Even in Death, Troy Woman Helps Animals in Need

The following information was provided by the Michigan Animal Adoption Network.

When she died on June 30, long-time Troy resident Betty Thornton left the Michigan Animal Adoption Network (MAAN) a wonderful memorial donation. She was 77.

It was said that it took a lot to earn Thornton's trust, but once someone did, they were her friend for life.

Thornton spoke her mind freely and was a very generous human being. After retiring from her 40 years with Ford Motor Company, she volunteered with Leader Dogs For The Blind. She was a nurse at Harper Hospital prior to her career with Ford.

Thornton was a massive animal lover who used to say, "A dog will always meet you at the door with a wag in its tail." 

"We are so honored to have been chosen as a beneficiary," MAAN President Marie Skladd said. "Thanks to generous friends like Betty, we are able to continue to help those that cannot help themselves. The donation will allow us continue to our efforts by providing much needed supplies on behalf of the animals in our community."

"Ken Boyer and his colleague Patti Fox of in Troy, did a phenomenal job with respect to communication, all tax issues and all documentation," MAAN Vice President and Treasurer Joe Cole said. "We thank them and we know Betty thanks them for all their help."

About MAAN/Animal Care Network

Founded in 1994, the Michigan Animal Adoption Network (MAAN) is a 501(c) 3 non-profit organization in the Metro Detroit area. MAAN engages in special promotions and fundraising efforts on behalf of the animals. MAAN continually strives for new and different ways to educate the public, to raise money to continue its low-cost spay/neuter program, street rescue efforts and to find loving homes for homeless pets. MAAN's adoption program has placed more than 6,210 dogs and cats. 

The Animal Care Network program has visited over 90,000 addresses in target areas, rescued over 13,000 dogs/cats and spayed/neutered over 6,000. ACN hosts vaccine clinics that vaccinate over 1,000 animals in one day. These programs have received national recognition from Nickelodeon News and received an Animal Planet nomination. For more information on ACN, please contact Pam Porteous at 248-678-2756.