Hazel Park

Volunteers, supplies needed at Hazel Park Animal Shelter

By Andy Kozlowski
C & G Staff Writer

HAZEL PARK — January is a time of resolutions to better your life and the lives of others. Though there are many ways to help your fellow man, such as at a charity or a church, there are also ways to help man’s best friend (and cats, too).

One such opportunity exists at Hazel Park Animal Shelter, 24211 Couzens between East Woodward Heights and East 10 Mile.

The animals there are either strays, abandoned, seized from their owners for improper care or surrendered by the owner. A great deal of work goes into their comfort and upkeep, and many supplies and helping hands are needed to keep things going smoothly.

“The volunteers are involved in all aspects of running the shelter: walking the dogs, cleaning and feeding, general maintenance,” said Steve Stewart of Hazel Park, who chooses to help at the shelter seven days a week. “With the volunteers taking care of both shelters in Hazel Park and Madison Heights, they’re a lot cleaner, so we don’t have to rely on city cleaning crews. We clean every day and know the animals inside and out.

“I tell you, I enjoy it — it’s the best thing I’ve ever done in my 50 years, getting involved with the animal shelter,” Stewart said. “My biggest thrill is when we’re able to reunite a dog with its people. One of them was on Thanksgiving: A woman reported her dog missing, and every day I checked Craigslist until I found a matching description. I got ahold of the woman, said, ‘I think I have your dog,’ (and) exchanged their numbers. They contacted each other on Thanksgiving Day, and on Thanksgiving night, they got together and got the dog back. It feels good.”

Stewart said he can’t help but feel a pang of sadness to see the animals go, as he gets so attached to them, but at the same time he’s happy to know they have a “forever home” and a family to call their own.

There are no full-time employees at the Hazel Park Animal Shelter. Suzette Gysel, the animal control officer, works there part time, as does Nicole Charbonneau, the shelter manager. About 12 volunteers come in on a weekly basis to supplement their efforts, and several more lend a hand as needed, but cannot commit to a regular schedule.

Thus, more help is always needed with things like exercising the animals with playtime and walks around the block, making sure they’re properly watered and fed, keeping their living spaces neat and tidy, and more. Donations of pet food, litter, cleaning supplies, newspapers and plastic bags for waste disposal are always appreciated. Money is especially appreciated, because the shelter runs on a very tight budget.

At press time, the shelter had recently seen a large influx of stray dogs, with no owners coming in to claim them. They have six dogs in their care, plus seven cats. They originally had 21 cats in their care, all of which were spayed/neutered with the help of a local rescue, Pet Adoption Alternative of Warren. They were taken into the homes of volunteers so they could recover from their surgeries, and all but one of these volunteers decided to foster long term.

The ones that get claimed quickly are the expensive breeds like huskies, shepherds and what Stewart calls “the little yeppers.” People take the time to locate those breeds, but many of the others seem abandoned, despite the fact they could make wonderful pets.

There’s Blue, a female pit bull mix about 1-2 years old, which Charbonneau described in an email as “stunningly beautiful,” mostly white with blue spots and soulful gray-brown eyes. She loves to play with other dogs, Charbonneau said, and is already housetrained. She’s even learning commands. She’s recommended for a house without cats because she is “curious” about them.

Then there’s Ebony, an all-black domestic shorthair cat about 6 years old. She was surrendered and is said to have a playful streak in her every once in awhile, but she mostly wants to snuggle. She has striking green eyes.

“I would recommend it be a family decision,” Charbonneau said of adoption. “Research your breeds and know what you can handle: Does it shed a lot? Is it very energetic? And if you have a landlord, check with them to make sure the type of animal you want to adopt is allowed. Many apartments allow cats only if they’re de-clawed. Some allow dogs under a certain weight … (or) certain types of dogs.”

Even volunteers can share the joy of animals with their families. Stewart said the shelter has been a great experience for his grandkids; they come in to play with the homeless animals and feed them treats under his close supervision. The kids also help give the cats “cuddle time,” holding them and giving them attention.

The bonds people form with animals are strong, and Stewart said it eats up his heart to see families separated from their pets. He advises people to tag and micro-chip their pets, so they can be easily identified by shelters should they ever turn up in one, and he urges everyone to get their pet licensed, especially if it’s a pit bull, as pit bulls are banned in Hazel Park Feb. 1 unless they’re already registered with the city.

In the event your pet goes missing, immediately put up a detailed missing notice on Craigslist, Petfinder or with the Michigan Humane Society, he said, and call your local shelter to let them know the animal is missing.

And if you want to be one of the people who feel the joy of caring for these animals in their time of need — and possibly reconnecting them with their homes — don’t hesitate to call the shelter, Stewart said.

“It’s amazing what I’ve learned being at the shelter.”

Hazel Park Animal Shelter is located at 24211 Couzens, between East Woodward Heights and East 10 Mile. To learn more, call (248) 546-4096 or email hpshelter@gmail.com.
 

You can reach C & G Staff Writer Andy Kozlowski at akozlowski@candgnews.com or at (586)498-1104.