Help Michigan Pets

Did you know that July 5 is the busiest day of the year for animal shelters in the United States? That's when they have more strays than at any other time.

Pets don't like loud noises, and when they see and hear fireworks, they get scared. If they're outside, they run, and it's not easy to catch them.

It doesn't even have to be a major fireworks display to send a dog or cat into panic mode. Backyard fireworks have the same result. That's why it's so important to keep pets inside whenever you know or strongly suspect that fireworks will be set off.

We all know that fireworks aren't limited to just one day a year, but we also know that July 4 is a huge day for fireworks lovers. It's important to keep your pets inside so that when the action starts, they'll be safe and unable to run away in terror.

Here's a writing contest geared toward dog lovers. It's free to enter, and the winner will get to choose an animal shelter to receive a $50 donation. The general info is given below, but be sure to follow the link at the end of this post for additional important details.

Genre: Non-fiction

Restrictions: For dog rescuers 18 and older. Write a compelling story about your dog's rescue in 500-1000 words. A photo of your dog is encouraged but not required. One entry per family. Must include word count and author's name, address, e-mail address, and phone number. All submissions must be submitted via e-mail in a .doc or .rtf format.

Deadline: September 1, 2012

Prizes: A $50 donation will be made to the animal shelter of the winner's choice. Everyone selected for publication in Mighty Tales of Rescue will receive a digital copy of the anthology. In addition, the winner will also receive a digital copy of Beating Cancer, an anthology of cancer survivor stories.

Entry Fee: None

Additional information: Writing Contest for Dog Lovers

Tail Wagger's 1990 has a simple mission: to help people help animals. One way they do this is with their low-cost vaccination clinics.

Tail Wagger's 1990 operates mobile clinics for routine pet vaccinations in seven cities across southeastern Michigan. They offer affordable rabies, distemper, and bordetella shots as well as reduced-cost microchipping services. If it's time for your pets to be vaccinated, this is a good opportunity to have it done at a much lower price.

If you're in the area, please consider helping out with the clinics. Tail Wagger's 1990 is seeking volunteers to help out with the check-in process and directing clients to the proper areas. The clinics last 4 hours, and volunteers will receive a free lunch.

The next mobile clinics will be in Sterling Heights and Beverly Hills.

Saturday, June 23, 10am until 2pm
Sit Means Sit
43674 Utica
Sterling Heights, MI 48314

Sunday, June 24, 10am until 2pm
Premier Pet Supply
31215 Southfield Road
Beverly Hills, MI 48025

Information about these and additional clinics is available on the Tail Wagger's 1990 website.

Tail Wagger's 1990 is also on Petfinder.

Here's a great opportunity to help some of Michigan's rescue animals!

Few Steps From Home, a rescue based in Bay City, has partnered with the Midland Loons to help animals. They're looking for volunteers to work the concession stands at Loons games, and the rescue will get 100% of the proceeds on everything they sell!

Few Steps From Home needs 12 volunteers to work during each game at the Loons baseball diamond. Here's the schedule:

Tuesday, July 3, 5-7pm
Saturday, August 25, 5-7pm
Saturday, September 1, 5-7pm
Saturday, September 3, 12-2pm

Please contact Lmbln1@hotmail.com to sign up.

If you'd like to help the rescue in another way, check out their volunteer application. Volunteer positions include follow-up calls to adopters, making crafts, updating websites, fostering, and much more. They're also open to your ideas for how you'd like to help them.

The application lists many more possibilities, so please take a look and see whether there's something that appeals to you. And of course, they're always grateful for donations!

Few Steps From Home is also on Petfinder.

Image of Logan courtesy of the Ionia County Animal Shelter

Many of last week's pets are still on the urgent list today. In addition, a few others have been designated "urgent."

CATS

Long-haired calico mix Leona and Maine Coon mix Shandy are still at the Ionia County Animal Shelter, and they're joined by three beautiful tiger cat mixes. Scully has a gorgeous coat, Clara is a very pretty kitty, and Mary Ann is a cute, playful girl.

Black domestic shorthair (DSH) mix Andy is still at the Manistee County Humane Society.

DOGS

In Beulah, fun GSD mix Nicholas, super cute Staffie mix Rebel, and shy Corgi mix Corky are still available at a reduced adoption fee from Benzie County Animal Control.

Rusty, a terrific young GSD mix currently at Hazel Park Animal Control, is still waiting for a foster home.

Beagle/terrier mix Logan (pictured) is still at the Ionia County Animal Shelter.

Chico is a cute pointer/lab mix about 6 months old; he arrived at the Lapeer County Animal Shelter with a sibling, but apparently he's there by himself now. Odie is a super cute beagle boy also in Lapeer; his status is VERY URGENT.

Lab mix Zippy and lab/pittie mix Bear are still available from the Manistee County Humane Society, and they both have a reduced adoption fee!

Pointer mix Duke is also still waiting for someone to adopt him from the Greater Hillsdale Humane Society shelter in Osseo.

Betsy, a cute American bulldog mix puppy, is still waiting for a quiet foster or foster-to-adopt home. Until then, she'll be with the Humane Society of Muskegon County.

ADOPTED/RESCUED

Now for the good news. Several pets from last week's posts were adopted or rescued. Young shepherd mix Rosco 154D12 was adopted, as was polite pointer/spaniel mix Bandit. Sweet senior lab mix Granny was also adopted, as was lab/spaniel mix Daisy.

Pug/beagle mix Gus was rescued by Golden Retriever Rescue Resource. Older black lab Daisy May also went to a rescue.

If you're interested in learning more about any of these pets, please don't hesitate to visit their Petfinder pages and contact the appropriate shelter.

Image of Meg courtesy of Michigan Friends Rescue Shelter.

This week, four unadoptable dogs urgently need help. One can't be adopted until she can get medical treatment; the other three are seeking foster homes.

CRITICAL

Welsh terrier Meg (pictured) is currently at the Michigan Friends Rescue Shelter in Morley. She won't be available for adoption until she can get medical care--which can't happen unless she gets donations. Because of her past in a puppy mill, she's in horrible shape. Despite the pain she must feel, she's a very happy girl. The volunteers at the rescue would love to save her; they accept donations by Paypal or in the mail. Every little bit helps!

FOSTERS NEEDED

Daisy May is a 10-year-old black lab currently at the Southgate Animal Shelter. She ended up at the shelter when her owner was no longer able to care for her. Daisy May is very friendly and alert; she loves to be around people. After arriving at the shelter, she was adopted and then returned due to some habits the adopters couldn't deal with. Daisy May has separation anxiety and tends to be somewhat destructive, so she needs someone who can work with her to fix these problems. See her video!

Betsy is a cute American bulldog mix puppy in the care of the Humane Society of Muskegon County. She needs a quiet foster (or foster-to-adopt) home where she can recover from an injury and help her reach her potential; she's been at the shelter since she was about 7 weeks old. Betsy is sweet and fun. She has a terrific personality, plays well with dogs, and is well socialized with people. Check out her video!

Rusty urgently needs a foster home so he can leave the shelter at Hazel Park Animal Control. He's a terrific 10-month-old boy, possibly a German Shepherd mix. He gets along great with kids, dogs, cats, and small furry animals. He loves to play and cuddle. Rusty ended up at the shelter due to an illness preventing his owner from taking care of him. From the listing, it's not clear whether the foster situation would just be until he could go back home; anyone interested in helping him should contact the shelter for the details.

If you can help any of these dogs, please follow the links to their Petfinder profiles for more information.

Image of Rebel courtesy of Benzie County Animal Control.

This week, there are several dogs designated as "urgent," some of which have a reduced adoption fee. This is a long list; those not currently available for adoption but needing fosters or medical care will be in a separate post.

Benzie County Animal Control in Beulah has several dogs available for a reduced adoption fee. Nicholas is a fun and energetic German Shepherd mix. American Staffordshire terrier mix Rebel (pictured) is a super cute 2-year-old boy who would love to find a forever family that will let him be an inside dog; until arriving at the shelter, he spent his whole life chained up outside. Corky the Corgi/Chow Chow mix was a stray until someone managed to catch him and take him to the shelter. His time on the streets has left him shy and scared, so he needs someone to help him regain his confidence.

At the Clare County Animal Shelter in Harrison, Rosco 154D12 is running out of time. This young shepherd mix was found on S Dover Rd in Beaverton; he didn't have a collar or any identification. Rosco is very nice, friendly, and outgoing. He's been at the shelter for over a month and doesn't have much time left.

Hunter is an older black and tan coonhound/Rottweiler mix currently at the Livingston County Animal Control shelter in Howell. This loving, quiet boy has a lot of energy to burn. He would love to find a forever family with kids and a fenced yard--but no cats, please. Hunter is available for a reduced adoption fee.

Beagle/terrier mix Logan is currently at the Ionia County Animal Shelter. He loves to talk and go for walkies. Logan is about 4 years old, neutered, and current on vaccinations.

Gus is a pug/beagle mix about 5 years old. He's neutered and current on shots. Gus tends to get anxious when left alone, so he'll need help with that. He loves attention and would enjoy a home with older children.

Bandit is a very nice pointer/spaniel mix currently at the Lapeer County Animal Shelter. This sweet boy is about 2 years old and has great manners. Bandit has a reduced adoption fee, thanks to a sponsor who thinks he's pretty terrific!

Sweet, handsome Zippy is such a wonderful boy! He was featured here last month. This labrador retriever mix is available from the Manistee County Humane Society at a reduced adoption fee, thanks to a kind sponsor who wants to help him find a loving forever home. Zippy is a very happy boy who loves everybody. He had hoped to find a home by Christmas, but that didn't happen. He deserves a chance! Check out his Petfinder listing to see his holiday pictures!

Lab/pit bull mix Bear has a lot in common with Zippy besides being at the same shelter in Manistee. He's a very nice boy, he's been waiting for a forever family since before the holidays, and he has a sponsor who donated to help him find a home. He was also featured here last month.

Also in Manistee, sweet senior lab mix Granny hopes someone wonderful will come along and give her the TLC she needs and deserves. Granny is probably at least 12 years old; she is hard of hearing, has limited vision, and seems to be arthritic. She would love to find a comfy forever home where she'll be treated with love, kindness, and respect.

Daisy is a lab/spaniel mix available from the Humane Society of Midland County for a reduced adoption fee. This nice 4-year-old girl loves kids and gets along with most dogs; she doesn't like cats.

Pointer mix Duke has already been featured here twice--2 years apart! That's right; he's been at the Greater Hillsdale Humane Society shelter in Osseo for a very long time. Won't someone please help him?

If you're interested in any of these dogs, please follow the links to their listings for more information.

Image of Leona courtesy of the Ionia County Animal Shelter.

This week, there were three cats in Michigan designated as "urgent." Two are female cats in Ionia; the third is a male located in Manistee.

Leona (pictured) was featured on this blog last month, and she's still at the Ionia County Animal Shelter. This beautiful long-haired calico mix is about 9 years old, current on shots, and trained to use a litter box. She needs a quiet home where she can stay indoors.

Maine Coon mix Shandy in also in Ionia, and she was also featured here last month. Shandy is about 8 years old, spayed, current on shots, and trained to use a litter box. She ended up at the shelter after her owner became very sick and couldn't take care of her. Like Leona, she needs to be an indoor kitty.

Andy, a black domestic shorthair (DSH) mix cat featured last month, is still looking for a forever home. He's been at the Manistee County Humane Society for almost a year! Andy is a nice boy who would prefer to be the only pet in the household.

As always, if you're interested in adopting any of these cats, please visit their Petfinder listings for more information.

The A-Z blogging challenge wrapped up last week. My main wrap-up post is at Ellie's Blank Book, but I also have a few thoughts to include here.

1. Because of the nature of this blog, it wasn't feasible to write and schedule the posts in advance. When featuring specific pets in dire need of help, there's no way to know ahead of time whether a certain pet will still be available for adoption a few days later.

2. The challenge is a fantastic way to get the word out about pets in need. It gives these wonderful pets much-needed exposure.

3. Living in Michigan isn't necessary to be able to help these pets. Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest all provide ways to help by simply spreading the word. I should probably add the appropriate buttons to make that easier for visitors.

4. I hope this blog inspires people to adopt, foster, and help pets in other ways, not just within Michigan, but worldwide.

5. I found some terrific new blogs to follow. Some of them, including George's Guinea Pig World, are even pet blogs!

If you're thinking about adopting a dog, please consider Zada Mae and Zippy!

Zada Mae (pictured) is a sweet, pretty Staffordshire bull terrier available from the Greater Hillsdale Humane Society in Osseo. She ended up at the shelter when her owner couldn't afford to keep her anymore. This staffie girl is only about 1.5 years old. She's crate trained, and she gets along great with dogs and children.

In Manistee, Zippy is a sweet, handsome, wonderful labrador retriever mix available from the Manistee County Humane Society. He has a reduced adoption fee, thanks to a sponsor who kindly made a donation to help him find a loving forever home.

Zippy is a happy boy about 3 or 4 years old. He's great with dogs, and he loves people of all ages! He also loves to give kissies! He's looking for someone to spend time with him, and he would absolutely love being part of a family. His food allergies mean he'll have to be on a grain-free food to keep him healthy and happy.

Zippy had a wonderful home until his elderly owner couldn't take care of him anymore. He's been at the shelter for quite a while now, and he's still waiting to find someone special to give him the love and care he deserves. He will return the favor with love, devotion, and lots of kisses.

If you'd like more information about Zippy or Zada Mae, please visit their Petfinder pages.

Yuki (pictured) is a Boston terrier mix available for adoption from the Humane Society of Southwestern Michigan in Benton Harbor. This adorable girl is 10-12 months old. Yuki has very pretty markings, with a short black and white coat and cute ears. She's a very affectionate girl who aims to please.

At the Roscommon Animal Shelter in Prudenville, Yogi is waiting for a forever home. She's a lab/terrier mix approximately a year old. She loves to play in the yard and get belly rubs. She gets along great with other dogs, she's smart, and she's very willing to please.

If you're more interested in adopting a cat, please consider Ypsi, a sweet senior gray and white domestic shorthair (DSH) cat available from Wyandotte Animal Control. Her sister Gypsy is also available; it would be best for them to be adopted together if possible. Ypsi has failing vision, and Gypsy guides her when she needs help. Gypsy is a sweet senior tortoiseshell lady.

If you'd like more information about any of these pets, please see their pages on Petfinder.

"X" stands for the unknown, and this beautiful shepherd mix (pictured) is known simply as 96560. If she ever had a name, the staff at Barry County Animal Control in Hastings doesn't know it. Instead of giving her a name while she's in their care, they assigned her a number. Her Petfinder page contains very little information but does state that she is current on shots and weighs about 59 pounds.

96560 is one of many shelter pets in Michigan (and everywhere) with a number instead of a name. These pets are strays that ended up at the shelter, and the staff members don't know much about them. If their owners don't come forward within a short time, they're put up for adoption. Their chances aren't good.

This situation is preventable. 96560 and the other unknown shelter pets would have a much better chance if they had microchips or tags with current contact information. Please, if you have pets, make sure they can be identified at all times.

Langley Cornwell's Creative Ways to Find a Lost Pet provides valuable information about what to do if your pet is lost. Resources such as America's Lost & Found Pet Database can also help.

Are you interested in adopting a cat (or two)? Tabby siblings Whitney (pictured) and Whitley have been at the Homeward Bound Animal Shelter in Manistee for over 3 years! They were born in October 2008 and arrived at the shelter that December.

These nice siblings are black/brown tabbies. Whitney is a pretty girl who longs for a home of her own. She isn't as active as her handsome brother Whitley, who is a very funny boy. They can be adopted together or separately.

How about adopting a dog? Wego is a male Schnauzer mix available for adoption from the Humane Society of South Central Michigan in Battle Creek. He's 4 years old, neutered, and current on shots.

Wego is super sweet. He's looking for a nice forever home, preferably with a fence. He gets along with cats, older kids, and most dogs.

If you're interested in adopting any of these pets, please follow the links to their Petfinder pages.

Look at those eyes! Von Dorn (pictured) is a very handsome black domestic medium-hair (DMH) cat available from the Humane Society of Livingston County in Howell. He's believed to be good with other animals and with gentle children.

Von Dorn is looking for a nice forever home where he can stay inside and not end up back at the shelter as a stray, which is why he's there now. He's probably about a year and a half old, and he's neutered, house trained, and current on shots.

Vinnie 187D12 is a sweet terrier mix currently at the Clare County Animal Shelter in Harrison. He was found on Old 27 near Bass Lake, and no one has claimed him.

Vinnie is a very nice little boy who deserves better. This cutie was in bad condition when he was found, with extremely long nails and a horribly matted coat, but he certainly looks good now! Unfortunately, he has some kind of problem that keeps him from using his back legs; the shelter staff hopes some medication he's on now will help him regain their use.

If you're interested in adopting Von Dorn or Vinnie, please see their Petfinder pages.

Joey is a terrific pit bull mix who needs help now! His days are numbered unless someone decides to give him a loving forever home.

Joey is adorable! He loves people, and he loves to play. He's a very good boy, and he's even crate trained! Joey loves to give kissies, and he'll sit in your lap for as long as you let him. He promises to love you forever if you'll just give him a chance at the good life he deserves.

This handsome boy has already been neutered, and his shots are up to date. He'll need to have a tall fence at his forever home, and he'd prefer to be the only dog.

Joey's status is urgent. He's just a little boy! If you can help him, please contact the Southgate Animal Shelter before it's too late! Call Jen at 313-573-8953 ASAP ANYTIME!

Joey is far from the only pet in Michigan with an urgent status. If you'd like to help, please follow Last Chance Michigan on Twitter; although I focus on Michigan, I also tweet about pets in urgent need of help anywhere for any reason. Facebook also has a large community of animal lovers trying to make a difference.

Thank you.

Are you planning to adopt a cat or dog? If so, please consider Tudi, Tulip, and Twinkle!

Tudi (pictured) is a beautiful white domestic shorthair (DSH) cat currently at the Clare County Animal Shelter. She's a very nice 1-year-old girl who loves attention, and she's looking for a loving forever home. Her status is urgent, which means she's running out of time.

Tulip is a brown DSH mix currently at the Humane Society of Livingston County in Howell. This beautiful and friendly 6-year-old girl would enjoy sitting on the couch with you, playing with cat toys, and being around cats and children. She also gets along with dogs.

Looking for a terrific dog? Twinkle is a beautiful pit bull terrier available from Friends For the Dearborn Animal Shelter . Her hair is so short and white it almost makes her look pink! She has pretty eyes; one is hazel and the other is partially blue. This 2-year-old pittie girl is very sweet but isn't fond of sharing, so she would prefer a home without young children.

If you're interested in any of these pets, please see their Petfinder pages for more information.

Sandra (pictured) is a black and tan tabby baby currently at the Homeward Bound Animal Shelter in Manistee. She's a sweet, cuddly, funny little girl who needs help. She was found at the side of the road after apparently having been struck by a vehicle. The surgery to repair her leg injury will cost $500-$600. If you'd like to help Sandra, please consider donating to the Zeke Fund, which was established to help animals needing medical care. More information is available on Sandra's Petfinder page.

Shandy is a beautiful long-haired Maine Coon mix available for adoption from the Ionia County Animal Shelter. This nice girl ended up at the shelter after her owner became very sick and couldn't take care of her. Shandy is about 8 years old, spayed, current on vaccinations, and trained to use a litter box. She's looking for a nice forever home where she can stay indoors, since she doesn't have any front claws. Her status is urgent, which means she's running out of time.

Slinky is an adorable dog available from the Canine Companions Rescue Center in Clarkston. No one is quite sure what his genetic makeup is, but he looks a little like a cross between a Basset hound and a Saint Bernard. This boy is probably no more than 2 years old; he has medium-length hair, weighs 62 pounds, and is just plain cute.

If you're interested in any of these pets, please visit their Petfinder pages for more information.

If you're ready for a new pet, please consider adopting from the Delta Animal Shelter in Escanaba. Here are just a few of the wonderful pets currently available for adoption:

Rapunzel (pictured) is a beautiful black and white domestic long hair (DLH) cat. She has very pretty markings and longs to find her forever home where she can reign as queen of the castle.

Rosie is a very sweet orange tabby. This beauty has been spayed and declawed.

Tortoiseshell cat Roxy is a very pretty girl. She's also very sweet, and she loves to purr.

If you'd prefer to adopt a dog, how about Riley? He's a handsome black and white pointer who's already been neutered. This terrific boy is great with kids and would make a wonderful family pet.

If you're interested in any of these pets, please visit their Petfinder pages or the shelter's website for more information.

Quinn is a handsome Turkish Van cat available for adoption from the Brownstown Animal Shelter.

Besides being a very good boy, Quinn loves attention and especially loves being with people. He's a neat and tidy cat who uses his litter box faithfully.

Quinn hopes someone will meet him soon and decide to give him a forever home. If you're interested in making his dream come true, please visit his Petfinder page for more information.

Patches is a beautiful pit bull terrier mix currently at the Manistee County Humane Society/Homeward Bound Animal Shelter. She's about 4 or 5 years old, and she's been at the shelter since December.

Patches is a very affectionate girl; she loves people and loves to give kissies! She also gets along great with other dogs, and she's very smart. Why hasn't someone taken her home yet???

Patches is waiting patiently for someone to give her a loving forever home. If you think Patches is the girl for you, please check out her Petfinder page for more information.

Oliver is a 9-year-old gray and white tabby currently at the Pet Adoption Alternative Warren. He's looking for a forever home that's quiet and calm, without small children. He would love to live with an older person or couple. Oliver loves to cuddle, and he especially like to sleep in his owner's arms if allowed. He's healthy, neutered, and front declawed.

Ophelia is a senior black and white domestic shorthair (DSH) cat available for adoption from Wyandotte Animal Control. Her name means "help," and that's exactly what she needed. When she was found curled up in an alley, she was so weak that she could barely lift her head. Somehow, she managed to cry for help when someone saw her and checked on her. She was starving and almost fatally dehydrated, but TLC saved her life and gave her hope for the future, making her a much happier kitty. Now Ophelia hopes someone will care enough to give her the loving forever home she deserves. If they help her, she'll return the favor by giving them her love and companionship.

If you'd like to learn more about either or both of these wonderful pets, please see their Petfinder pages.

Noodles is a handsome orange tabby cat currently at the Brownstown Animal Shelter. He's looking for a forever home where his new family will take care of him and make sure he stays inside so that he doesn't end up being a stray at the shelter again. Noodles loves people, and he loves to play.

Nip is at the same shelter in Brownstown. He's a handsome black domestic shorthair (DSH) cat with captivating green eyes. He's a very good cat, and he hopes to get a real home soon. He thought he had one, but he ended up at the shelter again when his apartment was deemed to be too small. He doesn't take up much room! Nip gets along well with other cats but isn't too sure about dogs.

Both Nip and Noodles are available from the Brownstown Animal Shelter. Please visit their Petfinder pages for more information.

Maximus is a handsome older beagle available for adoption from the Southgate Animal Shelter. He is looking for a home without cats.

Maximus is an incredibly sweet guy; he's also quiet and well behaved. Unfortunately, he has heartworm disease and needs additional funds for his treatment. (A kind benefactor has already donated more than half the cost for the first round of treatment.)

If you're interested in adopting or donating funds for this terrific boy, please call 734-286-8114 or at 734-246-1328. Additional contact information is available from his Petfinder page, where you can also find a video of him.

If you're looking for a female beagle, Miss Beagley could be the one for you. This 10-year-old lady would prefer a home without cats or dogs. She's available from the Iosco County Animal Shelter in Tawas City. Her days are numbered; she only has until April 30. Please visit her page at Dogs in Danger for more information.

Leona is a beautiful long-haired calico mix, and she's looking for a forever home. She's about 9 years old, current on shots, and trained to use a litterbox.

Leona has been declawed on her front paws, which means she'll need to stay indoors. She also needs a quiet home; she's frightened of the noise and commotion that accompany small children and busy families.

Leona is available from the Ionia County Animal Shelter. Please check her Petfinder page if you're interested in adopting her.

Karl is a handsome young pointer mix about 10 months old. He's currently in a foster home, but he's looking for a new one or--even better--a forever home.

Karl is an energetic boy who loves to play; he'd make a terrific walking or running buddy. He's even house trained! He loves people of all ages and gets along with other dogs, but he'd prefer not to have to live with cats.

KC is a beautiful, loving black and white Domestic Medium Hair mix cat. Her Petfinder listing says she's a senior but doesn't give her estimated age. KC gets along well with dogs, and she's already spayed. She's looking for a nice home where she can relax.

Karl and KC are both available through the Pet Adoption Alternative in Warren (PAAW). If you're interested in either (or both) of them, please visit their listings for more information.

Jasmine is a beautiful black lab mix currently at the Ionia County Animal Shelter. This 6-year-old girl is spayed, up to date on vaccinations, and heartworm negative.

Jasmine is a very good girl who loves going for walkies. She is also very smart; she can do several tricks, and she knows all her commands. Jasmine doesn't get along with cats or dogs, so she's looking for a forever home where she won't have to live with them.

If you're interested in adopting Jasmine, or if you just want to know more about her, please visit her Petfinder listing.

More than 350 small dogs were seized yesterday from a puppy mill in Cheshire Township, Allegan County. Several cats and two birds were also taken from the home.

These animals were taken from a small 2-bedroom house near Grand Junction. The breeders say that they got in "over their heads" while trying to make a profit.

Most of the dogs are Shih tzu and Pomeranian mixes. Some Maltese and Yorkies were also among those seized. These pets had been living in deplorable conditions; they were covered in urine and feces. Many have dental problems, and a few were pregnant. In fact, puppies were born at the shelter this morning, with more on the way.

These pets need your help! The shelter doesn't have the funds, supplies, staff, volunteers, or space for this many animals.

Please help if you can. Here are some ways you can help these animals:

- Money (every little bit helps)
- Soft canned dog food (soft because of the dental problems)
- Cleaning supplies
- Blankets (and probably towels, although they weren't specifically mentioned)
- Volunteers (to help walk and care for the dogs)
- Professional dog groomers
- Rescuers
- Adopters

They also need people to publicize their plight so that these animals have a better chance. This is not acceptable.

The address is:

Allegan County Animal Shelter
2293 33rd Street
Allegan, MI 49010

Please visit call the Allegan County Animal Shelter at 269-686-5112 or visit the shelter's Petfinder or Facebook page for more information. You can read the full story at MLive.com. Another very informative article goes into detail about what they need, while this one tells about the woman who called Animal Control--and why she felt she had to do it.

Harold is a cute baby tabby available from the Antrim County Animal Shelter in Bellaire. He's a nice boy, and he deserves a nice forever home.

If you're looking for a dog, you owe it to yourself to check out Heather. She's an adorable beagle mix with beautiful markings. Heather is a very calm, sweet girl; she's estimated to be 2 or 3 years old, and she has been spayed. She's currently at the Manistee County Humane Society/Homeward Bound Animal Shelter in Manistee.

For more information about Harold and Heather, please visit their Petfinder listings.

Gabby is a beautiful 8-year-old calico/American shorthair mix cat. She's a talkative girl who loves attention. She's also a laid-back kitty.

Gabby is at the St. Joseph County Animal Control shelter in Centreville. If you're interested in giving her a forever home, please visit her Petfinder listing for more information.

Frisket is a gorgeous dilute tortoiseshell mix. This beautiful girl is about 2 years old; she's spayed, house-trained, and up to date on her vaccinations.

Frisket is available from the Ionia County Animal Shelter. She hopes to find a forever home very soon. If you'd like more information about her, please visit her Petfinder page.

Eleanor is a pretty tortoiseshell cat currently at the Ionia County Animal Shelter. She's about 2 years old, spayed, and litterbox trained.

Eleanor is looking for a forever home where she can be the only cat. She would also prefer a home without children. Dogs aren't mentioned in her profile, so she probably wouldn't mind living with them.

If you're interested in Eleanor, please visit her Petfinder page for more information.

Duke, a pointer mix, was the subject of last year's "D" post during the A to Z Challenge, and he still hasn't found a forever home or enough sponsors to help pay for his heartworm treatment. He's really had it rough; before arriving at the Greater Hillsdale Humane Society shelter in Osseo, he had spent his whole life outside without any TLC. He did have a friend, though: Molly. She's also at the shelter.

Another Duke also needs help. He's 2-year-old a boxer/pit bull mix at the Iosco County Humane Society shelter in Tawas City. He needs a home with no other dogs; he doesn't get along with them. The shelter has scheduled him for euthanasia on April 30 if he isn't adopted.

If you're interest in helping any of these dogs, please contact the appropriate shelter.

Livingston County Animal Control in Howell always has a multitude of cats available for adoption. Currently, there are 72 cats there waiting for someone to adopt them. Chesney, Conky, Chip, Colleen, and Casper are just five of the wonderful cats at Livingston County Animal Control.

Chesney is a pretty long-haired tabby; she's about a year old.

Conky is a lovable 4-year-old orange and white tabby; he prefers to be the only cat in the home.

Chip is a handsome 1-year-old brown and black tabby.

Pretty calico Colleen is only a year old; she's looking for a quiet forever home. That's her picture at the top of this post, courtesy of Livingston County Animal Control.

Casper is a solid white tabby 11 to 12 years old.

If you're ready to adopt a cat, please visit their page or contact the shelter.

Bear is a lab/pit bull mix about 2.5 years old. As you can see from his photo, he's been at the shelter since before Christmas--early August 2011, in fact.

Bear is such a nice boy. He even has a reduced adoption fee, thanks to a sponsor who recognizes him for the great dog he is. The sponsor hopes this will help someone give Bear the chance he deserves.

Bear is available from the Manistee County Humane Society/Homeward Bound Animal Shelter in Manistee. Please visit Bear's Petfinder page for more information.

Image courtesy of Manistee County Humane Society/Homeward Bound Animal Shelter

Andy is a black domestic shorthair (DSH) mix cat. He was a shy and unhappy boy at first, but that's changed. Now he loves being petted and hanging around near his people, which makes him a great choice for those wanting a nice companion kitty.

Andy prefers to be the only cat in the household, and he doesn't want to live with dogs either; he tends to get jealous when other pets take attention away from him.

Andy has been at the Manistee County Humane Society since January 2011 and is estimated to have been born in 2004. Please visit his Petfinder page for more information.

Image courtesy of Manistee County Humane Society/Homeward Bound Animal Shelter

It's that time of year: time to prepare for the Blogging from A to Z April Challenge.

Starting on April 1, I'll be posting a topic for every letter of the alphabet, in alphabetical order. With this challenge, posts are normally Monday through Saturday, but since April 1 is on a Sunday, that's the kickoff day. After that, participants get to take a break on Sundays.

This means there will be 26 posts here in April. Staying true to the purpose of this blog, the theme will be animal welfare in Michigan. When possible, the posts will be about specific adoptable pets from Michigan shelters. Additional topics may include shelters, rescue groups, and pet health and safety.

Please don't skip these posts if you're not in Michigan; readers who aren't local may still be able to adopt. Networking is also an important factor in finding homes for these pets, so please feel free to spread the word about these animals through Pinterest, Twitter, Facebook, etc.

Rescue is urgently needed for a pitbull terrier that is possibly both blind and deaf. He is located in Flint. Despite the sad shape he's in, he's a friendly boy.

If you can help, or if you know someone who can, Please see this page for more information.