The Need
Friend of Michigan Animals Rescue (FMAR) was founded five years ago by Peter and Marcy LaFramboise, two people with a single goal in mind, "let’s make a difference in our community by reducing the euthanasia rate of companion animals." Once that idea had been born, FMAR was created and Pete and Mary proceeded to search for a location to house the rescue. They eventually found a location in Sumpter Township, Michigan; a five acre property with a house and two barns. The smaller of the two barns was renovated into the current shelter facility housing nine dog kennels, multiple cat kennels, and a community cat room. FMAR was in business and quickly filled up with cats and dogs looking for homes.
National research shows that 37% of American households have one or more dogs and 32% of households have two or more cats. The majority of these animals are an important part of the family. On the other hand, 9.3 million cats and dogs enter shelters each year, and an estimated 3.7 million are euthanized. FMAR values the life of every companion animal and as a result, is a no-kill shelter. FMAR’s vision is to place every adoptable animal into a home and work to eliminate the euthanasia rate in shelters.
The good news is that FMAR has made a significant impact in the community. Since its existence, FMAR has found homes for over 1600 companion animals, all the while staying true to its original reason for existence, to offer a no-kill shelter for cats and dogs.
The existing shelter facility is in great shape, but we are experiencing growing pains. The 1,200 square foot space is at capacity. FMAR refuses to compromise the quality of life of the animals that are at shelter and therefore cannot take in more animals or it will become overpopulated. But with the economy failing and people struggling, FMAR cannot ignore the need that is in the community.
Earlier this year, a 1,200 square foot pole barn was donated to FMAR. After much planning, the barn was moved onto the shelter property, and placed next to the existing facility. The goal is to convert this barn into the Cat Haven. In the past five years, the cat population has tripled from 25 cats to 75 cats and that number keeps on growing. By renovating the barn to create a Cat Haven, it will enable FMAR to increase the number of