'Pet' project: Legal eagles help pets find 'Forever Homes'

prev
next

By Sheila Pursglove
Legal News


Attorney Dan Minkus has two “rescue” dogs, abandoned by a prior owner because they were apparently too much trouble.

“I can’t imagine abandoning any animal – and our family is so happy to have Milo and Ella in our home,” says Minkus, a member and former chair of the Michigan Humane Society Board of Directors. “While they’ve got it pretty good – dog beds in four different rooms – we’re really the lucky ones.

“Before Milo and Ella, we rescued Dalai. She too was turned in to the MHS because she had a skin condition, an ear infection, and an eye infection.  She was with us for 14 years – and almost never sick.”

An attorney with Clark Hill in Birmingham, Minkus got involved as an MHS board member at the age of 26.

“As an animal lover and pet owner, I was looking for a way to get involved with the organization and the board president invited me to my first board meeting as a guest – 28 years later, I’m still extremely involved and motivated by the organization and all the good work it does every day,” he says.

Minkus finds it incredibly rewarding to help animals – especially companion animals. 

“Companion animals provide so much pleasure and happiness to their guardians – all on an unconditional basis and without asking for much in return,” he says. “Seeing the MHS provide care for animals, educate our community on animal care, and work to elevate the importance of animals of all types in our society is very encouraging.  In the three decades I’ve been involved with the organization, I’ve seen it become so much more involved in big picture issues and progress for animals. We’re truly making real changes in ways that will positively affect thousands of animals and people in our state every year.”

The MHS provides care to tens of thousands of animals every year regardless of circumstance, Minkus notes. Whether animals have homes or are abandoned, whether their guardians have money or are unable to pay for services, and whether or not they are sick or healthy, the MHS stands ready every day and every night to provide the best possible outcome for each animal it encounters. 

“We have limited resources, but unlimited compassion,” he says. 

MHS is embarking on even more public/private partnerships as it is called on to do more and more in cities and towns given budgetary cutbacks in animal services. 

“Most people don’t realize all the MHS does in dozens of communities,” he says. “The new Detroit campus will enable the MHS to help so many more animals than it does already.  We have talked about a new Detroit shelter for almost 20 years – and to see it become a reality is fantastic.”

Hundreds of committed MHS volunteers give of themselves 365 days a year to help make the lives of needy and (apparently) unwanted animals better, Minkus notes. 

“The staff and volunteers at the MHS are second to none,” he says.

Adopting a shelter animal into your home has many benefits, Minkus adds.

“Studies show that people with animals in their homes are more healthy, are happier and are more active.  Animals help us to teach and accept responsibility and provide a welcome home at the end of every day that makes any day better. And in addition to adopting, assisting with your time or money will allow the MHS to do its great work and to provide more and more happy outcomes for animals and their human families.”

Beverly Burns, an attorney with Miller Canfield in Detroit and immediate past chair of the MHS Board, has long been involved in charitable and public service.

“When a friend who’s similarly committed to working for the public good asked me if I’d consider the MHS Board, I was thrilled because it beautifully combined my commitment to charitable work with my love of animals,” she says.

“Over the years I spent on the board, I learned to appreciate the dedication of MHS staff, and of the countless number of volunteers, who work to provide humane care and homes for companion animals in our area. And of course, I’ve loved being around the animals!

“I can’t think of a more-rewarding volunteer activity than working with the animals at MHS, whether by signing up to walk the dogs, by fostering cats, by adopting a pet or offering financial support,” Burns adds. “I’ve adopted three dogs from MHS for my mom, and every one has been a huge success!”

––––––––––––––––––––
Subscribe to the Legal News!
http://www.legalnews.com/Home/Subscription
Full access to public notices, articles, columns, archives, statistics, calendar and more
Day Pass Only $4.95!
One-County $80/year
Three-County & Full Pass also available