Cover Stories
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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,...
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Meet Our Contributors!
By Susan Spisak As we continue to celebrate 20 years of Downeast Dog News (aka DDN), we thought it would be great to share a little...
Meet Our Contributors!
By Susan Spisak As we continue to celebrate 20 years of Downeast Dog News (aka DDN), we thought it would be great to share a little...
Furry Words
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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...
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Furry Words February 2025
by Sara Moore Hello and welcome to February’s edition of Furry Words! I hope the new year is treating you well and that you have enough layers for you...
Furry Words February 2025
by Sara Moore Hello and welcome to February’s edition of Furry Words! I hope the new year is treating you well and that you have enough layers for you...
Ask The Vet
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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...
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Avian Flu
Q. Can my dog get this new avian flu? A. Though dogs are susceptible to getting the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), so far it has been rare. A...
Avian Flu
Q. Can my dog get this new avian flu? A. Though dogs are susceptible to getting the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), so far it has been rare. A...
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...
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Why Should You Join a Dog Club?
Most people don’t really understand how dog sport events happen. They just know that they enjoy going to different venues and competing with their dogs, having fun, and earning ribbons...
Why Should You Join a Dog Club?
Most people don’t really understand how dog sport events happen. They just know that they enjoy going to different venues and competing with their dogs, having fun, and earning ribbons...
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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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...
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What Do You Really Want to Learn?
Today there are so many wonderful choices of dog sports to explore with our dogs. Most people start out with great enthusiasm, but they are soon disappointed because they are...
What Do You Really Want to Learn?
Today there are so many wonderful choices of dog sports to explore with our dogs. Most people start out with great enthusiasm, but they are soon disappointed because they are...
Words Woofs & Meows
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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...
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What Role Does Your Dog Play In Your Life?
I am now in my 30th year as a pet care professional and feel fortunate to have entered this career when I did because of the new knowledge science has...
What Role Does Your Dog Play In Your Life?
I am now in my 30th year as a pet care professional and feel fortunate to have entered this career when I did because of the new knowledge science has...
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...
-
Why Should You Join a Dog Club?
Most people don’t really understand how dog sport events happen. They just know that they enjoy going to different venues and competing with their dogs, having fun, and earning ribbons...
Why Should You Join a Dog Club?
Most people don’t really understand how dog sport events happen. They just know that they enjoy going to different venues and competing with their dogs, having fun, and earning ribbons...
Furry Words
View all-
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...
-
Furry Words February 2025
by Sara Moore Hello and welcome to February’s edition of Furry Words! I hope the new year is treating you well and that you have enough layers for you...
Furry Words February 2025
by Sara Moore Hello and welcome to February’s edition of Furry Words! I hope the new year is treating you well and that you have enough layers for you...
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-
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...
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Aggression and the Emotional Driving Force Behi...
By Christine D. Calder, DVM, DACVBCalder Veterinary Behavior Services, www.caldervbs.com Aggression comes from the Latin word "aggredi," meaning "to attack." Today, when we think of aggression, we often picture hostile...
Aggression and the Emotional Driving Force Behi...
By Christine D. Calder, DVM, DACVBCalder Veterinary Behavior Services, www.caldervbs.com Aggression comes from the Latin word "aggredi," meaning "to attack." Today, when we think of aggression, we often picture hostile...
Training Your Performance Dog
View all-
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...
-
What Do You Really Want to Learn?
Today there are so many wonderful choices of dog sports to explore with our dogs. Most people start out with great enthusiasm, but they are soon disappointed because they are...
What Do You Really Want to Learn?
Today there are so many wonderful choices of dog sports to explore with our dogs. Most people start out with great enthusiasm, but they are soon disappointed because they are...
Words, Woofs & Meows
View all-
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...
-
What Role Does Your Dog Play In Your Life?
I am now in my 30th year as a pet care professional and feel fortunate to have entered this career when I did because of the new knowledge science has...
What Role Does Your Dog Play In Your Life?
I am now in my 30th year as a pet care professional and feel fortunate to have entered this career when I did because of the new knowledge science has...
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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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,...
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How Old is Too Old for Grooming?
by Elsebeth DeBiase, BAminSC, ICMG, FFCP, LSHC-SCoastal Creations Pet Salon, Ownerwww.coastalcreationspetsalon.com"Old age is not an end but a new beginning, a chance to savor life's sweetest moments (unknown)." Caring for...
How Old is Too Old for Grooming?
by Elsebeth DeBiase, BAminSC, ICMG, FFCP, LSHC-SCoastal Creations Pet Salon, Ownerwww.coastalcreationspetsalon.com"Old age is not an end but a new beginning, a chance to savor life's sweetest moments (unknown)." Caring for...
Hot Dog News
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April 2025 Adoptable Dogs
CADENCE 3 years old, Shepherd Mix Cadence is new to Maine and loving life. This gal loves playing with other dogs, loves to run, and is looking for a family...
April 2025 Adoptable Dogs
CADENCE 3 years old, Shepherd Mix Cadence is new to Maine and loving life. This gal loves playing with other dogs, loves to run, and is looking for a family...
