8+ hour, 8+ min ago (763+ words) GRAND RAPIDS, MI - A local cat named Phoebe, or "Feebz," is earning her fair share of TikTok fame after a video of her overlooking the infamous S-curve in downtown Grand Rapids went viral. Her owner, or mom, Aubrey Barile, took the video in her bedroom earlier this month with the simple intention of capturing her cat overlooking the infamous S-curve, a 1.2-mile stretch of US-131 in downtown Grand Rapids known for its distinctive layout of bridges. Within days, viewers fell in love with the 5-year-old grey tabby kitty. "She clocks in bright and early," Barile said. "She's a very vocal cat." But during a Friday, Nov. 21 interview with MLive/The Grand Rapids Press, Phoebe was anything but vocal. Upon entering the downtown high-rise, visitors are greeted by the cat in her Christmas sweater, silent as a mouse. Barile, 24, told MLive…...

5+ day, 11+ hour ago (280+ words) MONROE COUNTY, MI " The Monroe County Sheriff's Office Animal Control Division is stepping up enforcement against people abandoning pets following a surge in reports of neglected dogs and cats, particularly in remote areas of Berlin Township. Animal control officers are investigating several cases of abandoned animals discovered near Roberts and Reaume Road, reported on Nov. 16. The sheriff's office announced Nov. 18 that it is working with The Humane Society of Monroe County to pursue charges against those responsible. "Abandoning a defenseless animal is not just irresponsible; it is a felony offense in the State of Michigan," Sheriff Troy Goodnough said. "We are committing all necessary resources to track down those responsible for these heartless acts. Our community has a zero-tolerance policy for animal cruelty, and we will pursue prosecution to the fullest extent of the law." The abandoned animals were found…...

6+ day, 23+ hour ago (263+ words) JACKSON, MI -- The Jackson County Animal Shelter, 3770 Spring Arbor Road, has many pets available for adoption. Here are two of them. Skol is a 11-month-old mixed breed pup. He has the face of a Malinois, but he is small at just 35 pounds. Skol comes out of the kennel excited with his tail wagging. He likes other dogs but his enthusiasm sometimes can be overwhelming. He ignored the cats in the cat room and he was not protective of his food dish. Skol just needs someone who can spend some time with him, teaching him basic commands and how to walk nicely on a leash. He has a soft hair coat and loves attention. Shade is a 2-year-old grey and white tabby cat that came in as a stray. This little girl is just 7 pounds and gentle in nature. She gets…...

1+ week, 8+ hour ago (286+ words) Eating just about anything comes with the territory on Thanksgiving, but you should use more discretion when it comes to your dog or cat. Common Thanksgiving foods can send your pet to the vet: What's safe, what to avoid Eating just about anything comes with the territory on Thanksgiving, but you should use more discretion when it comes to your dog or cat. Most people know that things like splintering roasted turkey bones or onion-filled stuffing are unsafe for four-legged friends, but there are plenty of other common holiday offerings that can also be problematic. That said, some can also be tasty and safe options in small portions. With that in mind, here is closer look at the food dos and don'ts when it comes to dogs, cats and holiday grub. - Small amounts of unseasoned turkey breast " safe lean protein…...

3+ week, 2+ day ago (279+ words) JACKSON, MI -- The Jackson County Animal Shelter, 3770 Spring Arbor Road, has many pets available for adoption. Here are two of them. Shasta is a 1-year-old pretty female dog who is mostly tan with white markings. The first word that comes to mind when meeting her is "happy. She is excited to come out of her kennel and be with you. Shasta is house trained and knows several basic commands. As a young dog, she is full of energy, but she really just likes to be by her human. Shasta has beautiful almond shaped eyes that are captivating. She checked out the cats in the cat room but just moved on. This girl is smart and will be quick to learn new things. Prince is a handsome 2-year-old solid grey domestic shorthair cat that was surrendered by his owner. Prince came…...

3+ week, 3+ day ago (200+ words) Dear Annie: My wife and I visit our daughter, son-in-law and granddaughter two or three times a year for about three days each visit. It's a five- to six-hour drive for us. Both my wife and I have severe asthma primarily from cat allergies, and we struggle with wheezing and irritated eyes every time we visit. My SIL has cat allergies, too. Recently, their cat died (finally), and I urged my daughter to consider not getting another one. I explained our situation clearly, stating that if she did so, we'd have to stay at a hotel or B&B during future visits. She just got two more cats. What would you think? -- Allergic and Angry Dear Allergic: How your daughter and her husband balance having cats with his allergies is their business. But asking her not to get more pets…...

4+ week, 1+ day ago (191+ words) JACKSON, MI -- The Jackson County Animal Shelter, 3770 Spring Arbor Road, has many pets available for adoption. Here are two of them. Taz is a 2-year old pup that came in as a stray. Taz is a sweet boy who is medium size at 45 pounds, with a short and easy to maintain hair coat. He is house trained and was unfazed by cats in the cat room. Taz likes his food bowl and will carry it around. When meeting other dogs he was very gentle and excited. But his favorite thing is to be with his human. Tortie is a 2-year-old grey and gold tortie cat who was surrendered by her owner, who just had too many animals. Dog adoptions require an application, online. A meet-and-greet with a dog also is mandatory. A cat room walk-through is available to test reaction....