TROY — Many Troy residents have been seeing an unusual creature in their neighborhoods over the last several months.

SHELBY TOWNSHIP — The Humane Society of Macomb, 11350 22 Mile Road, has acquired a new executive director to lead it.

METRO DETROIT — With temperatures plunging, experts are reminding pet owners to be careful when taking their four-legged friends outside.

GROSSE POINTE PARK — For her recent eighth birthday, Makenna Markley, of Grosse Pointe Park, could have asked for toys or trinkets for herself. Instead, the young animal lover asked her friends if they could bring donations for Grosse Pointe Animal Adoption Society or the Michigan Humane Society to her birthday party.

WEST BLOOMFIELD — What could turn out to be a long-standing tradition is set to begin at Orchard Mall Dec. 10.

TROY — Corewell Health Beaumont Troy Hospital, formerly Troy Beaumont Hospital, got a special Halloween treat thanks to the volunteers in its therapy dog program.

NOVI — The 17th annual Novi Pet Expo, presented by Pet Supplies Plus, will be held Nov. 11-13 at the Suburban Collection Showplace.

HUNTINGTON WOODS/ROYAL OAK — A late September day for a volunteer animal foster parent turned out to be a lucky one for a newborn kitten.

MADISON HEIGHTS — The Madison Heights City Council recently approved a resolution to contract with Oakland County for animal control services, a deal that will produce savings for the city.

FARMINGTON HILLS — Farmington Hills resident Heidi Stamper made a decision in June that she now credits with saving her life.

GROSSE POINTE SHORES — Some well-meaning animal lovers in Grosse Pointe Shores are causing unintentional problems for their neighbors.

METRO DETROIT — Multiple local communities have taken a step toward trying to figure out what to do about the large number of deer roaming the region.

SHELBY TOWNSHIP — The township held a special event for dogs and their families to enjoy Sept 10.

METRO DETROIT — Large crowds flocked to Novi over the Labor Day weekend Sept. 1-5 for the Michigan State Fair.

SOUTHFIELD — The city of Southfield will be holding a town hall for an upcoming ballot question regarding deer herd reduction.

ROYAL OAK — From 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 10, and Sunday, Sept. 11, the Royal Oak Chamber of Commerce will host its annual Barktoberfest event at Memorial Park, 31050 Woodward Ave., north of 13 Mile Road.

METRO DETROIT — Veterinarians and other pet health experts are trying to allay fears following rumors of an “unknown” disease affecting dogs in northern Michigan.

GROSSE POINTE CITY — While you might want to take your furry best friend with you everywhere you go, public safety and animal experts say that especially during these warmer days, leave your pet at home.

SHELBY TOWNSHIP — A member of the Shelby Township Police Department’s K-9 unit recently celebrated his birthday after many years of being with the department.

EASTPOINTE — On June 10, members of the community and local dignitaries — and a few precious pooches — came out for the grand opening of the new APAWS Veterinary Hospital at 21300 Kelly Road.