As a former user of online match-making Web sites, I remember the first question I’d ask a potential date - “Do you like pets?” If I heard any of the following bulleted answers below, my decision to continue chatting became an automatic "No thank you"

• I’m allergic to cats and dogs. • I’m not much of a pet person. • I’ve never had a pet, but I think they’re nice. • I like fish - does that count?

Call me an animal snob, most people do anyway, but I know that anyone who will be in my life for any length of time will need to love pets as much as I do. I think most true pet people would agree.

If you’re looking for love from a pet, please come to the Humane Society of Huron Valley and adopt, but if you’re looking for human love, we might be able to help in that category as well!

One day many of the staff members at the Humane Society of Huron Valley (HSHV) were talking about how they meet compatible people to date, and out of that conversation came an idea that we hope single pet people will embrace - Speed Dating for Animal Lovers.

Help animals in need at HSHV and meet other pet lovers by attending "Speed Dating for Animal Lovers" on Tuesday, March 23.

This fundraiser will benefit HSHV's Hardship Fund, which pays for critical veterinary services for low-income pet owners in our community that need assistance. Registration is $75, and includes appetizers and non-alcoholic drinks. All proceeds from the event go to the Hardship Fund. The event will take place in Ann Arbor and specific details on location and time will be given at the time of registration.

How Does it Work?
The structure of the event is quite simple. Singles are paired up to begin their first "date." Following seven minutes of conversation, a bell is rung, and the men move on to meet their next date. Following each date, participants mark on a card whether they would have an interest in meeting their date again. If (and only if) a mutual interest is noted, speed-dating organizers provide each party with the other's email address and/or phone number the day after the event.

How to Register
The easiest way to register for "Speed Dating for Animal Lovers" is to register online. You can also register by calling 734-661-3525. In both cases, we'll ask you a few questions about yourself and who you're looking for. After you've registered, you'll receive information on the exact time and location of the event. Please note, you must be 21 or older to register.

We hope you can join us!

Deb Kern is the Marketing Director for the Humane Society of Huron Valley. Deb can be reached at deb@hshv.org. The Humane Society of Huron Valley serves all of Washtenaw County, Plymouth and Canton. www.hshv.org