Monroe County Humane Association

04/24/2025

Head over to Menards in Bloomington throughout the month of May & help MCHA by adding any of these wishlist items to your cart to be dropped into the donation drive bin at the front of the store! These items help support our Emergency Pet Food Pantry, Crisis Housing, and Nonprofit Vet Clinic!

Thank you Menards for hosting this donation drive, and thank you to everyone who has already donated! 🐾💚

04/24/2025

💉Volunteer Shout-Out: Dr. Mary Alice Cox, Dr. Jim Koch, Audrey Windsor, Melissa Stone, Jane Barker, Melinda Haag, Mia & Karley 🩺

Our mobile clinic heroes! Your dedication has helped provide vaccines and vital care to hundreds of animals in our community. Our staff truly appreciates your helping hands, positive energy, and willingness to support wherever needed.

04/24/2025

🎩 Tails on the Town is coming next Friday, May 2—and we need your help to make it a night to remember! ✨

This high-energy, carnival-themed fundraiser supports critical programs like MCHA's Crisis Housing for pets in need. From game stations to guest check-in, we need a big team of helping hands to keep the evening running smoothly.

The event is open to volunteers of all ages—bring your friends, family, or a whole group! There’s something for everyone to get involved in!

Event Volunteer Link: https://dash.pointapp.org/events/326759

An application is required to volunteer. When applying, please be sure to list TOTT under the "Other" option.

If you have any questions or need help signing up, reach out to our Volunteer Coordinator, Whitney Pickett, at [email protected].

We hope to see you there! 🥳

04/24/2025

🌟 Volunteer Shout-Out: MCHA Animal Therapy Teams! 🌟

🌟 Siobhan & Grace — Thank you for consistently showing up for IU Hospital, Susie’s Place, school visits, new teams, and so many events. Your energy and commitment help keep this program thriving.

🐾 Grace & Yorick — Our beloved feline ambassador! Yorick doesn’t just represent MCHA — he proudly carries the torch for all the black kitties out there. Grace, thank you for sharing this sweet soul with the community.

🫶 Emily & Amina — You've both spent countless hours supporting clients in need, always showing up with listening ears and open hearts. Your care is deeply felt and appreciated by so many.

💔 Chris & Ziva — Ziva may have crossed the rainbow bridge, but her memory lives on through the joy she brought to IU events and hospital visits. We’re so grateful for everything she and Chris gave to this community. Her impact will never be forgotten.

📚 Kayla & Ollie — This duo lights up every library visit with our Read to a Dog program. Your work with young readers is creating memories — and magic — every time.

🐕 Susan & Mason — As one of our newest teams, you’ve already gone above and beyond. From visiting Susie’s Place to initiating new partnerships, your proactive spirit is such a gift.

🎒 George & Walter — Always present for our youth in school settings, Walter’s cuddles and calm presence have made tough days easier for many. (And yes — the photos are adorable.)

🌈 DeDe & Penelope — While Penelope wasn’t able to attend IU as often this past year, she and DeDe were beloved fixtures at the hospital. In 2025, Penelope crossed the rainbow bridge, but her legacy of comfort and connection lives on. Please join us in sending DeDe all the love as we honor the memory of this sweet girl who touched so many hearts.

04/23/2025

🌟 Volunteer Shout-Out: Virginia! 🌟

Virginia has been a part of MCHA in more ways than we can count—and her impact is felt in every corner of our organization. From serving as a board member to dedicating kennels in memory of her beloved pets, Virginia’s love for animals runs deep and true.

She has been a champion for our Crisis Housing animals, making sure they receive the love, attention, and dignity they deserve during some of the hardest times in their lives. Her dedication, generosity, and unwavering support have meant the world to our team—and to every life she's touched.

Virginia’s positive spirit and commitment to our mission are unforgettable. We are so incredibly grateful for everything she has done and continues to do for MCHA. 💛🐾

Thank you, Virginia—you are truly one of a kind!

04/23/2025

🌟 Volunteer Shout-Out: Christine! 🌟

From the moment Christine submitted her application—checking nearly every box—we knew she was something special. During her very first tour and paperwork session, her huge heart was on full display. When we mentioned that one of our Crisis Program cats, Ellen, might not be able to return home, Christine didn’t hesitate for a second—she smiled and said, “I’d love to be her new mommy.”

Ellen, our sweet older lady, found her perfect match. Christine lovingly said, “We can get a few more years outta her,”—and it was clear this was the beginning of something beautiful. 💛

Since then, Christine has not only given Ellen a second chance at love, but also continues to give her time and energy to MCHA. She regularly volunteers with our admin team, comes in on weekends, and makes sure our animals get the attention, love, and exercise they need to thrive.

Christine, thank you for your compassion, your dedication, and your giant heart. We’re beyond lucky to have you—and so is Ellen! 🐾💕

04/22/2025

🌟 Volunteer Shout-Out: Bella! 🌟

Bella first joined us as an intern with a strong background in animal behavior and a passion for helping. Now a current intern with Whitney, she’s quickly become a vital part of our weekend care team. Her positive energy, deep care for responsible pet ownership, and ongoing commitment to youth education make her an absolute joy to work with. Whether she’s brainstorming ways to enrich animal care or uplifting the team, Bella keeps us motivated and inspired every day. Thank you, Bella, for all that you do — we’re so lucky to have you! 🐾💛

04/22/2025

🌟 Volunteer Shout-Out: Jacquie & John! 🌟

Some people just get it—and Jacquie and John are those people.

Jacquie first came to us through her employer’s volunteer program, and it wasn’t long before she submitted her own application and became a regular weekend volunteer. Her passion for animals and willingness to jump in wherever needed made an immediate impact—and she even brought her husband, John, along for the ride!

John quickly became our go-to “heyyyy, I need help with something” guy—whether it’s repairing kennels, installing the new washer and dryer, lending a hand on a project, or just giving some extra love to the animals alongside Jacquie, he’s always ready to help.

Together, Jacquie and John are the kind of volunteers every organization dreams of: dependable, kind-hearted, and truly dedicated animal people. We’re so lucky to have them as part of the MCHA family, and we appreciate them more than words can say! 🐾💛

04/21/2025

🌟 Volunteer Shout-Out: Becky! 🌟

We want to give a HUGE thank you to Becky, one of our very first volunteers when we launched the program! From day one, Becky has jumped in with both feet—trying out all kinds of tasks and always being one of the first to say “yes” to help with anything and everything.

Whether it was prepping for Run for the Animals, handing out water to runners mid-race, logging in on weekends to support our front staff, or keeping us organized as our Data Entry Queen, Becky does it all with kindness, consistency, and a can-do attitude.

She's truly wonderful to work with, and we’re so lucky to have her on the team. Becky, thank you for all that you do—we appreciate you more than words can say! 💛🐾

04/21/2025

🌟 Volunteer Shout-Out: Theresa! 🌟

Let’s hear it for Theresa, one of our earliest and most dedicated volunteers! She shows up twice a week, rolls up her sleeves, and just gets the job DONE—no fuss, no hesitation, just heart and hustle.

Theresa has done just about everything in the clinic, and we mean everything! Her stories keep us laughing, her personality lights up the room, and her commitment is nothing short of inspiring.

We are so grateful for everything Theresa brings to the team. Thank you for your time, your energy, and your endless good vibes—we appreciate you more than you know! 💛🐾

04/21/2025

✅ Reason #457 to grab your tickets at monroehumane.org/tott to join us at this year's Tails on the Town event...

🎯 Let's talk about the games! We are bringing new games like Target Shooting, Plinko, & the Human Slot Machine (hilariously entertaining), and of course we're bringing back the all time favorite—Wine Toss! Caricatures by Dan Alexander will also be on site, adding to the festive fun! If you haven't gotten your tickets yet, what are you waiting for? 🥳

04/21/2025

💖 It's Volunteer Appreciation Week, and we'd like to spend the week shining a light on all the wonderful volunteers that keep MCHA running! 👏

Our Volunteer Coordinator, Whitney Pickett, wishes to share this message:

"When I first stepped into this role, I never imagined I’d have the honor of meeting so many kind, open-minded heroes. I’ll be honest—there are moments when I’m overwhelmed by the sheer number of applications and requests from people eager to lend a hand at MCHA. I do my best to say “yes” to everyone, but sometimes I simply can’t.

Still, I want to personally thank each and every one of you for the time, effort, and heart you put into everything we do here. Your dedication means more than words can express. You keep me motivated, make me laugh, and inspire me every single day.

Thank you for being the incredible humans you are." ❤️ 🐾


Photo credit: Luke Miller

04/18/2025

🥹 This very good boy is still in need of a loving home! 🙏

If you'd like to meet Dino to see if he'd be a good fit for your home, reach out to Liz at [email protected].

One of the more difficult aspects of our Crisis Housing Program is when reunification isn’t possible. While our primary goal is always to reunite pets with their families after a crisis, that’s not always the best or most realistic outcome. Sometimes, a person’s situation may not improve, chronic health issues may arise, or there may be other factors that make returning a pet to their owner unsafe or unfair—for both the pet and the family. In those cases, separation, as heartbreaking as it can be, is the most compassionate choice.

You may remember Dino, a sweet dog who has been in our care for some time now. His owner truly loves him, but as we supported them through their crisis, it became clear to them that bringing Dino home was not feasible.

We’re now working to find Dino the loving, stable home he deserves. Until then, he’ll remain with us where he’s safe and comfortable—moving him to a shelter environment just isn’t fair to him.

If you're interested in adopting this lovable guy (no cats, please!), reach out to our Outreach Coordinator at [email protected].

04/17/2025

Let's give a warm welcome to our newest Bronze Sponsor for our May 2 Tails on the Town event, Needmore Coffee Roasters! Keep an eye out for an upcoming post revealing some of the exciting auction items that will be available to bid on during the event, including a coffee themed-basket and roast experience!

Get your tickets today at monroehumane.org/tott!

💛 Gold Sponsors: Bailey Weiler Design + Build; One World Catering ; & One World at Woolery Mill
💜 Silver Sponsors: Baird Trust & Bomba Stallsmith Rabadi Group-Baird Private Wealth Management; Duke Energy ; German American Bank ; Hurlow Wealth Management; Indiana Oxygen; Mannered Mutts Training; Oliver Winery; Scout's Honor; Smithville; The Dog House, LLC, Tito's Handmade Vodka; & TJV Balloons
💙 Bronze Sponsors: BLOOM Magazine, BloomingPaws Clinic Resort Spa, City of Bloomington, IN - Office of the Mayor, IU Credit Union, Mallow Run Winery; Needmore Coffee Roasters; Secretly Distribution, & Slotegraaf Niehoff PC
💚 Friend: A.J. Bowlen REALTOR-RE/MAX Acclaimed Properties, Mad 4 My Dog; Tracee Lutes - Talk To Tracee, RE/MAX Acclaimed Properties, & Singota Solutions

04/17/2025

Each year, more than 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs in the U.S., and more than half of those victims are children. However, most dog bites are preventable. Whether you’re a lifelong dog owner or meeting a new pup for the first time, understanding dog behavior and respecting their boundaries are key. Here are a few important tips to keep in mind:

Avoid unfamiliar dogs—Do not approach or pet dogs you do not know.
Ask before petting—Always ask the owner for permission before approaching or petting a dog.
Watch the body language—A wagging tail doesn’t always mean a dog is friendly. Look for signs of fear or stress like tucked tails, stiff bodies, growling, barking, or showing teeth.
Never bother a dog that’s eating or sleeping—Even the most well-behaved dogs may react if startled or protecting something valuable.
Supervise children around dogs—Teach kids how to interact gently and respectfully with dogs, and never leave them unsupervised with any dog.

For Owners:
Keep dogs leashed and under control—Ensure your dog is always on a leash in public areas and follow local leash laws.
Properly socialize and train your dog—Socialize your dog from a young age and provide obedience training to teach them appropriate behavior.
Use a muzzle if necessary—If your dog exhibits aggressive behavior, use a muzzle to prevent bites.
Provide a safe environment—Create a designated area in your home for your dog to relax and avoid conflicts.
Neuter or spay your dog—This can reduce hormonal aggression.

Education is one of the most powerful tools in preventing dog bites. Shelters, veterinarians, and trainers often offer resources or classes to help families understand safe practices. Remember, dogs communicate with us in their own ways—and learning their language helps create a safer, happier world for both humans and animals and it’s a great way to strengthen the bond.

Visit Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)’s page for more information on Dog Bite Prevention at avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners/dog-bite-prevention. Kids may also enjoy and benefit from another great AVMA resource, Jimmy the Dog: Videos to Help Prevent Dog Bites (link in the comments).

Any dog can bite—big or small, male or female, young or old. It’s not a dog's breed that determines whether it will bite, but rather the dog's individual history and behavior.

04/17/2025

🤗 💖 👏

04/16/2025

Meet Polka—a tiny but mighty 20-year-old chihuahua with a heart full of love and a tongue that just can’t quite stay in her mouth (thanks to having almost no teeth left).

After two decades by her owner’s side, Polka suddenly found herself in unfamiliar territory—separated from her person while they navigate an extremely difficult time. There’s no doubt she misses them deeply—and they miss her just as much.

But Polka didn’t come alone—she brought backup. Her much younger (and much, much larger) brother Max is also in our care. Max is a 2-year-old goofball—full of love for people and absolutely no manners to speak of. He’s big, silly, and endlessly entertaining—a sharp contrast to Polka’s slow and steady world.

Because of her age and sensitive nature, Polka is spending this chapter in a calm, loving foster home—a quiet space shared with two other senior pups who match her gentle pace. She spends her days shuffling through the yard—moving to the beat of her own little soundtrack, completely content to take life at her own pace. Every blade of grass gets a sniff, every sunbeam gets a pause, and every quiet corner gets explored—No rush. No hurry.

She loves burrowing into soft blankets—especially if they’re warmed up—and on chilly mornings, you’ll usually find her curled up on the heated one. Because after 20 years of love and loyalty, she’s earned every bit of comfort life can offer.

Polka and Max will both be reunited with their beloved owner once their crisis has passed—but until then, we’re here to make sure they’re safe, cared for, and surrounded by love.

And you can help us spoil them too—your support ensures pets like Polka and Max have a soft place to land, even when life takes an unexpected turn.

A $25 donation can give a pet like Polka or Max one full day of safety, comfort, and care—including shelter, medication, nourishment, and the loving attention they deserve...

To help support Polka & Max, please visit bit.ly/SponsorCrisisHousingPets

Thank you for helping us keep families together and for being part of Polka's & Max's Story.

04/16/2025

🎂 Raising Cane's is celebrating their 28th birthday this year, and the kind staff at the Bloomington location on Kirkwood have offered to donate the net proceeds from each purchase of their new limited addition golden plush puppy to MCHA! 🥳

The puppies may be purchased at the restaurant or when ordering online through April 29th (or until supplies run out).

For directions, menu, or to order online from the Bloomington Raising Cane's, visit https://locations.raisingcanes.com/in/bloomington/422-east-kirkwood-avenue