http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/pets-f25/-t1.htm Tips on anything from hamsters to horses or just share a story. Tue, 30 Jun 2009 01:47:08 GMT 10 http://i18.servimg.com/u/f18/11/65/21/31/banner10.jpg http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/pets-f25/-t1.htm http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/pets-f25/raising-puppies-to-be-guides-t18874.htm Outspoken Raising puppies to be guides BY VALERIE TUCKER Correspondent Morning Sentinel PHILLIPS -- Carol Rogers is a foster mother for some cuddly canines, and she has to be tough, even when she wants to laugh out loud. As one of Maine's volunteer puppy raisers for Guiding Eyes for the Blind, she is training Cash, a five-month-old, energetic Labrador retriever. "He's such a great dog, but he's easily distracted by everything," she said. "He's learning good manners, and ... Pets Tue, 30 Jun 2009 01:47:08 GMT http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/pets-f25/raising-puppies-to-be-guides-t18874.htm#22191 http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/pets-f25/raising-puppies-to-be-guides-t18874.htm http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/pets-f25/hare-care-t18164.htm Outspoken Hare Care Having a hoppy Easter? Here's what you need to know. By RAY ROUTHIER Staff Writer Portland Press Herald Sometimes, cuteness can be misleading. The bunny is a prime example. Especially today, Easter, when pictures of Thumper and the Easter Bunny are everywhere. A snapshot of a furry little bunny with his nose twitching is enough to make any child beg for a rabbit of his or her own. And the parents, especially if they are bunny novices, would likely give in. After ... Pets Mon, 13 Apr 2009 02:13:56 GMT http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/pets-f25/hare-care-t18164.htm#21374 http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/pets-f25/hare-care-t18164.htm http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/pets-f25/maine-horses-exposed-to-venereal-disease-t17027.htm Outspoken Maine horses exposed to venereal disease BY TERRY KARKOS Morning Sentinel AUGUSTA -- Owners of mares in central Maine were contacted Wednesday by veterinarian Don Hoenig who said the horses could have been exposed to a venereal disease. The outbreak of contagious equine metritis, discovered Dec. 15 in a quarter horse in central Kentucky, potentially exposed horses in 45 states -- including seven mares in Monmouth, Richmond, Whitefield and Glenburn -- to the disease, Hoenig said. "It's ... Pets Thu, 29 Jan 2009 11:20:34 GMT http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/pets-f25/maine-horses-exposed-to-venereal-disease-t17027.htm#20063 http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/pets-f25/maine-horses-exposed-to-venereal-disease-t17027.htm http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/pets-f25/when-buying-a-dog-as-a-holiday-gift-t14983.htm Outspoken When buying a dog as a holiday gift, Humane Society urges a bit of caution BY MEGHAN V. MALLOY Staff Writer Kennebec Journal With stores decked out in Christmas decorations, Thanksgiving only 10 days away, and a winter chill settling in, many Mainers -- and Americans -- are starting to think about holiday gifts for the family. One national organization, however, is sending an early warning about buying a four-legged, furry addition to the family just in time for the holidays. The ... Pets Mon, 17 Nov 2008 11:07:15 GMT http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/pets-f25/when-buying-a-dog-as-a-holiday-gift-t14983.htm#17730 http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/pets-f25/when-buying-a-dog-as-a-holiday-gift-t14983.htm http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/pets-f25/back-from-the-brink-t14980.htm Outspoken Back from the brink BY DARLA L. PICKETT Staff Writer Morning Sentinel NORRIDGEWOCK -- Sugar Bear, a 7-pound, emaciated female Yorkshire poodle terrier discovered on Skowhegan's streets this summer, is today the poster dog for what love can accomplish. Just four months after the quivering, nearly hairless dog was rescued by an animal-control officer, the dog now weighs in at more than 17 pounds; its fluffy coat has filled out to a soft, taffy color; and it parades around with a ... Pets Mon, 17 Nov 2008 10:56:48 GMT http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/pets-f25/back-from-the-brink-t14980.htm#17727 http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/pets-f25/back-from-the-brink-t14980.htm http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/pets-f25/economic-woes-squeeze-pet-owners-t13860.htm Outspoken Economic woes squeeze pet owners Area veterinarians offer tips for animals’ well-being By Renee Ordway Special to the NEWS Bangor Daily News BANGOR, Maine — During the hour-long evening meal in the soup kitchen at Manna Ministries Inc., Executive Director Bill Rae notices “doggy bags” being stuffed inside purses and pockets. “Many of these people are eating some of their meal, but leaving a little extra and tucking it away,” Rae said last week. “It's not for a snack for themselves ... Pets Tue, 14 Oct 2008 11:49:21 GMT http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/pets-f25/economic-woes-squeeze-pet-owners-t13860.htm#16437 http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/pets-f25/economic-woes-squeeze-pet-owners-t13860.htm http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/pets-f25/good-breeding-indeed-it-takes-total-commitment-t10533.htm Outspoken Good breeding, indeed: It takes total commitment BY MEGHAN V. MALLOY Staff Writer Kennebec Journal AUGUSTA -- Life for the Hansens is all about their 11 Bernese Mountain dogs. Their rural Augusta home is built around the black, white and brown canines. Jon Hansen, a former New York law enforcement officer and Jody Hansen, secretary to Augusta Police Chief Wayne McCamish, will use vacation time from work to care for the animals, some of which they show in exhibitions. "What ... Pets Sun, 06 Jul 2008 11:21:28 GMT http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/pets-f25/good-breeding-indeed-it-takes-total-commitment-t10533.htm#12681 http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/pets-f25/good-breeding-indeed-it-takes-total-commitment-t10533.htm http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/pets-f25/economy-forcing-people-to-make-the-toughest-cut-family-pets-t10443.htm Outspoken Economy forcing people to make the toughest cut: family pets By Sharon Kiley Mack Staff Writer Bangor Daily News BANGOR, Maine - As household expenses - food, fuel, heating costs - rise at an unprecedented rate, more and more pet owners are finding themselves making the difficult choice to give up their pets. "It is absolutely heart-wrenching to watch grown men cry," Dawn Weber, an adoption counselor at the Bangor Humane Society, said this week. "We have people who ... Pets Thu, 03 Jul 2008 10:24:02 GMT http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/pets-f25/economy-forcing-people-to-make-the-toughest-cut-family-pets-t10443.htm#12574 http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/pets-f25/economy-forcing-people-to-make-the-toughest-cut-family-pets-t10443.htm http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/pets-f25/a-day-for-the-dogs-downtown-t9985.htm Outspoken A day for the dogs downtown People take their pets to work and make others aware of the need for adoptions. By RAY ROUTHIER Staff Writer Portland Press Herald High above Fore Street on Friday morning, in a small third-floor office, Mickey the Dalmation/Labrador retriever mix was settling into his new duties. It was not readily apparent, however, what his duties were, since he was cozily lying on the floor, motionless. "Well, he sits there by my desk and comes and puts his ... Pets Sat, 21 Jun 2008 12:21:06 GMT http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/pets-f25/a-day-for-the-dogs-downtown-t9985.htm#12057 http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/pets-f25/a-day-for-the-dogs-downtown-t9985.htm http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/pets-f25/protect-your-pup-veterinarian-warns-of-lead-in-toys-t9426.htm Outspoken Protect your pup: Veterinarian warns of lead in toys By Sharon Kiley Mack Staff Writer Bangor Daily News AUGUSTA, Maine - State Veterinarian Don Hoenig is issuing a warning to all pet owners about the dangers of high concentrations of lead in pet toys. Hoenig is doubly concerned, he said, because many households with pets also have children who sometimes put a pet’s toys in their mouths. Pet toy lead content also is worrying the Federation of Maine Dog Clubs. Legislative chairman ... Pets Sat, 07 Jun 2008 13:01:54 GMT http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/pets-f25/protect-your-pup-veterinarian-warns-of-lead-in-toys-t9426.htm#11425 http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/pets-f25/protect-your-pup-veterinarian-warns-of-lead-in-toys-t9426.htm http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/pets-f25/nine-lives-with-the-bills-to-match-t9179.htm Outspoken Nine Lives, With the Bills to Match As medicine enables pets to live longer, costs add up. By Nancy Trejos Washington Post Staff Writer Susan Davis has three cats, two dogs, guinea pigs and a bearded dragon. She estimates that in the past five years, she has spent $10,000 on visits to the veterinarian and on medications. If you throw in vitamins, organic pet food and other items intended to promote a healthy lifestyle for her pets, she has probably spent twice that. "I try not ... Pets Sun, 01 Jun 2008 16:29:45 GMT http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/pets-f25/nine-lives-with-the-bills-to-match-t9179.htm#11157 http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/pets-f25/nine-lives-with-the-bills-to-match-t9179.htm http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/pets-f25/belfast-got-stress-pet-consultant-says-dogs-do-t7555.htm Outspoken Belfast: Got stress? Pet consultant says dogs do By Walter Griffin Staff Writer Bangor Daily News BELFAST, Maine - Just like their human owners, dogs suffer from stress. "The big reason for stress in dogs is our inability to understand what they are saying," Don Hanson told about 50 pet owners gathered at the Abbott Room of the Belfast Free Library on Saturday. Hanson, a dog behavior consultant, pet trainer and owner of Green Acres Kennel Shop in Bangor, was invited to discuss ... Pets Mon, 28 Apr 2008 11:37:12 GMT http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/pets-f25/belfast-got-stress-pet-consultant-says-dogs-do-t7555.htm#9372 http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/pets-f25/belfast-got-stress-pet-consultant-says-dogs-do-t7555.htm http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/pets-f25/sanford-police-issue-warning-of-rabies-t6071.htm Outspoken Sanford police issue warning of rabies The Associated Press SANFORD, Maine — The Sanford Police Department is issuing a warning to people who live near the Margaret Chase Smith School after a dead fox tested positive for rabies. Police say the fox was located and destroyed after it attacked a dog and a cat, and tests showed the fox was in an advanced stage of rabies. Police have located the dog but not the cat, and they want to hear from others whose pets may have been exposed to ... Pets Wed, 26 Mar 2008 15:52:57 GMT http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/pets-f25/sanford-police-issue-warning-of-rabies-t6071.htm#7719 http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/pets-f25/sanford-police-issue-warning-of-rabies-t6071.htm http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/pets-f25/wheelchairs-keep-disabled-pets-moving-t6046.htm Outspoken Wheelchairs keep disabled pets moving By STEPHANIE REITZ Associated Press Writer SHELBURNE FALLS, Mass. - When Gary Mikus learned that an incurable nerve disease was starting to paralyze the hind legs of his German shepherd, he immediately dismissed the idea of putting the dog to sleep. Then he spotted an ad in a pet food store: "Eddie's Wheels For Pets. Help for Handicapped Pets." Now the dog named Bear, which has been Mikus' constant companion for a decade, has a lot of ... Pets Wed, 26 Mar 2008 00:44:42 GMT http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/pets-f25/wheelchairs-keep-disabled-pets-moving-t6046.htm#7691 http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/pets-f25/wheelchairs-keep-disabled-pets-moving-t6046.htm http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/pets-f25/your-dog-is-fat-and-you-know-what-to-do-t5910.htm Outspoken Your Dog is Fat. And You Know What to Do By Katherine Hobson U.S. News and World Report I knew it was time to do something about my dog's weight when an obedience trainer who hadn't seen her in a year greeted us with, "Mindy! You've gotten so, um, fluffy!" Mindy may have taken it as a compliment, but I knew better. My vet says that because her short legs and long back (she's a dachshund mix) predispose her to disk problems, she really should pare about 1.5 pounds off her ... Pets Sun, 23 Mar 2008 02:51:18 GMT http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/pets-f25/your-dog-is-fat-and-you-know-what-to-do-t5910.htm#7536 http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/pets-f25/your-dog-is-fat-and-you-know-what-to-do-t5910.htm http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/pets-f25/couple-forms-great-dane-rescue-unit-t5196.htm Outspoken Couple forms Great Dane rescue unit Betti and Roger Curran of Topsham says the large breed is playful and craves contact with humans. By ISAAC KESTENBAUM Portland Press Herald Betti and Roger Curran of Topsham have been rescuing Great Danes and other dogs for nearly 30 years. In December, they officially became a rescue organization, Coastal Maine Great Dane Rescue, complete with a board of directors. A Web site is in the works, and the Currans have submitted paperwork to be ... Pets Wed, 05 Mar 2008 12:48:51 GMT http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/pets-f25/couple-forms-great-dane-rescue-unit-t5196.htm#6731 http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/pets-f25/couple-forms-great-dane-rescue-unit-t5196.htm http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/pets-f25/pets-caught-in-economic-squeeze-t5107.htm Outspoken Pets caught in economic squeeze Some owners say they can no longer afford day care, walkers and even some health care. By TESS NACELEWICZ Staff Writer Portland Press Herald People who have lost their homes to foreclosure have had to give their cats to animal shelters. Dog owners are cutting back on how often they send their pets to day care, or pay to have them walked. And pet owners are cutting costs by switching to more affordable pet food and putting off some preventive pet health ... Pets Mon, 03 Mar 2008 11:59:40 GMT http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/pets-f25/pets-caught-in-economic-squeeze-t5107.htm#6634 http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/pets-f25/pets-caught-in-economic-squeeze-t5107.htm http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/pets-f25/all-of-a-sudden-beagles-are-numero-uno-t4527.htm Outspoken All of a sudden, beagles are numero Uno By DIETER BRADBURY Portland Press Herald When a beagle won the top prize in the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show this week, Donna Cook couldn't contain herself. "I was very excited about that," said Cook, who breeds beagles and other dogs at Weskeag Labradors in South Thomaston. "I scared my 12-year-old Labrador, jumping out of my chair." Such was the thrill for Maine beagle owners when a dog named Uno was declared ... Pets Sat, 16 Feb 2008 14:34:16 GMT http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/pets-f25/all-of-a-sudden-beagles-are-numero-uno-t4527.htm#5987 http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/pets-f25/all-of-a-sudden-beagles-are-numero-uno-t4527.htm http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/pets-f25/shelter-crew-spends-christmas-with-critters-t2940.htm Outspoken Shelter crew spends Christmas with critters By MECHELE COOPER Staff Writer Morning Sentinel AUGUSTA -- While most people were home with their families Christmas morning, Stephanie Wrigley was busy cleaning cat cages at a local animal shelter. When the 18-year-old adoption counselor at the Kennebec Valley Humane Society finished up her chores, she planned on spending the rest of Christmas Day with her fiance's family. Wrigley wiped film off a Plexiglas glass in one of the cages ... Pets Wed, 26 Dec 2007 11:48:33 GMT http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/pets-f25/shelter-crew-spends-christmas-with-critters-t2940.htm#4213 http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/pets-f25/shelter-crew-spends-christmas-with-critters-t2940.htm http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/pets-f25/as-you-shop-for-your-pet-remember-it-is-an-animal-t2864.htm Outspoken AS YOU SHOP FOR YOUR PET, REMEMBER: IT IS AN ANIMAL from the Morning Sentinel Some days, we walk down store aisles, look at all the merchandise and ask ourselves, "We can make all these things -- but we can't achieve world peace?" Such was the line of questioning when we heard about the latest thing in the pet world. Blue suede booties. And a furry pink bed. If we didn't know any better, we'd say those were accessories for Elvis. But they're not: They're ... Pets Sun, 23 Dec 2007 00:25:11 GMT http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/pets-f25/as-you-shop-for-your-pet-remember-it-is-an-animal-t2864.htm#4122 http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/pets-f25/as-you-shop-for-your-pet-remember-it-is-an-animal-t2864.htm http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/pets-f25/ten-foods-your-dog-should-never-eat-t2724.htm Robert Pooler As a dog owner, we all want what's best for our dog. With the newest reports about the proper diet for your dog, they should have carbohydrates, vegtables, etc., more and more dog owners are giving their dog table scraps without realizing that there are certain foods a dog should never have. Before you put your left-overs in your dog's bowl be sure to read the top ten foods they shouldn't eat. 1. Chocolate - To dogs, chocolate acts as a stimulant, making your dog's heartbeat accelerate or ... Pets Wed, 19 Dec 2007 00:16:43 GMT http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/pets-f25/ten-foods-your-dog-should-never-eat-t2724.htm#3961 http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/pets-f25/ten-foods-your-dog-should-never-eat-t2724.htm http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/pets-f25/tibial-plateau-leveling-osteotomy-a-new-solution-to-an-old-t2723.htm Robert Pooler A ruptured cranial cruciate ligament is a fairly common-and very painful-knee injury among human athletes. Dogs are also susceptible to this problem, but not because they play football. For dogs, this is a long-term progressive disease that can lead to arthritis and other permanent degenerative changes of the joint. Dr. Dianne Dunning, a small animal surgeon at the University of Illinois Veterinary Teaching Hospital in Urbana, is trained in a new procedure to treat this condition. "It ... Pets Wed, 19 Dec 2007 00:05:21 GMT http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/pets-f25/tibial-plateau-leveling-osteotomy-a-new-solution-to-an-old-t2723.htm#3960 http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/pets-f25/tibial-plateau-leveling-osteotomy-a-new-solution-to-an-old-t2723.htm http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/pets-f25/anemia-in-dogs-t2722.htm Robert Pooler What does it mean to be anemic? Anemia is a reduced number of red blood cells or hemoglobin or both. It is not a specific disease but the result of some disease process. How is anemia diagnosed? The most easily observed sign of anemia is a loss of the normal pink color of the gingiva (gums). Anemic dogs also have little stamina so they seem very listless or tired. Pale gingiva and lethargy symptoms to perform some tests on blood to document anemia. There are several tests ... Pets Tue, 18 Dec 2007 23:57:49 GMT http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/pets-f25/anemia-in-dogs-t2722.htm#3959 http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/pets-f25/anemia-in-dogs-t2722.htm http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/pets-f25/it-s-a-new-age-in-pet-care-t2646.htm Outspoken It's a New Age in pet care More veterinarians are offering alternative treatments such as herbs and acupuncture. By TESS NACELEWICZ Staff Writer Portland Press Herald YARMOUTH – Murgatroyd had 12 needles sticking out of him, but he wasn't jumping off the table at the Holistic Healing for Animals clinic. In fact, the black and white cat sat calmly while veterinarian Ruth Dalto used a burning Chinese herbal stick to warm the needles she had inserted to strengthen the 17-year-old ... Pets Sun, 16 Dec 2007 22:31:11 GMT http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/pets-f25/it-s-a-new-age-in-pet-care-t2646.htm#3860 http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/pets-f25/it-s-a-new-age-in-pet-care-t2646.htm http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/pets-f25/maine-trust-helps-to-fund-rabies-study-t2229.htm Outspoken Maine trust helps to fund rabies study By TESS NACELEWICZ Blethen Maine Newspapers To protect against rabies, dogs are given shots every one to three years, depending on such factors as their age and the type of vaccine used. But a Maine woman who is concerned that too-frequent rabies vaccinations are exposing pets to health risks has helped raise money for a study to look at whether dogs actually need far fewer shots. The study at the University of Wisconsin-Madison School ... Pets Wed, 05 Dec 2007 12:09:14 GMT http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/pets-f25/maine-trust-helps-to-fund-rabies-study-t2229.htm#3336 http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/pets-f25/maine-trust-helps-to-fund-rabies-study-t2229.htm