Your Impact – October 2024

Our Paw Print Covers More Ground Than You Know!

Our little organization helps animals in need, near and far, when we can. When other organizations need help due to natural disaster and overcrowding, we lend a helping paw to our friends in other cities and states.

Recently, we have welcomed four groups of transport dogs from Detroit, Louisiana, Florida, and Cleveland.

“Most open admission shelters like ours do not always have the luxury of helping other shelters in need due to resources or being over-capacity themselves. However, when our partners reach out in desperate need, we will try to help, and make it work. In these instances: disaster relief, and shelters overburdened with dogs, which puts a significant strain on their resources. We saw a need, and we were happy to help. After all, we are in this together,” said Friends for Animals President and CEO Cory Keller.

The first batch included rescuing eight dogs from hurricanes in Louisiana. In total, there were six small breeds, two puppies and a large dog: Breaux, Dreaux, Batiste, Beignet, Brennan, Felicity, Adelaide and Boosie. The dogs were shaken by the storms that inevitably displaced them and their long travels, but quickly warmed up to their new friends at our shelter.

The second transport hailed from a trailer park in Florida and was comprised of chihuahua/corgi mixes also displaced from hurricanes and tornados. There was a total of 150 dogs in need of placement; we took five: Disco, Doris, Rusty, Scout and Slinky.

The eight Cleveland dogs we welcomed ranged in size, breed and age; and were in dire need due to severe overcrowding at their previous shelter.

Also due to overcrowding at Michigan Anti-Cruelty Society in Detroit, we took in an abandoned mom and pups in need of ringworm treatment.

Most of the natural disaster broods have already been either successfully placed in foster care and/or adopted! With your support, we continue to see these animals heal and become the loving pets they deserve to be, granting them all their second chance.

To help us provide the necessary care for these animals, click the link below to donate. 
Donate

 

Capital Campaign Update: Final Phase in Progress

As we approach the final stages of the MaryAnn Wright Animal Adoption & Education Center, we’re excited to share the progress we’ve made and the impact this expansion will have on the animals and our community. This final part of the building will complete 20,000 total square feet dedicated to the furry friends of Metro Detroit, ensuring they have the space and care they need.

We’re also thrilled to announce that thanks to the generosity of our supporters, we now have just $133,000 left to raise to finish this important project!

The remaining 3,338 square feet will be dedicated to:

  • Nurseries for puppies and kittens to provide a safe, nurturing environment for the youngest and most vulnerable.
  • A behavior and grooming area to prepare animals for their forever homes.
  • A versatile community space for youth programs, outreach, and more.
  • Additional administrative space to ensure our team has the resources to support these efforts.

What’s been done so far?

  • Exterior walls are going up: The frame of the building is taking shape, giving structure to the spaces that will soon be dedicated to caring for animals.
  • Window sealing and closure: To ensure the facility is weatherproof and secure, our office staff has temporarily moved out while crews close and seal windows.
  • Piping and plumbing installation: Essential plumbing has been laid to support the building’s infrastructure, preparing the center for daily operations.
  • Electrical systems: Crews are actively working on installing electrical wiring to power everything from lighting to critical systems necessary for animal care.

Your gift, no matter the size, can be the difference that helps us finish this critical phase. Together, we’re building more than just a space—we’re creating a future where every animal has a chance to heal, grow, and find their forever home.

To donate to our New Shelter fund, please follow the link below. 
New Shelter Page

 

GOODBOY Film Screening Fundraiser

In this documentary, an adventurous photographer attempts to outrun her beloved dog’s death and stumbles into the haunting childhood memories of her dying father. Facing the painful decision on how to handle the dog’s life, she must reconcile her fear of death and herself learn how to sit, stay, and heal.

“GOODBOY” is a poignant and deeply personal exploration of the bonds that tie us to our loved ones, both human and animal, and the ways in which we must learn to navigate our cultural deep-seated fear of death and dying.

This fundraiser and vulnerable experience is to put a spotlight on a topic most of us never want to talk about, the loss of a loved one, the grief we experience, and learning to let go.

Individual tickets will cost $30 to attend the showing of GOODBOY, with a panel of guests to follow to have a substantive and vulnerable discussion on loss which includes the Director herself, Ashley Mosher.

What: GOODBOY Film Screening Fundraiser
Where: Phoenix Theatres State Wayne, 35310 W Michigan Ave, Wayne
When: Sunday, November 10, 2024 | 4 p.m. – 6 p.m.

Become a sponsor
To become a sponsor, please contact Nova Zorok, Events and Communications Manager, at NZorok@MetroDetroitAnimals.org or 313-943-2697 x1019 with any questions.

To learn more about the event, click the link below! 
Learn More

 

Community Friends Day

Wednesday, November 13, 2024 | World Kindness Day

 

Community Friends Day is a brand-new initiative by Friends for Animals, where businesses, organizations, and individuals come together to support homeless animals in need. Whether you’re hosting a fundraiser, collecting donations, or volunteering, this day is about kindness and giving back.

Help us make a difference in the lives of thousands of homeless animals. By participating in this event, you can be part of the effort to raise much-needed funds for the medical care and treatment of animals who need us most.

 

 

 

How You Can Get Involved

There are so many ways to contribute! Here are just a few ideas:

  • Set up an online fundraiser
  • Host a dinner party with proceeds benefiting Friends for Animals
  • Place donation canisters at your business
  • Contribute a percentage of your sales from the day
  • Sign up to volunteer at the shelter
  • Collect items from our wish list

We’ll provide all the necessary materials, including donation bins and canisters, to help you get started.

Why Your Support Matters 

Friends for Animals cares for over 2,500 dogs and cats every year. Many of these animals arrive with severe medical issues, and it costs an average of $900 per animal to provide the care they need. By joining us for Community Friends Day, you’re directly helping these animals find the loving homes they deserve.

Perks of Participating 

  • Be featured in our social media shoutouts highlighting all the amazing businesses and individuals making a difference.
  • Know that your efforts are helping thousands of animals receive life-saving care and a second chance at a happy, healthy life.

How to Participate 

Want to get involved? We’d love to have you! To participate in Community Friends Day, please contact Nova Zorok at 313-943-2697 ext. 1019 or via email at nzorok@metrodetroitanimals.org to confirm your participation.

Once confirmed, we’ll provide you with materials, including a Community Friends Day flyer that you can hang to help spread the word!

Confirmed Businesses

  • Kendra Scott
    Twelve Oaks Mall, 27980 Novi Rd, Novi MI 48377
  • On the Border
    Fairlane Green, 3310 Fairlane Dr, Allen Park, MI 48101
  • CLEVELAND-CLIFFS INC.
    Dearborn Works
    4001 Miller Road, PO Box 1699, Dearborn, MI  48120-1699
To learn more about Community Friends Day, click the link below! 
Learn More

 

Upcoming Events

We have a full schedule of exciting events lined up this Fall! Here’s a sneak peek at what’s coming up:

Halloween Fundraiser

  • When: Every night all October | 6 – 9 p.m.
  • Where: 3421 Grindley Park Ave in Dearborn, MI 48124
  • Info: Get ready for thrills, chills, and maybe even a few live creatures after dark! Grab a cider, donut, and pumpkin bundle for just $5. Every dollar goes towards helping our furry friends at Friends for Animals

Rivergate Terrace Halloween Bash

  • When: Thursday, October 24 | 5:30 – 8 p.m.
  • Where: Rivergate Terrace, 14141 Pennsylvania Rd, Riverview, MI 48192
  • Info: Join us for a “spook-tacular” adoption event where you can meet some “boo-tiful” cats and dogs who are ready to find their forever homes!

PetSmart Charities Adoption Event

  • When: Saturday, October 26 | 2 p.m. – 5 p.m.
  • Where: PetSmart, 23271 Eureka Rd, Taylor, MI 48180
  • Info: Join us and our partners at PetSmart Charities for a special weekend Adoption Event.

PetSmart Charities Adoption Event

  • When: Sunday, October 27 | noon – 3 p.m.
  • Where: PetSmart, 23470 Allen Rd, Woodhaven, MI 48183
  • Info: Join us and our partners at PetSmart Charities for a special weekend Adoption Event.

Pawsitive Stretch Kitten Yoga Adoption Event

  • When: Saturday, November 9 | 10 – 11 a.m.
  • Where: MaryAnn Wright Animal Adoption and Education lobby, located at 16121 Reckinger Road, Dearborn, MI 48126
  • Info: Experience the ultimate blend of relaxation and cuteness with our 45-minute kitten yoga session.
To learn more about our upcoming events, click the link below! 
See Events