Malcolm's Story
Malcolm, the 3-year-old brindle Boxer/Pit mix, broke our hearts when he first arrived at the shelter. Michigan City Police discovered Malcolm and another dog during a raid on a home. They didn’t arrive expecting to add charges of animal neglect, but on seeing Malcolm’s state, they had to.
Malcolm and the other dog were found emaciated and locked in kennels with full food and water bowls just beyond the doors, taunting them. Malcolm was in the worst shape, weighing about 40-pounds. For reference, a healthy weight for him is over 60 pounds.
Even when he first arrived at MHS, Malcolm had something special about him. We know he couldn’t have felt great, but his attitude was never dulled despite his extremely emaciated state. He took treats so gently, even though he was starving. One would think a pet so mistreated by humans would mistrust people, but he unabashedly befriended many. Based on his behavior with us, we knew he would make a loyal, loving pet in no time.
Enter Kathy.
Kathy, her son Samuel, and boyfriend Felix met Malcolm and found their newest family member! Malcolm, now Levi, was adopted and has chosen both Kathy and Samuel as “his people.” He’s especially attentive and affectionate to them. So much so, that he was able to warn Kathy about a life-threating health emergency.
Kathy woke up one morning feeling nauseous and not herself. She was vomiting and was sweating heavily. When she stepped out of the bathroom, Levi barked and jumped up on her, herding her toward the couch, forcing her to sit down, then lay down. He continued barking, getting the attention of her son Samuel. Samuel could tell she needed medical assistance and told her they were getting in the car and going to the hospital. But Kathy couldn’t even make it to the car.
Samuel called paramedics and Levi did something he’d never done before: he started jumping on Kathy’s chest. Once the paramedics arrived, Levi stood back, watching carefully, as if he knew he had done his job by getting mom help.
Kathy’s blood pressure was 160/200. Once at the hospital, the Doctor confirmed Kathy had suffered a heart attack. If it wasn’t for Levi’s quick action, Kathy could have died. Kathy is so proud and grateful to have adopted Levi. She says he’s her hero.
And he’s everybody’s favorite kind of hero: the underdog! In the face of an ugly world, Levi turned around and made it a better one. Happy tails, Levi and Kathy!
Leo's Story
Sometimes when we open up our hearts, the right pets know to walk into our lives.
Maureen had been thinking about fostering a shelter cat after hearing how rewarding the experience is, and how great the need is, from our very own Board Vice President and kitten foster, Beverly Hammel.
A friend of Beverly’s notified her about a sick cat she had found and rescued from the roadside. The cat was covered with fleas, ear mites and discharge from his face. Our shelter staff advised that the best place for this cat to be was under the watchful eye of a foster, not in the busy shelter. Beverly knew just who to ask.
It was time to call on Maureen for help, and Maureen didn’t hesitate. “We fostered him starting last July but within days, we knew we would never give him back. Leo was a mess when he came to us, sores all across his backside, rotting teeth, etc. But with a good bath and some needed medication he healed fairly quickly,” shares Maureen.
They named him Leo; they were inspired by his strength and loving spirit. He won everyone’s hearts and made himself at home quickly. “He is the friendliest cat we’ve ever met. There are many people in our lives who don’t really like cats but honestly, everyone LOVES Leo!”
He has even become a neighborhood celebrity. “Leo loves everyone, as all my neighbors can attest; he makes it into most of their homes at some point in the summer. He even was the guest of honor at a wedding held on the beach. Though not personally invited, he showed up anyway and was a welcome addition.”
Thanks to Maureen opening her home and her heart, Leo gets to live the dream going for daily beach walks with the dogs and soaking up the sunrays in the sand. Happy tails, Leo!
Petey's Story
The day Petey was abandoned in the outdoor kennel behind the shelter was the second best day of his life.
Mange covered him from head to toe. His inflamed skin caused so much pain that he refused to walk. We rushed him to the doctors at the Michigan City Animal Hospital in hopes that they could fix him. The prognosis was excellent, but not without cost – in both time and money.
We reached out to our community for help. Within 24 hours, over 100 kind animals lovers had donated three times what Petey needed. There was enough to get him well and to set some aside for the next time. For the next sad pet who looks at us, asking why and begging for help.
Petey spent six weeks at the shelter having regular veterinary care so he could be healed.
And the best day of his life? The day he went home, healthy and happy, to live with his forever family.
Today, five year since Petey was with us, he is still living his best life in his forever home. The fund that was established in his name is still helping sick pets heal and find forever homes.
