcrowded and often unsanitary conditions without proper veterinary care, food, water or human interaction. Puppies born in puppy mills are often sick, poorly socialized and have hereditary and congenital defects from being bred carelessly. The parents of the puppies can live their entire lives in a cage.

If you decide to a buy a puppy directly from a breeder, don’t do so without seeing where the puppies and their parents are raised and housed. Ask questions, get references.

Please spay and neuter your pets.

500238233

009

1010

33110

25500

1743

6

34082

16140

621417

6364

34020

100171

19

1,076380247176

0160125

9

2714

8839

08177

4

647214189137

03421

0

6161362

2970

30107

0


Memory Stones by JodiHonoring the memories of your loved ones in a beau-tiful way. Fur or ashes can be permanently fused in a stone that can be made into a sun catcher, keychain or jewelry.

www.memorystonesbyjodi.com231-893-1227

F u r r y

P h i l o s o p h y

By Jodi Jarvis -Therrian

“If people were superior to animals, they’d take better care of the world,” said a wise ol’ bear named Winnie the Pooh.

What makes people think they need to be superior to animals? If you’ve read my articles before, I may sound like a broken record, but I believe one of my purposes in life is to help animals be better understood.

Can humans detect cancer with no medical equipment only using their nose, find a missing person miles away or detect a bomb? Animals have different gifts and talents than us. Even though they may not be able to speak words like we do, it does not make them less of a being. If we truly listen, we can understand. Don’t we owe it to them to take the time to learn their language? Do they shun us because we don’t have their ability to detect things like cancer and bombs that we could never even fathom? No! In fact, I believe what they have is superior to us in many ways. They know the art of loving unconditionally. No human has truly mastered that. They love us without judgement, with every ounce of their being. It matters not to them if we have a big cold sore or a zit on the end of our nose, they will give us a big old doggy smooch regardless. It is said, “humans that don’t have patience are the ones that want instant results. They won’t take the time to understand and will resort to dominance. ”

Don’t we owe our loving, furry friends who give us unconditional love, at the very least, time and patience? We need to respect that living being enough to give them the time to understand German, if they speak French. If you can get the same results in the end from being stern and dominant with a dog, as you can by earning their trust with using healthy, yummy treats, why not choose to treat? I would be extremely willing to learn French if someone was not standing over me yelling, but instead giving me a piece of cake every time I got it right. Your dog would trust you more and be eager to respond with joy instead of fearing the next time you call to them.

Personally, I would rather be in a loving, trusting relationship then be dominated by anyone. In fact, I would rebel against the dominance. Your dog feels the same way. If you love them, why not choose to give them treats and find ways to learn in a fun way that encourages them to engage instead of slinking up to you in fear?

Sometimes we can misinterpret the signs but if we pay close attention, they will spell it out for us. My aunt Susie recently told a story about her cute little rescue dog. I asked her if I could quote:

“Never underestimate your dog. Jake was staring at me so I assumed he wanted out, went to the door but he wouldn’t go out, walked back into the living room, he would not stop staring. He had his dinner and nighttime treat already, what could he want? Low and behold I looked down and he was out of water! Don’t ever stop trying to figure out what they want, they will always let you know, you just have to listen.”

Recently on a very early morning, I got up while my dog Odin was still sleeping and made his food and set it on the counter, and I hopped in the shower. I saw Odin’s shadow outside the shower curtain and I thought to myself, “I better hurry up. I know Odin is older and when he wakes up he wants to go straight outside.” When I got out of the shower, I realized I didn’t need to hurry to let him out. Apparently, he knew his food was sitting there and I saw him staring up at the counter, with his ears perked in his hurry up and feed me look. Nope, not potty. I was wrong, oops, I heard French instead of German.

If we keep listening, eventually we will learn their language.

Keep connected at dogblessedllc.com, Facebook, Furry Philosophy and Memoirs Set in Stone, Dog Blessed LLC and Memory Stones by Jodi.

Odin is making sure his message is heard loud and clear.

Cats and Dogs - 23Fall 2019 • www.catsanddogsmagazine.comwww.catsanddogsmagazine.com • Fall 2019This page paid for by Clock Timeless Pets!


CBD Oil for Pets

CBD, a non-psychoactive component derived from the hemp plant, is becoming very popular with pet parents to treat many ailments including anxiety, allergies, pain/inflammation, seizures and much more.

Deb Lewis, Certified Trainer, owner of Dogs Bay Inc. and Hempworx Affiliate, cautions pet owners to do their research when choosing CBD for their fur friends.

“I am seeing amazing results with CBD, but not all CBD products are created equal,” she said.

Deb recommends you look for the following: * Ingredients: Look for pure hemp products. Many

contain fillers like MCT oil, coconut oil, olive oil, krill oil, lavender, glycerin and “other ingredients.” For purity and maximum effectiveness, the only ingredient that should be in CBD oil is hemp.

* Made in the USA: Make sure your product is grown and processed in the USA at an FDA approved farm/facility. Organic and Non GMO is preferred.

* Third Party Testing: This is where the product is tested by an outside lab to assure purity, quality and that the product is free from pesticides and mold.

* Customer Support: “What I love most about

Hempworx is the training provided for the affiliates,” Deb said. “Every dog is different and the proper dosage is critical, especially in the beginning. When you buy your product from a pet store, video, grocery store or gas station, many employees know very little or just the basics about CBD products and it’s very doubtful they are going to properly guide you through the process and/or follow up to see how your pet is doing.”

Deb also said there are a lot of misconceptions about CBD products. “CBD does not get your pet high. It is not marijuana; it is from the hemp plant. Many people ask why their veterinarian doesn’t recommend CBD. It’s because they are not allowed to. Like many all-natural products, it’s not yet approved by the FDA.”

CBD is now legal in all 50 states. If you are concerned about the side effects of

pharmaceuticals for your fur friend and are looking for an all-natural, safe alternative, consider giving CBD a try. Hempworx products come with a 60-day, empty bottle, money-back guarantee and don’t forget, CBD works just as well for human friends.

Hempworx products can be purchased online at mydailychoice.com/deblewis or or dogsbay.net/cbd or at both Dogs Bay locations in Holland and Saugatuck.


Quick Fix Veterinary

ClinicOffering affordable

routine wellness care and spay/neuter services.

Targeting areas south of Grand Rapids

www.quickfixvet.com

Pet Grooming

410 E Division St Ste ESparta MI 49345

Call today (616) 887-7060Doggie-paws.com

Saturday appointments offered!!!

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SaturdayOctober 5, 2019barkinthedark.org616.791.8089

Come Bark With Us.


Grooming

Feral Cat Support Services

Community Resource Guide

Humane Societies/Shelters

Kent County Animal Shelter740 Fuller Ave. NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503616-632-7300 - www.accesskent.com/kcas

Allegan County Animal Shelter2293 33rd Street, Allegan, MI 49010269-686-5112 - www.petfinder.com/shelters/MI299.html

Harbor Humane Society14345 Bagley Street (at US 31), West Olive, MI 49460616-399-2119 - www.harborhumane.org

Humane Society of West Michigan3077 Wilson Drive NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49534616-453-8900 - www.hswestmi.org

Ionia County Animal Shelter3853 Sparrow Drive, Ionia, MI 48846616-527-9040 - www.petfinder.com/shelters/MI342.html

Rescue Groups

Cemeteries

A Feral HavenSupporting feral/community cats in Ottawa and Allegan Counties by loaning live traps, and providing spay/neuter vouchers and food. http://www.aferalhavenmi.org – [email protected]

Pet In-Home HospiceHeaven at Home Pet HospiceIn-home pet hospice, palliative pet care and euthanasia for companion animals616-498-1316 – [email protected] www.pethospicevet.com

Wolf Song Enterprises, LLCAnimal behavior consulting, Animal training, Animal [email protected] – 231-744-7141

Pet Training

Clock Timeless Pets1469 Peck St., Muskegon, MI 49441231-722-3721 - www.clocktimelesspets.com

Noah’s Pet Cemetery & Crematory2727 Orange Ave. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546616-949-1390 – [email protected]

Oak Haven Pet Crematorium & Cemetery10950 Northland Dr., Rockford, MI 49341www.oakhavenpc.2295 – 616-866-2295

Sleepy Hollow Pet Cemetery2755 64th St. SW, Byron Center, MI 49315616-538-6050 – [email protected]

Pet Boarding/SittersCanine Country ClubIn-home pet sitting and dog walking231-755-3230

Dogs Bay IncBoarding, daycare, grooming, CBD products3675 64th St., Holland 49423 or 3225 132nd Ave., Holland, 49424616-218-4493 – [email protected] – www.dogsbay.net

Cannonsville Critters Helping cats in Montcalm CountyMichelle Hocking, 989-287-2553

Carol’s FeralsTrap-Neuter-Return and Adoption616-560-0555 – www.carolsferals.org

BestPals Animal Rescue Center13888 Blair St., Holland, MI 49424 Call for appointment, 616-212-3368www.bestpalsarc.wix.com – [email protected]

Pet Villa – Lodging, Daycare, Grooming3934 3 Mile Road NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49534616-735-3191 – [email protected]

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

Doggie PawsBrenda Christensen410 E Division St, Sparta, MI 49345616-887-7060 – [email protected]

Pound Buddies Animal Shelter & Adoption Center 1300 East Keating Ave., Muskegon, MI231-724-6500 - www.poundbuddies.org

Pet ServicesPleasant Hearts Pet Food PantryHelping keep pets and families together since 2016info@pleasantheartspetfoodpantry.orgwww.pleasantheartspetfoodpantry.org1539 Taylor Ave. NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49505

Paradigm Dog SchoolProfessional dog training616-886-4214 – [email protected]


C-SNIP Dogs. Cats. Spay. Neuter.1675 Viewpond Dr. SE, Kentwood, MI 49508616-455-8220 – [email protected]

Crash’s Landing Cat Rescue & Placement CenterNo-kill, Non-profit 501(c) organization616-821-6065 - www.crashslanding.org

Spay/Neuter

Safe Haven Humane SocietyP.O. Box 55, Ionia, MI 48846 Fax: 517-579-5948616-522-1611 – [email protected] – www.shhspets.com

West Michigan Ferret ConnectionEducation - Boarding - Adoptions - RescueDee Gage, 616-447-2978 - [email protected]

Westie Rescue Michigan IncA nonprofit volunteer organization providing assistance and foster care for homeless West Highland White Terriers.Jackie Curtis – 810-632-5477 [email protected] – www.westierescue-mi.com

Reuben’s Room Cat Rescue Jeanine BucknerA no-kill, non-profit 501 (c) (3) organization616-481-6878 - www.reubensroom.petfinder.com

Pet Tales RescueA non-profit, volunteer, foster-based, all-breed dog/cat rescue.Kathy Brown, P.O. Box 88084, Kentwood, MI 49518616-446-1591 – [email protected] www.pettalesrescue.com – www.facebook.com/pettalesrescue

Wishbone Pet Rescue AllianceManaging the Allegan County Animal ShelterP.O. Box 124, Douglas, MI 49406(800) 475-0776 - www.wishbonepetrescue.org

Muskegon Humane Society - a no kill, non-profit shelter2640 Marquette Ave., Muskegon, MI 49442231-773-8689 - www.muskegonhumanesociety.org

Noah Project A no-kill, non-profit animal shelter5205 Airline Road, Muskegon, MI 49444www.noahproject.petfinder.com - 231-865-1264

West Michigan Spay and Neuter Clinic6130 Airline Road, Fruitport, MI 49415www.wmspayandneuter.org – 231-366-7067

Community Resource Guide

Vicky’s Pet Connection www.vickyspetconnection.com

Critter Cottage Adoption/outreach for Vicky’s Pet Connection 7205 Thornapple River Drive SE, Ada, MI616-682-4855 - www.vickyspetconnection.com

Specialty Businesses

Wishbone House Thrift shop and Pet Adoptions165 Blue Star Highway, Douglas, MI269-455-5247 – www.wishbonepetrescue.org

Happy Cat CafeCat Lounge & Adoption Center447 S Division, Grand Rapids, MI 49503616-202-4750 – [email protected].

Kristina VanOss StudioPet portraits made personal616-566-2113 – [email protected]

Veterinarians

Laketown Cat Hospital3604 64th Street, Saugatuck, MI 49453(269)455-5056 [email protected]

Wildlife Rehab Center1504 Union Ave. NE, Grand Rapids616-361-6109 – www.wildlife-rehab-center.org

WildlifeLowell Farm and Wildlife Center12494 Vergennes St., Lowell, MI616-885-4223 – www.farmwildlife.org

Quick Fix Veterinary ClinicOffering affordable routine wellness care and spay/neuter services south of Grand Rapids.www.quickfixvet.com

Family Friends Veterinary Hospital6555 28th St. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546616-575-6520 – [email protected]


Janet Vormittag is the author of two novels, Dog 281 and More Than a Number. Her latest book, You Might be a Crazy Cat Lady if ... is a collection of short stories that is a humorous memoir about living with cats. Janet is also the publisher of Cats and Dogs, a Magazine Devoted to Companion Animals.

Dog 281More Than a Number

You Might be a Crazy Cat Lady if ...

Are available on Amazon.com

They can also be purchased by sending a check (made payable to Janet Vormittag) for $13.95

plus tax (total $14.79) per book to:Cats and Dogs magazine

PO Box 996Jenison, MI 49429- 0996

Shipping is free!

In Dog 281, you meet Alison Cavera, a city girl who moves to northern Michigan to live with her grandmoth-er. When Alison’s dogs are stolen, she turns detective and finds herself in the unscrupulous world of dog theft and animal dealers. Alison’s search for Cody and Blue takes surprising turns providing edge-of-your-seat mo-ments that keep the pages turning. While a work of fiction, this powerful narrative tells the all-to-real practice of USDA Class B animal deal-ers selling animals to laboratories and universities for research. Dog 281 is the first book in the Save Five Series, which features Alison Cavera as she is introduced to a way of life that respects all animals. In the second book, More Than a Number, Alison is hired at the county animal shelter. Her stubbornness and courage take her to cold-blooded dog fights, a farm sanctuary and a cat hoarding situation where she is adopted by a black cat.

More Than a Number – In the second book of the Save Five Series, Alison is hired at the county animal shelter. She loved dogs and cats so the chance to help homeless pets sounded perfect, but the work wasn’t what she expected. She never anticipated spending time chasing a wayward dairy cow or finding dozens of cats in a hoarder’s home. She didn’t expect the work to take her to the isolated backwoods of the Manistee National Forest where secrets were buried among the majestic maples, oaks and pines. When the county sheriff refused to investigate Ali-son’s suspicion of a dog-fighting ring operating locally, Alison doesn’t hesitate to follow the clues herself. Her independence, stubbornness and courage lead her into the cold-blooded world of the illegal entertainment.

You Might be a Crazy Cat Lady if ... – Everybody knows one––a woman who has an af-finity for cats. She feeds the local ferals, takes in the friendly strays and is the go-to person when you have a cat question. She could be your neighbor, your sister, your aunt, your mother, your daughter or you. Does the phase “Crazy Cat Lady” come to mind when you think of this person? If so, you’ll enjoy reading this book. With this humorous memoir, Janet Vormittag comes out of the closet as a crazy cat lady. She gives readers an intimate peek

into the mindset of a woman who has too many furry four-legged friends.


By Janet Vormittag

When Karin Buffum decided to start a rescue that focused on senior and special-needs dogs, she named it after one of her memorable foster dogs. Koby was 9 years old, overweight and arthritic when he was dumped at a shelter.

Forever Fosters, a rescue in Niles, pulled Koby from the shelter and asked Karin to foster him. The placement would be permanent since Koby was considered unadoptedable.

Ironically, both Karin and Koby were diagnosed with cancer. Karin survived. Koby didn’t. He passed in November 2016.

“He helped me get through my cancer,” she said. “I promised him I would keep looking after older dogs and help as many as I could get out of shelters.”

Karin and her friend Marc Brandon, who also volunteered for Forever Fosters, founded Koby’s Promise in 2017.

Marc, a fulltime firefighter, lives in Niles. Karin, a biotech and pharmaceutical consultant, lives in Saugatuck.

In 2017, they found homes for 54 dogs and cats.In 2018, that number was more than doubled.Koby’s Promise has eight foster homes, including

Karin’s. “We need more. The more we have, the more we can pull,” she said. They have close to 30 dogs in their care, but turn away about a half-dozen dogs and cats every day.

“It’s hard. You want to save them all, but you have to say no sometimes,” Marc said.

Marc said he can’t foster. “I adopt everything. I don’t know if I’m soft in the heart or soft in the head,” he joked. He currently has his quota of dogs and cats. “I have a couch that nobody sits on—just the animals.”

Karin, who has three cats and one dog, laughed and said her two couches have been taken over by foster dogs.

Karin said their primary need is for volunteers. Besides foster homes, they need people to help with fundraising and to write grants. Veterinarian care is their biggest expense.

To help find homes for senior dogs and cats, Koby’s Promise has a Companion Program. They partner with Meals on Wheels to help identify people who would benefit from having a pet.

The program places senior pets with people who may not have the means to adopt. Participants can either adopt or provide long-term foster care. To qualify for the Companion Program, people must be 60 years or older, have a disability or be a veteran.

Adopters have adoption fees reduced or waived.

For long-term fosters, the animal remains the property of Koby’s Promise. They help with supplies, do welfare checks and provide transport for veterinarian care. If the person is hospitalized, they provide care for the animal.

So far they’ve placed close to a dozen animals under the Companion Program.

“The seniors are so thankful,” Karin said, adding one widower was depressed and said having a cat made his life worth living again. “When I see it work out, it’s awesome.”

Karin recently took in two older Jack Russell terriers and two 14-year-old min-pins from Harbor Humane Society. All four had been at the shelter more than two months and had been overlooked by adopters.

“The worse place for a senior is a shelter,” she said. It breaks her heart to know an older dog is alone in a shelter.

Karin sometimes accepts hospice dogs into Koby’s Promise and keeps them at her home. A year ago staff at Harbor Humane asked if she could take a terminally ill senior bulldog who they didn’t want to die in the shelter.

Of course, she said yes. The bulldog lived two weeks and passed in his sleep.

“It’s hard. You just love them as much as you can,” Karin said.

For more information visit www.kobyspromise.org, email [email protected] or call 616-844-8347.

Koby’s Promise helping senior dogs

Above: Karin Buffum and Marc Brandon, found-ers of Koby’ Promise, a rescue that specializes in helping older dogs.

Left: Koby, the foster dog who inspired Karin and Marc to start a rescue.

cats and B Y OGs · 2019-09-01 · Cats and Dogs - 4 • Fall 2019 By Janet Vormittag After 13...

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