NOAH Gives Aid to Help Pets

April is Animal Cruelty Prevention Month, and some Shelby Township’s business owners have teamed up to help raise awareness of pet neglect and abuse by becoming donation centers for the North Oakland Animal Help (NOAH) organization. 

NOAH is a nonprofit organization that provides free assistance for low-income families, or those that may have lost their jobs during these tough economic times. 

Pet owners who are in need of pet supplies, such as dog and cat food, leashes, collars, chew toys, blankets or bedding can make an appointment, and NOAH will be happy to assist in any way possible—all for free.

During the month of April, Pet Training Facility on 23 Mile and Hayes roads, and and , both on 21 Mile and Hayes roads, have offered their businesses to NOAH as a collection center for pet food and other supplies. Each store will have a NOAH monetary drop box for donations, and an area designated for people to drop off any pet supplies such as bags of food, blankets, collars, leashes, and toys. Gently used items are accepted, but do not drop off toys that are severely chewed or any open bags of food. All items will be presented to NOAH on April 30.

 “If You Build It, They will come”

Two women, who live three miles away from each other, but had never met, created the NOAH concept about eight months ago. Each woman is a pet owner and has silently dedicated a chunk of their time and lives by volunteering in several different not-for-profit organizations.

Raena Kalfayan, manages a family of four, is a student, and now works at NOAH's headquarters in downtown Ortonville. Janet Haering is the owner and operator of the well-established Art Concepts art and framing center in Rochester Hills. Haering also maintains a working cattle farm in Ortonville, and is an Oakland County Deputy who rides horseback for the spring/summer season. Kalfayan and Haering said they live by NOAH’s motto, If you build it, they (the pets) will come.”

From Beagles to Bull Mastiffs

Due to Michigan’s high unemployment rate and poor economic situation, shelters have seen a huge increase in abandoned pets because people can no longer afford to care for the animals. In October of last year, Kalfayan said she and her family were facing tough times and when her husband lost his job.

Kalfayan and her family have two beagles, and they immediately had to cut back on the “extras,” which included some pet supplies. Not willing to surrender her pets to a shelter, Kalfayan pulled her resources and fortunately, was able to qualify for state assistance, which helped provide her with some extra funds for pet food. 

During this time, Haering, a pet lover who owns a 140-pound Bullmastiff named Arnold, was giving permission for licensed hunters to hunt deer and goose on her property to help feed their families. Kalfayan's husband, Mark, who is an avid hunter, met Haering. After hunting one afternoon, Kalfayan made it a point to personally thank Haering and let her know how much she was helping people by giving of herself and her land. He then confided in Haering about his own family situation.

Haering immediately took Mike and his family under her wing. She hired him to help her around the farm, which could offer a bit more income for the family. Through all of the economic and emotional turmoil, Kalfayan made a vow that when she was financially secure, she would help others who were struggling with the very same issues that her family experienced. That’s when Kalfayan met Hearing, and the NOAH concept was born.

Kalfayan shared her ideas about an animal assistance program with Haering and they started on their venture. Now, NOAH is in its first year and is feeding approximately 150 families with pets, per month, in the North Oakland area. Their goal is to spread the word about NOAH and try to help other low-income or families who are struggling in other counties, by keeping pets in the home safe, happy and healthy.

Kalfayan can be reached by calling 248-694-6185 or visiting the website at www.helpfeedfido.com. Just fill out the contact form and someone will get back with you. Monetary donations can made directly to NOAH on its website www.helpfeedfido.com

If you are in need of assistance for your pet, please contact NOAH at 248-894-6185.  NOAH does require that its clients be registered with a local food pantry, such as the Lighthouse in Clarkston or OCEF in Ortonville, to be eligible to receive free food and supplies. NOAH currently assists its clients on Tuesdays or Fridays. Please call NOAH directly to make an appointment.