HATS Off to the Arts being held on May 17th. Artists from across the state are bringing out their best works to support HATS in their efforts to better the lives of the companion animals of Isabella County. For more information call the HATS office at (989) 775-0830 or go to www.hatsofftothearts.com for more information.
	Check out our new look! On February 22nd and 24th the ASID (American Society of Interior Designers) of CMU along with HATS members volunteered their time and talents to paint the mural in the shelter lobby.  The large undertaking was orchestrated by Brenda Skeel owner of www.Bugonawall.com.  A big thank you to all the volunteers for the beautiful mural!  If you haven't seen the murals yet stop by and take a look. While your there, check out the wonderful animals available fo adoption. To check out the shelter click here.
	It's Heartworm Season Again. Heartworm needs to be prevented rather than treated. Dogs and cats may not show signs of illness until the disease has already spread through the animal's heart and lungs. Symptoms include fatigue, weight loss and a chronic cough. Call your vet and have your pet checked. Keep your pet healthy!
	IMPORTANT - Michigan Residents find out how you can help protect shelter animals and pets in Michigan -  A bill (H.B. 5263) has been introduced in the state legislature to ban pound seizure and Class B dealers. Pound seizure is the practice of releasing or selling unclaimed cats and dogs from animal shelters for use in biomedical research, product development and safety testing, and educational demonstrations. Contact your state representative and ask him/her to support the bill H.B. 5263. To find out who your representative is and how to contact them - click here.
	Many Thanks to Mid Michigan Lab Retriever Network. Mid Michigan Labrador Retriever Network does amazing work when it comes to rescueing dogs from the Isabella County Animal shelter and finding loving forever homes for them. Check out their website www.cmlrn.com and read about all the wonderful work they do, and help if you can.
	Isabella County & Gratiot County Animal Shelter statistics - The Isabella County Animal Shelter statistics* are available for 1999 through 2007 and the Gratiot County Animal Shelter statistics* for 2004 and 2007. Did you know that Gratiot still gives animals to research? (*Statistics are from the Michigan Department of Agriculture.)
	Behavior Problems are the leading cause of pet surrender to shelters and animal control agencies. Many of these behavior problems can be avoided with proper pet selection and guidance to pet owners. We have some suggestions to help with common pet behavior issues. If you are having difficulties with your pet, click on this Pet Tips Link for information and advice.
	HATS Newsletters - We welcome your comments or suggestions for our newsletter articles. Top HATS News - Winter 2007 Top HATS News - Spring 2007 Top HATS News - Winter 2006 Top HATS News - Spring 2006 Top HATS News - Winter 2005 Top HATS News - Fall 2005.