Paw Prints
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A blog by the friendly folks at Midland Humane Coalition
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We'd like to take this special week to put a spotlight on some of our very amazing volunteers. Without further ado, meet our volunteers! (Click on their names for their stories)
Aimee Neusch Aimee loves animals. She has 4 dogs and 5 cats at home. But that isn't enough -- she makes room for foster kitties who need temporary homes. As a pet foster, Aimee helps save lives by taking cats off the streets or out of the shelter (where they can be euthanized) until we can get them adopted out to good homes! Thank you for your kindness, Aimee! *** MHC Volunteer since: About a year, but it's been wonderful! Volunteer position/s? I foster cats, kittens and meowy families. Fun Facts: I have worked for Ben E Keith Foods for 15 years as a district sales consultant. I have a son, Liam, who is nearly 3 (thinks he's 23)and keeps me and my husband on our toes! My hobbies are playing in my flower garden, reading, and keeping my 2 and 4 legged kids entertained. Got pets? My family has 4 dogs and 5 cats. Why do you volunteer with MHC? What motivates you to stay involved? I've always been an animal advocate and being able to help save lives and educate the public is very rewarding. In your opinion, what is the most important work that this organization does? I think the Coalition's ability to reach out and interact with the public and improve not only an animal's life, but a family dynamic through their pet is priceless. Has volunteering with MHC had a positive impact on your life? Tell us about a time/incident that was especially meaningful for you while volunteering with MHC. Not only does this have a positive impact on me, but my family as well. My personal cats are not fans of my son. But I took on a foster that at first I believed was feral. However, it turns out she is simply extremely afraid of other cats. She actually cuddles with my son and will sleep next to him on occasion. It's been very sweet to watch them bond. If you could encourage someone else to volunteer with MHC, what would you tell them? Nothing feels better than knowing you can make such an impact by working with this amazing group. I think the Coalition's ability to reach out and interact with the public and improve not only an animal's life, but a family dynamic through their pet is priceless.
Kelly Stegall Kelly Stegall is a familiar face - hers is one that has graced countless morning/prime time news segments and TV commercials advocating for MHC's Adoptable Pets! In fact, she was instrumental in getting our "Pet of the Week" spots established with our various friends in the media eight years ago! Because of this, countless pets have gained exposure and have been adopted throughout the Permian Basin. This year, Kelly has joined the Board of Directors and is heading up the Furr Ball Committee, one of our biggest and glitziest fundraisers! We are so honored to have her representing MHC! Thanks for your time, Kelly! *** MHC Volunteer since: I started when MHC was formed helping out with the Furr Ball (that was 9 years ago). Volunteer position/s? MHC Board Member & 9th Annual Furr Ball Committee. This year, Susie and I are hosting Furr Ball and we are sooo excited. Fun Facts: I’m raising the 5th generation of Midlander. My sons are Ethan (19) and Evan (17). I’m not an artist but am artistic and enjoy painting when I can. In fact, Pat H (a fellow MHC board member) shared a link that used paw prints as flower buds on canvas. I’m going to try to do something like that as my next project. Got pets? A cat & a dog Why do you volunteer with MHC? What motivates you to stay involved? I started with MHC because my boys really wanted a pet. As a single mom, my quiver was full and I didn’t think I could take anything else on! But we did. We started with a cat and she is a blast! In your opinion, what is the most important work that this organization does? Promoting adoptions is important! Kelly Wright (MHC Board President) and I started the KMID Pet of the Week Furrever Home (TV Segment where Adoptables are featured on air weekly) about 8 years ago. We expanded it to Channel 7 and Mike Barkers show for a while, and also radio stuff with KODM and Spencer Bennet. It really helped us establish a footprint in the Basin. Has volunteering with MHC had a positive impact on your life? Tell us about a time/incident that was especially meaningful for you while volunteering with MHC. One day, I stopped by the Adoption Center to pick up the Pet of the Week. He was a bait dog in a pit bull ring right outside of town. After a year and half of recovery, we finally received him. On the way home, he rested his head on my shoulder and I just melted. Hundreds of dogs I had worked with... but this sweet sweet boy melted me. We’ve been best friends ever since.  KELLY & Elvis promoting Adoptions and Donations (Click to watch video)
Erica Mann Erica is passionate about helping homeless cats & dogs. She is an advocate of controlling the overwhelming stray cat populations in Midland humanely. Erica was instrumental to starting the Trap, Neuter, Release Program and currently manages it now as a volunteer! She is also a strong supporter of MHC's fundraising efforts and has even signed up to sponsor our events as well! MHC is very lucky to have her support. Thank you for your dedication, Erica! *** MHC Volunteer since: 3 years Volunteer position/s? We have hosted fundraisers at The Blue Door. I wrote letters and made phone calls when the TNR program was just a dream, and I am currently the Volunteer Manager of the TNR program(volunteer position). Fun Facts: I am the co-owner of The Blue Door, and when not there, I love to hit the road to the mountains of Big Bend. Nutrition and fitness are important to me, and it is my goal to educate and motivate others to find their way to wellness as I develop my health coaching business. Got pets? I have 4 indoor cats, and a TNR'd colony of 3 in my backyard. Why do you volunteer with MHC? What motivates you to stay involved? I volunteer because Midland desperately needs this organization. We have too many unwanted cats and dogs, and not enough homes. I appreciate that the Coalition wants to fight this problem at the root of its cause, unaltered pets. In your opinion, what is the most important work that this organization does? While all of the pieces of the Coalition are important, I am partial to the TNR program. I believe in it because I know that it works. I support it because I know that trap and euthanize does not work. I am happy to be an advocate for our furry friends on the streets. Has volunteering with MHC had a positive impact on your life? Tell us about a time/incident that was especially meaningful for you while volunteering with MHC. I was moved when we were able to help an elderly woman control the population of cats in her backyard that she cared about so deeply. She reminded me of my grandmother who was quickly overrun after she took pity on a few strays, but there weren't resources like the MHC to help her. It was nice to be able to help this woman in a way that I couldn't with my grandma. I know she would be moved too. If you could encourage someone else to volunteer with MHC, what would you tell them? If you are thinking about it, just do it. We rarely regret the things that we try, but we often wish we could go back and do the things we passed up. No matter what your skill set, interest, age etc, there is a role for you at the MHC. What is your favorite thing about volunteering with MHC? My absolute favorite thing is releasing the cats after they have been spayed or neutered. They always sprint out of the cage without looking back. No thank you. No purr. No friendly headbutt. But, I know that their lives just got a major upgrade. No more litter after litter. No more scrounging for food to maintain her nursing. No more torn up ears and eyes from tom cat fights. I'm so happy for them as they dart off, no thank you needed. I volunteer because Midland desperately needs this organization. We have too many unwanted cats and dogs, and not enough homes. I appreciate that the Coalition wants to fight this problem at the root of its cause, unaltered pets.  Hanging out with clients at a Shot Clinic Heather Burrus MHC Volunteer Coordinator Every MHC volunteer probably already knows Heather. She's the first point of contact for volunteers after all. She's the wonderful lady who organizes volunteers for events and hosts Volunteer Orientations. She also keeps most everything else organized at the Adoption Center. If you've ever met her in person, she's always smiling and always eager to help. Her passion for helping animals definitely shows through her dedication at work. When she's not working, she's hanging out with the Adoptables to keep them company. We're truly honored to have her on the team. Thank you for your service, Heather! *** How long have you been Volunteer Coordinator? Since November 2017 What other things do you do at MHC apart from working with volunteers? Admin/Receptionist and big fan of cat cuddles! I was recently approved to do cat adoptions and it’s fun to be a part of getting them into their forever homes. I’m a cat lady at heart. Dogs are cool too though ;) I’m learning more about them every day! Fun facts I have a husband of almost 6 years and we have a four-legged child together named Violet. I love to take care of my vegetable garden, cook and try new recipes, and simply chill on the couch. Got pets? Princess Violet kitty wants the house to herself pet-wise, hence my need to be around all these animals here at MHC! What is your favorite thing about working with volunteers? I can see how rewarding/fun it is for the volunteers to play with and love on them and I know how very much positive human interaction is needed for these animals who haven’t had the best luck in life so far. It’s a win-win, good for our souls and the animals' souls. What is your favorite thing about working at MHC? It’s awesome to see these animals’ transformations. Many come in scared and nervous, but with a little TLC and belly rubs, they warm up to us the more we interact with them. Being a part of them growing into their personalities and becoming confident is so rewarding. If you could encourage someone to volunteer, what would you tell them? Any little bit of your time helps! Walking a dog may seem like nothing, but they may have never been on a leash before and that practice sets them up for success when they get adopted. Do you volunteer? If so, where? Here! I volunteer at the shot clinics floating around between stations and the line helping people with questions and the oh so tough petsitting so the owners can fill out paperwork without juggling all the leashes. It’s a blast! Any little bit of your time helps! Walking a dog may seem like nothing, but they may have never been on a leash before and that practice sets them up for success when they get adopted.
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