TROY — Troy children’s author Katherine Mitropoulos is spreading the word about service, life balance and nature, releasing her new book, “Ready… Set… Frog!” just in time for World Frog Day.

MADISON HEIGHTS — The Red Oaks Nature Center at Suarez Friendship Woods has a reputation as a quiet getaway in the middle of a bustling city. But it’s also a wildlife habitat, home to all sorts of animals.

METRO DETROIT — When ice accumulates, it’s important to take steps to prevent slips, falls and injuries for people as well as pets, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association.

ST. CLAIR SHORES — Whether you’ve got a pet that’s an escape artist or getting lost is a one-time incident, it is best you know the right avenues to get them back.

HAZEL PARK — Alissa Sullivan was getting back in her car after pet sitting for a client of her pet care company when she looked up at the power cables and saw something she didn’t expect.

TROY — Many Troy residents have been seeing an unusual creature in their neighborhoods over the last several months.

SHELBY TOWNSHIP — The Humane Society of Macomb, 11350 22 Mile Road, has acquired a new executive director to lead it.

METRO DETROIT — With temperatures plunging, experts are reminding pet owners to be careful when taking their four-legged friends outside.

GROSSE POINTE PARK — For her recent eighth birthday, Makenna Markley, of Grosse Pointe Park, could have asked for toys or trinkets for herself. Instead, the young animal lover asked her friends if they could bring donations for Grosse Pointe Animal Adoption Society or the Michigan Humane Society to her birthday party.

WEST BLOOMFIELD — What could turn out to be a long-standing tradition is set to begin at Orchard Mall Dec. 10.

TROY — Corewell Health Beaumont Troy Hospital, formerly Troy Beaumont Hospital, got a special Halloween treat thanks to the volunteers in its therapy dog program.

NOVI — The 17th annual Novi Pet Expo, presented by Pet Supplies Plus, will be held Nov. 11-13 at the Suburban Collection Showplace.

HUNTINGTON WOODS/ROYAL OAK — A late September day for a volunteer animal foster parent turned out to be a lucky one for a newborn kitten.

MADISON HEIGHTS — The Madison Heights City Council recently approved a resolution to contract with Oakland County for animal control services, a deal that will produce savings for the city.

FARMINGTON HILLS — Farmington Hills resident Heidi Stamper made a decision in June that she now credits with saving her life.

GROSSE POINTE SHORES — Some well-meaning animal lovers in Grosse Pointe Shores are causing unintentional problems for their neighbors.

METRO DETROIT — Multiple local communities have taken a step toward trying to figure out what to do about the large number of deer roaming the region.

SHELBY TOWNSHIP — The township held a special event for dogs and their families to enjoy Sept 10.

METRO DETROIT — Large crowds flocked to Novi over the Labor Day weekend Sept. 1-5 for the Michigan State Fair.

SOUTHFIELD — The city of Southfield will be holding a town hall for an upcoming ballot question regarding deer herd reduction.