Help Michigan Pets

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Peaches is a deaf pit bull mix located in Warren. This adorable girl is about one year old. Peaches likes dogs, cats, and kids.

Please visit the link above if you're interested in Peaches or know someone who might be.

It's that time of year again: summer. Much of the United States has been experiencing a heatwave, and Michigan is no exception. If you're suffering from the heat and humidity, think about how miserable your pets must feel. Here are a few tips to help your pets this summer:

1. Please make sure your pets have adequate cool, clean water available at all times. It's best to allow them to stay indoors, but if that's not possible, make sure they have shade and a shallow kiddie pool with just enough water for them to cool off.

2. Never, under any circumstances, leave your pet in the car while you run errands. No human being would appreciate being trapped in a locked vehicle with little or no air, and neither do animals. It's dangerous, and no good can come of it.

3. Limit outdoor playtime in the heat. Dogs need to be able to cool off by panting, and they can't do that efficiently if they're playing fetch and carrying toys in their mouth.

4. Pets can get sunburned. For example, dogs with pink noses, light skin, or no hair should wear sunscreen, as should those with recent short haircuts. It's best to use a sunscreen specifically for pets.

5. Dogs with short noses, such as pugs and bulldogs, are highly vulnerable to the heat and can suffer a heatstroke.

If you're not convinced, here are a few links you should read for additional information:

PAWS Hospital: Did Ya' Know?

Summer heat and exertion

Hot weather safety

Dogs in hot cars, are you kidding me?

Summer safety tips for dogs

Poor Bojangles! This sweet boy is only about twelve weeks old, and he already has a broken leg!

Bojangles is a black lab in the care of the Harbor Humane Society in West Olive. He's just a baby! The staff members want to help him get his leg all fixed up and find a forever home very soon. They're hoping to get some donations to help with the costs of taking care of him.

If you're interested in adopting Bojangles or helping with his medical bills, please contact the shelter.

Trixie is a Chinese Crested dog currently at the Benzie County Animal Shelter in Beulah.

Her listing includes two photos but doesn't say much about her at all. She's a senior, and she's looking for a forever family who will give her a lot of love. She still needs to be spayed before she can go home, but the Animal Welfare League of Benzie County will help with the costs.

Please give Trixie a chance! Senior dogs make wonderful pets. You can find out more about her by contacting the shelter.

Pickles is a very handsome golden retriever/lab mix who's looking for love and attention. He is currently at the Benzie County Animal Shelter in Beulah.

Although his listing doesn't specify his age, it does say that he's "mature." He's a bit overweight, so he'll need regular exercise and a healthy diet.

Won't you give this older guy the love and attention he needs? He'll give it right back to you!

Dr. Frederick H. Gasow opened the Gasow Veterinary Hospital in 1933; Dr. Douglas Brooks has owned the clinic since 1993. It is located in Birmingham, which is in the greater Detroit area.

This clinic has eight veterinarians on staff. It is open seven days a week and has fantastic hours: 9am-9pm Monday through Friday, 9am-4pm Saturday, and 10am-2pm Sunday. Wow! That's impressive!

In addition to being a full-service animal hospital, the Gasow Veterinary Hospital also takes on the responsibility of trying to place homeless pets. Currently, they have three cats listed on Petfinder.

Scruffy is a stunningly gorgeous gray cat with medium-length hair (DMH). This sweet guy was rescued from a hoarding situation and has been in foster care since August.

Callie is a very friendly calico girl about four years old. She and Jack, a four-year-old tabby mix, have quite a history together. They were both adopted from a kill shelter but recently became homeless when their owners lost their home. They would love to be adopted again--together, if possible.

Gasow Veterinary Hospital's website has an informative newsletter as well as several medical articles.

If you're in the Birmingham area, check out this outstanding veterinary practice.

Duke is a handsome seven-year-old pointer mix currently at the Greater Hillsdale Humane Society, and he needs help.

This poor guy came to my attention several months ago, and his Petfinder status hasn't changed. Until his arrival at the shelter, he spent his entire life outside. His friend Molly, a pretty seven-year-old lab mix, lived outside with him.

Duke never received much care. He got to eat, and he was neutered, but he wasn't on any kind of heartworm preventative. Because of this, he now has heartworm disease. This could have been prevented, but since it wasn't, Duke needs painful, expensive treatment. Fortunately, Molly does not have heartworm disease.

Duke is looking for sponsors for his heartworm treatment. He's also looking for a forever home so he can live inside--where he can spend his time with people and not have to endure those bitter Michigan winters out in the cold. He would love to have Molly join him and be part of his forever family, but that's not a deal breaker.

In the meantime, Duke would enjoy having visitors stop by the Greater Hillsdale Humane Society shelter and take him for a walk or do some training with him to help him become more adoptable. The shelter is in Osseo, which is near the junction of M-34 and M-99 in southern Michigan.

Duke is a sweet boy who doesn't deserve all this pain and heartache. Won't someone help him?

There are quite a few cats this week. The good news is that new mama tortie mix Mary was adopted from Beulah, Gladys was adopted from Brownstown, and Checkers and Daisy were adopted from Wyandotte. There may be others--in fact, there probably were more adoptions--but we don't hear about all of them.

In Ionia, Benny and Bo are black DSH boys about 6 months old. Knight is also a black DSH, but he's a baby about 8 or 9 weeks old.

Also in Ionia, a sweet tabby/DSH mix needs help. Someone shot her, and now her leg needs to be amputated, but that takes money. She should do just fine after the surgery, as long as she gets enough donations. Every little bit helps.

A lot of cats are on the urgent list at the shelter in Howell. If you're interested in adopting a cat, be sure to check and see who they have, because your new BFF might be there waiting for you!

In Midland, there are always cats of all sizes, ages, colors, and types. Check out their listings to see who's there this week.

Pickles is one of the cats of the week in Mount Pleasant. She's a black DLH cat about two years old, and she's FIV positive. Senior cats Boo and Punky are still waiting for someone to give them a nice retirement home together. These older gentlemen are in a foster home and are listed by the shelter in Mount Pleasant.

Siamese mix Jessy and calico mix C.K. are senior cats hoping to be adopted together. In fact, their lucky new family will get a great deal if they adopt both kitties. They're at the shelter in Osseo.

The shelter in Taylor has several terrific cats on the urgent list. Check them out!

There are still quite a few cats available from the Wyandotte shelter. Jameson is a handsome gray tabby/DSH mix who's sweet, friendly, and curious. Gray DSH/tabby mix Captain (was Cheetah) is a very nice boy. Brown DSH/tabby mix Kai is polite, quiet, and handsome. Tigger (was Crispin) is a quirky brown DMH/tabby guy about 6 years old. Black DSH Solomon longs for a nice home where he can love and be loved. Chip and Salsa are adorable brown tabby/DSH mix baby boys with FIV. Tuxedo/DLH mix Kamora is a friendly girl. Martini is a tiny DMH/tuxedo mix boy with FIV and FeLuk. Jameson is a sweet, friendly, curious gray tabby/DSH mix guy. Finally, Patches is a senior calico lady hoping to avoid going to the shelter; Wyandotte is listing her as a courtesy.

As always, if you're interested in any of these animals, please contact the shelter.

There are a lot of dogs on the urgent list this week. The good news is that there were some success stories. Black lab Sara was rescued from Brownstown, and senior Bichon/poodle mix Max was adopted from Southgate. Emma, Cash, and Payton were adopted from White Cloud. There were probably more that we don't know about.

The shelter in Beulah has an outstanding deal on some terrific dogs! Black labs Scott and Bosco, border collie mixes Crackerjack and Tispy, GSD/chow mix Ruby, and boxer/staffie mix Harrieta (who loves to give kissies) all have half-price adoption fees! You can't beat that, so be sure to check them out. One of them just might be your next BFF!

In Ionia, Chance is a nice American bulldog mix approximately 1-2 years old. Mavis is a very sweet redbone coonhound about 8 to 10 months old.

A purebred cattle dog is scheduled for euthanasia TODAY, November 15, at the shelter in Howell. At the same shelter, a boxer mix and a pittie mix--both cute girls--only have until November 18. A Rottweiler/lab mix just has until November 23, and an Airedale mix has until December 1.

In Manistee, chocolate lab mix Bella is waiting for someone to love. She's playful, affectionate, and friendly, and she enjoys going for walkies. Loving, low-maintenance Raven is a sweet retriever/chow mix who's also in Manistee. Bosco is about two years old and is possibly a shepherd mix. He's a great guy! GSD/lab mix Neptune is a nice boy who loves going for walkies. Border collie/setter mix Astro is a terrific guard dog who prefers to be the only pet. If you're looking for someone to protect you in your home, he's your guy!

In Midland, an extremely sweet pit bull/lab mix boy is hoping to be the only pet. His reference ID is #2168.

Pointer mix Duke has had a hard life, and now he has heartworm disease. He's at the shelter in Osseo, where he's hoping to get money to pay for his treatment. Of course, he'd also love a forever home.

Spaniel mix Hickory is all boy! He's only about 8 months old, and he's very "loving." He's in Reed City and needs help by November 16.

The shelter in Taylor has several great dogs in need. An American bulldog, a beagle, two chihuahuas, a papillon, a senior pekingese, and a Yorkie/shih tzu mix are just a few of the available dogs. Check them out!

In West Olive pit bull/shepherd mix Peter is still waiting for a forever home. He's a great guy who's perky and super sweet. Husky/shepherd mix Addison and Australian shepherd mix Brutus are also hoping for forever homes; they also need money to pay for treatment for heartworm disease. Shepherd mix Olga still needs a retirement home. Pittie mix Henry is a real sweetheart who deserves a great home.

Black lab Zena is great with kids! She needs to get out of the shelter in White Cloud before November 17. Pittie mix Lily is beautiful, sweet, patient, and polite; she also needs out by November 17.

As always, if you're interested in any of these animals, please contact the shelter.

If you have a dog, you'll probably need to administer some type of medicine at some point. In many cases, it's possible to use an over-the-counter (OTC) medicine you've already purchased for yourself.

Dog lover Kenzy England has done her research, and her article will help you figure out whether it's safe to treat your dog with products primarily intended for people. This guide gives details on which OTC people meds are safe for dogs, and it includes dosage instructions.

Unfortunately, not every ailment can be treated with OTC human medicines, so it's important to know when to contact your vet for something appropriate.