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Basic Training Tips

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  • It Has Been a Great Ride! Happy New Year… and Farewell

    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?”

    “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

    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...

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Furry Words

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  • Furry Words November 2026

    Furry Words November 2026

    We’re headed into winter, and I don’t know about you, but our pups have started snuggling a little closer with one crawling under the comforter at night! I do love...

    Furry Words November 2026

    We’re headed into winter, and I don’t know about you, but our pups have started snuggling a little closer with one crawling under the comforter at night! I do love...

  • Furry Words October 2026

    Furry Words October 2026

    Welcome to October!  I think this is one of my favorite months because we get to dig out and snuggle in the cozy sweaters. I get to make soups that...

    Furry Words October 2026

    Welcome to October!  I think this is one of my favorite months because we get to dig out and snuggle in the cozy sweaters. I get to make soups that...

  • Furry Words September 2026

    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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Veterinary Specialist

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  • The Great Pretender

    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,...

  • When Hot Becomes Too Hot

    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...

  • Chemo… oh no?!

    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...

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Veterinary Behaviorist

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  • Working Dogs in the Community

    Working Dogs in the Community

    By Christine D. Calder, DVM, DACVBBoard-Certified Veterinary Behaviorist, www.caldervbs.com Dogs are showing up in more places than ever. They visit libraries, schools, hospitals, and police stations. They help children learn to...

    Working Dogs in the Community

    By Christine D. Calder, DVM, DACVBBoard-Certified Veterinary Behaviorist, www.caldervbs.com Dogs are showing up in more places than ever. They visit libraries, schools, hospitals, and police stations. They help children learn to...

  • Behavior Medications: What They Can and Cannot Do

    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...

  • What Is Your Shelter Dog Really Feeling? A New Tool Tries to Find Out

    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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Training Your Performance Dog

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  • Fetch – A Titling Sport from AKC!

    Fetch – A 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 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...

  • Urban Tracking

    Urban Tracking

    Most people think of tracking with their dogs as being out in a field or fields and woods. There are two tracking events that use fields and woods; a TD...

    Urban Tracking

    Most people think of tracking with their dogs as being out in a field or fields and woods. There are two tracking events that use fields and woods; a TD...

  • Building Confidence in Agility Dogs

    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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Words, Woofs & Meows

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  • Giving Thanks for the Dogs in My Life

    Giving Thanks for the Dogs in My Life

    In the spirit of Thanksgiving, I give thanks to the dogs who have been part of my life, what they have taught me, and the joy they've brought to me...

    Giving Thanks for the Dogs in My Life

    In the spirit of Thanksgiving, I give thanks to the dogs who have been part of my life, what they have taught me, and the joy they've brought to me...

  • Cooperative Care & Consent Testing

    Cooperative Care & Consent Testing

    What Are They and Why Do They Matter? In August of 2026, I moderated a Pet Professional Guild discussion panel: What Happens When We Offer Pets More Choices: Resources for...

    Cooperative Care & Consent Testing

    What Are They and Why Do They Matter? In August of 2026, I moderated a Pet Professional Guild discussion panel: What Happens When We Offer Pets More Choices: Resources for...

  • Please, Be A Good Neighbor

    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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Rescue of the Month

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  • Safe Harbor Sanctuary

    Safe Harbor Sanctuary

    Inspired by a Southern Stray By Susan Spisak  In 2016, a special dog in Mississippi faithfully sat by her deceased owner’s grave every day. She got pregnant in that graveyard...

    Safe Harbor Sanctuary

    Inspired by a Southern Stray By Susan Spisak  In 2016, a special dog in Mississippi faithfully sat by her deceased owner’s grave every day. She got pregnant in that graveyard...

  • Grammy Rose Rescue & Sanctuary

    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,...

  • Animal Welfare Society

    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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Guest Contributor

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  • How to Make Grooming Day Easier for Your Dog

    How to Make Grooming Day Easier for Your Dog

    By Elsebeth DeBiaseBAminSC, ICMG, FFCP, LSHC-S, coastalcreationspetsalon.com For some dogs, visiting the groomer is simply part of their routine, while others find grooming challenging due to unfamiliar sounds, smells, equipment,...

    How to Make Grooming Day Easier for Your Dog

    By Elsebeth DeBiaseBAminSC, ICMG, FFCP, LSHC-S, coastalcreationspetsalon.com For some dogs, visiting the groomer is simply part of their routine, while others find grooming challenging due to unfamiliar sounds, smells, equipment,...

  • Rehoming Your Dog? Consider Your Options

    Rehoming Your Dog? Consider Your Options

    By Susan Spisak              Even the most devoted pet owners may face the painful decision to rehome their dog. Common reasons include divorce, financial hardship, a...

    Rehoming Your Dog? Consider Your Options

    By Susan Spisak              Even the most devoted pet owners may face the painful decision to rehome their dog. Common reasons include divorce, financial hardship, a...

  • How to Keep Pets Safe and Pests Away This Season

    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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Hot Dog News

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  • November 2026 Adoptable

    November 2026 Adoptable

    BRUNO 12 years old, Husky Looking for a retirement home. He likes to keep things low-key, with leisurely strolls and a cozy spot to curl up by the fire for...

    November 2026 Adoptable

    BRUNO 12 years old, Husky Looking for a retirement home. He likes to keep things low-key, with leisurely strolls and a cozy spot to curl up by the fire for...

  • BEST of the BEST Top Three

    BEST of the BEST Top Three

    Congratulations to our winners and thank you to our readers for voting!  BEST VETERINARY PRACTICE 1. Androscoggin Animal Hospital, Topsham2. Brunswick Veterinary Clinic, Brunswick3. Bath-Brunswick Veterinary Associates, Brunswick BEST GROOMER  1....

    BEST of the BEST Top Three

    Congratulations to our winners and thank you to our readers for voting!  BEST VETERINARY PRACTICE 1. Androscoggin Animal Hospital, Topsham2. Brunswick Veterinary Clinic, Brunswick3. Bath-Brunswick Veterinary Associates, Brunswick BEST GROOMER  1....

  • 2026 BEST of the BEST Winners

    2026 BEST of the BEST Winners

    Congratulations to our winners and thank you to our readers for voting! Best Vet Practice – Androscoggin Animal Hospital We are honored to be voted Best Vet Practice for 2026!...

    2026 BEST of the BEST Winners

    Congratulations to our winners and thank you to our readers for voting! Best Vet Practice – Androscoggin Animal Hospital We are honored to be voted Best Vet Practice for 2026!...

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