Tails in the News
Michigan Humane starts youth volunteer program
Younger pet lovers often want give back to the Michigan Humane Society (MHS), but state age requirements for volunteering in a shelter make it impossible. Starting in September, a new monthly program called “Pet Projects” is being offered by the MHS for volunteers ages 7-13 years old. “The youth outreach programs are another way for kids to get involved with MHS,” explains MHS Spokesperson Stephanie Baron. “We do receive quite a few inquiries for youth volunteer work, especially in the summer when kids are out of school and have a little extra free time.“ The MHS’s younger volunteers will work on a number of projects that will improve the lives of homeless pets in Michigan. Projects include making kitty forts, homemade blankets for animals, and doggie “pupsicles”— yummy treats made from dog food. The next “Pet Project” volunteer day is Oct. 13 from 3-4:30 p.m. at the Rochester Hills Center for Animal Care. For more information, visit MichiganHumane.org.
Rabies cases up in Michigan
State officials are reporting that rabies rates in Michigan are up this year, the highest they have been since the 1950s. Since the beginning of the year, 142 animals have tested positive for rabies in Michigan compared to only 49 at this time in 2006. Most of the animals that have tested positive are bats, however, and very few companion animals have been infected. The state reports 163 bats, three skunks, two cats, one dog, and one horse have contracted rabies this year. It is unclear what exactly has caused the increase in infections.
On a related note, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) announced on World Rabies Day—Sept. 7—that canine rabies in the United States has been eradicated. “The elimination of canine rabies in the United States represents one of the major public health success stories in the last 50 years,” says Dr. Charles Rupprecht, chief of the CDC Rabies Program. “However, there is still much work to be done to prevent and control rabies globally.” Canine-rabies elimination in the U.S. was achieved through implementation of dog vaccination and licensing, education, and stray dog control.
The eradication only refers specifically to the type of rabies transmitted from one dog to another. A canine could still contract the disease if bitten by a bat or other infected animal. “The elimination of dog-to-dog transmission of rabies does not mean that people in the U.S. can stop vaccinating their pets against rabies,” warns Rupprecht. “Rabies is ever-present in wildlife and can be transmitted to dogs or other pets. We need to stay vigilant.”
Bowling for Bunnies benefits nonprofit rescue
Help celebrate the Midwest Rabbit Rescue and Rehome’s (MRRR) second anniversary at Bowling For Bunnies on Oct. 13 from 1-4 p.m. Tickets are $16 and include three games, shoe rental, and snacks at Clover Lanes in Livonia. Half of the ticket price will be donated directly to MRRR. The event also includes a cell phone and battery drive. Attendees are asked to bring in gently used cell phones, which will be sold to raise money for the Plymouth, Michigan-based organization; the person who brings in the most cell phones wins a prize. Organizers are hoping for 200 attendees and to raise at least $1,600 for the organization.
Though MRRR has only been in existence for two years, it has already been involved in the rescue of approximately 300 rabbits and has placed 262 in permanent homes. In its third year, the group has plans to create more awareness for itself and the bunnies it helps.
“Our goals are to increase our visibility in the community through participation in the farmer’s market, and various local festivals,” says Dominique Moroz, an MRRR board member. “We hope to spiff up our website, and add more information to help rabbit [guardians]. We are also working on several benefit events, such as an animal art show, and a rabbit health conference conducted by a knowledgeable rabbit vet.”
One of MRRR’s challenges is getting the word out that people don’t have to buy a bunny from a pet store—that they can adopt instead. “[We want to] offer such an enticing adoption experience, that it will attract attention and encourage people to adopt rather than purchase a pet,” she says. “After all, we take the risk and most of the expense of fixing the bunny, we offer support and even the opportunity to foster before making a final decision.” Moroz says as long as people work to make the adoption experience a pleasant and positive one, she sees no reason why anyone would need to ever buy. For more information about the event or adopting a rabbit, email debbie@tinytreasures.net.
Green Expo offers holistic and natural products for pets
The first ever Healing Arts & Green Living Expo will take place on Oct. 14 at Washtenaw Community College in Ann Arbor. What do healing arts have to do with pets? Organizers of the expo say that the lifestyle choices humans make extend to pets, and that as humans learn and benefit from holistic and green living, so will their animals. The expo’s pet section features holistic animal care, pet massage, healthy food choices, dog training, pet herbalists, and more. Attendees will also be able to take classes about holistic animal care and communication. Admission is $5 and people are invited to bring their pets along. More information is available at NaturalHealersMichiganExpo.com.
