Walk your pooch to help pups in need

GROSSE POINTE SHORES — The family of Edsel and Eleanor Ford were known for their love of dogs, and that affection for canines is reflected in dog-friendly events held on the grounds of their Grosse Pointe Shores estate.

From 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Aug. 20 to 25, people can stroll the grounds with their pooches during Dog Days of Summer, a fundraiser for Michigan Humane. Typically, only Friends of Ford House members can bring their dogs for a walk at Ford House, so this event will give everyone a chance to do it. Ford House officials say 40% of proceeds from Dog Days of Summer will go to Michigan Humane.

“We’re thrilled to expand our relationship with Michigan Humane,” Ford House Director of Visitor Experience Amanda Rutland said in a press release. “Having supported their Mutt March for years, this event is a wonderful opportunity to further our shared commitment to animal welfare and community engagement while also welcoming new guests to Ford House.”

Michigan Humane held its 35th annual Mutt March fundraiser on Ford House grounds earlier this summer. A pit bull ban enacted by the Grosse Pointe Shores City Council had threatened to end that tradition — many of the dogs Michigan Humane has adopted out have been pit bull mixes — but when the council reversed the ban in a split vote last fall, Michigan Humane announced that the Mutt March would remain at the Ford House.

“We value the longstanding relationship Michigan Humane has had with Ford House,” Michigan Humane President & CEO Matt Pepper said by email. “Both organizations understand the value of celebrating our relationships with our pets. Our hope is that Dog Days of Summer brings people and their dogs together, recognizing the fact that everything is better with pets.”

Ford House President and CEO Mark Heppner said its partnership with Michigan Humane wasn’t something they wanted to lose. Heppner and Pepper met for the first time last year in the wake of the Shores breed ban, and Heppner toured Michigan Humane facilities, where he said he was impressed by “the services and what they offer to the community. It really opened my eyes.”

Those conversations have led to stronger ties between the two nonprofits.

“I think a lot of new and exciting things will come down the pike” with Michigan Humane, Heppner said.

Attendees will have a chance to meet Moss, the Ford House border collie who discourages Canada geese from congregating and fouling the grounds. Moss has been working at the estate for seven years. He was born in 2016 in Canada.

Participants must keep their dogs on 6-foot leashes at all times and cannot bring them onto Bird Island or inside any of the buildings.

“The most important thing is that it helps raise awareness of the important work of Michigan Humane for our community,” Heppner said. “We hope it (reminds) people that we love dogs (at Ford House) and we’re a safe place for dogs.”

Dog Days of Summer tickets are free for Friends of Ford House members or $10 for adults and $5 for children ages 4 to 12. Children under age 3 will be admitted for free with adult admission. For tickets or more information, visit fordhouse.org or call (313) 884-4222.