VCA Cherry Bend Animal Hospital Sterilizes 50 Cats and Dogs for Needy Pet Owners
(October)

One of the most important elements of reducing the number of homeless pets is spaying and neutering. Many of you have seen the statistics about how many kittens and puppies are born from one cat or one dog and how the numbers multiply. But more startling is the number of cats and dogs under six months of age that Michigan shelters kill every year. Of the 164 animal shelters who reported in 2011 to the Michigan Dept. of Agriculture, a total of 6136 puppies and 22,401 kittens who were six months or younger were euthanized. While it's true that there are injuries and sicknesses that combine to make that number, it's also true that a lot of shelters don't have the funds to save these babies when they need medical care, nor do some of them have the willingness to find foster homes to help them. Killing them is often an easier answer for these places.

One solution to this problem is the spaying and neutering of the cats and dogs already in existence, especially to those pets owned by low-income people who wouldn't be able to afford it otherwise. That reduces the number of unwanted cats and dogs who will end up in the shelters when homes can't be found.

The VCA Cherry Bend Animal Hospital in Traverse City recently hosted their 2nd Annual Spay/Neuter-a-Thon on Saturday, September 15th. It was a 12 hour event in which doctors and staff donate their time to spay and neuter dogs and cats at no charge to the owner. The veterinarians who participated included Dr. John Sheard, Dr. Jill Erickson and Dr. Leslie Littlefield. In their first year in 2011, they safely and successfully sterilized 45 dogs and cats. This year, they did even more with a combined total of 50 animals sterilized (13 cat spays, 7 dog spays, 16 cat neuters and 14 dog neuters). In addition to this yearly event, they also donated 20 spays and neuters to a local rescue group, HANNDS, this spring.

The hospital offered their services to help those who cannot otherwise afford to spay or neuter their pets in an effort to help reduce the euthanasia rates of cats and dogs. Of the eight million animals who enter shelters annually, about four million are euthanized. Spaying and neutering is one solution to help break the cycle of killing unwanted pets.

The value of the services provided by Cherry Bend was over $5,000. This number includes the sterilization, a rabies vaccine and a dose of Frontline if they had any fleas. All patients were also given pre-operative pain injection and oral pain meds to take home.

To ensure that Cherry Bend was reaching those who can truly benefit from this service, they worked closely with, and accepted referrals from area non-profit organizations including but not limited to the following: Department of Human Services (who spread the word to other organizations), Community Mental Health Centers, Goodwill Inn and the Cherryland Humane Society. 

Event Raises Awareness for Michigan Puppy Mills
(October)

As the legislators left the Capitol for lunch recently, they were greeted by an unexpected surprise — a parade of puppies and dog enthusiasts circling the building for Michigan Puppy Mill Awareness Day. Linda Reider, the director of animal welfare for Michigan Humane Society, said puppy mills strike a chord in the hearts of many pet owners. Click here for more on the story.

Grieving Pet Owners Take Jerky Treat Fight to the Store
(October)

Rita Desollar’s black minivan has become a rolling warning about the possible dangers of chicken jerky pet treats from China. Everywhere the 57-year-old Pekin, Ill., woman goes, her car carries a poster detailing the May death of her 8-year-old German shepherd, Heidi. Desollar says she gave the dog two pieces of Waggin’ Train chicken jerky tenders on a Wednesday and by the next Monday, Heidi was dead. Click here for more on the story.

USDA Alleges Wrongdoing by Howard City's R&R Research
(October)

R&R Research was the subject of much local criticism and news coverage about three years ago in Montcalm County. Now the Howard City-area facility may be in trouble at the national level. R&R Research, located at 19256 Kendaville Road just north of Howard City, purchases or accepts dogs and cats to sell to laboratories for research and experimentation. Click here for more on the story.

Grand Traverse County in Negotiations with Cherryland Humane Society to Board Dogs
(October)

Grand Traverse County and Cherryland Humane Society (CHS) are currently in negotiations about the possibility of the Humane Society taking over the boarding of the County's dogs. Click here for more on the story.

Update on the Kalkaska Animal Shelter
(October)

The Northwoods Animal Coalition has plans in place for the first phase of the remodel. A generous builder has sought out all of the work to be performed at reduced or donated rates for the first phase, outdoor kennel project. The cost is estimated between $20,000 and $25,000. To date, they have raised $8,500 and still hoping for that miracle that will get this project off the ground before winter sets in. Please see the calendar page for upcoming fundraisers.

Memorializing Your Pets After a Loss
(October)

One of the hardest things a pet owner will go through is the death of their beloved pet. It never gets any easier and even though most of us have been through it before, it doesn't stop us from owning pets throughout our lives. The unconditional love and benefits from having a pet far outweigh the difficulties we have to endure.

Over the years, businesses have offered creative and numerous ways for pet owners to express their grief and memorialize their furry loved ones. There are many products and ideas that can help us express our grief and memorialize our best friends. I've asked two of our local pet loss businesses to give ideas on how pet owners can work through their grief. Click here for their suggestions.

City of Traverse City Imposes Stricter Fireworks Ordinance
(October)

Numerous cities and townships across Michigan are imposing stricter fireworks ordinances about when they can be discharged because of citizens complaints about the noise, pollution, and impact on pets and also veterans returning from overseas. Traverse City recently banned the use of fireworks except for the three-day window around national holidays. It is now only illegal to discharge them the day before, the day of and the day after the following national holidays: New Year’s Day (January 1); Martin Luther King Jr. Day (third Monday in January); Washington’s Birthday (third Monday in February); Memorial Day (last Monday in May); Independence Day (July 4); Labor Day (first Monday in September ); Columbus Day (second Monday in October); Veterans Day (November 11); Thanksgiving Day (fourth Thursday in November); and Christmas Day (December 25).

Genessee County Animal Control Volunteers Allowed Back in a Limited Capacity
(October)

The Genesee County Animal Shelter made headlines in September when they closed down their volunteer program.

Citing legal, union and risk management concerns, Chief Officer Walt Rodabaugh, who took over Animal Control in March of this year, said that they needed written guidelines and procedures to continue. However, in another article, he said that shelter employees are being threatened as reasoning for shutting down the volunteer program.

Many animal lovers and rescuers were concerned about what would happen to the animals. The volunteers provide free dog walking and also cleaned the cages so that the pets wouldn't have to lay in their own feces. A meeting was held to voice their concerns on September 12th.

There are currently new volunteer rules put in place. The County is only allowing two volunteers at a time and they must sign up ahead of time. A complete list of the rules can be found here.

Volunteers provide crucial (and free) services to not only improve the comfort of dogs in county shelters but are also instrumental in saving many lives. The County commissioners need to realize that they are there to serve the community first and the employees second. County residents in Michigan and across the country are no longer putting up with the "status quo" of bad conditions and the killing of cats and dogs because of the lack of compassion and common sense policies in government-run shelters.

Help is Needed for Feral Cats in Jackson and Washtenaw Counties
(October)

Do you have feral or stray cats living in your community? Are you interested in learning about or conducting Trap-Neuter-Return? There is a new group for anyone interested in helping feral cats in Jackson and Washtenaw counties and for those looking for help and resources. Please click here for more info.

Dog Retires From Peninsula Community Library after Six Years of Service
(October)

Peninsula Community Library director Vicki Shurly remembers well the day Bear applied for a job. He jumped up, slapped his paws on the counter and wagged his tail.

“I’m not really a dog person,” says Shurly. Unfortunately, Bear, a rambunctious, two-year-old golden retriever/border collie mix needed the work. Click here to read more about Bear.

DNR Employee Accused of Neglecting Horses
(October)

A state worker whose job is to protect Michigan's natural resources is accused of being cruel to animals. An arrest warrant has been issued for David Prosch, who lives along M-37 in Buckley. He has been charged with abandoning or being cruel to animals, a misdemeanor. Click here for more on the story.