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Posted on Sun, Apr 3, 2011 : 1:52 p.m.

Humane Society of Huron Valley earns top honor as best large animal shelter in Michigan

By Lorrie Shaw

Tanya_Debbie (1).jpg

Photo courtesy of HSHV

Washtenaw County's very own Humane Society of Huron Valley does a phenomenal job of so many things, but do you really know the reach of their work?

What's the image that pops into your head when you think of HSHV? It's likely that what goes on in the day-to-day is very different than you might think.

The organization takes in all animals, whether they be unwanted, injured, stray or otherwise, and they adopt most of these animals back out to responsible homes.

The people who work and volunteer there also cultivate a culture of responsible pet ownership by way of education programs, assistance with training and even help with correcting behavioral issues with pets. Also, low-cost spay and neuter services are available.

Pet owners can go for help when a temporary financial burden or life-changing event occurs so that they can keep their companion animals, by way of the Safe Harbor and Bountiful Bowls programs.

Assistance with reuniting lost pets with their families is part of what HSHV does, too.

Providing 24-hour rescue services for sick or injured stray animals, the Cruelty and Rescue division responds to cases of cruelty and neglect reported by residents.

They cover a lot of areas with regard to the care of pets, and they do it well — so well, in fact, that on March 25, they were honored with the Outstanding Large Shelter award by the Michigan Pet Fund Alliance at the first No Kill Conference in Ann Arbor.

HSHV was ranked No. 1 among all large shelters in Michigan, and with a current save rate of 81 percent, it's no wonder.

"We are very honored by this award,” Tanya Hilgendorf, HSHV executive director, wrote in a news release.

“I accepted the award, but it is certainly not mine … it belongs to our staff and volunteers who provide the love, refuge, protection, and new beginnings to the lost, hurt and abandoned. It is created through the magical alchemy of their blood, sweat and tears. It is also for our board members, donors, and government officials who believe in what we are doing and make sure we have the support to do it well. Being truly successful is always a story about love and about perseverance. When you have both, you can’t be stopped from meeting your goals.”

Representatives from rescue organizations and animal shelters in the small, medium and large category were in attendance at the important event.

HSHV shares some of the same goals as other animal welfare groups. Because of that, people make the mistake of assuming that they are somehow tied together, which is unfortunate.

“Some people believe that all humane societies are governed by one organization or receive money from other agencies," Hilgendorf writes.

"That is not the case. All animal welfare groups are completely independent and do not share donations. It’s important that people do their homework when deciding where their donor dollars are going and which organizations are really saving lives. It’s up to community members to demand more from the organizations caring for the homeless pets in their hometowns.”

So, the next time that you are considering where your support for companion animals is directed — whether it's financial or otherwise — consider wisely. You have the highest-rated facility — which helps more than 10,000 small animals each year — and pet-related resource right in your backyard.

Read more about the award, and the ranking of other large animal shelter rankings by clicking here.

Lorrie Shaw is lead pets blogger for AnnArbor.com and writes about various pet-related topics. She welcomes your contact via email, and to follow her daily adventures as owner of Professional Pet Sitting on Twitter.

Comments

Bluefire

Sat, Apr 9, 2011 : 7:11 p.m.

Got our fourth (over a lifetime) dog there last year. They've all been fantastic dogs. (The cats seem to find us through other avenues.) Won't hesitate to go back for another furry companion whenever a space in our fur-covered house opens up.

Lorrie Shaw

Tue, Apr 5, 2011 : 4:05 a.m.

It's great to see all of the support that HSHV has! Thanks for all of your comments.

lovemypets

Mon, Apr 4, 2011 : 3:52 p.m.

By state law every county must have a facility that handles stray animals. They county is responsible for making sure stray animals have a place to go. Some counties have an animal control and an animal shelter. From what I've seen most animal control places are not in the business of adoption and most of the animals that go there are euthanized. Unless you donated directly to the new shelter's capital campaign, you really did not pay for the new shelter. I went to the meetings and yes, while the county does pay a little each year for stray hold because they must by state law (and believe me it's not a ton and probably doesn't even cover the real costs at HSHV), in general our tax dollars do not support the local humane society. I'm glad we have the Humane Society of Huron Valley in this county. They do an amazing job for the homeless animals. It's not the animals fault that they end up in shelters – it's people who do not spay and neuter and people who shouldn't have a pet to begin with that keep HSHV in operation.

aawolve

Mon, Apr 4, 2011 : 3:21 p.m.

Congratulations on the recognition HSHV, and keep up the good work. They run a tight ship there, I was impressed by my visit.

Townie

Mon, Apr 4, 2011 : 3:05 p.m.

Se recently adopted a new pet from HSHV and hadn't been there before and were very impressed with the facility as well as the people (great, dedicated volunteers esp.). Keep up the good work HSHV!

20/20

Mon, Apr 4, 2011 : 1:54 p.m.

It better, we paid enough for it.

Bob Martel

Mon, Apr 4, 2011 : 12:39 a.m.

I am very proud of the HSHV and everyone associated with it. Keep up the good work!!!!!

Huron74

Sun, Apr 3, 2011 : 8:06 p.m.

Did the animals vote?

RunsWithScissors

Sun, Apr 3, 2011 : 7:55 p.m.

I love this place. It's too bad I've never seen the new digs. I'm such a softie when it comes to animal welfare than I can only send donations from afar (the check's in the mail). When I'm actually in an animal rescue facility I start crying so hard that I can barely see straight. A tragic animal story can send me into an emotional tailspin. Kudos to all of you who work at HVHS. I lack the courage & grace to do what you do.

RunsWithScissors

Sun, Apr 3, 2011 : 9:23 p.m.

Thanks bedrog. I'm already the owner of a lovely dog and the caretaker of five cats (all of 'em are rescues). I believe you when you say that HVHS is a happy place. Yet while at animal rescue shelters I'm reminded of other pets who can't, didn't make it to a happy place. Color me sappy but I'm content to send cash & supplies instead of volunteering. Besides, if I showed up at HVHS I'd be tempted to take everyone home with me and that's just plain greedy.

bedrog

Sun, Apr 3, 2011 : 8:16 p.m.

given the HSHV's low kill and high placement rate, its actually a pretty happy place... volunteering there is fun and a great way of getting a " pet fix' without the sustained responsibility ( i have cats, which are easy ... and once had ( and love) dogs but don't want to own another...so i walk them at the hshv and that gives me my canine contact without midnight poop calls, scratched floors and haired up furniture. Consider volunteering.

Dog Lover

Sun, Apr 3, 2011 : 7:13 p.m.

Way to go HSHV! What a great honor and well deserved. Sadly, the Michigan Humane Society, the largest and richest humane society in the State of Michigan ranks amongst the lowest in saving lives. With 3 shelters, it would seem they would do better. Remember who saves more lives when donating to shelters. >>>>> Michigan Humane Society = 28% save rate (3 shelters combined)

bedrog

Sun, Apr 3, 2011 : 6:26 p.m.

As a volunteer there, this is the only institution i have ever been involved with ( including 2 major universities) that i have absolutely nothing snarky to say about. It is an incredibly well-run place with a top notch, dedicated paid staff ...and does a great job of animal care and placement.

julieswhimsies

Sun, Apr 3, 2011 : 2:24 p.m.

agree! HVHS is doing great work for homeless animals. *sending a donation today*