News
5 kids sit next to dog kennels and read books out loud.

Animal shelter invites kids to read to adoptable pets

The Ingham County Animal Control and Shelter is inviting Mason’s children to read to adoptable pets at the shelter’s new readership program, S.P.A.C.E. Tails (Sheltered Pets Assisting Children’s Education). 

Starting in December the shelter has been inviting children ages 6-16 to read to dogs and cats. The program is offered in collaboration with the Mason Library, which provides one free book to each child who attends. Volunteer and Foster Coordinator Lauren Yunker said S.P.A.C.E. Tails is a part of the shelter’s overarching enrichment program. Interactions with children mentally stimulate the animals, as they spend most of their time bored and stressed at the shelter. 

“A lot of them calm down when they’re being read to. Some of them tend to be more kennel reactive, they may bark when visitors come by.

People and Pets
Michigan State senior Evan Lockemy adopted his pit bull, Molly, off Craigslist. He had never previously been a dog owner.

Pit bull advocates push back against stereotypes

Advocates for pit bulls — a label often generically used to include the American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, American Bully, Staffordshire Bull Terrier and many mixed-breed dogs — say they are among the most misunderstood and maligned breeds.

People and Pets
The Mutt Hut in Lansing is a dog day care, but owner Adam Schiedt also does dog rehabilitation.

Mutt Hutt helps dogs solve their problems

The Mutt Hut is owned by Adam Schiedt, previously working at Western Michigan University’s satellite location in Lansing, he decided to open the doors to Mutt Hut four years ago. Before the hut opened, he and his wife had adopted a 100-pound collie from the Livingston County Humane Society.

People and Pets

No off-season for MSU’s Zeke the Wonderdog

If you’ve been to a Michigan State football game, then you have probably seen the the Spartans’ frisbee-catching canine, Zeke the Wonderdog. Zeke is on the field with his owner, running around and catching frisbees. With each one he catches, the crowd often gets louder and louder. Zeke isn’t just known for halftime of the MSU football games. He is a celebrated figure in the Michigan State community.