How Animal Rescue Became a Michigan Family’s Legacy

When I left my parents’ house to go out on my own, I never imagined I would become an advocate for rescuing animals. But life has a funny way of steering you where you’re meant to be.

How One Unexpected Kitten Changed Everything

It started in 1999 when my sister’s friend had a young daughter who received a brand-new kitten. Not understanding the responsibility, the child swung the kitten by its tail over her head. Her mother quickly realized she was too young to care for an animal, and I was asked to take the kitten.

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Her name was Phelicity, a name I didn’t love, in fact hated, but I loved the cat. I renamed her Joslyn, after the girl who swung her, and she became family. We shared 12 wonderful years together before she slipped out an open door one night when I was out working, and never returned. Losing her was devastating.

When Animal Rescue Became a Responsibility

Before Joslyn disappeared, we took in a mini-pinscher/mutt mix who had been horribly neglected. Her owner left her alone for days, sometimes weeks, with only the initial food and water provided. She was starving, dehydrated, and standing inches deep in her own feces. That was the moment I realized we had to step in. That decision set everything in motion.

The Dogs That Followed and the Lessons They Taught

Next came Izzie, a treeing coonhound with a strong personality and a rough past. After her, we rescued Mickey, an Australian Shepherd who had been abused by his previous owner. I was warned Mickey wouldn’t bond with me or any man. But the moment my wife brought him home, he jumped onto my shoulders like a parrot as I took off my shoes. It was and instant bond.

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A few years later, we rescued a toy poodle for my daughter. She named him Spencer Reid. Yes, after the character from Criminal Minds.

Meeting Lucy Through the Humane Society of Flint and Genesee County

Last week, during my Tuesday Tails segment with the Humane Society of Flint and Genesee County, I met a dog named Jasmine. I’m happy to say she no longer goes by that name, and her address is no longer the Humane Society on Dort Highway in Burton. Why you ask? Because we adopted her last Thursday.

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I wanted to name her Minnie, a nod to my sweet Mickey. But my wife and kids overruled me. We settled on Lucy. Growing up, I loved watching I Love Lucy with my Maltese grandmother, my Nanna. When that name was suggested, it felt right.

If you love animals, please do what you can to keep them safe, warm, and part of a loving home. We’re beyond grateful to have Lucy in our lives and thankful to the Humane Society of Flint and Genesee County, along with Lin Holmes, for educating our community and giving so many animals a second chance.