Tick Explosion Underway in Michigan

The picture and posts are all over social media. Michiganders are picking ticks off dogs and themselves and their carpet like they never have before. Experts say there are reasons why a tick explosion is happening across Michigan.

Even bug experts, like Michigan State University entomologist Howard Russell, are not immune to the creepy-crawlers roving over his family, his dog and himself. Russell jokes that he and his wife are saving all of the ticks found in his home near Lansing.

Read more of the story here.

Michigan Health Officials Say Rabies Detected in Dog from Detroit; First in State Since 2011

A dog from Detroit tested positive for rabies — a first in the state since 2011, according to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) and Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD).

Officials said the 6-month-old dog had never been vaccinated against rabies. The last rabid dog detected in the state was in 2011 in Oakland County.

Click here for more on then story: 

Cherryland Humane Society Thrift Store Now Open in Traverse City

Traverse City’s Cherryland Humane Society has a new endeavor – a thrift store! All proceeds from the store will directly fund the animal shelter.

The store will sell both men and women’s clothing plus furniture and household goods. They’ll also have a section devoted to pets as well as a slide show going on, letting everyone see all the wonderful cats and dogs that are up for adoption as well as displaying success stories on adoptions.

The store is at 1253 W. South Airport Road, next to Play It Again Sports in Traverse City and they are open Monday through Saturday from 10 am to 6 pm. 

Sharon Carmean, previous owner of Top Drawer Resale Clothing, will be manager of the thrift store.

Top Tips on Preparing and Caring for a New Pet

by Jessica Brody

When you bring home a new pet, you’re accepting the responsibility of another living being. He will count on you for his health and welfare, and you’re committing to take care of him for the rest of his life. It’s a big step, and it’s a lot of work, but it’s totally worth it. If you’re considering bringing a pet home, here are some tips that will make the process a little easier. 

Choosing the Type of Pet

When you’re trying to decide between a dog, cat, rabbit, hamster, and so on, ask yourself these questions: Do you already have pets in the home? If you do, it’s important to find out whether it would work to bring a different species into the home. 

Also,what are you looking for in a pet? Different animals are known for different traits. For instance, some are good exercise partners, some are easy to take care of, and some require more attention than others. 

What is the size of your home and yard? While it’s not impossible to live with an Irish Wolfhound in your one-bedroom apartment, Good Housekeeping notes other breeds are ideally suited. 

Another consideration is the amount of time you can dedicate to things like training. Puppies require a lot of information about conduct in a domesticated world. If you can’t be home to shape their decisions, an older dog might be a better fit. Adult and senior dogs make loving companions, and are still able to learn and do a wide variety of new things with their owners.