A big concern with the dangerously cold temperatures in Michigan this week is pets being left out in the extreme elements.

The KARENS, an animal rescue group, have been our rescuing dogs.

Co-founders of The KARENS, Chantal Rzewnicki and Melanie Thomas, have a serious warning for pet owners. For the next 24 hours big or small, bring your animals inside or they won't survive.

Watch our full interview with the co-founders of The Karens below: Full interview: The KARENS animal rescue group says bring pets inside during extreme cold

Were seeing a lot of dogs. Most people have been compliant. We did get one owner surrendered today already, but everybody seems (to know) crates, the crates save lives. So, if we can offer a crate for you to get your dog inside, we give you blankets, we give you anything to keep the dogs inside and warm, Thomas said.

Thomas and Rzewnicki say no matter what, bring those dogs inside or we're going to have dead animals on the street.

If you need free help with your animal whether that's a crate to bring them inside, blankets to keep them warm inside or other supplies, please call The KARENS at 586-484-2597 or 313-802-0093.

A Michigan family is back on American soil after being stuck in the Caribbean during conflict in Venezuela.

Derrick and Athena Chriss and their two children traveled for a holiday trip and were supposed to return Saturday. But conflict in Venezuela involving the capture of President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, halted flights, leaving the Chriss family stuck on St. Kitts with mounting bills and threats to be kicked out of their hotel.

Listen to our phone interview after the family's return to the U.S. below: Phone interview: Family returns to US after being stuck in Caribbean during conflict in Venezuela

The family reached out to Michigan lawmakers and Congresswoman Lisa McClain secured them seats to Miami then Detroit, ending days of stress.

Her and her office did a great job. They really did a lot to help and they really stood their ground in doing what they said they were going to do for us. So we cant thank them enough for what they did, Derrick Chriss said.

Watch our previous report when the family was stranded below: Michigan family stranded in Caribbean as Venezuela conflict disrupts flights

McClain said she was happy to help.

But its our job. I mean, it shouldnt have to be that way that we have to make calls and stuff, but Im glad we could do it, said McClain, who also credits her staff.