Animals & Pets

Published December 16, 2015

SHELBY TOWNSHIP — Six months after retiring in April, former Shelby Township Police Department K-9 dog Henry succumbed to an aggressive infection Dec. 6 at age 11.

Since November 2005, Henry lived and worked with his handler, patrolman Kevin Treworgy. The duo went on hundreds of raids, sniffed out the tracks of countless criminals and helped fight crime in a wide range of capacities.

Published December 15, 2015

Birmingham - Bloomfield Eagle

Grateful family celebrates return of stolen dog

Chris Barnett and his family are breathing a huge sigh of relief this morning now that they have their dog back at home where he belongs.

According to Bloomfield Township police Cmdr. James Gallagher, Barnett had walked his dog Kodi up to the Kroger on Telegraph just before 7 p.m. Dec. 14. He made the trip nearly every day, and like always, he tied the dog’s leash to a pole out front and then went inside the store to shop for around 20 minutes.

When he came back outside, Kodi was gone.

Published December 14, 2015

Royal Oak Review

Furry friends need forever homes for the holidays

ROYAL OAK — The city’s animal shelter has a lot of animals at the moment, and employees are hoping those prepared for a pet would like to place a furry friend in their forever home during the holidays.

To help assist with a perfect pairing, the Royal Oak Animal Shelter is hosting Make my Christmas Merry from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 19, at the shelter, located at 1515 N. Edgeworth Ave.

The adoption event will feature reduced fees, cookies and giveaways from local businesses upon pet adoption.

Published December 11, 2015

Madison - Park News

Home sought for former racehorse

METRO DETROIT — Rachel Webster, formerly of Madison Heights, loves her horse, Al. But currently she’s unable to take care of him, and he’s in need of a place to live.

The chestnut-colored thoroughbred gelding, 20, raced for eight years — a lengthy career, considering most horses only run for two or three.

Hoping to give Al a well-deserved retirement, Webster took him in when he was 11, but due to changing circumstances, she had to give him up when he was 17.

Published December 9, 2015

Grosse Pointe Times

Latest Ford House dog loves going on wild goose chases

GROSSE POINTE SHORES — One of the newest employees at the Edsel and Eleanor Ford House in Grosse Pointe Shores loves her job so much, she’s willing to work for free.

Published December 8, 2015

C&G Newspapers

Book brings pug’s Canadian adventure to life

STERLING HEIGHTS/ST. CLAIR SHORES — A Sterling Heights author hopes to add a new wrinkle to getting young people interested in reading with his book about a pug dog’s international adventures.

Author Daniel David Elles released a children’s book this fall called “The Adventures of Elvis the Pug: Lost in Canada.”

Published November 18, 2015

Rochester Post

New kennels open at Leader Dogs for the Blind

ROCHESTER HILLS — The puppies are playful in the new Leader Dogs for the Blind Canine Development Center, which features a cheerful visitor display area.

“The lobby is set up for tours,” said Jeff Stein, Leader Dogs canine care manager. “We have puppy viewing, where people can see 8-week-old puppies year-round.”

The first phase of the new development center is now complete. The center includes new puppy litter bays, an expanded veterinary clinic, a custom breeding suite and a protected puppy litter drop-off area.

Published November 18, 2015

Woodward Talk

A treat and a cat

FERNDALE — When the Ferndale Cat Shelter was created in 2014, its purpose was to rescue local homeless cats and find permanent residences for the felines. Now, a year and a half later, the shelter is bringing a new way for people to meet their future pets.

The Catfé Lounge opened the first week of November at 821 Livernois Ave. in Ferndale. It provides a space for patrons to meet cats who are looking to be adopted, as well as enjoy an array of drinks and snacks.

Published November 2, 2015

Birmingham - Bloomfield Eagle

Commissioners approve Oakland County Animal Control’s new ‘forever home’

OAKLAND COUNTY — When the ground thaws this spring, contractors will be digging into the vacant space near the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office headquarters to construct a new $15.45 million home for Oakland County Animal Control and Pet Adoption Center.

Published October 30, 2015

Madison - Park News

Upcoming event to help animal shelter with unexpected costs

MADISON HEIGHTS — The economy may be showing signs of recovery, but money is still tight at the Madison Heights Animal Shelter.

“It’s still a lean year — we don’t have any non-lean years,” said Suzette Gysel, the city’s animal control officer. “Trying to get funding, whether through grants or budget or whatever, is a total struggle each day.”

Published October 28, 2015

Fraser - Clinton Township Chronicle

Fraser drafting ordinance to combat inhumane animal treatment

FRASER — The Fraser City Council has decided to join the statewide and national movement to deter individuals from obtaining pets — notably dogs — from commercial breeders that may result in sick and abused animals.

During an Oct. 6 council meeting, officials unanimously approved the drafting of the Humane Pet Acquisition Ordinance. Per city approval, City Attorney Jack Dolan was granted permission to draft an ordinance in accordance with the model ordinance provided by the Macomb County Board of Commissioners.

Published October 14, 2015

Birmingham - Bloomfield Eagle

Keep your pooch occupied indoors with tips from local trainers

METRO DETROIT — You and your dog probably had a lot of fun together this summer, right? Long walks as the sun went down, exciting trips to the park and maybe even a dip in a nearby lake.

But brace yourself: Winter is coming.

The options for keeping your pup occupied seem to drop right along with the temperatures, since dog parks and long jaunts around the neighborhood are more difficult in the cold. So what’s a pet parent to do?

Get creative, that’s what.