Ellie is a 5-year-old female mixed breed. She is spayed and ready to go home. Ellie is the most lovable girl, and just wants affection! She does well with other dogs and kids! She is available with our "Senior to Senior" adoptions.  Contact the Humane Society of Southwestern Michigan at 269-927-3303 to schedule an appointment to meet Ellie and learn more about her.

Also, don't miss:

Volunteer Orientation is October 17th at 10am here in the shelter

Join us for the Subaru Love at Four Winds Casino in New Buffalo on Oct. 25th, 11am-3pm

Ellie is a 5-year-old female mixed breed. She is spayed and ready to go home. Ellie is the most lovable girl, and just wants affection! She does well with other dogs and kids! She is available with our "Senior to Senior" adoptions. &nbsp;Contact the Humane Society of Southwestern Michigan at 269-927-3303 to schedule an appointment to meet Ellie and learn more about her.
Also, don't miss:
Volunteer Orientation is October 17th at 10am here in the shelter
Join us for the Subaru Love at Four Winds Casino in New Buffalo on Oct. 25th, 11am-3pm

Every Friday morning, we feature adoptable animals on our Mid-West Family stations and podcasts!

Every Friday morning, we feature adoptable animals on our Mid-West Family stations and podcasts!

Furry Friends Friday

Depend On Us. Featuring local news, weather, sports, and community voices on The Morning Show with Ken & Friends weekday mornings from 6-9am. Find local stories, state news, sports, video and more at wsjm.com and the WSJM Mobile app!

Depend On Us. Featuring local news, weather, sports, and community voices on The Morning Show with Ken &amp; Friends weekday mornings from 6-9am. Find local stories, state news, sports, video and more at wsjm.com and the WSJM Mobile app!

News/Talk/Sports 94.9 WSJM

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Podcasts from your favorite local personalities.

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The Mason Jar Cafe Furry Friend of the Week - Ellie 

Helaena is the kind of cat who may not rush over to greet you, but that doesn't mean she isn't interested in getting to know you. This beautiful 2-year-old has a sweet, quiet personality and the cutest little black spot right on her nose. If you meet Helaena at the Adoption Center, you'll likely find her perched on her favorite cat tree, taking everything in from a comfortable distance. Helaena likes to get to know people on her own terms, and our volunteers have discovered that sometimes the best way to earn her trust is simply to keep showing up. Several volunteers have shared how Helaena used to stay up on her cat tree when they first started volunteering. As they've continued coming in and spending time with her, she's become more comfortable. These days, she’ll come down and sit near people she has deemed worthy of her attention. If you are extra special, she may even reward you with pets, cuddles, and maybe even a little hand-licking. For Helaena, choosing to share your space is her way of saying, "I like having you around." And if you're hoping to win her over, there's one very important piece of information you should know: Churu treats are the key to Helaena's heart. A little patience and a tasty treat can go a long way with this girl. Helaena is also a true cat's cat. She loves the company of other cats and enjoys having feline friends around (especially her BFF Meowth), making her a wonderful choice for someone who already has a confident, cat-friendly companion at home. She’s looking for someone who will let her build trust at her own pace and appreciate the little moments when she decides you're worth getting closer to. Because when Helaena chooses you, it feels pretty special. If you're looking for a gentle companion who will grow alongside you and show her affection in her own unique way, Helaena may be your girl. Submit an Adoption Survey with Al-Van Humane Society at al-van.org/adopt.

Also, don't miss:

Humane Education Day at the Michigan Maritime Museum

Join Al-Van Humane Society and the Michigan Maritime Museum on Sunday, November 1, from 12–3 PM for Humane Education Day!
This free, family-friendly event celebrates kindness and compassion toward animals through hands-on activities that help kids learn about animal welfare and how they can make a difference in their community. Families will also have the opportunity to meet adoptable pets from Al-Van and learn more about adoption, fostering, and ways to help local animals.

Helaena is the kind of cat who may not rush over to greet you, but that doesn't mean she isn't interested in getting to know you. This beautiful 2-year-old has a sweet, quiet personality and the cutest little black spot right on her nose. If you meet Helaena at the Adoption Center, you'll likely find her perched on her favorite cat tree, taking everything in from a comfortable distance. Helaena likes to get to know people on her own terms, and our volunteers have discovered that sometimes the best way to earn her trust is simply to keep showing up. Several volunteers have shared how Helaena used to stay up on her cat tree when they first started volunteering. As they've continued coming in and spending time with her, she's become more comfortable. These days, she&rsquo;ll come down and sit near people she has deemed worthy of her attention. If you are extra special, she may even reward you with pets, cuddles, and maybe even a little hand-licking. For Helaena, choosing to share your space is her way of saying, "I like having you around." And if you're hoping to win her over, there's one very important piece of information you should know: Churu treats are the key to Helaena's heart. A little patience and a tasty treat can go a long way with this girl. Helaena is also a true cat's cat. She loves the company of other cats and enjoys having feline friends around (especially her BFF Meowth), making her a wonderful choice for someone who already has a confident, cat-friendly companion at home. She&rsquo;s looking for someone who will let her build trust at her own pace and appreciate the little moments when she decides you're worth getting closer to. Because when Helaena chooses you, it feels pretty special. If you're looking for a gentle companion who will grow alongside you and show her affection in her own unique way, Helaena may be your girl. Submit an Adoption Survey with Al-Van Humane Society at al-van.org/adopt.
Also, don't miss:
Humane Education Day at the Michigan Maritime Museum
Join Al-Van Humane Society and the Michigan Maritime Museum on Sunday, November 1, from 12&ndash;3 PM for Humane Education Day! This free, family-friendly event celebrates kindness and compassion toward animals through hands-on activities that help kids learn about animal welfare and how they can make a difference in their community. Families will also have the opportunity to meet adoptable pets from Al-Van and learn more about adoption, fostering, and ways to help local animals.

The Mason Jar Cafe Furry Friend of the Week - Helaena

Gus is a sweet, quick-learning dog who loves fetch and loves meeting new people! He’s about two years old and very friendly – he’s been good with other dogs here in the shelter, and does well on the leash; he learns new tricks and methods very quickly. Like all our adoptable dogs, he’s fixed, microchipped, heartworm tested, and vaccinated for rabies, parvo/distemper, and Bordetella/kennel cough. Gus looks forward to meeting you at Berrien County Animal Services, 1400 South Euclid Avenue, Benton Harbor, MI 49022, Phone 269-927-5648.    

Also, don't miss:
Saturday, October 24th, 2026, 11am-3pm:  Trunk or Treat at Berrien County Animal Services, 1400 South Euclid Avenue, Benton Harbor, MI 49022
Saturday, December 5th, 10am to 2pm:  Free Vaccine & Microchip Clinic at Berrien County Animal Services, 1400 South Euclid Avenue, Benton Harbor, MI 49022 (Last One of 2026!)

Gus is a sweet, quick-learning dog who loves fetch and loves meeting new people! He&rsquo;s about two years old and very friendly &ndash; he&rsquo;s been good with other dogs here in the shelter, and does well on the leash; he learns new tricks and methods very quickly. Like all our adoptable dogs, he&rsquo;s fixed, microchipped, heartworm tested, and vaccinated for rabies, parvo/distemper, and Bordetella/kennel cough. Gus looks&nbsp;forward to meeting you at Berrien County Animal Services, 1400 South Euclid Avenue, Benton Harbor, MI 49022, Phone&nbsp;<a href="tel:(269)%20927-5648">269-927-5648</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Also, don't miss:
<ul>
<li>Saturday, October 24th, 2026, 11am-3pm:&nbsp; Trunk or Treat at Berrien County Animal Services, 1400 South Euclid Avenue, Benton Harbor, MI 49022</li>
<li>Saturday, December 5th, 10am to 2pm:&nbsp; Free Vaccine &amp; Microchip Clinic at Berrien County Animal Services, 1400 South Euclid Avenue, Benton Harbor, MI 49022 (Last One of 2026!)</li>
</ul>

The Mason Jar Cafe Furry Friend of the Week - Gus

We invite you to take a moment and get to know Chunk. This hunk o' love shows his love complete with drool! Chunk is approximately 4-5 years old and comes with all of his 'bits' attached. But, no worries, we provide you with a spay/neuter certificate to help offset the cost of having those pesky danglies removed! Chunk hasn't been tested with cats or kids, but he has shown he is a friendly gent with our staff and the vet he got to meet for his vaccinations. He knows some basic commands such as 'sit' and 'paw' which he was kind enough to demonstrate without even being asked. (We thought that was pretty cool!) Chunk is a pretty laid-back guy who enjoys naps, but he tends to prefer the floor over his bed. Maybe in time, when he realizes that beds are comfy he will use them, but we aren't forcing him to rush into a decision on that as of yet. He loves pig-ears and chews. He enjoys treats of all kinds and accepts them gently from your hands. We haven't had a lot of time to fully get to know him yet, but so far, we are enjoying our time with him. We think that you will as well if you meet him. He does have a large growth hanging from his back leg, but the vet assures us that a surgery for its removal would be pretty simple. He has such gentle eyes that show a soul looking to be loved. Are you looking for someone to love you as well? Maybe a movie partner? Chunk would love to share late-night movie marathons with you. However, we do suggest that you make him his own bowl of popcorn for movie nights for drool reasons. Chunk  is waiting to meet all potential adopters at Van Buren County Animal Control Shelter at 58040 County Road 681 in Hartford. Our phone number is 269-621-4624.    

Also, don't miss:
Saturday, October 17th, 2026 - 9am to 4pm:  Free Vaccine Clinic by Van Buren County Animal Control Shelter!
MUST be a resident of Van Buren County. 
Free for all Van Buren County residents regardless of income. 
The free vaccinations are provided by our sponsors PetCo Love, BISSELL Pet Foundation, and the Dave and Cherly Duffield Foundation. 
Van Buren County Animal Control Shelter is located at 58040 County Road 681, Hartford, MI 49057 
For further details, follow us on our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/Vanburencountyac

We invite you to take a moment and get to know Chunk. This hunk o' love shows his love complete with drool! Chunk is approximately 4-5 years old and comes with all of his 'bits' attached. But, no worries, we provide you with a spay/neuter certificate to help offset the cost of having those pesky danglies removed! Chunk hasn't been tested with cats or kids, but he has shown he is a friendly gent with our staff and the vet he got to meet for his vaccinations. He knows some basic commands such as 'sit' and 'paw' which he was kind enough to demonstrate without even being asked. (We thought that was pretty cool!)&nbsp;Chunk is a pretty laid-back guy who enjoys naps, but he tends to prefer the floor over his bed. Maybe in time, when he realizes that beds are comfy he will use them, but we aren't forcing him to rush into a decision on that as of yet. He loves pig-ears and chews. He enjoys treats of all kinds&nbsp;and accepts them gently from your hands. We haven't had a lot of time to fully get to know him yet, but so far, we are enjoying our time with him. We think that you will as well if you meet him. He does have a large growth hanging from his back leg, but the vet assures us that a surgery for its removal would be pretty simple. He has such gentle eyes that show a soul looking to be loved. Are you looking for someone to love you as well? Maybe a movie partner? Chunk would love to share late-night movie marathons with you. However, we do suggest that you make him his own bowl of popcorn for movie nights for drool reasons. Chunk&nbsp; is waiting to meet all potential adopters at Van Buren County Animal Control Shelter at 58040 County Road 681 in Hartford.&nbsp;Our phone number is&nbsp;<a href="tel:(269)%20621-4624">269-621-4624</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Also, don't miss:
<ul>
<li>Saturday, October 17th, 2026 - 9am to 4pm:&nbsp; Free Vaccine Clinic by Van Buren County Animal Control Shelter!</li>
<ul>
<li>MUST be a resident of Van Buren County.&nbsp;</li>
<li>Free for all Van Buren County residents regardless of income.&nbsp;</li>
<li>The free vaccinations are provided by our sponsors PetCo Love, BISSELL Pet Foundation, and the Dave and Cherly Duffield Foundation.&nbsp;</li>
<li>Van Buren County Animal Control Shelter is located at <a href="https://www.google.com/maps/search/58040+County+Road+681,+Hartford,+MI?entry=gmail&amp;source=g">58040 County Road 681, Hartford, MI</a>&nbsp;49057&nbsp;</li>
<li>For further details, follow us on our Facebook page: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Vanburencountyac">https://www.facebook.com/Vanburencountyac</a></li>
</ul>
</ul>

The Mason Jar Cafe Furry Friend of the Week - Ellie

Furry Friends Friday

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