PET PROTECTOR INGHAM COUNTY ANIMAL SHELTER FUND | DECEMBER 2017

NEW SHELTER PLANS PROGRESSING Groundbreaking Expected in Spring 2017

Plans for the new shelter for Ingham County Animal building and will have many features to ensure the health Control are taking shape. The new shelter, funded and well-being of the animals, including indoor/outdoor by a millage passed by Ingham County voters and kennels for some of the dogs, larger cat enclosures, and supplemented with donations, will be built near the modern air handling to reduce spread of diseases. The current shelter on the Sheriff’s Department campus in shelter will also be designed to provide better service Mason. The shelter will be located by the District Court to the citizens of Ingham County with separate areas building and Drain Commission office on the north end of for guests adopting and those relinquishing animals or the County property. Keeping the shelter on this County reclaiming lost pets. complex saved the expense of purchasing land, provides good access to maintenance and other County Services While there is still a lot of work to be done before the and provides the shelter with excellent security. ribbon is cut on the new shelter, we are well on our way to having a great new facility for the animals and citizens of The architecture and construction management team has Ingham County. been diligently working with shelter and other County staff on planning for the new facility. The floor plan for the shelter is very near completion as the architects refine each version of the plan, incorporating input from the shelter staff. As this schematic design phase reaches completion, design development is ramping up and specific materials, finishes, furnishings, and mechanical systems are being selected and designed.

Ground-breaking on the new shelter is expected to happen in the spring of 2017 and construction should take approximately 10 months. The new shelter will be more modern and efficient than the current 45 year old BISSELL EMPTY THE SHELTER EVENT October 14th, 2017 On October 14th, ICAC was one of over 75 shelters Another difference between this event and the previous in Michigan that participated in the highly anticipated spring event was that we had a lot of kittens available for “Empty the Shelter” event, which was sponsored by adoption this time. Adopters found it hard to resist their Bissell Pet Foundation. During these events, Bissell bright eyes and playful antics as they showed off their Pet Foundation covers the adoption fees for qualified best games. Our older, more mature cats were also on adopters, and provides each newly adopted pet with a their best behavior, purring in laps and “head-butting” starter kit that includes food, treats, toys and some home everyone in sight. cleaning products. At the end of the day, although our shelter was not The day started out slow due to a downpour of rain; completely empty, we still knew that we were part of a however, once the doors opened, people kept coming in bigger picture – across the state of Michigan, the Bissell Pet and checking out the adoptable animals. At the end of the Foundation had helped create a significant “win” in helping day, eight dogs and eighteen cats had found new homes thousands of shelter animals find new homes. and people to love them.

Lots of caffeine and doughnuts and pizza fueled our rockstar volunteers while they slogged through the rain to make sure every adoptable dog was shown off to potential adopters. The volunteers who have participated in these events have said that it is one of the best ways to spend a volunteer day, since they know the event has such a big impact on the animals. DOG HOUSE PROGRAM

The Ingham County Animal Control Dog House Program is Weather professionals are predicting that this will be a more our way of helping pet owners with outside dogs through severe winter than last year, so we are preparing for more the winter. Each year ICAC supplies twenty to thirty residents families in need. At this point there are about 30 dog houses with dog houses to make sure their pets have proper shelter. donated or promised to the program; depending on the Unfortunately this year going into fall, ICAC didn’t have any requests this year, we may have already met our minimum dog houses to start the season with, so ICAC reached out to goal, but the more houses and resources we have, the more the community, and there was an overwhelming response! families we can help! Dog houses were being donated across the mid-Michigan area; staff and volunteers were kept busy driving a shelter Thank you to all of our great community members who van near and far, picking up dog houses that citizens were have helped, and continue to help, to make this program a willing to donate; people were also bringing them to the success! BISSELL EMPTY THE SHELTER EVENT shelter in Mason and to the Outreach Center in Lansing.

October 14th, 2017 Some generous donors made monetary contributions to purchase new dog houses. These newly purchased dog houses come unassembled, so Animal Control Officers will be able to keep one in their vehicle at the ready if they end up at a home in need.

Lansing Community College construction framing students also contributed dog houses specifically for this program. These dog houses are huge and (as you can see in the photo) very sturdy. They will last for years at whatever home they end up at. Preuss Pets jumped in to help transport these dog houses to the shelter – it really does take a community!

Thanks go to the employees of Preuss Pets for transport of these dog houses! 4TH ANNUAL HALLOWEEN PARTY

This past October, we hosted our 4th Annual Halloween Party supporting ICASF, the Heroes and Villains Masquerade Ball. This year was our largest event by far, with nearly 150 shelter supporters dressed as popular heroes and villains from comics and film. The evening included a professional pumpkin carver, a silent auction, a costume contest, and a dance floor that was full throughout the night. The event raised over $7,000 to support the animals at Ingham County Animal Shelter!

Guests were treated to unlimited desserts from Bake N' Cakes and Whipped, enjoyed massages from Creative Wellness, and were able to take part in a scavenger hunt to win cool prizes. The party took a crazy turn when shelter mascot, Chippy, broke out of the shelter and convinced the Imperial Force to kidnap the DJ in hopes of getting $100 in ransom to help his shelter friends get vaccines. Thanks to the generous party attendees, Chippy was more than successful, and the DJ was returned unharmed! The party then safely continued with psychic readings, caricature drawings, and signature drinks from American Fifth Spirits.

A huge thank you to the planning committee, sponsors, and volunteers that made this event possible. We'll see you next year! HAPPY TALES

A HAPPY ENDING FOR MONTY AND NEAPOLITAN

MEET MONTY November 6th was a great day at the shelter; two of the longest The staff and term residents of the shelter were adopted. Monty, a big, goofy volunteers didn't give lab mix without any manners to speak of, was one of the two up; they worked with long term residents that had come to the shelter in August. He Monty on his manners was large and had an overwhelming way of greeting people, so and took him on he was quickly passed over. As the weeks went on and the dogs special outings to get around him were adopted, Monty became aloof with potential him more exposure, adopters. They would take him out to the play yard and he would and finally someone wander around by himself. Most people want a dog that shows saw Monty's potential. some interest in them, so they would end up taking a different After 81 days, Monty dog home. It became a vicious cycle where the more Monty was had someone of his passed over, the more aloof he became, which caused him to own! continually be overlooked by potential families.

MEET NEAPOLITAN The second special adoption on November 6th was for an even After 146 days at the longer term resident! Neapolitan was a sweet, shy kitty who shelter, Neapolitan came in to the shelter in June with a large group of cats from finally had her forever a hoarding situation. The cats in this group were all given "ice family! We are so cream" names in honor of the beginning of summer, our busiest grateful to the special season of the year. These cats spent a month or so getting healthy people who are willing before becoming available for adoption. The kittens and the more to take a chance on outgoing of the group were adopted fairly quickly, and the shyer adopting the animals ones were adopted slowly over the next couple of months. But that are a little bit more Neapolitan found the shelter to be overwhelming and would hide scared or shy or less at the back of her cage so that few people could see how sweet mannered – each one she was. It wasn't until November 6th that someone saw past her of them deserves a fear and took a chance on her. Her adopter stopped by the shelter happy loving home! several weeks later to let us know that although Neapolitan was still spending part of her time hiding, she was coming around and feeling more at home, and she was purring whenever she would see her adopter.

Two more happy endings thanks to many members of the animal loving community: Good Samaritans, local vets, the Animal Shelter Fund, ICAC and – most importantly – all our supporters who provide us with the resources we need to go the extra mile for sick and injured animals that come to our shelter. EMPLOYEE & VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT Employee Spotlight Volunteer Spotlight Officer Caitlyn Budzinski Mary Ann Schropp

Animal Control Ingham County Officer of the Year Animal Control Caitlin Budzinski has volunteer Mary Ann always loved helping Schropp had always animals and people, loved animals, but and these two goals did not have much have played tug-o- experience with war with her for years. animal shelters. This As a youngster, she changed when her thought of being a dog Belle ran away veterinarian. When from the home of a friend who was she got to college, watching her. Mary her desire to help Ann dedicated people led her to herself to finding study English with Belle and was the goal of being a successful after 22 teacher. Eventually Caitlin found a way to help both animals and long days. While the real happy ending to this story is Mary Ann people – working as an Animal Control Officer. Caitlin loves the one and Belle being reunited, another positive outcome was that it on one interaction she has with people as an ACO, especially when gave Mary Ann a thorough education in the role that shelters play she can help them take better care of their pets. in finding lost pets and how social media helps shelters, rescues, and concerned people work together to reunite lost animals with ACO Budzinski joined ICAC in April of 2014 after working at Capital their owners. Area Humane Society and at several vet clinics. Besides honing her animal skills in these jobs, she independently pursued animal Mary Ann got her chance to put this newfound appreciation control and cruelty investigation training through the National of shelters to action when her friend, Dr. Worthington, ICAC's Animal Care and Control Association. This background along with veterinarian, reached out and asked if she would help with the her passion for animals, her attention to detail, her excellent writing veterinary care of a number of cats brought in from a hoarding skills and her determination to do good, have served her well in situation. Dr. Worthington knew that Mary Ann had grown up her career. Despite only being an ACO for 3 ½ years, Caitlin was on a farm and thought she might be a good candidate to be a named the 2017 Michigan Animal Control Officer of the Year by the medically trained volunteer. Although Mary Ann actually had a Michigan Association of Animal Control Officers (MAACO). very limited veterinary background, she jumped in with both feet and became a very valuable asset to ICAC's veterinary program. Becky Neal, MAACO President and an ACO in Eaton County, was pleased to be part of the board that selected Caitlin as ACO of the Mary Ann has volunteered at ICAC for about 2 1/2 years. She assists in surgery every Tuesday and other days as her schedule year and said “I’ve worked with Officer Budzinski and have been allows. She loves to clean - ears, teeth, surgical instrument, laundry very impressed by her professionalism and work ethic.” The always - skills that are very much in demand at the shelter. Mary Ann also modest Budzinski said she “…is honored to have been chosen volunteers at the ICAC Outreach Center, both during regular days Michigan ACO of the Year, “by her colleagues. Caitlin also wanted and at the monthly low cost vaccine clinics. She campaigned for to make sure any recognition includes all the great staff at ICAC the ICAC millage and has helped with a number of fundraisers. and our law enforcement partners who she works with to help animals. Mary Ann sums up her experience volunteering at ICAC by saying, "When I retired, I realized that I missed the camaraderie Caitlin has a pitbull named Piglet, two cats – Cloud and Atari – and that comes from meeting people, having shared experiences, the most recent addition to her pet family, a cockatiel named Little and the feeling of accomplishment. Also, for me personally, Hooty that she adopted from ICAC in November. volunteering at ICAC was an opportunity to do something that was out of my comfort zone. After a career in administration, volunteering at ICAC was something entirely different...and there is something new to learn every day. I highly recommend volunteering at ICAC. I have heard some say they couldn't volunteer at a shelter because they can't stand to see dogs and cats confined....but they are confined for their health and safety... and by volunteering, you can help by taking the dogs for walks, or helping at adoption events, or raising funds to buy supplies, or helping at a vaccination clinic....or come help wash hundreds of stainless steel bowls that are used every day." EMPLOYEE & VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT IN OUR HEARTS FOREVER

IN HONOR Children's Literature Team Joyce Alden Harvey and Bethany Adams Tammy and Scott Stidham Amy Lazet Harry Levins In memory of Alan and Michelle Albert In memory of In honor of Joanna Bosse Jeffrey Alden Patricia Fisher Monty Laura Lazet Stephanie Alnot Avis Glenn Sylvia Stevens Jan Isaacs Beverly Page Wendi and James Valentine Roxanne Williams In memory of Jeanne Johns Don and Mary Vanderlaan Daria Hyde In honor of Hannah Obbink In memory of Dennis and Sharon Whipple Sharon Sue Emmert and Terry Roger Doss A.J. Johns Dan and Sheila Fulger Grant Martha Z. Freeman Mason Post Office Eileen Ford Laura Bennett Carol Pixley Dan and Ann Carter Russell and Judith Whipple Kathy Valentine and Gretchen In honor of In memory of Lisa Gorman Gary and Kathleen Cosgray Smith Sabrina Rawson Janice Zimmerman Ronald Graber Vicki Murphy John Wales Ann Holmes Debbie Casagranda - Schartzer In memory of Maxine and Sharon Thome State Bar of Michigan Gus and Katie Lo Linda Korreck Von Haney In honor of In memory of Gary and Colleen Miller In memory of Their Marriage Tom Conner Amanda Pugh Dale Harrison Lorna Guile Memorial Fund Linda Remus In memory of Laura Martinez Otto Schubel Goshen Hospital Spike In honor of Karla Harkness Angelos and Betty Vlahakis Rex and Clarisa Miller Maxine and Sharon Thome Louise Rabidoux Sandra Walter Karen Hendrick David Austen In memory of David Trierweiler John and Maria Mikulski In memory of Bethany Gavett Robert Every David Aumiller Shirley Businski Maxine Lechlitner In honor of Ron Emery and Sherry Bond Pamela Babcock Meadow, a shelter dog Lindsey Nicholson In memory of Richard Bissell Ruth Grant In memory of Patrick Bohnet Marlene Cosgrove Ronald S. Thies Lee Ann Cushion Mike and Annie Farrell's Tim Hondorp Mike and Vicky Crosby In honor of Dog, Buffalo Matthew and Vicki Bade David and Cindy Langdon Bill and Judy Hunt Officer Sarah Schertel Linda and Nigel Booth Nichole Martin Bonnie Hunt-Myers Barbara Coey Christopher and Laura Maria Smyka & Family Stan and Kathy Ihnen Darcy Wildt Ann and Tom Craig Gaechter Erik Altmann and Kathy Wayne and Connie Kreiner In honor of Bob and Sue Dutcher Gene and Karen Lapko Swedlow Steve and Cindy Manko and Jerry Dahlen Linda Gallagher JulieAnn and Dan Moore Melissa Szasz Family Robin and Steve Halstead Todd and Cheryl Morell Jessica Waldecker Steve Parish Maggie Tilden Fred Kane and Sandy Mr. and Mrs. Newberry Bailey Community Association Judy Soule Jim and Mart Vanada Davenport-Kane Dave and Lori Strycharz Marty and Shari Saltzman In memory of John and Laura Lazet Richard and Pam Merritt Dart Container Corporation Warren Bontrager Sandra Kay Parsons In honor of Marcie Scott and Family Kristen Whise Steven Hughey Amy Lazet and Shirley Reynolds Martin Saunders Nick and Clarice Waldecker Gene and JoAnna Smith Shahid Nazrulla William Whittaker and Ron Andrew Boyle Goshen Physicians In memory of Gusler In memory of Carrie Lewis Clarence D. Smith, Jr. Laura Mosher Deanna Whittaker Paul Blunt Pete and Deb Plastrik In honor of Stanley Whittaker Jr. Rebecca Smyka Alex and Teresa Pugh Ken and Janet Mosher Don and Marcia Austreng Cammie Cavanaugh Marble Elementary School Glen and Gale Gardner Don and Bonnie Leonard In memory of Robert McElmurry In memory of Pamela Wadsworth In memory of Brian Cavanaugh Mary Morrissey Burpee Fred Harris In honor of Tom Ellis Dr. David and Mrs. Anita Wolf Colin Cavanaugh Merle Doyle David Castro and Becky Payne Susan Molstad Ruth Zarka, DVM In memory of Winnie Barbara White In memory of Elizabeth Knapp In memory of Pumpkin Hosler Family Pansy and Sable In honor of The Wood Family Gary and Sharon Purdy Jessica Bloomfield and Chandru and Kiran Shahani Teresa Brundage Bob Wood and Ruthi Amber Mullins Sara Vanover Anup and Lavina Hundiwal Mayfair Bar - Bret, Aaron, Bloomfield Christine Klecha and Mark MSU Healthteam Pharmacy Dominic, Will & Dusty Stacy Fernandez In memory of Jetta IN MEMORY Staff In memory of Ally Henderson Richard and Janice Bernsten In memory of Judy Fraidenburg Nell Kuhnmuench Melissa Weipert Joel and Nancy Shepperly Scott Bonjour Vicki and Ed Shannon Mary Lou Terrien Christine Perry Laura Langhals In memory of In memory of Anita Skeen Nancy Doty In memory of James Cuddeback, MD Eileen Petroskey Cynthia Herfindahl In memory of AJ Johns Janine and Steve Certo Rocky Gregg Rydahl Roger Wood Kris Ostrom Leslie Adams Judy Darnell In memory of Elizabeth Schultz Sarah MacHugh Janet Kaley Lorna Guile Linda McMillian Davis Ryan Smith In memory of In memory of Ruby Rovert and Donna Schaible George and Ida Stockman Herman MacHugh, ICAC Victory Murphy and Family Warren Foshaug Lindsay Wexler Alumnus 2000 Nancy Boris Lucas Gilchrist In memory of Pamela Newsted In memory of Chris Hallead Tinuviel Todd Obbink Mike and Judy Lamphere Bitches the Cat In memory of Robin Carey Beratta Cary Rydahl Jody Marquardt Matthew Koehler In memory of Michael and Denise Long In memory of Suzanne Knezek and The Carrie Ann Shellhorn In memory of Sparty Earl Rawson Ingham County Animal Shelter FUND P.O. Box 238 Mason, Michigan 48854

WWW.ICASFUND.ORG

HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS! OPEN YOUR HOME AND YOUR HEART

Every year ICAC has to close for several days over the holiday If you are interested in more information, please season. While most of us spend this time with our loved contact Kate Turner at 517-676-8318 or via email ones, shelter pets are still waiting for their “fur-ever" homes. at [email protected] We want to make sure all the adoptable pets at ICAC get to enjoy their holiday season, too! We are looking for anyone who has the time and the space to care for another pet the last two weeks in December. Our goal is to show these pets that they have not been forgotten, and remind them what it is like to be part of a family again. Pets in foster homes are 80% more likely to be adopted into forever homes. Will you be able to make a difference for a homeless pet this holiday season?

The Home for the Holidays Foster Program sets families up with a temporary four-legged house guest, from the week before Christmas to the week after New Years.

These short-term foster families take animals in, care for them as if they were their own, and hopefully introduce them to friends and family and find them their forever home.