We
Thank
Thank
By Susan Spisak
mostly
and has limited mobility due to
dysplasia and bad hips. The five-year-old rescued Neapolitan Mastiff was adopted by Dawn Scovel and her partner (who’s media shy, so we won’t name the guy who cares for him, too). Together the family lives in Etna with five other rescued dogs. Dawn, who was forced into early retirement from her computer programming career due to her own disabilities associated with
See UNLIKELY on page 5
Thanks to you we were able to include 63 dog profiles and donate to 6 of the rescues! We put the rescue names into a drawing and this year’s recipients were: Animal Refuge League of Greater Portland, Westbrook, Catahoula Rescue of New England, Warren, Maine Greyhound Placement Service, Augusta, Miracle German Shepherd Dog Rescue of Maine, Searsmont, Passion for Pets, Brunswick and Pope Memorial Humane Society, Thomaston. Sponsors: 2 anonymous sponsors, Androscoggin Animal Hospital, Ashes to Ashes Pet Crematory, Camden Bagel Café, The Birches, Blue Hill Co-op, Brunswick Medical Aesthetics, Coastside Bio Resources, Damariscotta Veterinary Clinic, The First, Force Free Pets, The Furniture Superstore, Green Acres Kennel Shop, Green Tree Coffee & Tea, Haggett Hill Kennel, Hillside Collison Center, Kompletely K9, Loyal Biscuit, Maine Veterinary Dentistry, Mason’s Brewing Co., Paris Farmers Union, Pawsitive Play!, Pet Pantry, Portland Veterinary Emergency & Specialty Care, Red’s Eats, Ridge Runner Veterinary Services, Tender Touch Veterinary Hospital, Uncommon Paws, Waggerstown, Water Bark Wellness, York Bark & Play. Sponsors listed in bold are regular sponsors.
We received an adorable email from a reader letting us know that her son is our “biggest little fan.” Pictured here is 15-month-old Grant and according to his mother he loves Downeast Dog News! She said, “his first word was ‘dog’ and he really gets so excited when we pick up the newest edition of the newspaper. He loves seeing pictures of so many different dogs! As you can see in the first pic below, he is very focused.” In these photos, Grant is holding the October Adopt-a-dog issue. I bet he really enjoyed it with all of the extra dog profiles.
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Jenn Rich
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Susan Spisak
Diana Logan
Sara Moore
Judith Herman
Carolyn Fuhrer
Don Hanson
Christine Calder
Elsebeth DeBiase
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Dear Dog News Readers,
I think every month I marvel at how quickly each month flies by and now it is nearly the holidays. As you may know, I am not at all a huge fan of winter but I am looking forward to things slowing down a bit (hopefully). I love my gardens and being outside but I have things that I need and/or would like to do inside. Of course, after about two months indoors I will be singing a different tune.
Pepper had her first post-surgery appointment to check her other (fatty) lumps for any changes, check her lymph nodes and the site of her surgery. So far all seems good. She has plenty of energy and behaves as though she is younger than ten and a half. It is becoming too cold to swim in the lake so I imagine we will be visiting the pool again soon.
So, you may be aware that there is a national day for just about everything now. One day recently I was curious if there is a National Pepper Day and as it turns out November is National Pepper Month! My timing could not have been better although she already has a pretty wonderful life and plenty of other dog-related holidays so I am not exactly sure how we will celebrate.
In addition to it being National Pepper Month it is also National Gratitude Month. It is a great practice to focus on that which you are grateful for every day, but this month helps encourage and remind us to show appreciation and focus on the positive things in our lives. I have much to be grateful for and Miss Pepper is certainly on that list. I am also grateful that folks enjoy our paper and to our advertisers and supporters that help make this happen every month. Warmest wishes,
Jenn and Pepper
“I am happy because I’m grateful. I choose to be grateful. That gratitude allows me to be happy.” ― Will Arnett
Finn was adopted last November and he’s about 2 years old. Finn is a Staffordshire Terrier mix but most of all, he’s a big sweetheart. We call him our truffle pig because he snorts and grunts while sniffing the ground. He loves to play tug and keep away (especially with socks!). His favorite treats are his Greenies and when he gets one, he prances around proudly and dances around while celebrating. We call this dance the Truffle Shuffle.
If you’d like to submit a photo of your dog to be considered for Dog of the Month, send it with a small description of your dog (cool trick, silly thing he does, favorite toy) to jenn@downeastdognews.com or mail it to: 8 North Main Street Suite 201, Rockland, ME 04841. Each month one will be selected to be printed in the paper.
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O
nly 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 pups during the dark winter nights. That being said, it’s a great time to start thinking about your hopes and dreams for 2025. What would you like to do or see? What do you want to do with your free time, or how are you going to create it if you don’t have enough. As I’m writing this month’s column, I’m in the throes of Covid so instead of taking your questions I’m going to share a very silly reading I’ve recently done.
A woman called about her dog that had recently passed and then one that was only three years old. The pup in heaven was an absolute sweetheart and her heart dog. He was so gentle and would happily sleep until it was time for a walk or to go outside, had zero bad behaviors and said that he passed without her beside him because he loved her as much as she loved him, and he never could have left even though it was his time. Beautiful, right?
by Sara Moore
Her remaining dog, however, was quite a character! I love it when they show me who they would be if they
were a human, and he saw himself as a mix of Vincent Price and the awkward actor who plays a smarmy, uncomfortable gay man with a pencil thin mustache. I’m sorry I can’t even name a movie that he was in, but I blame covid. Anyway, the dog said he takes himself very seriously and said he was very classy, mysterious, and quite an amazing specimen. She
asked if that’s so true why does he eat his own poop?! The dog gave me a side eye and whispered (in my head but it came across as if I was watching him in a movie scene), “Those are not Belgian chocolates?” I burst out laughing and told him nope, that’s clearly poop. He slowly looked away from me and muttered under his breath. Yes, I’m aware this was a phone reading, but the dog literally looked like the man he identified as, and it was all very ridiculous. I asked him what he’d like as a little gift for deciding to avoid those “chocolates” in the future, and he instantly perked up and said he wanted a fancy outfit. Now, his version of fancy and mine are different. He told the owner to go get a really nice, crisp white button down, first starch and then cut off the collar and the cuffs, embellish with some black material to make the white pop and put it on him. The image he showed me was of Patrick Swayze and Chris Farley doing the exotic dancer skit on Saturday Night Live. We were laughing so hard, and I “saw” the dog giving her an expectant look. Before I could tell her, she said he was staring at her so intently that she promised to make him fancy. Honestly, I’m not creative
enough to make this stuff up… Before we hung up, he said he likes carrots, sliced into thin sticks and the crunchier the better. He also requested mushy pieces of cheese, and as I’m typing, I now realize it was brie. Perfect for a highfalutin pup. Before I go, I want to share that being an animal communicator was never on my radar. I thought I’d be doing energy work on animals, but the first time I did, and I HEARD them in my head, I thought I’d lost my marbles. It didn’t turn off and only got clearer as I went along. I also thought that dressing dogs up had to be embarrassing for them, but I have learned that SO many of your pups love wearing clothes, bandanas, bracelets, and sometimes exotic dancer gear. Sigh. This has been the best career ever, and I look forward to helping you understand what your four-legged friends are really trying to tell you!
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 veterinarian may recommend certain over the counter drugs used by people for dogs. She has the knowledge of what is safe for your best friend. Here I am going to discuss the more common over the counter (OTC) drugs people give their companions and what can happen if you use the wrong dose and frequency.
Let’s begin with antihistamines. These are the go-to if our best friend is having allergic reactions to insect stings and other environmental allergic reactions. The dosage is not the same for humans or the frequency. Commonly used antihistamines are chlorpheniramine, dimenhydrinate, diphenhydramine, promethazine, meclizine, and loratadine. Many of these products are combined with other drugs to relieve cold and sinus symptoms. Adverse side effects are dependent on the amount ingested. Signs of
by Dr. Judith Herman
antihistamine toxicity can include depression or hyperactivity, drooling, rapid breathing, rapid heartbeat, gastrointestinal upset, lack of coordination, tremors, fever, and seizures. Treatment is supportive care with fluids, medication too for the heart and to control seizures. Next are decongestants. There are many of these available over the counter. The ones to be concerned about are imidazoline decongestants. Common names for derivatives of imidazoline are oxymetazoline, xylometazoline, tetrahydrozoline, and
naphazoline. They are used for nose and eyes congestion due to colds, allergies, and sinusitis. Poisoning involves heart, lungs, nervous system and gastrointestinal tract. Symptoms include vomiting, heart abnormalities, panting, increased breathing sounds, weakness, nervousness, hyperactivity, and shaking. These symptoms can show up rapidly. Supportive care by your veterinarian is what is needed. Ephedrine and pseudoephedrine are also used as decongestants and will affect the heart and the central nervous system. These are treated with supportive care.
Guardians do not like to see their companions in pain. Many will go to their home pharmacy and give a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory to relieve distress from inflammation, pain, and fever. The problem is the dose and frequency of dosing is much different for a dog than a human. Commonly found in the medicine cabinet are aspirin, ibuprofen, acetaminophen, and naproxen. Some of these can be used with caution under your veterinarian’s supervision. Symptoms of toxicity involve bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract, damage to the kidneys and, or liver. Central nervous system symptoms and coma can also occur.
The next are gastrointestinal drugs. The first group are called
Enjoy November and feel free to follow Sara Moore on Facebook at Sara Moore Enlightened Horizons. She offers workshops, gallery style events, private parties, and phone and in-person sessions. FMI go to www.enlightenedhorizons.com.
H2 blockers. You will easily recognize these common drugs. Examples are cimetadine, famotidine, and rantlidine. They are used to treat gastrointestinal ulcers, inflammation of the esophagus, and gastric reflux (a backward flow of stomach contents). Generally, these are safe to use with low toxicity. Sensitive or overdosed pups can develop symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, and dry mouth. Treatment generally consists of monitoring and supportive care. Antacids are another widely used over the counter drugs. They come in pill and liquid forms and are used for GI upsets. Relatively safe and poorly absorbed these contain calcium carbonate, aluminum hydroxide, and magnesium hydroxide. Calcium and aluminum products cause constipation while magnesium containing products cause diarrhea. Some products contain both aluminum and magnesium to try and cancel out unwanted effects.
The take home message here is to consult with your veterinarian before giving your best friend anything over the counter.
Judith K. Herman DVM, CVH Animal Wellness Center Augusta, Maine www.mainehomeopathicvet.com
Lyme disease, has been in rescue for forty years. She’s active with Mastino Rescue, Inc. as well as Old Dogs New Digs, both whose efforts are in-state and beyond. Dawn explained she was at her FL home—she’s a snowbird— when the Mastino group heard about a sickly, underweight stray named Renzo in Alvin, TX, and stepped in. His owner was found but relinquished him—long story short—the easy-going boy was transported by a volunteer to MO for entropion eye surgery and neutering.
Renzo was then transported to TN to meet his foster, Dawn, and together they motored back to the Tampa area. The rescue’s vet partner treated him for worms, heartworm, yeast infections, and parasites, among other things. He cried his first night in her home, and Dawn held him all night. After settling in, he repped the Mastino nonprofit at FL events with his dedicated volunteer foster mom. They bonded, and she and her partner subsequently adopted him. He was renamed Enzo, and spends half his year in FL, the other half in ME.
Dawn is a kind, compassionate person, and she knew her Mastiff would be perfect for therapy work, and as a team they’d make a difference. She trained him on her own and worked around—and with— his disabilities. “He can’t hear or see, so we do things by touch and different pulls on his collar.”
She chose ATD as they provide testing, certification, registration, support, and insurance for animalassisted activities in a variety of places such as hospitals, schools, and assisted living facilities. Their testing is designed to make sure the duo has a good relationship with each other and that the dog has the right temperament for therapy dog work. “His demeanor is also perfect for it,” she said, adding, “He’s just the sweetest, kindest dog you can ever meet, honestly.”
Dawn explained they went to a Tester’s house for the first test, which involved Enzo ignoring dogs who either walked by or near him. The second test was at St. Leo University in FL where they had to ride elevators and meet students in various areas with a Tester monitoring them. Next were supervised visits with a Tester at a medical facility who instructed, advised, and provided guidance on the visits. They passed and were certified in March of 2024 as a Pet Therapy Team. In FL, they’ve been visiting an assisted living facility as
well as a memory care facility near her home. The response is already terrific, and on his visit days they wait for him at the door.
In ME, the Enzo factor is huge, thanks to timing. Ashley Jackson, Title 1 Interventionist who works with all students spanning pre-k to grade 4 at Caravel Elementary School in Carmel, said this all began last year as she was meeting daily with a small group of fourth grade learners to work specifically on their reading comprehension.
“Our group read a text about therapy horses, which really intrigued them to learn more about therapy animals and how they are used in different settings. These students then wrote letters to our administration advocating for why they believed a therapy dog would be an amazing resource for our school, its staff, and students.”
She said a couple of weeks after these letters were written, she was put in contact with Dawn through a mutual friend. “She explained to me that Dawn was looking for Enzo to begin his journey as a therapy dog in a school setting. I was lucky to have an administration that was willing to take a chance and meet with Enzo and Dawn. The rest, as they say, is history. He has been visiting weekly ever since!”
Each week, Ashley sends an email to all classroom teachers, including
the special ed teacher, for their recommendations on those who would benefit from an Enzo visit. Sometimes teachers recommend students who need emotional support or help with their reading fluency. Other teachers may suggest students who’ve been a behavior or academic role model in class. Regardless, the number of kids chosen varies weekly.
“Some students bring their own books with them to read, others choose to just visit, cuddle, and give Enzo some pets instead. If a student doesn’t feel comfortable reading aloud, that’s ok. This is meant to be a safe, low-pressure environment for them,” said Ashley. Other students sit and listen to others read, then will choose to read at their next visit.
His effect on all is superb, “The kids and staff absolutely adore Enzo and cannot wait for his return each week.” His effect is outstanding, especially for those who struggle with anxiety, shyness, learning challenges, or they aren’t comfortable reading aloud in their classroom. But with Enzo, it’s different, there is no judgment. “You can absolutely see any tension and/ or stress leave the bodies of almost all students and staff when they get to visit with Enzo. Some students choose to immediately cuddle up next to him. Others even lay down directly next to him and hug him. For such a large dog, Enzo is the sweetest, gentlest giant.”
“When students know that it’s an ‘Enzo Day’ there is a buzz of excitement in the school,” she said. He’s so popular, he’s been requested for other schools such as Caravel Middle School. (He also pleases crowds at children’s events—often as Fang, Rubeus Hagrid’s dog in Harry Potter.) “I believe that it has had a really amazing effect on helping create a positive atmosphere in our school. Everyone leaves the visit with Enzo with a smile on his or her face and in a much better mood!”
Ashley said they have learned another important lesson from Enzo. “As educators, we are always emphasizing the importance of hard work and grit. We want students to understand and truly believe that no matter what your limitations and struggles may be, you can achieve big things. Enzo exemplifies this perfectly for students. He works hard to spread joy and love to everyone he meets despite all the extreme challenges he has had to overcome.”
Follow Enzo on Instagram at wheres_enzo. Dawn said it’s so named because wherever she is, everyone of all ages asks her, “Where’s Enzo?”
Please keep Dawn and her family in your thoughts as they lost most everything in their FL home during Hurricane Helene.
Goals, goals, goals. Humans are very goal-oriented, and we tend to let the simple approach of “go directly to Point B” seep into the training we do with our dogs. Of course, we are bound to have objectives, but they are important not to our dogs but to us. We are apt to be greedy when we train: we can imagine the destination, but our dogs cannot, yet we are in a hurry to get there.
How can we collaborate with our dogs to reach the goals that are important to us while helping our dogs stay engaged and happy?
Whether it’s walking nicely on leash, learning to do weave poles in agility, executing a perfect retrieve, or just climbing a flight of stairs, the best approach is to take tiny, “bite sized” steps, mix in lots of positive reinforcement, mix in games and fun, and carefully progress towards the goal.
by Diana Logan
I’d like us to shift our thinking from having a goal of say, simply “getting to Point B,” to the goal for our learner to “be confident and happy every step of the way.” This approach requires us to split the process into many tiny pieces, “rungs” if you wish, on the “ladder” of learning. If each step is taken with confidence and joy, Point B is easily achieved. If we ask our learner to do too much, too soon, we will lose them, generate frustration in both of us and make the goal even less
achievable. We might get frustrated to the point of giving up and not wanting to try again.
I love this drawing because it so clearly illustrates how, when we present a task with too few steps, we are unsuccessful. If the same journey is divided up into small but doable pieces, it’s a breeze! Another significant advantage of this is that if we are unsuccessful at one rung, there’s one right below that is reachable: we haven’t lost much ground.
Example: Mastering the stairs
Human wants dog to do a flight of stairs (let’s say, up, not down for this example). The typical scenario involves dog at bottom of stairs and owner trying to lure or pull or otherwise cheerlead the pup up the flight. Up the entire set of stairs. This would be an example of the ladder on the right in the illustration.
Let’s look at this from the dog’s perspective. She’s seeing a strange and mountainous obstacle in her way. Is there a reason to get to the top? Is it physically safe for her to do so? Is her body ready to take on the challenge? Do the stairs have good traction?
Possible Approaches
A. Help your pup feel more comfortable on novel objects. This is socialization, no matter the age. Help her learn about her hind legs, that she can, in fact, step up rather than
reach, reach, reach forward with her front end.
B. Introduce your pup to other, easier stairs. This might require you to go elsewhere. Reward your pup generously! Go SLOWLY. Keep her on leash. Racing up and down stairs can be dangerous for canines and humans alike, and it doesn’t help a pup learn about body awareness. Slow is good!
C. One step at a time, but starting at the END. (This is “back-chaining”). Put something super enticing on the floor at the top of the stairs, place your pup’s hind legs on the step one down
TO OUR WINNERS AND THANK YOU TO OUR READERS FOR VOTING!
BEST VETERINARY PRACTICE
1. Androscoggin Animal Hospital, Topsham
2. Brunswick Veterinary Clinic, Brunswick
3. Bath Brunswick Veterinary Associates, Brunswick
BEST GROOMER
1. Blue Dog Daycare, Brunswick
2. Dirty Paws Dog Grooming, Sanford
3. Dawgtopia, Bath
BEST TRAINER
1. Maximillion Dog Training, Oakland
2. Mr. Dog Training, Sara Sokol, Brunswick
3. Sit Means Sit, Windham
BEST PET STORE
1. Loyal Biscuit, Bath
2. Loyal Biscuit, Waterville
3. Animal House, Brunswick
BEST PET PRODUCT
1. Mountain Dog Cookie Co., Scarborough
2. A1K9 Chews (A1K9 Academy), Westbrook
3. Tie
Zip Paw Collars, Madawaska
Allagash Antlers, Hodgdon
BEST DAYCARE/BOARDING
1. Blue Dog Daycare, Brunswick
2. A1K9 Academy, Brunswick
3. Brown Dog Inn, Freeport
BEST RESCUE/SHELTER
1. Humane Society Waterville Area, Waterville
2. Midcoast Humane, Brunswick
3. Pope Memorial Humane Society, Thomaston
BEST PET-FRIENDLY LODGING
1. Little White Dog Properties, Georgetown
2. Craignair Inn, Spruce Head
3. The Lockwood Hotel, Waterville
BEST PET PHOTOGRAPHER/ARTIST
1. Gina Soule Photo, Portland
2. Venture With Dogs Pet Photography, Lisbon Falls
3. Soul Friends Pet Fur-tography, Carmel
BEST PET-FRIENDLY CAMPGROUND
1. Hadley Point Campground, Bar Harbor
2. TIE
Desert of Maine, Freeport
Sagadahoc Bay Campground, Georgetown Bar Harbor/KOA Oceanside, Bar Harbor Megunticook Campground, Rockport
3. TIE
Jo-Mary Lake Campground, Brownville Wolfe’s Neck Campground, Freeport Skowhegan/Kennebec Valley KOA, Canaan
by Carolyn Fuhrer
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 (Tracking Dog) test is held in a grassy field; a TDX (Tracking Dog Excellent) is held in fields and woods. Yet there is a whole other world of tracking that many people know little about – urban tracking.
AKC offers two titles in urban
tracking; an introductory title, TDU (Tracking Dog Urban) and an advanced title, a VST (Variable Surface Tracker). These tests are held at college campuses, schools, business parks and other urban areas that offer a mix of pavement, grass, buildings and other non-vegetative
surfaces such as the infield of a baseball field or bark mulch.
The thing I like best about urban tracking is that there are so many areas available to train. So, if you enjoy tracking, you can really extend your range of possible sites to practice by doing some urban tracking. A few weeks ago, we spent a wonderful weekend teaching our dogs to track in the City of Rockland, nice views, good food and fun tracking opportunities. By including urban tracking in your training, you can still track when grass in the fields is too high and needs to be mowed or if it is not the time of the year you want to be in the woods. By teaching urban tracking, you and your dog can track almost all year long. Keep your tracking gear in your car and put out a small track when you run an errand. Opportunities are all around us.
In tracking, we are teaching the dog to follow the human scent the dog is shown at the start. In urban tests, there are no physical obstacles. The rules state “the level of physical difficulty should be such that it will permit all AKC breeds and handlers of any age to participate. Ordinary
stair steps are not considered to be an obstacle.”
AKC tracking tests verify the dog’s ability to recognize and follow human scent while adapting to changing scenting conditions. The test is designed to be as practical as possible. The team of handler and dog working in tracking is a wonderful thing to watch. The dog is the only one who can detect the scent. The handler must learn to understand what the dog is communicating and trust the dog. The handler is there to understand and support the dog’s work. Few dog sports require the understanding, patience, and teamwork necessary over an extended period of time that is demonstrated by successful tracking teams.
Interested in learning about urban tracking? On Track Agility Club of Maine is hosting a TDU test on November 10 (Sunday) at the Viles Arboretum. Come and watch and see what an exciting sport urban tracking can be! E-mail kduhnoski@ myfairpoint.net for information, time to be at the test, and where to meet.
Carolyn Fuhrer has earned over 200 AKC titles with her Golden Retrievers, including 4 Champion Tracker titles. Carolyn is the owner of North Star Dog Training School in Somerville, Maine. She is also an AKC Tracking Judge. She has been teaching people to understand their dogs for over 30 years.
Everything your pet needs: food, toys, treats, clothing, care items, collars Open Daily 10AM to Close I 150 Main St. #3, Bar Harbor (207)288-0404 I barkharbor.com
he Androscoggin Animal Hospital (AAH) is located on Foreside Road in Topsham, Maine. AAH has been certified by the American Animal Hospital Association since 2003 and has consistently exceeded the guidelines for certification. We employ an amazing team of 9 Veterinarians and 26 dedicated support staff. The hospital is committed to providing an exceptional experience that is compassionate, professional, and affordable. We use the latest technology (including a therapeutic and surgical laser, ultrasound, in-house diagnostic equipment, and digital radiography) to provide complete surgical, dental, and medical care. We love supporting the community that has graciously continued to support us. We want to thank our dedicated clients, patients, friends, and the community for choosing us as ‘Best of the Best’ Veterinary Hospital in Downeast Dog News for the FOURTH year in a row!
in Maine! Owner, Meghan Osborne and her dedicated, loving staff are so honored by this achievement. We feel so lucky to be able to care for and have fun with your dogs every day. This year actually marks our 10 Year Anniversary!!! 10 years of doing what we love. For those who don’t know, our exceptional facility is located in beautiful Brunswick, Maine and has over 6,000 square feet of indoor space and 10,000 square feet of fenced outdoor space. Dogs have plenty of room to run, play, sleep and learn. With grooming and training options too, we have everything you need to help bring out the very best in your dog. Thanks again for voting us the BEST. We love your dogs and our jobs. Cheers to many more years!
My name is Nancy Mooney, and I have been professionally grooming dogs for over 22 years. I am so honored that you have voted me BEST DOG GROOMER in Maine! I have been grooming dogs at Blue Dog Daycare for almost 10 years and I’ve loved every minute of it. I take pride in the fact that I create a calming space and I take time to connect with each dog that comes into the shop. I get to know them and will cater to their needs. I use gentle techniques so dogs will feel at ease and at home with me. We are located in Brunswick, ME and offer grooming services Monday-Friday. We just hired a second groomer at Blue Dog so we are taking new clients. We are excited to meet your dog. Thanks again for voting me Best Groomer in Maine.
Maximillion Dog Training, owned Smith, has been voted as Maine's being voted as third best dog trainer the number one dog trainer in the a testament of their hard work and in Maine. Their facility located out in positive reinforcement training, between dogs and owners. With a expert team tackles various needs, complex behavioral issues. Maximillion all breeds and problems, providing solutions. This award reflects the transformative training. Zachariah to fostering joyful relationships continues Maine's canine community.
The Humane Society Waterville Area, located in Waterville, Maine, was founded in 1970. Our shelter provides services for 16 different towns across three separate counties, taking in an average of over 1,100 animals per year. While in our shelter, we provide medical care to include vaccines, flea and tick preventative, heartworm preventative, and when applicable spay and neuter surgery. Our first priority is to reunite each and every animal with their owner, and if we are unable to locate the owner, our efforts switch to finding the best possible home that we can.
Hello, I’m Sara Sokol, I’m Little for the most wonderful little white pet friendly vacation rental property, on 2.5 acres and 75 feet of deep waterfront Georgetown Maine and have been Lodging for the past FOUR years! It a beautiful, comfortable, and clean are welcome to vacation with their is always better with a dog by your charging a pet fee, welcoming multiple and ages, as well as providing numerous In addition, I prioritize outstanding give my guests, both two and four that they won’t forget; from the moment checkout, and return trips. Come stay
owned by Zachariah and Martina best dog trainer for 2024. From trainer in 2023 to being voted as state of Maine this year, it is and dedication to helping dogs out of Oakland, Maine specializes cultivating trust and respect a science-based approach, their needs, from basic obedience to Maximillion Dog Training welcomes providing personalized effective community's confidence in their and Martina Smith's dedication continues to positively impact
art of the EarthWise Pet Family of Brands, Loyal Biscuit Co. is committed to providing high-quality pet supplies and services, as well as supporting animal welfare organizations in the community. We are your destination for the best in healthy, all-natural food and treats, the best in toys, collars, leashes, beds, and more with over 5,000 hand selected items in our stores, plus we have access to over 25,000 more products we can special order! We are an award-winning pet supply store with 6 locations throughout Maine at 180 Front St, Bath; Reny’s Plaza, 1 Belmont Avenue, Belfast; Hannaford Shopping Plaza, 421 Wilson Street, Brewer; US Route 1, Camden-Rockport; 408 Main Street, Rockland; and 109 Main Street, Waterville.
I am so honored to again be chosen as Maine’s Best Pet Product! When I began Mountain Dog Cookie Co. in 2015, my goal was to make a dog cookie with simple quality ingredients good enough for humans, and also fun decorated cookies to help us celebrate the pets we love. My husband and I created a signature peanut butter, pumpkin and cinnamon recipe that dogs got nuts for. He is our baker, cutting out thousands of cookies each year in small batch after small batch for me to decorate. Our decorated cookies are baked to order. We firmly believe that just because it is a dog cookie doesn’t mean it can’t be fun to look at! Which is what makes our homemade decorated cookies so special. You can find us as well as photos of our decorated cookies and happy customers on our Facebook page. Thank you so much to everyone who voted for us in 2024 and past years as well. Your support of small businesses like ours means the world!
White Dog Properties, named dog in the world, Milo. My property, Wiggleswick Cottage, sits waterfront shoreline in beautiful voted BEST Pet Friendly It was important to me to create clean vacation home where people their dogs since I believe that life side. I take pride in never multiple dogs of all sizes, breeds, numerous amenities just for dogs. customer service, and strive to legged, a vacation experience moment they book, through stay with me!
Gina Soule Photo is Maine's only international multi-award winning and published photographer who exclusively photographs pets. Based in Portland, Gina incorporates the beauty of the Maine scenery while utilizing all natural light to create one-of-akind pieces of art for her clients. Gina travels throughout all of Maine, and New England, and specializes in working with dogs of all personalities, training levels, and ages. No training is required to create amazing portraits of your heart dog! By following your dog's lead, sessions are laid out as if they are one big adventure, keeping dogs excited, engaged, and having a blast! We want to thank each and every one of you for continuing to support Gina Soule Photo, and for voting us the 'Best of the Best' Pet Photographer for the last 4 years! We can't wait to see you and your dog(s) out there!
adley’s Point Campground is located just minutes from downtown Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park. It has been family-owned and operated for over 55 years, welcoming generations of families. Whether you prefer tent camping, the comforts of an RV, or renting a cabin, Hadley’s Point has got you covered. We would love to welcome you and your family!
Dogs are a social species, and like humans, their sociability and tolerance can vary from the extrovert or uber-social to the introvert or recluse. It’s why not all humans get along with each other. Most dogs fall somewhere between extrovert and introvert, meaning they will probably like most dogs or be somewhat selective. However, this may change over time, and it’s normal for older dogs not to be as social. That’s why bringing a puppy into a home with an existing senior dog is something you need to carefully consider before making a decision.
I love the eternal optimism shown by those who believe that if left to their own devices, all dogs would frolic all day together, enjoying one another's company. Unfortunately, that’s a myth. When we fail to accept that our dog may never enjoy interaction with other dogs, we can cause discomfort and even cause harm to our dogs and others.
When a dog is timid or reactive toward other dogs, it is experiencing an emotional response. The emotion might be fear, anger, or a combination of both. Emotional reactions cannot be trained out of existence, as we can teach a dog to sit or come when called. The brain doesn’t work that way.
Rescued dogs can be great companions—most of my dogs have been rescued—but they often come with some behavioral "baggage." Sometimes, that can be changed, but it is typically a slow, methodical process. Like with people, the longer your dog exhibits an undesirable behavior, the more energy and time it takes to change that behavior. No matter how hard you try, you might not be successful. Sometimes, as in the story to follow, it’s best to let things be if your dog is comfortable with you and the environment in which it lives.
by Don Hanson
We rescued a Cairn Terrier named Dulcie, who was estimated to be five when she joined our family. The place where we found Dulcie required that she meet our other dogs before we could adopt her. They all met while on a leash, and everyone got along fine. It’s important to understand that these evaluations are a snapshot in time and are not a guaranteed predictor of future behavior. Evaluations like this may result in a false positive, suggesting everything is okay when, in Dulcie's case, it was and wasn’t.
We adopted Dulcie and let her settle into her new home with me, my wife, four dogs, and a cat. She instantly bonded with me, my wife, and the people working in our store. There were no altercations with our other dogs, so after a few weeks, I enrolled her in our daycare.
After two days at daycare, my team came to me and said, “Don, Dulcie hates daycare.” They were all knowledgeable and well-trained, so I trusted their judgment, but I did ask them what they observed. They explained that Dulcie would happily hang out with the people; they loved her as much as she loved them. However, Dulcie had no interest in the other dogs. Dulcie did not play, and if another dog attempted to approach her in a friendly greeting, she would exhibit a toothy grimace and a low rumbling growl, and the other dog would back away. The little 10lb
dog, the smallest in the group, was not as sweet as her name. According to Google, “Dulcie comes from the Latin word dulcis, meaning "sweet,” and is also inspired by the Spanish word for "candy." It's related to Dulce, a traditional name that Cervantes drew inspiration from when naming Dulcinea, the chosen lady of the erratic knight Don Quixote.”
Dulcie never barked, lunged, or attacked another dog. She didn’t need to, as they all respected her desire for them to stay away. After that, I watched her more closely at home, and the calming signals she gave our other dogs were quite evident. Calming signals are subtle body language dogs use to say, “Stay Away” or “Please, Come Closer.” Since Dulcie wasn’t enjoying the other dogs in daycare and was making it less enjoyable for others, we disenrolled her after two days. Dulcie’s total disinterest in other dogs did not concern her. In other
See WORDS on page 19
Don Hanson lives in Bangor, Maine, where he isthe co-owner of the Green Acres Kennel Shop (greenacreskennel.com) and the founder of ForceFreePets.com, an online educational resource for people with dogs and cats. He is a Professional Canine Behavior Consultant (PCBC-A) accredited by the Pet Professional Accreditation Board (PPAB)and a Bach Foundation Registered Animal Practitioner (BFRAP). Don is a member of thePet Professional Guild (PPG), where he serves on the Board of Directors and Steering Committee and chairs the Advocacy Committee. He is also a founding director of Pet Advocacy International (PIAI). In addition, Don produces and co-hosts The Woof Meow Showpodcast,available at http://bit.ly/WfMwPodcasts/,the Apple Podcast app, and Don's blog: www.words-woofs-meows.com.The opinions in this post are those of Don Hanson.
Recent studies have demonstrated that glucosamine and chondroitin can act synergistically to lubricate joints and nourish cartilage and connective tissue.
Sea Jerky® is the original, patented “joint flexibility product for dogs”. Imitators may make similar claims -but there is only one Sea Jerky!
If you find yourself struggling to feed your pets, there are people out there that can help you! The following is a list of some of the pet food pantries available in Maine. Each pantry may provide different products and/or services. We try keep our list updated but please check with the individual pantries for more info. and to confirm their hours/requirements.
AniMeals for Seniors
Spectrum Generations runs an AniMeals program in conjunction with the Meals on Wheels program for seniors. Belfast, Camden, Brunswick, Muskie Center in Waterville, Skowhegan, Hallowell and Damariscotta. https:// www.spectrumgenerations.org/ nutrition-services/animeals
We work with Food Banks in Bath, Richmond, Bowdoinham, Whitefield, and Jefferson. Our contact info is: 207-522-1018 by text, Facebook messaging from the Dogwill page or email: dogwillinc@gmail.com
No Bowl Empty 2 Pet Food Pantry 238 Old Alfred Rd., E. Waterboro 207-233-2793
1st & 3rd Sun., 1pm - 3pm, 1st Thurs., 6pm - 8pm (April - October only), 2nd & 4th Wed., 3pm - 5pm Serves residents of Cumberland, York & Androscoggin Counties
Remote pantry at Pine Tree Estates in Standish 207-642-2900. Limited pet food at Youth Full Maine Food Distributions every Thurs in Dayton and 3rd. Wed. in Biddeford. Mobile distributions in Auburn & Norway in planning stages. nobowlempty@outlook.com
Pittie Posse Rescue’s No Bowl Empty Pet Pantry
Serving residents of Cumberland, York and Androscoggin Counties. Visit Facebook page for distribution dates and locations www.facebook. com/pittiepossespetpantry. 207-619-0027, pittiepossepetpantry@gmail.com
ANDROSCOGGIN COUNTY
Greater Androscoggin Humane Society 55 Strawberry Ave, Lewiston 207-783-2311
Every Tuesday, 9 – 11am
Kommunity Kritters
Moving to 550 Lisbon St., Lewiston (contact prior to confirm location) 207-577-7942 Mon., Tues., Thurs. & Fri., 10am – 12:30pm & 1:30 – 5pm, Sat., 9am – 3pm
AROOSTOOK COUNTY
Hollywood Pet Salon 70 Main St., Houlton 207-532-7387
Call ahead for assistance.
Houlton Humane Society
263 Callaghan Road, Houlton 207-532-2862
Tues – Fri, 11am – 4pm
Call ahead for pet pantry assistance.
CUMBERLAND COUNTY
Animal Refuge League of Greater Portland 217 Landing Road, Westbrook 207-854-9771
Tuesday, Thursday & Saturday, 3pm – 5pm
Please complete the online registration and order forms.
Animal Rescue Unit
73 Middle Ridge Road, No. Bridgton 207-939-7852
Mon. – Fri., 9am – 3pm
Camp Bow Wow
49 Blueberry Road, Portland 207-541-9247
M-F: 7am – 7pm
Sat. & Sun., 7:30 – 10am & 3:30 – 6:30 pm
Call to check supply levels.
Midcoast Humane
5 Industrial Parkway, Brunswick 207-449-1366 x206
Tues. & Thurs. – Sun., 11am – 3pm
Call to check supply levels.
HANCOCK COUNTY
MDI Pet Food Pantry
Bar Harbor Food Pantry
36 Mount Desert St. (behind YMCA) 207-288-3375
Tues. & Wed., 9am – 2pm Thurs. 12pm – 6pm
Must call to order in advance
Hardy’s Friends
Non-profit organization, helps pet owners in need in the towns of Gouldsboro and Winter Harbor.
FMI: susanburke58@hardys friends.com or 207-963-7444
SPCA Hancock County 141 Bar Harbor Rd., Trenton 207-667-8088
Currently open to the public by appointment only.
KENNEBEC COUNTY
Amy Buxton Pet Pantry South Parish UCC 9 Church St, Augusta 207-622-0552
2nd and 4th Sat. of ea. month. 9 – 10am
If urgent need check with Pastor Richards on Tuesdays or Wednesdays as well.
KNOX COUNTY
PAWS Animal Adoption 123 John St., Camden 207-236-8702
Pick-up once/month by appointment.
Pope Memorial Humane Society
25 Buttermilk Ln., Thomaston 207-594-2200
Call ahead for pet food/litter assistance.
COUNTY
Action for Animals Maine (for Lincoln County residents) Boothbay Harbor 207-350-1312
Boothbay Region Food Pantry Congregational Church Eastern Ave., Boothbay Harbor 207-350-2962 Fridays, 11am – 1pm
Jefferson Food Pantry
St Giles’ Episcopal Church 72 Gardiner Rd., Jefferson 207-315-1134
2nd and 4th Wed. 4 – 5:30 pm
Midcoast Humane 27 Atlantic Highway, Edgecomb 207-449-1366 x206 Any day, 9am– 3:30pm Call to check supply levels.
PENOBSCOT COUNTY
Bangor Humane Society 693 Mt. Hope Ave., Bangor 207-942-8902 Mon. – Fri., 12pm – 6pm Call to check supply levels.
Furry Friends Food Bank Available through the Eastern Area Agency on Aging in Washington, Penobscot, Hancock and Piscataquis Counties. Services for low income seniors and their companion animals. People must be enrolled with EAAA. Call 207-941-2865 or 800-432-7812.
Waldo County Pet Food Panty VFW Post 3108 34 Field Street, Belfast 207-322-3237
1st Wed., 12:30pm – 1:30pm 3rd Sat., 12:30pm – 1:30pm
The Corner Cupboard Sanford Unitarian Universalist Church
5 Lebanon St., Sanford 207-324-3191
3rd Sat., 10am – 2pm Limited pet food & supplies.
GivingTuesday was started in 2012 as a day that encourages people to do good and has grown into an annual global movement. There are many ways to give: whether it is a donation of money, food or other needed items, helping a neighbor or an organization that is special to you or just sharing kindness, we all have something to contribute.
by Elsebeth DeBiase, BAminSC, ICMG, FFCP, LSHC-S Coastal Creations Pet Salon, Owner www.coastalcreationspetsalon.com
"Old age is not an end but a new beginning, a chance to savor life's sweetest moments (unknown)." Caring for an elderly dog is a special time when owners can honor and give back to their faithful friend. As pets age, they require more care, and grooming is a critical factor in maintaining their quality of life. By approaching grooming with patience and flexibility, we can provide a lifelong source of comfort for our senior canine friends. Advanced age alone cannot determine a dog's ability to cope with grooming.
Old age is not a disease but rather a stage of life that requires increased vigilance and care. The primary goals in grooming elderly dogs are to prevent any physical or emotional distress, ensure their comfort and cleanliness, and help guardians maintain a bond with their beloved senior dog. Short, frequent grooming sessions set senior dogs up for success and are an excellent way to keep track of potential health changes.
Senior pets are more vulnerable
to illness and injury and often develop conditions such as arthritis, diabetes, and skin disturbances. Agerelated ailments can lead to changes in toileting habits, susceptibility to matted fur, and irritability when handled. Health challenges can affect a senior dog's ability to cope with hygiene maintenance. The inability to cope can lead to increased fear, anxiety, and aggression.
Considering each dog's unique capacity to handle grooming and adapting the process is essential. Senior dogs may find the traditional multi-groomer salon overwhelming. Professional groomers who provide
services in a mobile van, at your home, or by appointment in a one-on-one salon environment are best. Consider the following qualities when selecting a professional groomer for an elderly dog:
• Grooms one dog at a time.
• Keeps the grooming salon calm and quiet
• Uses minimal restraint
• Customizes the grooming environment for individual dogs
• Allows owners to stay if needed
• Splits grooming appointments into shorter, more frequent sessions
• Has special equipment for
grooming senior dogs, such as a Groomer's Wall, a Trach Saver, a grooming harness, and a fluff dryer.
• Feels comfortable grooming pets taking pharmaceuticals for anxiety
Customizing grooming sessions to reduce stress in elderly dogs at home can include:
• Sort grooming sessions for 5 to 10 minutes once or twice daily, focusing on priority areas like face, feet, and rear end.
• Keeping it positive with praise and treats.
• Providing nonslip matting on grooming surfaces.
• Using minimal restraint and allowing dogs to choose their comfort position, standing, sitting, or lying down.
• Using room temperature pet shampoo or shampoo bars.
• Selecting a quiet location away from other pets and distractions. If you are concerned your senior pup is having trouble coping with day-to-day activities or grooming sessions, it is important to speak to your veterinarian. The answer to "How old is too old for grooming?" is entirely individual.
By Christine D. Calder, DVM, DACVB Calder 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 actions like biting, growling, or fighting. However, in animals like dogs, aggression is more complex than just attacking or biting. What Is Aggression?
Aggression is usually seen as harmful behavior, such as fighting or biting. Some experts describe it as initiating a conflict or acting in a hostile way. However, aggression is not an emotion itself—it is a behavior triggered by emotions such as fear, or frustration. For instance, a dog may bite because it is scared, not because it is deliberately choosing to be aggressive. It is important to understand that aggression is a reaction to emotions, not an emotion on its own. This explains why animals can act aggressively for different reasons, depending on the feelings that drive their behavior.
Different Types of Aggression
Understanding aggression in dogs can be challenging because different experts define it in different ways. For example, a dog that bites might be labeled with terms like "conflict aggression," "fear aggression," or "food-related aggression," depending on who is evaluating the behavior. This can lead to confusion because a
single behavior might be described with multiple labels. This inconsistency happens when people do not clearly distinguish between the context (the situation in which the behavior happens), the motivation (why the dog is behaving that way), and the emotion (how the dog feels) driving the behavior.
Aggression vs. Aggressive Behavior
Another challenge is the way we use the word "aggression." In science, behaviors need to be clearly described, but aggression refers to many different actions that could cause harm. It is not one specific behavior—it encompasses a range of actions where harm might occur. This lack of clarity makes it difficult for scientists to agree on a single definition of aggression. Some experts prefer the term "aggressive behavior" because it encourages us to carefully examine the situation and consider what is actually happening, rather than lumping all harmful actions under one broad label.
Understanding Context, Motivation, and Emotion
To truly understand aggressive behavior, we need to look at three key factors: context, motivation, and emotion.
1. Context: This refers to the situation in which the behavior occurs. For example, a dog might bite while guarding its food. However, simply knowing the dog bit someone over food does not fully explain why the bite happened or what led to it.
2. Motivation: Motivation refers
to the underlying reason for the behavior. Was the dog trying to protect itself? Did it anticipate harm? Was the dog responding to a perceived threat in its environment? Motivation cannot be directly observed, but we can make educated guesses by examining what happened before and after the behavior.
3. Emotion: Emotion explains how the dog feels during the behavior. Two dogs might react very differently to the same situation based on their emotional state. For example, one dog might feel fear and attempt to run away while another might feel threatened and choose to bite instead.
The Role of Emotions in Aggressive Behavior
Emotions play a significant role in
how animals behave, particularly when they act aggressively. For instance, a dog that is scared may bite out of fear while another might bite due to frustration or feeling threatened. Emotions shape how dogs interpret their environment and respond to various situations.
Some common emotions that can lead to aggressive behavior include:
• Fear: A dog might bite because it is afraid of being harmed.
• Frustration: When a dog desires something but cannot obtain it, such as food or attention, it may act aggressively. Frustration can also occur when aversive tools are used, or if the dog experiences confusion during training.
• Pain: A dog in pain may bite to protect itself or react aggressively when touched in a way that causes, or it believes will cause, discomfort.
Conclusion
Aggression in animals, particularly dogs, is more complicated than it might seem. It is influenced by the situation, the motivation behind the behavior, and the emotions that drive it. To fully understand why a dog behaves aggressively, we must go beyond the actions themselves and explore the underlying causes. By focusing on these deeper factors, we can better manage and address aggressive behavior in dogs, leading to safer and happier outcomes for both the dogs and the people around them.
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 her friend and colleague, Janet Wendle. Shortly after, several of her work colleagues came on board, including Sue. That amazing team carries Lucky Pup in the present.
This foster-based nonprofit takes in about forty percent local surrenders for a variety of reasons. “Changing life circumstances would be a good summary of the most frequent reasons given; moving somewhere where they can't take the dog, having a baby and financial concerns… Sometimes a family member has to go to assisted living or passes away and none in the family can take the dog.”
In addition to local strays, they have multiple rescue and shelter partners
in the southern US, including their original partners in Arkansas. They have newer partners in Mississippi and Puerto Rico as well. They’ve rehomed 2276 dogs, “There is no one breed more than another. Mixed breed dogs such as lab mixes and hound mixes are popular, but we do get pure-bred dogs through the rescue.”
Sue, who works as an occupational therapist at RSU21 in Kennebunk,
A handicapped 4-year-old Shih Tzu, Snowy and her black and white best friend, 8-year-old Moses, were abandoned at the groomer! Snowy has incontinent issues but has pants to use, it seems to be more of an issue when she is excited or playing. They are sweet dogs and have had a rough life until they were rescued recently. We realize this pair will take a very special adopter. We are sure the love and joy they will provide to their new family will be well worth it. The adoption fee for these furry friends is $500.
a foster family falls in love and adopts a dog, so they take a break from fostering.”
“Foster families are the backbone of our rescue, and we can only save as many dogs as we have fosters for. It's one of the few times when you can actually be a life saver. It's free to the family, and we support you through the process.” She added she’s fostered forty-four dogs, with just three ‘foster
The community supports them,
daycare partners such as A Dog's Tale in Kittery, and to Super Dogs and Cats in Biddeford who support us through fundraising and hosting events. “Our veterinary partners help us exponentially; Southern Maine Veterinary Care in Lyman has been with us since day one of the rescue in 2007. We have so many businesses and individuals who help us through
the day-to-day operation of the rescue. It truly takes a village!”
Lucky Pup has been there for many people and pets. They had a pup come in with a severely injured leg and had it amputated. In walks a potential adopter who requested a special needs pup! That beautiful pup, Gracie, lived a long and happy life using her wheelchair on Maine beaches and spread joy with her incredible howl. Another unusual but sweet story, a CT family visiting Kennebunk saw a beautiful Lucky Pup dog being walked by its foster downtown and stopped for a chat. Long story short, they ended up adopting the pup!
For all info, to see their “Wish List,” and to donate, visit luckypuprescuemaine.org/. Watch their socials for details on the
Beautiful Georgie has been in her foster home now for several weeks and is slowly but surely coming out of her shell. Her foster mom works from home, so Georgie is lucky to have very little alone time, and a canine brother who has become her buddy. Georgie's biggest needs will be a family that can work on building her confidence as new experiences are still a challenge for her. Her foster mom says, " I love how sweet and gentle she is. She has this cute little face, and she has one ear the points straight out to the side and the other flops over. She loves affection…she's such a good girl!
Kovu is a sweet love and approx. 45 lbs. Kovu was returned to our rescue 7 years after adoption due to changing family circumstances. He is working with our friends at Kompletely K9 Dog Training and Rehabilitation to gain some assessment and training under his belt. Kovu had a canine sister in his former home, and they would hang out together while their mom was out of the home for work. Kovu exhibits some signs of separation anxiety, so he may benefit from a family who has someone home more than not.
View more available dogs on our website, downeastdognews.com. Many rescues are showing dogs by appointment only right now. Some rescues do not offer phone numbers and require you apply online. Please see the contact info. highlighted in gray below each dog.
3 years old, Shepherd Mix
She’s very smart and knows sit, down, paw & walks fantastic on a leash. She also loves going for rides! She is a huge love bug and loves everyone she meets, good with kids however does not know her size so would likely do best with ages 7+. Would do best in a home that is active.
FMI visit: blessedbethebullies.com
Sponsored by: (207)729-4678, androscogginanimalhospital.com
4 years old, Lab Mix
1 year old, Mixed Breed He will make someone a great companion! Crate and house trained and a really good couch snuggler. Loves going for rides, getting belly rubs, and making a splash
Mandy is the embodiment of energy, always on the go, and her goofy antics are sure to brighten even the gloomiest of days. She’s got a sharp mind and a heart full of love. Handles a leash like a pro and enjoys car rides. She thrives on being close to her people, giving out kisses! No kids or other dogs.
FMI visit: bangorhumane.org
12 years old, Shepherd Mix
Starsky sure would like to break out of the shelter!
He’s a staff favorite. Starsky was bitten by a dog some time ago, so is very scared of other dogs and doesn’t want to live with one. He is moderately active with good mobility, good in a car & on a leash. Starsky loves people & wants to be loved back!
FMI visit: olddogsnewdigs.com
Sponsored by: Boothbay Canine Daycare & Boarding 653 Wiscasset Rd., Boothbay, boothbaycanine.com
great with adults, young kids and cats. They are dog-selective but do fine with seeing other dogs out & about. These sweet boys are friendly, cuddly, playful
Sponsored by: Water Bark Wellness 4 Commercial St., Rockport, (207)230-8455, waterbarkwellness.com
: olddogsnewdigs.com
Kompletely K-9 Dog Training and Rehab. 248 Choate Rd., Montville, (207)322-5111, kompletelyk9.com
Gypsy is a pro at giving you those sad puppy dog eyes. In typical hound fashion she is a sniffer and loves to put her nose to ground and go. But never fear; this gal is a total couch potato. While she loves her walks and sniff sessions, Gypsy is more than happy to curl up on the bed
: popehumane.org
Sponsored by: 2456 Atlantic Hwy., Lincolnville, (207)706-7908, greentreecoffee.com
an old soul in a young body. Once he gets comfortable with you, he is such a love bug! He is very focused on the environment around him with smelling and watching extremely true to his nature as a Catahoula Leopard dog.
Email: sln2310@yahoo.com
Sponsored by: Haggett Hill Kennel 93 Dodge Rd., Edgecomb, (207)882-6709, haggetthillkennel.com 15 Hardy St., Brewer, (207)989-6300, masonsbrewingcompany.com
To submit or get more information on the events below, go online to downeastdognews.com
These events are currently scheduled as of our production date however please check with the event organizers to ensure they are still taking place on these dates.
Saturday, November 2
Kennebunk 9AM-12PM
AWS Community Veterinary Clinic is hosting a FREE microchip and rabies vaccine clinic for dogs and cats over 12 weeks of age right here at Animal Welfare Society. This clinic is free to attend. An appointment is not required; drop ins are welcome. However, to help us plan and to reduce wait times, please RSVP to select your preferred arrival time frame. RSVP registration opens on Friday, Oct. 4 and closes Friday, November 1 at noon. https://animalwelfaresociety. org/event/microchip-rabies-vaccineclinic. Pets may receive a microchip, a rabies vaccine, or both. Please indicate which service(s) you require when you RSVP. All pets must be leashed or in a secure carrier. To receive a 3-year rabies vaccine, you must bring your pet’s previous rabies certificate or records from a vet. Otherwise, your pet will receive a 1-year vaccine.
Sunday, November 3
Lewiston, 10AM-3PM
Benefit our community’s pets and the life saving work of the of the Greater Androscoggin Humane Society. There will 65+ exhibitors offering a wide variety of items for your whole family – including your favorite furry friend! Raffle tickets can be purchased to win prizes, and a 50/50 will be held. Also be a FREE door prize drawing for all attendees. Volunteers and staff will be on hand to offer information about the shelters programs and services, and it’s the perfect time to ask about getting involved with the shelter yourself! We will be collecting physical donations to support animals in care and our Pet Pantry. The biggest needs are cat food, litter, bleach, paper towels, high efficiency laundry detergent, soft pet treats and training treats for dogs. Admission is free. FMI: SavingPetsInMaine.org
Cleanings are available for a $10.00 each or combo price of $12.00 for ear cleanings. All funds raised go directly to rescue.
TSC NAIL TRIM CLINIC
Sunday, November 24 Thomaston, 12PM – 2PM Is your pet in need of a pedicure? Bring them over to Tractor Supply in Thomaston and Shannon Nachajko, Director of Catahoula Rescue of New England will be on hand to make your fur kids look their very best! And remember we trim not only dogs, but cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, you name it! Nail Trimming and Ear Cleanings are available for a $10.00 each or combo price of $12.00 for ear cleanings. All funds raised go directly to rescue.
PAWS AUCTION FOR THE ANIMALS
Saturday, November 9
Thomaston, 12PM – 3PM
Is your pet in need of a pedicure? Bring them over to Tractor Supply in Thomaston and Shannon Nachajko, Director of Catahoula Rescue of New England will be on hand to make your fur kids look their very best! And remember we trim not only dogs, but cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, you name it! Nail Trimming and Ear Cleanings are available for a $10.00 each or combo price of $12.00 for ear cleanings. All funds raised go directly to rescue.
Sunday, November 10
Augusta
TD (Tracking Dog) and TDU (Tracking Dog Urban) Tests. On Track Agility Club of Maine event. Two AKC Tracking Tests – if you are interested in AKC tracking with your dog and would like to watch and see what it is all about – this is a great opportunity. Headquarters is at the Viles Arboretum in Augusta. Call Kathy at (207)691-2332 FMI as to time and where to meet!
AKC TEMPERAMENT TEST
Saturday, November 16
Somerville American Kennel Club Temperament Test. On Track Agility Cub of Maine will administer two AKC Temperament tests on Nov. 16th at North Star Dog Training School in Somerville, ME. One test will be held in the morning and the other test in the afternoon. Tests will be administered by two AKC evaluators. A dog passing both tests will earn the AKC ATT Title. ATT Tests are open to all purebred and mixed breed dogs. Dogs must be at least one year old. FMI call Kathy at (207)691-2332.
TSC NAIL TRIM CLINIC
Tuesday, November 19
Thomaston, 11AM – 1PM Is your pet in need of a pedicure? Bring them over to Tractor Supply in Thomaston and Shannon Nachajko, Director of Catahoula Rescue of New England will be on hand to make your fur kids look their very best! And remember we trim not only dogs, but cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, you name it! Nail Trimming and Ear
November 28 – December 8 Online
Over 200 amzing items up for bid! Proceeds will benefit PAWS Adoption Center. PAWS online Auction for the Animals has something for everyone. FMI: https://www.pawsadoption.org
44TH ANNUAL FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS CRAFT SHOW
Saturday, November 30 Rockland, 9AM – 2PM Craft show at the Rockland Elks Club to benefit Pope Memorial Human Society. A suggested $2 donation is asked for at the door as a donation to Pope Memorial Humane Society. Over 40 local artisans, crafters, and artists. FMI: popehumane.org
Thanksgiving Foods Unsafe for Dogs
Fatty foods: turkey skin, gravy Bones
Chocolate & Sugary desserts
Casseroles
Mashed potatoes with salt, butter and/or garlic
Onions and garlic
Stuffing: Often contains unsafe ingredients
Raisins and grapes
Alcohol
Foods containing spices
Yeast Dough
BASIC from page 6
from the top and the front feet on the floor. Let her go.
• Repeat until pup goes up without hesitation. Make sure it’s really enticing stuff that awaits.
• Start one step down from where you were. Repeat as above.
• If you repeat this, being sure she is confidently climbing each step slowly and thoughtfully before you move to the next one down, your pup will soon have an “ahah! moment” and realize she can, in fact, do the stairs. You can skip a few. Keep sessions short and don’t expect the full flight in the first few sessions. If your pup has had bad experiences on the stairs, it will take longer.
BY LINDSAY
Waterville, Mid-Coast, Ellsworth/Bar Harbor 207-561-7322
lindsay@petcarebylindsay.com
• You can do the same thing descending the stairs, too. Caveats
Dog must be comfortable being picked up for Option C. I prefer to do this with puppies who have had lots of reimbursement when it comes to being picked up. Don’t stress your dog out – it’s supposed to be a fun game!
Stairs must be very comfortable and safe.
Stop if there are signs of avoidance or anxiety. It’s supposed to be a game! There’s nothing wrong with making it easier.
You will get there, one rung at a time, and it will be with confidence and care and joy. From there, much more is possible!
What are some training challenges you have had that you are curious to know how to break up into smaller pieces?
WORDS from page 13
words, not all dogs want a "doggie friend," just as some people prefer a solitary life. That's not abnormal, and it's perfectly okay. Because she was very happy and content in our home, I saw no reason to try to change her. At five years of age, with an unknown background of what occurred during that period, the probability of changing her behavior towards other dogs was small and, in my opinion, unnecessary. Changing a basic temperament or personality type in a person or dog is often next to impossible and can easily cause more problems than it solves. Your dog should ALWAYS have a choice about whether to interact with another human or animal. PLEASE never force them to be social because that’s what you want.
