The founders of AC Paw have dedicated their lives to save pets that have been neglected
MANCELONA, MI -- It takes a unique person to completely dedicate their life to something to get nothing but a "good job" or "way to go" in return.
But we found a Northern Michigan couple who has dropped everything to give animals a second chance in life.
We meet the couple in this month's "Your Town Hero" report.
Meows and hisses, barks and growls. Brian Manley and June McGrath have heard every imaginable sound a dog or cat makes.
"You work with them, you get them healthy, you get them better, and then you find a new home for them," said Manley, founder of AC Paw.
The couple made their home a safe haven for neglected, abused, and hungry animals 16 years ago and named it AC Paw. The shelter has given more than 6,000 animals a second-chance and it all started as a vision that brain had as he lost his own.
"I’ve been totally blind for eight or nine years now. I didn't dwell on my own problems, and spent that time creatively helping the animals, so I think that's a win-win for everyone," said Manley.
"His energies are so focused on the animals that he knows one's sick before I do!" laughed June McGrath, Brian’s partner.
June calls his skill a sixth sense. The two rehabilitate the animals to make them home-ready and adoptable, hardly ever putting any down.
Jaime Bobinac and Veterinarian Doctor Susan Hall volunteer with AC Paw. In fact, Jaime is fostering three Shih-Tzu puppies right now.
"I can't thank them enough for what they do," said Bobinac.
"They deserve so much more, they deserve so much, their individual sacrifice and effort and their sincere love and dedication to love and save animals," said Dr. Hall.
Brian and June haven't had a vacation in more than 16 years, and it's because of little girls like Candy, a kitty that’s in the shelter. They say that the cats and dogs are their motivation, and they wouldn't have it any other way."
But the challenge to save animals is going to get tougher this summer. June was just diagnosed with cancer.
“I've never known a tougher person in my whole life than June, she's tougher than I am, she's tougher than anyone I know, and if anyone can deal with this and handle it, it's June, and she's really the hometown hero," said Manley.
It’s the dedication, and adversity that has and will be overcome, that makes Brian Manley and June McGrath this month’s "Your Town Heroes.”
AC Paw depends solely on donations and volunteers and they're always looking for both. If you're interested in helping out, visit their website by CLICKING HERE.
