Walk & Wag and Run 2026 ○ HSHV Fosters
Kennady O'Connell
February 18, 2026 8:00am - May 31, 2026 1:00pm
My Personal Fundraising Page
From Fireworks to Forever: Birdie’s Story
Do you believe in saving animals from cruelty? In giving an injured dog lifesaving medical care? In caring round-the-clock for a litter of abandoned puppies or kittens?
Meet Birdie (Hummingbird).
Birdie was found as a stray and brought into the Humane Society of Huron Valley (HSHV) by a kind Samaritan just after the Fourth of July. We believe she likely escaped during the holiday festivities and fireworks and ended up hungry, scared, and alone.
I first noticed her sitting calmly in the dog room — a little cream puff, patient and sweet. I thought, “Someone is going to be very lucky.”
A week later, she surprised everyone by going into labor at the shelter and welcomed two beautiful baby girls. She already had adopters waiting, but when they realized caring for a protective new mama and babies became overwhelming, I was able to step in and foster her— just for the weekend.
That weekend turned into nine extraordinary weeks. (Sorry, Mom)
When I brought Birdie and her tiny, two-day-old puppies home, she walked in as if she already knew she was home. She settled in with our cats and other dogs instantly— the other dogs acted like they had known her their whole lives almost like she had always been part of our family.
Then, three days before she was scheduled to return, the adopters dropped their hold.
That’s when I knew she was always meant to stay. She was home.
Fast forward to today, her puppies are thriving in loving homes, and Birdie is right here beside me — snoring upside down as I write this. I didn’t know I needed a 10-pound piece of fluff in my life, but now I can’t imagine it without her.
If it weren’t for HSHV, Birdie would not have been given the safety and support she needed to bring her babies into the world or the chance to be the incredible mama she was.
Because of that, I was not only given the beautiful experience of watching two puppies grow and begin their lives — I was given Birdie. And the best part of all was getting to watch her begin her new life, too.
Animals like Birdie have no control over how their story begins — but we have the power to change how it ends.
I’m raising money through Walk & Wag & Run to support homeless, injured, and abused animals at the Humane Society of Huron Valley. If you’re able, Birdie and I would be so grateful for your love and support. Every gift — no matter the size — helps provide safety, medical care, and second chances for other animals in need.
With so much love and gratitude,
Kennady & Birdie ❤️
P.S. Remember when I said someone was going to be very lucky? It turns out… it was me. ?❤️
My Supporters
- Terry Fraser A day ago $26.25
- Nancy Farris 3 days ago $26.25
- Aimee Murray 2 weeks ago $26.25
- Urszula ‚ Aneta’ Diegel Love what u R doing aneta 5 weeks ago $100.00
- Kate McLaughlin We saw your sign at Breckenridge Vet in Novi and wanted to help! Last month $26.25
- Tim Oconnell Last month $250.00
- Patrick O’Connell Best dad ever ! Last month $105.00
- Urszula ‚ Aneta’ Diegel Love what u R doing aneta 5 weeks ago $100.00
- Anonymous Last month $52.50
- Terry Fraser A day ago $26.25
My Teammates
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Nancy Belknap $6,547.75
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Laura Kainz $1,033.15
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Kennady O'Connell $991.25
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Cornelia Schafer $303.45
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Deborah Apsley $282.97
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ANGELA PETERS $202.75
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Louise Hayward $172.00
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ELIZABETH PERPICH $135.97
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Hilary Carter $64.90
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Rebecca Jones $59.00
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Latham Perry $50.15
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Kaylee Baker Team Captain $50.00
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Jason Jones $39.00
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Vince Ciaramitaro $33.15
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Kelly Hecht $19.50
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Nancy Etheridge $19.50
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My Badges
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Free Lunch at Walk & Wag
Awarded when Anyone reaches $50.00 in donations
Awarded 03/02/2026
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Goody Bag
Awarded when Anyone reaches $100.00 in donations
Awarded 03/02/2026
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Walk & Wag T-Shirt
Awarded when Anyone reaches $150.00 in donations
Awarded 03/02/2026
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Commemorative Walk & Wag Patch
Awarded when Anyone reaches $250.00 in donations
Awarded 03/03/2026
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Name an Animal
Awarded when Anyone reaches $375.00 in donations
Awarded 03/03/2026
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Goodr Sunglasses
Awarded when Anyone reaches $500.00 in donations
Awarded 03/03/2026
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HSHV Newsletter Shout-out
Awarded when Anyone reaches $750.00 in donations
Awarded 03/11/2026