Shelter and Rescue Link Updated on Pet Friends Magazine

It’s been a while since this link has been updated to reflect new organizations, new email addresses and updated website and Facebook links. Please take a look at it and see what’s listed for your county. Government run animal control links are also listed on this page so you can find out information about laws in your county and hours of service. And of course, there are plenty of resources for you to find adoptable animals. Click here to look at the list.

And coming soon is an update on the resource list with animal welfare organizations, sanctuaries, K9 officers, wildlife resources and other animal links – plus a link for low cost spay/neuter resources too. Stay tuned!

Divit Now Interviewing for Special Family to Adopt Him

photo credit: Jayne Richmond Photography 

Fish gotta swim… birds gotta fly… I gotta look cute and purr my sweet song until my forever family comes to take me home. The Osceola County Animal Shelter in Reed City has some really great people but I’m looking for some very important things – a couch, a bed or two, some nice blankets, a window next to a bird feeder, satellite TV, cat treats on request… you know – all the staples of being a pampered and loved indoor kitty.

I’ve been through a lot lately and want to tell you my story. I was attacked by a dog a few months ago and had to visit the veterinarian several times after that. The great people at the shelter paid all of my doctor bills so I don’t have any debts that you have to worry about.

I have made a full recovery but the doctor found out that I have FELV. That’s a kitty disease that other cats can get so I am looking for a forever home with no other kitties. I have been fixed (that was fun!) and received my vaccinations and have also been treated for fleas and parasites. Everyone at the shelter says I am a super sweet snuggly guy and a total STEAL for the special $5 adoption fee. I think I’m worth more like $5000 but I’ll let it slide because the shelter is doing their best to find me a perfect home.

Please call the shelter at 231-832-5790 if you want to adopt me – and you better do it fast because I’m gorgeous and sure to be a hit once people find out about me and come to visit.

Lawsuit Against Benzie County for Unlawful Seizure of Pets Moves Forward

Sheila Dinger’s lawsuit is moving forward against Benzie County, Benzie County Animal Control, Animal Control Officer Kyle Maurer and former Animal Control Officer Jaime Croel. The lawsuit was filed on May 16th and is the result of actions previously documented in an earlier article by Pet Friends Magazine here.

The lawsuit alleges violations of Dinger’s civil rights; fourth amendment violation for illegal search and seizure; and illegally seizing property against state law. The lawsuit is asking for compensatory damages (including mental anguish and suffering), punitive damages and attorney fees.

Click sheila lawsuit for copy of actual complaint.

Six 4-H Ducks Shot in Grand Traverse County, Deputies Searching for Suspect

Grand Traverse County Sheriff’s Deputies are looking for the person who shot six ducks in Blair Township. According to Grand Traverse Sheriff’s Deputies, between 7:30 and 11:30 a.m. Monday someone shot six ducks that were part of a Grawn area youth 4-H project. Dan Davis says the ducks belong to his grandchildren, Maddeline, 6, and Adrian, 5. Click here for more on the story.

43 Pets Seized From Home, Roscommon County Animal Shelter Seeking Donations

The animal shelter says they took 41 cats and two dogs from a home last Thursday. The shelter is asking for donations to help handle the rise in the number of animals they must care for. They are asking for cat litter, disposable plastic paint trays and other items. Click here for more on the story.

Click here for the story about the seizure.

Legislation Introduced in Michigan to Keep Puppy Mills in Business

Puppies are the common denominator in the world of animal welfare. If we can agree on nothing else, there is consensus that the abuse of a puppy is a bottom line for all but the most depraved. This unwritten rule was thrown out the window last week, however, when Rep. Hank Vaupel, R-Fowlerville, introduced a pair of bills intended to help an industry that has become synonymous with animal abuse: puppy mills. These two bills are part of a larger strategy by pet store and puppy mill lobbyists to prevent local governments from banning the retail sale of puppies, part of a legislative arms race that has spread across the country. Click here for the rest of the story.

Serra Subaru Traverse City Donates $20,000 to Help Veterans, Their Families

All applause at Serra Subaru in Traverse City, as it presented a check that will ultimately help Northern Michigan veterans and disabled individuals. It’s part of the annual “Share the Love” event, which donates to a local nonprofit. Click here for the rest of the story.

You Can Save Orphaned Kittens and Puppies

This article was printed years ago and spring is a great time to re-publish the info. for everyone…

I recently attended an AC Paw seminar that gave valuable information on how to save orphaned puppies and kittens. Orphans are babies who are less than five weeks old and without their mother before they are weaned. AC Paw has taken care of more than 420 orphaned cats since their group was organized and many puppies as well. The information that was provided is something that needs to be passed along to as many animal lovers as possible. You might never be in the circumstances of trying to save the life of a puppy or kitten, but the knowledge to do so might help a family member, friend or even a stranger.

There are five critical points to remember when you are involved in trying to save the lives of orphaned kittens and puppies. It spells out the word “Aspen” as you will see below. The information provided is from the AC Paw seminar and other online research. There are a lot of steps involved but it is worth it to read the information over a few times so that you are familiar with the process.

Local Law Enforcement Attends Training Program for Dealing with Animal Calls

photo credit: MHS Facebook page

The Cherryland Humane Society in Traverse City in coordination with the Michigan Humane Society hosted a full day of Law Enforcement Training on Friday, May 4th. The training was offered to animal control officers and also to law enforcement personnel who are called on to provide animal control duties. Attendees at the training included Grand Traverse County Animal Control Officers; Traverse City Police; Grand Traverse Tribal Police; Newaygo Police and more. Traverse City is the farthest away that the MHS group has traveled to give the training. Since starting the Law Enforcement Training Program in June of 2015, they have trained 400 officers and continue to do monthly training in Detroit.

Your Help is Needed to Stop Puppy Mills from Selling Animals in Michigan Pet Stores

Puppy Mill dog, photo credit: Rebelcircus.com

Re-posted fom Pet Fund Alliance

MICHIGAN RESIDENTS: Your voice is needed TODAY! The puppy mill industry is attempting to pass House Bill 5917 in Michigan to prevent cities and towns from banning retail sales of pets. Currently, a municipality may choose not to support the puppy mill industry. We need it to stay that way!

If enacted, House Bill 5917 will prohibit Michigan cities and counties from passing ordinances that prevent inhumanely bred puppies and kittens from being sold in pet stores, and will overturn all existing retail pet sales ordinances throughout the state. As a result, puppy mills will continue to flourish, and consumers will be deprived of their right to know where the animals sold in pet shops really come from.

View HB 5917 here. 

View House Bill 5916/5917: Bad for animals and consumers Fact Sheet here. 

Contact your Representative NOW! The “Petland Bills” (HB 5917) may be voted on as soon as Wednesday, May 9 and they could then quickly move to the house floor the next day!