Tips to Create a Tick-Free Zone Around Your Home

Close-up view of tick on human finger against dog lying in grass.

As warmer weather approaches, so does the increased risk of tick encounters, posing potential health threats to people and pets enjoying outdoor activities.

The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) has advice on how to create tick-safe zones around your home.

There are over 20 known tick species in Michigan. Most often, they survive by feeding on wildlife. Several species of ticks are known to bite people and pets; and the insects may harbor dangerous bacteria, viruses, or parasites. Not all ticks carry diseases, but tick-related diseases (including Lyme disease) do occur in Michigan and can be serious or fatal if not properly diagnosed and treated.

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Photo credit: Envato Elements / Chalabala

7-Month-Old Puppy Saved After Being Trapped inside Traverse City Home for Two Weeks With Deceased Owner

 A 7-month-old puppy, affectionately dubbed “Kiah” – a name signifying “new beginnings” – was found in dire circumstances last week. She had been trapped inside a Traverse City home for two weeks with her deceased owner.

The heartrending situation led to the puppy being rescued by the compassionate hands of H.A.N.D.D.S to the Rescue (Helping Abused Neglected Disabled Displaced Souls), a dog rescue organization.

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Dog Owners Unite: Rally at State Capitol Demands End to Experiments in Public Universities

Dogs were at the state capitol on Thursday as part of a rally for a bill banning animal experiments. The bill is named after a dog who died after being part of a Wayne State University experiment.

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Dezzy, a German Shepherd, was joined by his owner and a few other dogs in supporting House Bill 4849, also known as Queenie’s Law.

“This legislation would prohibit publicly funded institutions in our state from using dogs in experiments that cause them pain. Surely everyone can support that, and let me tell you, most people do,” said Rep. Matt Koleszar. Click here for the rest of the story.

Photo credit: WILX-TV video screenshot

More Than 50 Animals Rescued Out of Emmet County from Alleged Hoarding Situation

More than 50 animals have been rescued from an apparent hoarding situation in Emmet County, Michigan, according to reports from Little Traverse Bay Humane Society (LTBHS).

Teaming up with the Emmet County Sheriff’s Office, the humane society led the effort to remove 49 cats and two dogs from a single residence, following their surrender to law enforcement. The collaborative rescue operation, entirely funded by the non-profit organization, involved eight individuals equipped with full personal protective equipment and respirators along with two deputies who arrived at the scene and transferred the animals to LTBHS. For the rest of the story click here.

TC Paw Cat Rescue Gets $10K From Local Non-Profit

 TC Paw Cat Rescue, a nonprofit that helps give cats a second chance through rescue, fostering, adoptions and more, just received a large donation.

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They got just over $10,000 from 100 Women Who Care to help felines find their forever home or foster family. TC Paw Cat Rescue receives dozens of phone calls every week and the money will be a huge help for purchasing food, litter and other necessities. Click here for the rest of the story.

Photographer Helps Raise Over $17K for Cherryland Humane Society

The Cherryland Humane Society is always looking for volunteers and support in taking care of their furry friends and finding them a forever home. Which is why one local photographer decided to do something pretty incredible to show her support.

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“I’m part of a group of pet photographers that do this contest around the country, and some do it internationally too. And collectively, we’ve raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for animal rescue. So, I was really excited to bring it to our community and especially for an amazing charity like Cherryland Humane Society,” said photographer, Amanda Lewis. For the rest of the story, click here.

Photo credit: 9&10 News Video screenshot

Michigan Throws a Bone: Grants Unleashed to Make Michigan’s Animal Shelters Purr-fectly Fabulous for Homeless Pets

The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) has disclosed the recipients of the 2024 Animal Welfare Fund grants.

This year, thanks to the support of Michigan residents who select the “Animal Welfare Fund” option on their annual state tax returns, MDARD will disburse $150,000 to 22 registered animal shelters across the state and contribute to various animal welfare initiatives.

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Deaf Dog Finds Forever Home After Two-year Wait in Shelter

Happy tears were shed Friday for a four-legged friend in Leelanau County. A dalmatian-shar pei mix named Toby finally has a home after spending two years at the Great Lakes Humane Society. Toby has struggled to find the right home because he is deaf. Click here for the rest of the story.

photo credit: UpNorthLive screenshot

Resourceful Officer and Heroic Dog Team up to Rescue Man Fallen Through Michigan Ice

A Northern Michigan State Police officer, and in some ways a dog, are being credited with potentially saving the life of a Traverse City man who fell through the ice. Click here for the rest of the story.

photo credit: UpNorthLive Screenshot

Local Cats & Kittens Need Your Help: How to Support TC Paw

Lisa Chimner works two full-time jobs. During the weekdays, she’s a pediatrician at Grand Traverse Children’s Clinic. Evenings and weekends are spent volunteering as the president of TC Paw Cat Rescue. The nonprofit was formed in April 2023 by a dedicated group that wanted to continue the longtime rescue and foster work of AC Paw, which is now focusing its efforts on spaying and neutering. At the time of our interview in November, TC Paw had already taken in 180 cats and helped about 100 of those cuddle bugs find their forever homes. Click here for the rest of the story.

Leelanau Sheriff’s Office Adds Second K-9 Unit

A second K-9 unit will give the Leelanau County Sheriff’s Office a boost with search-and-rescue missions, drug detection and much more.

After about a decade with one dog, the office is doubling its four-legged deputy count with the addition of “Keno.” The young German shepherd will join “Klouse,” who has been with the department since 2021.

The program began in late 2013 with the now-deceased “Nico,” who became a familiar face around the county during eight years of working with Sgt. Greg Hornkohl.

“The value of these dogs is far beyond what some people think,” Sheriff Mike Borkovich tells The Ticker. “They’re not just mean dogs that go chase people. They are very, very intelligent and very useful.”

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Mysterious Dog Illness Suspected to Be in Michigan

A suspected case of the mysterious dog illness infecting dogs around the country has appeared in Royal Oak. According to CBS News, and other media outlets, the illness is an infectious respiratory disease that has been seen in dogs in 14 states with symptoms that include coughing, sneezing and lethargy as well as difficulty breathing, discharge from the eyes or nose, dehydration, fever, weight loss and loss of appetite. The cough is a lingering one and can last six to eight weeks. Although the illness doesn’t have an official name, it’s often referred to by veterinarians as “canine infectious respiratory disease complex” (CIRDC). Click here for the rest of the story.

Western Michigan University Honored Veterans with Service Dog Program Donation & Scholarship

Western Michigan University recognized the Blue Star Service Dogs (BSSD) for military veterans during the Broncos’ rivalry football game against Central Michigan University on November 7th at Waldo Stadium.

During a timeout in the first half of the game, representatives from the Office of Veterans and Military Affairs honored BSSD dogs and trainers and recognized $15,000 that was donated to the organization over the summer through the sale of Operation Hat Trick (OHT) merchandise. Blue Star Service Dogs named a dog cadet in honor of WMU after Bronco fans had the opportunity to vote on that name at the football game – they chose the name “Waldo.” For the rest of the story, click here.

MSU College of Veterinary Medicine Collected Blankets for Patients in November

Animal patients are provided blankets to keep them warm and comfortable at the MSU Veterinary Medical Center. And with tens of thousands of patients each year, the Hospital goes through a lot of blankets. To keep their animals cozy, the Hospital had a blanket drive November 10–12. The public was invited to donate gently used towels, blankets, quilts, and comforters at the bins outside their Large Animal Clinic lobby.

Beulah Library Collecting Donations for Local Animal Shelters Through Dec. 16th

As the holidays approach, Darcy Library of Beulah will be collecting items for local animal shelters.

Donations will be collected at the library, located at 7238 Commercial  Ave. in Beulah, from Nov. 20 to Dec. 16, during its open hours. Donations will benefit Tina’s Bed and Biscuit, which is an animal rescue in Beulah, and the Benzie County Animal Shelter. Click here for the rest of the story.

Photo credit: Unsplash / Alec Favale 

New K-9 Officer to Join Benzie County Sheriff’s Office

A new officer with a nose for trouble will soon be joining the Benzie County Sheriff’s Office. 

Benzie County Sheriff Kyle Rosa said a new K-9 officer named Omar is currently undergoing training and will begin working with his handler with the sheriff’s office in January. Click here for the rest of the story.

Freedom Ride Farms in Breckenridge Rescues Horses, Which in Turn Provide Therapy

Tino is a 30-year-old barrel horse whose owner had to give him up three years ago.

Harper is a 7-year-old girl from Merrill with autism who can’t wait to hop on Tino’s back and do some riding.

“You can’t wipe the smile off her face once we leave here. She’s just so happy and just loves the horses so much,” says Joe Schoof, Harper’s dad.

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Healing with Horses at Peace Ranch in Traverse City

Nestled at the quiet base of Hoosier Valley in Blair Township is the sundrenched paradise of Peace Ranch. Founded in 2010, the Traverse City nonprofit offers hands-on therapy services to clients, who work with horses to build emotional skills and process trauma. Its newest resident, a mustang mare named Wiingash, is opening the doors to a new approach to healing: gentling wild horses.

Wiingash means “sweetgrass” in Anishinaabemowin and represents the culture’s sacred medicine. She was named by Ojibwe cultural expert and Little River Band member Kenny Pheasant “[because] he felt her healing power was strong,” says Clinical Director Jan Stump. “She’s really something special.”

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Clare County Horse is Second Case of West Nile Virus in Michigan

West Nile virus has been detected in a horse from Clare County, the second case of the virus in a domestic animal this year in the state. State Veterinarian Nora Wineland said the five-year-old Standardbred mare tested positive for the virus on September 18. The horse was unvaccinated against the disease. Click here for the rest of the story.

Suttons Bay Dog Park Now Open

It’s time to let the dogs out. Such was the news at a Suttons Bay Township Board meeting Wednesday, September 13th, where trustees approved the new Suttons Bay Township Dog Park for a soft opening for last weekend. The park, which has been under construction at Suttons Bay’s Herman Park since May, is not entirely finished yet, but is far enough along that dog owners are now permitted to use part of the park for animal socializing and recreation. The Leelanau Ticker has the details, along with progress reports for other parts of Herman Park’s ambitious still-in-progress improvement efforts.

As designed, the new dog park will be broken into two sections: one for small dogs that weigh under 25 pounds, and another for larger dogs 26 pounds and up. According to Liz Mahaney, who has been leading the charge since the beginning, preparation for the small dog park is completely finished, while the large dog park is still awaiting some additional work. Click here for the rest of the story.

Photo credit: Unsplash / Joe Caione 

Rescued Puppy Mill Dogs Arrive at Northern Michigan Shelter After 600-Mile Trip

Some of the dogs rescued from a puppy mill in Iowa have made the 600-mile trip to northern Michigan, with the hope of finding a new home. Little Traverse Bay Humane Society told UpNorthLive News that 47 of the dogs arrived safe and sound around 2 a.m. Friday, with a second transport of dogs arriving later in the evening. The shelter in Harbor Springs will be taking 67 dogs of the 131 involved in the puppy mill investigation. For more information on the story, click here.

State of Michigan Encourages Owners to Help Keep Their Animals Safe this Labor Day Holiday

As Michiganders prepare to celebrate the last days of summer, this Labor Day holiday, the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) would like to remind owners of some of the best ways to keep their animals healthy and safe.

“When making any holiday plans, it is important not to overlook the needs of our animals,” said State Veterinarian Nora Wineland, DVM. “From ensuring that they are fully vaccinated to making sure they are cool and comfortable when the heat index is high or the air quality is poor, there are many precautions owners can take to keep their animals safe this Labor Day.”

Keep animals safe this holiday by following these six easy tips:

Vax & Relax: Keep animals up to date on routine vaccinations

Vaccinations are central to animals’ preventative care as the vaccines can protect animals against common diseases, such as rabies and distemper. Contact your veterinarian to ensure your animals’ vaccinations are complete and/or to schedule an appointment.

Let it Flow: Provide unlimited cool, clean, fresh water

Just like people, animals can quickly get parched in hot temperatures. No matter the species, animals should have access to unlimited cool, clean, fresh water to prevent dehydration.