Wet Nose Wednesday (4-14-21): Sunbathing Queen, Bella Marie
On Wednesday, April 14th, 2021 we talked with Amy from the Humane Society of West Michigan about a lot of different things...
This Week's Featured Pet is the Sunbathing Queen, Bella Marie!
This sweet hippo baby can take a little bit of time to warm up to new people, but once you win her over, she will love you forever! She's a laid-back girl who loves to nap in the sun, hang out with her people, and watch the world go by through the window. Once she's well-rested, she also likes to run and chase squirrels and would LOVE a big, fenced-in backyard! Bella Marie can be cautious and shy in new situations, so a quiet, routine home is exactly what she needs. Her ideal home will be one where she can be the center of attention as the only dog, with adults who can love and cherish her! Would you like to enjoy the sunshine with this snuggle pup?
If you're interested in adopting this sleeping beauty, visit our website at hswestmi.org,
or contact our adoptions department at adoptions@hswestmi.org!
Spring Equipment Fundraiser
Did you know that Humane Society of West Michigan sits on 28 acres of land, including two dog parks, a pond, and lots of trails for pet enrichment?
Spring is here, and they need your help raising the funds to clean up the grounds! They don't currently have the equipment needed to remove trees that have fallen into the walking trails during the winter, or unhealthy trees that might prove a danger to the dogs and volunteers. The hope is to give the entire grounds a good facelift, removing prickly weeds, clearing away debris, defining paths, and generally making the outdoor spaces better than ever for the pets in their care!
Please consider donating any amount you can to maintain the safety of the trails and parks, and in turn, improve the quality of life for rescue animals at HSWM!
HSWM Spring Blood Drive
Humane Society of West Michigan knows the importance of taking care of
the humans in our community, not just the pets! Join them on April 24th to donate blood, and give hope and strength to patients in need!
Versiti Blood, who is the only critical blood supplier to our local hospitals, is in desperate need of supply and will be stationed at our shelter on Saturday, April 24th, from 11am to 3pm. Plus, as a thank you, each donor will receive a spring-themed umbrella to keep
you dry during April showers!
Sign up through the link or FB event page to schedule your donor appointment today! https://www.facebook.com/events/5588081671203760
National Dog Bite Prevention Week
This week is National Dog Bite Prevention Week, and the perfect opportunity to draw your attention to the Always Ask Campaign! We'd like to encourage animal lovers to ALWAYS ASK the owner or handler of a dog if it’s okay to approach and meet them.
Dogs have boundaries too, just like humans! Some dogs need their space or don't want to interact--and that's okay! The purpose of this campaign is to help raise awareness to respect dog's needs, not our own.
When meeting a new dog, we often get excited and address the dog with body language that seems friendly to us, but might be threatening or scary to them. Avoid looking dogs directly in the eye, leaning over them, or reaching out to pet them on the head or back end right away. Instead present the dog with your side, crouch down, and let the dog come to you! If the dog is interested in pets, start with somewhere neutral like the shoulder or side, and pay attention to their body language to make sure they're comfortable with your touch.
Following these tips and tricks will help keep you, and any dog you come across, safe and happy! Share this advice to help educate your friends and family, and to learn more visit the website at hswestmi.org/always-ask-campaign.
Please visit www.hswestmi.org to view profiles and learn more about adopting!