MCHA Monthly Newsletter

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February 2025 Newsletter

The Importance of Pet Dental Care

February is National Pet Dental Health Month and Responsible Pet Ownership Month 

Perhaps you think being a responsible pet owner means training your pet to be a good citizen, cleaning up after your pet, or providing a safe home, and that’s all correct! However, maintaining your pet’s dental health is an often overlooked but important responsibility that can affect your pet’s overall health. Dental disease can lead to more serious health problems, including heart, lung, and kidney disease.

Did you know most dogs and cats develop periodontal disease by age 3? Have your veterinarian check your pet’s teeth and gums at least once a year for early signs of problems and to keep your pet’s mouth healthy. In addition to more common signs of dental problems such as bad breath, sensitivity around the mouth, difficulty chewing, loss of appetite and/or weight, yellow or brown deposits on teeth, bleeding or inflamed gums, loose or missing teeth, pawing at the mouth or face, or excessive drooling, your pet may also become irritable when they have dental problems, and any changes in your pet’s behavior should also prompt a visit to your veterinarian. In the meantime, there is a lot you can do at home between veterinary visits to support your pet’s dental health.

Regularly brushing your pet’s teeth is the single most effective thing you can do to keep their teeth healthy between dental cleanings. Daily brushing is best, but it’s not always possible, so brushing several times a week can be effective. Dogs may accept brushing more readily than cats, but patience and training are important in every instance.

You may ask your veterinarian to show you how to properly brush your pet’s teeth, or there are also some very helpful videos online that walk you through the process step-by-step. The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) has a wonderful resource page on pet dental care at avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners/petcare/pet-dental-care.

Feeding dry food can help stimulate the gums and teeth, reducing tartar and plaque buildup. You can also provide breed and size-appropriate dental chews and treats that help with plaque and tartar removal between brushings. These can serve a dual purpose, as they also stimulate your pet’s brain and help with boredom.

When it comes to selecting dental chews and products, we highly recommend that you look for the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) Seal of Acceptance to ensure you are providing safe products for your pet. Visit vohc.org/accepted-products to view a list and to learn more. Monitor your pet when introducing new chews or potentially hazardous chews and discard them when they become sharp, break apart, or become small enough to pose a choking risk. You can also talk with your veterinarian about any dental products, treats, or dental-specific diets you’re considering for your pet or ask for their recommendation. 

Mission Moment: Siobhán & Grace

We recently asked Siobhán Hanna, one of the stars of the MCHA animal therapy program, why she chose to volunteer her services with MCHA. Together with her 6-year old pug, Grace, she brings joy to every facility and every person they encounter, and we are proud to share her story. 

“My work in pet therapy began while living in Philadelphia in 2012 with my pug puppy named Maggie,” Siobhán shared. “Maggie worked regularly in the Philadelphia area until we moved back to Bloomington in 2014. Knowing I wanted to continue our volunteer work in Bloomington, I contacted MCHA where we found our home for therapy work. Maggie was a wonderful little visitor and served our community until she passed.” 

“Grace,” she continued, “was a welcome addition to our family in 2018. I began training her immediately, and she tested at a year old, then joined the MCHA therapy team as a regular visitor in our program. Grace has worked a wide variety of events including destress events at Indiana University, Read to the Dogs at the library, special request home visits, and she has a great big family of friends at the IU Hospital where she has worked every Monday for the past three years. In addition to the hospital, Grace is a regular therapy dog at Susie’s Place, working with the children who visit there.”  

“Grace loves her work and genuinely enjoys meeting new people. She dresses up for holidays, loves the staff at the facilities she visits and is always excited to put on her work vest. When Grace is not working she loves playing with her friends from the Bloomington Pug Club, hiking in the woods, walking in our parks and never, ever misses the opportunity for a good nap!”  

When asked about what drives her to continue in the program, Siobhán says “Over the years, we have experienced countless moments where I have seen the power of therapy teams in our community. We have worked many events with the other hard-working teams where there are always smiles, laughter, and love. As an individual team, we continue to make new friends and share moments I will never forget. It is a true privilege to be part of the MCHA family.”  

Siobhán adds, “I would love to see our program grow. I am often asked how an organization can request therapy dog visits and how an owner can become involved with their dog. I believe the sky is the limit for how we can reach people in this community, but we need more paws on the ground if we are to meet the requests for help.”  

If Siobhán and Grace’s story inspires you, and you are interested in learning more about MCHA’s animal therapy program and the teams working in our community, please visit monroehumane.org/therapy-animal-program or reach out to us at mcha@monroehumane.org.
 

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The Hockett Family's Story

There are times when we are so touched by a patient’s story, that it reinforces our passion for what we do at MCHA. The Hockett family and their Border Collies, Sara and Paisley, are a perfect example. Like many families facing a medical crisis, the financial burden of hospital bills and treatment can oftentimes limit the resources available for everything else life requires, including pet care. At MCHA, we are proud that our non-profit veterinary clinic, funded by the direct support of our community, is able to help families like the Hocketts. You can read their story in their own words below:    

“We have been clients of MCHA’s clinic for years now. We have been very impressed with the level of care we have received and the professionalism extended our way. We are humbled to have this service available to us. As a non-profit veterinary clinic, we know that others have made sacrifices in order to have the clinic available to clients such as ourselves. And to that we offer our sincere gratitude. Our dogs have always been like children to us and we would want nothing less than the best for them. We feel that we are receiving top level care when we step foot in the MCHA’s clinic.

A few years ago, my husband was suddenly diagnosed with lymphoma and leukemia. And later received a bone marrow transplant. His health history has changed the trajectory of our lives. Life has changed for us, but it hasn’t been all bad. We have been blessed in more ways than we can count. MCHA’s clinic is one of our blessings. Without their help, we would struggle to get the excellent care we receive at a price that we can afford. We support their mission and we are thankful we live in a town where this clinic is made available to us. With humble hearts we say thank you to staff, donors, and all who make this clinic available.” —Shauna Hockett 

We appreciate the Hocketts for sharing their story and for placing their trust in us. We also appreciate all of you, our community, for supporting our mission so that we can help families like the Hocketts and their pets stay well and stay together! 

HOW CAN YOU HELP?

Dine & Donate at BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse | Wednesday, February 5

What easier way to support MCHA’s mission than by attending a Dine & Donate event and enjoying a delicious meal in the process?

Today, BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse will donate to MCHA 20% of the total food and soft beverage purchases from all guests who bring in the event flyer between 11 a.m.–9 p.m. Funds raised will directly support MCHA’s programs.

When: Wednesday, February 5, 2025 | 11 a.m.–9 p.m.

Where: BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse (411 S College Mall Road, Bloomington, IN 47401) 

DOWNLOAD THE FLYER

Upcoming Mobile Vaccine Clinic | February 9

Sunday, February 9  |  1–3 p.m.
Monroe County Humane Association Animal Care Campus
791 S. Fieldstone Blvd, Bloomington, IN 47403

On Sunday, February 9, 2024, MCHA’s outreach team will host a pop-up vaccine clinic at our Animal Care Campus 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.

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 Protect Your Dog & Save $$$ at the February Mobile Vaccine Clinic!
Leptospirosis is now considered a core vaccine for dogs, and there’s never been a better time to protect your pet! When you choose to vaccinate your dog against Leptospirosis at our February Mobile Vaccine Clinic, you’ll receive a FREE Distemper/Parvo (DAPP) vaccine—a savings of $18–$22!
Leptospirosis is a serious, life-threatening disease that can spread to humans, so keeping your dog protected is essential. Take advantage of this special offer and safeguard your pet’s health while saving money!

MCHA Dog Walking Club | February 22 | 9 a.m.

Saturday, February 22, 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!

Positive Change for MCHA in March

We have some exciting news to share as March is approaching quickly! Thanks to Bloomingfoods Co-op Market and all its members who voted for us in the Positive Change election last fall, we are thrilled to be included in the list of recipients to receive support from this generous program in 2025.  

When you round up your Bloomingfoods purchases throughout the entire month of March, all proceeds will directly support MCHA’s programs including the E. Susan Bartlett Crisis Housing Program, emergency pet food and supply pantry, spay and neuter assistance, street outreach, and more.  

What’s even more exciting is that all the Positive Change funds raised during the first seven days of March will be generously matched by an anonymous donor, so all of your donations made during the first week will be doubled! We hope you’ll share this great news with your friends and family! 

LEARN MORE ABOUT POSITIVE CHANGE

Tails on the Town | May 2 | 6:30 p.m.

Tails on the Town returns to the Woolery Mill on Friday, May 2, 2025. We’re actively planning a night full of exciting fun, and we’re thrilled to announce that Jayne Bond and the Pink Martinis will be joining us once again to set the stage for an unforgettable evening. Grab your tickets now—we can’t wait to celebrate with you!

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Message From MCHA's Executive Director

 

As we step into February, I want to take a moment to thank each of you for your continued support of the animals we serve. Whether through donations, volunteering, or spreading the word about our mission, your kindness makes a real difference in the lives of pets and their families.

Because of you, we’re able to provide critical resources to those who need it most.

None of this would be possible without your generosity and dedication. Thank you for being part of this journey with us.—Andrew Krebbs, MCHA Executive Director

Get Involved – Volunteer

We’re accepting new applications for volunteers!

Our incredible volunteers make everything we do possible, and we’re so grateful for your support! As we continue to grow, we have a couple of key areas where we could use some extra hands—and we’re accepting new applications!

Weekday Admin Support Needed
If you have availability during the week and enjoy organizing, assisting with paperwork, or helping behind the scenes, we’d love to have you join us in an administrative support role. Your help keeps our mission running smoothly!

Foster Parents Wanted
Our Crisis Housing Program provides temporary care for pets in need, and we’re actively looking for new foster families! If you have room in your home and heart to help an animal in transition, now is the perfect time to apply.

If you’re interested in helping with admin support, fostering or other areas, reach out to Whitney Pickett at wpickett@monroehumane.com to get started or apply online monroehumane.org/volunteer.

Thank you for being such a vital part of our community!

Interested in sponsoring our newsletter? Email mcha@monroehumane.org for details.

MAILING ADDRESS

P.O. Box 1334
Bloomington, IN 47402

ANIMAL CARE CAMPUS

791 S Fieldstone Blvd
Bloomington, IN 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

CONTACT US

mcha@monroehumane.org

812-333-MCHA (6242)

Fax: 812-825-2247

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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.