MCHA Monthly Newsletter
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November 2025 Newsletter
National Senior Pet Month: Caring for Senior Pets
Caring for Senior Pets: Supporting Your Aging Cats and Dogs
By Allison Jacobs, CEO, Scout’s Honor
As our cats and dogs age, their needs begin to change. Senior pets may slow down, nap more often, and/or develop new quirks. With the right care and attention, their golden years can be comfortable, joyful, and full of love for both of you.
Regular Veterinary Checkups: Older pets benefit from more frequent vet visits! Your senior pet should ideally visit their veterinarian once every six months. Routine exams and bloodwork can catch early signs of age-related conditions such as arthritis, blindness, cancer, deafness, dental issues, kidney disease, and thyroid changes. Early detection allows for better treatment and helps your pet stay healthy for longer.
Nutrition for Senior Health: A balanced diet is key to supporting aging bodies. Senior formulas for both cats and dogs are designed to maintain lean muscle, support joint health, and provide vital nutrients like omega-3s and antioxidants. Ask your veterinarian about the best diet for your pet’s individual needs, especially if they have specific medical concerns or mobility issues.
Gentle Exercise and Enrichment: Like humans, pets need regular activity to keep their bodies strong and minds sharp!
• Dogs often enjoy shorter and more frequent walks, light play with their favorite toys, or low-impact activities like swimming.
• Cats benefit from interactive toys, gentle climbing options, and short play sessions that keep their natural predator instincts engaged.
Mental enrichment: puzzle feeders, scent games, and new toys help prevent boredom and cognitive decline.
Comfort and Accessibility at Home: Make your home easy and comfortable for your senior pet to navigate! Provide soft, supportive, orthopedic bedding to promote joint health. Keep food, water, and litter boxes easily accessible. Ramps, stairs, or non-slip rugs can make a big difference for pets with arthritis, joint stiffness, or vision loss. Cats appreciate cozy, warm resting spots where they can relax undisturbed.
Compassion, Routine, and Quality Time: Senior pets often rely on consistency and gentle care. Keep feeding and activity schedules predictable. Spend time each day offering affection and reassurance: whether it’s a calm cuddle, a quiet walk, or simply sharing space together, your presence means the world to them.
Senior-Friendly Pet Care Options: Owners of senior pets should seek out pet care that’s specifically tailored to their older companions ’needs when choosing a boarding facility or pet sitter. Senior dogs and cats often require gentler handling, slower routines, extra potty breaks, and medication management. A quality caregiver will understand mobility challenges, age-related health concerns, and the importance of comfort and consistency. Choosing a facility or sitter experienced with senior pets ensures that your best friend receives attentive, compassionate care, keeping them safe, relaxed, and happy while you’re away. Please note: If your senior cat or dog has not boarded at a facility in several years, it is better for their overall wellness to hire a house sitter than board at a facility, so your pet can stay in their normal routine.
With attentive care, senior dogs and cats can continue to thrive, living out their later years with comfort, dignity, and all the love they’ve given you through the years.
New Client Financial Resources List
We understand that the cost of veterinary care can be a burden for many families, and here at MCHA, we are committed to ensuring the health and wellness of every pet, no matter a family’s financial situation. Because of this, we have decided to put together a list of financial aid resources from organizations outside of MCHA that can help alleviate the cost of care.
These grants vary based on eligibility requirements and funding amounts, so be sure to check each organization’s descriptions and apply to the program that suits your needs. Please keep in mind that MCHA has no involvement with deciding who receives grants from these organizations, but we are happy to offer guidance in the application process. For guidance, email us at grantresources@monroehumane.org. Please allow up to 48 hours for a response.
If you know of any financial aid programs that would be a good fit to add to our list, email it to us at grantresources@monroehumane.org.
To access the Financial Resources List, Click Here
Movers For Mutts® Donation Drive for MCHA
Please join us in thanking Two Men and a Truck of Bloomington for supporting MCHA through their Movers For Mutts® campaign!
Between hosting two successful Stuff-A-Truck events at Bloomington’s Petco and T&T Pet Food & Supplies in September and coordinating multiple box donation drives throughout the community in October, Two Men and a Truck of Bloomington’s General Manager, Matt Molina, and his crew collected and delivered an incredible haul of essentials, including 432 lbs. of pet food, 102 additional items (including toys, pet supplies, and office and cleaning supplies), and $156 in cash donations—all thanks to each and every individual in our community who contributed!
Mr. Molina reached out to local businesses and organized box donation drives at Adams Village Apartments, Elite Auto Bloomington, Fountain Park Apartments, Gallery Mortgage Group and The Vault, Meadow Park Apartments, and Steeplechase Apartments. He shared how one location even turned their community’s Halloween party into a fun way to give back, encouraging residents to bring pet donations in exchange for extra raffle tickets. We love this creative thinking!
To everyone who contributed and supported this fall’s Movers For Mutts® campaign, we appreciate all of your efforts and support in helping us help our community’s pets and their families stay fed, healthy, and cared for. We couldn’t do it without you!
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If you missed the donation drive but would still like to help, there are a few items we are always in need of, including spray cheese, creamy peanut butter, Churu, pill pockets, paper towels, gallon storage bags, trash bags, and liquid HE laundry detergent. Items may be dropped off at our Animal Care Campus at 791 S Fieldstone Blvd, Bloomington, Indiana 47403, or ordered through any of our online wishlists at monroehumane.org/donate-through-our-wishlists.
Volunteer Spotlight: Alpha Phi Omega Mu
We were excited to welcome members of Alpha Phi Omega Mu, a service fraternity at Indiana University, to MCHA’s campus on October 25!
This dedicated group joined Executive Director Andrew Krebbs for a morning and afternoon of landscaping projects — cleaning out beds and freshening up the areas around our MCHA Campus. Their teamwork, positive energy, and willingness to get their hands dirty made a huge difference in keeping our campus looking beautiful and welcoming for the families and pets we serve.
We are deeply grateful to the following volunteers who gave their time and effort: Vanessa Vasquez, Zoe Harbart, Sanjana Kakanur, Amulya Kuntamukkala, Melissa Herin, Mayah Weeks, Sriya Tellakula, Aspen Crowe, Sofia Hule, Paola Dominguez, Kate Espejo, Jenna Colt, Tatum Rose, Zachary Malo, Sanjana Iyer, Jay Thilking, Isha Konda, Kashvi Gaddam, and Chandhini Suresh.
Thank you, Alpha Phi Omega Mu, for your service and support of MCHA’s mission of keeping families together!
Individuals or groups interested in volunteering at MCHA, contact our Volunteer Coordinator, Whitney Pickett, at wpickett@monroehumane.org.
Run for the Animals Wrap-Up
Thank you to everyone who participated and supported MCHA’s 30th Annual Run for the Animals 5K! Your enthusiasm and energy made this milestone year an event to remember!
On Sunday morning, October 5, approximately 250 registrants and over 60 canine participants gathered at Karst Farm Park for MCHA’s annual fun 5K! The atmosphere was festive, with music, lots of smiling faces and wagging tails, awards, raffles, and contests. Sponsors lined the final stretch to cheer on finishers, with some helping judge the pet contests afterward.
In addition to being a fun, wonderful time to enjoy community in a gorgeous park setting, registration revenue and support from this year’s sponsors netted nearly $12,000 for MCHA, directly contributing to our ability to provide compassionate care and essential services for pets and the people who love them. We’re so grateful for you—our runners, walkers, volunteers, sponsors, and community partners who make this event possible year after year.
From all of us at MCHA—THANK YOU!
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS:
The 30th Annual Run for the Animals was presented by The Dog House, offering cage-free boarding in a cozy, home-like environment. With 24-hour staffing and personalized care, The Dog House strives to be your pet’s home away from home. Learn more at trydoghouse.com.
GOLD SPONSORS: Monroe County Fairgrounds, Monroe County Parks and Recreation, Shine Insurance Agency
SILVER SPONSORS: Bloomington Indiana Kennel Club, German American Bank, Luke Miller Photography, Mad4MyDog Training, Pizza X, Raising Cane’s, RCV Roofing, and Scout’s Honor
BRONZE SPONSORS: ABR Print, College Mall Veterinary Hospital, Fresh Thyme Market, Hoosier Hills Credit Union, Indiana University Cinema, IU Credit Union, Remotely Helpful Services LLC, RootAdvisors, Studio K-9, Tic-Tac Toes Mobile Pet Care Services, and Town and Country Veterinary Clinic
Have feedback you’d like to share with us regarding Run for the Animals?
MCHA Ed Committee Participates in Local Trick-or-Treat Event
On Saturday, October 25, MCHA Education Committee Members Leslie Hudson, Dawn Craft, and Carly Craft participated in a Safe Trick-or-Treat Night event at the Monroe County Fairgrounds, handing out treats and educating children and their families on safe animal interaction. Visitors were given different animal encounter scenarios on a spin wheel and asked to respond to whether the interaction was safe or unsafe, giving some attendees food for thought in addition to their sweet treats.
Later this month, members of MCHA’s Education Committee will be on hand to share information about MCHA’s services and volunteer opportunities at Developmental Services, Inc.’s Pawtumn Fest taking place at 200 E. Winslow Rd, Bloomington, IN 47401 on Sunday, November 16 from 12–4 p.m. We hope to see you there!
Lastly, if you haven’t yet joined us for Dog Walking Club, but are interested in learning and reinforcing good leash skills, join MCHA Education Committee member and Certified Professional Dog Trainer, Leslie Hudson, at MCHA’s Animal Care Campus (791 S Fieldstone Blvd, Bloomington, Indiana 47403) at 9 a.m. on November 29! Dog Walking Club is free and open to the public. Click here to learn more.
Mission Moment: Volunteer Christine Wright
You may be familiar with the programs MCHA offers—our Nonprofit Veterinary Clinic, Pet Food Pantry, Street Outreach, Crisis Housing, Spay/Neuter Assistance, Education, and more—but we couldn’t do it without community support, especially from our volunteers. From our committed Board Members and Committees, to our weekly regulars who keep the laundry stacked and the pantry stocked, to all the individuals who help us care for the pets in crisis housing, to our student volunteers helping out at events, and so much more—we simply couldn’t do it without their helping hands.
If you’ve visited our Animal Care Campus during the week, there’s a good chance you’ve encountered one of our regulars, Christine Wright. She has been a steadfast volunteer since moving back to Bloomington last year after living in California for 48 years, supporting many of the daily functions necessary for our programs to succeed.
In addition to caring for and walking the pets in our crisis housing program, Christine is always eager to lend a hand wherever needed, whether it’s helping in the pantry, laundry and cleaning, or providing administrative support. “Basically, I love everything I do here, especially dealing with the animals,” she said.
When asked what brought her to apply to volunteer at MCHA, she replied, “I love animals—and I wanted something to do—I’m retired, so I thought the best place for me was anywhere with animals. So I looked you up online and applied.” Then she added, “Actually, I did apply to animal control also. But you guys got to me first.” And for that, we will count ourselves very fortunate!
This also turned out to be fortunate for Ellen, a 15-year-old cat who had been staying with us in crisis housing, but who was no longer able to be reunited with her family. When Christine first came to MCHA to meet with our Volunteer Coordinator, she hadn’t planned to also make a new best friend in Ellen.
Christine said that once she met Ellen and learned of her situation, she had to have her, not only to foster, but to adopt. Since then, she and Ellen have brought each other so much joy. “She is 15 years old, but boy, you wouldn’t know it. She has all kinds of toys that if you throw them, she goes a mile a minute,” she laughed.
In addition to enjoying her time with the animals, we asked Christine what she enjoys about volunteering at MCHA and to share her overall thoughts about her experience here. “Very well run organization. You guys are so friendly,” she replied. Our response? We think you’re pretty great, too, Christine, and we are lucky to have you!
We are blessed to have volunteers like Christine supporting our mission to keep families together! Keep an eye out for next month’s newsletter, in which we’ll highlight another one of our dedicated, long-time volunteers, Theresa Bradley.
Celebrate the Life of a Beloved Pet with a Lasting Tribute
Celebrate Their Memory on MCHA’s Pet Remembrance Tree
Our Pet Remembrance Tree Program has been a huge success! We’ve been able to honor the lives of dozens of lost loved ones already, and wanted to dedicate this section to the pets we have added to our tree so far:
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In Loving Memory of Bacci
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In Loving Memory of Hannah-BitBit
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In Loving Memory of Billy
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In Loving Memory of Woody
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In Loving Memory of August
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In Loving Memory of Cody
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In Loving Memory of Pandora’s Boxer
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In Loving Memory of Gracy
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In Loving Memory of Dolly May
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In Loving Memory of Sarah Pups
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In Loving Memory of Nike Ann
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In Loving Memory of Honey
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In Loving Memory of Sophie
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In Loving Memory of Toshy
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In Loving Memory of Dixie
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In Loving Memory of Dexter
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In Loving Memory of Penny
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In Loving Memory of Pickles
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In Loving Memory of Allie
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In Loving Memory of Ruffy
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In Loving Memory of Frank
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In Loving Memory of Bergen
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In Loving Memory of Charlie
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In Loving Memory of Lizzy
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In Loving Memory of Charlie Cat
All of these pets have tags made in honor of their lives up on the tree already, but there’s still plenty of space for more tags! Standing over six feet tall and secured in a granite boulder, this beautiful tribute is a lasting way to celebrate the love and memories you shared.
Your gift not only honors your pet but also supports MCHA’s lifesaving programs that help thousands of pets in our community each year.
Upcoming Mobile Vaccine Clinic | Sunday, November 9th
Sunday, November 9th | 1–3 p.m.
Monroe County Humane Association, 791 S Fieldstone Blvd, Bloomington, IN 47403
On Sunday, November 9th, MCHA will hold a walk-in mobile vaccine clinic at our clinic (791 S Fieldstone Blvd, Bloomington, IN 47403). MCHA’s veterinary team of volunteers and staff will be available from 1-3 p.m. with no appointment needed; all are welcome!
Our Mobile Vaccine Clinics offer a range of services, including legally mandated rabies vaccines for pets aged 12 weeks and older. Additionally, we provide nail trims, anal gland expressions, microchips, and preventive measures for fleas, ticks, and heartworm. While these clinics are intended for healthy dogs and cats, they are not a substitute for your pet’s annual wellness check-up with your primary veterinarian.
Subsidized pricing is available for clients who present proof of a government subsidy program or other proof of financial hardship.
MCHA Dog Walking Club | Saturday, November 29th
Saturday, November 29th, 2025 | 9 a.m.
Meet at the MCHA Animal Care Campus (791 S Fieldstone Blvd, Bloomington, IN 47403)
Are you interested in joining a walking club with other dog lovers to learn how to walk trails with your dog? This will teach your dog healthy interactions, good leash-walking habits, and safe trail walking! Join us promptly at 9 a.m. on the last Saturday of each month, weather permitting. Just bring your dog, a leash, and good walking shoes for a fun walk on our walking trails through the woods surrounding the clinic.
Registration is not required; this is an open and free event!
Save the Date! | Tails on the Town
Friday, June 12th, 2026
Woolery Mill, 2250 W Sunstone Dr, Bloomington, IN 47403
It may seem far away now, but our annual Tails on the Town fundraiser will be here before you know it! Mark your calendars for June 12th, 2026 for a night of carnival-style games, great food, and music!
Message From MCHA's Executive Director
Get Involved – Volunteer
We’re currently in need of volunteer support! If you have a bit of time and enjoy staying active, we’d love your help with: weekend animal care, foster care, light cleaning around the buildings, outdoor maintenance and upkeep, and kennel repair.
Every task helps us keep things running smoothly for the animals and families we serve. Whether you’re a long-time volunteer or new to our community, we appreciate you being part of our mission!
Interested in helping out? Reach out to our Volunteer Coordinator, Whitney Pickett, at wpickett@monroehumane.com to get started, or apply online at monroehumane.org/volunteer.
Interested in sponsoring our newsletter? Email mcha@monroehumane.org for details.
MAILING ADDRESS
P.O. Box 1334
Bloomington, Indiana 47402
ANIMAL CARE CAMPUS
791 S Fieldstone Blvd
Bloomington, Indiana 47403
Sunday: Closed
Monday: 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
Tuesday: 10 a.m.–6 p.m.
Wednesday: 10 a.m.–6 p.m.
Thursday: 10 a.m.–6 p.m.
Friday: Closed
Saturday: Closed
FOLLOW US
Monroe County Humane Association is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that relies on donations, sponsorships, and grants to fund all of our programs and services. EIN: 35-6064277
Monroe County Humane Association proudly collaborates, but is distinct from, the City of Bloomington Animal Shelter. For services such as adoption, lost/found pets, shelter hours, and animal control, feel free to reach out to our friends at the City of Bloomington Animal Care & Control at 812-349-3492. Together, we're caring for our community's animals.