Cover Stories
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Hometown Hero Honorees
By Susan Spisak In August of 2024, we shared the story of Ollie, a Maltese Shih Tzu Poodle mix from Richmond whose quick actions saved his family. Katie and...
Hometown Hero Honorees
By Susan Spisak In August of 2024, we shared the story of Ollie, a Maltese Shih Tzu Poodle mix from Richmond whose quick actions saved his family. Katie and...
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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...
Furry Words
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Furry Words September 2026
When I sat down to write this column, I put a call out on the Sara Moore Enlightened Horizons Facebook page for submissions. To say I was stunned to realize...
Furry Words September 2026
When I sat down to write this column, I put a call out on the Sara Moore Enlightened Horizons Facebook page for submissions. To say I was stunned to realize...
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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...
Ask The Vet
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They’re Gone!
Q. Lucky is devoted to my daughter. They go everywhere together. Now she is going to leave for college this fall. I am so worried about Lucky’s well-being. What can...
They’re Gone!
Q. Lucky is devoted to my daughter. They go everywhere together. Now she is going to leave for college this fall. I am so worried about Lucky’s well-being. What can...
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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...
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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Building Confidence in Agility Dogs
In agility, we want our dogs to run at full speed and make correct choices based upon information from the handler. The first thing we must realize is that most...
Building Confidence in Agility Dogs
In agility, we want our dogs to run at full speed and make correct choices based upon information from the handler. The first thing we must realize is that most...
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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...
Words Woofs & Meows
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Please, Be A Good Neighbor
This is for Dog Lovers and Those Who Dislike Them Being neighborly is simply being friendly, kind, and considerate to those in your community. Considering there are approximately 90...
Please, Be A Good Neighbor
This is for Dog Lovers and Those Who Dislike Them Being neighborly is simply being friendly, kind, and considerate to those in your community. Considering there are approximately 90...
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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...
Rescue of the Month
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Grammy Rose Rescue & Sanctuary
By Susan Spisak Grammy Rose Rescue & Sanctuary, Inc. in Acton saves adoptable dogs from euthanasia and provides them with quality care in a unique,...
Grammy Rose Rescue & Sanctuary
By Susan Spisak Grammy Rose Rescue & Sanctuary, Inc. in Acton saves adoptable dogs from euthanasia and provides them with quality care in a unique,...
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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)...
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 September 2026
When I sat down to write this column, I put a call out on the Sara Moore Enlightened Horizons Facebook page for submissions. To say I was stunned to realize...
Furry Words September 2026
When I sat down to write this column, I put a call out on the Sara Moore Enlightened Horizons Facebook page for submissions. To say I was stunned to realize...
-
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...
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
View all-
Behavior Medications: What They Can and Cannot Do
By Christine D. Calder, DVM, DACVBBoard-Certified Veterinary Behaviorist, www.caldervbs.com When medication is recommended for a behavior problem, many caregivers hesitate. These are medications people recognize. Many have taken fluoxetine or something...
Behavior Medications: What They Can and Cannot Do
By Christine D. Calder, DVM, DACVBBoard-Certified Veterinary Behaviorist, www.caldervbs.com When medication is recommended for a behavior problem, many caregivers hesitate. These are medications people recognize. Many have taken fluoxetine or something...
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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...
Training Your Performance Dog
View all-
Building Confidence in Agility Dogs
In agility, we want our dogs to run at full speed and make correct choices based upon information from the handler. The first thing we must realize is that most...
Building Confidence in Agility Dogs
In agility, we want our dogs to run at full speed and make correct choices based upon information from the handler. The first thing we must realize is that most...
-
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...
Words, Woofs & Meows
View all-
Please, Be A Good Neighbor
This is for Dog Lovers and Those Who Dislike Them Being neighborly is simply being friendly, kind, and considerate to those in your community. Considering there are approximately 90...
Please, Be A Good Neighbor
This is for Dog Lovers and Those Who Dislike Them Being neighborly is simply being friendly, kind, and considerate to those in your community. Considering there are approximately 90...
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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...
-
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...
Rescue of the Month
View all-
Grammy Rose Rescue & Sanctuary
By Susan Spisak Grammy Rose Rescue & Sanctuary, Inc. in Acton saves adoptable dogs from euthanasia and provides them with quality care in a unique,...
Grammy Rose Rescue & Sanctuary
By Susan Spisak Grammy Rose Rescue & Sanctuary, Inc. in Acton saves adoptable dogs from euthanasia and provides them with quality care in a unique,...
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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)...
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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Paws for a Cause Fundraiser
The Maine Dog Rescue a 501(c)(3) foster-based nonprofit is hosting Paws for a Cause on Sunday, September 20, at The Village Inn in Belgrade. The fundraiser will feature a live...
Paws for a Cause Fundraiser
The Maine Dog Rescue a 501(c)(3) foster-based nonprofit is hosting Paws for a Cause on Sunday, September 20, at The Village Inn in Belgrade. The fundraiser will feature a live...
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September 2026 Adoptable Dogs
CASHUS 4 years old, Mixed Breed Cashus has been with us for almost a year. Cashus is crate trained, potty trained, rides great in the car, and loves a comfy...
September 2026 Adoptable Dogs
CASHUS 4 years old, Mixed Breed Cashus has been with us for almost a year. Cashus is crate trained, potty trained, rides great in the car, and loves a comfy...
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Grammy Rose Dog Rescue & Sanctuary Selected as...
This September, shoppers can help give rescue dogs a second chance simply by picking up a reusable bag during their next grocery run. Grammy Rose Dog Rescue & Sanctuary has...
Grammy Rose Dog Rescue & Sanctuary Selected as...
This September, shoppers can help give rescue dogs a second chance simply by picking up a reusable bag during their next grocery run. Grammy Rose Dog Rescue & Sanctuary has...
