Homes Sought for Shelter Dogs, Care for Hurt Beagle
Animal Control Officer: 'These Are All Nice Dogs'

Dr. Mary Alban with "Minnie," a beagle found in western Mackinac County January 2. The dog was severely malnourished and injured when it was brought in by Animal Control Officer Wendy Frosland, and is being fed a special diet developed for dogs with digestive problems. Dr. Alban is caring for "Minnie" at her office, and is accepting donations toward the costs of medical care.

The county's animal control officer is putting out a call for help for about 15 dogs in need of immediate adoption at the county Animal Shelter, and seeking donations with veterinarian Mary Alban for medical care of a stray, injured beagle found January 2.

Several of the dogs at the Mackinac County shelter are to be scheduled for euthanasia if adoptive homes are not found for them right away, reported animal control officer Wendy Frosland Friday, January 5. Although several cats have recently been adopted, 10 young cats also need new homes.

"These are all nice dogs, mostly young in age, with good temperaments," Mrs. Frosland said. "I know them all. For the most part, they are good with kids and other animals, up to date on vaccinations, and most are spayed or neutered."

Dogs looking for new homes include three Labrador/shepherd mix puppies, a male Doberman cross, a male yellow lab, a female shepherd mix, a male shepherd lab mix, a husky, a male beagle, a female black lab, and an elderly cocker spaniel mix female named "Sassy."

"There is a female English setter, too, who would be best placed in a home with no other pets, because she becomes defensive around other dogs," Mrs. Frosland said. "She is a beautiful dog."

Those who would like to meet the animals available for adoption may stop by the animal shelter on Cheeseman Road in St. Ignace or call Mrs. Frosland at (906) 298- 1670.

The Mackinac County Animal Shelter has a capacity to care for up to 20 dogs and 16 to 20 cats.

An effort is underway by Dr. Alban to collect donations for the medical care of a female beagle found injured and emaciated on Hiawatha Trail in Mackinac County. Mrs. Frosland estimates the dog had been outside without food for at least two weeks. The dog had somehow gotten its front leg stuck through its collar, and suffers from skin injuries as a result, as well as from porcupine quills. The one-year-old beagle, now named "Minnie" by Dr. Alban's staff, is not yet healthy enough to be offered for adoption, and is being cared for at Dr. Alban's office in St. Ignace.

"She has a sweet disposition, and is a real lap dog who will put her head in your lap," Dr. Alban said. "She's not afraid of people, and is very affectionate. This one will make it."

Donations toward the dog's medical expenses can be sent to Mackinac Straits Veterinary Clinic at 104 High Street in St. Ignace.

In another matter, Mrs. Frosland said that the spate of missing cats reported to her in early fall seems to have abated in the past two months, although the investigation of these cases remains open. More than 45 pet cats had been reported missing by St. Ignace, Cedarville, and Hessel residents in August and early September, she told The St. Ignace News in reports published in September, while a typical number of missing cat reports would be about one per week. At that time, the department did not note an unusual number of complaints about missing dogs, and did not receive missing cat reports from the west end of the county.

Reports about missing cats have returned to normal levels, Mrs. Frosland said January 5.