Go Bark!
Monday, July 6, 2015
By: Wendy Welch

UM's President Schlissel adopts from HSHV

Just in time for Independence Day, University of Michigan President Dr. Mark Schlissel headed to HSHV. Figurative fireworks went off when he met a 3-month-old schnauzer-poodle puppy who'd been surrendered because his owner could no longer care for him.

 And now, Dr. Schlissel and his family are celebrating a new family member: Bo!

Recently President Schlissel ran into HSHV Board member and mobile vet, Dr. Annie Staebler, at Zingerman's Roadhouse and mentioned that he wanted a dog for his family and hoped to adopt.   He needed a more hypoallergenic breed because of a son with allergies. And within a short period of time HSHV received this super sweet pup that fit the bill perfectly.  

"We are thrilled with this adoption.  Anytime an influential leader like President Schlissel adopts it helps our cause. It reminds people that shelters are a great place to find a new family member, " says Tanya Hilgendorf, HSHV President and CEO.

HSHV Adoptions Manager Krista Donahoo said, "President Schlissel was really warm and down to earth.  He asked a lot of great questions, clearly wanting to provide outstanding care to his new family member."

HSHV is hoping that Dr. Schlissel's adoption will inspire others and encourage them to think about adoption first.

"While we're doing fantastic here at HSHV, nationally, about 3 million healthy and treatable shelter dogs and cats are put down simply because their aren't enough people who want them.  Even though shelters tend to have more adult large breed dogs, we also have a variety of breeds and ages available.  Sometimes it takes a little persistence, but it's always worth it.  It's an act of compassion with great payback.  The love of a grateful dog or cat just can't be beat, " Hilgendorf says.