About Our Members
Director Susan Reabe
DIRECTOR - SUSAN REABE
Susan is a retired RN who is married to a local Veterinarian. She has two dogs, Cody, and Cricket, a cat named Mango and a cockatiel named Huey. She has owned pets all her life. Her idea for H.O.P.E. came about from hearing stories of people dropping their pets off at the Humane society because they could no longer care for them due to financially difficult times. So she started by baking carob-chip dog cookies and using the money to buy pet food. And the rest is history. Her goal is to help people with food and veterinary bills until they can get back on their feet.
Susan is passionate about H.O.P.E., and knows that we can make a difference in the lives of many families. She understands that if we all work together, we can prevent children and adults from the trauma of having to surrendering their pets - who they love and care for but are no longer able to support. We've already helped a number of pet owners and are optimistic about our future growth. Our goal is to help one family at a time.
Susan is a retired RN who is married to a local Veterinarian. She has two dogs, Cody, and Cricket, a cat named Mango and a cockatiel named Huey. She has owned pets all her life. Her idea for H.O.P.E. came about from hearing stories of people dropping their pets off at the Humane society because they could no longer care for them due to financially difficult times. So she started by baking carob-chip dog cookies and using the money to buy pet food. And the rest is history. Her goal is to help people with food and veterinary bills until they can get back on their feet.
Susan is passionate about H.O.P.E., and knows that we can make a difference in the lives of many families. She understands that if we all work together, we can prevent children and adults from the trauma of having to surrendering their pets - who they love and care for but are no longer able to support. We've already helped a number of pet owners and are optimistic about our future growth. Our goal is to help one family at a time.
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR - PEGGY HUSTED
Peggy is a retired Medical Technologist who lives with her brother Russell. A year ago they lost a dear companion, Sandy, and it is in her memory that she has joined HOPE. She has had a variety of pets for the last 35 years, but now she and her brother want the freedom to travel.
“ I know how hard it is when you loose a pet. I don't want people to be forced to give one up because they are going through difficult times. Raising funds to provide help for these people is going to be my primary focus.”
Peggy is a retired Medical Technologist who lives with her brother Russell. A year ago they lost a dear companion, Sandy, and it is in her memory that she has joined HOPE. She has had a variety of pets for the last 35 years, but now she and her brother want the freedom to travel.
“ I know how hard it is when you loose a pet. I don't want people to be forced to give one up because they are going through difficult times. Raising funds to provide help for these people is going to be my primary focus.”
SECRETARY - DEBBRA MINER
My name is Debbra Miner. Since birth, I have never been without a pet – mostly dogs. (The picture is of me and my first two dogs – Flicka and Goldie.)
Since moving here, I have volunteered at numerous local Pet Fairs where rabies vaccinations were offered at a reduced rate and dog licenses were for sale. I volunteered with Petsafe during the Hurricane Katrina situation. Personally, I have tried to help people with their pet’s needs whenever I have been able.
Over the years, since moving to Traverse City in 1972, I have witnessed many animals, who due to nothing wrong on their part, have had to find new homes. Some of these made it to the shelter and some were just abandoned. Of those who made it to the shelter some were still euthanized. Before these animals had a good home, now they find themselves forced into a situation where everything is unfamiliar and scary. They are homeless. They want the life that they had. This situation is happening more and more due to the economic times we find ourselves in. This is why I became a member of HOPE. This organization is the chance that these pets need to stay in their homes – homes that they feel comfortable in, homes that they love with people that they love and that love them.
This type of situation can happen to anyone. So, I hope that this community that loves its animals opens its heart to HOPE so that it can help as many people keep their pets as possible.
I share my home with one husband, two cats, and four dogs (one was a gift, one was from the Animal Shelter and two were from Hurricane Katrina).
My name is Debbra Miner. Since birth, I have never been without a pet – mostly dogs. (The picture is of me and my first two dogs – Flicka and Goldie.)
Since moving here, I have volunteered at numerous local Pet Fairs where rabies vaccinations were offered at a reduced rate and dog licenses were for sale. I volunteered with Petsafe during the Hurricane Katrina situation. Personally, I have tried to help people with their pet’s needs whenever I have been able.
Over the years, since moving to Traverse City in 1972, I have witnessed many animals, who due to nothing wrong on their part, have had to find new homes. Some of these made it to the shelter and some were just abandoned. Of those who made it to the shelter some were still euthanized. Before these animals had a good home, now they find themselves forced into a situation where everything is unfamiliar and scary. They are homeless. They want the life that they had. This situation is happening more and more due to the economic times we find ourselves in. This is why I became a member of HOPE. This organization is the chance that these pets need to stay in their homes – homes that they feel comfortable in, homes that they love with people that they love and that love them.
This type of situation can happen to anyone. So, I hope that this community that loves its animals opens its heart to HOPE so that it can help as many people keep their pets as possible.
I share my home with one husband, two cats, and four dogs (one was a gift, one was from the Animal Shelter and two were from Hurricane Katrina).
SUPPORT SERVICES - JAN WILTSE
I have volunteered with animal rescue for many years. I have adopted and fostered rescue dogs, served as secretary and helped with weekly adoption events with PetSafe, developed a mission project at two churches to help rescue dogs and assist with dog transportation from shelters to rescue groups or foster homes. I volunteer with HANDDS by taking photos of the dogs and posting their information on dog rescue websites.
Most of the dogs I have helped were homeless. I want to be a part of HOPE because it serves a vital need in keeping dogs out of shelters. But more importantly, HOPE can keep a loved family member in the home. I currently have four dogs and all were rescued.
I have volunteered with animal rescue for many years. I have adopted and fostered rescue dogs, served as secretary and helped with weekly adoption events with PetSafe, developed a mission project at two churches to help rescue dogs and assist with dog transportation from shelters to rescue groups or foster homes. I volunteer with HANDDS by taking photos of the dogs and posting their information on dog rescue websites.
Most of the dogs I have helped were homeless. I want to be a part of HOPE because it serves a vital need in keeping dogs out of shelters. But more importantly, HOPE can keep a loved family member in the home. I currently have four dogs and all were rescued.
TREASURER - CORINNA HERVEY
Corinna Hervey is a Certified Public Accountant with Baird, Cotter & Bishop, PC. Her and her husband reside in Copemish, Michigan. Corinna is a mother of two children (Hallee and Chance), a dog (Foxxy), a cat (Sashi) and six chickens (Eeny, Meeny, Miny, Moe, Silk and Smooth). Hallee and Foxxy are pictured to the left.
Corinna has always had a strong love for animals and had many pets throughout her life. At times she has also had cows, horses, goats, birds, hamsters and more. Animals are an important part of people's lives and their friendship can be especially powerful during a time of economic crisis or medical condition. Corinna joined H.O.P.E. as the treasurer after learning about the organization's mission and thought it was a great way to help keep animals with their owners during a time of need.
Corinna Hervey is a Certified Public Accountant with Baird, Cotter & Bishop, PC. Her and her husband reside in Copemish, Michigan. Corinna is a mother of two children (Hallee and Chance), a dog (Foxxy), a cat (Sashi) and six chickens (Eeny, Meeny, Miny, Moe, Silk and Smooth). Hallee and Foxxy are pictured to the left.
Corinna has always had a strong love for animals and had many pets throughout her life. At times she has also had cows, horses, goats, birds, hamsters and more. Animals are an important part of people's lives and their friendship can be especially powerful during a time of economic crisis or medical condition. Corinna joined H.O.P.E. as the treasurer after learning about the organization's mission and thought it was a great way to help keep animals with their owners during a time of need.
PET FOOD PANTRY SUPERVISOR - JENNY SODEN
I was raised on a farm in the Upper Peninsula and that is where my love of all animals, large and small began. I moved to Traverse City 20+ years ago. I am married to my wonderful husband, Bill. I have 2 beautiful & compassionate daughters, Sierra and Samantha. We currently share our lives & homes with 4 dogs. One yellow lab, Tye, two puggles, Maiya & Chili and one Pomhuahua, Indy.
I have been actively involved with H.O.P.E. since April 2011. I had been laid off from my job and was looking to do some volunteering work within the animal community. I chose HOPE, as I strongly believe in their mission and want to support their commitment to service.
Two years ago our family lost our yellow lab, Dakota, to cancer. We experienced an extremely difficult time and I have a great understanding of what it is like to lose a family pet. If I can help, donate or volunteer so that families and pets stay together, then I have done something wonderful for them.
I would also like to mention that the pet food pantry has been a family affair. My husband has driven pet food to clients without transportation on Holidays, he has helped pick up donated food and haul it down to the pantry. My daughters have also been very active within the organization, helping to pass out food to clients, picking up donated supplies within the community and helping with our fundraising efforts.
I was raised on a farm in the Upper Peninsula and that is where my love of all animals, large and small began. I moved to Traverse City 20+ years ago. I am married to my wonderful husband, Bill. I have 2 beautiful & compassionate daughters, Sierra and Samantha. We currently share our lives & homes with 4 dogs. One yellow lab, Tye, two puggles, Maiya & Chili and one Pomhuahua, Indy.
I have been actively involved with H.O.P.E. since April 2011. I had been laid off from my job and was looking to do some volunteering work within the animal community. I chose HOPE, as I strongly believe in their mission and want to support their commitment to service.
Two years ago our family lost our yellow lab, Dakota, to cancer. We experienced an extremely difficult time and I have a great understanding of what it is like to lose a family pet. If I can help, donate or volunteer so that families and pets stay together, then I have done something wonderful for them.
I would also like to mention that the pet food pantry has been a family affair. My husband has driven pet food to clients without transportation on Holidays, he has helped pick up donated food and haul it down to the pantry. My daughters have also been very active within the organization, helping to pass out food to clients, picking up donated supplies within the community and helping with our fundraising efforts.
