Features

Lost & Hound

This lost pet tracking and recovery service has helped find more than 300 furry friends

By Eric Cox | Sept. 13, 2025

Americans spend over $100 billion annually on their pets and pet-related products and services. With that kind of investment, along with profound emotional bonds, it’s no wonder pet owners lose their minds when Fluffy goes missing. A door left open, a collar too loose, the unexpected boom of nearby fireworks—any of these things could lead to an animal’s flight, leaving owners worried, desperate, and often unsure where to look or how to … Read More >>

Getting Back in the Saddle with Equine Therapy

How horses can help with both physical and mental health

By Rachel Pasche | Sept. 13, 2025

It’s no secret that animals can help us in myriad ways; consider how uplifting it is when a dog approaches you and gently asks for a pet, or when a cat perches on your lap, purring. Two organizations in northern Michigan have taken that same concept and transformed it into something incredible: equine therapy. Through seemingly simple activities like riding horses or spending time with them in the pasture, the clients served … Read More >>

Healing from the Inside Out with BARC

Traverse City is home to one of only two dedicated pet rehab facilities in the state

By Lourin Sprenger | Sept. 13, 2025

Bruce—a three-year-old boxer—isn’t shy about showing affection (as you can see from the story photo). He greets visitors with an enthusiastic wag, a playful nudge, and, if you’re lucky, a sloppy kiss. Beneath his charming exterior is a story of resilience, one that’s being written each day at Bayside Animal Rehabilitation Center (BARC) in Traverse City. “Most of the dogs love the treadmill,” says Dr. Jennifer Rudnick, DVM, CCRT, CVA, CVMMP, veterinarian … Read More >>

Who’s a Good Puppy? Therapy Dogs!

Local businesses share the ins and outs of training therapy dogs

By Geri Dietze | Sept. 13, 2025

Records of canine companionship go back thousands of years, and the bond between dog and human has been used therapeutically for far longer than we might imagine. The first “moral” treatment for mental illness was in 1796 in England. Forgoing restraints, leeches, and ice baths, York Retreat used small domesticated animals to interact with patients. Florence Nightingale, she of modern nursing, took note in the 1850s, and Sigmund Freud brought his dog … Read More >>

The Canines Behind the K-9 Units

A look at what it takes to become a police dog

By Anna Faller | Sept. 13, 2025

The American Kennel Club describes K-9 dogs as “a special type of dog. These impressive animals come from generations of dogs specifically bred to perform the complicated tasks that police dogs are required to accomplish.” Those tasks include search and rescue, detection of hazardous or illegal substances, and even apprehension of suspects with the help of their human counterparts. Northern Express sat down with four local handlers to talk about training, tools, … Read More >>

Film Review: Sunfish (& Other Stories on Green Lake)

5 Stars

By Joseph Beyer | Sept. 13, 2025

It’s hard to believe that the new enticing and lyrical indie film Sunfish (& Other Stories on Green Lake) is a debut that comes from a writer/director who was just 26 years old when she made it. And even harder to believe is this small passion project, shot entirely here in the Interlochen area, was plucked from over 1,500 American feature submissions to premiere at the famed Sundance Film Festival earlier this … Read More >>

Live at the Bay: Mary Erelwine

Sept. 13, 2025

By the time you read this, May Erlewine’s concert at the Bay Community Theatre in Suttons Bay on Sept. 20 could already be sold out. But if not, join one of northern Michigan’s favorite songbirds for a night of music spanning multiple albums (including her newest, What It Takes, from earlier this year). Tickets are $45 in advance, $50 at the door, and $40 for theatre members. And if the show does … Read More >>

Supporting Your Local Animal Shelter

Stuff We Love

Sept. 13, 2025

Pictured: Lily, a two-year-old cat at Little Traverse Bay Humane Society. Animal welfare is a demanding, sometimes heartbreaking job. So we’re giving both a shoutout to all the folks working in this important field and an invitation to the community to step up and help. The nonprofit Shelter Animals Count estimates 5.8 million animals were in shelter facilities in 2024, and local shelters are bursting at the seams. So here’s how you … Read More >>

TC State Park Construction: September Update

Sept. 13, 2025

The $8.5 million Keith J. Charters Traverse City State Park renovation will become more visible starting this week. Per the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, on Monday, Sept. 15, “contractors will begin preparation work to widen U.S. 31 by 20 feet and build a new right-turn lane into the park campground. … During construction, a northern lane shift will eliminate the middle turn lane but maintain two lanes of traffic in both … Read More >>

Fall-O-Ween in Gaylord

Sept. 13, 2025

If you’re already starting to get the Halloween itch—decorations up, costume ready, bags of candy half-consumed—then head to the Gaylord KOA Campground for their Fall-O-Ween celebration this weekend, Sept. 19-21. Campers are encouraged to decorate their campsite, and then spooky (and not-so-spooky) trails will be ready and waiting to explore. Enjoy trick-or-treating, punkin chuckin’, and a variety of other activities for all ages. The event (most activities are on Saturday from 11am-10pm) … Read More >>