Groveland Twp.-A box of puppies. A horse tied to the door knob. Hungry kittens.
When Carl Liepmann arrives at work in the morning at the Genesee County Humane Society each week he finds something different.
‘Sometimes a dog or cat will be on a leash tied to the door in the morning,? he said. ‘Keep in mind, we have shelter for anywhere from 100-125 dogs, cats, snakes, birds or whatever (on a daily basis). We’ve had iguanas and pot-bellied pigs dropped off, too.?
While new homes may be top priority for the animals, food is not.
‘We no longer need money in our budget for food here thanks to the donations,? he said. ‘The customers at the Ortonville and Flushing Bueches are generous enough to supply all the food.?
Liepmann, along with Santa Dog and friends, help raise money at both Bueche’s Food Worlds, for the Genesee County Humane Society, G-3325 S. Dort Hwy, Burton. As customers enter the store, they are greeted by the world class dogs and drop a few bucks in the jar to help feed the dogs at the local Humane Society. This year the dogs will be at the township store from 10 a.m.-9 p.m., Dec.16, 17 and 18.
‘We make enough in eight days to feed the dogs all year,? said Liepmann. ‘We have more dogs and cats than ever’sometimes people just can’t afford pets like they did or they just can’t take care of them anymore? whatever the reason they end up at the Humane Society.?
He added that every penny of the money raised goes toward food for the animals.
‘During the 1984 Christmas season, our first year, we raised enough money to purchase 3,500 pounds of food. Last year we topped 25,000 (pounds of food),? said Liepmann, who has been bringing ‘Santa Dog? to the Bueche’s in Flushing for 31 years.
The Santa Dog fundraiser is the biggest annual food fund drive for the Humane Society, which feeds about 100 dogs daily during the year.
‘Due to the generosity of people, all cleaning supplies and food is covered for a year thanks to the donations gained from the Santa Dogs.?
Three years ago the Genesee County Humane Society opened a spaying and neutering clinic at their Burton location thanks to a donation from the Stroh’s family.
‘A member of the Stroh family who lived on Court Street in Flint left us enough money to construct the building,? he said. ‘It’s made a big difference for us. Before this we sent the cats and dogs out to local veterinarians.?
The donations stay with Bueche’s Food World and as the Humane Society needs food or supplies they’re made available.
‘Right now we contend with between 4,000-6,000 animals per year,? said Liepmann. ‘We are doing our best to be a no-kill shelter. We’ve had animals with us up to six months before they are adopted, sometimes they are the sweetest dog or cat, but just plain ugly. So they are with us for a while, then someone will come in to adopt them. It’s just amazing.?
Tax deductible donations can also be made to Santa Dog, Genesee County Humane Society, Carl Liepmann, 9144 West Mt. Morris Road, Flushing, MI 48433.