A u g ust 2 0 2 1 | Issue 26 8

S P C A of Southw e s t M i c h i g a n
Pet Rescue & Adoption Center
6955 West KL Avenue
Kalamazoo, MI 49009
269.344.1474
www.spcaswmich.org

The S P C A i s a n on-profit animal

r escu e g r o u p b a sed in SW Michig an.
Thank s t o v o l u n teers like you, w e
have r e s c u e d o v er 25,000 dogs,
cats, p u p p i e s & k ittens since we
start e d i n 2 0 0 2 !

OUR MISSION
SPCA of Southwest Michigan
is dedicated to working for
the wellbeing of animals and
creating an adoption-focused
community in Southwest Michigan.
Our goal is to end senseless
animal euthanasia
in SW Michigan, and provide
all animals with a loving,
caring home.

U P C OMING EVE N T S
A M A ZON WISH L I S T
S P C A MERCHAN D I S E
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Welcome to the SPCA 11th 5k Annual Doggie Dash sponsored by Zhang Financial! We are
so excited to have you!
Taking registrations starting: June 1st thru July 31, 2021. $25/per person.
Please click on the link below to register.
https://runsignup.com/Race/MI/Kalamazoo/5kDoggieDash
August 1st - September 1, 2021. $30/per person.
Deadline to register is September 1, 2021.
If you would like to become a Sponsor or a Vendor please email info@spcaswmich.org to
request a Sponsorhip or Vendor Form.
Booth rentals are free - donations would be appreciated to help support the SPCA.
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Thank You!
Thank you to Callander Commercial
for hosting this amazing and
successful event! 13 dogs and 9
cats adopted and sponsored!
Congratulations to all the
Adopters and fur-babies!
Thank you for all the Donations!
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.A.
.C er!
.P
S Cor n
ids
K
Kit asked people to make donations
for her birthday to help the
fur-babies at the SPCA!

Rock!
You
Ella ran a lemonade stand and
donated all the proceeds to help the
fur-babies at the SPCA!
Thank You from all of us here at the SPCA for your kind generous hearts!
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Pregnant Cat Fosters Wanted

The SPCA is in need of Cat Fosters for Pregnant Cats. The 2021 Kitten
Season has been booming and the SPCA has seen an increased number
of pregnant cats come through its doors. We are expecting to see more
pregnant cats within the next few months.
We would like to rescue as many of these cats as possible and need the
help of loving foster homes to accommodate the amount of cats.
Fostering a pregnant cat is a rewarding experience. The SPCA will give
you all the supplies and tips you will need to help the expecting momma
cat with her labor, delivery, and kitten care. Our fosters get to name the
kittens and help the momma cat raise them until they are old enough to
find their furever homes.
Once the kittens are ready to find their homes, momma cat and kittens
are spayed and neutered, microchipped, and vaccinated.
If you're interested in fostering a pregnant cat, please email the SPCA's
Volunteer Coordinator, Tricia E. Mohney, at Tricia@spcaswmich.org.
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Can Seniors Take Pets with Them to Assisted Living Facilities?

For many seniors, their pets are one of their closest companions and often
act as a source of emotional support. From providing companionship to
encouraging gentle exercise, there are many benefits of having a pet for
seniors.
However, if seniors are leaving their home and moving to an assisted living
facility, they can often bring their pet along or adopt a new furry friend;
however, it may make the process more complicated. Courtesy of the SPCA of
Southwest Michigan, here are tips on finding a community that allows pets
and helping seniors maintain pet care once they’re settled in.
Starting the Search for a Pet-Friendly Assisted Living Community
According to Science Daily, approximately 55 percent of adults between the
age of 50 and 80 have a pet. Because of how common it for seniors to have
pets they are unwilling to part with, many facilities allow pets to move with
their owners as an added amenity.
When searching for a new community for a senior, also check the website for
any information on pet policies. If you can’t locate any details online, you may
need to call the office for more details. Simply knowing pets are allowed is
not enough.
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Further your search by learning other common regulations:

●Breed and size restrictions: Like regular apartments, many facilities establish a weight
limit for pets and set breed restrictions on dogs, barring breeds considered
“aggressive.”
●Age requirement: Some communities will only admit adult animals.
●Exotic pet rules: While there may be many facilities open to dogs and cats, exotic pets,
such as reptiles or even birds, may not be allowed.
●Pet history and health record: Some facilities will make their decision to allow a pet
based on its background. A history of bites or behavior complaints can be an issue. You
may also need to provide proof of vaccinations.
●Pet rent and deposits: Find out if there are any extra fees when bringing a pet.
Ensuring a Smooth Move
Moving to a new home can be a stressful situation for both seniors and their pets. When
exploring options for paying for assisted living, selling your or your loved one’s home may
be the best option. As you take the necessary steps to successfully get in on the market
and make it attractive to buyers, which may include making essential repairs to cracked
windows, leaking pipes, our outdated floors, make sure to consider the pet’s needs as
well.
Be patient with your pet during the packing process and speak with a vet for ideas if he
or she is showing signs of serious anxiety. Consider getting a pet sitter on the day on
the move and packing along familiar treats, toys, and other items to assist with the
adjustment period.
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Maintaining Pet Care

Seniors may have difficultly taking care of all of their pet’s needs. Some facilities
have staff members on board who can help with pet care. Family members or third-
party services can also help seniors with the more difficult tasks of owning a pet,
such as taking them on consistent walks or cleaning up after them. It helps when
seniors are paired with dogs that have an appropriate energy level for their
current abilities.
The process of moving to a new assisted living facility can be less stressful if
seniors are able to take their pets with them. Search for a facility that
accommodates you or your loved one’s pet, and make sure to have a care plan in
place.
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Volunteers of the Month

The Rix Family: Heather, Lili, & Ally!

The Rix family is the SPCA’s Volunteers Of The Month of August! They have
been with the SPCA for a few months, but were volunteers in the past, as
well. Typical volunteer activities they like to do are snuggle with the cats in
Cat City and occasionally walk the dogs. The SPCA is thankful to have them
as volunteers as they do one of the SPCA’s most needed volunteer activities
of readying the Cat City Cats in the morning.
The Rix family loves all the animals. Playing with and having positive
interactions with the animals before they find their furever homes gives the
Rix family joy. It's special to them when the cats and dogs learn to trust
them as the shy and nervous ones come out of their shells.
At home the Rix family has two rottweilers, a chinchilla, and a ball python.
Heather Rix is a nurse while her daughter’s attend Mattawan High School. Lili
will be a senior and Ally a freshman this coming school year. The family
enjoys swimming and arts & crafts. Heather loves to birdwatch, as well. Our
cats can relate.
The SPCA is lucky to have the Rix Family as volunteers. They are always kind
and brighten the SPCA with their happy personalities.
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submit your happy tail to happytails@spcaswmich.org

Beau (aka Champ) Ottis

Submitted by: Danney Submitted by: Joy

James Lopez

Thought it would be nice to share an This is ottis 2 yrs old. We got him from u
update with you on Beau aka Champ! We when he was 6 mouths he a big boy now.
brought him home in February this year
after seeing him on the news! After some
adjustment he has settled in nicely and
really is enjoying life and has learned to
love and trust! We love him so much!
Here is a side by side from when he came
home with us till now.

Roo
Submitted by: Janelle
This is Roo and we adopted him from
SPCA of Southwest Michigan in October
2020. His 1st birthday is Tuesday and we
celebrated this weekend. We couldn’t
imagine our home without him.
Thank you for all you do to rescue animals
like Roo.
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submit your happy tail to happytails@spcaswmich.org

Bailey Rudy (aka #6)

Submitted by: April Submitted by: Shalane

James Lopez

We adopted Bailey a year ago from SPCA
and celebrated his 8th birthday last
week. We love him like we’ve always had
him…he’s our heart.
Maddie (aka Perfect)
Submitted by: Alayna
Happy tails update! This guy was
previously "6" he is now Rudy and he is a
perfect fit into our family. This weekend
we found out he's a good hiking buddy
and does great sleeping in a hammock.
He's doing great! Our family is so thankful
to have him.
Do you remember “Perfect”? Everyone meet Maddie!
She was the last puppy left when I went in looking
after we suddenly and tragically lost our dog. She
truly mended our broken hearts. She had her consult
today with the specialist in regards to her
malocclusion. She has possible TMJ with ankylosis.
You will notice in some pictures her tongue is always
sticking out!
To follow our story… https://gofund.me/87623f5a
Please share our story!
Maddie has been my saving grace…now it’s my turn
to help her.
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submit your happy tail to happytails@spcaswmich.org

LeeLoo (aka CoCo) King

Submitted by: Don Christina Submitted by: Miranda

Its been a few weeks and LeeLoo(formally

CoCo) has come alive. We started her on
joint pills , her wound looks wonderful.
Her eye infection is gone, and she gets
along great with her brother Harry and
Eggsy her sister.
Happy Gotchya Day King!
It's been exactly one year with this loving
pup, and we adore him!

Luna (aka Olivia) Pupdate! We adopted Luna (previously

Submitted by: Melissa Olivia or, as everyone called her, the shy
girl) almost a year ago. She has opened up
so much since her adoption and has the
biggest personality. She loves sleeping on
pillows like a human, belly rubs, and pup
cups. While she’s still apprehensive around
new people, she’s becoming more trusting
each day. Shes the sweetest girl and we are
so thankful she is a part of our family!
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submit your happy tail to happytails@spcaswmich.org

Galileo Molly
Submitted by: Melinda Submitted by: Meg

James Lopez

1 year ago today we came to look for Molly is making herself at home!
cats and I saw this big boy (Galileo) I
decided we weren't getting a cat that
day. I made it to my driveway and had to
turn around and drive back to get him. I
love this cat he is a constant companion
and like my shadow. He follows me
everywhere and sleeps on my pillow next
to my head most nights.
Thanks for helping me find my best
buddy.
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submit your happy tail to happytails@spcaswmich.org

Banner Cages to CareFree Updates!

Submitted by: Mark

James Lopez

Hi Everyone:
Sending a quick update on Banner (now named Remi).
Remi is doing awesome and is the sweetest little guy! He loves
playing with toys and running around in his new backyard. He is
definitely a curiosity dog and enjoys exploring the house and going
on walks in the neighborhood. He's doing great with stairs, other
dogs, new people, children, and everything else he's seeing for the
first time. He was a bit unsure of the TV and related noise on the
first evening, but has gotten used to it now.
He sleeps all night in his crate and is so happy to see us when he
wakes up in the morning (he's a big butt wiggler)!
I'm attaching a few photos and a video for you all as well.
One last thing: Remi's name is short for remission. This time last
year, I was wrapping up chemotherapy and radiation for Hodgkin's
Lymphoma and am fortunately now in remission. I thought Remi was
a fitting name with the hopes that neither he, nor I, have to undergo
anymore unwanted tests for a long time.
Thank you for rescuing Remi - we are going to make sure he has the
absolutely best life from here on out!
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submit your happy tail to happytails@spcaswmich.org

Lloyd Cages to CareFree Updates!

Submitted by: Beverly
Good morning!
I wanted to send you some pictures and an update.
Baxter (aka Lloyd) is progressing very nicely. We see changes in him
everyday. He is a little more active and lively as the days pass.
He is still learning how to climb stairs. HeJames
can goLopez
up the stairs but is
still reluctant and needs coaching. He is just learning how to go down
the stairs and that is a little harder and we have not been able to
convince him it is a good thing to know.
We are finding he loves to be outside all the time and the only time he
makes a sound is when he poops.
Finding food that he will eat has been a tougher task. He still will not
eat treats which makes it harder to train him because we have
nothing to entice him. He didn’t really eat or drink any water until
Monday. I guess it is true, if they are hungry or thirsty enough they
will eat and drink.
We adopted a coonhound from the SPCA of SWMICH back on 12/4 and
her name was Ruthie. We changed her name to Rubie and Rubie is now
Baxter’s big sister. Rubie is the best teacher on how to be a dog. They
get along very well except when Rubie wants to play and Baxter
doesn’t know how to play. Baxter had his 1st vet appointment and he
is in excellent health .
We lost our 2 dogs Molly in October 2020 and Chessie in 5/2021 both
to cancer. We are so grateful to have Baxter as part of our family and
a companion for Rubie.
Thank you for all the work you do.
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ADOPTIONS - THANKS TO YOU!

T h a n k y o u f o r o p e n i n g y o u r h e a r ts a n d y o u r h o m e s to th ese a n im a l s! S ee a l l
o u r a d o p t a b l e d o g s , c a t s , p u p p i e s & k i tte n s a t w w w .s p c a s w m i c h . o r g.

P l e a se send News l e t t e r s u b m i s si o n s t o J e s s D u n c a n @ n e w sletter@s p c a s w m i c h . o rg.

SPCA SOUTHWEST MICHIGAN 6955 WEST KL AVE KALAMAZOO MI 49009 (269) 344-1474 SPCASWMICH.ORG
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ADOPTIONS - THANKS TO YOU!

T h a n k y o u f o r o p e n i n g y o u r h e a r ts a n d y o u r h o m e s to th ese a n im a l s! S ee a l l
o u r a d o p t a b l e d o g s , c a t s , p u p p i e s & k i tte n s a t w w w .s p c a s w m i c h . o r g.

P l e a se send News l e t t e r s u b m i s si o n s t o J e s s D u n c a n @ n e w sletter@s p c a s w m i c h . o rg.

SPCA SOUTHWEST MICHIGAN 6955 WEST KL AVE KALAMAZOO MI 49009 (269) 344-1474 SPCASWMICH.ORG
 Page 18

ADOPTIONS - THANKS TO YOU!

T h a n k y o u f o r o p e n i n g y o u r h e a r ts a n d y o u r h o m e s to th ese a n im a l s! S ee a l l
o u r a d o p t a b l e d o g s , c a t s , p u p p i e s & k i tte n s a t w w w .s p c a s w m i c h . o r g.

P l e a se send News l e t t e r s u b m i s si o n s t o J e s s D u n c a n @ n e w sletter@s p c a s w m i c h . o rg.

SPCA SOUTHWEST MICHIGAN 6955 WEST KL AVE KALAMAZOO MI 49009 (269) 344-1474 SPCASWMICH.ORG