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.

Click here for the rest of the story.