Cover Stories
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Visiting & Therapy Dogs
By Susan SpisakVisiting and therapy dogs bring smiles to folks in a variety of venues such as nursing homes, retirement communities, libraries, senior centers, and hospitals. These dogs need to...
Visiting & Therapy Dogs
By Susan SpisakVisiting and therapy dogs bring smiles to folks in a variety of venues such as nursing homes, retirement communities, libraries, senior centers, and hospitals. These dogs need to...
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National Pet First Aid Awareness Month
By Susan SpisakApril is National Pet First Aid Awareness Month, an effort by the American Red Cross (ARC) to draw attention to specialized pet first aid. This month is...
National Pet First Aid Awareness Month
By Susan SpisakApril is National Pet First Aid Awareness Month, an effort by the American Red Cross (ARC) to draw attention to specialized pet first aid. This month is...
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Breeds of the Emerald Isle
By Susan Spisak St. Patrick’s Day, honoring Ireland’s most famous patron saint, is observed on March 17th. While it started as his Feast Day in the 1600’s, over time...
Breeds of the Emerald Isle
By Susan Spisak St. Patrick’s Day, honoring Ireland’s most famous patron saint, is observed on March 17th. While it started as his Feast Day in the 1600’s, over time...
Furry Words
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Furry Words MAY 2024
Spring is springing!!! I love seeing the world wake up and start to bloom, and I know so many of our pets appreciate it as well. My old yellow lab,...
Furry Words MAY 2024
Spring is springing!!! I love seeing the world wake up and start to bloom, and I know so many of our pets appreciate it as well. My old yellow lab,...
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Furry Words APRIL 2024
Welcome to a spring edition of Furry Words! If you’re new, I’m a psychic for people and pets and love communicating with your four-legged friends. Psychic insight is never a...
Furry Words APRIL 2024
Welcome to a spring edition of Furry Words! If you’re new, I’m a psychic for people and pets and love communicating with your four-legged friends. Psychic insight is never a...
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Furry Words MARCH 2024
Welcome to the warmer days of March! Get your mud boots and towels ready because if your dog is anything like mine, she would paint the floor in mud if...
Furry Words MARCH 2024
Welcome to the warmer days of March! Get your mud boots and towels ready because if your dog is anything like mine, she would paint the floor in mud if...
Ask The Vet
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Leptospirosis
Q. What is Leptospirosis?A. Leptospirosis is a disease that is caused by a bacterial spirochete, Leptospira spp. The Leptospira genus has many species. Some are benign, called saprophytic, others are...
Leptospirosis
Q. What is Leptospirosis?A. Leptospirosis is a disease that is caused by a bacterial spirochete, Leptospira spp. The Leptospira genus has many species. Some are benign, called saprophytic, others are...
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Autism in Dogs
Q. Can dogs be autistic? My dog seems to be so distracted he’s not learning anything!A. The autism spectrum disorder in humans is very complex and has several degrees of...
Autism in Dogs
Q. Can dogs be autistic? My dog seems to be so distracted he’s not learning anything!A. The autism spectrum disorder in humans is very complex and has several degrees of...
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Acid Reflux in Dogs
Q. What is acid reflux, and what does it look like in a dog?A. Acid reflux is also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). GERD is caused by stomach juices,...
Acid Reflux in Dogs
Q. What is acid reflux, and what does it look like in a dog?A. Acid reflux is also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). GERD is caused by stomach juices,...
Basic Training Tips
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Emotional Learning Our Honest Dogs
Honestly! Dogs are honest, from head to tip of tail. This is my favorite quality about them. They don’t beat around the bush when it comes to telling the world...
Emotional Learning Our Honest Dogs
Honestly! Dogs are honest, from head to tip of tail. This is my favorite quality about them. They don’t beat around the bush when it comes to telling the world...
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The Culture of Food: It’s a Human Hangup
Treats, snacks, food or reward: which is it? We, as a culture (or maybe as a species), have a strange hangup with food. Food fills us...
The Culture of Food: It’s a Human Hangup
Treats, snacks, food or reward: which is it? We, as a culture (or maybe as a species), have a strange hangup with food. Food fills us...
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I Was Severely Punished
It Worked, and I’ll Never Do It Again, I Promise! I wasn’t the slightest bit interested in entering the AKC Rally competition nearby, but several friends and the instructor of...
I Was Severely Punished
It Worked, and I’ll Never Do It Again, I Promise! I wasn’t the slightest bit interested in entering the AKC Rally competition nearby, but several friends and the instructor of...
Veterinary Specialists
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Vestibular Syndrome
By Danielle Eifler, DVM, DACVIM (Neurology) Certified Veterinary Neurosurgeon What is Vestibular Syndrome?Vestibular Syndrome consists of a group of clinical signs that indicate dysfunction...
Vestibular Syndrome
By Danielle Eifler, DVM, DACVIM (Neurology) Certified Veterinary Neurosurgeon What is Vestibular Syndrome?Vestibular Syndrome consists of a group of clinical signs that indicate dysfunction...
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Corticosteroid Use in Dogs Friend or Foe?
By Dr. Gail Mason, DVM, MA, DACVIM Chief Medical Officer, Portland Veterinary Emergency & Specialty Care Corticosteroids are a class of steroid hormones, also...
Corticosteroid Use in Dogs Friend or Foe?
By Dr. Gail Mason, DVM, MA, DACVIM Chief Medical Officer, Portland Veterinary Emergency & Specialty Care Corticosteroids are a class of steroid hormones, also...
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The “Fine” Line:
A Precarious Place to Be I asked my students what new experiences their puppies had had over the previous week.“Frannie got a bath,” one...
The “Fine” Line:
A Precarious Place to Be I asked my students what new experiences their puppies had had over the previous week.“Frannie got a bath,” one...
Training Your Performance Dog
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Rally – A Great Way to Start with Your Dog
Rally has become a very popular dog sport. AKC Rally involves working with your dog and performing a series of different exercises at signs along the way. Like agility, handlers...
Rally – A Great Way to Start with Your Dog
Rally has become a very popular dog sport. AKC Rally involves working with your dog and performing a series of different exercises at signs along the way. Like agility, handlers...
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Urban Tracking
Most people think of tracking with their dog 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 dog as being out in a field or fields and woods. There are two tracking events that use fields and woods: a TD...
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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...
Words Woofs & Meows
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Marijuana & Tobacco–Hazardous for Our Pets
Although not found in every home, tobacco and tobacco cessation products that contain nicotine and marijuana used for medical or recreational purposes, can legally be in any home in Maine....
Marijuana & Tobacco–Hazardous for Our Pets
Although not found in every home, tobacco and tobacco cessation products that contain nicotine and marijuana used for medical or recreational purposes, can legally be in any home in Maine....
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Pet Obesity, part 3 The Role of Treats and Exer...
In addition to feeding our dogs daily, most of us also give our dogs treats. Treats are typically used for training because research indicates treats are the best reward for...
Pet Obesity, part 3 The Role of Treats and Exer...
In addition to feeding our dogs daily, most of us also give our dogs treats. Treats are typically used for training because research indicates treats are the best reward for...
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Words, Woofs, and Meows Pet Obesity, part 2
How to Keep Your Dog at a Healthy Weight Make your dog's weight a family project – Everyone MUST be actively involved in monitoring your pet's weight if you are...
Words, Woofs, and Meows Pet Obesity, part 2
How to Keep Your Dog at a Healthy Weight Make your dog's weight a family project – Everyone MUST be actively involved in monitoring your pet's weight if you are...
Rescue of the Month
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The Ark Pope Memorial Animal Shelter Celebrate...
By Susan Spisak In 1984, The Ark Animal Shelter, a 501(c)(3) no-kill not-for-profit, opened its doors at 60 Barber Lane in Cherryfield. Fast forward 40 years, a new...
The Ark Pope Memorial Animal Shelter Celebrate...
By Susan Spisak In 1984, The Ark Animal Shelter, a 501(c)(3) no-kill not-for-profit, opened its doors at 60 Barber Lane in Cherryfield. Fast forward 40 years, a new...
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Rescue of the Month: PAWS
Celebrating 50 Years of Compassionate Animal Advocacy By Susan Spisak Happy 50th Anniversary to PAWS Animal Adoption Center, aka PAWS! PAWS is a Camden-based nonprofit that proudly serves...
Rescue of the Month: PAWS
Celebrating 50 Years of Compassionate Animal Advocacy By Susan Spisak Happy 50th Anniversary to PAWS Animal Adoption Center, aka PAWS! PAWS is a Camden-based nonprofit that proudly serves...
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Rescue of the Month: Humane Society Waterville ...
Providing a Safe Haven for Animals in Need By Susan Spisak Since 1970, Humane Society Waterville Area, aka HSWA, has had the mission of sheltering animals until they find...
Rescue of the Month: Humane Society Waterville ...
Providing a Safe Haven for Animals in Need By Susan Spisak Since 1970, Humane Society Waterville Area, aka HSWA, has had the mission of sheltering animals until they find...
Columns
Basic Training Tips
View all-
Emotional Learning Our Honest Dogs
Honestly! Dogs are honest, from head to tip of tail. This is my favorite quality about them. They don’t beat around the bush when it comes to telling the world...
Emotional Learning Our Honest Dogs
Honestly! Dogs are honest, from head to tip of tail. This is my favorite quality about them. They don’t beat around the bush when it comes to telling the world...
-
The Culture of Food: It’s a Human Hangup
Treats, snacks, food or reward: which is it? We, as a culture (or maybe as a species), have a strange hangup with food. Food fills us...
The Culture of Food: It’s a Human Hangup
Treats, snacks, food or reward: which is it? We, as a culture (or maybe as a species), have a strange hangup with food. Food fills us...
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I Was Severely Punished
It Worked, and I’ll Never Do It Again, I Promise! I wasn’t the slightest bit interested in entering the AKC Rally competition nearby, but several friends and the instructor of...
I Was Severely Punished
It Worked, and I’ll Never Do It Again, I Promise! I wasn’t the slightest bit interested in entering the AKC Rally competition nearby, but several friends and the instructor of...
Furry Words
View all-
Furry Words MAY 2024
Spring is springing!!! I love seeing the world wake up and start to bloom, and I know so many of our pets appreciate it as well. My old yellow lab,...
Furry Words MAY 2024
Spring is springing!!! I love seeing the world wake up and start to bloom, and I know so many of our pets appreciate it as well. My old yellow lab,...
-
Furry Words APRIL 2024
Welcome to a spring edition of Furry Words! If you’re new, I’m a psychic for people and pets and love communicating with your four-legged friends. Psychic insight is never a...
Furry Words APRIL 2024
Welcome to a spring edition of Furry Words! If you’re new, I’m a psychic for people and pets and love communicating with your four-legged friends. Psychic insight is never a...
-
Furry Words MARCH 2024
Welcome to the warmer days of March! Get your mud boots and towels ready because if your dog is anything like mine, she would paint the floor in mud if...
Furry Words MARCH 2024
Welcome to the warmer days of March! Get your mud boots and towels ready because if your dog is anything like mine, she would paint the floor in mud if...
Veterinary Specialist
View all-
Vestibular Syndrome
By Danielle Eifler, DVM, DACVIM (Neurology) Certified Veterinary Neurosurgeon What is Vestibular Syndrome?Vestibular Syndrome consists of a group of clinical signs that indicate dysfunction...
Vestibular Syndrome
By Danielle Eifler, DVM, DACVIM (Neurology) Certified Veterinary Neurosurgeon What is Vestibular Syndrome?Vestibular Syndrome consists of a group of clinical signs that indicate dysfunction...
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Corticosteroid Use in Dogs Friend or Foe?
By Dr. Gail Mason, DVM, MA, DACVIM Chief Medical Officer, Portland Veterinary Emergency & Specialty Care Corticosteroids are a class of steroid hormones, also...
Corticosteroid Use in Dogs Friend or Foe?
By Dr. Gail Mason, DVM, MA, DACVIM Chief Medical Officer, Portland Veterinary Emergency & Specialty Care Corticosteroids are a class of steroid hormones, also...
-
The “Fine” Line:
A Precarious Place to Be I asked my students what new experiences their puppies had had over the previous week.“Frannie got a bath,” one...
The “Fine” Line:
A Precarious Place to Be I asked my students what new experiences their puppies had had over the previous week.“Frannie got a bath,” one...
Veterinary Behaviorist
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Understanding Generalized Anxiety in Dogs
By Christine D. Calder, DVM, DACVBCalder Veterinary Behavior Services, www.caldervbs.comGeneralized anxiety is a common behavior in dogs. It is diagnosed when dogs show signs of anxiety in three or more...
Understanding Generalized Anxiety in Dogs
By Christine D. Calder, DVM, DACVBCalder Veterinary Behavior Services, www.caldervbs.comGeneralized anxiety is a common behavior in dogs. It is diagnosed when dogs show signs of anxiety in three or more...
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The Three Term Contingency: The ABC’s of Behavior
By Christine D. Calder, DVM, DACVBCalder Veterinary Behavior Services, www.caldervbs.com Understanding your pet's behavior can be simplified into three main parts known as the...
The Three Term Contingency: The ABC’s of Behavior
By Christine D. Calder, DVM, DACVBCalder Veterinary Behavior Services, www.caldervbs.com Understanding your pet's behavior can be simplified into three main parts known as the...
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Fears and Anxieties
Understanding Your Dog's Anxiety: A Guide for Pet Owners By Christine D. Calder,DVM, DACVBCalder Veterinary Behavior Services, www.caldervbs.com Do you have a dog...
Fears and Anxieties
Understanding Your Dog's Anxiety: A Guide for Pet Owners By Christine D. Calder,DVM, DACVBCalder Veterinary Behavior Services, www.caldervbs.com Do you have a dog...
Training Your Performance Dog
View all-
Rally – A Great Way to Start with Your Dog
Rally has become a very popular dog sport. AKC Rally involves working with your dog and performing a series of different exercises at signs along the way. Like agility, handlers...
Rally – A Great Way to Start with Your Dog
Rally has become a very popular dog sport. AKC Rally involves working with your dog and performing a series of different exercises at signs along the way. Like agility, handlers...
-
Urban Tracking
Most people think of tracking with their dog 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 dog as being out in a field or fields and woods. There are two tracking events that use fields and woods: a TD...
-
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...
Words, Woofs & Meows
View all-
Marijuana & Tobacco–Hazardous for Our Pets
Although not found in every home, tobacco and tobacco cessation products that contain nicotine and marijuana used for medical or recreational purposes, can legally be in any home in Maine....
Marijuana & Tobacco–Hazardous for Our Pets
Although not found in every home, tobacco and tobacco cessation products that contain nicotine and marijuana used for medical or recreational purposes, can legally be in any home in Maine....
-
Pet Obesity, part 3 The Role of Treats and Exer...
In addition to feeding our dogs daily, most of us also give our dogs treats. Treats are typically used for training because research indicates treats are the best reward for...
Pet Obesity, part 3 The Role of Treats and Exer...
In addition to feeding our dogs daily, most of us also give our dogs treats. Treats are typically used for training because research indicates treats are the best reward for...
-
Words, Woofs, and Meows Pet Obesity, part 2
How to Keep Your Dog at a Healthy Weight Make your dog's weight a family project – Everyone MUST be actively involved in monitoring your pet's weight if you are...
Words, Woofs, and Meows Pet Obesity, part 2
How to Keep Your Dog at a Healthy Weight Make your dog's weight a family project – Everyone MUST be actively involved in monitoring your pet's weight if you are...
Rescue of the Month
View all-
The Ark Pope Memorial Animal Shelter Celebrate...
By Susan Spisak In 1984, The Ark Animal Shelter, a 501(c)(3) no-kill not-for-profit, opened its doors at 60 Barber Lane in Cherryfield. Fast forward 40 years, a new...
The Ark Pope Memorial Animal Shelter Celebrate...
By Susan Spisak In 1984, The Ark Animal Shelter, a 501(c)(3) no-kill not-for-profit, opened its doors at 60 Barber Lane in Cherryfield. Fast forward 40 years, a new...
-
Rescue of the Month: PAWS
Celebrating 50 Years of Compassionate Animal Advocacy By Susan Spisak Happy 50th Anniversary to PAWS Animal Adoption Center, aka PAWS! PAWS is a Camden-based nonprofit that proudly serves...
Rescue of the Month: PAWS
Celebrating 50 Years of Compassionate Animal Advocacy By Susan Spisak Happy 50th Anniversary to PAWS Animal Adoption Center, aka PAWS! PAWS is a Camden-based nonprofit that proudly serves...
-
Rescue of the Month: Humane Society Waterville ...
Providing a Safe Haven for Animals in Need By Susan Spisak Since 1970, Humane Society Waterville Area, aka HSWA, has had the mission of sheltering animals until they find...
Rescue of the Month: Humane Society Waterville ...
Providing a Safe Haven for Animals in Need By Susan Spisak Since 1970, Humane Society Waterville Area, aka HSWA, has had the mission of sheltering animals until they find...
Guest Contributor
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Guardians Provide Comfort to Dogs with Grooming...
by Elsebeth DeBiase, BAminSC, ICMG, FFCP, LSHC-SCoastal Creations Pet Salon, OwnerAs pet lovers, we strive to provide the best care for our canine companions, including regular grooming. However, despite our...
Guardians Provide Comfort to Dogs with Grooming...
by Elsebeth DeBiase, BAminSC, ICMG, FFCP, LSHC-SCoastal Creations Pet Salon, OwnerAs pet lovers, we strive to provide the best care for our canine companions, including regular grooming. However, despite our...
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Cat and Dog Dental Homecare:
Three Things You Can Do for Your Pet’s Teeth at Home by Jennifer Keaten DVM, MPH, DACVPMmainelyvetdentistry.com Did you know that in addition to trimming your pet’s nails, cleaning...
Cat and Dog Dental Homecare:
Three Things You Can Do for Your Pet’s Teeth at Home by Jennifer Keaten DVM, MPH, DACVPMmainelyvetdentistry.com Did you know that in addition to trimming your pet’s nails, cleaning...
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Managing Dry Skin Naturally with Coconut Oil
by Elsebeth DeBiase, BAminSC, ICMG, FFCP, LSHC-SCoastal Creations Pet Salon, Owner Winter days invite romps with your canine companions in the fresh snow and long snuggles by the fire. The...
Managing Dry Skin Naturally with Coconut Oil
by Elsebeth DeBiase, BAminSC, ICMG, FFCP, LSHC-SCoastal Creations Pet Salon, Owner Winter days invite romps with your canine companions in the fresh snow and long snuggles by the fire. The...
Hot Dog News
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May 2024 Featured Dogs
EARLY BIRD 11 years old, Staffordshire Terrier Sweet, silly, affectionate and low energy, Early is described as kind of like a 75# cat. He loves being around people and would...
May 2024 Featured Dogs
EARLY BIRD 11 years old, Staffordshire Terrier Sweet, silly, affectionate and low energy, Early is described as kind of like a 75# cat. He loves being around people and would...
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2025 petMAINE Contest
petMAINE is an annual travel guide for those exploring Maine with their pets. We are looking for a 2025 cover photo. The individual who submits the photo we chose will...
2025 petMAINE Contest
petMAINE is an annual travel guide for those exploring Maine with their pets. We are looking for a 2025 cover photo. The individual who submits the photo we chose will...
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Ticks and Tick-borne Diseases
Tips for Keeping You and Your Dog Healthy One of the highlights of moving from Wisconsin to Maine in 1995 was that Maine had a much lower incidence of tick-borne...
Ticks and Tick-borne Diseases
Tips for Keeping You and Your Dog Healthy One of the highlights of moving from Wisconsin to Maine in 1995 was that Maine had a much lower incidence of tick-borne...