by Ingrid Murphy
I became involved with Michigan Humane in the mid-1980’s. Having always been a dog lover, I wanted to give my time to animals less fortunate than the ones who happened to live with me. As I worked only blocks from our old Detroit Shelter, I was able to volunteer after work one or two days a week. Back then, there was no “online” scheduling system for volunteers; in fact, there was NO scheduling system. Volunteers went to the shelter when they could and would do anything and everything that was needed that day. My duties included cleaning cages, walking dogs, and clerical work (including filing euthanasia documentation). I walked dogs around the neighborhood, and I soon bonded with a sweet pup, “Steve,” who I walked regularly. While I would have loved to adopt Steve, we already had three dogs and couldn’t find a way to add another.
Unfortunately, Steve didn’t make it. Back then Michigan Humane had so many animals coming in they couldn’t care for them all and keep all animals up for adoption. Thankfully, animal welfare and Michigan Humane have changed so much since then—now all healthy and treatable animals stay up for adoption until they are adopted. But it was at that point that I committed to work with Michigan Humane to make sure all “Steves” had the opportunity to be part of a loving home.
Over the years, I have been able to work with Michigan Humane in many areas, and I learn something new every day. Here are some of the highlights for me – all memorable:
- I had the privilege of doing a “Ride Along” with our cruelty and rescue team. It was an eye-opening opportunity! I wish everyone could see firsthand the great work that our team does. (THANK YOU, Dave McLeod).
- I helped welcome dogs and cats as they were transported to Michigan at Willow Run Airport. That is an amazing experience and serves such an important function by rescuing these pets from natural disaster areas.
- I was able to foster a dog during the COVID-19 pandemic who we later learned had significant medical challenges. This gave me the opportunity to interact with the Michigan Humane veterinary staff – what a wonderful and caring group of professionals. THANK YOU to Dr. Sapp and all the veterinary team. And yes, I was a “Foster Failure” (twice, actually).
- I attended the first Purrfect Bow Wow Brunch in 1989 and continue to enjoy every Brunch since. Congrats to the entire Michigan Humane team for all your hard work putting on such a great show!
- I helped at the grand opening of the Michigan Humane Center for Farm Animal Care at Abraham Ranch. Thanks to the Abraham Family for your vision and generosity in building a safe and beautiful sanctuary for farm animals.
- In the last few years, I’ve had the good fortune to become involved with the Caplan Family Pet Food Pantry. It began when I volunteered to deliver pet food to families in need in Detroit and it has evolved into a true passion of mine. I’m thrilled to be a long-time member of the Ralph Caplan Leadership Circle, and I hope to continue supporting the pantry and Community Solutions work for many years. THANK YOU to our dear friend, Ralph Caplan, for the Caplan Family Pet Food Pantry and EVERYTHING he does for Michigan Humane!
Today, Michigan Humane continues to innovate to support pets and their families by providing medical care, food, and many other resources. THANKS TO ALL for your continued support and dedication to creating a more HUMANE community in Detroit and beyond!
– Ingrid (in memory of Steve)