Garfield Township planning commissioners Wednesday approved plans for Two Brothers Dog Park Cafe and Taphouse to open its doors at the Cherryland Center…Two Brothers Dog Park Cafe and Taphouse is planned to go in the back of the former Younkers building at the Cherryland Center. The business will occupy 7,000 square feet of the 47,900 square-foot building, including food and drink service areas. In addition to the indoor space, a proposed outdoor dog park will occupy approximately 6,000 square feet of the current parking area. No other uses are being proposed for the Younkers building at this time. Click here to read more on the story.
Dog Park Approved for Cherryland Center
Michigan Governor Signs Law Expanding Use of Therapy Dogs in Court
A bill expanding the use of therapy dogs in Michigan courtrooms has been signed into law.Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed the bill Monday, Jan. 30th, records show. It’s expected to take effect in the coming months. Click here for more on the story.
A Tale of Progress: Michigan Animal Shelters Dramatically Reduce Euthanasia Rates Over 15 Years
photo credit: Envato Elements / YuriArcursPeopleimages
Michigan’s animal shelters have come a long way in the last 15 years. In 2009, the grim reality was that more than 32,000 dogs and nearly 71,000 cats were euthanized statewide. That’s more than 100,000 animals that didn’t get a second chance at life.
Fast forward to the statistics for 2023, and those numbers have plummeted to 6,999 dogs and 4,371 cats who were euthanized at Michigan animal shelters. This big drop reflects years of effort, innovation, and cooperation among shelters, rescue groups, and communities.
Click here for the rest of the story.
Anonymous Tip Leads to Rescue of Multiple Neglected Animals in Grand Traverse County
An anonymous call is how an ongoing investigation by Grand Traverse County Animal Control led them to a home on Buttercup Lane. Earlier this month, a dog was brought in to Cherryland Humane Society. He was noticeably malnourished and emaciated, which raised red flags for Cherryland staff, who then called animal control. Click here for the rest of the story.
Traverse City Man Arrested for Animal Abuse After Beaten Dog Was Turned Into Shelter
A 23-year-old Traverse City man was arrested Tuesday for abusing his three dogs. Lieutenant Jon Morgan with the Grand Traverse Sheriff’s Office said one of the dogs was taken to Cherryland Humane Society earlier this month by a relative. Staff at CHS took the dog to the emergency veterinarian because the dog looked like it had been beaten. Lt. Morgan said that’s when animal control was contacted for an investigation. Click here for the rest of the story.
Bill Would Expand Use of Therapy Dogs in Michigan Courtrooms
Advocates are pushing to expand the use of emotional support dogs in Michigan courtrooms.The dogs have been allowed in courtrooms since state law was first changed in September 2018. They have been by victims’ sides as they testify on the stand in some criminal cases, including child abuse, sexual assault and other crimes specific to vulnerable adults. Click here for the rest of the story.
Michigan’s Bold Move to Give Animals a Legal Voice in Court
LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – Michigan is poised to make history in the legal fight for animal rights. With the introduction of House Bill No. 6024 on October 15, 2024, by Representatives Stephanie A. Young (D-Detroit) and Kara Hope (D-Holt), animals might soon have a dedicated voice in court. This groundbreaking bill aims to allow volunteer advocates to represent animals in criminal cases of cruelty, neglect, or even custody disputes, ensuring that their interests are considered in the legal process. Click here for the rest of the story.
Gracie the Therapy Dog is Back Home in Lower Southern Michigan
Months after a former Ann Arbor kindergarten teacher accused a school administrator of stealing a therapy dog in her care, Gracie, the bernedoodle, is back home. The Ann Arbor School Board agreed on a settlement in the lawsuit filed by Alexandria “Lexi” Fata in May after more than an hour and a half closed session Wednesday, Sept. 11.
Click here for the rest of the story.
Benzie County Sheriff’s Office K9 Omar Receives Body Armor Donation
Benzie County Sheriff’s Office, MI, K9 Omar has received a bullet and stab protective vest thanks to a charitable donation from the nonprofit organization Vested Interest in K9s Inc. K9 Omar’s vest was sponsored by Allison Merrill of SunDog Kennel of Traverse City and embroidered with the sentiment “In memory of K9 Janke, Joani Asch & SunDog Zuri.”
Click here for the rest of the story.
Treasures Available Friday Through Sunday at Veterinarian’s Maple City Estate Sale
This weekend in Maple City, Northern Michigan, an estate sale offers more than just items for sale – it’s a peek into the vibrant lives of a retired Chicago veterinarian, Dr. J.L. Mahan, and his wife. Their home, filled with cherished belongings and a pole barn packed with unique finds, is opening its doors Friday through Sunday for an estate sale hosted by Moxie Estate Sales.
The couple’s collection speaks volumes about their lives, with everything from vintage medical equipment, books, and quirky figurines to fun and eclectic decor that hints at a lifetime of adventures.
Dr. Mahan’s personal veterinary items, including well-preserved medical equipment and desk accessories, add an air of nostalgia for anyone in the profession or simply intrigued by the history of animal care.
Shoppers can explore an array of high-quality furnishings, lamps, and other pieces that once made this couple’s home truly special. While the treasures are up for grabs, credit cards may not be, as connectivity issues are expected in this rural location. Cash or checks will be the best bet to secure these memorable items.
The estate sale will run from Friday, September 27th through Sunday, September 29th from 9 am to 4 pm on all three days.
To see photos of the items that are available, click here.
The Hidden World of the Traverse City Horse Shows
In a world where fortunes are made and lost by the brush of a hoof and a hundredth of a second, a pair of unlikely up-and-comers bursts onto Traverse City’s horse show scene—a scene that has caught the eye of the international equestrian sports community. Click here for the rest of the story.
Rescue Mission: Cat Hero Saves House Full of Abandoned Cats in Manistee, Community Invited to Visit to Check if Their Cats are Among Rescued
In Manistee, Michigan, a shocking case of cat hoarding came to light when a neighbor discovered over 60 cats in an abandoned house. The house, once occupied by an alleged cat hoarder, was now a heat trap with no food or water for the cats after the person living there was finally evicted.
Homeward Bound Animal Shelter in Manistee had originally taken in about 30 cats from the house, after having to put on Hazmat suits to enter. However, neighbor and self-appointed cat rescuer Laura Danks said there were at least 30 more cats left inside. “My husband and I sit on our porch every night and watch as these cats are closed in this house with no one taking care of them,” Laura said.
Laura has been documenting the situation and the rescue mission on her Facebook page here.
Laura noted that the City police, Homeward Bound Animal Rescue, Manistee County Animal Control and the property manager were all made aware of the situation and the house was finally condemned. After that, Laura’s husband Russ got permission to take care of the cats until they could be placed. Homeward Bound was not able to take in any more of the cats because they were overwhelmed with the cats that they had already rescued.
Continue readingA Year of Healing: TC Paw’s Journey with Kalkaska’s Abandoned Cats
Last Labor Day weekend, TC Paw Cat Rescue faced its most demanding rescue operation yet. A heart- wrenching call informed them that more than three dozen cats had been abandoned behind a rental home in Kalkaska, crammed into carriers and covered in tarps. Malnourished and living in their own waste, these poor felines endured blistering 90-degree heat without food or water for days. It was a harrowing scene that no animal should ever face.
The rescue operation.
When the property owner discovered the cats while working on the house, his wife immediately contacted Wendy Fox, a board member and secretary at TC Paw. The situation was dire – some carriers held multiple cats, crammed so tightly they couldn’t even turn around. Despite it being a holiday weekend with limited animal control resources, TC Paw stepped in without hesitation, knowing Kalkaska County Animal Control couldn’t accommodate the cats at their animal shelter.
Volunteers rallied to transport the cats to safety, making multiple trips with trailers and cars. It was a massive effort, but their team ensured every cat received the immediate care they desperately needed, from treating dehydration to addressing severe matting and malnutrition.
Continue readingKeeping Your Animals Safe Over the 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 Dr. Nora Wineland, DVM, MS, DACVPM. “From ensuring they are fully vaccinated to making sure they are cool and comfortable, there are many precautions owners can take to keep their animals safe this Labor Day.”
Continue readingMiracle Crates: How Oxygen Crates are Extending Pets’ Lives Across the Globe
Imagine the heartbreak of watching your beloved pet struggle for breath. Now, imagine finding a solution that not only alleviates their suffering but also extends their precious lives – even for just a little while longer.
This is the reality for many pet owners thanks to homemade oxygen crates, a lifesaving and creative innovation that has garnered attention and gratitude from pet owners around the world. Suzanne Weiler a native of Traverse City, the pioneer behind this initiative, has been a beacon of hope for many pet owners over the past 12 years. Click here for the rest of the story.
Presque Isle County Man Faces Charges After DNR Discovers 85 Abused Animals
Scott Allen Thompson, 56, of Hawks, which is in the northeast corner of lower Michigan, was arraigned in Montmorency County 88th District Court on Friday following an extensive animal cruelty investigation led by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR).
Thompson has pled not guilty to four charges, including:
- One felony of failing to provide animals with adequate care, punishable by up to seven years in prison and/or a fine up to $10,000 and community service.
- One misdemeanor of animal cruelty, punishable by up to 93 days in jail, a fine up to $1,000, and up to 200 hours of community service.
- Two misdemeanors for improper burial of dead animals, each punishable by up to 90 days in jail and a fine up to $500.
For the rest of the story, click here.
Heartbreaking Discovery: Puppies Abandoned in Traverse City Trash, Some Didn’t Make It
A man has been arrested in Traverse City after seven puppies, five of them dead, were found in the trash. The puppies were discovered in a trash bin in the 700 block of Eleventh Street. A 23-year-old man from Chicago, who Traverse City Police say had been living in his car, was arrested on animal neglect charges. Click here for more on the story.
Celebrating 17 Years of Pet Friends Magazine!
This July (Friday, July 12th), marked the 17th anniversary of my Pet Friends Magazine website. Over the years, I’ve seen many changes in Michigan animal shelters, driven by dedicated animal advocates working tirelessly to save cats and dogs.
These advocates have immersed themselves in Michigan’s animal laws, gathered detailed information on local shelters, and attended numerous rescue conferences and training sessions. They’ve networked extensively to save the lives of pets and even joined the political arena or shelter staff to influence change from within.
When I first launched Pet Friends Magazine, social media was in its infancy. Facebook was only a few years old, and our local rescue groups in Traverse City didn’t get along like they do today. Many shelters and rescue groups didn’t have informative websites, as their focus was solely on rescuing animals. They were (and still are) very overworked. They didn’t have time for advertising and marketing their organizations and animals. That’s where I came in.
Continue readingRed Hot Best Animal-Related Winners Announced for Northern Michigan
Every year, MyNorth/Traverse Magazine has their “Red Hot Best” competition to find out the best beaches, coffee shops, breweries, hiking trails, pizza and more in Northern Michigan.
This year, they announced that 165,000 nominations and votes were cast in MyNorth’s sought-after Red Hot Best Awards celebrating the people, places and experiences that “make our region ours.”
Continue readingDog-Friendly Events Added to Polka Fest in Cedar
From the Leelanau Ticker…
This year will see another new addition: “The Dog Days of Summer,” a canine-focused program that will feature dock jumping courtesy of Ultimate Air Dogs, a costume contest called the “Polish Pooch Pageant & Mutt Strut,” and on-site doggy daycare offered by the Great Lakes Humane Society.
“One thing we realized is that we always have a lot of people show up to the festival with their dogs, but you can’t bring a dog under our tent,” Rossi-Brett explains. “We have food in there, and the health department would shut us down if we allowed animals. And there’s 2,000 to 4,000 people under the tent at any given time, too, and loud music going. It’s just not a good place to have an animal. So, we’re adding all these dog events to appeal to those attendees who do bring their dogs down to the festival.”
Rossi-Brett expects the new events, combined with growing media attention outside of Michigan, will lead to another record year for the Cedar Polka Fest.
The official website for the Cedar Polka Fest is here.
Tips to Create a Tick-Free Zone Around Your Home
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.
Click here for the rest of the story.
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.
Click here for the rest of the story.
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