It is no secret that the staff and students at the Brighton, Michigan campus of Ross Medical Education Center love their pets! Most of the staff, faculty, and students are animal lovers and have pets of their own, so choosing to support the local humane society was a great fit. Tracy Muck, Lead Instructor for the Pharmacy Technician program, has a Golden Retriever named Lulu, and Campus Director Susan Mall has a tortoise cat named Bella. Those two and others know that during the cold weather this holiday season, many pets are in need of food and shelter.
In fact, according to the Livingston County Humane Society website, there are nearly 2,200 stray, unwanted, injured or abandoned animals in the county each year. To help that vulnerable population, the whole campus worked together to help their furry friends by bringing in donations for the Livingston County Humane Society throughout the entire month of December.
During the drive, a large variety of items were donated. Some of the items collected ranged from large bags of dry food and to canned food, tons of treats and toys, and even gently used towels and blankets. Skye Klotz, a student in the morning Medical Assistant program, reminded her classmates that the animals need to eat and be warm, too. The facility has room to care for 130 cats and dogs, with interview rooms for potential pet parents.
While the organization facilitates pet adoptions, they also offer other services. According to their website, the society also helps track lost pets that may end up at their facility, assists with pet care questions, and works to ensure all the pets in their care receive excellent treatment. Their new Surgical Unit will spay or neuter your pet at a reduced cost. The society conducts educational programs and is home to a pet food pantry. Because of the vast number of services they offer, they are always in need of supplies and volunteers, especially for their foster pet program.
After the drive, the students, staff, and Instructors had holiday fun! They all wore holiday ugly sweaters or sweatshirts the last Thursday before break and participated in a campus-wide potluck. Students enjoyed food and friendship, all while knowing they created a happy holiday for some local animals by donating much needed food, toys, blankets and bedding.