Cover Stories
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Celebrating Therapy & Service Dogs
By Susan Spisak April 30th was National Therapy Animal Day and with Service Dog Month coming in September, now’s a great time to celebrate both! To honor...
Celebrating Therapy & Service Dogs
By Susan Spisak April 30th was National Therapy Animal Day and with Service Dog Month coming in September, now’s a great time to celebrate both! To honor...
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Full Circle for the Seppala Siberian Sleddog
Could Breed be Named as State Dog? By Susan Spisak Cover photo: Togo Statue Photo Courtesy of Poland Spring Preservation Society There’s a strong movement to...
Full Circle for the Seppala Siberian Sleddog
Could Breed be Named as State Dog? By Susan Spisak Cover photo: Togo Statue Photo Courtesy of Poland Spring Preservation Society There’s a strong movement to...
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Canine Musical Freestyle
By Susan Spisak Cover photo: Diana and Skipper like to dance wherever they go. This photo was taken in Santa Fe. Canine Musical Freestyle, also known as freestyle,...
Canine Musical Freestyle
By Susan Spisak Cover photo: Diana and Skipper like to dance wherever they go. This photo was taken in Santa Fe. Canine Musical Freestyle, also known as freestyle,...
Furry Words
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Furry Words May 2025
Hello and welcome to May! I love this time of year because the warmer days, blossoming flowers, and planning my garden give me hope. I love the winter as well,...
Furry Words May 2025
Hello and welcome to May! I love this time of year because the warmer days, blossoming flowers, and planning my garden give me hope. I love the winter as well,...
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Furry Words April 2025
By the time you read this I will have just returned from Long Island, where I traveled to a handful of different barns helping riders better connect with and understand...
Furry Words April 2025
By the time you read this I will have just returned from Long Island, where I traveled to a handful of different barns helping riders better connect with and understand...
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Furry Words March 2025
I know we’re getting closer to spring because my chickens have started laying eggs again! My heart gets so happy when this happens, and it gives me that burst of...
Furry Words March 2025
I know we’re getting closer to spring because my chickens have started laying eggs again! My heart gets so happy when this happens, and it gives me that burst of...
Ask The Vet
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Early Cancer Detection in Dogs
Q. Are there any early detection tests for cancer in dogs? A. Nearly half the dogs older than 10 years will get cancer. Some breeds are more prone to...
Early Cancer Detection in Dogs
Q. Are there any early detection tests for cancer in dogs? A. Nearly half the dogs older than 10 years will get cancer. Some breeds are more prone to...
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Heartworm in Maine
Q. What is the heartworm situation here in Maine? Do I need to be concerned? A. Just like ticks, heartworm was very rare in Maine. Most of the positive dogs...
Heartworm in Maine
Q. What is the heartworm situation here in Maine? Do I need to be concerned? A. Just like ticks, heartworm was very rare in Maine. Most of the positive dogs...
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Pet Poison Awareness Month
Q. What is poisonous to my puppy? A. March is Pet Poison Awareness Month. Each season brings its own list of concerns for pet safety. In this article I...
Pet Poison Awareness Month
Q. What is poisonous to my puppy? A. March is Pet Poison Awareness Month. Each season brings its own list of concerns for pet safety. In this article I...
Basic Training Tips
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Dogs and Doors What's the Big Deal?
They race through them to go out, whether it’s the front door, the car door, the crate door or… well, pretty much any door. When someone comes through a door,...
Dogs and Doors What's the Big Deal?
They race through them to go out, whether it’s the front door, the car door, the crate door or… well, pretty much any door. When someone comes through a door,...
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Train to Trust Trust to Train
How would you describe a scene where a dog is being trained? What about a student taking piano lessons? Or a gymnast being coached? What might the dynamics be like...
Train to Trust Trust to Train
How would you describe a scene where a dog is being trained? What about a student taking piano lessons? Or a gymnast being coached? What might the dynamics be like...
Veterinary Specialists
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Does Your Dog Feel Guilty?
By Christine D. Calder, DVM, DACVBCalder Veterinary Behavior Services, www.caldervbs.com You walk through the door and immediately spot the evidence—your favorite shoes are in pieces, trash is scattered across the...
Does Your Dog Feel Guilty?
By Christine D. Calder, DVM, DACVBCalder Veterinary Behavior Services, www.caldervbs.com You walk through the door and immediately spot the evidence—your favorite shoes are in pieces, trash is scattered across the...
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“WHAT, MALE DOGS HAVE PROSTATE GLANDS?” What Ow...
By Dr. Gail Mason, DVM, MA, DACVIM Chief Medical Officer, Portland Veterinary Emergency & Specialty Care While the majority of owned dogs are neutered, some owners choose to keep their male dogs...
“WHAT, MALE DOGS HAVE PROSTATE GLANDS?” What Ow...
By Dr. Gail Mason, DVM, MA, DACVIM Chief Medical Officer, Portland Veterinary Emergency & Specialty Care While the majority of owned dogs are neutered, some owners choose to keep their male dogs...
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“It’s Cool to be Hip” TOTAL HIP REPLACEMENT
by Meghan Sullivan, DVM, DACVS Portland Veterinary Emergency and Specialty Care Hip dysplasia is the most common canine orthopedic condition. Despite the fact that is used as a “catchall” lameness...
“It’s Cool to be Hip” TOTAL HIP REPLACEMENT
by Meghan Sullivan, DVM, DACVS Portland Veterinary Emergency and Specialty Care Hip dysplasia is the most common canine orthopedic condition. Despite the fact that is used as a “catchall” lameness...
Training Your Performance Dog
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Fetch – A New Titling Sport from AKC!
AKC Fetch titles were created as another activity in which owners could have fun with their dogs in the AKC Family Dog program. Earning AKC Fetch titles provides opportunities for...
Fetch – A New Titling Sport from AKC!
AKC Fetch titles were created as another activity in which owners could have fun with their dogs in the AKC Family Dog program. Earning AKC Fetch titles provides opportunities for...
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AKC RALLY Some Things to Think About Before You...
According to AKC Rally Regulations, Rally trials demonstrate the dog has been trained to behave in the home, in public places, and in the presence of other dogs in a...
AKC RALLY Some Things to Think About Before You...
According to AKC Rally Regulations, Rally trials demonstrate the dog has been trained to behave in the home, in public places, and in the presence of other dogs in a...
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Tracking – What Makes a Good Tracking Instructor?
Most people begin tracking by reading about it or getting their basic information online. Most of this elementary, introductory information will tell you what a great nose your dog has...
Tracking – What Makes a Good Tracking Instructor?
Most people begin tracking by reading about it or getting their basic information online. Most of this elementary, introductory information will tell you what a great nose your dog has...
Words Woofs & Meows
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Moving to a New Home When You Have Pets – Part Two
Making the Move Last month, I reviewed things to consider when looking for a new home and what to plan for before you put your existing home on...
Moving to a New Home When You Have Pets – Part Two
Making the Move Last month, I reviewed things to consider when looking for a new home and what to plan for before you put your existing home on...
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What To Look For In A Pet Care Professional–Part 2
Knowledge, Skills, Competence & Credentials Last month, I discussed the importance of carefully reviewing the ethics policies of pet care professionals before entrusting your pet to their care. This...
What To Look For In A Pet Care Professional–Part 2
Knowledge, Skills, Competence & Credentials Last month, I discussed the importance of carefully reviewing the ethics policies of pet care professionals before entrusting your pet to their care. This...
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What To Look For In A Pet Care Professional–Part 1
A Code of Technical & Ethical Standards This is the first in a series of articles designed to assist pet care consumers with selecting an appropriate professional to care...
What To Look For In A Pet Care Professional–Part 1
A Code of Technical & Ethical Standards This is the first in a series of articles designed to assist pet care consumers with selecting an appropriate professional to care...
Rescue of the Month
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Rescue of the Month: Responsible Pet Care of Ox...
By Susan Spisak Responsible Pet Care (RPC) of Oxford Hills is a no-kill, non-profit shelter...
Rescue of the Month: Responsible Pet Care of Ox...
By Susan Spisak Responsible Pet Care (RPC) of Oxford Hills is a no-kill, non-profit shelter...
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Rescue of the Month: Greater Androscoggin Human...
Saving Pets in Maine for 140 Years By Susan Spisak The The Greater Androscoggin Humane Society, GAHS, was incorporated...
Rescue of the Month: Greater Androscoggin Human...
Saving Pets in Maine for 140 Years By Susan Spisak The The Greater Androscoggin Humane Society, GAHS, was incorporated...
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Rescue of the Month: Bangor Humane Society
Area's Trusted Resource for Matching People & Pets By Susan Spisak The no-kill, board governed nonprofit Bangor Humane Society, BHS, has been around since...
Rescue of the Month: Bangor Humane Society
Area's Trusted Resource for Matching People & Pets By Susan Spisak The no-kill, board governed nonprofit Bangor Humane Society, BHS, has been around since...
Columns
Basic Training Tips
View all-
-
Dogs and Doors What's the Big Deal?
They race through them to go out, whether it’s the front door, the car door, the crate door or… well, pretty much any door. When someone comes through a door,...
Dogs and Doors What's the Big Deal?
They race through them to go out, whether it’s the front door, the car door, the crate door or… well, pretty much any door. When someone comes through a door,...
-
Train to Trust Trust to Train
How would you describe a scene where a dog is being trained? What about a student taking piano lessons? Or a gymnast being coached? What might the dynamics be like...
Train to Trust Trust to Train
How would you describe a scene where a dog is being trained? What about a student taking piano lessons? Or a gymnast being coached? What might the dynamics be like...
Furry Words
View all-
Furry Words May 2025
Hello and welcome to May! I love this time of year because the warmer days, blossoming flowers, and planning my garden give me hope. I love the winter as well,...
Furry Words May 2025
Hello and welcome to May! I love this time of year because the warmer days, blossoming flowers, and planning my garden give me hope. I love the winter as well,...
-
Furry Words April 2025
By the time you read this I will have just returned from Long Island, where I traveled to a handful of different barns helping riders better connect with and understand...
Furry Words April 2025
By the time you read this I will have just returned from Long Island, where I traveled to a handful of different barns helping riders better connect with and understand...
-
Furry Words March 2025
I know we’re getting closer to spring because my chickens have started laying eggs again! My heart gets so happy when this happens, and it gives me that burst of...
Furry Words March 2025
I know we’re getting closer to spring because my chickens have started laying eggs again! My heart gets so happy when this happens, and it gives me that burst of...
Veterinary Specialist
View all-
Does Your Dog Feel Guilty?
By Christine D. Calder, DVM, DACVBCalder Veterinary Behavior Services, www.caldervbs.com You walk through the door and immediately spot the evidence—your favorite shoes are in pieces, trash is scattered across the...
Does Your Dog Feel Guilty?
By Christine D. Calder, DVM, DACVBCalder Veterinary Behavior Services, www.caldervbs.com You walk through the door and immediately spot the evidence—your favorite shoes are in pieces, trash is scattered across the...
-
“WHAT, MALE DOGS HAVE PROSTATE GLANDS?” What Ow...
By Dr. Gail Mason, DVM, MA, DACVIM Chief Medical Officer, Portland Veterinary Emergency & Specialty Care While the majority of owned dogs are neutered, some owners choose to keep their male dogs...
“WHAT, MALE DOGS HAVE PROSTATE GLANDS?” What Ow...
By Dr. Gail Mason, DVM, MA, DACVIM Chief Medical Officer, Portland Veterinary Emergency & Specialty Care While the majority of owned dogs are neutered, some owners choose to keep their male dogs...
-
“It’s Cool to be Hip” TOTAL HIP REPLACEMENT
by Meghan Sullivan, DVM, DACVS Portland Veterinary Emergency and Specialty Care Hip dysplasia is the most common canine orthopedic condition. Despite the fact that is used as a “catchall” lameness...
“It’s Cool to be Hip” TOTAL HIP REPLACEMENT
by Meghan Sullivan, DVM, DACVS Portland Veterinary Emergency and Specialty Care Hip dysplasia is the most common canine orthopedic condition. Despite the fact that is used as a “catchall” lameness...
Veterinary Behaviorist
View all-
Why Do Dogs Eat Grass? A Closer Look at This Co...
By Christine D. Calder, DVM, DACVBBoard-Certified Veterinary Behaviorist, www.caldervbs.com Have you ever seen your dog chewing on grass and wondered, “Why is he doing that?” While it may seem strange, eating...
Why Do Dogs Eat Grass? A Closer Look at This Co...
By Christine D. Calder, DVM, DACVBBoard-Certified Veterinary Behaviorist, www.caldervbs.com Have you ever seen your dog chewing on grass and wondered, “Why is he doing that?” While it may seem strange, eating...
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Pulmonary Hypertension in Dogs
By Dr. Gail Mason, DVM, MA, DACVIM Chief Medical Officer, Portland Veterinary Emergency & Specialty Care Pulmonary (lung) hypertension refers to elevated blood pressure within the arteries and veins contained within your...
Pulmonary Hypertension in Dogs
By Dr. Gail Mason, DVM, MA, DACVIM Chief Medical Officer, Portland Veterinary Emergency & Specialty Care Pulmonary (lung) hypertension refers to elevated blood pressure within the arteries and veins contained within your...
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Aging Dogs: Understanding Cognitive Dysfunction...
By Christine D. Calder, DVM, DACVBCalder Veterinary Behavior Services, www.caldervbs.com Thanks to better veterinary care and healthier food, dogs are living longer lives. While this is great news, it also...
Aging Dogs: Understanding Cognitive Dysfunction...
By Christine D. Calder, DVM, DACVBCalder Veterinary Behavior Services, www.caldervbs.com Thanks to better veterinary care and healthier food, dogs are living longer lives. While this is great news, it also...
Training Your Performance Dog
View all-
Fetch – A New Titling Sport from AKC!
AKC Fetch titles were created as another activity in which owners could have fun with their dogs in the AKC Family Dog program. Earning AKC Fetch titles provides opportunities for...
Fetch – A New Titling Sport from AKC!
AKC Fetch titles were created as another activity in which owners could have fun with their dogs in the AKC Family Dog program. Earning AKC Fetch titles provides opportunities for...
-
AKC RALLY Some Things to Think About Before You...
According to AKC Rally Regulations, Rally trials demonstrate the dog has been trained to behave in the home, in public places, and in the presence of other dogs in a...
AKC RALLY Some Things to Think About Before You...
According to AKC Rally Regulations, Rally trials demonstrate the dog has been trained to behave in the home, in public places, and in the presence of other dogs in a...
-
Tracking – What Makes a Good Tracking Instructor?
Most people begin tracking by reading about it or getting their basic information online. Most of this elementary, introductory information will tell you what a great nose your dog has...
Tracking – What Makes a Good Tracking Instructor?
Most people begin tracking by reading about it or getting their basic information online. Most of this elementary, introductory information will tell you what a great nose your dog has...
Words, Woofs & Meows
View all-
Moving to a New Home When You Have Pets – Part Two
Making the Move Last month, I reviewed things to consider when looking for a new home and what to plan for before you put your existing home on...
Moving to a New Home When You Have Pets – Part Two
Making the Move Last month, I reviewed things to consider when looking for a new home and what to plan for before you put your existing home on...
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What To Look For In A Pet Care Professional–Part 2
Knowledge, Skills, Competence & Credentials Last month, I discussed the importance of carefully reviewing the ethics policies of pet care professionals before entrusting your pet to their care. This...
What To Look For In A Pet Care Professional–Part 2
Knowledge, Skills, Competence & Credentials Last month, I discussed the importance of carefully reviewing the ethics policies of pet care professionals before entrusting your pet to their care. This...
-
What To Look For In A Pet Care Professional–Part 1
A Code of Technical & Ethical Standards This is the first in a series of articles designed to assist pet care consumers with selecting an appropriate professional to care...
What To Look For In A Pet Care Professional–Part 1
A Code of Technical & Ethical Standards This is the first in a series of articles designed to assist pet care consumers with selecting an appropriate professional to care...
Rescue of the Month
View all-
Rescue of the Month: Responsible Pet Care of Ox...
By Susan Spisak Responsible Pet Care (RPC) of Oxford Hills is a no-kill, non-profit shelter...
Rescue of the Month: Responsible Pet Care of Ox...
By Susan Spisak Responsible Pet Care (RPC) of Oxford Hills is a no-kill, non-profit shelter...
-
Rescue of the Month: Greater Androscoggin Human...
Saving Pets in Maine for 140 Years By Susan Spisak The The Greater Androscoggin Humane Society, GAHS, was incorporated...
Rescue of the Month: Greater Androscoggin Human...
Saving Pets in Maine for 140 Years By Susan Spisak The The Greater Androscoggin Humane Society, GAHS, was incorporated...
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Rescue of the Month: Bangor Humane Society
Area's Trusted Resource for Matching People & Pets By Susan Spisak The no-kill, board governed nonprofit Bangor Humane Society, BHS, has been around since...
Rescue of the Month: Bangor Humane Society
Area's Trusted Resource for Matching People & Pets By Susan Spisak The no-kill, board governed nonprofit Bangor Humane Society, BHS, has been around since...
Guest Contributor
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The Origins of Dog Grooming
By Elsebeth DeBiase, BAminSC, ICMG, FFCP, LSHC-S, Owner, Coastal Creations Pet Salon For centuries, dogs stood by our side as loyal guardians and hunting partners. The bond between humans and dogs...
The Origins of Dog Grooming
By Elsebeth DeBiase, BAminSC, ICMG, FFCP, LSHC-S, Owner, Coastal Creations Pet Salon For centuries, dogs stood by our side as loyal guardians and hunting partners. The bond between humans and dogs...
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Improving the Human Canine Bond Through Grooming
by Elsebeth DeBiase, BAminSC, ICMG, FFCP, LSHC-SCoastal Creations Pet Salon, Owner In the 1902 short story, "The Cat That Walked by Himself," Rudyard Kipling wrote, "When the man woke up,...
Improving the Human Canine Bond Through Grooming
by Elsebeth DeBiase, BAminSC, ICMG, FFCP, LSHC-SCoastal Creations Pet Salon, Owner In the 1902 short story, "The Cat That Walked by Himself," Rudyard Kipling wrote, "When the man woke up,...
Hot Dog News
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May 2025 Adoptable Dogs
OTTO 13 years old, Shepherd Mix Otto is an active guy who hopes for a home with someone with shepherd experience. He loves people, car rides and hoses & would...
May 2025 Adoptable Dogs
OTTO 13 years old, Shepherd Mix Otto is an active guy who hopes for a home with someone with shepherd experience. He loves people, car rides and hoses & would...
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Rescue of the Month: The Grateful Dog
By Susan Spisak The Grateful Dog, TGD, was founded in 2017 by...
Rescue of the Month: The Grateful Dog
By Susan Spisak The Grateful Dog, TGD, was founded in 2017 by...
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Mini Golf Charity Event
The Museum of Maritime Pets will host its second annual Mini Golf Charity Benefit on Saturday May 10, 2025 at Golfer’s Crossing, 7 Country Way in Rockport ME. This event...
Mini Golf Charity Event
The Museum of Maritime Pets will host its second annual Mini Golf Charity Benefit on Saturday May 10, 2025 at Golfer’s Crossing, 7 Country Way in Rockport ME. This event...
