Due to the Holiday Coming Up, I Will Be Doing the July Update of the Website on the 5th.

Sweet Kitty Looking for a Good Home

I am a stray kitty, a boy, approximately one and 1/2 years old. I arrived at my current location in mid-February and my current caretakers found me eating stale bread for food. They then began to feed me and give me a warm bed to sleep in outside. They would love to take me in but they have two kitties already and a third would complicate their situation. They have taken me to the vet and had me neutered, checked for leukemia, aids and FIP, all of which were negative and I was also given a rabies shot.

I am a very, very, very loving kitty. I love to be held, I purr non-stop and I get along very, very well with my caretakers' two kitties. I even lick their heads when they let me. I have the greatest personality, if I do say so myself!

If you are interested in adopting me, please contact Lori Fasi at 231-929-3418 or by email at lori1@bishopheintz.com. I will only be allowed to go to a home that I can be an inside kitty at, so please only contact Lori if that's what the situation would be.

Cats Need a New Home

Bugs and Daffy are inside cats, front declawed, fixed, nine year old brothers who need to stay together. Their owners have separated and they need to find a new family.

Please click here to send an email if you are interested in giving these cats a new home.

Pet Friends Magazine
Now on Facebook

For those of you on Facebook, please click here to find our page. Please sign up to be a member and join our animal community. Post lost pets, pet photos, pet questions and anything pet related that you can think of. We hope you join soon!

Vacation Safety for
Your Pet - Part 1 of 2

By Lyn Johnson (photo below: Lyn with her fur children, Layla the Beagle and Shermie).

Each year travelers lose a treasured pet through preventable circumstances. When traveling across America, different climates and environments present a host of hazards.

Traveling the southwest
The desert can be a wonderful place to visit. However, year round wildlife residents such as coyote, rattlesnakes and birds of prey may view Fifi as a tasty snack, not as a companion pet.

Hawks prey on small rodents and rabbits, which are just about the same size as Fluffy the cat and Muffin the toy poodle. These pets can be snatched from a ski-high dive in a moment without much warning.

Though coyotes tend to avoid people, hikers traipsing over desert trails are traveling straight through the coyote’s backyard. Never take pets on a trail then allow them to run loose. Small pets will be viewed as the main course, easily grabbed and devoured.

Larger dogs, especially the sporting and hound breeds, tempted by delicious scents, could be led straight into the fight of their life if they come nose to nose with local wildlife in a National park.

Dusk and daybreak are ideal times for the coyote to be out grocery shopping. Never leave Muffy tied up alone under a tree by your camper thinking she will be safe, especially if camping in a remote area.

Beware of rattlesnakes. Cats and most dogs are notorious for viewing snakes as nifty play toys. Many desert snakes are poisonous. If your pet is bitten, take them to a veterinarian immediately. Get an accurate description of the snake but only if this can be done without chance of incurring a bite.

Watch pets around cacti and other prickly bushes and plants. Check the pads of their feet for splinters and other debris that may have been caught between toes and on fur. Remember the hot desert sand can burn little paws.

Some pet stores, camping gear outlets and specialty shops carry hiking boots for dogs. If you consider this option an eccentric fashion statement for your pet, then check those furry feet daily for foreign objects that may cause problems. Be aware of hot sidewalks and pavement when walking your pet.

It's hot
Spectacular warmer weather is one reason Michigan travelers flock to the south. However, pet owners need to remember a perfect day shopping outside at the Swap Meet has the sun beating down on the hood of a parked car heating up the inside to toasty temperatures. This situation is ideal for disaster, as the inside of a vehicle can quickly become too hot for survival for companion pets. Never, never leave an animal in a parked car.

Cats love to investigate and hide. Always check the trunk when unpacking groceries from the shopping trip at your camp site or cabin. Did Skipper jump in when no one was looking? A few hours in a locked car trunk and Skipper won’t be fit for skipping any longer.

Water
One common mistake pet owners make regarding their animals – and themselves – concerns water; never go anywhere without it, especially in desert climates. Drink lots of water and often. Make it available to your pet at all times.

Many RV stores carry traveling no-spill water containers for pets. Always carry an extra gallon in the car when taking a day trip. Always carry several bottles when hiking for each individual and each pet. Make sure the pet’s water dish is in the shade when outside.

No pets allowed
Layla my beagle travels everywhere with me. On the rare occasion I am covering a story and Layla can not accompany me to the site, I book her for doggie daycare or a bath and nail trim at the local Petsmart. We are ‘on file’ at a Petsmart in three different states where we travel frequently. Cost is $25.

Other options include checking the yellow pages in the town you’re visiting. Most veterinarians and kennels offer daycare or dog camp options. Most charge $10 for the day. Visit the web site www.bestfriendspetcare.com for 44 locations across America.

Crossing state borders
All states require a current rabies vaccination on dogs and cats. Many border stops in the southwest, especially along Interstate 10 going through El Paso, Texas and Blythe, California will check pet vaccinations as visitors cross the state line. If traveling on the more southern route Interstate 8, be prepared for a pet check as you go through Yuma, Arizona.

It’s a good idea to carry the current rabies certificate signed by a vet as well as having tags visible on your pet’s collar.

Most city and county regulations require a canine license. If your visit is to be extensive or for an entire season most cities will honor a visitor’s dog license from their state of origin. If visiting shorelines where dogs are allowed on the beach, make sure your license is visible. Please make sure to carry a disposal bag for waste and immediately pick up after your pet. Animal Control makes frequent patrols.

It is best to also vaccinate for distember/parvo and bortetello in dogs, feline distemper and feline leukemia in cats and keep these current.

Don’t Litter. Spay your dog and cat
If your pet is not spayed or neutered, please consider doing so for the health, well-being and safety of the animal – and yourself. A bitch in heat can attract a wild animal in a radius of several miles. If hiking in a wilderness area this could result in a confrontation with wildlife you don’t want to have.

Low cost or free spay, neuter and vaccination programs are available. Ask your local veterinarian or animal control for details.

Throughout the state of Michigan, services are available. Visit http://www.michiganhumane.org for the humane society’s programs ranging from low cost spay and neuter, vaccination and micro-chip, wildlife questions, emergency rescue, pet parenting classes and more. Links on their website list animal clinics offering free or low cost services.

Have a great vacation.

Osceola County Passed a Recommendation to End the Release of Animals From its Pound to Research

After reading the shelter reports and seeing that animals were being sold out of the Osceola shelter, I was happy to find a story on the internet that this would no longer be happening after the county's recommendation in April.

New Animal Group in Kalkaska County

Misty Avery and Jess Hoedman have started a new foster-based pet rescue organization for the Grand Traverse area focusing on senior and special needs pets. Read more about it here.

You can visit their website here.

Couple charged with Animal Neglect, Cruelty in Clare County

A tip led Clare Co. Animal Control officers to a home where they seized nine norses and 23 dogs. Read more about it here. To help the shelter with the care of these animals, please click here for their website or call 231-539-3221.

Tattooing is Another Option to Help Find Pets After They are Lost

In addition to microchipping pets, tattooing is also becoming popular. For a list of vets in your area who offer this service, please click here.

Michigan Animal Control Officer Wins Victory for Animals - Forcing an Investigation Leads to Closure of Puppy Mill

Diligence and persistence by a concerned animal control officer, Ann Marie Rogers, closed a puppy mill in Sterling Heights, Michigan.

Rogers' evidence-gathering was often graphic and disturbing, even to this toughened officer. In fact, Rogers says, "It took almost five years of intensive investigative labor, complete with
death threats, to reach its conclusion." This "conclusion" resulted in the conviction of Lorri Nichiow, owner of Lornich Kennels, for three felony
counts of animal cruelty and the
closure of her kennel in 2008.

For more info. please click here.

Update on Pit Bulls in Crawford County

Please click here for the update and here to learn more about this story.

Helping Horses in Michigan

Many Michigan horse owners are struggling to provide basic care for their equine companions. Recently, the Michigan Dept. of Agriculture organized a meeting to discuss the challenges facing horse owners, including access to basic food and vet care, rehoming options, even affordable euthanasia and disposal for non- rehabilitate horses. Karen Waite, MSU Equine Extension Specialist, is coordinating the efforts of multiple agencies and organizations in Michigan to provide additional information on equine assistance and resources during these difficult economic times through the website www.horsescountinmichigan.com

66 Got vaccinated at Rabies Shot Clinic in January at AuSable Valley Animal Shelter

In partnership with Grayling Hospital for Animals, the AuSable Valley Animal Shelter held a Low-Cost Rabies Shot Clinic on Saturday, January 31 to benefit the shelter and to help those less fortunate to have their pets vaccinated and licensed. A healthy pet community makes for an overall healthy community, which is always their goal!

Thanks to all those who attended and helped raise funds to keep the shelter animals healthy and happy.

Want Updates on the Website?

If you'd like to be added to our mailing list please email us at
info@petfriendsmagazine.com and put "mailing list" in your subject line.

Have a Story to Submit?

We accept unsolicited photos and stories and reserve the right to edit and reject any material submitted.
Do you have an event coming up? Is there a story that you'd like to write about? Submit stories to: stories@petfriendsmagazine.com
The opinions expressed by contributors or writers do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the publisher.

Looking for a Company to Put up a Fence for your Dog?

I just put up a fenced-in area for my dog and was very impressed by the work and the price that I received from the Grand Traverse Bay Fence Co. You can reach them at 231-947-1154. I usually don't endorse one company over another but I wanted to let everyone know they were great to work with.

Going on Vacation with your Dog Soon?

You should check out this website for fun pet events that are happening around the country.

AP Poll: Americans Consider Pets Family

Click here for more info.

Looking for a Rental Place That Accepts Pets?

I recently came across the local website www.renttc.com. You can click on the the pets checkbox and you will see a list of places who are accepting or negotiable about pets living in their rentals.

Ultimate Air Dogs Jumping Soon at The Cherry Festival in Traverse City

The Ultimate Air Dogs will have competitions again this year at the Cherry Festival from July 9-11th. They are one of the premier dock jumping organizations in the country and put on professional events that draw in thousands of spectators while maintaining a family friendly atmosphere. For more information please go to their website at www.ultimateairdogs.net. Pet Friends Magazine will be highlighting a Traverse City dog competing in the show in mid-June. The Ultimate Air Dogs schedule is below:

Thursday, July 9th
1 pm - Splash #1
4 pm - Splash #2

Friday, July 10th
1 pm - Splash #3
4 pm - Splash #4
6 pm - Catch It!

Saturday, July 11th
1 pm - Splash #5
4 pm - Divisional Finals
5:30 pm - Ultimate Vertical

Photo by Kristin B from the Ultimate Air Dogs Website.

Northern Michigan Euthanasia Reports are Released

AuSable Valley Animal Shelter and the Missaukee Humane Society Win 2008 PAW Awards from Pet Friends Magazine

If you’re a regular reader to the Pet Friends Magazine website, you’ll know that we try to keep our news and information upbeat and positive. However, that does not mean that we have our head in the sand to problems and issues in the area. Every year, the Michigan Department of Agriculture releases the “Michigan Animal Shelter Activity Reports” for licensed animal shelters in Michigan. Fostering-only groups do not have to report. This report includes, among other things, intake and euthanasia information.

We have organized the information for you so that you can more easily check out the numbers for the animal shelters in your community. The results we have listed are for the shelters in our area that are on the Pet Friends Magazines shelters & rescues link. Some groups didn’t report last year or didn’t make the deadline to report this year.

For the purposes of Pet Friend Magazine’s First Annual “PAW” Award (Pet Friends Animal Welfare Award), the winners are based on the percentage of the least amount of euthansias for the year 2008 compared to the intake numbers of cats and dogs.

The winner in the dog category for 2008 is the AuSable Valley Animal Shelter.

The winners (a tie) for the cat category for 2008 are the AuSable Valley Animal Shelter and the Missaukee Humane Society. Congratulations on a great job!

2008 CAT Animal Welfare Results
The shelters below are listed best-to-worst for cat euthasias based on intake numbers. Duplicate numbers are ties in percentages).

1. AuSable Valley Animal Shelter
1. Missaukee Humane Society
2. Manistee Co. Humane Society
3. Otsego Co. Animal Control
4. Leaning Oaks Cat Haven
5. Benzie Co. Animal Control
6. Emmet Co. Stray Center
7. Oceana Co. Animal Shelter
8. Antrim Co. Animal Control
9. Kalkaska Co. Animal Control
10. Charlevoix Co. Humane Society
11. Cherryland Humane Society
12. Wexford Co. Animal Shelter

2008 DOG Animal Welfare Results
The shelters below are listed best-to-worst for cat euthasias based on intake numbers.

1. AuSable Valley Animal Shelter
2. Otsego Co. Animal Control
2. Missaukee Humane Society
3. Manistee Co. Humane Society
3. Emmet Co. Stray Center
4. Charlevoix Co. Humane Society
5. Benzie Co. Animal Control
6. Kalkaska Co. Animal Control
7. Antrim Co. Animal Control
8. Oceana Co. Animal Shelter
9. Cherryland Humane Society
10. Wexford Co. Animal Shelter

Please click here for the rest of the story and the statistical information.

Nutro Products Announces Voluntary Recall of Limited Range of Dry Cat Food Products

For more info. click here.

Don't Forget to Enter Your Pet's Photo in the Michigan Humane Society's Calendar Contest

Just $20 will enter your pet’s photo in MHS’ 12th annual Pet Calendar Contest. Your pet is guaranteed to be featured in this full-color, high quality 2009 calendar, and the top 13 photos will be selected for special “Pet of the Month” placement. Hurry! Entries must be postmarked by June 15! Click here for more info.

In Honor of Mother's Day, A Story About a
Special Mom
from www.sashafarm.org

A couple of weeks ago, we were asked to take in a litter of orphaned kittens. The kittens had inadvertently been kidnapped on a load of hay and their mother was no where to be found. At only 3-4 days old, their chances weren't good without a feline mother to care for them. Still, hoping they could be saved, we agreed to take them in, and a few hours later, the round-the-clock feedings began. With a litter of six kittens nursing six to eight times a day, it really was a full time job.

Immediately, we began searching for a real cat mom for the orphans. As hard as we try, we can never completely replace the care a real mom can give, not only in terms of nutrition, but also socialization. Kittens learn critical life skills and cat manners from their mothers and litter mates, so it's very important to let them remain together as long as possible. Luckily, nursing cat mothers have such a strong maternal instinct that they will often adopt orphaned kittens. Of course, with six in this litter, we needed a mom with no kittens of her own or a very small litter. We put the word out, and fortunately it reached the right person a few days later.

A shelter nearby had a nursing mom and her two kittens who happened to be the same age as the others. The two groups met, and the connection was instant! Without a moment's hesitation, Mom adopted the six orphans and now, over a week later, she's managing her large litter quite well. Coincidentally, the kittens even look alike, almost all orange, and unless you knew differently, you'd never guess this was a blended family.

I'll bet you're wondering where the pictures are! Well, Mom (now called Isis) is a very timid, very protective mother and she is still settling in with her new brood. Watch the blog, though. As soon as she decides the camera is okay, there will be pictures.

Aside from a mom, what the kittens will need most are homes! They will be ready to go in sometime in July, when kittens practically rain down from the sky, so finding good homes will be a challenge. Are you thinking of adding to your cat family? Are you will to wait a few weeks for these cuties to be ready? E-mail me and I'll make sure you get frequent updates!

Are You Feeding your Pets with the Right Bowls?

Even though I've had two cats for about five years, I am novice first-time cat owner and bought a cat care book on sale the other day, eager to see if I know what I'm doing. I'd like to pass along something I learned in the book and have also verified on the internet. It's better to use ceramic, glass or metal type feeding bowls instead of plasic to prevent bacteria in the animal's food and water. An easy change to make.

Michigan Group Agrees to Buy Double JJ Ranch

Read more about the pending sale at this link.

Doc the Horse Needs a New Home

Doc is a big, strong horse that will make someone a great riding or work horse. He is full of personality and is exceptionally smart and sound. He prefers an experienced rider and is not recommended for kids or beginners. He is approximately 13- 15 years old, 16 hands, and loves to work.

Owners believe he has some cow experience in his past and seems to
enjoy a natural herding instinct. He has been with current owners for six years and has been well cared for. Owners are downsizing farm and are looking for an excellent home for Doc. For more information, call Jill at (231) 267-9031 or email by clicking here.

Put Your Pet's Photo in a Calendar and Help Homeless Animals at the Same Time!

2010 Pet Calendar pages are now on sale through the Little Traverse Bay Humane Society. Make sure you and your lovable four legged friends are in the next Pet Calendar and Planner! Little Traverse Bay Humane Society is taking reservations for the 2010 Pet Calendar - order your page now! Please call Ann Marie at
(231) 347-2396 for more info or click here for the application.

Need Help with Spay and Neuter?

For Animals, a Traverse City based organization, has a charity spay and neuter program. Their free program is available to pet owners who meet income requirements. If you do not meet their requirements, you may still be eligible to have your pet spayed or neutered at a reduced cost. Donations always welcome and are tax deductible, they can be sent to For Animals, PO Box 6324, Traverse City MI 49696-6324.

Dog Found In Traverse City Recycling Bin

A chihuahua-boston terrier mix is recovering from being tossed into a Traverse City Recycling Bin this week. Read more by clicking here.

Create a Tribute Page for Your Pet

Create a personal tribute page to honor someone special, memorialize a loved one, or to just show off your pet!  Customize your page with pictures and your own story. Create your own URL.  Have visitors sign your guestbook.  Email friends and even collect donations for the animals cared for by the Michigan Humane Society with your personal tribute web page. Whether you want to announce the adopiton of your new pet, or raise money for homeless and neglected animals, create your personal tribute web page today! Click here for more info.

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