Seacoast Bark Magazine Oct Nov 2021 by Nancy Dewar

Late summer I received the following note and photo from a woman I’ve never met, but with whom we share a mutual friend.

publisher Nancy Dewar

nancy@snazzyjazzypet.com - 603.498.3237

design Mrs. and Mr. Design

“Just read and loved the 21st issue of "seacoast BARK.” Thought you might like something for you next publication. Patty thinks you are awesome and now, so do I. Good luck with your old and new endeavors!” Her kindness, by taking the time to write and share a fun photo, truly touched me. Many of the articles in this issue relate to kindness and all of the great things so many animal lovers are doing. All is so very timely, as we need to spread kindness now more than ever. I’m truly grateful to all who share their stories with us and to our very loyal pack… readers and advertisers alike. Thank you!

info@mrsandmrpublishing.com

thanks to our contributors… Gayle Davis - Lexi Leddy Nicole Ten Eyck - Ken Sheehan Published by Bark Media Group LLC six times a year. Hampton, NH Copyright © 2021 Bark Media Group LLC Seacoast Bark is distributed at stores & businesses in: Portsmouth, Exeter, Rye, North Hampton, Hampton, Hampton Falls, Greenland, Stratham, Seabrook, Kittery, Newburyport & everywhere in between!

Interested in advertising with us? Have a good story idea or a suggestion on a great animal or person to feature? Please email Nancy Dewar/Publisher nancy@snazzyjazzypet.com (603) 498-3237

Cheers + Chow… Nancy

We’d love to have you start following us on Instagram! (Instagram.com/seacoastbarkmagazine)

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words of wisdom

animal lover's profile

match.dog

Senior Helpers Darci Knowles Juniper

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fun things to bark about 14. PAWsitive thoughts 17. meet our team 12.

Knowles

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work like a dog 20. local tails 22. let's pawty 18.

Ristorante Massimo

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flips + flops

words of wisdom

Walter’s WORDS OF WISDOM By Walter Eugene Davis Senior Helpers – Stratham, NH

REFLECTIONS Whether you are looking in the mirror, pondering a life event that brings a smile to your face, having an opinion or remark formed because of meditation, these are all moments of reflection. “Without reflection, we go blindly on our way, creating more unintended consequences, and failing to achieve anything useful.” ~ Margaret J. Wheatley We officially have arrived in the Fall of 2021. Let’s focus on this being a time of reflection and balance. Summer rolls off into Fall, slowly like the appearance of fog. Fall is that buffer between the lazy days of summer and the deep quiet days of Winter. This is natures rite of passage! Plants pull in, trees take their sap into the roots for fuel, birds begin their migration to warmer locations, and the Autumn winds help trees shed their leaves. It is said, “Fall and Winter are a time for reflection, Spring and Summer are a time for living.”

A time for re-birth! Look at Fall as a re-start. A time to refocus on you! This is a great time to get outside (with that sweater on!) and head out for a walk. Whether it be along the beach or on one of the many trails that New Hampshire boasts. Getting out and taking in all that is changing around you is a fabulous time to set in motion some changes for yourself. Perhaps the warmer months derailed your exercise program; let’s get back to it!

Set aside time for yourself! Many can feel overwhelmed with the demands of life, especially caregivers. If this applies to you, start scheduling time aside for you. Time for relaxation and reflection, re-charge your batteries. Some activities may be as simple as sitting in your favorite chair reading a book, working in your garden, going apple picking or baking some pumpkin cookies.

Let go of the negative! We all have negative aspects in our life, whether it

is negative habits or people who do not treat you with the respect that you deserve. These are often difficult areas to address. Take the time to reflect on these areas and decide what is best in your life. If you have a person who is an anchor in your life, they give you solid advice and they are there when you need them – bet on that horse! Not the person that has a glass that is always half full; the sheer thought of spending time with them brings you down. It is time to make a change, a change for you!

Time to plan your next career move! Most people think that January

is the best time to make a career move, as the holidays are over and New Year’s resolutions have been declared. According to Kathryn Lively, a sociology professor and dean of Dartmouth College, “It’s intrinsic to associate the fall with a new, and likely more exciting, beginning in your life. The change of season from summer to fall triggers a conditioned response toward anticipation, based on early memories of starting each school year with new teachers and school supplies, as well as an exciting opportunity to rebrand your style in new clothes and grow your social circle.” In New Hampshire there are lots of job opportunities, especially in healthcare (Senior Helpers is hiring, you can come work with me!). Don’t follow the pack, lead your own journey.

Stay healthy & take care of yourselves, my friends… Walter Eugene

A big thanks to Dwight & Gayle Davis,

owners of Senior Helpers, for encouraging Walter Eugene to write this column! Walter is a 6-year-old Lab mix rescue. They all found each other via New England Lab Rescue. Walter came from Hartsville, SC, and ended up hitting the jackpot with his new family! He participates in the family business providing love and comfort to many, with his official title being “Director of Security & Pet Relations.” Walter is also an active member of the welcoming committee! Senior Helpers provides in-home, non-medical care offering tailored services ranging from companion care for those who need daily assistance to in-depth specialized care for those with Alzheimer’s, dementia, Parkinson’s and other chronic diseases. They’ve worked with clients ranging in age from 25 to 104. Senior Helpers was voted “Best of the Seacoast” in home health care and received the “Business Excellence Award” and “Top 200 Most Influential Business Leaders in New Hampshire” from the New Hampshire Business Review. Stratham, NH – (603) 583-4580 www.seniorhelpers.com/nh/se-new-hampshire

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animal lover's profile

Darci Knowles & Her Guy Brodie Meet

By Nancy Dewar Photos by Raya on Assignment

Darci Knowles is not only an ardent dog lover, but also has the character and characteristics of our canine friends…everything kind and good! Though she still considers herself a “Mainer,” having grown up in Brunswick, Darci has called Portsmouth her home since graduating from the University of New Hampshire several years ago. She initially majored in Fine Arts and then switched to Linguistics. “I was going to be a painter and then realized what a lonely life that could be,” she said laughing. “Linguistics is about words, which evokes pictures; what I love and probably what drew me into the world of design and marketing. Developing brands is really all about words and imagery.” After one year of working for a local production company, Darci formed her own marketing agency about 28 years ago and has never looked back. Her current firm, DARCI Creative, just celebrated their 15th anniversary and is proud to have survived and grown throughout trying times including the 2008 financial crisis and COVID. Her team includes a dedicated staff of eleven plus one VIP (Very Important Pup) named Brodie whose primary job at the agency is “The Greeter!” Brodie, a cattle dog/beagle mix, came into Darci’s life nine years ago, a few years after losing her beloved 14-yearold golden retriever Bella. “It took about three years before I was ready to get another dog, and I wanted one that was very different than Bella so I wouldn’t compare them. Bella was very feminine. All girl. Brodie is very athletic and all boy. They’re definitely very different, and he’s the love of my life now.” DARCI Creative is a full-service agency that works with a broad spectrum of clients ranging from healthcare, financial institutions, software companies and an array of small to medium-sized businesses. “We don’t specialize in one niche. What’s great about my work is that I’m always learning; I learn something new with every new client,” Darci explained. Much of their work focuses on the digital space, and they have their own in-house video production team. They are doing a lot of videos now, though the team loves to do traditional work as

well, such as TV and print. Darci has also created a unique product for small business owners, as she knows the challenges first-hand. Their Brand Muffin™ packages offer professional website design from a library of designs created by the agency, and includes killer copy, visuals, search engine optimization and overall branding. The packages offer a 10-month payment plan to help start-ups with their cash flow.

“Our agency culture is very community oriented, and we’ve worked on projects for Dover, Kittery, and we do a lot of work with the city of Portsmouth and the Chamber Collaborative,” said Darci. They’re currently developing an Arts & Culture campaign to promote arts on the Seacoast and to raise awareness of all the wonderful choices we have. DARCI Creative also developed the Chamber’s tourism website: GoPortsmouthNH. com. It gives a great overview of things to see and do. The only thing that could be added is a “Dog-Friendly” tab or two! Astrology is another passion of Darci’s, and she even applies it to her dogs! “Brodie is a Gemini.

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Geminis have two distinct sides to their personalities. Brodie is both very snuggly and also fiercely protective. Bella, on the other hand, was very laid back and chill. A robber could come to the house, and she’d welcome them! Whereas Brodie would never let that happen. He considers it his job to protect me, and he’s

animal lover's profile

in business. But I believe in kindness. You take care of me, and I’ll take care of you. Just like dogs do with us. I have a dedicated team that loves to come to work and a team that I love to work with. There’s a lot of meaning there.” Yes, kind and good, for sure – plus a fervent dog lover to boot! I’m so glad I finally connected with Darci after hearing so many wonderful things about her over the years! DarciCreative.com totally an alpha dog!” While at work, Brodie often hangs out in the reception area watching the front door. He’s great at greeting co-workers and clients and sometimes can be found snoozing by his mom’s desk.

Cattle dogs are a herding breed and not too common here in New England. They are better known for their work on ranches out west. Darci laughed when she told me that one day they were taking their daily walk around Mill Pond and a guy went by excitedly yelling, “Cattle dog…cattle dog!” They are also extremely smart and need a job to do. “Brodie has a huge vocabulary and responds to most of what I say. If I say ‘Wait,’ he’ll stop dead in his tracks. And he’s never once had an accident in the house in nine years. Regarding his job, other than looking out for me and being the greeter, he also is the cheerer-up guy at the office.”

While Brodie never stops working, neither does his mom! During the throes of COVID, Darci recognized the shift that was coming; more

and more people would be working and learning from home. And people were craving to do something different with their lives. As a woman in marketing surrounded by men, Darci had never had a woman mentor. Her newest endeavor, which will launch next year, will be a series of online courses targeted to women. “It will focus on small woman-owned businesses, women in leadership roles and much more. I want to take what I’ve learned and share it. I love mentoring. I’ve hired many talented kids who started with us as interns. Women don’t stop dreaming just because they’re fifty. There’s so much we have to offer, and I want to help guide people to find the confidence to follow their dreams.”

I asked Darci what important things can we learn from our dogs? Her response was exactly as I described her in the first sentence of this article…everything kind and good! “I think the thing most people point to is unconditional love. I try to treat my staff that way. I’ve often heard: You’re too nice to be

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match.dog

"HOW I MET MY TRUE LOVE" love stories about real dogs + their humans By Nicole Ten Eyck & Ken Sheehan — Hampton, NH

Juniper

“Love is like a trout stream. Try to capture a trout stream with a dam and you get a lake. Try to catch it in a bucket and you get a bucket of water. Try to stick it under a microscope and you get a close-up look at withering amorphous microcooties. A trout stream is only a trout stream when it’s flowing between its own two banks, at its own pace, in its own sweet way.” - The River Why, David James Duncan The beauty of water in the landscape has always been central to our family’s identity. As seemingly unpredictable as a stream’s meander, our path has found us happily back on the New Hampshire Seacoast, and this time we have a black and white furry buddy to take to the beach. Our wanderlust has allowed us to live in some pretty amazing places, like Flagstaff, AZ. We began our search for a rescue dog six years ago while Ken was doing research in the Grand Canyon (before we moved back to NH). Several months into our search the local Humane Society likely knew us by sight. We weren’t looking for a puppy, but rather an older dog, and we knew we wanted a mixed breed. We’d almost given up our search and hadn’t visited the shelter for months when on a whim we put our hopeful hearts in our respective pockets and headed out the door.

Down a noisy blue shelter corridor we saw a nameless red mud-covered Border collie mix, leaning calmly against the wall of her pen, who had been picked up on the Navajo reservation the day before. This one-year-old pup started licking Ken’s hand through the chain link fence, an act which may seem simple, but it was delicate and honest amidst the surrounding mayhem. When we opened her pen, Ken sat down and she lay across his legs and kept on licking. We stayed until close and got in our car and drove away — and our hearts ached. The thought of leaving her there was too much, and we decided we would go back and adopt her in the morning. Ken had to work, so I camped out at the entrance to the Humane Society until it opened. I was full of butterflies and won’t ever forget when the attendant gave me the “I’ve been adopted” sign to place on her kennel. Not long after, our little nameless dog made her way to our car, the beautiful Southwest red clay still covering her body. She was ours- or rather, we were hers! She was just skin and bone, shy and sweet.

Juniper has educated us since day one. Still nameless at the time, our furry forager wouldn’t come when called on one of her first walks with us (and she’d been our shadow until then). We discovered her under a huge Juniper tree, following her own path, and eating a few of the plump and fragrant berries. She was a survivor after a year alone in the wilderness and it turns out the berries are good for a variety of ailments in dogs. The adventure earned Juniper her name and answered our question – “are juniper berries even good for dogs?” Our love grows every day for Juniper as we experience life with her. The first day June smelled the ocean, it was a welcome home moment. Whether it’s dulse and rockweed hiding a fish on the beach, the smells each tide brings are too good to pass up, as is rolling on her back and wriggling belly up in the sand. Our lives are forever changed. We find ourselves smiling at the end of the day, grateful to see her tail wagging in her sleep, getting ready to wake us up with a gentle nudge of her nose, ready for another adventure.

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feature

Big Gifts in Little Packages By Nancy Dewar

Dogs as therapy animals are pretty commonplace and well known these days. Sully, President Bush’ yellow Lab is familiar to many. Here on the Seacoast, Hero Pups of Stratham provides service dogs to veterans facing servicerelated psychological challenges and the list goes on. What many may not realize is that horses are gaining recognition for their incredible therapy abilities, as well, especially miniature ones as they can go places that large horses can’t! Horses reflect people's behavior. They provide immediate and honest feedback to human communication that is authentic. The electromagnetic field of a horse's heart is 3-5 times stronger and 3-10 times larger than our own heart energy (40- to 50-feet versus humans which have about an eight- to ten-feet.) Horses can match the breathing and heart rate of humans within minutes, thus quickly connecting with them on an emotional level. Knowing their amazing therapeutic abilities, coupled with a love of horses since she was a young girl, Toni Hadad of Andover, Massachusetts started Lifting Spirits Miniature Horse Therapy in 2017 and never imagined how quickly her non-profit venture would grow. As a child, Toni loved every living creature and brought all sorts home; dogs, cats, birds, mice, ducks…you name it! She began working at a local barn when she was twelve and showed horses in high school. Though she married, had two children and pursued a career as a Graphic Designer on national brands for years; her love of horses never faltered. She rescued her first horse Gunner from auction in Kentucky in 2017, and thus the beginning of her new passion: helping people ages two to ninety-five with a variety of impactful horse therapy programs. Toni said with a smile, “I don’t say no to anyone. If they want us, we’ll find a way to show up.” Toni now has seven miniature therapy horses who have big jobs to do. Some were rescued from various auctions or other sad circum-

Toni with Ms. Peaches & Winston

stances, and four of them are “dwarf ” miniature horses who are impacted with enormous health challenges due to their compact physique. She explained, “Most people get these little ones because they think they are cute. People will spend $7,000 to $10,000 for them and have no idea of their health issues nor the interest in caring for them. I’ve spent thousands upon thousands of dollars at local equine vet practices to save the lives of the ones I rescued.”

Four of her minis live with them in Andover and three live at a nearby farm. Other creatures living with the Hadad’s include three English Bulldogs, two cats and an adorable rescue pig named Oscar. Once her rescues are healthy, it takes about six months to a year to train them to become therapy animals. They start by coming into the house, recognizing smells and objects, and learning to navigate their way in a household/building environment. Because of their short legs, they use a dog ramp to walk up the stairs. They then become familiar with other people, road trips (i.e., traveling in the back of the SUV or in a horse trailer) and eventually are ready to begin “working!” Since its inception four years ago, Lifting Spirits has visited over ninety-five places throughout

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Massachusetts and Southern New Hampshire. Nursing homes, veterans’ homes and hospitals are part of the norm. They also collaborate with communities on joint local projects they’ve developed. One particularly impressive program teaches children how to deal with bullying. It’s called “Just Say Whoa® to Bullying,” and they team up with local police departments to educate school children (K-5). After an introduction by local officials, Toni gets up to talk to the kids with some words of wisdom. “It’s important to be an upstander, not a bystander. We’re all different. I have horses and they are different. They are short and stubby. They look different than regular horses, but we’re really all the same. It doesn’t matter how we look.” After her brief chat, the children are surprised when Toni introduces the previously hidden mini horses on stage…to be greeted by cheers, clapping and lots of wide smiles! A sampling of other great programs includes “Read to a Mini,” via library visits or a visit to Toni’s farm, volunteer days on the farm and Girl Scout Badge programs. They also offer a special “Farm Day;” a one-on-one visit on the property between cancer patients and the minis. Toni said that these are beyond special while difficult, as well. One-on-one home visits are also available upon request. Because,

feature of course, Toni (with her big heart) just can’t say no! She’s going to visit a three-year-old child soon who she saw last year who has a rare genetic incurable disease and make a house visit to a woman with Stage 4 cancer whose wish is to see a horse. “These are the ones that really get to you and touch your heart.” Lifting Spirits makes an average of three to four visits each week. Toni relies on dedicated volunteers and friends for help. “The minis get a bath the day before, and we select their outfits. They all are potty trained, know how to ride elevators and do well in the trailer. Their ride is much easier than my drive…especially when maneuvering through Boston with a horse trailer!” One of the most unique costumes the little ones have are a pair of Pegasus wings that Toni had custom made by a designer in California…a pair of light wings to match the lighter horses’ coats and brown ones for the darker minis! As a 501c3 non-profit, the organization relies on grants, donations and Facebook fundraisers for funding. Some fun news to “woof” about (or “hoof” about, I should say) … they are holding their first annual fundraising event called “Minis & Martinis” on October 23rd in Andover. It will be a fun evening with drinks, BBQ, raffles, a mechanical bull and more. Tickets are available on their website. If you attend, you’ll also get to meet four little irresistible minis and Oscar the pig. Not to mention Toni and her incredible team!

I’m always amazed by the kind, caring people I meet in the animal world. None of them have to do what they are doing. It isn’t easy. In Toni’s case, it’s constant monitoring of the little ones’ health (almost 24/7) and making blended meals for Oscar twice a day as he has a collapsed pharynx. And snow blowing paths in the pasture in winter so little stubby horse legs can walk. Plus, scheduling and so much more. But their love of animals and all creatures says it all. We all are important and need caring and love…and need to look out for each other. Thank you, Toni and team, for all that you do in looking out for so many others. You’re an inspiration. (MiniTherapyHorses.net)

Lifting Spirits helps people ages two to ninety-five with a variety of impactful horse therapy programs. Toni said with a smile, “I don’t say no to anyone. If they want us, we’ll find a way to show up.”

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out and about

Photos by Furnell McGrath

Stevie Gansett Instagram /#baileysminiadventure

fun things to

Elvis

bark

ABOUT Adonis & Deesil

Art to Help Animals

Local artist Katie Keefe of Wall Flowers recently teamed up with business owner Amanda Tiezzi of Vaalbara in Newburyport to raise money and awareness for Julie Burke’s Nicaragua-based animal welfare organization, NicaLove, and the results were magical! Advocating for animals is nothing new to Katie, as she recalls going door to door in 4th grade with a coffee can asking for donations for the local SPCA. Her passion for helping animals still drives much of what she does today. “I paint, as a hobby, and I figured… why not sell my work, and help animals at the same time. If something I created, can create a future for an animal in need, it’s a win/win.” Katie and Amanda hosted a Pop-Up art sale event outside of Vaalbara and donated 50% of all sales to NicaLove. The event was so successful, they plan on holding more this fall. For information on future events, follow these accounts on Instagram! @wall.flower.wild.child @vaalbarasupply - @nicalove14

A Tennis Ball Library for Canines

How sweet is this? In honor of their goldendoodle Gansett, who went to the Rainbow Bridge about a year ago, Furnell and Patrick McGrath of Newburyport installed a unique “tennis ball library” in the off-leash area of Cashman Park. Similar to “street side libraries” that can be found in many local neighborhoods (offering free books), their structure offers free tennis balls for canines that love to fetch! The McGrath’s daughter Riley came up with this special idea, as Gansett was a passionate ball chaser. A sign at the structure reads: Take One or Leave One. We should all try to be more like dogs; friendly, affectionate, loyal, playful, carefree and loving. Gansett had all of these qualities and more and did so with a tennis ball never far from his side. What a great way to honor their beloved dog and spread joy to others.

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NHSP Auction for the Animals

The New Hampshire SPCA’s annual fundraising gala, “Auction for the Animals,” will be live streamed again this year and promises to be more than just another doggone virtual event. For a suggested $50 donation, you can tune in on Saturday, November 13th, at 7:00 pm for an evening of animal inspiration; plus, a special gift bag will be delivered to your home. In addition to the live-streamed auction offering stunning collectibles, fabulous trips and unforgettable experiences; the NHSPCA will also be unveiling their newly updated facilities. Please visit their website for more information and to sign up. Every dollar raised at this dazzling event will truly make a difference in the lives of homeless animals and give them a second chance. (NHSPCA.org)

out and about

Pinchy the Orange Lobster

An UnforGOATable Day

The Mane Event

Pinchy the Orange Lobster

Many have heard of blue lobsters, and a few issues ago we wrote about Banana, a rare yellow lobster found off the coast of Maine. Well, a unique orange lobster was recently found in a tank at a grocery store in Ontario, Canada! The employees named the lobster “Pinchy,” after a lobster that appeared in a 1998 episode of The Simpsons. Most lobsters' bodies are a dark, mottled blue or brown color to help avoid detection from underwater predators. When they're cooked, they transform into a bright red or orange. Chris Cash, a spokesperson for the Lobster Institute at the University of Maine, estimates blue lobsters occur "on the order of a few in a million," while other color variants, including orange, are even rarer. Not wanting Pinchy to end up in a boiling pot, the store owners bought him

and donated him to Ripley's Aquarium in Toronto where he’ll swim with an array of other uniquely colored lobsters!

An UnforGOATable Day

If you love creatures of all kinds, a trip to Legacy Lane Farm in Stratham should be added to your “To Do” list. This family run farm offers fun for all ages with their petting zoo where you can get right up next to one of their many adorable Nigerian Dwarf goats, as well as mingle with a pig, bunnies, chickens, ducks and more. They also offer a traveling petting zoo, on-site birthday parties and goat yoga. The dwarf goats are milked twice daily, and you’ll find a great selection of handmade goat lotions and soaps in their store. Visits are free, though donations are encouraged! Visit their website for more information. A trip to Legacy will make for a very unforGOATable day! (LegacyLaneFarm.com)

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The Mane Event

Mark your calendars for November 1st-5th for the annual virtual fundraising event for the Northern New England Equine Rescue organization (NEER). The Mane Event is the non-profit’s largest fundraiser of the year, and support is needed now more than ever as surrender requests are up and their facility is full to capacity. Due to the pandemic, NEER has been overwhelmed with horses and donkeys in need. With increased creatures to care for, their medical, training and feed costs have risen dramatically. You can help them reach their fundraising goal of $25,000 by bidding on fabulous items at their virtual silent auction. The five-day event will also offer virtual entertainment and educate people more about their wonderful organization. Visit their website for information and a link to the auction. (NEERNorth.org)

on a positive note

The Most Love-A-Bull Breed

PAWsitive Thoughts from Petey & Bub

By Lexi Leddy – Rye, NH – Owner of Lexi Leddy Real Estate

“What, are you crazy?” This was the statement my husband made when I showed him a picture of Coco, a pit bull mix I had experienced love at first site with on Petfinder.com. After meeting her for an hour and a cuddle session on the couch, he was hooked; and we never looked back.

Petey: “Bark kindly to others.”

Bub: “Happiness is a mood. PAWsitivity is a mindset.”

I didn’t realize at the time what a bad reputation pit bulls had. Coco had been found roaming the streets of Harlem and was taken to a kill shelter. The day she was supposed to be put down, a wonderful family from Maine swooped in and fostered her for 8 months until we came along and adopted her. Coco is now 15 and has won the hearts of everyone she meets and has been a true advocate for the breed and has changed several minds which felt negatively towards pitties. A few years later, I found myself at Mary’s Dogs about to adopt a puppy when I walked by a room with a 2-year-old eye-patched brindle pit bull mix, which again, was love at first sight. Petey was found down in Mississippi wandering the streets and was emaciated. The now near 60-pound pit bull was a meek 25 pounds. A local rescue took him in and brought him back to health after a few months. He was then transported up to New Hampshire where fate struck. Petey the pit bull – or as I like to call him “Peteball the Meatball,” won the hearts of everyone he met. His comforting nature, personality and sense of humor, despite his rough beginning in life, was incredibly endearing. A year later, I adopted another pit mix – Bub - this time a puppy – that was abandoned on the side of the road with no water and no food in a crate.

Pat Guimond, a client and fellow pit bull lover, with his pittie, Iggy

I think it’s safe to say, most people know what it’s like to be judged. I am no exception. Despite the terrible starts these dogs have had and the judgment that is cast on this breed, having the joy and unconditional love they have brought into my life has made me an advocate for not only rescuing dogs, but rescuing pit bulls. To say, watching people’s faces (and subsequently opinions) change before my eyes (over and over and over again) about their preconceived notions of pit bulls after spending time with mine has been heartwarming is an incredible understatement. (www.MarysDogs.org)

Pat with his dog Iggy

A big thanks to Lexi Leddy for writing this wonderful article!

Lexi, a New Hampshire native, is passionate about her real estate career and has enjoyed educating her clients for over 7 years. She recently started her own brokerage firm, Lexi Leddy Real Estate. Lexi prides herself on her high level of client service utilizing her listening and communication skills and keen attention to detail. She has an innate ability to build trusting relationships while always practicing integrity, honesty and transparency. When not spending time with her clients, Lexi enjoys spending time with her two pittie rescues, Petey & Bub, and writing in her blog, "What Would You Do If You Weren't Afraid?" She is also heavily involved in the community, an active member of Portsmouth Rotary, SMART Women's networking group, and is a Co-Founder of Catapult Seacoast, the Seacoast's Young Professionals Networking Group. Second to giving Petey and Bub the life of their dreams, she is most proud of having started her Moving Communities Campaign in 2017 where a portion of her commission for each home sold is donated to a local charity. To date, because of her clients' trusting in her with their real estate needs, over $60,000 has been donated back to their communities. Lexi’s energy and positivity are truly contagious…so writing this article on PAWsitivty is simply a natural for her! Phone: 603-828-2601 Email: lexi@LexiLeddyRealEstate.com www.LexiLeddyRealEstate.com

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meet our team

Meet Conor Stanton & Bria

Conor with Bria

Conor joined the Knowles team last February when Donny Knowles, who he’d known for years, reached out as they needed some extra help. “I joined Knowles simply as a short-term job, and here I am almost a year later, and I love what I do!” Your job at Knowles?

I’m a grounds man. We do all the work on the ground once a tree comes down. The trees are connected to a cable, and then lowered once cut to be fed into a chipper. Big branches have to be cut off, and then we guide them into the chipper. I also do stump grinding. Every Saturday I join Donny to make mulch. You know, our “Outta My Tree” mulch, which is entirely natural and totally safe for homeowners with pets; no chemicals.

Best part of your job?

Honestly, I love all of it. I love the smell of wood chips. I love the adrenaline rushes you get when trees come down. Donny and Tara are awesome. My brother has worked for them for years.

A bit about Bria?

Bria is a 4-year-old Chesapeake Bay Retriever & Pit Bull mix. She’s actually my brother’s dog, but I’m the best Uncle ever…and think of her as mine too! She looks more like a Pit with a magnificent tail. Being a retriever, she chases almost anything and brings it back! Throw a ball…she’ll bring it back. Though, if she sees a chipmunk, she’ll chase it without a chance of ever bringing it back! Of course, she loves to swim. That’s the Chesapeake in her. The ocean, rivers or even a swamp… she simply jumps in.

Does Bria have any annoying habits?

She’s just so perfect! There’s really only one I can think of. Sometimes she goes into the paw-licking-zone; incessantly. Until we tell her to stop!

What do you love most about her?

Bria is the most loving, adorable dog ever. I absolutely adore her. I know everyone says that, but it’s true with Bria!

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Lessons from Animals

work like a dog

By Nancy Dewar

York resident Danielle MacKinnon is one of the most influential animal communicators in the United States as well as a psychic and Soul Level Intuitive Coach®. She has written two bestselling books, with Animal Lessons: Discovering Your Spiritual Connection with Animals probably being of most interest to our audience. I met Danielle last spring to learn about her work. She told me, “As a child I was extremely sensitive, could feel others’ emotions and had Danielle MacKInnon with Tuukka a super strong connection with animals. I was the weird one.” Her foray into intuitive animal communication began years ago when her dog Bella was very ill. A friend, seeing her distress, suggested she visit a pet psychic to discover what was wrong. With guidance from the pet psychic, Bella recovered and a light bulb went off. “From this experience, I knew I had found my new career.” After that reading, Danielle realized she’d been communicating psychically with animals forever and so began her new career connecting intuitively with pets. That quickly expanded into the people who owned the pets. One of

her first such experiences was with a Chihuahua named Jesus. He was making his owners crazy by lifting his leg on plants in the kitchen. Jesus psychically told Danielle that he was only piddling in the kitchen when the husband hit the wife (the wife had not shared this with her). He said that he had a soul contract with this woman to highlight the times she needed to find her voice – and that he wouldn’t stop this behavior until she began to stand up for herself.

Danielle’s experience with the little guy was a huge eye opener and changed the trajectory of her work. “I then realized that my life’s calling wasn’t simply to work with animals; it was to work with them to help people live better lives – which would, in turn, help the animals live better lives.” As we sat on Popover’s patio in Portsmouth that sunny spring day, Danielle shared more stories of how our animals are souls here to teach us. She talked about how an animal’s misbehavior wasn’t always a training issue, but instead part of the contract between the animal and their human. And as people worked on “issues” within themselves, often the animal’s behavior problem would clear up. She also shared how some animals have contracts to simply teach unconditional love to their owners, since many have never experienced that before.

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Danielle’s career evolved from individual readings (she’s given tens of thousands of them) to creating The Danielle MacKinnon School where she trains students in her proprietary Soul Level Animal Communication® method. There is a list of certified animal communicators to contact for personal readings on her website. One of those dedicated practitioners is Karen Dendy Smith of Charlestown, who went on to create “The Animal Communication Collective,” a consortium of Certified Soul Level Animal Communication® professionals, trained by Danielle, whose mission is to help animal welfare organizations raise funds through complimentary reading events.

A few months after meeting Danielle, I received an invitation to attend a group fundraising event to support NicaLove, an animal welfare organization in Nicaragua founded by Julie Burke of Rye. Of course, I jumped at the offer and joined a few other local women in a cozy living room, all feeling a bit of trepidation, as the three communicators explained how they work. “We connect with each of your animal’s energy, whether alive or have passed, and show what they want you to know. We can feel them already!”

work like a dog

Well, we were off! They spent about fifteen minutes interacting with each of us. We learned that Blue (a living dog) loves his bed, is very flirty and his job is to care for and look after his human Mom, as “she’s my girl.” Winnie (a living Corgi) thinks her human has a remarkable story to tell and hopes she will write it to share with others. One gal was perplexed as her dog often makes little barking noises. “She’s telling you that you need to speak up more often and really ask for what you want at home.” A cat

named Rider sees himself as a cool masculine dude and considers his mom “the girl.” His human laughed and said, “Great, maybe I’ll take him as my date to the next party!” As individual readings were done, there were nods. “Yes, I understand that. That makes sense.” There were also a few looks like, “Is this for real?!” Then it was my turn. Topline: “We see you on a beach running with Flip-Flop and flying a kite that is connected to a thin string that is ready

seacoastbarkmagazine.com 19

to break. You need something thicker to hold on to it; like those velvet stanchions you see in movie theaters. Your head is often in the clouds spinning with so many ideas that it’s hard to get clarity. You need grounding. Do more than just take Flip to the beach. Take yourself to the beach too. Be present and enjoy the sights and smells just like Flip does. Tune out from the noise of the world.” Okay…bingo…I get it! I asked about Flip’s health. “You need to gently massage her back end and rear legs. They feel tender and need some loosening up.” Another bingo, as recently she has been hesitant when jumping into my SUV, as if it is a bit difficult for her.

These professional communicators believe that animals are here to share their souls with us and help humans recognize things in ourselves that aren’t often readily apparent. They could be right! I do need to get more grounded, stop moving so much and take more time for myself. Maybe we all do! Animals are much wiser than we often give them credit for.

DanielleMacKinnon.com/animal-communicators/ Animal CommunicationCollective.com

local tails

Meet Some Special Seacoast Pups… Here are some of our readers’ adorable dogs. If you’d like your pup’s picture in an upcoming issue, send an email with “Local Tails” in the subject line to: nancy@SnazzyJazzyPet.com. All breeds welcome!

Arche - Rye

Jake - Seabrook

Chica - Plaice Cove, Hampton

Tessa - Farmington

Rocco - Hampton

Winnie - Dover

Roxy - Newmarket

Maple - Exeter

Bodi & Charlie - Hampton

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Schooner - Eliot

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Route 1 Antiques (603) 601-2554 106 Lafayette Road, Hampton Falls, NH The Collector’s Eye (603) 772-6205 132 Portsmouth Avenue, Stratham, NH seacoastbarkmagazine.com 21

Doggone Grrrrr…eat Entertaining Treat Your Pups to Great Fall Treats!

let's pawty

Seacoast Bark Magazine Oct Nov 2021

Articles inside

match.dog

flips + flops

local tails

PAWsitive thoughts

work like a dog

let's pawty

words of wisdom

animal lover's profile