Kids & Family
Plymouth Whalers Play for the Michigan Humane Society on Feb. 28
Proceeds of jersey sales, among other things go to MHS
Photos by Pete Krupsky - (1) Plymouth Whalers Jacob Collins and Mitch Jones meet Link, Snoopy and Daisy; (2) Link is ready to drop the puck on Feb. 28 at Compuware Arena; (3) Link and Plymouth Whalers captain Gianluca Curcuruto share a quiet moment.
On Saturday, Feb. 28, not only are the Plymouth Whalers taking on the Ottawa 67’s at Compuware Arena, they’ll also be going to the dogs and other animals.
While the Whalers hound pucks against the 67’s, they’ll also be playing in their first annual Pucks ‘n’ Paws Night.
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With the assistance of corporate friend Farmers Insurance, the Whalers and their fans will join forces with proceeds of tickets sales, Chuck-a-Puck and 50/50 raffle going to the Michigan Humane Society.
That’s not all. Plymouth will be wearing special jerseys for the game with proceeds generated via silent auction also going to the Michigan Humane Society.
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“There’s something about hockey and dogs,” said Ryan McTigue, Public Relations Coordinator for the Michigan Humane Society, with a smile. “They seem to go together really well. We’re extremely excited.
“It’s a cool thing – not only are we getting exposure for the Michigan Humane Society and our dogs, but we are also generating funds, too. We do not receive government funding, so the money donated to us will go to care for the animals in our area. So it’s really important, but it’s also a really fun way to do it, too.”
See more about the Michigan Humane Society:
To that end, you understand that sometimes a dog adopts a human. That’s the case on February 28th.
Link - free agent Icelandic Sheepdog from Utah - will join the Whalers for one night. He has been signed to a one-day contract and will drop the puck on Feb. 28. Link will be participating in the ceremonial faceoff in honor of all of his MHS siblings.
Link is working with handler Gabi Vannini and shows excellent puck skills. He’ll be ready for the assignment on Feb. 28.
In preparation of the event, Link with his friends Daisy and Snoopy (pit bull mixed breed) visited Compuware Arena on Feb. 16 to meet the Whalers and have some photos taken with the boys.
It didn’t take long before Link literally jumped into the arms of Plymouth captain Gianluca Curcuruto and they were spending some quality time together.
And while Link and Snoopy displayed energy and alert behavior around the Whalers, Daisy – a seven-year-old Shih Tzu - was content to sit in the arms of Mitch Jones and MHS Project Manager Christina Hill.
Don’t let Daisy’s size fool you. She has a heart as big as the Compuware Arena ice surface.
Daisy has multiple health problems but is fighting back with the assistance of the MHS staff.
“Gabi Vannini does a TON of fostering for us - as well as being on staff - and Daisy is sort of a ‘foster failure’,” said Hill. “She came to MHS because her owner was no longer able to care for her and Gabi took a special liking to her and her special needs.
“Daisy was treated for dental issues, ear infections and eye issues at MHS and is currently on special food for bladder stones. At first, Gabi was just temporarily fostering Daisy but she has officially adopted her and taken her in despite her health issues so she can live out the rest of her life happy and with lots of doggy friends.”
The Mission Statement of the Michigan Humane Society is:
“To end companion animal homelessness, to provide the highest quality service and compassion to the animals entrusted in our care and to be a leader in promoting humane values.”
The Plymouth Whalers and their fans will do their part of Feb. 28.
For more about the Michigan Humane Society, please go online to the Michigan Humane Society website.
