A little under a year ago, Michele’s Rescue made headlines when she and another animal advocate saved 31 dogs and cats from Roatán, a Caribbean island off the coast of Honduras. The animals had been abandoned by individuals posing as animal welfare advocates and were left in dire conditions without access to food or clean water.
Michele Schaut, founder of Michele’s Rescue, spoke to Grand Rapids Magazine with the unfiltered honesty and urgency that defines her commitment to animal welfare. Her nonprofit organization focusses on rescuing animals from shelters near and far that are “at capacity.” Her work involves everything from hands-on care (Lionel, an FIV-positive cat with a bullet wound, now lives with Schaut as one of her own) to tackling local governmental obstacles and addressing broader issues of neglect and abuse.
The harrowing nature of rescuing animals from a remote island are what makes headlines; however, the phone calls Schaut most often receives as of late are of a more mundane nature. They’re from people who find themselves having to surrender their pets because they can no longer afford them due to rising costs of dog food, veterinary care, pet deposits, and monthly pet rent.
The Stats
The American Pet Products Association estimates that approximately 20 million pets in the US are living in poverty, reflecting the struggles of their owners.
According to NPR in January 2023, the rise in pet surrenders is closely linked to financial strain. The Washington Post further highlighted in December 2022 that inflation and a shortage of affordable housing have worsened the problem. These economic pressures force many families into heart-wrenching decisions, resulting in pets being relinquished to shelters at an alarming rate. This surge has overwhelmed shelters, leading to overcrowding and a critical shortage of resources. Each year, around 7 million dogs and cats are euthanized in the United States due to these dire circumstances, as reported by PBS.
The increasing number of homeless pets in West Michigan has been exacerbated by a troubling rise in reports of animal abuse, including dog fighting rings in nearby communities. “It’s painful to see the lack of compassion in people right now. Every rescue and shelter is suffering, and it’s getting harder with rising costs and increased demand,” Schaut said.
Against this challenging backdrop, Schaut said Michele’s Rescue handles between 700 to 900 animals each year, a task that demands substantial resources. “We have a couple of dogs going into training and several vet appointments coming up,’ said Schaut. “The cost of saving these animals can be astronomical.”
A recent fundraiser at Thornapple Pointe raised nearly $5,000, but much of it was quickly used for essential expenses like microchips and veterinary care. Schaut’s path to animal rescue work began in 1997, after she and her first husband bought a small farmhouse. What started as a local effort to care for feral kittens discovered on their property evolved into a full-scale rescue operation. “We caught 10 feral kittens, and I called my vet for help,” said Schaut. The vet offered to spay or neuter each kitten for $15 each, marking the humble beginnings to Schaut’s lifelong dedication to animal welfare.
What’s the answer?
According to Schaut, increasing public involvement is crucial to addressing the current crisis. Getting more people involved with volunteering to witness firsthand the harsh realities faced by shelters, she believes, would help. “If people would just volunteer a little more, it would make a world of difference,” Schaut said. People who provide hands-on care as volunteers are often surprised by what’s involved in animal rescue, Schaut said. “It’s not just coming in and playing with puppies.”
Schaut is candid about her frustrations with the current state of animal welfare, both locally and nationally and blames everything from the inefficiency of government bodies to lack of compassion from some community members and leaders.
Schaut suggested getting prisoners involved akin to Pendleton Correctional Facility’s FORWARD program, where cats and inmates rehabilitate one another, according to the Indianapolis Star.
At the time this article was written, Schaut was busy coordinating the rescue of Duncan, a two-year-old dog from North Carolina. She planned to meet another dedicated rescuer halfway to ensure the dog’s safe transport. Despite her tireless efforts, Schaut says she often faces criticism for rescuing animals from distant regions or from people who question her investment in costly surgeries for individual animals.
Schaut’s response is simple. She assists the animals whose needs come to her attention, regardless of where they are. Whether they are in another state or country, if she learns about an animal in distress, she feels compelled to act. It’s about responding to each animal’s plight and providing the help they desperately need.
“We’re here to keep these animals alive and to give them a chance they might not otherwise have. It’s about compassion, persistence, and a lot of hard work. If we don’t speak up for them, who will?”
Her dedication to rescuing and rehabilitating animals provides hope and a lifeline for countless pets facing uncertain futures. While her work is deeply impactful, it is part of a larger effort that is needed to address the systemic issues contributing to the crisis. For more information, visit michelesrescue.com.
Pet Food Pantries
If you, or someone you know, is having trouble feeding a pet, reach out to one of these local pet food pantries:
1. Kibble Konnection
“A pet food bank program which helps low-income pet owners provide food for their pets, in partnership with the Access of West Michigan Food Pantry network.”
2. Pleasant Hearts Pantry
1035 Godfrey SW, Grand Rapids
Additionally, Kent County Animal Shelter can provide temporary food assistance as needed. Phone 616.632.7300. Grand Rapids Pitbull Alliance has a mobile food pantry that provides resources around the county. Email them at:grpba.outreach@gmail.com.
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