Recently, Humane Society of West Michigan (HSWM) celebrated record breaking attendance at their annual Paws, Claws & Corks fundraiser, an event featuring fine wines and microbrews, tastes of Grand Rapids’ best restaurants and both live and silent auctions. More than 850 animal lovers attended the event at DeVos Place in Downtown Grand Rapids, helping HSWM exceed $200,000 in donations.

Every year, HSWM places thousands of animals into forever homes. The recent donations will enable HSWM to continue to promote the humane treatment and responsible care of animals in the communities the organization is privileged to serve.

For many people, young and old alike, a pet for Christmas is the top desire for the season. For a long time, it was assumed that pets as gifts were a really bad idea, increasing adopted animals being returned to the shelter after the excitement of the holidays is over. Data supports just the opposite.

“It’s a myth,” states Trudy Jeffers, Executive Director of HSWM, “that giving a pet as a gift is a bad idea. In fact, with the right research, identifying the needs of the new pet, and knowing the person you are gifting to, helps make the right decision for both the pet and the person.”

A 2013 study by Dr. Emily Weiss says, “There is no increased risk of relinquishment for dogs and cats received as a gift.” In her research, Dr. Weiss found that over 87% of the pet owners in the study still had their pet in their home or had kept the pet in their home for the pet’s lifetime, even when the pet was given as a surprise or a gift, according to the ASPCA.

  On Tuesday, September 9 at 6:30PM at Hager Park, Ottawa County Parks officials will propose a new off-leash dog park. The public is encouraged to attend and weigh-in on the plans for nearby Grand Ravines Park. Ottawa County Parks is planning many improvements at its 187-acre Grand Ravines County Park in Georgetown Township. Along with an off-leash dog area, plans call for trails for hiking and biking, ravine overlooks, a lodge along the Grand River, access for fishing and kayaking and more. Although the plan identifies an area for the future dog park, not all details have been determined. This meeting is intended to present a concept for the dog park and get input from the public.