About Us

History of Few Steps From Home

Few Steps From Home Animal Rescue was started in 2007 by Heather Smith. After volunteering and serving on a board of another local rescue in 2003 until 2006, she thought that she could serve animals better by opening her own non-profit animal rescue. In the previous rescue she volunteerd with , she became one of the first people in the area to accept, foster and rehome Pit Bulls successfully since no other rescues within the area accepted the breed due to liability. She also spoke at Delta College and educated students on the Pit Bull breed and dog rescue.

About Our Founder and President

Heather became involved with rescuing animals shortly after she rescued a pit bull. She located the owners but they told her they no longer wanted him. They didnt want to take him to animal control so they had hoped he would just get hit by a car. Bailey, who she ended up adopting, was the sole reason she became involved in a rescue group and to later go on to form her own. Heather was also diagnosed with Multuiple Sclerosis. She feels the animals save her as much, if not more, then she saves them.

Our Rescue Now

After MANY trials and tribulations through the years we now finally have two facilities. All of our cats are located at a facility in Midland, Michigan. Most of our dogs are located at our facility in Gladwin, Michigan, however, we do operate out of a few carefully selected foster homes. Although, we are a small rescue we have been able to offer sanctuary for many dogs and cats who have been unable to be adopted due to age, health, or behavior issues.

We accept all breeds of both dogs and cats. We have the ability to take in some dogs that have extensive behavior issues and rehabilitate them. Heather has the ability to get to the root of the problems and fix them. She is experienced with not only basic dog training, but is also experienced in dog behavior and reading dogs body language.

Even though we have the ability to be a sanctuary for some pets we have very limited room. Many of the dogs that are in rescue are here for quite some time before they can be adopted out. Many need to go through extensive rehabilitation before they can be placed for adoption. Many of the cats that come to us are elderly or they have medical issues. Our room for cats is very limited as well.

Our Board And Positions

Heather Smith- Founder/President/Dog Director/Foster & Rehabilitation Specialist

Linda Atkins- Vice President/Cat Expert/Director of Cat Operations/Cat Foster

Helen Windslow- Treasurer/Secretary/Cat Volunteer

Beth Brookens- Cat Application Processor/Pet Adoption Site updates

Marcie Miller- Dog Application Processor/Dog Foster

Vicki Mehl- Cattery Volunteer/Event Coordinator/Fundraising Specialist

Joseph Burgess- Kennel Assistant, Rescue Artist, Dog Photographer

Bill Atkins- Mastermind of building ideas!