In late 1988, my home and property in Lake City was across
from the old dog pound. This facility was located four miles north of Lake City in front of the Lake City Forge
Plant. The then dog pound was made up of a twelve foot fenced- in area. Roughly 50 x 100 feet in size with
dog houses within its perimeter and a small block building for supplies.
Animals were left in this open enclosure chained to three
foot lengths of chain for short periods, five to seven days, after which time they were killed by whatever means available
or shipped off to research facilities. Frequently animals were left to die of exposure to winter weather, since
the dog houses were empty of straw and no water or food was provided.
I became aware of the situation by accident. While walking
my own dogs in the wooded area across from this facility, I heard the screaming of dogs in pain. After driving up to
the area, I was appalled at the cruelty of the conditions. After inquiring in Lake City what this was - since no signs
appeared - I was informed it was the dog pound.
I immediately contacted the then sheriff Jenema, asking for
the immediate release of these animals. My request was granted.
One dog in particular was so weak she had to be rushed to
Dr. Meyer in Cadillac for treatment, which turned out to be Parvo. She recovered and was adopted.
A petition was formed and 1500 names were gathered.
When election time came around, the sheriff was defeated and the dog pound closed forever.
For sometime, the Missaukee Humane Society worked solely through
volunteer effort without a building, until it became apparent we needed a facility. Five acres were purchased on a land
contract on Highway 55. One year later construction began on the now present building. All of the labor and the construction
was donated; plumbers, electricians, carpenters, well drilling, septic, etc. and a good share of the materials to date.
We have four furnaces and three hot water tanks. All have since been replaced along with eight steel doors, two
interior doors, plus thirty-seven gates. Because of the great amount of use this building receives, it constantly needs
repair and maintenance. This is very costly, but necessary.
My life is devoted to the innocent, loving creatures and I
hope others will follow.
Ernie LeDoulx
Founder/President
