October is National Family History Month, a time to honor the stories and traditions that have shaped us and to consider our legacies. At Michigan Humane, we know that families often include not just people, but the pets who bring us so much love and joy.
For the late Karen Taber, a member of our Legacy Society, compassion for animals was part of her family tree. Nearly a century ago, her grandfather served as an animal rescue agent with Michigan Humane. Her father co-founded an animal welfare organization in Hamtramck that still operates today.
Karen and her husband, Wayne, carried on that tradition, adopting six rescue cats over the years and making animals a central part of their home. Before her passing, Karen and Wayne made a plan for their estate to benefit Michigan Humane. Their thoughtful preparation ensures that their family’s legacy of love for animals will continue for generations.
This month, we invite you to reflect on your own family tree and the values you hope to pass on. With FreeWill, you can create or update your will in as little as 20 minutes, at no cost. It’s also an opportunity to make plans for your pets through our Pet Guardianship Program, ensuring that your beloved companions will always be cared for.
Together, we can honor the legacies we’ve inherited and build a future rooted in compassion, for every family and every animal.