Erin’s Angels Rescue

By Elyse Apel

Erin Gilbert and her husband have dedicated the last decade to running Erin’s Angels Rescue, which they first founded in 2015.

A small, independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit animal shelter located in Branch County, this rescue is playing a critical part in saving the surrounding area’s dogs and cats from euthanasia.

With no employees, no large facility, and no days off, the couple runs the rescue out of their own home, caring for around 30 dogs and 30 cats at any given time. Erin says the need in the community is so great that they are always at full capacity.

“It’s gotten really bad,” she explains. “Every rescue is beyond full. That means people are getting desperate, even dumping their animals.”

While the Gilberts themselves have over 30 cats in their home, they also run a cat-only adoption center located in downtown Tekonsha. That center is operated by Joe and Jodi Waid.

In Branch County, Erin’s Angels is often the only option for cats.

“The Branch County Humane Society doesn’t take a lot of cats and Branch County Animal Aid stopped taking cats when the lady who fostered them left,” Erin explains. “We have an overwhelming amount of cats in the community that need homes.”

That means the Gilbert home and the modest adoption center now bear the brunt of the community’s need. Despite being at capacity, Erin says she always has room for one more, especially in emergencies.

Currently, Erin’s Angels Rescue is the first call for many local law enforcement agencies and for urgent medical cases.

“I often get calls in the middle of the night,” Erin says. “Even in the worst medical cases, we are ready to help and provide the animals with the medical care they need.”

Every animal that Erin’s Angels Rescue takes in receives full care.

“Every dog is spayed or neutered, dewormed, heartworm tested and treated if necessary,” Erin explains. “Cats are spayed or neutered, AIDS and leukemia tested and dewormed. The animals are fully vaccinated and put on monthly flea and tick prevention. We’ve had animals with leg surgeries, dentals, eye removals, even amputations. If an animal needs it, we do it.”

The shelter uses Fieldstone Vet in Jonesville, which Erin credits with providing tremendous support to her and all of the animals

in her care. The community can reach out to Fieldstone Vet directly to help support the shelter by giving money towards its bills. Any and all financial donations towards the shelter are greatly needed and beyond appreciated though, Erin explains.

“We have lots of local schools that will help us raise money. Several local businesses also give to us regularly,” Erin says. “I am amazed at the number of community members that have supported us through the years. We truly couldn’t do it without them.”

Despite being overwhelmed with animals, the Gilberts don’t just give animals away—they carefully place them in a loving home.

The first step for every potential adopter is to express interest in an animal to Erin, either on Facebook, through email, or by calling. There is then an application process every potential adopting family must complete.

“Your pets—past and present—must be fixed, kept up to date on vaccines, and if you have a dog, you must use monthly heartworm prevention,” Erin says. “If those things are not done, it’s a no.”

If the vet check is passed, the next step is a meet and greet. That is typically at the adopter’s home, especially for dogs. Erin says that is both to let the animal meet the family, but also to ensure it is a good environment.

“If people have kids or they don’t have a fence, I want to see if that dog is going to be a good fit,” Erin says.

For cats, the meet and greet isn’t always necessary. Especially for those visiting the adoption center, which is open every Saturday from 11 a.m.2 p.m. at 125 N Main Street, Tekonsha. The adoption fee for dogs is $300 and $60 for cats.

Ultimately, Erin says she hopes everyone in the community will step up to help solve the rescue crisis happening throughout the area.

“People really need to open their eyes and see how awful it is. Everybody needs to spay and neuter right now. It’s so bad.”

To donate or adopt, contact Erin’s Angels Rescue at (517) 398-4177. You can text or call that number. To see photos and more information about the animals available for adoption, follow Erin’s Angels Rescue on Facebook.