We Are Saints Again Bar & Grill is rallying the local community to support the Calhoun County Animal Shelter after a dramatic rescue of 71 dogs from dire conditions in Newton Township.

Following the discovery of dogs in hazardous environments on 8 1/2 Mile Road, the shelter has been overwhelmed with the sudden influx of animals needing urgent care.

To help meet the critical need for supplies, the bar and grill has launched a pet food drive.

Residents are urged to drop off pet food, blankets, and essential items at the restaurant, where every donation will be delivered directly to the shelter.

Authorities confirm the rescued dogs, many suffering from neglect, are now in safe hands and gradually recovering.

Community involvement is vital—donations and potential adoptions will make a genuine impact on these animals’ futures.

All 68 dogs rescued from a severe hoarding case in Newton Township have found safe new homes, thanks to the unwavering support of multiple local rescue groups and volunteers.

Key organizations like Saving Souls Pet Alliance, West Michigan Humane Society, Harbor Humane, Unleashed Love, and Animal Aid of Branch County led the way in caring for the animals and securing their adoptions.

Special credit goes to Danielle Kolberg for her crucial coordination of transport and placement efforts.

Pawfect Impressions and Michele Manik provided essential grooming, ensuring each dog was ready for a fresh start, while Phyllis Quinn and Evianne DuBois handled support and behavioral assessments.

Community donations of food and funds have been vital, continuing to support rescued animals at local shelters.

The Calhoun County Animal Center staff remain dedicated, welcoming further donations on October 23, 2025, and reflecting the heart of this compassionate community.

Calhoun County Sheriff's deputies rescued 71 dogs from a home in Newton Township after discovering unsanitary conditions and severe neglect on October 21, 2025.

Inside the three-bedroom house, deputies found animals living amid hazardous amounts of feces and urine.

The elderly homeowner surrendered the dogs, which were then taken to the Calhoun County Animal Shelter.

With resources already stretched thin, shelter staff—under Jackie Martens' guidance—used storage kennels and doubled up dogs to manage the crisis.

Community support, including donations of food and supplies, has been vital.

The Prosecutor’s Office is reviewing animal abuse charges, and Adult Protective Services is assisting the homeowner.

This case highlights the urgent need for community vigilance, ongoing donations, and more volunteers to help local shelters and the animals in their care.

Residents interested in helping can contact the Calhoun County Animal Shelter for more information on donations, volunteering, or adoption.

The community has come together with heartfelt support for Midnight, a stray puppy just 3-4 months old, after he faced a critical fight against parvovirus.

Found alone on the streets, Midnight was rushed to Dickman Road Veterinary Clinic on October 13, where he received lifesaving treatment for the dangerous infection.

Sabrina’s Light, a local rescue, quickly organized his follow-up care and arranged a safe foster home, knowing parvo can linger and threaten other animals.

Community member Gayle Swanson stepped in, providing round-the-clock care and affection in her own home.

With help from the clinic, Sabrina’s Light, and compassionate residents, Midnight is now on his way to a joyful recovery.

His journey highlights the powerful role of community in saving vulnerable animals and proves that every act of kindness truly matters.

"The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated." - Mahatma Gandhi

Q: How can I help a stray animal I find on the streets?

A: - You can contact your local animal shelter or rescue organization to safely pick up and care for the animal.

Q: What should I do if my pet eats something it shouldn't have?

A: - Contact your veterinarian immediately for guidance on whether the item ingested poses a risk to your pet's health.

Q: How can I prepare my pet for a natural disaster or emergency situation?

A: - Make sure your pet has a microchip and identification tags, create a pet emergency kit, and have a safe place to evacuate with your pet in case of emergency.

Louise, affectionately known as Weezie, is a charming Pitbull/Shepherd mix born in May 2018, hoping to find her forever home in the community.

She’s full of spunk, occasionally showcasing playful energy and showing a special fondness for engaging with people.

Louise thrives on human interaction, especially when it comes to butt scratches and affectionate attention.

With an upbeat spirit and big personality, she’s eager for a loving new start.

Louise is kennel trained, likely house trained, and ready for household life, though she may need some leash manners due to her strength.

Best suited for families with older children, she usually wants to be the leader among other dogs and might do best as an only pet or with an older male dog after a proper introduction.

Give Louise the quiet, caring home she deserves—reach out to the local shelter to meet your new best friend.

The Humane Society of South Central Michigan has refreshed its gallery, sharing updated photos and detailed profiles of pets ready for adoption, inviting Battle Creek residents to discover their next furry friend.

Every animal receives attentive care, including essential spaying or neutering, microchips, and up-to-date vaccines. Cats are screened for FIV and FeLV, while dogs older than six months are tested for heartworm and receive monthly heartworm and flea protection.

To begin the adoption journey, potential pet parents are urged to fill out an application found under the adoptions tab on the shelter’s website. Once reviewed, appointments are set to meet adoptable pets in person.

HSSCM also takes part in community campaigns, including the annual Empty the Shelters event, which helps lower adoption costs and brings more pets into loving homes.

Bringing home a pet from HSSCM means supporting dedicated animal welfare in Battle Creek.

Make sure to regularly brush your pet's teeth to prevent dental issues and keep their breath smelling fresh!

The Nonhuman Rights Project is seeking to appeal to the Michigan Supreme Court after its bid for the release of six chimpanzees at the DeYoung Family Zoo in the Upper Peninsula was denied by the Michigan Court of Appeals.

The appellate court’s unanimous decision ruled that chimpanzees do not hold the same legal rights as humans, rejecting arguments that the animals deserve habeas corpus protection.

Jake Davis, attorney for the Nonhuman Rights Project, highlighted the close genetic link between chimps and humans, urging for the primates’ relocation to a nature preserve better matching their needs.

Judge Matthew Ackerman wrote that animals, under Michigan law, remain property and not legal persons with protected liberty.

The privately owned zoo in Menominee County has not commented.

The organization hopes the state’s highest court might set a new precedent for animal personhood.