Humane Society more than pet shelter

The Humane Society of Genesee County shelters homeless animals for adoption and runs a variety of pet therapy, education and community outreach programs.

Executive Director David Tucker emphasizes that pets surrendered for adoption are there for the duration. Although many animals are adopted fairly quickly, some pets are at the shelter for nearly a year before homes are found for them. The shelter has a capacity of about 200 animals. More than 200 pets are adopted each month. Adopted pets must be spayed or neutered.

In the society's Pet Therapy Program, volunteers bring their animals to visit hospitals and assisted living facilities.

The society also brings a dog to remedial reading programs where children read to the dog, a non-judgmental listener.

The Golden Friendship program allows people over 65 to adopt an approved animal, free of charge, to promote positive attitudes in the elderly.

The Humane Society reaches children and adults through its educational programs.

Education Coordinator Terry Rozyla conducts tours of the shelter for groups such as scout troops. Children see the shelter, hear a talk on pet care and get to play with kittens and puppies.

She also visits schools and pre-school programs with her golden retriever Faith to do presentations on pet care and animal safety.  Children pet Faith, brush her coat and check the tightness of her collar to learn about pet care.

The Kids' Camps Program is a three-day after-school program which is run several times a year for children aged 6 to 15. Guest speakers give talks to students on pet care and safety who get hands-on practice with dog grooming, dress up in veterinarians' scrubs and use stethoscopes and microscopes. The program fee is $36.

Rozyla plans to reach out to seniors.  A new program, called Simply Seniors, will sponsor gatherings at the shelter to listen to guest speakers, handle animals and participate in a series of other activities. The first gathering will be Sept. 27.

The Humane Society promotes awareness of its services by sponsoring community events throughout the year.  Events vary from informal to black tie. Entry fees vary from $10 to $100, depending on the event.

Ties and Tails, a $100 per person formal banquet catered by Fandangles', will be held at the Humane Society facility Sept. 19.  Owners can dine with their dogs if they wish. A pet sitting service is available during dinner.  Doodle Dog Bakery will provide a pet-friendly meal.

A Dog Walk-a-thon, to be held at Mott Community College Oct. 17, will have walks of varying lengths through the nearby College and Cultural area, games for kids and pets, a costume judging and other activities. Entry fee is $10 a dog and $15 for multiple dogs.

The Humane Society is not affiliated with the Humane Society of America.

It seeks cash donations and needs contributions of cleaning supplies and newspapers to line the cages.

It also participates in  VG's receipts redemption program.

Local veterinary clinics and individual vets donate their services to care for animals with health needs. Some offer reduced rates to spay or neuter adopted pets.

The Humane Society of Genesee County is at G-3325 S. Dort Highway.  Call 744-0511 for information.