June is National Pet Preparedness Month, and there’s no better time than now to ensure your pets are included in your emergency plans. Natural disasters like storms, tornadoes, floods, and wildfires can strike without warning, and being prepared can make all the difference. 

Start by creating a pet emergency kit. Include essentials such as food and water for at least three days, medications, a leash or carrier, copies of medical records, and a recent photo of your pet in case you become separated—or even better, a photo of you and your pet in the event you need to prove ownership.  

It’s also a good time to check that your pet’s ID tags and microchip information are current. We can help with that! Give us a call at 812-333-MCHA (6242) if you’d like to have your pet microchipped or to check that your pet’s microchip is working and up-to-date. 

Don’t forget to make a plan for where your pets will go in the event you lose your housing or need to evacuate. Partner with a neighbor, friend or relative to make sure someone is available to care for or evacuate your pets if you are unable to do so. Not all shelters accept animals, so identify pet-friendly hotels or reach out to friends and family in advance to determine who can help in an emergency. Depending on the situation, our Crisis Housing Program may also be an option. For details, visit monroehumane.org/crisis. 

Being proactive now can help keep your pets safe and reduce stress when adverse events take us by surprise. Let’s dedicate this month to preparation, not panic—for the ones who depend on us most. 

Earlier this spring when former Indiana University football player Kevin Duffy reached out to inquire about donating items to auction at MCHA’s 17th Annual Tails on the Town event, we had no idea just how extraordinary his contribution would be. Shortly after our initial conversation, the boxes began to arrive, each one holding treasures and memorabilia from IU’s legendary 1968 Rose Bowl season.  

Thanks to Mr. Duffy’s generosity, we were able to offer this Hoosier Rose Bowl Legacy Collection during the live auction at the May 2 event. This unique offering included an official 1968 Rose Bowl ring, a 1968 Rose Bowl watch, a 1967 Big Ten Championship ring, a game ball from the 1968 Rose Bowl, Mr. Duffy’s junior year varsity jacket and senior year varsity sweater, an unused 1968 Rose Bowl ticket and two original ticket stubs, framed photos, a personalized football, an engraved silver platter, and a wide array of authentic print items and memorabilia documenting the team’s unforgettable journey.  

This collection commemorates Indiana University’s only Rose Bowl appearance, capturing a pivotal moment in the school’s athletic history. Mr. Duffy’s generous donation not only honors his team’s legacy but now also supports MCHA’s mission to keep families together.  

Currently residing on a small farm on Lake Michigan, Mr. Duffy shared how fond he was of his time in Bloomington. When asked what prompted him to consider gifting this special collection to benefit MCHA, he said that both he and his wife, Nita, are avid animal lovers. He also mentioned that he’s “impressed with all the ‘one-stop shopping‘ MCHA has in one location taking care of all the animal needs of the community.”    

We invited the Duffys to attend this year’s event, but they were unable to leave their many animals unattended to make the trip. The animals on their farm are all rescues and each has a name, including 25 hens and rooster. Kevin admitted he doesn’t have all of the chickens names memorized, but Nita knows every one.  

This isn’t the first time Mr. Duffy has supported MCHA. He previously donated a framed game jersey to a past Tails on the Town auction, and thanks to local interest in such rare I.U. memorabilia, that gift resulted in a winning bid that made a significant impact.  

This year, the Hoosier Rose Bowl Legacy Collection fetched an incredible $4,500 winning bid! This will go a long way in supporting MCHA’s most critical programs, including the Crisis Housing Program, Emergency Pet Food and Supply Pantry, and Spay/Neuter Assistance, and for that, we are so grateful. It is because of supporters like the Duffys that we can continue to serve so many animals and families in our community.