Long thought of as a place where people took their aging, sick or unwanted pets to be euthanized, the Humane Society and Animal Rescue of Muskegon County (HSAR) is working tirelessly to shed that image.
Since a major reorganization of the shelter leadership and the governing board of directors in the Fall of 2011, HSAR is setting its sights on a goal of becoming a no-kill animal shelter.
But, before that can happen, the first order of business is to refurbish their image and reputation in the community.
Led by executive shelter director Heidi Yates, former executive director of Harbor Humane in Ottawa County, and board president William T. Gruppen, HSAR is re-establishing themselves as a caring and compassionate shelter organization.
“When I arrived, the condition of the shelter was definitely a challenge”, says Heidi. With little more to go on than her experience, enthusiasm and leadership, Heidi set out to return HSAR to its original mission of being a safe haven for the community’s abandoned and homeless animals.
To begin, the entire facility was cleaned from top to bottom and then every square inch was re-painted. Cleaning procedures were instituted and the staff trained to maintain a spotless and odorless environment. The lobby was reconfigured and remodeled to be more welcoming to those who stopped by looking for a pet.
“Having a clean, pleasant facility is the first step towards getting the public to view us as a place where they can find a healthy pet”, says Heidi, “but, it’s not the only step.”
Heidi immediately put a stop to the practice of taking any and all pets, no questions asked, for the purpose of euthanizing. Now, when someone tries to bring in a pet to be put down, the staff will try to convince them to consider other options given the circumstances and, if allowed, will work with them to try and keep the pet in the home.
“Sadly, it’s often quickly apparent that there is no compassion being felt by the owner towards the pet. So, we’ll take the animal and make it feel a welcomed member of our family here at the shelter. We are not going to euthanize any animal unless it is irreversibly ill, injured or aggressive. And, that’s only after exhausting every possible alternative.”
HSAR is partnering with a group of local veterinarions, to provide assistance with injured and sick animals whenever possible, before they are made available to a new home.
“Every pet that leaves HSAR is spayed or neutered, to ensure there is not a next generation and next generation after that ending up in a shelter”, Heidi says. “It’s one, small, important step in reducing the number of animals entering the shelter system.”
The staff works hard to find a new home for every animal that comes through their door. Through their continually updated website, Petfinder listings, social media channels like Facebook, expanded open hours and frequent adoption events, they are making it easier than ever for the public to stay connected and find their next pet at HSAR.
“The adoption events are key”, says Heidi, “Especially the ones we hold at Petsmart and Chowhound. While pictures on the web are nice, they can never be as powerful as actually meeting the animal in person, whether you are actively looking for a pet or not. It’s important to give the animals as much exposure as you can and be where the people are. Plus, you get to meet so many good people, many of whom are unfamiliar with, or have a bad impression of HSAR. Adoption events give us many more opportunities to find that perfect home for our animals, tell our story and make new friends for the organization.”
For a small shelter working to overcome a less-than-gleaming reputation, the number of monthly adoptions continues to be a pleasant surprise. So, while the hard work and dedication is showing results, there continues to be much more to be done.
The Humane Society and Animal Rescue of Muskegon County has been serving the area for over thirty-five years and has rededicated themselves as caring and compassionate advocates for the area’s companion animals and the people who love them.
If you’d like to know more about HSAR, join them as a volunteer, become part of their foster home network, donate material or financial support, or find your new furry, family member, please visit their website or the shelter at 2640 Marquette Ave., Muskegon, Michigan.
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To read other recent articles related to West Michigan Dog Rescue, just click on "Thom Reisterer" at the top of the page. On behalf of all the abused and abandoned dogs in our area, thank you for keeping their hopes alive.
If you would like to receive an email alert whenever a new article related to West Michigan Dog Rescue is posted, please click on the “subscribe” button near the top of the article. It is free and anonymous. Thank you for reading and sharing this article. If you have story ideas related to West Michigan Dog Rescue operations or events, please send them to reistert@comcast.net. Please help be a voice for the voiceless.
To read other recent articles related to West Michigan Dog Rescue, just click on "Thom Reisterer" at the top of the page. On behalf of all the abused and abandoned dogs in our area, thank you for keeping their hopes alive.
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