About

Friends of Michigan Animals Rescue is the result of a vision that grew out of a desire to make a difference in the pet euthanasia rate in our community. To realize their dream, in January of 2001 Pete and Marcy LaFramboise decided they would retire in 2002. Knowing that retirement would be a huge change in lifestyle and that they would need to find things to occupy their time, they thought they would like to do some volunteer work.

Pete had always loved animals, but because Marcy had been bitten more than once by dogs she was fearful of them. Knowing Pete's love of animals, Marcy decided that she could handle domestic and administrative responsibilities while Pete interacted with the animals. They signed up for a volunteer meeting at a local Humane Society in Ann Arbor. Within a month Pete and Marcy were walking dogs, comforting cats, cleaning kennels, working on fundraising events and even helping in the clinic.

Even though they were having a great time, the euthanasia rate was very disturbing to them. Wanting to make a direct impact on the euthanasia rate reduction, Marcy applied for an executive director position with the Humane Society, but was turned down. Shortly thereafter, the local Animal Control division invited the LaFramboises to volunteer at their local dog pound, and they were very excited to be helping in their own back yard. Pete and Marcy were new to the "dog pound" world and jumped right in with improving operations as their goal. They had dreams of turning the dog pound into a wonderful facility that would pick up strays and take on the responsibility of getting them, vaccinated, tested, spayed/neutered and placed into new, loving homes.

The township was not ready for them. After launching a campaign and raising over $50,000 to help an injured dog, Marcy and Pete were fired from their volunteer positions. They realized that if they were going to be able to help in the manner in which they wanted, they would need to obtain non-profit status to do what they could to help as many animals as possible. Within six weeks they were officially in business. The "shelter" grew so quickly they had to sell their home to expand. The proceeds from the sale of their home were used to buy a run-down house with two barns that required renovation.

FMAR has raised over $150,000 and adopted over 500 animals to new families since April of 2003, and have become a recognized business in several communities. Their mailing list spans as far as Canada. Once again, they are busting at the seams, and Pete and Marcy are accomplishing more than they were ever able to as volunteers for other organizations. With the help of local volunteers, FMAR's board of directors, and support from various communities, they look forward to the challenges and successes of the years ahead. Pete and Marcy LaFramboise have made a commitment to put retirement on hold until they have made a significant difference in their community for homeless, domestic animals.