Cover Stories
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Celebrating Our 20th Year!
By Susan Spisak Downeast Dog News, aka DDN, was first published in the Spring of 2006, making 2025 the beginning of Volume 20! Throughout its years, DDN has remained...
Celebrating Our 20th Year!
By Susan Spisak Downeast Dog News, aka DDN, was first published in the Spring of 2006, making 2025 the beginning of Volume 20! Throughout its years, DDN has remained...
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Remember Your Community and Local Pets This Se...
By Susan Spisak The holidays have us scurrying to find perfect gifts for family, friends, and pets. Let’s add a focus on those in need in our...
Remember Your Community and Local Pets This Se...
By Susan Spisak The holidays have us scurrying to find perfect gifts for family, friends, and pets. Let’s add a focus on those in need in our...
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An Unlikely Therapy Dog
By Susan Spisak Despite having “lost the genetics lottery,” as his vet says, special needs Enzo is half of a Pet Therapy Team with his owner through the...
An Unlikely Therapy Dog
By Susan Spisak Despite having “lost the genetics lottery,” as his vet says, special needs Enzo is half of a Pet Therapy Team with his owner through the...
Furry Words
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Furry Words January 2025
Happy holidays everyone! We’re wrapping up 2024 and I hope you take the time to reflect on all you’ve been through, even it if wasn’t fun or enjoyable. Then set...
Furry Words January 2025
Happy holidays everyone! We’re wrapping up 2024 and I hope you take the time to reflect on all you’ve been through, even it if wasn’t fun or enjoyable. Then set...
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Furry Words December 2024
I’m so excited to be back with you at the tail end of 2024! My tree is set up, the lights are twinkling reminding me to focus on all the...
Furry Words December 2024
I’m so excited to be back with you at the tail end of 2024! My tree is set up, the lights are twinkling reminding me to focus on all the...
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Furry Words November 2024
Only two months left in this year! How is that even possible? I hope you all had a lovely summer and autumn and are ready to snuggle up with your...
Furry Words November 2024
Only two months left in this year! How is that even possible? I hope you all had a lovely summer and autumn and are ready to snuggle up with your...
Ask The Vet
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Lead Poisoning
Q. With all the concern of lead exposure in people, how worried should I be for my dog?A. This is a very good question. Since the Flint, Michigan water crisis...
Lead Poisoning
Q. With all the concern of lead exposure in people, how worried should I be for my dog?A. This is a very good question. Since the Flint, Michigan water crisis...
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Pacemaker for My Dog
Q. I read something about dogs getting pacemakers. Can you tell me why?A. Yes you did read about people donating used pacemakers for dogs. The first question to answer is...
Pacemaker for My Dog
Q. I read something about dogs getting pacemakers. Can you tell me why?A. Yes you did read about people donating used pacemakers for dogs. The first question to answer is...
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OTC Human Drugs
Q. My dog was in pain and I gave him ibuprofen. A friend said I should be careful because it could make him sick. Is that true?A. Many times a...
OTC Human Drugs
Q. My dog was in pain and I gave him ibuprofen. A friend said I should be careful because it could make him sick. Is that true?A. Many times a...
Basic Training Tips
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But What Does It Really Mean?
Gibberish, Translated Blah, blah, blah…. Have you ever watched a movie in an unfamiliar language without subtitles? It’s very difficult to figure out where one word ends and the...
But What Does It Really Mean?
Gibberish, Translated Blah, blah, blah…. Have you ever watched a movie in an unfamiliar language without subtitles? It’s very difficult to figure out where one word ends and the...
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More Isn’t Always Better
“Get used to it” as a strategy I was 25 years old when I was broadsided at a busy intersection in Portland when another driver ran a red...
More Isn’t Always Better
“Get used to it” as a strategy I was 25 years old when I was broadsided at a busy intersection in Portland when another driver ran a red...
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Climbing the Training Ladder
Tailoring Training Games to the Individual Goals, goals, goals. Humans are very goal-oriented, and we tend to let the simple approach of “go directly to Point B” seep into...
Climbing the Training Ladder
Tailoring Training Games to the Individual Goals, goals, goals. Humans are very goal-oriented, and we tend to let the simple approach of “go directly to Point B” seep into...
Veterinary Specialists
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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...
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“What’s Itchin’ You?”
Atopic Dermatitis By Dr. Tyler CharbonneauResidency-trained, Dermatologywww.pvesc.com Atopic dermatitis is the term used in veterinary medicine for a disease condition thought to be related to allergies to environmental substances....
“What’s Itchin’ You?”
Atopic Dermatitis By Dr. Tyler CharbonneauResidency-trained, Dermatologywww.pvesc.com Atopic dermatitis is the term used in veterinary medicine for a disease condition thought to be related to allergies to environmental substances....
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Tracheal Collapse
By Dr. Marta Agrodnia, DVM, DACVS-SA, Portland Veterinary Emergency & Specialty Care, www.pvesc.com Tracheal Collapse is a progressive condition affecting mostly small breed dogs. The tracheal cartilage rings which...
Tracheal Collapse
By Dr. Marta Agrodnia, DVM, DACVS-SA, Portland Veterinary Emergency & Specialty Care, www.pvesc.com Tracheal Collapse is a progressive condition affecting mostly small breed dogs. The tracheal cartilage rings which...
Training Your Performance Dog
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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...
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Successful Training Requires Attitude and Focus
In order to be successful in competition, your dog needs to have attitude and focus as well as a clear understanding of the work required. Attitude is seen in dogs...
Successful Training Requires Attitude and Focus
In order to be successful in competition, your dog needs to have attitude and focus as well as a clear understanding of the work required. Attitude is seen in dogs...
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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...
Words Woofs & Meows
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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...
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Book Review – Bark!
The Science of Helping Your Anxious, Fearful, or Reactive Dog by Zazie Todd It’s December, so this is the column where I review and recommend my favorite dog...
Book Review – Bark!
The Science of Helping Your Anxious, Fearful, or Reactive Dog by Zazie Todd It’s December, so this is the column where I review and recommend my favorite dog...
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How Do I Get My Dog to Like Other Dogs?
Do All Dogs Need A Doggie Friend? Dogs are a social species, and like humans, their sociability and tolerance can vary from the extrovert or uber-social to the introvert...
How Do I Get My Dog to Like Other Dogs?
Do All Dogs Need A Doggie Friend? Dogs are a social species, and like humans, their sociability and tolerance can vary from the extrovert or uber-social to the introvert...
Rescue of the Month
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Rescue of the Month: Midcoast Humane
75 Years of Serving Their Communities & Animals in Need By Susan Spisak Midcoast Humane is one of the largest shelters in the state, operating animal sheltering facilities...
Rescue of the Month: Midcoast Humane
75 Years of Serving Their Communities & Animals in Need By Susan Spisak Midcoast Humane is one of the largest shelters in the state, operating animal sheltering facilities...
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Rescue of the Month: Almost Home Rescue of New...
Helping Rescue Dogs of all Breeds Find Their Forever Homes By Susan Spisak Since 2005, the 501(c) (3) all-volunteer, foster-based Almost Home Rescue of New England (AHR) is dedicated to...
Rescue of the Month: Almost Home Rescue of New...
Helping Rescue Dogs of all Breeds Find Their Forever Homes By Susan Spisak Since 2005, the 501(c) (3) all-volunteer, foster-based Almost Home Rescue of New England (AHR) is dedicated to...
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Rescue of the Month: Lucky Pup Rescue
Finding Safe & Happy Forever Homes By Susan Spisak Sue Richardson, President of the southern-Maine based Lucky Pup Rescue, said that the 501(c) (3) nonprofit was founded in 2007 by...
Rescue of the Month: Lucky Pup Rescue
Finding Safe & Happy Forever Homes By Susan Spisak Sue Richardson, President of the southern-Maine based Lucky Pup Rescue, said that the 501(c) (3) nonprofit was founded in 2007 by...
Columns
Basic Training Tips
View all-
But What Does It Really Mean?
Gibberish, Translated Blah, blah, blah…. Have you ever watched a movie in an unfamiliar language without subtitles? It’s very difficult to figure out where one word ends and the...
But What Does It Really Mean?
Gibberish, Translated Blah, blah, blah…. Have you ever watched a movie in an unfamiliar language without subtitles? It’s very difficult to figure out where one word ends and the...
-
More Isn’t Always Better
“Get used to it” as a strategy I was 25 years old when I was broadsided at a busy intersection in Portland when another driver ran a red...
More Isn’t Always Better
“Get used to it” as a strategy I was 25 years old when I was broadsided at a busy intersection in Portland when another driver ran a red...
-
Climbing the Training Ladder
Tailoring Training Games to the Individual Goals, goals, goals. Humans are very goal-oriented, and we tend to let the simple approach of “go directly to Point B” seep into...
Climbing the Training Ladder
Tailoring Training Games to the Individual Goals, goals, goals. Humans are very goal-oriented, and we tend to let the simple approach of “go directly to Point B” seep into...
Furry Words
View all-
Furry Words January 2025
Happy holidays everyone! We’re wrapping up 2024 and I hope you take the time to reflect on all you’ve been through, even it if wasn’t fun or enjoyable. Then set...
Furry Words January 2025
Happy holidays everyone! We’re wrapping up 2024 and I hope you take the time to reflect on all you’ve been through, even it if wasn’t fun or enjoyable. Then set...
-
Furry Words December 2024
I’m so excited to be back with you at the tail end of 2024! My tree is set up, the lights are twinkling reminding me to focus on all the...
Furry Words December 2024
I’m so excited to be back with you at the tail end of 2024! My tree is set up, the lights are twinkling reminding me to focus on all the...
-
Furry Words November 2024
Only two months left in this year! How is that even possible? I hope you all had a lovely summer and autumn and are ready to snuggle up with your...
Furry Words November 2024
Only two months left in this year! How is that even possible? I hope you all had a lovely summer and autumn and are ready to snuggle up with your...
Veterinary Specialist
View all-
“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...
-
“What’s Itchin’ You?”
Atopic Dermatitis By Dr. Tyler CharbonneauResidency-trained, Dermatologywww.pvesc.com Atopic dermatitis is the term used in veterinary medicine for a disease condition thought to be related to allergies to environmental substances....
“What’s Itchin’ You?”
Atopic Dermatitis By Dr. Tyler CharbonneauResidency-trained, Dermatologywww.pvesc.com Atopic dermatitis is the term used in veterinary medicine for a disease condition thought to be related to allergies to environmental substances....
-
Tracheal Collapse
By Dr. Marta Agrodnia, DVM, DACVS-SA, Portland Veterinary Emergency & Specialty Care, www.pvesc.com Tracheal Collapse is a progressive condition affecting mostly small breed dogs. The tracheal cartilage rings which...
Tracheal Collapse
By Dr. Marta Agrodnia, DVM, DACVS-SA, Portland Veterinary Emergency & Specialty Care, www.pvesc.com Tracheal Collapse is a progressive condition affecting mostly small breed dogs. The tracheal cartilage rings which...
Veterinary Behaviorist
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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...
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Traveling With Your Dog
By Christine D. Calder, DVM, DACVBCalder Veterinary Behavior Services, www.caldervbs.com Traveling with pets can be a fun adventure, but you need to plan to keep everyone safe and comfortable. Always...
Traveling With Your Dog
By Christine D. Calder, DVM, DACVBCalder Veterinary Behavior Services, www.caldervbs.com Traveling with pets can be a fun adventure, but you need to plan to keep everyone safe and comfortable. Always...
Training Your Performance Dog
View all-
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...
-
Successful Training Requires Attitude and Focus
In order to be successful in competition, your dog needs to have attitude and focus as well as a clear understanding of the work required. Attitude is seen in dogs...
Successful Training Requires Attitude and Focus
In order to be successful in competition, your dog needs to have attitude and focus as well as a clear understanding of the work required. Attitude is seen in dogs...
-
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...
Words, Woofs & Meows
View all-
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...
-
Book Review – Bark!
The Science of Helping Your Anxious, Fearful, or Reactive Dog by Zazie Todd It’s December, so this is the column where I review and recommend my favorite dog...
Book Review – Bark!
The Science of Helping Your Anxious, Fearful, or Reactive Dog by Zazie Todd It’s December, so this is the column where I review and recommend my favorite dog...
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How Do I Get My Dog to Like Other Dogs?
Do All Dogs Need A Doggie Friend? Dogs are a social species, and like humans, their sociability and tolerance can vary from the extrovert or uber-social to the introvert...
How Do I Get My Dog to Like Other Dogs?
Do All Dogs Need A Doggie Friend? Dogs are a social species, and like humans, their sociability and tolerance can vary from the extrovert or uber-social to the introvert...
Rescue of the Month
View all-
Rescue of the Month: Midcoast Humane
75 Years of Serving Their Communities & Animals in Need By Susan Spisak Midcoast Humane is one of the largest shelters in the state, operating animal sheltering facilities...
Rescue of the Month: Midcoast Humane
75 Years of Serving Their Communities & Animals in Need By Susan Spisak Midcoast Humane is one of the largest shelters in the state, operating animal sheltering facilities...
-
Rescue of the Month: Almost Home Rescue of New...
Helping Rescue Dogs of all Breeds Find Their Forever Homes By Susan Spisak Since 2005, the 501(c) (3) all-volunteer, foster-based Almost Home Rescue of New England (AHR) is dedicated to...
Rescue of the Month: Almost Home Rescue of New...
Helping Rescue Dogs of all Breeds Find Their Forever Homes By Susan Spisak Since 2005, the 501(c) (3) all-volunteer, foster-based Almost Home Rescue of New England (AHR) is dedicated to...
-
Rescue of the Month: Lucky Pup Rescue
Finding Safe & Happy Forever Homes By Susan Spisak Sue Richardson, President of the southern-Maine based Lucky Pup Rescue, said that the 501(c) (3) nonprofit was founded in 2007 by...
Rescue of the Month: Lucky Pup Rescue
Finding Safe & Happy Forever Homes By Susan Spisak Sue Richardson, President of the southern-Maine based Lucky Pup Rescue, said that the 501(c) (3) nonprofit was founded in 2007 by...
Guest Contributor
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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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What do you love about Downeast Dog News?
Since we are entering the 20th year for Downeast Dog News I thought it would be a great time to reach out for some feedback. What are your favorite columns...
What do you love about Downeast Dog News?
Since we are entering the 20th year for Downeast Dog News I thought it would be a great time to reach out for some feedback. What are your favorite columns...
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January 2025 Featured Adoptable Dogs
NEO 8 years old, Lab Mix Handsome, playful & super-smart and looking for an active home. He loves learning new things, has excellent leash manners, & loves car rides. Neo...
January 2025 Featured Adoptable Dogs
NEO 8 years old, Lab Mix Handsome, playful & super-smart and looking for an active home. He loves learning new things, has excellent leash manners, & loves car rides. Neo...
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petMAINE Cover Contest Winner!
Once again, we held a contest to find a cover image for our 2025 petMAINE guide and again received so many wonderful photos to choose from. Congratulations go to Leah...
petMAINE Cover Contest Winner!
Once again, we held a contest to find a cover image for our 2025 petMAINE guide and again received so many wonderful photos to choose from. Congratulations go to Leah...
