Cherryland Humane Society Has New Volunteer to Take Photos for Website (December)

The dogs and cats at Cherryland Humane Society in Traverse City have a whole new look. No, they aren't wearing doggie tuxedos or kitty hats. What they have is a great new way to show themselves off on the Humane Society's website - they have volunteer photographer, Kimberli Bindschatel, taking great photos of them that really show off their personalities. Kimberli started taking the photos about a month ago and goes in to the shelter every week to take new pictures. She also has two volunteers who help her – Ellen Cohn is great with the cats and Laura Dagwell handles the dogs like a pro. Some animals are easier than others to deal with as some of them love the attention and some are leery of the flash. But each animal has beautiful eyes and a story to tell and Kimberli does her best to show that story in pictures.

Kimberli's friend Laura sent her a video about four months ago showing a professional photographer in Texas who had volunteered to take photos at a shelter. Because of this, the shelter's adoptions increased significantly. Kimberli knew that taking photos was her way to help the local pets who need to find homes - so she made a call to offer her talents. A photographer of 25 years, she knew she'd be able to capture the cat or dog's soul with the right lighting and waiting for the perfect moment to photograph them.

Kimberli also volunteers at the Boardman River Nature Center, playing Ollie the Otter, their mascot, among other volunteer activities. She has two dogs of her own, Tucker and Kloe, both nine-year-old Brittanys from the same litter.

Even if you aren't looking for new friend to adopt, please check out the website and see some of Kimberli's great photos on the Humane Society's website here.

If you are a rescue or shelter worker or volunteer, please check out this link at Petfinder to get some great tips on how to take great photos of your animals!

Sara’s Legacy Pet Sitters Adds to the Team
Paid Advertisement (December)

Sara’s Legacy Pet Sitters / Dog Walkers
announced today the addition of two new pet sitters to the team.

Jean Gibbons, a retired chemist, brings a huge love of animals combined with a lifetime of experience caring for and sharing a home with numerous dogs and cats. She is experienced with animals with special needs that require additional attention. “I generally make friends with animals easily,” Jean says. Susan Gibbons, owner, adds “I’ve seen timid dogs jump up to be on her lap when they wouldn’t allow anyone else to get close.”

The same last name is not a coincidence. “When I was considering who to bring on board to help out, I couldn’t think of a better person,” notes Susan. “I trust my mom with all my children, both the four-legged as well as the two-legged.”

Shiloh Wolfe is the newest member of the team, but has the most professional
experience, owning her own pet sitting business, Unity Pet Care in Burlington Vermont for over ten years. Shiloh, also has great affection, for all types of animals, both large and small from pocket pets to German Shepherds… and even reptiles. Shiloh also has experience working with special needs pets. “We are truly fortunate to have Shiloh bring
her tremendous experience to the team,” says Susan. “Her calm presence is a magnet for all.”

Sara’s Legacy Pet Sitters / Dog Walkers provides customized professional loving care in your pet’s most comfortable environment, their own home. The pet’s routine is kept intact with no imposition on family and friends. Mid-day dog walks are available for those dogs needing a break during the middle of the day while their family is either away
or at work.

For more information call 231.632.2877 or go to the website here.

Feral Cats Now Resting a Little Easier With the Help of Local Rescue Group,
UN-Cats Feline Rescue
(November)

UN-Cats recently participated in the trapping of a feral cat colony in Copemish. They worked with All About Animals Rescue out of Warren and Carol's Ferals to transport the cats downstate for spay/neuter so that more homeless feral cats wouldn't be born. In the end, they were able to spay 11 female cats and neuter 9 male cats.

The cats have a loving, elderly caretaker who looks after them but she has fallen on hard times so any help with food, litter or blankets would be appreciated. If you are interested in helping, you can contact Mandie at UN-Cats on how to donate to help.

Six of the kittens were able to be put up for adoption through UN-Cats and the others were released back into the colony.

Photo credits: UN-Cats and All About Animals. For more photos, please click here.

Winter Pet Care Tips
By Lori S. Mohr (via BestFriends.org)
(November)

Water.
Active dogs need as much water, or even more, in the winter than they do in the summer. Make sure that outside water supplies do not freeze. De-icers are available from pet supply catalogs, and run from $15.00 to $40.00. You can also purchase them from hardware stores.

Antifreeze.
Keep your pet away from antifreeze. Poisoning takes only a couple of licks. Antifreeze may lurk in your garage on your driveway.

Road Salt.
Keep your pet away from road salt. This chemical compound can cause painful burns to an animal's feet, tongue, and mouth. Wash it off immediately. Long-haired dogs can track in the chemicals on their body hair.

Snow.
Don't let your dog wander away in the snow. Scent, sound, and landmarks may become confusing, making it quite easy for dogs to become lost.

Keeping Warm
During the winter, dog sweaters are great for keeping long hair clean, dry, and away of chemicals. They are also wonderfully warm and cozy.

Animal Shelter Tour 2011
(November)

In the month of October, I decided to visit some shelters that I have never been to before. These included the Little Traverse Bay Humane Society, Charlevoix Area Humane Society, Kalkaska County Animal Control and the Second Chance Ranch and Rescue. You can read about these visits and other animal welfare places I've taken a tour of by clicking here.

Michigan Group Joins National Campaign to End Petland Puppy Sales (November)

A group of Michigan citizens have joined a popular campaign on Change.org calling on Petland to stop selling pets and support pet adoption instead. Pam Sordyl, founder of the Puppy Mill Awareness Meetup of Southeast Michigan, started a campaign on Change.org demanding that the Petland branch in Novi, MI stop selling puppies purchased from commercial breeding facilities known as "puppy mills" and support pet adoption.

For more on this story, please click here.

D.O.G. Bakery in Traverse City Helping to Raise Funds for Local Animal Organizations (November)

The D.O.G. Bakery is teaming up with The Traverse City Toxic Cherries to help raise much needed cash for area animal rescue organizations.

Buy a Frisbee for $2.50 and more than $1 will go directly to local animal groups, including AC Paws, HOPE and the Cherryland Humane Society.

Feral Cats Cleared out of Leelanau Forfeited Home and Taken to Cherryland Humane Society - Fate Unknown (October)

At least 34 cats were taken from the home of Robert Steven Saffell in Cleveland Township last week after his unfinished house was taken over by the township. This was a result of Saffell's inability to abide by the earlier settlement agreement over the property after he was sued by the township and Leelanau County for not paying property taxes over the course of several years and violating county and township codes and ordinances.

The cats were living in and outside of the home. The homeowner had been at the house about 20 years and most of the cats were born there. Saffell had not spayed or neutered any of them and he also allowed strays to move in with his colony.

According to Leelanau Animal Control officer Paul Peschel, upon arrival at CHS and assessment by staff, a small number of the animals were health compromised and needed to be euthanized. All the cats were taken to CHS because Leelanau County has a contract with them to accept "all dogs and cats impounded by (Leelanau) animal control". Normally, Leelanau County does not deal with cat issues, nor do they take them to Cherryland but this was a unique and unusual circumstance. Because this was a large event with health/welfare circumstances and court involvement, Leelanau County animal control was asked to take control of the situation.

The homeowner assisted Leelanau Animal Control early on, putting the cats he could handle in carriers. That accounted for about a dozen or so cats. There were ten to twelve young cats who were four to six months old who were living in an outbuilding. Those cats were hard to handle and traps were needed to catch them. Although the homeowner had been feeding the cats on his property, these cats were so hungry that they willingly went into the traps for the food. Sometimes it only took about ten minutes to catch one. The animal control officer would then take them out of the trap and put them in a large carrier. This routine continued for several days. Included in the cat count was a mom and five nursing kittens that were caught early on. The description of the cats as "feral" was used because most of the cats were on their own. Although they occasionally received food, they were not contained, which resulted in neighbor complaints.

According to Leelanau Animal Control officer Paul Peschel, he believes that most of the cats would have been adoptable. As he was the one who caught most of them, he saw that they were being traumatized and upset by his handling. However, after a ride to Cherryland, most were settled and could be taken out with gloves. He thinks that there were probably five or six that appeared to have respiratory issues. He noticed that many had resulting runny eyes from the respiratory issues and most of the cats were very young. Many, he thought, would require a lot of veterinary care and expense.

Pet Friends Magazine has contacted Cherryland several times about the fate of these cats but has been unsuccessful in receiving an answer from their Board of Directors. President Jess Reed responded to the request through Mike Cherry by saying, "Because we are an adoption agency, much like a child adoption agency, we do not furnish information concerning individuals or groups bringing animals in; those adopting animals; or the status of the animals. We do that for obvious reasons, including protecting those involved with relinquishments and adoptions."

According to Peschel, the contract between Leelanau County and the Cherryland Humane Society states that CHS is supposed to provide the county with documentation of the outcomes of animals turned in by Leelanau County animal control. It is possible through these means that we might someday know the fate of these cats. But for now, we wait.

Secret Puppy Shoppers Test Pet Store Disclosure Practices (December)
Group finds Michigan pet stores would
be in violation of proposed Pet Lemon Law

Between March and September of 2011, Puppy Mill Awareness of Southeast Michigan members posed as puppy shoppers to question 23 Detroit-area pet stores about their suppliers, with the goal of supporting state wide disclosure requirements.  

“Breeder information, such as names and addresses, can help protect conscientious Michigan customers from unknowingly contributing to animal neglect and abuse at puppy mill operations.” said Pam Sordyl, the group’s founder.  

The investigation found that a total of 13 out of 23 establishments did not provide breeder names, 100 percent of the establishments did not provide details about the puppy's parents beyond sire and dam names, and 95 percent did not allow viewing of the parents.  

Click here to read the full investigation.

The group’s prior investigations, which included examining breeder shipping records, have revealed that puppy mill operations were supplying the same stores that claimed that all of their puppies come from reputable AKC breeders. Many of the stores stated that they work with local breeders, but USDA records show there are no USDA breeders in the Detroit area. 

“With disclosure requirements like those in S.B. 574, the proposed new Pet Lemon Law, pet stores would be held more accountable for working with licensed kennels.” said Sordyl. 

Kennels who sell to pet stores must be licensed by the USDA to sell wholesale. Licensing will ensure that the kennels are inspected – generally at least once a year. However, because USDA regulations are so minimal, licensing and inspections alone will still not ensure animals in breeding facilities are living in healthy environments. Because of this, Puppy Mill Awareness of Southeast Michigan suggests that the public avoid pet stores and choose to adopt an animal instead through local animal shelters, humane societies and animal rescue groups. 

“Buyers can make more informed decisions when purchasing their next family member with access to kennel information such as a breeder name and city.” said Sordyl. As of 2009, puppy buyers have access to kennel inspection reports and inventories online through the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) website.

“This disclosure survey will hopefully support the passage of disclosure requirements recently added to Senator Bieda’s Pet Lemon Law bill S.B. 574.” said Sordyl. 

Click here to read the entire text of S.B. 574.

MICHIGAN PET STORES SURVEYED:

1 The Family Puppy, Flint
2 The Family Puppy, Brighton
3 The Family Puppy, Roseville
4 The Family Puppy, Novi
5 The Family Puppy, Troy
6 Pawsitively Spoiled, Brighton
7 Shaggy Dog, Utica
8 Critter Pet Shop, Allen Park
9 Pet City Pets Wyandotte
10 Pet City Pets, Ypsilanti
11 Westland Dog Food Company, Westland
12 House of Pets, Garden City
13 Paws-n-Claws Pet Supplies, Eastpointe
14 Pollywood Pets & Acc Inc, Mt. Clemens
15 The Pet Place, Marine City
16 Barking Babes Pet Boutique, Fenton
17 Petland, Novi
18 Pet Station, Dearborn Heights
19 Downtown Hound Pet Center, Monroe
20 Teacups & Toys A Pet Boutique, Birmingham
21 Greenwood Pets & Plants, Warren
22 The Doggie Parlor, Eastpointe
23 Utica Pet Supply, Utica

The Puppy Mill Awareness Meetup of Southeast Michigan is working to end the mass production of dogs in commercial kennels ("puppy mills"). Our mission is to educate the public about the cruel cycle of commercial dog breeding and the pet store link. 

Contact:
Pam Sordyl, 734-718-7100
Email

Shooting Dogs in Michigan
By Georg Schluender (November)

I have heard some heated debates in Northern Michigan about shooting dogs that are chasing or being menacing to deer. It is the responsibility of the owner to take measures to train or contain a dog which preys on wildlife or domestic pets.  Only Michigan law officers can legally shoot a menacing dog and typically will not unless for fear of a lawsuit.

However many states such as Indiana have statutes providing that any dog known to have worried livestock or fowl or found roaming unattended may lawfully killed.  In Vermont, domestic pets “found wounding, killing or worrying another domestic pet or wolf-hybrid, a domestic animal or fowl may be killed" when reasonably necessary to prevent injury to the animal.” Ohio provides a dog that is chasing or approaching in a menacing fashion. Attempts to bite or otherwise endanger, kills or injures a person’s livestock, poultry, domestic animal, or other animal which is the property of another person can be killed at the time of that action. 

Alaska declares that any dog that “habitually annoys any wild deer, reindeer, sheep, cattle, horse, or other animal or bird either domestic or wild” may be lawfully killed. However, Alaska also includes the caveat that the owner, if reasonably identifiable, shall be notified and given reasonable opportunity to restrain the dog “at large” before it is lawful to kill it. In Wyoming imminent threat is not required to justify the killing, although it is not clear whether people other than the owner can lawfully kill the dog.

Still in Michigan there are many hook-n-bullet residents which follow the extreme laws of the wild west. Believing they have the right to shoot our dogs and in the last decade have found three dogs dead from gunshot wounds on rural roads and wilderness trails. Then there are those sick individuals who are simply getting away with murdering a family companion. I’m bothered by the fact of being threatened with someone shooting my family companion and not paying a penalty closer to murder. For the 1931 Act 328 of the Michigan Penal Code demands much more severe consequences then currently handed down:

(a) Imprisonment for not more than 4 years.

(b) A fine of not less than $5,000.00 or more than $50,000.00.

(c) Not less than 500 or more than 1,000 hours of community service.

While just last month Michael Hopkins of Fenwick when sentenced by Judge Hoort received only one year of probation, 200 hours of community service and $4,521.80 in veterinary restitution, plus additional court fees. Hopkins also had to forfeit his gun, write a letter of apology to the Crawford family and avoid any further contact with them. This happened in a residential area where children witnessed the crime and the dog’s leg was amputated.

Donald Williams of Greenville served only 93 days in jail for shooting his 7 year old beagle companion in the head and face.  Williams pleaded guilty to the fire arm charges in exchange for the prosecutor dropping the charges of killing an animal and reckless use of a fire arm. He had to also serve 2 years’ probation and was not allowed to own an animal in the future.

Scott Dorr Sutherland of Genesee County heinously tortured and killed three different family dog companions. Circuit Court Judge Geoffrey L. Neithercut even after hearing the emotional personal accounts of the families and Sutherlands no contest plea sentenced him to 180 days in a work release. He was also ordered two years of probation, must make restitution to the families affected by his crimes.

Kyle Luttrell of Niles was sentenced to only 1 year in county jail, to serve 200 hours of community service, and pay only $500 dollars in fines and restitution. After going onto his neighbor’s property and releasing their two family companions from the kennel and leading one of them back to his property. He then tied the dog to a tree and shot him multiple times.

Leniency isn’t given to the dog owner that doesn’t leash their dog in public so why would we do so for someone that shoots a families dog in a residential area with children present? I paid stiffer fines and restitution for playing mailbox baseball in the 80’s then these men did for “stealing” a family companion, torturing and killing. The prosecutors and judges are at fault as well for they are not even meeting the penal code minimums at sentencing. They can’t even recognize the dog as a living being that has been kidnapped, not “stolen,” from its family then tortured and killed. 

What happened to hanging the horse thief? As families with pet companions we need to be more vigilant when we hear of such animal abuse. Pet-Abuse.Com based in Southfield, NY keeps an update database with services and goals to assist in increasing public awareness regarding the connection between animal cruelty and violence in society. The website can help you contact the proper state authorities, prosecutors and judges regarding any of the 38 dog shooting cases or the 411 animal abuse cases still pending in Michigan courts. It is up to us to speak for those that can’t and make sure justice is served for their wrongful deaths.

Georg Schluender is the founder of DoggieTrek Fitness – “wellness for dogs and their human companions.”  A certified dog trainer with over 25 years of experience rescuing German Shepherds that currently resides in Traverse City and can be reached here.

A Pet Lover’s Ministry (October)

I first met Reverend Crystal Yarlott at an AC Paws fundraiser and adoption event where she was asked to conduct a Blessing of the Pets event. Often times, the pet is present for this blessing. Some people want a general blessing and others might have a sick pet that is in need of an extra special prayer. Crystal seemed to have a special gentleness and caring about her, as well as being very interested and attentive to the pets in attendance. As the years went on, I would often see her at local fundraisers, supporting animal rescue organizations to benefit cats and dogs in need. As I got to know her, I learned that animals have always been a part of her life and to her, taking care of her own pets and others in need is a very important part of who she is.

Reverend Crystal is the minister of Unity of Traverse City and she has been a minister for 22 years.

She was ordained in 1989 as part of the Unity centennial celebration class. She has served wonderful congregations in Georgia, Puerto Rico and Michigan. She considers Unity of Traverse City to be her all-time favorite church and Traverse City to be one of the most beautiful places in the entire United States.

Crystal grew up with animals and currently has four pets – three dogs and a cat. She has a two-year-old cockapoo named Reece who was supposed to be paralyzed from overbreeding at a Missouri puppy mill.

(above: Reece last spring)

Crystal thought the dog she would be getting would be a little slower and a good match for her older dog, so she was surprised to find out Reece wasn’t paralyzed at all and is a very spunky little dog. She recently said goodbye to her special soul dog, Clarissa, named after author Clarissa Pinkola Estes who wrote “Women who Run with Wolves.” The book recommended watching a dog's behavior as a way to discern love and loyalty. Wolves is a favorite of Crystal’s and helped to open her heart after she felt she had gotten estranged from people.

Crystal also has a Norwich terrier named Dutch who she’s had for about six months. "I'm a terrible foster Mom," Crystal admitted. "I was supposed to find him a new home but fell for his big brown eyes and steady gaze instead."

(above: Dutch when Crystal got him)

Dutch is currently on a strict diet program because his previous owner only fed him treats and didn’t take him on any walks for exercise. After the owner ended up in the hospital, Crystal and other neighbors walked Dutch and Winston, a dachshund cocker mix, while making adoption arrangements. But an incident made it clear to Crystal that she “had” to take him home. Crystal is grateful Dutch is now able to scratch his ears, a previously unattainable goal from being overweight. She is teaching him to walk with her on the treadmill, good for both of them come wintertime.

Her oldest dog, Mugsy, is 15 and she's had his since birth.

(above: Mugsy on the VASA)

She has a muted tabby cat named Nikki who came from  Cherryland Humane Society four years ago. She asked them which cat had been there the longest and was directed to Nikki, who had been there for nine months. Crystal took her home and hasn't regretted it a single day.

(above: Nikki)

When asked about her connection to pets, she says, “I love them. When I was a kid, I always knew I was going to have dogs (not kids). I love dogs. I get a lot of companionship from them. I’ve learn a lot from them…they’ll wag their tail at you no matter who you are or what you’ve done.”

When Clarissa died, Crystal threw out her Sunday sermon that day and talked about the experience of letting go  of someone so important to her. She knew others would relate. A pet who has been with you every day for many years is a big part of your life. She knows what it means to cope with an animal's death. Their unconditional love makes them very special family members. Although she has never officiated a pet funeral, she is open to conducting a funeral for a pet if asked.

One of Crystal's loves is officiating weddings (www.crystalyarlott.com). Through weddings, she supports animal welfare groups by tithing 10% to local and national animal rescue organizations. This can amount to a nice sum of money that is welcomed by just about any animal organization. In fact, she tends to get many wedding referrals from animal lovers throughout Michigan. Crystal contributes to local groups such as H.O.P.E. and AC Paw as well as national groups like Best Friends Animal Society, ASPCA and the North Shore Animal League. She has literature about some of our local animal welfare organizations in her church for people to read. 
She also has a prayer group made up of the CHS walkers where the group picks out a dog who has been at the Cherryland Humane Society for a long time. The dog is put on the church’s website and in the church's newsletter and the group prays for that dog’s adoption until they find the right new forever home.

For a while at Unity, people could bring their pets to Sunday service. However, some people complained about the noise and the pets restlessness, so bringing pets is no longer encouraged. Crystal feels a little regret over the decision, but understands not everyone loves dogs as much as she and many others at Unity do. She says, “Animals are a part of God’s creation and we have to learn how to get along together. They are not things that you can just leave at home and take them out whenever it suits you.” 

Many years ago as part of a prosperity program at Unity (where members are asked to give of their time and talents), Crystal decided to volunteer at the Cherryland Humane Society. During orientation, she learned about students from NMC who came over to the shelter to walk dogs. She didn’t really think much more about it. Then she came across a 12-year-old English Setter named Armstrong and while she was walking him, she noticed him limping. When she asked about the limping, the staff told her that he didn't get any exercise (the NMC students had gone home for the summer) and spent a lot of his time on his side in his kennel. She decided to go over to the shelter and make sure he got walked – and told others in the church about it. Word spread slowly but surely and soon there was a dog walking program started at the Humane Society. Five years later it’s such a popular program that there is a waiting list to walk the nearly 35+ dogs every day.

Crystal believes animals have a soul and they should be treated well and with respect. She doesn’t believe the lesson of caring is only in the Bible – but is written within a person’s heart. She says, “The same inspiration that inspired people to write the Bible is available now.” She thinks people can be in touch with who they are and don’t need an authority such as the Bible to tell them to be kind to animals or do the right things. Compassion and respect are part of being a good human being.

Weddings, counseling and special services are taking her on a new path in her life. She has decided to leave Unity in November and will be officiating weddings along with other creative pursuits in the future. She appreciates every aspect of the experience she has had and the people she has met along the way. She has been able to work with people and learn about herself – what she’s good at and what she likes to do. Chances are, no matter where her new opportunities take her, animals will play an important part in her spiritual journey.