GRAND RAPIDS, Mich.—Looking for a job?  The list of West Michigan’s 101 Best and Brightest Companies to Work For is out.

The businesses are nominated by staff or community members.  Judges then whittle down the pool to 101 winners, based on communication, work-life balance, employee education, diversity, recognition, retention and other categories.    This year’s winners are:

WYOMING, Mich.—The City of Wyoming is rebuilding its K-9 Unit, with the help of donations collected by the Wyoming Animal Hospital.

Last year, the hospital, which is the sole health care provider for the city’s police canines, held a canine demonstration and 5k walk featuring the Wyoming Police K-9 Unit.  The events raised more than $6,300, which Wyoming Animal Hospital donated back to the K-9 Unit.

Shortly after the events, the police department  lost an officer and two canine partners to retirement.  The search for a new handler and two dogs took the department to Vigilant Canine Services International, where they found Azar.  The department was able to pay for Azar using the money raised by Wyoming Animal Hospital. 

The Wyoming Animal Hospital plans to make the Wyoming 5-0 5k walk an annual event.  Plans are already underway for this year’s event.

HUDSONVILLE, Mich.—A former meat shop in Hudsonville has gone to the dogs.

Tolman’s Wholesale Meats recently moved from 6363 56th Avenue to a larger facility, to accommodate growing demand. Realtor Olga Hallstedt says the building’s specialized washable walls appealed to retiring Wyoming Police Officer Randy Adams, who was looking to open a daycare, boarding and training facility for dogs. Adams, who handled and trained police service dogs for more than 20 years, bought the building in January 2014 to expand his dog training business, Adams K-9, which started in his garage in 2009. He says work is still underway to transform the facility into a business that will serve up to 18 dogs a day.  Adams hopes to celebrate the business' grand opening by the end of April or early May. 

Adams retired with his police K-9 companion, Mojy in November.