When a German Shepherd rescue organization posted Elmo’s photo online last fall, it made no effort to mask the dog’s problems. He wore a cone around his neck to prevent him from licking the large open sore on his hip. His fungus-ridden feet were swollen. His graying, 11-year-old face held a pathetic, ears-to-the-ground gaze. Steve […]
Pets
Why losing a dog can be harder than losing a relative or friend
Recently, my wife and I went through one of the more excruciating experiences of our lives — the euthanasia of our beloved dog, Murphy. I remember making eye contact with Murphy moments before she took her last breath — she flashed me a look that was an endearing blend of confusion and the reassurance that […]
Rangeley to celebrate dogs, Earth Day at one event
RANGELEY — The Rangeley Lakes Chamber of Commerce and Rangeley Health and Wellness announce plans for the first Best Dog on Earth Day event, a celebration of dogs and Earth Day, from 9:30 a.m. to noon Saturday, April 22. The event will kick off at the Rangeley Inn, where participants can register for a 3-mile […]
Meow Madness: The Purrfect mix of kittens and basketball
NEW YORK — Watch out Villanova and Kentucky (and Arizona and Northwestern), there’s a new set of cats going wild for March Madness. Time for Meow Madness , coming in April. Buoyed by the success of the Kitten Bowl, the Hallmark Channel is debuting a new show hosted by Beth Stern that will air on […]
Vinny, Gabby are featured Pets of the Week at Franklin County Animal Shelter
FARMINGTON — Gabby and Vinney are the Pets of the Week at the Franklin County Animal Shelter. Gabby, the Dog of the Week, is a 3-year-old, DNA tested American Staffordshire/boxer/chow mix. She’s a playful girl with a strong personality. She loves to be busy, and is at her best when her mind is engaged. She […]
Pot for pets: Owners treat sick animals with cannabis
As more states legalize marijuana for humans, more pet owners are giving medical-cannabis products to their furry companions to treat everything from arthritis and anxiety to seizures and cancer SAN FRANCISCO — Michael Fasman’s 12-year-old dog, Hudson, limps from pain caused by arthritis and an amputated toe, but Fasman doesn’t want to give her painkillers […]
This dog is ruining my credit score
After her family’s shiba inu died of cancer, Dawn Sabins decided to surprise her 7-year-old son with a new puppy. In March 2015, she dropped into a San Diego-area pet store looking for an English bulldog. She walked out with a golden retriever. That wasn’t so strange, even if $2,400 was more than she’d intended […]
Animal Welfare Society Cleo Fund offering low-cost spay, neuter services for Oxford County cat owners
WEST KENNEBUNK — The Animal Welfare Society, through its Cleo Fund, will offer low-cost spay and neuter surgeries for cats belonging to income-qualified residents of Oxford County. Cats will be spayed or neutered, have a wellness exam and receive a rabies vaccine for a $20 co-pay. These veterinary services are offered at a very reduced […]
Pet grooming industry is growing strong
In this Feb. 20 photo, Sylvie Schumacher trims Lilly at My Favorite Place in Dubuque, Iowa. According to market research, the industry, pet grooming is one of the few in the country to see consistently strong gains during the past 10 years. It has nearly doubled in size and keeps growing as pet owners seek […]