ROYAL OAK — Royal Oak Eagle Scout candidate Connor Wielgat proposed to build an 10-foot-tall, freestanding nesting tower for chimney swifts at the Fred A. Erb Arboretum to the City Commission Jan. 26. 

NOVI — The Motor City Winter Dog Classic, which was held at the Vibe Credit Union Showplace in Novi Feb. 5-8, was one of a handful of dog shows across the U.S. that took place on the heels of the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show at Madison Square Garden. 

ROYAL OAK — The Detroit Zoo announced Jan. 30 that it had welcomed Kali, a new polar bear, to the Arctic Ring of Life.

TROY — A Troy man and a Ferndale woman were recently charged in separate animal cruelty cases by Oakland County Prosecutor Karen McDonald.

MADISON HEIGHTS — The kennels are empty at the Madison Heights Animal Shelter, thanks to holiday efforts to find homes for the animals.

EASTPOINTE — When Eastpointe police arrested a man for alleged drunken driving after he crashed a car into a utility pole, they heard growling coming from the backseat of the vehicle and realized there was a badly frightened dog on board.

MACOMB TOWNSHIP — A new deputy has joined the substation in Macomb Township, and he is looking to sniff out crime.

SOUTHFIELD — The opening of Southfield’s first dog park is on the horizon.

METRO DETROIT — They are small, brown and everywhere, and boy, do they hop.

MACOMB COUNTY — During what was ostensibly a review of Macomb County Animal Control activities, County Executive Mark Hackel floated initial ideas for getting the department into a new facility.

LANSING — A bipartisan bill proposed by state Rep. Mike McFall aims to provide financial relief for those who foster animals.

METRO DETROIT — For those who have been to the farther reaches of the region in the summer, a few odd sights stand out to the keen eye.

UTICA — Grant Park in Utica hosted the annual Reptiles at the Park event July 25, which allowed community members to view multiple animals from the LegaSea Aquarium & The Reptarium.

ROCHESTER HILLS —  A typical Monday turned into a heartwarming rescue after the Rochester HIlls Fire Department was alerted to a group of ducklings trapped in a storm drain June 9.

UTICA — Jimmy John’s Field hosted Adoptable Dog Photo Day on Saturday, June 15, to help boost adoptions for shelter dogs who might have difficulty getting adopted.

SOUTHFIELD — Bees are an important part of the environment and provide many benefits to the ecosystem and humankind. 

METRO DETROIT — Vacation season is here, and while you’re packing your bags, don’t forget about your pet’s plans.

FERNDALE — A Detroit man was arrested in Ferndale after he was caught allegedly abusing a puppy.

MADISON HEIGHTS — The cost of operating the Madison Heights Animal Shelter adds up quickly between housing animals, feeding them and providing medical treatment.

STERLING HEIGHTS — For more than 10 years, Kim Walton served as the animal control officer for Sterling Heights, Warren and Eastpointe. She enforced animal welfare laws, taught the public about pet safety and found homes for strays at the shelter.