Cats and Dogs, a Magazine Devoted to Companion Animals

cats and DogS B

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A Magazine Devoted to Companion Animals

Tinker needs a home Page 14

Curt Harris and Odin K9 Camo Companions – Page 9

Anne Munford (left), Dr. Karen Barbu with Tig and Michelle Jones.

West Michigan Spay & Neuter Clinic – Page 23

Spring 2019

Jess Smith (left), Spice, Tanelle McFadyen Grand Rapids Pit Bull Alliance – Page 7

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CONTENTS Animals for Adoption BestPals Animal Rescue ..................................................

5

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

6

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

8

Crash’s Landing .................................................................

11

Muskegon Humane Society ......................................... 12 Reuben’s Room Cat Rescue ............................................

14

Vicky’s Pet Connection .................................................

17

Almost Every Month Willow’s World .................................................................

4

Maple needs a home Page 5

Business Card Directory .............................................. 10 On the Wild Side ................................................................ 10 Cat Corner ............................................................................

15

Furry Philosophy ............................................................... 16 In Memory ..............................................................................

18

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

19

Community Resource Guide ....................................... 21

Features Grand Rapids Pit Bull Alliance ...............................

7

K9 Camo Companions ......................................................

9

Buddy’s Story .......................................................................

13

Grand Rapids Pit Bull Alliance Page 7

West Michigan Spay & Neuter Clinic .................... 23

Cats and Dogs PO Box 996, Jenison, MI 49429-0996 616-777-0645 catsanddogsmagazine@comcast.net www.catsanddogsmagazine.com Cats and Dogs, founded in 2006, is a free publication supported by advertisers. Magazines are distributed throughout Kent, Ottawa, Muskegon and surrounding counties. We are not responsible for services and products advertised. All rights reserved. No part of this magazine may be reproduced without permission from the publisher.

Spring 2019 • www.catsanddogsmagazine.com

Publisher: Janet Vormittag Owner: JLV Enterprises LLC Deadlines Spring: Feb. 15 - Summer: May 15 Fall: August 15 - Winter: Nov. 15 Home delivery of Cats and Dogs is $16 per year. Make your check payable to Cats and Dogs and mail to: Cats and Dogs, P.O. Box 996, Jenison, MI 49429-0996

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

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Willow’s World Morning routine

By Tricia L. McDonald With three dogs and two cats, mornings can be interesting.

Ernie starts the day by crawling out from under the blankets to lick Mike’s face. Mike gives him a gentle shove toward my side of the bed.

“Go see your mom.” Lick, lick, lick. “Go see your mom.” Lick, lick, lick. “Ernie, go see your mom.”

Ernie walks on top of Willow, still under the covers, and focuses his face licking on me. Dog-tongue-facelicking grosses me out, so I lift the blankets and give him a little push. On a good morning, he crawls under, snuggles up to Willow and we all get a bit more sleep.

More often than not, Willow wakes up when Ernie walks on her. She comes out from the blankets and fanatically licks Mike’s face. Ernie then heads back to Mike and joins in on the dog-slobber-facial. Eli, not wanting to be left out, soon has his tongue in on the action. I’ve moved far away from the dog ends now facing me. If I don’t move fast enough, my head often gets stepped on or I get a close-up view of a butt.

Mike escapes to the bathroom and starts getting ready for work. Now all the dog attention is on me. I try to get everyone settled back down, hoping for a few more minutes of sleep. It is often futile.

I climb out of bed and put on my bathrobe, and Eli and Willow are at my feet. Ernie wiggles on the bed, waiting to be helped to the floor. I considered getting stairs for the bed, but I think Eli and Willow like that they can use the bed to get away from him.

Once everyone is on the floor, I open the door and there is a race down the hall to the sliding glass door in the dining room. After collars have been put on, I open the door and Ernie and Eli run across the yard to the woods. Willow sits at the door while I attach her leash and then she runs out. Willow is not a keen believer in the word “here.” To her it means “I can’t hear you” and that is why she has to be on a leash. Now all three squat at various places taking care of their “business.”

While the dogs are out squatting, Socks is giving me hell for…I don’t know? Could be the water bowl is now empty. Could be he’s hungry. Could be he is just saying good morning. Or it could be that it is just what he does in the morning.

Millie is sitting on a chair at the end of the dining room table and when I walk by she swats at me. After I let the dogs back inside, Millie jumps down and heads into the kitchen with the dog pack.

I place three dog bowls on the counter. One green, one blue and one stainless steel. They used to be really Cats and Dogs - 4

fast eaters—more like swallowers—until I found dishes specifically designed to slow down their eating. The new dishes worked great for Eli and Ernie. Willow hated hers and showed her discontent by picking up her bowl full of food and dumping it upside down. She now eats out of a regular dish.

The dogs sit in their places and once their food is ready, I put a dish in front of them. They all look at me until I give the command “okay” and point to the dishes.

I love this part because they act like well-mannered dogs.

Not at all consistent with the rest of their mis-behaviors.

Willow always finishes eating first and heads over to Ernie to help him. He gives her a little side growl, so she walks two steps away and sits. Once he finishes, the two of them go stand by Eli and give the ultimate two-dog stare-down. He doesn’t seem to notice the vultures.

Once the dogs are done eating, the cats have been fed and their litter boxes cleaned, it is time for the morning lap-nap. This is my absolute favorite time of day. I sit down on the big comfy chair in the sitting room. Within minutes, Ernie is at my feet waiting for the lift. Eli jumps onto the chair and lays next to me. Willow leaps onto the chair and makes her way to my lap. If Ernie is already there, she uses her snout to move him off. Once she is settled, Ernie climbs on top of her and snuggles in.

As soon as the dogs are snoozing, Millie settles herself onto the back of the chair and is soon sleeping.

The only furry not sleeping on the chair with me is old man Socks. The favorite place for his 21-year-old bones is curled up on the heating register.

You can purchase Life With Sally: Little White Dog Tails, Still Spinnin’ Tails, Waggin’ More Tails and Princess Tails in Grand Haven at Must Love Dogs and The Bookman; in Grand Rapids at Schulers Books. You can order books at amazon.com. The cost is $13.95. The books are also available on Kindle and Nook for $5.99. www.catsanddogsmagazine.com • Spring 2019

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

Spring 2019 • www.catsanddogsmagazine.com

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www.catsanddogsmagazine.com • Spring 2019

Grand Rapids Pit Bull Alliance advocating for pit bull type dogs

By Janet Vormittag Tanelle McFadyen grew up with chows and was used to breed discrimination, but five years ago when she adopted Vinny the prejudice increased. Vinny was a pit bull type dog.

“When I got him the discrimination was in my face,” she said.

McFadyen explained that pit bull isn’t a breed, but an umbrella term used to describe dogs with similar characteristics such as a stocky muscular build and a blocky head. The stereotype often includes American staffordshire terrier, staffordshire terrier, bull terrier, bull mastiff, American pit bull terrier, American bulldogs and more, plus mixes between these and other breeds.

“This is why we tend to use pit bull type dog,” McFadyen said.

McFadyen fostered Vinny for the Humane Society of West Michigan where she works in canine behavior and enrichment.

“I was a foster failure,” she said, meaning she adopted the dog she was supposed to be giving a temporary home.

McFadyen was surprised when people would cross the street when she walked Vinny even though he was leashed and well behaved. She also discovered hate groups that wanted to eradicate pit bulls type dogs.

McFadyen’s experiences with Vinny inspired her to start a group to advocate for dogs who face discrimination.

“I want to speak on their behalf,” she said.

In 2017, with friends Jess Smith and Lyndsey Sturgeon, she started Grand Rapids Pit Bull Alliance They’re in the process of obtaining their 501 c3 nonprofit status. The alliance is a networking and advocacy organization, not a rescue group. They advocate for breeds susceptible to breed specify legislation and discrimination.

“Every dog is an individual,” Smith said, adding that a dog shouldn’t be judged by the actions of another dog or its irresponsible owners.

According to McFadyen, there are 22 municipalities in Michigan that have breed specific legislation. Such laws aren’t just for pit bull type dogs, any breed can be included.

Smith had three pit bull type dogs when she joined the alliance. “They are my favorite breed. I can’t believe anyone hates them,” she said. “They’re the friendliest, happiest, dorkiest dogs.”

Smith worked at the Humane Society for four years and discovered pit bull type dogs usually passed temperament testing. She described them as excitable social dogs who have five seconds of energy and then want to sit on the couch next to you.

Spring 2019 • www.catsanddogsmagazine.com

Jess Smith, left, Spice, Tanelle McFadyen.

Spice was recently adopted after more than a year at the Humane Society of West Michigan.

Tanelle McFadyen working with Kermit.

Kermit is available for adoption at the Humane Society of West Michigan.

She constantly heard people say they didn’t want a pit bull, but if she introduced them to one they usually had a change of heart. “If you get to know one, they’ll steal your heart,” she said. “All the things you hear are not factual.”

The Alliance also has a Pet Outreach Program and partners with Meals on Wheels to provide pet food for senior pet owners.

“Our outreach goals are bigger than providing food.

We want to help people keep their pets and have them be well-behaved dogs.” Smith said. They help home-bound pet owners with supplies, dog training, vaccines and transportation for spay/neuter.

The women have long-term goals that they pattern after dog advocacy groups in southeast Michigan such as CHAINED, Dog Aide and ASK. Those groups advocate for dogs chained in backyards and offer pet owners kennels and other supplies. Through friendly advocacy, they hope outside dogs will eventually be brought inside.

“We’re starting small and learning from groups with experience,” McFadyen said.

For more information about Grand Rapids Pit Bull Alliance email grpitbullalliance@gmail.com or follow them on Facebook.

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www.catsanddogsmagazine.com • Spring 2019

K9 Camo Companions helping veterans and dogs

By Janet Vormittag In 2014, Curt Harris and a black Lab mix were brought together through a national organization that pair veterans with dogs. Harris and the dog, now named Odin, bonded and are now inseparable.

“Odin provides me comfort from anxiety and wakes me up from nightmares,” Harris said.

Harris served eight years in the Army and was stationed in the Middle East. He was awarded the Iraqi Freedom Campaign Medal and an Army Commendation Medal. The war took its toll and now he’s in recovery mode. Odin is very much part of that recovery. But Harris isn’t the only one who is benefiting.

Odin had been found wandering in the winter in a rural county. He was thin, malnourished and his paws were almost frozen when he was rescued.

Today Harris and Odin are part of a local group, K9 Camo Companions, which was founded in 2016 by Dr. Lori Vorpi.

Statistics show 22 veterans commit suicide every day.

Vorpi knows having a companion animal to care for can make a world of difference.

As a chiropractor, Vorpi said her holistic training made her aware that the military relies too heavily on medications for veterans.

“Dogs are better than Prozac,” she said.

Vorpi was inspired to help veterans because her dad was an Army veteran, having served in Korea, and her uncle was a Navy veteran, having served in Viet Nam. Her daughter’s best friend served in Afghanistan.

About half the veterans K9 Camo help need a dog for emotional support. The rest just want a pet. The reason doesn’t matter. “We don’t want pet ownership to be cost prohibitive for veterans,” Vorpi said.

Veterans go through a series of interviews before they’re paired with a dog. “We don’t want to set up a veteran to fail,” Vorpi said. They learn about pet care, the importance of training and the realistic aspects of living with a dog such as barking and shedding.

Each veteran is assigned a three-member team; someone from K9 Camo, a dog trainer and a fellow veteran as a mentor.

After it’s determined what type of dog would best suit the veteran, local rescues and shelters are contacted to find the right animal.

“It’s a very tailored program,” Vorpi said.

The dogs are checked by a veterinarian, vaccinated, spayed or neutered, microchipped, trained, and licensed.

The dogs and veterans go through training together to help ensure success.

The organization serves 84 veteran families and adds two or more every month. About 15 of those families use Spring 2019 • www.catsanddogsmagazine.com

Veteran Curt Harris, Odin, and Dr. Lori Vorpi. the K9 Camo’s Pet Pantry. The pantry is stocked with dog and cat food, kitty litter, toys, leashes, collars, doggie sweaters and anything else a pet owner might need. They go through 1,000 pounds of pet food each month.

K9 Camo Companions is a non-profit organization and is overseen by a 9-member board. About 30 volunteers do whatever needs to be done including helping with the web site, the pet pantry and special events.

The group is funded through donations and a variety of fund-raisers such as dog washes, golf outings, car shows, and 5k runs. For 13 years Vorpi has organized Motorcycles for Mutts, an annual benefit ride, with the proceeds donated to various community organizations.

Now she dedicates the fund-raiser to K9 Camo.

An unintended by product of pairing veterans with dogs is that veterans often get involved with the organization and help with events. Harris now serves on the Board of Directors and is helping organize Motorcycles for Mutts.

Harris said he regards Vorpi as a third mother. His birth mom died when he was in high school. His second mother is his step-mom.

“Lori is a straight-shooter. She doesn’t sugarcoat anything. She’s a remarkable person,” he said.

Volunteering for K9 Camo Companions has given him a sense of purpose. “It’s been a blessing all around.”

K9 Camo Companions is located at 9161 Sparta Ave. NW, Suite B, Sparta, MI 49345. For more information visit K9camocompanions.com or email k9camocompanions@gmail.com or call 616-970-0234.

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BUSINESS CARD DIRECTORY Oak Haven Providing all the dignity you r Forever Friend deserves

Open Seven Days a Week

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

Cats and Dogs a Magazine Devoted to Companion Animals Now in its 14th year of publication with a dedicated following of more than 12,000 readers.

On the Wild Side with Allyson Swanson We at the Wildlife Rehab Center in Grand Rapids speak out frequently on the dangers of people raising wildlife. Unfortunately, the draw of an orphaned baby is often too much for people and in that brief moment, the pros outweigh the cons. After all, how hard can it be?

Enter “Fred” and his family. Fred, now known as “Fritz” is a young flying squirrel who was taken in as an orphan and hand raised by his human family. With no other squirrels to grow up with, Fritz never learned a healthy fear of humans, nor the essential lessons that would allow him to survive in the wild. Kept as a pet, he quickly grew friendly and attached to his human family.

However, raising wildlife isn’t without its challenges as his family soon found out. At one point in his early days, it was suspected Fritz had a skin condition and he was given an over-the-counter medication that caused blindness in one eye. Then, more recently his paw got stuck in a string in his cage. The string cut off circulation to that paw, and he is now facing the prospect of amputation.

Luckily for Fritz his human family recognized he needed more specialized care. It was hard on them to lose a family member, but we assured them Fritz would be given a good quality of life. Our plan for him is to undergo surgery. Then we’ll add him to our growing education and outreach program where we can continue to teach kids and adults the importance of seeking out a licensed wildlife rehabber.

It is sad on us to think that Fritz will never know the sensation of gliding through the trees, or have a family of his own. However, given his circumstances, we are pleased to offer him a place with us so that he can help others of his kind reach their much-deserved freedom.

Welcome to the WRC family, Fritz!

Allyson Swanson is a Licensed Wildlife Rehabilitator with Wildlife Rehab Center Ltd, 1504 Union Ave NE, Grand Rapids. She has been licensed for the past 5 years but started as a volunteer over thirteen years ago. Since then she has worked with countless species of birds and mammals and has become one of the main local resources for Virginia Opossums. She is also the Center’s Education Coordinator and does presentations with their Educational Ambassador animals. allyson@wildlife-rehab-center.org – 616-606-5805

Contact us for advertising information catsanddogsmagazine@comcast.net 616-777-0645 Cats and Dogs - 10

www.catsanddogsmagazine.com • Spring 2019

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This page paid for by Clock Timeless Pets!

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www.catsanddogsmagazine.com • Spring 2019

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

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www.catsanddogsmagazine.com • Spring 2019

Cat Corner

Call for an Appointment

The Cats of Fuerteventura

231-366-7067

By Michele Dunckel One of my retirement goals was to travel and experience new cultures. For the last two weeks, I’ve been vacationing on Fuerteventura, one of the Canary Islands.

While they are part of Spain, they are off the west coast of Africa just across from the Sahara Desert.

I was pleasantly surprised that these island dwellers love their cats.

Their friendly pets wander around the narrow streets of the villages, which, if you read my column regularly, you know I abhor allowing cats outside. But the cats here are loved by residents and tourists alike and are quite safe.

Predators that exist in other places don’t exist here.

The only natural predator that I know of would be the poisonous snakes, which stay primarily in rural areas.

Weather is sunny and mild year round. There are no roaming packs of dogs, wolves, fox or coyotes. The roads are so twisty, hilly and narrow that even the threat of speeding automobiles is limited.

The cats are very healthy with glossy fur, no sign of disease and well-fed bellies. They’re tame and accepting.

While I was petting one of them, she rolled over onto her back so I could rub her tummy. A sure sign she was used to regular affection and had no fear.

For those of you shivering away in this year’s miserable winter, it’s breeding time for unspayed/ unneutered kitties. If you have such a cat, get them into your vet as quickly as you can to prevent a batch of kittens for which homes will need to be found. And this applies to males, too. Your unneutered male will try every trick in the book to get outside and fight for breeding rights, causing him injury and disease. You can prevent it with a simple trip to the vet. If you think you can’t afford it, contact the spay and neuter clinics that provide their services at a reduced rate or, in same cases, free.

If you suspect your female is already pregnant, take good care of her. Provide plenty of well-balanced nutrition. Make sure she’s got a place to be safe and warm -- there are many freezing, blizzardy days ahead.

A healthy pregnancy ensures healthy kittens, making it easier to find them good homes.

Hang in there! Spring will arrive eventually.

After 50 years of personal cat rescue and twelve years of owning a one-of-a-kind cat hotel, Michele Dunckel retired and relocated to Boston. Then she moved to Ireland! Her passion for cats continues. Reach her at micheledunckel@gmail.com.

Spring 2019 • www.catsanddogsmagazine.com

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

A low-cost spay/neuter clinic.

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

In-Home Pet Care When You Can’t Be There THE CAT’S MEOW Pet Sitters Jeanine Buckner Veterinary Assistant

616-791-9696 Loving Home Care For Your Pet During my 18 years of working in veterinary medicine, I realized the need for an alternative to boarding. Thus, The Cat’s Meow Pet Sitters was created.

By keeping your feline friend in her familiar home surroundings, you and your cat experience less stress while you are away. My first home visit with you and your cat is at no charge. Information regarding medical care, instructions on feeding and watering, litter box patrol and playing with and/or grooming your cat will all be discussed. At no additional charge, bringing in mail and/or newspapers and watering plants can also be done. Pampering your cat in her/his own home is a wise alternative to boarding. Your cat will thank you!

Jeanine Buckner, Owner Cats and Dogs -15

Furry Philosophy

By Jodi Jarvis -Therrian Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food. ~Hippocrates

Recently my beautiful grand-puppy Cash was very ill. She started losing weight, her coat became dull and her muscles became weak. She is only 7 years old and all of a sudden, she couldn’t even make it up the stairs by herself. We knew something was terribly wrong. A lot of my work is done from home, so Cash came to stay with me for a week. I took her to my veterinarians, who I adore, and had tests done.

As wonderful as my veterinarians are, they only have so many hours in the day that has to be shared between clients. I believe every veterinarian cannot specialize in every area, such as nutrition, supplements, etc.

I think one of the things I love about my veterinarians is they have an open mind and do not condemn me for doing my own homework. I am very holistic, and they are respectful of my beliefs. Every being is different. We must be our pets’ advocates, and it is our responsibility to research.

We must decide what is going to be the best route for our beliefs and for their individual specific symptoms.

Indian Shamans (healers), would come stay at your house and observe every aspect of your everyday life, before they would decide the best route to take. You cannot find a medical professional with that kind of time on their hands. We have to put in that time.

The tests ruled out some things with Cash’s condition, and it gave us the tools to find the best route for her. I have studied nutrition, but I also contacted nutrition experts, many friends, one a canine nutritionist.

I went through the book, Canine Nutrigenomics from Dr. Dodd’s, also a nutrition guru.

Cash had been on a lot of antibiotics in the past from chronic UTIs. She was also on a dehydrated food that, when she ate too fast, my daughter added less water thinking it would keep it thicker for her. We believe the combination of a compromised colon that was not able to absorb nutrients and a food not being properly hydrated, was causing her to basically starve. Antibiotics can wreak such havoc on the colon. My veterinarians prescribed vitamin B shots. We started her on some very Cats and Dogs - 16

good digestive enzymes, raw goat’s milk, a different food, pumpkin, bone broth and more.

I am thankful Cash is getting stronger and better every day. I believe it is due to the veterinarians, whole food, proper nutrition and the army of people with knowledge that I accessed, a lot of reading, and love sent to her by so many.

My friend Paula and I have written here in the past about the ever-important subject of nutrition. I urge you, to do your own research, be your pets advocate. Even if something is not wrong with your pet now, nutrition is the best preventative and important factor in life.

It disgusts me the things that FDA allows, and if you get me on my soapbox, I will go on and on. So instead I would like to offer you a few facts.

Dog Food Advisor states, according to the pet food industry, Official Publication, American Association of Feed Control Officials, “Generic meat meal can be legally made from road kill, dead, diseased or dying farm animals — even euthanized cats and dogs.”

“FDA testing found pentobarbital (used to euthanize pets) in Nutro dog food ,Ol Roy dog food, Kibbles and Bits, and Purina ProPlan, ” ( List is so long, I will add more on my blog) I would like to ask you to think on this, could you survive on dry cereal your whole life?

Possibly, but would you thrive?

There is so much information, more than I have enough room to relay to you. Please visit furryphilosophy.blogspot.com, I will add more resources to access.

My food cliff notes to you are RESEARCH. Where is your meat source from? I highly suggest adding some whole foods, bone broth or at the very least water to hydrate the kibble so it is more readily absorbed.

Healthy food can be “thy medicine.”

Jodi Jarvis -Therrian CPDT-KA CTDI AKC CGC Evaluator

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

www.memorystonesbyjodi.com

231-893-1227

www.catsanddogsmagazine.com • Spring 2019

Spring 2019 • www.catsanddogsmagazine.com

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Ask the Trainer What kind of training equipment do I need?

For starters, I suggest a quick release collar, 6-foot leash, and lots of healthy treats.

There are so many types of training equipment available on the market it can be confusing. Before you reach for the promised quick fix that works by applying pain or irritation to your dog to stop a behavior, understand there are many other options. Wouldn’t you rather be rewarded for doing something than have discomfort or pain inflicted upon you when you did something your family members didn’t like?

The ASPCA supports “training methods that are based on an understanding of how animals learn and… does not inflict unnecessary distress or discomfort on the pet. Humane training makes primary use of lures and rewards such as food, praise, petting and play…The ASPCA supports the use of methods and equipment that effectively accomplish the training objective with the least amount of stress for the pet…”

The Association of Professional Dog Trainers supports using the least intrusive, minimally aversive approach. Intrusive being anything uninvited/ unwelcome. Aversive being anything the dog does not like. They suggest first ensuring physical and nutritional wellness. Next they suggest the following steps. 1.

Restructure environment to reduce stimuli. 2. Reward desired behavior to increase the probability that it will occur. 3. Reward a replacement behavior and remove Spring 2019 • www.catsanddogsmagazine.com

the reward for the problem behavior. 4. Lastly, after all these other approaches are exhausted, if the behavior still needs to be changed, you can consider adding something the dog does not like to reduce the probability of the problem behavior.

This can be confusing at first, but simply ask yourself how the training equipment you are considering is supposed to work. If you don’t know, don’t buy it. Do more research. Try to remove the stimuli and reinforcement that happens when your dog does the behavior you don’t like. Teach your dog something to do instead. If you choose training equipment your dog may not like, try to get them to like it or reduce their uncomfortableness with it by properly conditioning them to the equipment.

Paula Smith is a certified professional dog trainer through the CCPDT and is the founder of Dog Blessed, LLC. She has served on animal welfare boards and works with them and other community groups to enhance the lives of dogs and teach others about dog behavior and humane training techniques focused on relationships. Her goal is to strengthen the relationship between humans and canines by focusing on enhancing cross species communication. If you have a question you would like to have answered here, please email Paula at dogblessedllc@ gmail.com or contact her at www. dogblessedllc.com.

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Coming soon to West Michigan Offering affordable routine wellness care and spay/neuter services.

www.quickfixvet.com Cats and Dogs - 20

www.catsanddogsmagazine.com • Spring 2019

Community Resource Guide Cemeteries Clock Timeless Pets 1469 Peck St., Muskegon, MI 49441 231-722-3721 - www.clocktimelesspets.com Noah’s Pet Cemetery & Crematory 2727 Orange Ave. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546 616-949-1390 – noahspc@comcast.net www.noahspetcemetery.com Oak Haven Pet Crematorium & Cemetery 10950 Northland Dr., Rockford, MI 49341 www.oakhavenpc.2295 – 616-866-2295 Sleepy Hollow Pet Cemetery 2755 64th St. SW, Byron Center, MI 49315 616-538-6050 – www.sleepyhollowpc.com info@sleepyhollowpc.com

Humane Societies/Shelters Allegan County Animal Shelter 2293 33rd Street, Allegan, MI 49010 269-686-5112 - www.petfinder.com/shelters/MI299.html

Pet Training Wolf Song Enterprises, LLC Animal behavior consulting, Animal training, Animal talent Wolfsongenterprises@gmail.com – 231-744-7141

Rescue Groups A Feral Haven -- Advocating for feral cats in Ottawa County www.aferalhavenmi.org – 616-399-1774 a.feral.haven.mi@gmail.com A New Start on Life – Specializing in puppy mill dogs www.anewstartonlife.com - 1-866-716-9393 Allies for Greyhounds of West Michigan, Inc. 866-929-DOGS - http://www.afgwm.org Australian Shepherd Rescue in Michigan www.arim.org Basenji Rescue and Transport (BRAT) www.basenjirescue.org - toatbasenjis@yahoo.com Basset Hound Rescue of Michigan 501 (c) (3) 616-291-1357 - www.bhrom.org

Harbor Humane Society 14345 Bagley Street (at US 31), West Olive, MI 49460 616-399-2119 - www.harborhumane.org

Bellowood All breed canine rescue. Cedar Springs, Michigan www.bellowoodrescue.com – 616-696-2846

Humane Society of West Michigan 3077 Wilson Drive NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49534 616-453-8900 - www.hswestmi.org

Bellwether Harbor P.O. Box 475, 7645 West 48th St., Fremont, MI 49412 231-924-9230 - www.bellwetherharbor.org

Ionia County Animal Shelter 3853 Sparrow Drive, Ionia, MI 48846 616-527-9040 - www.petfinder.com/shelters/MI342.html

BestPals Animal Rescue Center 13888 Blair St., Holland, MI 49424 Call for appointment, 616-212-3368 www.bestpalsarc.wix.com – bestpalsarc@gmail.com

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

Pet Boarding/Sitters

Cannonsville Critters – Helping cats in Montcalm County Michelle Hocking, 989-287-2553 Carol’s Ferals –Trap-Neuter-Return and Adoption 616-560-0555 – www.carolsferals.org

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

Cat Tales Rescue Muskegon, 1-231-798-1033

Holiday Pet Resort & Salon, Boarding, Grooming, Day Care 10950 Northland Dr., Rockford, MI 49341 www.holidaypetresort.net – (616) 866-2294 – 800-776-8498

Crash’s Landing - Cat Rescue & Placement Center No-kill, Non-profit 501(c) organization 616-821-6065 - www.crashslanding.org

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

Faithful to Felines - Cat rescue in Muskegon County www.petfinder.com/shelters/MI75.html – misscat5@charter.net

Pet In-Home Hospice Heaven at Home Pet Hospice In-home pet hospice, palliative pet care and euthanasia for companion animals 616-498-1316 – doc@pethospicevet.com www.pethospicevet.com

Family Paws Rescue Non-profit 501c3 – Grand Rapids 616-322-4031 – www.familypawsrescue.com Focus on Ferals - Trap-Neuter-Return 616-826-0927 - www.focusonferals.org Forever Pets – Helping Homeless Pets Find Forever Homes 231-225-1184 – www.forever-pets.petfinder.com Continued on page 22

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Continued from page 21

Golden Years Alaskan Malamute Rescue Shirley Thomas, 231-766-2170 - malamute49445@yahoo.com www.goldenyearsamr.org Grand River Rover Rescue Portland, MI – 517-526-3621 – grrrescue@yahoo.com www.petfinder.com/shelters/MI706.html

The Long Dog Retreat Dachshund Rescue 501 (c) (3) organization in SW Michigan www.thelongdogretreat.org – 757-647-5146 TLC Chow Rescue 616-738-0438 - www.tlcchowrescue.com Vicky’s Pet Connection www.vickyspetconnection.com

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

Voice of Animals Rescue www.voiceofanimals.petfinder.org

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

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

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

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

Headin’ Home Pet Rescue, Inc. www.headinhomerescue.org - 616-886-1474 Hearts of Hope Dog Rescue 616-366-8455 - rescueofhope@gmail.com www.rescueofhope.com Heaven Can Wait Animal Haven Feline adoptions – 231-737-5644 Keeper Kitties Rescue 313-400-5949 – keeperkitties@gmail.com – kkrescue.org Keeshond Rescue Central States www.petfinder.com/shelters/IL119.html – 847-922-2240 Lake Haven - Non-profit rescue for cats and dogs www.lakehavenrescue.org LuvnPupz - Rescue - Rehabilitate - Rehome www.luvnpupz.org – luvnpupz@luvnpupz.org Mackenzie’s Animal Sanctuary - a no-kill dog sanctuary www.mackenzies.info - 616-693-2490 Michele’s Rescue www.michelesrescue.com - info@michelesrescue.com Muskegon Humane Society - a no kill, non-profit shelter 2640 Marquette Ave., Muskegon, MI 49442 231-773-8689 - www.muskegonhumanesociety.org Noah Project - a no-kill, non-profit animal shelter 5205 Airline Road, Muskegon, MI 49444 www.noahproject.petfinder.com - 231-865-1264 Pet Tales Rescue Kentwood, MI – www.pettalesrescue.com Pound Buddies Animal Shelter & Adoption Center 1300 East Keating Ave., Muskegon, MI 231-724-6500 - www.poundbuddies.org

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

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

Specialty Businesses Critter Cottage - Adoption/outreach for Vicky’s Pet Connection 7205 Thornapple River Drive SE, Ada, MI 616-682-4855 - www.vickyspetconnection.org Wishbone House – Thrift shop and Pet Adoptions 165 Blue Star Highway, Douglas, MI 269-455-5247 – www.wishbonepetrescue.org

Wildlife Lowell Farm and Wildlife Center 12494 Vergennes St., Lowell, MI 616-885-4223 – www.farmwildlife.org Wildlife Rehab Center 1504 Union Ave. NE, Grand Rapids 616-361-6109 – www.wildlife-rehab-center.org

Reuben’s Room Cat Rescue - Jeanine Buckner A no-kill, non-profit 501 (c) (3) organization 616-481-6878 - www.reubensroom.petfinder.com Safe Haven Humane Society P.O. Box 55, Ionia, MI 48846 – Fax: 517-579-5948 616-522-1611 – shhspets@hotmail.com – www.shhspets.com

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www.catsanddogsmagazine.com • Spring 2019

The West Michigan Spay & Neuter Clinic Celebrating 26,000 Surgeries

By Janet Vormittag Eight years after opening, the non-profit West Michigan Spay & Neuter Clinic is celebrating completing 26,000 surgeries.

They are also celebrating the hiring of Michelle Jones as the new director. Jones started mid-December and replaced Kim Patterson who left for a full time job.

Jones said the job is perfect for her. She loves animals and it fits her schedule. She’s married and the couple’s youngest child will leave for college this year. Her background includes graphic arts and business.

After two months on the job, Jones loves getting up and coming into work. “I found out how incredible and amazing this place is,” she said. “I have the best team. They’re dedicated and loyal.” The Fruitport-based clinic employees 23 part-time workers.

The clinic also has a new veterinarian. Dr. Karen Barbu started six months ago. She joins Dr. Alana Gillhespy who does surgery one day a week.

“We’re excited about our new director and veterinarian. We’re hoping to expand our services,” said clinic cofounder Anne Munford who also serves on the Board of Directors.

Barbu worked at a large animal practice before becoming a stay-at-home mom. She’s happy returning to the work force as a parttimer.

Anne Munford, left, Dr. Karen “I love it here. It’s been Barbu with Tig, and Michelle a big eye opener for me,” Jones. Tig was abandoned in a Barbu said. She wasn’t cemetery and found by Kathy aware of the number of Goven who adopted her. Tig had homeless cats and dogs and her spay surgery at the clinic. the need for spay/neuter to combat overpopulation. She performs up to 30 surgeries per day.

In early February, Barbu fell in love with a shelter dog that had been brought in for surgery and offered to foster the pit bull mix.

Her husband and two daughters also fell in love and the family adopted the dog.

Jones said her number one goal is fund-raising. The clinic receives some grant money to help clients with the cost of surgery, but grants don’t cover general operating expenses.

The clinic is open three days a week, but Munford and Jones hope to increase that to four days, maybe five. They frequently schedule surgeries weeks in advance and commonly refer people to C-SNIP, a low-cost spay/neuter clinic in Grand Rapids.

Munford said the number of animals in need of surgery hasn’t slowed since they opened in 2010. “We need to find more medical personnel who have a passion for our mission.”

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

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