Joleen, an Michigan Humane Society Foster Dog, Credited with Saving Volunteer’s Life

Pug/beagle-mix Joleen barked for help after her foster mom suffered a heart attack

SHELBY TOWNSHIP – When the Michigan Humane Society (MHS) promotes its In-Home Heroes foster volunteer program, the animal welfare organization enthusiastically shares its gratitude for those dedicated volunteers who help MHS save animal lives every day.

But on one day in early March, the hero was Joleen, a 2-year-old pug/beagle-mix, who is credited with saving the life of her foster mom, Mary-Louise Klatt of Shelby Township, after she suffered a heart attack.

Joleen’s barking and running back-and-forth in the house alerted Klatt’s step-son that something was wrong, so he could call for emergency help.  “And she kept licking my face, trying to wake me up,” said Klatt. “She’s my angel!”

Klatt, who began fostering animals for MHS in August 2012, had been caring for Joleen since November, when the homeless dog and her three tiny puppies came to the MHS Detroit Center for Animal Care through its Rescue Department. In January, the puppies were old enough for adoption, and soon found loving homes. But Joleen needed additional time to recover from nursing the pups before being spayed and going up for adoption, so she remained with Klatt for several more weeks.   During this time, Klatt suffered the heart attack.

Following her release from the hospital, Klatt couldn’t help but adopt the dog. Joleen officially became family in late March.

"We always talk about how pets give back more than they take, but this is an even more dramatic example of how pets affect our lives,” said Jamahl Scott, MHS Volunteer Programs Manager. “We are so glad Joleen was there when she was needed."

In-Home Heroes is the Michigan Humane Society’s short-term foster care program. Volunteers in this program help MHS save lives by providing additional time and TLC to dogs, cats, puppies, kittens, rabbits and other animals who are not yet ready to go up for adoption. Animals may be placed in foster homes for a variety of reasons such as illness, injury, or because they are too young for adoption. MHS supplies the medical care, food, toys and supplies. In 2012, MHS In-Home Heroes helped change more than 2,000 animal lives.

“In most cases, foster animals only need to stay with one of our dedicated In-Home Heroes for a few weeks, but sometimes the stay is longer,” added Scott. “In this case, that extended stay was something we are all incredibly thankful for.”

To become an MHS In-Home Hero, visit www.michiganhumane.org/foster or call the MHS Volunteer Department at (248) 283-1000, ext. 102.

The Michigan Humane Society is the largest and oldest animal welfare organization in the state. MHS works to end companion animal homelessness, provide the highest quality service and compassion to the animals entrusted to our care, and to be a leader in promoting humane values.

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Nancy Gunnigle, Communications Manager
Michigan Humane Society
30300 Telegraph Rd, Suite 220
Bingham Farms, MI 48025
248.283.5631 – direct
Somebody Here Needs You.

P.S. Become an MHS “In-Home Hero”!  Would you consider becoming a short-term foster caregiver for an MHS animal who needs a little extra TLC?  Fostering an animal is a rewarding and life-saving experience. Foster classes are forming now! To get started, please visit: www.michiganhumane.org/foster.