The History of Tail Wagger's USA

 The late Jean Polka was an animal lover like none other.  Owning a bar at the corner of Lonyo & Radcliff (between Warren & McGraw) in Detroit was a business she and her husband Ted enjoyed operating. The neighborhood "locals" called Taddy's Bar (named after their 6-year old son who died of meningitis) their "second home" and would often come by for lunch or dinner.  It was a fun-loving place where the customers were treated like family. So were the animals.

Jean would often take in the strays, feed the hungry, spay/neuter the wandering and care for the injured with the little money she made operating the bar.  Jean took care of everyone and everything that crossed her path.  She often dreamed of winning $100,000 so that she could give it all to local animal-welfare organizations to assist animals that were in need.  This healthy, spunky, 62-year old woman often joked about WHO would care for her animals when she was gone.  Founder, Laura Zain made that promise - Jean Polka was her Aunt.

Jean passed away suddenly on January 1, 1989 - just days after Laura made that promise - and from that day forward, the inception of Tail Wagger's had begun.

Having a fundraiser in Aunt Jean's honor was "supposed" to be a one-time event. Little did Laura know, the first Tail Wagger's Bowl (held in 1989) had 62 participants and soon became the foundation of what Tail Wagger's USA stands for today..... 

In existence for 20 years, Tail Wagger’s USA prides itself on the fact that all donations received are spent directly on animals in need, not on salaries, company cars, and expense account.

To further our mission, Tail Wagger’s has now begun to focus on community needs where pet food assistance, spay/neuter funding, low-cost vaccinations, emergency services and of course, investigation and rescue efforts are our priority!

Help us support our programs and make Tail Wagger’s USA your charity of choice. 

What an honor it has been to carry on the life-long dream of raising money to help animals in need of the late Jean Polka.  How proud she would be of all we HAVE and WILL continue to accomplish!

Meet Our Board of Directors...  

Developing a solid Board of Directors was important to Founder, Laura Zain and looking back over the years, individuals were chosen that have supported the Organization for many years.  All the Board Members that represent Tail Wagger's USA bring something special to the table that will enable us to build an Organization unlike any other. 

It is an honor to introduce the Board of Directors of Tail Wagger's USA:

EXECUTIVE BOARD 

Chariman of the Board - Matt Schaecher 

Vice Chairman - Linda Duff 

Secretary - Brandy Belcher 

Treasurer - Matthew Klar 

Jill Engel  – Special Events Coordinator/Bonton Shops 

Ann Lewalk - Administrative Coordinator  /  Hemophilia Foundation of Michigan 

Lisa Trinka – Student, Eastern Michigan University 

Dr. Andrea McQueen – Veternarian / Levan Road Veternarianry Hospital 

Colleen Burke - Attorney At Law 

Jamie Greenup - Administrative Assistant / ZF Corporation  

Sharyn Scovie - Administrative Assistant / ZF Corporation  

Bill Tennant - Assistant Director / Mental Health Association of Michigan