Located in Columbia, Missouri, Stephens College is no longer just an all-girls school anymore. Pets are welcome too! The school has recently added their first pet-only dorm. It's one of many pet-friendly colleges. The library has the latest college directories for you to check out.

The 2nd annual Paws in the Park event returns to Canton's Heritage Park this Saturday and Sunday, August 28-29. The weekend is packed with fun activities for the whole family — including your four-legged friends, so don't leave Fido at home! Take your dog through an agility course and the "Chase It" lure course, participate in the Paw Walk to benefit the Humane Society of Huron Valley (HSHV), enter the dog costume and float contest, cheer on your favorite Ultimate Air Dogs competitors (jump into a 40-foot pool) and visit the pet adoption and pet vendors areas. Other don't-miss shows: Rock n' Roll K9s and Pawsitive Vybe disc dogs. Admission is free for dogs and children 10 and under and $5 at the gate for everyone else. A portion of the event proceeds will benefit HSHV.

Wayne County Executive Robert Ficano cut the ceremonial leash to officially open the park, located at Hawthorne Ridge along Hines Drive west of Merriman in Westland. Wayne County Parks requires registration for the new park. The cost is $5 to register and proof of vaccinations and current dog license is mandatory.

In Sunday's Free Press USA Weekend section, researchers reported what pet owners have know all along; that having pets helps reduce the stress in our lives. When we are around our pets, the "feel-good" hormone level in our brains rises thus lowering our anxiety and less stress means a longer life. So reading a book about pets with our pet is all good. Check one of our newest books in the pet collection, It's a Dog's Life.

A cat in the wings : an Alice Nestleton mystery by Lydia Adamson

Only the cat knows by Marian Babson

High country by Nevada Barr

Agatha Raisin and the case of the curious curate by M.C. Beaton

Attention 3rd and 4th Grade Dog Lovers! Gather with other doggie lovers to share some great dog stories, learn something new about dogs, make a dog craft, enjoy a doggie snack, and play a dog bone game.
When: Monday, July 26th from 7:00-7:45PM
Where: Purple Room
Registration Begins Monday, July 12th

Do you love dogs? Do you love poetry? If you answered yes to both of these questions, then head over to the Children's New Book Shelf and check out our newest poetry book full of doggie poems, Name that Dog: Puppy Poems from A to Z! Who knows...it just might inspire you to write your own ode to to your favorite dog. Happy reading!

We, as humans and consumers, may look at food labels before we buy a product. Maybe if it's too high in sugar or sodium or fat we won't buy it. If you have a pet, have you ever read the labels on pet food? You might be surprised. This book, Feed Your Pet Right, is by a human nutritionist, Dr. Marion Nestle, and an animal nutrition expert, Dr. Maldon Neheim. The authors take a fascinating look at the science behind pet food and guides pet owners to make informed decisions to provide a healthy, balanced diet for their pets.

If wolves attack livestock or pets, do humans have the right to kill them, even if they're on the Endangered Species list? This long-standing debate has reached the states of Michigan and Wisconsin. Both states have requested permission from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) to obtain permits allowing the killing of wolves, including gray wolves, which are protected under the federal Endangered Species Act. There are roughly 600 wolves in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. The FWS is accepting public comments on this issue through May 19. Email your comments to Regional Director Peter Fasbender at: permitsR3ES@fws.gov. For more information, check out FWS's web page.

The fish tank located in our Children's Department is often the first place many kids go to on a library visit. In order to keep our fish happy, they need a peaceful environment, including keeping the glass free from scratches so that everyone can enjoy viewing our aquatic friends. Please remember to use gentle hands around the tank, so that we can continue to enjoy our "library pets." Thank you!

What's Wrong With My Plant? (And How Do I Fix It?) A Visual Guide to Easy Diagnosis and Organic Remedies by David Deardorff and Kathryn Wadsworth

This book is just what you'd expect from the title, and it's filled with brief, detailed explanations of plant problems accompanied by color illustrations of each. There is also a full-color photo gallery of problems that I found extremely helpful for seeing the difference between similar-looking problems. There are also a bunch of organic remedies, safe for use on edibles and in areas where children or pets are active. This is a book I can see myself coming back to on a regular basis.

Dogs are a man's (and woman's) best friend. But when a soldier is wounded in war, service dogs become a helping hand. Service dogs offer assistance to those with special needs and veterans injured during combat missions. Recently, veterans met with lawmakers on Capitol Hill in a very different fight: for more support for the service dog program. Check this book about dogs with purpose-driven lives, called To the Rescue.

If you've ever been interested in presidential pets, you'll have to pick up First Pooch: The Obamas Pick a Pet. This fun book tells the story of the Obama family selecting their Portuguese water dog, Bo. It even tells you a little bit about other pets that lived in the White House! Look for it today in the non-fiction area of the Children's New Book Shelf. Happy reading!

Cesar Millan, family and friends are in mourning for long-time companion in canine rehabilitation, Daddy, who passed away peacefully at age 16. Known for his loyalty and well-behaved manner, Daddy helped change the negative image of pit bulls in the public'c mind; that the breed can be sweet and mellow with a caring owner. His work continues through his protege, Junior. Check out the Dog Whisperer's newest book, How to Raise the Perfect Dog.

On Saturday March 6 and Sunday March 7 at Cobo Center, the Detroit Kennel Club will present its annual Dog Shows. The DKC is one of six American Kennel Club competitions in the nation. At the Show, DKC organizers will be petitioning for the Michigan Legislature to consider naming a state dog. The breed that gets the most votes will be recommended to the Legislature. You can cast your vote at Freep.com!

Glamour Dogs by Catherine Ledner

Are you a dog person? Or someone who appreciates the art of photography? This book is a stunning gallery of beautiful dogs of all shapes and sizes. My favorite is Petunia the Boston Terrier - how about you?

Champion Scottish terrier, Sadie, won Best-in-Show last night at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show in Madison Square Garden. Sadie impressed the judges with her poise and personality before an adoring crowd. A 4-year old "scotty," Sadie took first place among the seven finalists: a Puli, a Whippet, a white toy poodle, French bulldog, a Brittany and Doberman Pincher. Good dog!

On Monday February 15th, the 134th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show will add to its legacy as America's greatest dog show. It's the second-longest continuously held sporting event in our nation, just a year behind the Kentucky Derby. The Best-in-Show has become the most coveted prize of purebred dog owners and trainers. Tune in at 8:00PM on the USA Network.

The Mystic Krewe of Barkus Parade is a popular 15-block parade of costumed dogs (and a few cats) that takes place 2 weeks before Ash Wednesday in New Orleans. The Krewe of Barkus is the dog equivalent of The Krewe of Bacchus, best-known for its celebrity kings and massive Mardi Gras floats. All proceeds from the Barkus Parade benefit local animal rescues and organizations. And check out one of the newest books in the pet collection, Rescue Tails: Portraits of Dogs and their Celebrities.