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Hillsdale Daily News: Walberg visits animal shelter

April 16, 2014
HILLSDALE – U.S. Rep. Tim Walberg and his legislative aid Stephen Rajzer visited the Greater Hillsdale Humane Society Tuesday afternoon to meet the board and tour the facilities located on Tripp Road near Hillsdale.
Earlier this month, the shelter received good news from the state that its tax-exempt status was renewed. Renee Goshorn, Greater Hillsdale Humane Society manager, along with the board, invited the representative to tour the facility.
The shelter's status was suspended last year by the Internal Revenue Service because of an administrative oversight by the previous management.
The reinstatement of the tax-exempt status means all gifts are deductible. The shelter is also eligible to apply for certain grants that are available only to tax-exempt organizations.
Treasurer Gary Hoyt told Walberg he was appreciative of Walberg's efforts.
"We can't say enough for your intervention," Hoyt said. "It means a lot."
Other board members were on hand to greet Walberg and enjoyed listening to his stories of growing up with animals.
"Both parents came from an agricultural background and I always wanted animals," Walberg said.
While in Iowa, Walberg told about having hogs, noting all animals are special. His favorite was a childhood pet dog, an Irish Setter English mix named Rusty.
"He was a wonderful dog and would follow our horses everywhere," Walberg said.
Walberg also noted the frustration that comes when people don't take care of animals and how the shelter functions as a safe haven for them.
The society is a community based, no-kill shelter that's been entirely dependent on cash gifts, adoption fees and volunteer service.
"We're so happy he (Walberg) came to meet with us today," Goshorn said. "He seems to be a fellow animal lover and we've enjoyed showing him around."

To read the original article at the Hillsdale Daily News, please click here.