Bellowood, a dog rescue here in Cedar Springs, announced last week that it was selected to receive a $3,500 grant from the American Humane Association’s Meacham Foundation Memorial.

Bellowood received the money to purchase two banks of quarantine kennels. According to owner Kim Schreuder, this grant will help provide up to 10 more spaces for dogs in need in our community, giving them a second chance to be cherished as well cared for and loved by family members.

“One bank will help us provide a quiet space for dogs who may be in distress, recovering from surgeries, or expectant mothers,” explained Schreuder. “The other will provide us with a quarantine place for new intakes, keeping them safely away from the general population for evaluation of health and temperament.”

The Meacham Foundation Memorial was established in 1969, in memory of Tressa Meacham, to provide the financial assistance for shelters’ expansion or improvements that directly impact the welfare of the animals in shelters. The grants, in amounts up to $4000, are awarded each year to several animal care agencies. To be eligible for the grants, agencies must be nonprofit, offer adoption programs and be members of the American Humane. This year American Humane received close to 200 requests for assistance from organizations across the country.

Bellowood was organized in 1993, and is now located in rural Cedar Springs. It is a nonprofit 501(c)3 Organization dedicated to bettering the lives of abandoned, abused, and unwanted dogs from all over the country with focus on dogs in our own community. They provide medical care, training, evaluations, and rehabilitation to our canine friends who have suffered and been left homeless. When they are ready for adoption, they search for the best fit into a home where they can shower their new families with unconditional love. Bellowood also offers other helpful services to the community in the form of advice, outreach services, and helping people in need of maintaining ownership of their beloved pets.

“We will do whatever we can to help,” noted Schreuder.

Bellowood depends largely on community donations (which are always needed and tax deductible) and uses the help of volunteers for a variety of things.

Visit www.bellowoodrescue.com to learn more.