Randy Burgin, Our Ferndale Hometown Hero

By Rose Carver

AFTER 40 YEARS OF WORKING IN HEATING AND AIR CONDITIONING, RANDY BURGIN FOUND HIS TRUE PASSION IN ANIMAL WELFARE.

His work was recently recognized when he won the inaugural Christina Mexicotte Inspiration for Outstanding Service Award for his volunteer service with the non-profit organization Michigan Humane, formerly known as Michigan Humane Society.

Burgin has always been a dog lover. Chase and Chuck, his two pit-mix rescues, go everywhere with him. His work as a volunteer at Michigan Humane began in April of 2019. His first post was in the laundry room at the shelter, but he has since worked his way up to becoming a canine photographer for the adoption website MichiganHumane.org.

He is very familiar with the dogs he photographs, as he is also a canine handler at adoption events and works in the behavior modification team, or the BMod Squad. The squad uses reward-based training methods, and Burgin knows first-hand how transformative their efforts can be.

IN 2022, OVER 840 DOGS RECEIVED BMOD AND WERE ADOPTED into their “fur-ever” homes. Burgin claims he doesn’t feel the same grief anymore when meeting an animal that has been abused or abandoned. Now, he simply wants to figure out how to help the dog heal. And that healing goes both ways; Burgin has a catchphrase in the animal welfare community: “These shelter dogs are enriching me more than I'm enriching them.”

Michigan Humane is the largest and oldest pet welfare agency in Michigan. With the goal of making Detroit the most humane city in the US, the non-profit aims to set an example for animal welfare agencies all over the country. They have a holistic approach to animal care. Instead of solely working with each animal on a case-by-case basis, they also provide community support.

Last year, Gleaner’s community food bank learned that pet owners were using human food to feed their animals, and they contacted Michigan Humane to swiftly solve this issue. Now, Michigan Humane accompanies Gleaner's at their offsite events to make sure animals are fed as well as their owners. In 2022, they distributed 1.6 million pounds of dog and cat food.

“AS MY TIME WITH MICHIGAN HUMANE GREW, I came to realize what a truly amazing organization I came into, not just for our pet adoptions alone, but also for all the people I get to cross paths with,” Burgin said. “Michigan Humane is a leader, a huge example setter, and sets a precedent in the animal welfare industry, where other animal welfare people and organizations can learn from us and make their communities a better and healthier place to live. In other words, we are the best!”

Michigan Humane will host its 34th annual Bow Wow Brunch on October 1st at Detroit's historic Eastern Market. The brunch will feature adoptable pets, a silent auction, and some food and drink items. Mark your calendars and check the website for more upcoming events.

Until then, remember: Michigan Humane is privately funded, so no donation is too small. You can support their amazing efforts by visiting their website michiganhumane.org/donate.