Shelter Home, Humane Society to hold Walk Against Violence Aug. 19

HOUGHTON -- The Barbara Kettle Gundlach Shelter Home and the Copper Country Humane Society are collaborating on a special event to raise awareness about family violence. They are pleased to invite the community, including friendly pets that are under their owner’s control, to their Walk Against Violence event, starting at 6 p.m. today, Wednesday, Aug. 19, in Houghton. The walk will begin and end at the East Houghton Waterfront Park, located west of the Super 8 Hotel, behind the Isle Royale Apartments.

Diane Shoos, former Barbara Kettle Gundlach Shelter Home Board chair and member, her daughter Anna and their dog Laika, participate in the 2007 Walk Against Violence near the Houghton Waterfront. (Keweenaw Now file photo)

Research has revealed a link between domestic violence and animal abuse. In a violent home, everyone could be a victim. The Walk Against Violence is designed to increase awareness about this connection, as well as increase our community’s support of those in need. The Barbara Kettle Gundlach Shelter Home provides emergency shelter and support services for persons who have experienced domestic violence and the Copper Country Humane Society is dedicated to helping abused, stray and abandoned pets.

Speakers will start the event, followed by a group walk along College Avenue and returning to the pavilion. Commemorative bandanas and water bottles will be given away as long as they are available, and t-shirts will be available for $10.00 each. Please join the walk at 6 p.m. today, Aug. 19 and show your support for victims of family violence -- people and pets need our help.

Serving Houghton, Keweenaw and Ontonagon counties, the Barbara Kettle Gundlach Shelter Home offers emergency shelter, a 24-hour crisis line, both individual counseling and support groups, advocacy, referrals and information and presentations about domestic violence. The crisis line is 337-5632 or in Ontonagon, 884-4004. Visit their Web site at www.BKGShelterhome.org.

The Copper Country Humane Society (CCHS) serves over 900 animals a year from Houghton, Baraga, and Keweenaw counties. CCHS works to reunite lost pets with their owners. For those pets that go unclaimed, we provide food, shelter, veterinary care including sterilization, and kindness until new homes are found. Learn more about CCHS and preview pets available for adoption at www.cchumanesociety.com.

The Walk Against Violence is being made possible thanks to the contributions of the Barbara Kettle Gundlach Shelter Home and the Copper Country Humane Society. In addition, several area businesses have lent support, including the Upper Peninsula Power Company (UPPCO) and the Hilltop Restaurant.