Humane Society Luncheon Earns Support from Dow Credit Union

MIDLAND - The Humane Society of Midland County hosted a "Paws for a Cause Luncheon," presented by Dow Credit Union on July 11 at the Holiday Inn, raising both awareness and funds for its many programs.

The Humane Society of Midland County is the only non-profit animal shelter in the area, established with the mission of finding forever homes for abused, unwanted, or abandoned animals. Their fundraising event attracted the support of numerous organizations, including local financial institutions, car dealerships and other businesses.

"I could never quantify the positive impact my dog has had on my life, nor any one of our cats; then I see the number of cats and dogs the humane society has rescued and paired with their forever homes in the past decade," Brandon Kathman, a communications specialist with Dow Credit Union, said. "An average of 2,000 each year, I can't even begin to wrap my mind around that."

The Humane Society of Midland County has worked to place over 27,000 cats and dogs since 2011, averaging around 2,000 adoptions each year. The shelter refuses to euthanize animals admitted with treatable medical conditions and recently made headlines for taking in several dogs seized from abusive "puppy mills."

The nonprofit also hosts the Pet Pantry Network for owners struggling to feed their animals. Additionally, they conduct spay/neuter programs to limit feral cat populations in Midland County, which might otherwise decimate local ecosystems.

The Humane Society of Midland County is not supported by any dedicated governmental funding nor do they receive resources from other humane organizations or any national animal rescues.  The shelter depends on special events like the luncheon to sustain its operations, along with adoption fees, private donations and grants.