Matthew Russell

Matthew Russell

Matthew Russell is a West Michigan native and with a background in journalism, data analysis, cartography and design thinking. He likes to learn new things and solve old problems whenever possible, and enjoys bicycling, spending time with his daughters, and coffee.

Articles by Matthew Russell

Left: Tabby-and-white bodega cat sits on a shop counter beside jars and bottles, looking alert. Right: Brown tabby cat wearing a collar sits on a sidewalk outside a storefront, looking to the side.

Beloved Bodega Cats Are Still In Legal Limbo When It Comes To Protections

Bodega cats are already part of neighborhood life, but current rules can still treat them as violations. New bills would protect these working cats with veterinary care, vaccinations, spay/neuter support,...

Beloved Bodega Cats Are Still In Legal Limbo When It Comes To Protections

Bodega cats are already part of neighborhood life, but current rules can still treat them as violations. New bills would protect these working cats with veterinary care, vaccinations, spay/neuter support,...

Split image showing a chained black-and-tan dog lying on dirt beside a muddy doghouse where another chained dog rests inside.

Dangerous Tethering Laws Leave Dogs Exposed

A dog tied outside can be trapped in heat, cold, storms, or direct sun with no way to reach safety. Nassau County has passed one of the strictest anti-tethering laws...

Dangerous Tethering Laws Leave Dogs Exposed

A dog tied outside can be trapped in heat, cold, storms, or direct sun with no way to reach safety. Nassau County has passed one of the strictest anti-tethering laws...

Split image showing two beagles behind kennel bars: on the left, a close-up of a beagle with one paw raised against the bars and mouth slightly open; on the right, a beagle wearing a recovery cone rests its chin on its paws behind the bars.

Hundreds Of Beagles Will Finally Leave A Wisconsin Research Farm Behind

Hundreds of beagles are leaving a Wisconsin research facility after a rescue agreement that could end years of confinement, testing, and public pressure. Now, the dogs face a different challenge:...

Hundreds Of Beagles Will Finally Leave A Wisconsin Research Farm Behind

Hundreds of beagles are leaving a Wisconsin research facility after a rescue agreement that could end years of confinement, testing, and public pressure. Now, the dogs face a different challenge:...

Side-by-side images show a dog wrestling with a cougar on the ground and a woman running into the yard in blurred security footage.

Woman Risks Her Life To Save Tiny Goat From Cougar’s Jaws

A peaceful farm morning turned into a nightmare when a cougar lunged at a baby goat in British Columbia. But one woman refused to stand by. Security footage captured her...

Woman Risks Her Life To Save Tiny Goat From Cougar’s Jaws

A peaceful farm morning turned into a nightmare when a cougar lunged at a baby goat in British Columbia. But one woman refused to stand by. Security footage captured her...

Split image showing a brown dog resting by a window and a woman gently petting a sleeping dog on a couch.

Breed Blacklists Can Tear Dogs From Loving Families

Some families are denied homeowners or renters insurance because of a dog’s breed, even when that dog has no bite history or record of aggression. Breed blacklists can tear pets...

Breed Blacklists Can Tear Dogs From Loving Families

Some families are denied homeowners or renters insurance because of a dog’s breed, even when that dog has no bite history or record of aggression. Breed blacklists can tear pets...

Split image showing a woman comparing pet food in a store while holding a dog and a veterinarian examining a golden retriever.

Pet Parents Finally Catch a Break as Food Prices Show Signs of Relief

Pet owners have spent years watching prices climb every trip to the store. Now, new data suggests a surprising shift may be underway. Is the era of relentless pet food...

Pet Parents Finally Catch a Break as Food Prices Show Signs of Relief

Pet owners have spent years watching prices climb every trip to the store. Now, new data suggests a surprising shift may be underway. Is the era of relentless pet food...