Thrift the Runway Puts Fashion to Work for Hunger Relief

Fashion and philanthropy shared the spotlight earlier this month when more than 400 people packed The Cut in Gloucester for The Open Door’s third annual Thrift the Runway fashion show.
On Tuesday, April 27, Christine Paxhia will present a talk, ““Peonies: Love of My Life,” at the North Shore Horticultural Society meeting in Manchester.

North Shore Horticultural Society Launches New Season of Garden Programs

The North Shore Horticultural Society has successfully kicked off its 2026-27 lecture season in Manchester, beginning with a timely look at how even small gardens can play an important role in supporting pollinators.

Hot Spots in Dogs

Summer brings swimming, hiking, and more time outdoors for our dogs—but it also brings one of the most common skin problems I’ve seen in my career: hot spots.

Pain Management in Pets

In thirty years of practice, the question that mattered most was never about a diagnosis.  It was simpler than that, and harder: Is my animal in pain?   In thirty years of practice, the question that mattered most was never about a diagnosis.  It was simpler than that, and harder: …

Gastric Dilation:  The Emergency That Cannot Wait

In thirty years of small animal practice, I dealt with a long list of genuine emergencies. Trauma, heart failure, severe hemorrhage, acute toxicity.  Each one demanded speed and precision.

The Summer Skin Problem That Moves Fast

Every summer without fail, hot spots were among the most common reasons dogs came through the door at Manchester Animal Hospital. The condition has several clinical names.

What Our Pets Know About Love

I spent thirty years as the veterinarian at Manchester Animal Hospital, and in that time I became an accidental student of human nature.  You learn things about people when you watch them with their animals.

What Animals Know About You Before You Do

I read something recently about ants that stopped me cold. Not because it was surprising, but because it confirmed something that I experience first-hand.

The Women Who Changed Everything

Woman veterinarian with dog for checkup at the clinic.

It was 1965.  I walked into my first day at veterinary school and looked around the room. Sixty students.  Two of them women. Just 2. That wasn’t a coincidence.  It was policy.

Lyme Disease in Manchester by the Sea
I've spent thirty years watching ticks turn people's lives upside down.  Not metaphorically, literally.  A tiny arachnid no bigger than a sesame seed, carrying a spirochete bacterium that rewires your nervous system, your joints, your entire existence.  Welcome to Lyme disease, and if you live anywhere near Manchester by the Sea, this is an important reality to address.
My Animal Experience: Once in a Lifetime
I put my career temporarily on hold and traveled to Africa for an extended period of time, driving a Volkswagen Campmobile from North Africa to South Africa, across the Sahara Desert and into the Central African Republic and the Congo.
It’s Spring—Time to Think About Worms
Spring is when veterinarians start seeing a rise in intestinal parasites—commonly referred to as “worms”—in both dogs and cats.  These parasites are more than a nuisance.  They can affect your pet’s health and, in some cases, pose risks to people as well.
Flatulence in Pets: Let’s Talk About It
From time to time over the years, I’ve addressed the issue of flatulence in our pets.  Believe it or not, it’s a common concern among pet owners and I often fielded questions from pet parents about it in my practice.  And they are correct to be concerned.
What We can Learn From Our Companion Pets
Unconditional love from pets refers to the unwavering and limitless affection, loyalty, and emotional support that animals, such as dogs and cats, provide to their human companions without any conditions or expectations.  It is a profound bond that exists between a pet and its owner, characterized by genuine care, acceptance, and understanding.
Appetite Loss as a Sign Of Disease
A fading appetite is never something to brush off.  It can be subtle at first—a skipped meal, a half-eaten bowl—but loss of appetite is one of the most important early warning signs we see in sick pets.
Anesthesia and Our Canine and Feline Patients
Anesthesia is something we all would like to avoid, however, there are certain circumstances where it is impossible to prevent.  Traumatic injuries are a common cause as well as a myriad of internal problems where there is no choice but to prevent a life-threatening situation.
Puerto Rican Rescue
Meet Sampson, a 4-year-old, neutered Labrador retriever mix.  From Puerto Rico, Sampson was found abandoned in 2024 by Wags 2 Riches; he was skin and bones when they took him in.
Put Him on Ice
Meet Zamboni!  This shy guy is a one-year-old gentleman with a soft soul and an easy going personality.  He's the kind of cat who prefers quiet moments.
Caribbean Charm
These 7 adorable pups from Puerto Rico are looking for their forever homes!  Each one is sweet, friendly, and full of puppy charm.
Pet coverage from around the web

What ingredients to look for in fresh dog food

Ollie reports that fresh dog food prioritizes real, recognizable ingredients like human-grade meats, vegetables, and healthy fats, ensuring quality and transparency.

How to manage the rising costs of being a pet parent

Current reports on managing rising costs as a pet parent, noting expenses for caring for pets range widely, with recommendations for emergency funds and insurance.

Uncover your kibble: 5 things to look for in your dog’s food

K9 Natural reports five key factors to consider when choosing dog food: protein quality, digestibility, ingredients, whole-body health, and avoiding unnecessary fillers.
Help Your Furry Friend

How long does fresh dog food last in the fridge?

Ollie reports that fresh dog food lasts in the fridge for four days (unopened and opened), while leftovers should be consumed within 24 hours. 

Barkitecture: 12 dog-friendly landscaping ideas for your backyard

Lawn Love reports on "Barkitecture," a trend for dog-friendly backyards, featuring designs that cater to dogs' natural behaviors while preserving landscaping.

The pros and cons of owning a golden retriever

Ollie reports that golden retrievers are affectionate and trainable but require regular exercise, grooming, and face significant health risks, especially cancer.

The pros and cons of owning a beagle

Ollie reports that beagles are friendly, sociable dogs, but require careful weight management due to their food-driven nature.
Beach safety for dogs: A vet-backed guide to a safer day by the water
Spot & Tango reports that beach safety for dogs requires preparation to avoid hazards like heatstroke, saltwater poisoning, and sand ingestion.
The ultimate dog food ingredient guide: How much do ingredients actually matter?
Ollie reports that understanding dog food ingredients is crucial for your dog's health, emphasizing nutrient quality over quantity for optimum nutrition.
The poop scoop: Dog digestion myths debunked
Ollie reports on dog digestion myths, clarifying common misconceptions about poop consistency, kibble vs. fresh food, and the causes of diarrhea during diet changes.
How to spot and get rid of fleas on your dog
Ollie reports how to spot and get rid of fleas on dogs, highlighting symptoms like itching and hair loss, and emphasizing prevention with vet-recommended treatments.

A pet-friendly homeless shelter pilot reduced the rate of homelessness among the people it helped in California

A homeless woman in Los Angeles holds her dog after a free veterinary visit in 2024.
A pilot program in Los Angeles reduced the rate of homelessness among homeless people with pets.

Dogs can need more than kibble, walks and love − consider the escalating expenses of their medical care before you adopt

A man holds his 17½-year-old Chihuahua mix, which is receiving end-of-life hospice care.
 Brittany Murray/MediaNews Group via Long Beach Press-Telegram and Getty Images via The Conversation
The decision to bring a dog into the family should recognize that, like other family members, they will require medical care.
Studies show that dogs help humans cope with stress.

A new study finds that dogs’ mitigation of human stress is more biologically complex than scientists previously understood.
Podcasts about pets

Dog talk ... and more

Every dog lover's resource for keeping yourself & your best friend happy, healthy and long living - naturally. Listen in to Dr. Peter Dobias weekly to find out how both you and your furry friend …

Purrr-fectly enjoyable

In these cat podcasts, learn everything there is to know about cats on Cattitude with your hosts Michelle Fern & Tom Dock. In this cat podcast, each week we’ll spotlight a cool cat breed, …

No Bad Dogs Podcast

Hey, there dog folk! Welcome to the No Bad Dogs Podcast, hosted by Tom Davis. Do you often wonder what your dog is thinking? Join Tom as he teams up with dog trainers, dog lovers, dog …