Cover Stories
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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...
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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...
Furry Words
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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...
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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...
Ask The Vet
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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...
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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...
Basic Training Tips
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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...
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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...
Veterinary Specialists
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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...
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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....
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 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...
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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...
Rescue of the Month
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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...
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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...
Columns
Basic Training Tips
View all-
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...
-
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...
Furry Words
View all-
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...
-
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...
Veterinary Specialist
View all-
“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...
-
“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....
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 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...
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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...
Rescue of the Month
View all-
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...
-
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...
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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February 2025 Featured Adoptable Dogs
GUINNESS 2 years old, Mixed Breed Guinness has been waiting over a year for a forever home. He is the biggest baby you will ever meet. He loves every person...
February 2025 Featured Adoptable Dogs
GUINNESS 2 years old, Mixed Breed Guinness has been waiting over a year for a forever home. He is the biggest baby you will ever meet. He loves every person...
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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...
