The furry inside - A look at the Humane Society of West Michigan

Wet noses, tails wagging, and purrs galore! One step into the Humane Society of West Michigan and you are fully enthralled into the joy of meeting many furry friends. You can meet and greet, while learning about each animal along the way. It’s the perfect way to find your new companion, who is even more excited than you!

This organization was first developed in 1883 by a group of people, different members of the community, who came together with a heavy concern and compassion for animals in need. This group would take animals into their family homes and to local veterinary clinics to keep them safe, until the first shelter was built in 1944. In February of 2001, the organization moved to a bigger facility where they were offered more opportunities to help the animals with more resources—which included more resources such as grants and funds to expand their services.

Content and thriving in this new location, the Humane Society of West Michigan has stayed in this location with generous funding and projects to make it the best it can be. This organization serves Kent County, other counties, and even other states with overpopulating needs.

One of the incredible people that help make these services possible is the Executive Director, Trudy Jeffers. Jeffers first became involved with the Humane Society several years ago when a Director of Operations position opened, and she applied. A year later, the department offered her the position of Executive Director. About being offered the new job, Jeffers says, “I gratefully said ‘yes!’.”

There are many different pets ready to be adopted and find their home. Families can adopt dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, and hamsters through this shelter. There are many animals who have been at the shelter for a long time, and others who come and go rather quickly.

One dog in particular, Candy, has been in shelters for the past couple of years. Kimberly Thomas, the Media and Communications Coordinator, says, “She is our longest-term resident and has actually been in and out of the shelter for almost 2 years now.” 

She came to HSWM in December of 2015, transferred from another shelter, where she was brought in as a lonely stray in October of 2015. Her fun and loving attitude would make her the perfect companion for anyone looking for a furry friend. She loves giving kisses, meeting new people, and is always ready for cuddling. Her high energy levels should be considered around smaller children, but she loves to get her energy out by chasing tennis balls. She would be happiest as the only pet in the home. She is in search of her FOREVER HOME!

If you are interested in Candy please visit the Humane Society of West Michigan. Candy would love to meet you too!