Cover Stories
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Upcoming Happenings & Etiquette Tips
By Susan Spisak There’s an interesting festival this weekend and you’d love to attend with your dog. Before you head out, you have to consider if he is...
Upcoming Happenings & Etiquette Tips
By Susan Spisak There’s an interesting festival this weekend and you’d love to attend with your dog. Before you head out, you have to consider if he is...
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Hiking, Walking, & Beaching
By Susan Spisak Summertime is an excellent opportunity to spend time outdoors and appreciate the beauty that defines Maine. Whether you’re camping, day tripping, or grabbing an hour...
Hiking, Walking, & Beaching
By Susan Spisak Summertime is an excellent opportunity to spend time outdoors and appreciate the beauty that defines Maine. Whether you’re camping, day tripping, or grabbing an hour...
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Canine Adventures Across Vacationland
By Susan Spisak Maine’s reputation as being exceptionally dog-friendly is well earned. Known as Vacationland, the state is filled with charming villages, scenic towns, and bustling cities that...
Canine Adventures Across Vacationland
By Susan Spisak Maine’s reputation as being exceptionally dog-friendly is well earned. Known as Vacationland, the state is filled with charming villages, scenic towns, and bustling cities that...
Furry Words
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Furry Words AUGUST 2026
Hello everyone! July was crazy but in the best ways possible. I finally got some time in the pool, romped the fields to the stream with our four dogs, vacuumed...
Furry Words AUGUST 2026
Hello everyone! July was crazy but in the best ways possible. I finally got some time in the pool, romped the fields to the stream with our four dogs, vacuumed...
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Furry Words June 2026
Welcome to July! Does anyone know what happened to June? Mine was a blur, but the pups have loved their summer swims, chasing fireflies and butterflies in the yard, and...
Furry Words June 2026
Welcome to July! Does anyone know what happened to June? Mine was a blur, but the pups have loved their summer swims, chasing fireflies and butterflies in the yard, and...
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Furry Words June 2026
Are you as excited as I am for June? Hummingbirds are back, chicks are hatching, my chickens are squawking happily in their enclosure, and we get to see vibrant flowers...
Furry Words June 2026
Are you as excited as I am for June? Hummingbirds are back, chicks are hatching, my chickens are squawking happily in their enclosure, and we get to see vibrant flowers...
Ask The Vet
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Travel Fatigue
Q. We are doing a lot of traveling this summer visiting family. Anything I should know to help my dog with vacationing? A. Summer is here. Weekend and...
Travel Fatigue
Q. We are doing a lot of traveling this summer visiting family. Anything I should know to help my dog with vacationing? A. Summer is here. Weekend and...
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Can Mushrooms Shrink Fatty Tumors?
Q. I am seeing a lot of ads on Facebook for curing fatty lumps with mushrooms. Is that real? A. Fourth of July, especially this year, is a...
Can Mushrooms Shrink Fatty Tumors?
Q. I am seeing a lot of ads on Facebook for curing fatty lumps with mushrooms. Is that real? A. Fourth of July, especially this year, is a...
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Can Mushrooms Shrink Fatty Tumors?
Q. I am seeing a lot of ads on Facebook for curing fatty lumps with mushrooms. Is that real? A. There is a long history of using mushrooms...
Can Mushrooms Shrink Fatty Tumors?
Q. I am seeing a lot of ads on Facebook for curing fatty lumps with mushrooms. Is that real? A. There is a long history of using mushrooms...
Basic Training Tips
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It Has Been a Great Ride! Happy New Year… and ...
I was so naive“I’m going to enter her in obedience competitions. I know she’ll do great! She’s fully trained now!” I laugh when I think back to what my inexperienced...
It Has Been a Great Ride! Happy New Year… and ...
I was so naive“I’m going to enter her in obedience competitions. I know she’ll do great! She’s fully trained now!” I laugh when I think back to what my inexperienced...
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“Do You Feel Safe?”
“Are You Having Fun?” An unfamiliar approach to trainingI recently worked with new clients and their lovely 6-month-old pup Luna here at my studio in North Yarmouth. They’d taken dog...
“Do You Feel Safe?”
“Are You Having Fun?” An unfamiliar approach to trainingI recently worked with new clients and their lovely 6-month-old pup Luna here at my studio in North Yarmouth. They’d taken dog...
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Changing the Channel
Sometimes It’s the Best – and Simplest – Option “If you are scared or feeling down flip the thought and turn it ‘round”* Canine Hopes and DreamsMy dog Skipper said...
Changing the Channel
Sometimes It’s the Best – and Simplest – Option “If you are scared or feeling down flip the thought and turn it ‘round”* Canine Hopes and DreamsMy dog Skipper said...
Veterinary Specialists
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The Great Pretender
Could That Lump Be a Mast Cell Tumor? By Mariela G. Aponte Hernandez, DVM Discovering a lump on your dog can be unsettling. While many skin masses are harmless,...
The Great Pretender
Could That Lump Be a Mast Cell Tumor? By Mariela G. Aponte Hernandez, DVM Discovering a lump on your dog can be unsettling. While many skin masses are harmless,...
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When Hot Becomes Too Hot
By Elyse Politica, DVM, PVESC What is heatstroke?Heatstroke occurs when an animal is producing too much heat and cannot get rid of it quickly...
When Hot Becomes Too Hot
By Elyse Politica, DVM, PVESC What is heatstroke?Heatstroke occurs when an animal is producing too much heat and cannot get rid of it quickly...
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Chemo… oh no?!
By Brooke Chauncy, DVM, PVESC Hearing that your dog or cat has cancer can feel overwhelming and frightening. For many pet owners the diagnosis...
Chemo… oh no?!
By Brooke Chauncy, DVM, PVESC Hearing that your dog or cat has cancer can feel overwhelming and frightening. For many pet owners the diagnosis...
Training Your Performance Dog
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Tracking - Become the Best Handler That You Can Be
Too many times the role of the human partner in the tracking team is minimized and sometimes you may hear the statement, "the dog has the nose, follow your dog,...
Tracking - Become the Best Handler That You Can Be
Too many times the role of the human partner in the tracking team is minimized and sometimes you may hear the statement, "the dog has the nose, follow your dog,...
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What is AKC Competitive Obedience?
AKC (American Kennel Club) competitive obedience consists of a series of classes from introductory level Beginner Novice to the most highly skilled level of Utility. Most people who have dogs...
What is AKC Competitive Obedience?
AKC (American Kennel Club) competitive obedience consists of a series of classes from introductory level Beginner Novice to the most highly skilled level of Utility. Most people who have dogs...
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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...
Words Woofs & Meows
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The Importance of Being Present
This month's column is based on an educational talk I was asked to present to a business networking group. It is a topic important to anyone who interacts with other...
The Importance of Being Present
This month's column is based on an educational talk I was asked to present to a business networking group. It is a topic important to anyone who interacts with other...
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Reflections on “The Rainbow Bridge”
My recent articles about Muppy’s passing and the reference to The Rainbow Bridge have sparked some thoughtful questions from friends, so I decided to research the poem and discuss it...
Reflections on “The Rainbow Bridge”
My recent articles about Muppy’s passing and the reference to The Rainbow Bridge have sparked some thoughtful questions from friends, so I decided to research the poem and discuss it...
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Questions to Ask Yourself BEFORE Adding a Dog t...
Adding a puppy or dog to a family is no small matter. The decision to do so will affect all family members, and the dog will be affected by everyone...
Questions to Ask Yourself BEFORE Adding a Dog t...
Adding a puppy or dog to a family is no small matter. The decision to do so will affect all family members, and the dog will be affected by everyone...
Rescue of the Month
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Animal Welfare Society
Providing a Safe, Soft Spot for Pets to Land By Susan Spisak Suzanne Madore, aka Suz, came on board as Animal Welfare Society’s (AWS) Marketing...
Animal Welfare Society
Providing a Safe, Soft Spot for Pets to Land By Susan Spisak Suzanne Madore, aka Suz, came on board as Animal Welfare Society’s (AWS) Marketing...
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Almost Home Rescue of New England
Rescuing All Breeds & Finding Them Forever Homes By Susan Spisak Since 2005, the 501(c) (3) all-volunteer, foster-based Almost Home Rescue of New England (AHR)...
Almost Home Rescue of New England
Rescuing All Breeds & Finding Them Forever Homes By Susan Spisak Since 2005, the 501(c) (3) all-volunteer, foster-based Almost Home Rescue of New England (AHR)...
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Pope Memorial Humane Society
Dedicated to Animals & the Community By Susan Spisak Pope Memorial Humane Society (PMHS) was founded in 1989. The founders bought seven acres on...
Pope Memorial Humane Society
Dedicated to Animals & the Community By Susan Spisak Pope Memorial Humane Society (PMHS) was founded in 1989. The founders bought seven acres on...
Columns
Basic Training Tips
View all-
It Has Been a Great Ride! Happy New Year… and ...
I was so naive“I’m going to enter her in obedience competitions. I know she’ll do great! She’s fully trained now!” I laugh when I think back to what my inexperienced...
It Has Been a Great Ride! Happy New Year… and ...
I was so naive“I’m going to enter her in obedience competitions. I know she’ll do great! She’s fully trained now!” I laugh when I think back to what my inexperienced...
-
“Do You Feel Safe?”
“Are You Having Fun?” An unfamiliar approach to trainingI recently worked with new clients and their lovely 6-month-old pup Luna here at my studio in North Yarmouth. They’d taken dog...
“Do You Feel Safe?”
“Are You Having Fun?” An unfamiliar approach to trainingI recently worked with new clients and their lovely 6-month-old pup Luna here at my studio in North Yarmouth. They’d taken dog...
-
Changing the Channel
Sometimes It’s the Best – and Simplest – Option “If you are scared or feeling down flip the thought and turn it ‘round”* Canine Hopes and DreamsMy dog Skipper said...
Changing the Channel
Sometimes It’s the Best – and Simplest – Option “If you are scared or feeling down flip the thought and turn it ‘round”* Canine Hopes and DreamsMy dog Skipper said...
Furry Words
View all-
Furry Words AUGUST 2026
Hello everyone! July was crazy but in the best ways possible. I finally got some time in the pool, romped the fields to the stream with our four dogs, vacuumed...
Furry Words AUGUST 2026
Hello everyone! July was crazy but in the best ways possible. I finally got some time in the pool, romped the fields to the stream with our four dogs, vacuumed...
-
Furry Words June 2026
Welcome to July! Does anyone know what happened to June? Mine was a blur, but the pups have loved their summer swims, chasing fireflies and butterflies in the yard, and...
Furry Words June 2026
Welcome to July! Does anyone know what happened to June? Mine was a blur, but the pups have loved their summer swims, chasing fireflies and butterflies in the yard, and...
-
Furry Words June 2026
Are you as excited as I am for June? Hummingbirds are back, chicks are hatching, my chickens are squawking happily in their enclosure, and we get to see vibrant flowers...
Furry Words June 2026
Are you as excited as I am for June? Hummingbirds are back, chicks are hatching, my chickens are squawking happily in their enclosure, and we get to see vibrant flowers...
Veterinary Specialist
View all-
The Great Pretender
Could That Lump Be a Mast Cell Tumor? By Mariela G. Aponte Hernandez, DVM Discovering a lump on your dog can be unsettling. While many skin masses are harmless,...
The Great Pretender
Could That Lump Be a Mast Cell Tumor? By Mariela G. Aponte Hernandez, DVM Discovering a lump on your dog can be unsettling. While many skin masses are harmless,...
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When Hot Becomes Too Hot
By Elyse Politica, DVM, PVESC What is heatstroke?Heatstroke occurs when an animal is producing too much heat and cannot get rid of it quickly...
When Hot Becomes Too Hot
By Elyse Politica, DVM, PVESC What is heatstroke?Heatstroke occurs when an animal is producing too much heat and cannot get rid of it quickly...
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Chemo… oh no?!
By Brooke Chauncy, DVM, PVESC Hearing that your dog or cat has cancer can feel overwhelming and frightening. For many pet owners the diagnosis...
Chemo… oh no?!
By Brooke Chauncy, DVM, PVESC Hearing that your dog or cat has cancer can feel overwhelming and frightening. For many pet owners the diagnosis...
Veterinary Behaviorist
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What Is Your Shelter Dog Really Feeling? A New ...
By Christine D. Calder, DVM, DACVBBoard-Certified Veterinary Behaviorist, www.caldervbs.com Anyone who has walked through a shelter has seen both dogs: the one pressed flat against the back of the kennel and...
What Is Your Shelter Dog Really Feeling? A New ...
By Christine D. Calder, DVM, DACVBBoard-Certified Veterinary Behaviorist, www.caldervbs.com Anyone who has walked through a shelter has seen both dogs: the one pressed flat against the back of the kennel and...
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Where to Turn When Your Dog Needs Behavior Help
By Christine D. Calder, DVM, DACVBBoard-Certified Veterinary Behaviorist, www.caldervbs.com When your dog starts growling at guests, shredding the door frame when you leave, or guarding the food bowl, it...
Where to Turn When Your Dog Needs Behavior Help
By Christine D. Calder, DVM, DACVBBoard-Certified Veterinary Behaviorist, www.caldervbs.com When your dog starts growling at guests, shredding the door frame when you leave, or guarding the food bowl, it...
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Understanding Compulsive Behaviors
By Christine D. Calder, DVM, DACVBBoard-Certified Veterinary Behaviorist, www.caldervbs.com Does your dog chase its tail for ten minutes straight or lick the same spot on its paw until the skin...
Understanding Compulsive Behaviors
By Christine D. Calder, DVM, DACVBBoard-Certified Veterinary Behaviorist, www.caldervbs.com Does your dog chase its tail for ten minutes straight or lick the same spot on its paw until the skin...
Training Your Performance Dog
View all-
Tracking - Become the Best Handler That You Can Be
Too many times the role of the human partner in the tracking team is minimized and sometimes you may hear the statement, "the dog has the nose, follow your dog,...
Tracking - Become the Best Handler That You Can Be
Too many times the role of the human partner in the tracking team is minimized and sometimes you may hear the statement, "the dog has the nose, follow your dog,...
-
What is AKC Competitive Obedience?
AKC (American Kennel Club) competitive obedience consists of a series of classes from introductory level Beginner Novice to the most highly skilled level of Utility. Most people who have dogs...
What is AKC Competitive Obedience?
AKC (American Kennel Club) competitive obedience consists of a series of classes from introductory level Beginner Novice to the most highly skilled level of Utility. Most people who have dogs...
-
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...
Words, Woofs & Meows
View all-
The Importance of Being Present
This month's column is based on an educational talk I was asked to present to a business networking group. It is a topic important to anyone who interacts with other...
The Importance of Being Present
This month's column is based on an educational talk I was asked to present to a business networking group. It is a topic important to anyone who interacts with other...
-
Reflections on “The Rainbow Bridge”
My recent articles about Muppy’s passing and the reference to The Rainbow Bridge have sparked some thoughtful questions from friends, so I decided to research the poem and discuss it...
Reflections on “The Rainbow Bridge”
My recent articles about Muppy’s passing and the reference to The Rainbow Bridge have sparked some thoughtful questions from friends, so I decided to research the poem and discuss it...
-
Questions to Ask Yourself BEFORE Adding a Dog t...
Adding a puppy or dog to a family is no small matter. The decision to do so will affect all family members, and the dog will be affected by everyone...
Questions to Ask Yourself BEFORE Adding a Dog t...
Adding a puppy or dog to a family is no small matter. The decision to do so will affect all family members, and the dog will be affected by everyone...
Rescue of the Month
View all-
Animal Welfare Society
Providing a Safe, Soft Spot for Pets to Land By Susan Spisak Suzanne Madore, aka Suz, came on board as Animal Welfare Society’s (AWS) Marketing...
Animal Welfare Society
Providing a Safe, Soft Spot for Pets to Land By Susan Spisak Suzanne Madore, aka Suz, came on board as Animal Welfare Society’s (AWS) Marketing...
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Almost Home Rescue of New England
Rescuing All Breeds & Finding Them Forever Homes By Susan Spisak Since 2005, the 501(c) (3) all-volunteer, foster-based Almost Home Rescue of New England (AHR)...
Almost Home Rescue of New England
Rescuing All Breeds & Finding Them Forever Homes By Susan Spisak Since 2005, the 501(c) (3) all-volunteer, foster-based Almost Home Rescue of New England (AHR)...
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Pope Memorial Humane Society
Dedicated to Animals & the Community By Susan Spisak Pope Memorial Humane Society (PMHS) was founded in 1989. The founders bought seven acres on...
Pope Memorial Humane Society
Dedicated to Animals & the Community By Susan Spisak Pope Memorial Humane Society (PMHS) was founded in 1989. The founders bought seven acres on...
Guest Contributor
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How to Keep Pets Safe and Pests Away This Season
By Alex Vargas, Modern Pest Services It’s a warm evening in Maine. After a long winter, sunlight filters through the trees and bathes your garden...
How to Keep Pets Safe and Pests Away This Season
By Alex Vargas, Modern Pest Services It’s a warm evening in Maine. After a long winter, sunlight filters through the trees and bathes your garden...
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Canine Fitness 101: How a Fitness Routine Can ...
By Rebeccah Aube CCUI, CCMP, CPCFTOwner of Power Up K9, LLC Did you know that doggie gyms exist? Many people are surprised when they first hear that, but canine fitness has...
Canine Fitness 101: How a Fitness Routine Can ...
By Rebeccah Aube CCUI, CCMP, CPCFTOwner of Power Up K9, LLC Did you know that doggie gyms exist? Many people are surprised when they first hear that, but canine fitness has...
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What Services Do Dog Groomers Offer?
by Elsebeth DeBiase, coastalcreationspetsalon.com When people think of professional pet grooming, they picture a dog having a bath or a cute haircut. Today, grooming is far more specialized. Groomers tailor services...
What Services Do Dog Groomers Offer?
by Elsebeth DeBiase, coastalcreationspetsalon.com When people think of professional pet grooming, they picture a dog having a bath or a cute haircut. Today, grooming is far more specialized. Groomers tailor services...
Hot Dog News
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August 2026 Adoptable Dogs
BUBBA 3 years old, Mixed Breed Bubba is a sweet boy. He gets along with all the dogs he meets and likes to go outside and run around with them....
August 2026 Adoptable Dogs
BUBBA 3 years old, Mixed Breed Bubba is a sweet boy. He gets along with all the dogs he meets and likes to go outside and run around with them....
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A Happy Ending for Jedi: A Rescue Dog Finds His...
We often don’t know when a dog featured in Downeast Dog News finds their forever home, and that’s understandable—rescues are incredibly busy caring for animals and helping them find the...
A Happy Ending for Jedi: A Rescue Dog Finds His...
We often don’t know when a dog featured in Downeast Dog News finds their forever home, and that’s understandable—rescues are incredibly busy caring for animals and helping them find the...
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Green Acres Kennel Shop Recognized as the Regio...
[Bangor, Maine July 8, 2026] Green Acres Kennel Shop was recognized as the Bangor Region’s Best Kennel every year since 2002, Best Pet Supply Store every year since 2007, Best Dog...
Green Acres Kennel Shop Recognized as the Regio...
[Bangor, Maine July 8, 2026] Green Acres Kennel Shop was recognized as the Bangor Region’s Best Kennel every year since 2002, Best Pet Supply Store every year since 2007, Best Dog...
