HSBC receives 132,000 pounds of dog food from SMHC
BRANCH COUNTY — On Tuesday, Suzanne Hartwell, president of the Southwest Michigan Husky Club, received a phone call from a man named Tim Lang, from the Chicago area, regarding a large donation for non-profit animal rescues.
"We want to extend a huge thank you to a lot of folks today for a huge and generous donation to our shelter project," Hartwell initially posted to The Daily Reporter's Facebook page. "A couple of hours ago we received a call from a company in the Chicago area who had a donation of 400 pallets of dog food to donate. That is $1.2 million or about 30 semi-trucks full."
SMHC is a non-profit animal rescue that specializes in rescuing dog breeds and dogs that are difficult to adopt, such as huskys and other like breeds, dogs that are blind or deaf and abused and neglected dogs. The club, active for the last 10 years, is comprised of members from all over the tri-state area, all of whom foster and work to place dogs in permanent homes.
After making several phone calls, Hartwell was able to find other rescues to split the donation with.
"Out of the available donation, another group is going to be able to secure four to six semi-truck loads for their cause in northwest Indiana," said Hartwell.
Hartwell worked late into Tuesday night and was able to secure 44 pallets or 132,000 pounds of dog food to be delivered from the Chicago area to Tractor Supply Company in Coldwater. Maverick Express and Ralph Moyle Trucking companies donated one semi truck each to do the haul.
"I am so grateful to John Moyle, Todd Howe, Diane Withington and Tractor Supply Company of Michigan for saving the day," said Hartwell.
Withington, manager at Tractor Supply Company of Coldwater, got the okay from her district manager to use the Coldwater facility for the drop off and unloading of the dog food on Friday morning.
"We can't thank them enough for all they do," said Hartwell
"Tractor Supply Company is all about helping," said Withington. "We always try to include all the local shelters, getting them all involved and getting them exposure to help get their animals donated."
The 44 pallets of Nature's Choice dog food was donated by SMHC to the Humane Society of Branch County, the club's chosen shelter for their annual 2015 Adopt-A-Shelter Program.
"We pick a private shelter each year and help them with whatever they need. We also donate to all types of groups and individuals," said Hartwell. "We work within the community and are currently raising funds to purchase raised dog beds, blankets, a washer and dryer and anything else they need. We already have a designer company donating dog leashes and collars for them."
"Branch County's Humane Society works really hard with what they have to help these animals," Hartwell continued. "We toured their facility, and we were impressed with all they do for the animals. They are really great people and do a lot for this community, and they deserve this."
"I was in shock," Jan Nageldinger of the HSBC said. "All I can say is thank you, thank you and God is good."
Friday morning, the semi trucks arrived at Tractor Supply Company and were greeted by over a dozen volunteers with their trucks and trailers in tow.
Nageldinger said they will be sharing the donation with other local rescues, such as the Hillsdale County Humane Society, Battle Creek Humane Society, Animal Aid of Branch County, Project Hope Animal Rescue and potentially others.
"There are so many rescues out there, and they all work so hard for the animals," said Nageldinger. "We are all in need of help, and we all work together for the good of the animals."
