We Build Relationships
Bloom works alongside law enforcement, rescue groups and shelters, our veterinary partners, and most critically, families, to identify and appoint an emotional advocate for that animal where one was absent.
Our Manifesto
We recognize the need to be present in our community, advocating for the emotional and physical well being of the voiceless. We advocate for improved living conditions, humane treatment, and compassionate care.
While our primary focus area is serving 24/7-chained dogs through direct field outreach, we have the ability to address other animals through our various partnerships as needed.
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IT ALL BEGAN WITH A DRIVE IN BRANCH COUNTY
It soon became a little routine that each day passing her home, I’d point and say to her “I’m coming for you little one…” and then one day I did.
Know of an animal in need in Branch County? Report concerns to: 877-729-6291 or contact us. All reporting is anonymous. Due to the nature of our work, we cannot provide follow up calls and/or details on Bloom Client’s or reported concerns.
If you witness or see an animal in need of emergent care, please call 911 for livestock, or your local sheriff’s office.
Branch County Sheriff’s office central dispatch: 517-278-2325
Branch County Animal Control: 517-639-3210
SUPPORT US
Our work can only be sustained with the help of donations to fund our critical services. Without you, we simply cannot exist, and we know outreach like ours takes a village!
Consider becoming a monthly donor! Simply follow this link to sign up!
BECOME A BLOOM SPONSOR
We are seeking sponsors for the following:
Spay/Neuter Sponsorship: $40 Cat $85 Dog
Igloo Shelter Sponsorship: $125
Flea/Tick Preventative Sponsor: $25
Straw Sponsor: $5
Emergency Medical Fund Sponsors: $100
Contact us at bcblooms@gmail.com to find out how to sponsor today!
VOLUNTEER
Are you interested in making a difference with us? We’d love to put your skills to use. All compassionate, caring volunteers must be 18 years of age or older, be able to lift in excess of 25lbs, and willing to work in all weather conditions upon completion of training.
ENGAGE WITH ELECTED OFFICIALS
We realize the need to address old, outdated or generally absent ordinances within our county that would significantly improve the standards of care for dogs and other animals. We encourage our supporters to attend your local town hall meetings, call or email your local commissioners, and use your voice to demand that we address improvements to our local and county animal ordinances.
ATTEND OUR EDUCATIONAL WORKSHOPS
Coming Soon! Please check for upcoming dates on our website and Facebook page!
What is lawful neglect?
Simply put, our laws are not specific enough to cover more than the basic standard of care, which is so minimal as to expose animals to undo harm via emotional and physical suffering. The basic guidelines leave the most vulnerable exposed to the elements, left without proper bedding in extreme conditions, and often times without regular meals and water.
What is Humane Education?
Humane Education is the teaching of compassion and empathy for all living beings. We at Bloom feel strongly in the human-nonhuman bond, and believe that through compassionate and responsible care, impactful and loving relationships are forged.
What types of education do you provide?
Bloom will share best practices through years of working in rescue - specifically neglected, unsocialized, abused or special needs dogs. We help to address and immediately improve basic standards of care. We are NOT licensed veterinarians, and will refer our families to our veterinary partners when needed. We operate using positive reinforcement principles through teaching strategies of behavior modification using positive reinforcement techniques, repetition, and establishing a household routine.
What is a Spay/Neuter Voucher?
We partner with the Branch Area Rescue Coalition, or BARC, our resource for low cost spay/neuter services here in Michigan who provide vouchers at a reduced rate for these services, in addition to Heartworm (HW) testing, and other vaccines provided through BARC’s affiliated veterinarian providers.
WhY CHAINED DOGS?
Dogs are inherently pack animals. They are highly social beings that engage with each other and their people, forming deep emotional relationships. When a dog spends his/her life on the end of a chain, they become isolated, often exhibiting behaviors that otherwise would not exist.
The boredom and isolation will often result in destruction of their shelters, themselves, as well as behaviorally not understanding the social cues around them. Dogs who spend a life at the end of a chain can become fear aggressive, exhibit resource guarding behavior, develop anxiety, and/or become shut down. Many will pace incessantly as a means to alleviate boredom and mange anxiety. Others will aggressively guard the very small radius they call their own, having no other outlet.
It is inherently unnatural for a socialized pack animal.
Are you a SANCTUARY?
No, we are not. Our primary focus is both education, resources or rescue via our law enforcement partners. We aim to work alongside families to identify an animal advocate within the household or we partner with rescue groups, shelters and sanctuaries when needed.
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OUR THOUGHT PROCESS
The bond between humans and animals goes back millennia. While that role has been redefined throughout the centuries, one common thread remains- the bond formed when an animal becomes your companion is undeniable. The loyalty, trust and love formed are both permanent and engrained. We believe that every human-non-human bond is important and significant.
