Making a Difference

Oct. 23, 2015

The Northern Michigan Animal Rescue Network

Something wonderful sometimes springs from a difficult situation. Such was the case for Topinabee author Chris Wright (writer of the popular “Michigan Chillers” and “American Chillers” series for kids, plus several novels for adults) and his wife, Boots Wright.

The Wrights assisted with an animal cruelty case in their neighborhood and realized they wanted to continue helping animals on a local and regional level. So, they founded the Northern Michigan Animal Rescue Network (NMARN).

INSPIRED BY NEED

The focuses of MNARN are threefold: to help those in need take better care of their pets, finding and rescuing lost pets, and making sure as many pets have homes as possible. Thus far, their service area covers from the Indian River/Topinabee area right across the state to Presque Isle/Alpena.

They’re a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization supported by grants, individual donations and money from fundraising events.

They keep their operating costs low — everyone volunteers their time — so the dollars they raise achieve maximum impact for the animals.

“The inspiration for our group was really strong when we started,” Chris explained. “It still is, of course, but instead of jumping right on in and saying we needed to raise money to build a shelter, we stepped back and talked to the community and vets and pet owners to see what the needs really were.”

HEALTHY PETS

The Wrights decided the first area they would focus on was helping people get their pets spayed and neutered.

“Many people aren’t aware of the importance of this,” Chris said. “Not doing so contributes to a huge overpopulation of feral cats and unwanted litters of puppies and kittens. Doing so is good for the animals’ health, reduces aggression in males and keeps pets from wandering as much.”

NMARN helps connect pet owners with specific vets and negotiates a co-pay for pet owners who may be short on funds.

“When the economy drops and money gets tight, we step in to help people keep their pets healthy,” Chris explained. “We’re really proud that, when you donate, it all goes directly to our programs since we didn’t build a facility. Our overhead is basically the phone and that’s it.”

SAFE HAVEN

Utilizing their online network, primarily on Facebook, NMARN’s other focus is getting the word out if a pet has been lost. They’ve had great success reuniting lost pets with their owners by posting virtual fliers on their website so word spreads quickly and pets can be found.

NMARN also works to transport and rehome pets, whether they are in search of a new forever home or need to be out of their house temporarily due to relocation or an owner’s medical situation.

“People fall on difficult times, divorce, need to move or maybe can’t have a pet in their new apartment, so we get word out on our network that there’s a dog or cat in need of a home,” Chris said. “We are very much in need of temporary homes, as well, so let us know if you can offer short-term lodging for a pet who is in between homes or in a difficult situation. We take care of the food and vet bills; these pets just need a safe haven.”

SHELTER GREATNESS

Two big annual fundraising events help NMARN do their good work: June’s Yappy Hour, a wine and cheese event with silent auction, and their Fall Fundraiser at The Breakers in Topinabee.

Funds are always needed for everything from pet food to veterinary care, but it’s the efforts of the Wrights and their team of fellow volunteers that are really making the difference.

“It’s a lot of doing what we can with what we have, and also education,” Chris said. “Especially about shelter pets. I wouldn’t tell people not to buy a specific kind of dog. I mean, if you really love Labradors and your heart is set on a Labrador puppy, go for it, but I don’t think people are aware of what great dogs and cats can be found in shelters. Every dog I’ve had has been a shelter dog and they’re truly great dogs.”

LOCAL DIFFERENCE

The Wrights have three dogs of their own, all named with a nod to Chris’ “Chillers” book series: a fox red Labrador named Scooby-Boo, a white pit bull named Boo- Boo and a black Labrador mix named Spooky Dude. All three are friendly, well behaved and quite obviously an integral part of the Wrights’ family.

“I think because my wife and I both grew up with pets, we know how important they are in peoples’ lives,” Chris said.

“You see all of these things going on in the world, large problems that are tough to fix, but we can do this: something right here that gives a pet a chance at a nice family and that brings that joy into someone’s home. I just want to make a difference in the lives of pets and people.”

For more information, to make a tax-deductible donation or to offer temporary pet rehoming support, visit the Northern Michigan Animal Rescue Network at nmarn.org, find them on Facebook or call the Paws Line at (231) 238-7297.

IF YOU FIND A LOST DOG OR CAT

1. Do not approach an aggressive animal. Use caution based on the animal’s temperament.

2. If they seem dehydrated or hungry, provide bowls of fresh water and food.

3. If the animal seems friendly, check for a collar and tags.

4. If you can, temporarily keep the animal in a safe, enclosed area, such as a fenced yard, porch or garage.

5. Take a photo of the animal with your phone.

6. Call Animal Control and NMARN or a similar organization in your area.

“Animal control often gets overburdened, so we can get messages and photos online right away,” Chris Wright said. “Email photos to boots@nmarn.org or contact us on Facebook. We update it every day with lost pets and also with newly available pets for people looking for a new pet.”