Waggs and Wishes Moves On, Oakland County Moves In

Now that Oakland County will be taking over animal control services for Ferndale, , the no-kill animal rescue center that took over these services as the city cut animal control from the budget last summer, will continue its work — just not in Ferndale.

“We found a building in Ann Arbor,” said Waggs and Wishes founder Angie Potter. The organization began to raise funds for a new building in February amid reports that Oakland County would offer Ferndale free animal control services.

“Angie was told by somebody that this was a done deal, she needs to find a spot or get a building donation,” Waggs and Wishes volunteer Raelene Butkovich said.

Butkovich explained that Waggs and Wishes' main issue with an Oakland County takeover is its reputation as a kill shelter, specifically when dealing with pit bulls. Waggs and Wishes generally has about a 90 percent pit bull occupancy.

“We are worried about how many animals are going to be senselessly die that could have been adopted,” Butkovich said. “I’ve been very passionate about dissuading City Council to not bring in Oakland County."

But in a unanimous decision March 29, the and requested a resolution be written to recognize Waggs and Wishes for its service to the city. The organization was not present for the decision.

Potter said she had no idea the decision was official until she received a letter from the council. "No one called us. They sent us a letter in the mail. They did not even call us to end our lease,” Potter said.

When asked about the reputation of Oakland County, she, too, had concerns. "I've been told flat out from them that they do not adopt out pit bulls," she said. "They could have changed their ways, but I doubt it."

Oakland County tells it differently. "We will adopt out pit bulls," said Joanie Toole, administrative supervisor for the Oakland County Animal Control Division. "We won't adopt out pit bulls to nonregistered 501(c)(3) rescues," she said. A 501(c)(3) is a nonprofit status commonly considered a charitable organization.

Toole explained that working with Waggs and Wishes was not a possibility, as the organization is waiting for the results of its bid for nonprofit status.

"We don't have a set holding time for dogs or cats. All strays are evaluated immediately for adoption," said Toole, wanting to clear the air of the rumors surrounding its pit bull protocol. She explained that pit bulls are given a temperament test, then rescue organizations are given a chance to adopt the pit bulls if the dogs are of no danger to the potential owners or public.

"If they are too aggressive, it just tarnishes the breed more and our reputation as a shelter as well," Toole said. "Unfortunately, we would have to euthanize them."

Regarding a future partnership with Waggs and Wishes in the city of Ferndale, Toole said she does not expect it. "At this particular point, I do not see what they could offer. The only way they could work with us, really, is to come and rescue animals from the shelter. We want to deal with legitimately set up 501(c)(3) rescues," Toole said.

The new building is located at 7555 Jackson Rd. in Ann Arbor.

Locked up for fundraiser

Waggs and Wishes plans a fundraiser April 25-30 when Potter and some of her team will lock themselves in a dog kennel for an hour for every $100 donated. It will take place at the Waggs location on the Department of Public Works yard. The public will be able to make donations via the organization's Facebook page.

"I'm gonna miss it a lot. (Ferndale) is where it began," Potter said. "When I first took over, I knew I loved dogs, but I had no idea what went into being a rescue. I want it to be successful and a big, well-known rescue."

Potter has a message for the Waggs and Wishes supporters in Ferndale: "Thank you for your support, and we will be back."

For more information about the fundraiser call 734-658-1268

Correction: This article had quoted Waggs and Wishes founder Angie Potter explaining that Waggs would take in strays until the "last second." However, the Waggs and Wishes voicemail explains that it no longer take strays and said to contact Oakland County Animal Control. The number is: 248-391-4102