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“Cat Daddy” Shares Insight Into Cats As Pets To Help You Have A More Purr-fect Pet Cat Experience

Jackson Galaxy
Animal Planet
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animalplanet.com

Star of Animal Planet’s long running hit show, “My Cat From Hell,” Jackson Galaxy is bringing an out-of-this-world experience to Ann Arbor’s Humane Society of Huron Valley (HSHV).  He’ll be appearing as a featured guest for their 14th annual Compassionate Feast on November 1 at the Michigan League.  He talks to WEMU's Lisa Barry about the history of cats as domestic pets and explains we've been "looking at cats through dog-colored lenses."

Jackson Galaxy says we have to think of cats as family members in order to get the best pet cat experience.  He says cats are "energetic sponges," and sometimes it's the cat owner that needs more help than the cat itself.  Galaxy says it's only been about a hundred years since cats were considered domestic pets and part of their DNA belongs in the wild.  He says, just like any other type of relationship, compromise is important to having a cat as a pet. 

Officials with the Humane Society of Huron Valley say, “This is also our 10-year anniversary in our state-of-the-art animal care facility.  This building has not only helped us provide outstanding care and save the lives homeless and abused animals, it’s allowed us to offer so much more support to the community: from veterinary services, to children’s educational programs, to our free pet food pantry, to TNR, to dog training.  We’ve accomplished so much in the last decade, serving well over 100,000 animals and people who love them.  To express our appreciation for all the donors and volunteers who’ve made these 10 incredible years possible, we wanted to do something big,” says Tanya Hilgendorf, HSHV’s CEO and President.  “But one of the most respected pet stars in the world?  We’re over the moon to welcome Jackson Galaxy to Ann Arbor.”

Jackson, an animal advocate and cat behavior and wellness expert, is also a two-time New York Times best-selling author with more than 25 years of experience working with cats and their guardians.  Long before he became known as “The Cat Daddy,” the working musician found he had a unique ability to connect with cats when he took a job at a local animal shelter.  After a decade of working with thousands of cats, he joined a private practice working with cat guardians and cats in their homes, which ultimately became the premise for “My Cat From Hell.”  An immediate hit, the show has been a broadcast staple for ten seasons and has become a global phenomenon, placing Jackson at the forefront of a worldwide obsession with all things feline.

Cat families will be delighted to know the internationally known cat charmer will be bringing his “hairballs of wisdom” up close and personal.  HSHV will be raffling off a once-in-a-lifetime chance to consult with Jackson on your cat’s case.  And folks can purchase special tickets, which include a private meet-and-greet with Jackson.

“Jackson credits cats for saving his life,” says Hilgendorf, “and we’ve met lots of pet adopters who feel the same.  This fundraiser is all about saving more animals, so that they can save more people.”

The event will take place at the University of Michigan League and along with Jackson’s featured talk, will include cocktails, a silent auction, and a multiple course gourmet vegetarian/vegan feast.  100% of the proceeds go to HSHV, the only animal shelter in Washtenaw County that takes in all types of unwanted, injured, lost, and abused animals.

Tickets, the complete menu, and more information on HSHV’s Compassionate Feast can be found at www.hshv.org/feast.  Raffle tickets for a private consultation with Jackson Galaxy can be purchased at HSHV (3100 Cherry Hill Rd, Ann Arbor) or by contacting Laura at (734) 661-3554 or laurac@hshv.org.  Sponsorship opportunities are available, too; please contact joyj@hshv.org.

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— Lisa Barry is the host of All Things Considered on WEMU. You can contact Lisa at 734.487.3363, on Twitter @LisaWEMU, or email her at lbarryma@emich.edu

Lisa Barry was a reporter, and host of All Things Considered on 89.1 WEMU.
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