Features

75 Years of the Little Traverse Bay Humane Society

Behind the scenes at the Harbor Springs shelter

By Anna Faller | Sept. 12, 2026

At the Little Traverse Bay Humane Society (LTBHS) in Harbor Springs, their answer, whenever possible, is yes: yes to adoption, yes to sustainable solutions, and most importantly, yes to the dogs and cats in need throughout northern Michigan. “We use our values to determine solutions every day here at the shelter,” says senior director of advancement Jessica Mendezona. “If we can find solutions, or if we can make something happen for pets … Read More >>

Every Kitten Counts at Kelly’s Kritters

Only one in four outdoor kittens survive in northern Michigan without human intervention and care

By Rachel Soulliere | Sept. 12, 2026

It was only 3pm, and Kelly’s Kritters was preparing to turn away their seventeenth kitten of the day, a heartbreaking reality for a kitten rescue that exists exclusively to give cats a second chance. It turns out, the better Kelly’s Kritters cares for kittens in need, the more they see how many kittens in northern Michigan need saving. “The odds are way against our local outdoor kittens, and only one in four … Read More >>

Pet Sitting 101

Finding the right care for your four-legged family

By Lourin Sprenger | Sept. 12, 2026

For pet owners, going on vacation can come with anxiety, leaving you wondering who will take care of your pets while you’re away. Finding someone you trust to care for your animals can be just as important as choosing the destination itself. We asked two local pet sitters how to vet (pun intended) candidates to watch your furry friends. In Your Place Pet Sitting Jennifer Estala’s company In Your Place Pet Sitting … Read More >>

Where to Take Fido

Nine dog-friendly spots around northern Michigan

By Sara Bagley | Sept. 12, 2026

Don’t want to leave your pup at home on the next family field trip? The great news is that you might not have to! We’ve put together a list of places in addition to local dog parks, hiking trails, and restaurant patios that are excited to welcome you both for a fall outing. 1. Bowers Harbor Vineyard | 2896 Bowers Harbor Rd, Traverse CityWith “Wine Dog Wednesdays” features on their social media, … Read More >>

Saving Macie

Stuff We Love

By Geri Dietze | Sept. 12, 2026

After years in an enormous Louisiana puppy mill, never setting foot on grass, never seeing the sun, Macie the poodle/shih tzu arrived in northern Michigan with trauma intact, but Boyne City’s Linda McGeorge was determined. “For the first six months she hid, didn’t make a sound, and wouldn’t accept a touch from me,” explains McGeorge. There were other quirks: Macie would fill her bed with toys, typical of dogs who lose their … Read More >>

Hey, Read It! Shelter Dogs

Sept. 12, 2026

Can you imagine releasing your fourth book before you’re in high school? Or raising more than $14,000 for your local humane society? Amelie Anastasia from Petoskey has done both. This young animal welfare advocate has just released Shelter Dogs, a story about 13 shelter dogs (and one shelter cat), inspired by true stories of rescued animals from northern Michigan and across the country. Tony Buttino, Emmy-award winning co-creator of Reading Rainbow, calls … Read More >>

Compost Crawl Across Michigan

Sept. 12, 2026

Sept. 13-26, the entire state is going to the worms with the Great Michigan Compost Crawl. Put on by Landscape for the Lakes, Michigan Organics Council, and the Michigan Recycling Coalition, the educational programming aims to help residents learn more about the composting process and get started with piles of their own! Get involved in the crawl with SEEDS, a nonprofit based in Traverse City. They’ll have two weeks of activities and … Read More >>

“Frame the Theme” Call for Art

The Folded Leaf Foundation plans benefit auction

Sept. 12, 2026

Traverse City-based nonprofit The Folded Leaf Foundation (sister organization to the bookstore founded in Cedar) is issuing a call for artists for their first-ever benefit auction, Frame the Theme. Local artists are invited to address the question “What does literacy mean to you?” in any medium they choose and submit a single piece “that carries some tie or connection to literacy — a thread back to a book that changed them, the … Read More >>

Tap into Trails 2026

Sept. 12, 2026

Ready to run, bird, bike, and generally have a great day in the great outdoors? Cheboygan’s Tap into Trails event is back Saturday, Sept. 19, starting at 8am when the 10K race (followed by the 5K at 8:15) kicks off in Festival Square and takes runners and walkers along the North Central and North Eastern state trails. From there, expect live music in downtown, join up with a birding stroll in the … Read More >>

Ironman Returns to Frankfort

By Jamie Kauffold | Sept. 12, 2026

Heads up for those planning to travel in or near Benzie County this Sunday, Sept. 20! If you want to cheer on the 2,000 athletes competing in Ironman 70.3 Michigan in Frankfort, or have to travel in this area, visit ironman.com/races/im703-michigan/traffic-impact for a traffic impact report and vehicle detour routes. Roads to avoid include Main St., M-22, Frankfort/Furnace Ave., and surrounding approach roads. Expect heavy delays as elite athletes swim, bike, and … Read More >>