Debby MacDonald — Investigator
Debby began volunteering at the Michigan Humane Society at 19. By 20, she was an adoption counselor. At 25, she became an animal evaluator (caring for the medical needs of animals and deciding which animals could and could not be adopted). From there, Debby became a field agent and then an investigator. Debby attended Michigan Technology University, and has been certified by the Law Enforcement Institute of the University of Missouri's Cruelty Investigation School.

On motivation:
"Happy endings keep me here!"

Mark Ramos — Investigator
Mark started his career with the Michigan Humane Society five years ago. His specialty is reptiles. Mark has worked to rehabilitate and foster pets including snakes, alligators, lizards and much more. Mark is also certified by the Law Enforcement Institute of the University of Missouri's Cruelty Investigation School.

On job satisfaction:
"We all love the animals and enjoy the expressions on their faces when we rescue them. We give the animals respect and dignity. Lots of people thank us for taking care of the animals and tell us how much they appreciate the fact that we're out here. That makes you feel good."

Shawn Hairston — Investigator
Shawn Hairston was born and raised in Detroit. He graduated from Northwestern High School, attended Wayne County Community College, and has been certified by the Law Enforcement Institute of the University of Missouri's Cruelty Investigation School. Shawn started his career with the Michigan Humane Society as an adoption counselor. Since then, he's worked as a kennel attendant, rescue driver and has served the past four years as an investigator. Shawn is a single father of Shawn Jr.

On animal cruelty:
"We're the voice of the animals. If it weren't for us, a lot more animals would suffer. It infuriates us as investigators to see how some animals are treated. Sometimes we have to get incredibly aggressive on the streets to save an animal. Some people we educate — others we prosecute, and I haven't lost a case yet."

Mike Dowe Jr. — Investigator
Mike is the newest member of the Michigan Humane Society cruelty investigation team. Born and raised in Detroit and a graduate of Detroit Public Schools, Mike always had pets growing up and has felt a natural connection with animals since he was very young. Several years ago, Mike began working for the Michigan Humane Society as a rescue driver, assisting sick and injured animals. Mike feels that this animal rescue experience helps him every day in his position as an investigator.

On the toughest cases:
"Though I find all of them disturbing, I tend to have a problem dealing with the starvation cases because dogs are basically dependents just like children. It hurts to see that someone can neglect an animal for that long period of time, to the point that ribs and things like that are visible."