community news - [ Seasonal - winter ]

With the approach of Valentine’s Day, there are a few important tips you should know for your sweetheart pet. A box of treats may not be the perfect way to say, “I love you” to your furry friend. High fat content and over-eating are a few problems for both people and pets during the holiday months.

Your cat or dog may find that hidden box of chocolate intended for your Valentine! Plastic or aluminum wrappers left unattended may pose a choking hazard. Prevent a holiday disaster by reading more from: http://www.petsmart.com/articles/article%5F13565.shtml

The Michigan Humane Society reports that shelter is required, by law, for any pet that must remain outdoors for any length of time.

The definition of shelter is, at the least, a well-built, insluated, slant-roofed dog house. The interior must be large enough for the animal to stand and lie down comfortably. It must be elevated at least 4 inches from the gorund for circulation, and the door should face away from wind with a protective flap to reduce drafts.

Use hay or straw instead of blankets because blankets may freeze, thus making the animal even colder.

Michigan Humane Society Investigators spent Friday searching for dogs that may have been left out in the bitter cold, WDIV Channel 4 reports.

Investigators had already found one dog dead from exposure when they found a rottweiler chained to car inside an uninsulated garage.

After investigators spoke with the homeowner's daughter, she attempted to bring the dog indoors, but it snapped at her. At that point, investigators decided to seize the dog and bring it to the warm shelter.

Experts advise not to use blankets for dog beds as they retain water and freeze. They recommend hay or straw in dog houses at least 4 inches off the ground.

Read more from WDIV Channel 4...

A recent accident reminds us to keep a colse eye on our pets near partially frozen lakes...

Deborah Jeffers was walking her dogs near Sylvan Glen Lake in Troy this weekend when one ran onto the ices and fell through.

Jeffers ran to the rescue of her dog, yet she fell through as well. Neighbors tried to rescue her, but in the end police were called and eventually dragged her to safety.

Jeffers is recovering from hypothermia and her dogs are safe and sound. More on this story from WDIV Channel 4...

A college student brought home an unexpected passenger this weekend. Tracker, pictured left, crawled in the engine compartment of her car and sustained the ride all the way from Kalamazoo to Rochester Hills.

The girl's home was already filled with pets, so Tracker was turned over to the Michigan Animal Rescue League. He, as well many other lovable pets are available for aoption. Read more about Tracker from WDIV Channel 4...

A rail inspector became a hero after temperatures dropped in Helena Montana enough to stick three mountain lion cubs to the train tracks as they crossed.

One cub was on its back, another was stuck by the tail and the third was attached by his paw. The cubs kept licking the tracks which made the problem worse.

Rail inspector Pat O'Rourke found the cubs and tried to free them with warm coffee. When that didn't work he called in the warden who brought hot water. The cubs were freed and made it to their frantic mother on a nearby ridge.

read on from WDIV Channel 4...

Children from the Boys and Girls Club of Pontiac learned a lesson on photography and life from famed photographer Linda Solomon.

Kids had the opportunity to take pictures of dogs and cats up for adoption at the Michigan Humane Society. The animals were dressed in the latest holiday pet fashions and will appear on the Humane Society's greeting cards.

Buy Michigan Humane Society Greeting Cards

Learn more from WDIV Channel 4