6+ hour, 24+ min ago (342+ words) The Macomb County Sheriff's Office is adding two K9s to its department to double the number of such dogs assisting officers in protecting the community. The new canines will help deputies in their ability to respond to emergencies, patrol the community, assist in locating missing persons, track and apprehend fleeing suspects, recover evidence, protect their handler and perform critical "safety checks during high-risk situations," official said in a news release. They are also cross-trained in either narcotics or explosion detection. "We are eager to welcome these new K9s to the Macomb County Sheriff's Office," Sheriff Anthony Wickersham said in the release. "Our K9s and handlers are an invaluable asset to the communities we serve, not only strengthening our enforcement efforts, but also building positive connections." Each handler-and-K9 team has completed extensive training in obedience, detection work, and patrol functions. The police dogs continue…...

10+ mon, 18+ hour ago (46+ words) Macomb County Animal Control Chief Jeff Randazzo said he doesn't want incident "to overshadow all we've done" over the past 13 years ... Macomb County Animal Control Chief Jeff Randazzo said he doesn't want incident "to overshadow all we've done" over the past 13 years...

9+ mon, 5+ day ago (367+ words) A quick-acting Macomb County Sheriff's deputy who who has been recognized in the past for his dog-saving efforts rescued a leashed canine just outside a burning east Macomb Township home Monday. The incident began at 12:39 p.m. when the female homeowner called 911 to report a dryer fire that had spread to being a possible structure fire at a home on Brentwood Street, off of Fairchild Road north of Hall Road, according to a Sheriff's Office press release. She placed the family dog on a chain leash outside before calling 911. When deputies arrived, the woman was placed in a patrol car, and Deputy Eric McCombs realized the dog was still tethered to the home. McCombs, 38, grabbed a leash from the vehicle's front-seat and ran over the snowy ground to the side of the home, where the white-and -beige canine was chained, according to…...

2+ mon, 3+ week ago (667+ words) A Good Samaritan who rescues a stray dog or cat can try to find the potential owner by using a chip reader currently located at the police station and will soon be at three other county locations. Kane spearheaded the county receiving an approximately $2,000 grant for the four readers from the Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development, Animal Industry Division, to be the first in Southeast Michigan to provide the service. The only other device in the state is in Kent County, Kane said. The device will help identify lost pets that "great Samaritans" find and capture lost pets that have had a chip embedded in them, Kane said. Last year, over 2,000 stray animals were turned in, she said. "Our goal is that we don't want these animals to be spending the night away from home," Kane said. "For family…...

6+ mon, 4+ hour ago (480+ words) The Sterling Heights Lions Club's second annual Paws for Service is 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, June 8 " a free, family-friendly community event so that people can meet and learn about different types of service, therapy and working animals at the Sterling Heights Lions Club clubhouse at 12828 Canal Road. Toby the Sterling Heights Police Department comfort dog will be there with Det. Maureen Merpi. Event organizer Dawn DeClark said the Professional Law Enforcement Association will be represented by K-9 officer James Penman and K-9 Maverick. The PLEA has been donating gear for K-9s for a decade. Ian Flanagan and Jesse Lindlbauer co-authors of the children's book "Kevin Can," which is about a 10-year-old wheelchair-user, will be there. "They are working on their second book," DeClark said. "They expressed wanting to see if they could get their book produced in braille and I am very glad that the…...

1+ mon, 3+ week ago (417+ words) Macomb County Animal Control has come a long way in recent" years, reducing euthanasia numbers significantly and implementing more microchipping and adoptions. Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel and Animal Control Director Jeff Randazzo spoke on Oct. 2 about the State of Macomb County Animal Care, spotlighting the department's history, major milestones and vision for the future. Originally built in 1958 and remodeled in 1981, the county's animal facility has undergone a dramatic transformation. Once known for high euthanasia numbers, the two officials stated it now stands as a model for modern animal welfare, boasting a 95% save rate. This achievement reflects not only a new philosophy of humane treatment but also a community-driven approach to animal care. "Years ago, the reality here was very different," said Randazzo. "Today, we are proud to say that Macomb County Animal Control is recognized as one of the…...

3+ mon, 3+ week ago (650+ words) They say necessity is the mother of invention and that's clearly what led Jerry and Lisa Luzynski to open Pet Wants Chesterfield. "We had a yellow lab named Charlie and a golden retriever named Buddy," said Jerry Luzynski, while working to get the pet store ready for Wednesday's grand opening. "They both died of cancer within months of each other." "It just didn't make sense that they would die so young. They had each other so they played a lot and were very active," Jerry said, recalling the family's loss and what led them to research cancer in animals. However, with both of them working, Jerry being a data analyst for the automotive and health care industry and Lisa being a dental hygienist, not to mention the parents of three children, they became too busy and their research stalled for…...

3+ mon, 3+ week ago (319+ words) St. Clair Shores celebrated the hottest days of the season over the weekend with the two-day Dog Days of Summer event at Blossom Heath Park that offered an opportunity for pups to cool off a little. Odin's Heart, a nonprofit that provides support for caregivers and families of children with rare genetic diseases, offered dog owners a chance for their pet to try dock diving. Einstein Dog Training had its mobile dock that allows dogs to jump into a large, above ground pool in pursuit of a toy. Typically, a dog will retrieve the toy and swim back to the dock. Registration fees for dock diving dogs went toward Odin's Heart. Humans and canines alike were entertained by the aquatic agility demonstration, even if some of the dogs preferred to stay dry and just watch. Black Pomeranian Mandy, who was…...

3+ mon, 4+ week ago (374+ words) The Mount Clemens Fraternal Order of Eagles is hoping to help some residents of the Humane Society of Macomb find new homes. The Eagles will host an animal adoption event on Saturday, Aug. 2 from 12-6 p.m. at their clubhouse located at 25455 South River Road in Harrison Township. No matter if you are looking for a high-energy companion to accompany you on walks and runs or a couch potato that loves to snuggle, the Humane Society of Macomb probably has your perfect match. Scout will be at Saturday's event and is a one and a half year old mixed breed whose 10 puppies have all been adopted. She is looking for her forever home with a fenced yard and no cats. Scout is described as high energy, curious and playful but a pup that also can just hang out and relax. If you're looking…...

10+ mon, 6+ day ago (661+ words) A "dog bar" that offers free treats and bandanas for La Jolla's furry residents has grown exponentially since its establishment in August. "People tell people and then they come by [and say] "Oh, my friend " told me about it," said Bird Rock resident Vikki Oliver, who started it in front of her house. "For a lot of them, this is a destination for their dogs when they're out walking." What started as a kind gesture and a means of using leftover fabric she used to make COVID-19 masks during the pandemic has turned into a canine community center. Along the way, Oliver is improving the quality of the bandanas she makes and is forging quality connections with her neighbors, she said. Since October, requests have grown from 50 bandanas to nearly 250, Oliver said, and recently totaled 10 in one day. She's adopted…...