Sandra Thomas

Hey there, fellow dog lovers! If you’re anything like us at Sandy’s Up-North Sanctuaries, you know dogs aren’t just pets — they’re family. And one of the best ways to bond with your furry best friend is by getting outside and making memories together. Whether your pup is a high-energy explorer or more of a laid-back “sniff every tree” type, Northern Michigan offers endless opportunities for outdoor fun. From hiking scenic trails to splashing in crystal-clear lakes, there’s no shortage of...

The long winter is over. The bonfires are crackling again. The lakes are waking up. Flip-flops are replacing snow boots. And up here in Northern Michigan, Memorial Day Weekend isn’t just a holiday — it’s the unofficial kickoff to summer vacation season. At Sandy’s Up-North Sanctuaries LLC, we absolutely LOVE this time of year because everything starts coming alive again. Campgrounds fill up, kayaks hit the water, fishing poles come out of storage, and families, couples, and adventure-seekers...

Last season, our little corner of the yard at Sandy’s Up‑North Sanctuaries turned into a full-blown mystery — one that had us watching the garden like detectives and inspecting the yard for clues every morning. If you followed along, you’ll remember the original question that launched The Caper Series: Who Was Chewing on the Colored Light Bulbs? The suspects were familiar faces around Happy Camper. Beth — The Black Squirrel Fast. Sneaky. Smart enough to open a snack container if she had...