NEW ANIMAL RESCUE GROUP FORMS IN NORTHERN MICHIGAN

TOPINABEE-A new animal rescue group has formed in northern lower Michigan.

Northern Michigan Animal Rescue Network, Inc., is an IRS recognized, 501 (c)(3) organization dedicated to the welfare of homeless pets. Formed in 2007 by Topinabee residents Christopher and Boots Wright, the group has helped find permanent homes for dozens of animals from several counties in northern lower Michigan.

“We began to realize the need a while ago,” Wright says. “Too many animals are languishing in shelters for too long, or being euthanized. In Cheboygan County alone, over 600 animals a year are put down. That’s a statistic that we’re working to change.”

For the past two years, the group has been busy behind the scenes, working with shelters and individuals to find placement homes for adoptable pets. The group has now expanded its efforts, and is looking for community support.

“This is a tough time for families and their pets,” Wright says. “People are losing their jobs, their homes. Some simply can’t afford to take care of their animals anymore. Surrendering their pet to their local shelter is creating a serious overcrowding issue. We’d like to try to turn that around, through active awareness, education, and a concerted effort to find homes for the many adoptable dogs and cats waiting in shelters across northern Michigan.” The group has big plans that will, hopefully, have far-reaching effects.

“Our problem isn’t unique,” says Wright. “This is a statewide, even a national issue. There are literally thousands of groups like ours all across the country. NMARN will work with area shelters and other rescue groups to do what we can for pets in need. That includes finding foster families, permanent homes, helping to pay for medical attention, or simply transporting a pet to a new family, rescue group, or other safe haven.”

Future plans include the construction of a new, state-of-the-art, no-kill shelter. The group has been actively looking for select property within Cheboygan County, and hopes to proceed soon.

“Ideally, we’d like something centrally-located,” says board President Judy Jacalone. “Visibility is key. We need a location that is easy to find and easy to see. Statistics prove that a shelter located in a high-traffic area can increase adoptions by as much as fifty percent or more.”

While a location for the shelter still needs to be settled upon, the group is still working to do what they can for animals in need.

“We’d really like to find and team up with like-minded people,” Jacalone says. “We have a great group of hard workers, but we need more. Everyone can bring something to the table. If we can get together, get on the same page, and get to work, we’re going to see some great results from those efforts.”

While Cheboygan County already has one shelter, Northern Michigan Animal Rescue Network feels there is a need for an additional facility. Says Wright: “We fully support the efforts of Cheboygan County Humane Society. They, like we, would like to see more adoptable pets finding responsible, loving homes. We fully intend to work with CCHS and other shelters to do what we can to make a difference in our community.”

The group is planning numerous fundraising activities and other events to create public awareness and gain exposure.