Meet Jacquie and John Moore, two of our most dedicated volunteers here at MCHA. Both are huge animal lovers, with an entire crew of critters at home. They have 5 dogs (including a husky, a golden retriever, and three corgis), five cats, two ducks, three guinea pigs, and one turtle.

Jacquie’s full-time job is at Great West Casualty Company, which is how she got connected with MCHA. Great West Casualty Company did a volunteer day here at the clinic, and Jacquie loved the work we do here so much that she decided to reach out to Whitney, our volunteer coordinator, in order to start regularly volunteering.

Jacquie helps out with a wide variety of tasks at the clinic, and is known for her work ethic and eager attitude to help out wherever we need it most. Our Crisis Housing Program is Jacquie’s main passion and her favorite area to help out in, as she loves meeting the new dogs and cats that come into our care. Jacquie says she loves working in Crisis Housing because “You never know what people are going through and that’s a huge help to somebody who doesn’t want to surrender their pet”.

Jacquie’s husband, John, also volunteers at MCHA. He’s known as a jack of all trades and is also eager and willing to help us out where we need it most, such as with updates in the Crisis Housing Building. Having volunteers like Jacquie and John at MCHA is truly a blessing. Through their hard work and dedication to our mission, we are able to continue providing essential healthcare to our community’s pets and can work to keep these critters with their loved ones.

Thank you, Jacquie and John!

LEARN MORE ABOUT VOLUNTEERING AT MCHA

Saturday, October 25th, 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!

Halloween Safety Tips for Your Furry Friends

Halloween is full of fun, costumes, and candy—but it can also bring hidden dangers for our pets. Here’s how you can keep your four-legged family members safe this spooky season.

Beware of Toxic Treats
Many popular Halloween candies can be harmful—or even deadly—to pets:

• Chocolate – The darker it is, the more toxic it becomes. Smaller dogs, like Chihuahuas, are especially at risk from even small amounts.
• Raisins – Just like grapes, these can cause severe kidney damage in dogs.
• Xylitol – This sweetener is found in sugar-free gums, candies, chocolates, and mints. Even tiny amounts can cause a dangerous drop in blood sugar, seizures, coma, or death.
• Candy Corn – Not toxic, but it can upset your dog’s stomach in a big way.

Tip: Keep all candy in high-up, closed containers, far from curious noses and paws.

Costume Safety First
Dressing up your pet? Make sure it’s safe and comfy:

• Avoid beads, snaps, ribbons, elastic, or dangling parts that could be chewed off and swallowed.
• Ensure costumes don’t block vision, restrict breathing, or cause overheating.
• Always supervise pets while they’re wearing costumes.

Glow Stick Caution
Glow-in-the-dark items may look fun, but if punctured, the liquid inside can cause mouth pain, irritation, and drooling. Keep glow sticks, bracelets, and necklaces out of your pet’s reach.

Keep Pets Indoors
Halloween night can be stressful—and dangerous—for outdoor pets. Loud noises, fireworks, and pranks can frighten or harm them. Black cats, in particular, can be targeted for harmful pranks.

• Keep pets inside, even if they usually roam outdoors.
• Set up a quiet space with food, water, and their litter box (for cats) to help them feel secure.

Wishing You and Your Pets a Safe & Happy Halloween!
By following these tips, you’ll help make sure your pets enjoy the holiday as much as you do—without any scares.