When Janet Haering isn't working weekends as an Oakland County mounted deputy on Paint Creek Trail, she can be found volunteering at the North Oakland Animal Help, or helping with the Sweet Heifer Project, two of the nonprofit organizations that she helped create.
And, if Haering isn't found helping the community on horseback or caring for her cows, she operates Art Concepts, an art gallery and custom frame shop she owns.
Keeping Up With Janet
Initially, I went to interview Haering for a story based on the North Oakland Animal Help organization, also known as NOAH. NOAH is a new pet assistance program that offers free pet food, toys and supplies to families who are in need of help.
I had heard that Haering helped NOAH get on its feet. When we set the time to meet at Art Concepts, I asked if she had a dog or cat that she brought to work.
Janet just laughed.
And then she told me about her 140-pound Bullmastiff named Arnold.
What a Concept!
Art Concepts has been an established art gallery and custom framing store in Rochester Hills for more than 25 years. Recently, the business relocated to 1954 Star Batt Drive in Rochester Hills.
And very recently Art Concepts was awarded first place for a stunning framed art piece in the prestigious International Moulding Print Competition.
When I walked into the store, my eyes were immediately drawn to this piece. And not because it was featured as winning first prize in a regional competition (Ms. Haering is very humble about her accomplishments), but because it is just quite simply stunning.
And then I saw Arnold.
From Art to Animals
Anyone who has ever seen a purebred 140-pound Bullmastiff knows that this is one heck of a dog.
As I snuggled and petted and held Arnold's paw, I was able to get more of the story behind Haering and her passion for animals.
Turns out that Haering lives on a working cattle farm in Ortonville and dedicates more of her "free" time to the Sweet Heifer Project, an organization that teaches children how to raise and care for cows.
I jokingly asked Haering, "So, what else do you do?"
We both laughed and Arnold sighed.
Turns out there are more projects in the works, and we look forward to hearing more.
