Silent Sidekicks

10/19/2026

🐾❤️ Remembering Our Beloved Turbo the Tracking Dog ❤️🐾

We know so many of you loved Turbo just as much as we did. He was more than our mascot here at House in the Woods—he was family, a loyal companion, and a special friend to so many Veterans who walked through our doors.

We invite everyone who knew and loved Turbo to join us Wednesday, October 21st, at 9:00 a.m. during our monthly Coffee with Vets for a short memorial ceremony in his honor.

Come share a memory, a smile, or simply be together as we remember a little dog who left such a big paw print on our hearts.

Oh, how he will be missed. 🐾❤️

Together We Heal.

10/17/2026

A great learning opportunity for Therapy Animal Teams and those who just want to learn something new with their dog!

This 4-week dog training class is based on Do As I Do, a scientific...

10/08/2026

Yes, they are family! 🐾

10/03/2026

For those who love a great Human-animal Bond page: Jada spent 189 at the Humane Society Waterville Area until she and Eric found each other, a few weeks ago. Give Eric and Jada a follow, as they start their journey together and build an online following.

I was lucky enough to be chosen by Jada. She spent 189 days in the shelter before we found each other. She is 9 years old and has drawn quite the fan base. You can follow our adventures and life here. We want to show that rescue bullies can be great pets

09/23/2026

Could owning a dog or cat be linked to slower cognitive decline in older adults?

A new study followed over 16,000 European adults aged 50+ across 18 years of data, examining memory and executive functioning over time. Overall, pet ownership was associated with a slower rate of decline in both cognitive domains. But when the researchers looked at species specifically, the pattern narrowed: dog and cat ownership was linked to slower decline, while bird and fish ownership showed no such association.

One nuance worth sitting with — at the study's starting point, pet owners actually scored lower on memory tasks than non-owners. It was the rate of change over the following 18 years that differed, with pet owners' scores declining more gradually. The researchers are careful to note this remains correlational: pet owners differ systematically from non-owners in ways the study couldn't fully account for (like mental health), so this isn't evidence that getting a pet will protect your cognition.

The authors point to potential policy implications, including financial support for pet-related expenses like veterinary care, and pet-friendly options in senior housing and assisted living.

Read the full study (open access): https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-03727-9

08/24/2026

Our own Fern - The Sidekick was featured on UPS Dogs! When she’s not helping people through Animal-assisted Therapy and Activities, she has an office job and LOVES package delivery time.

Fern is always excited when her favorite UPS driver, Erik, stops by! 🐾🤎 Of course, seeing Erik is great… but Fern knows those treats are coming too! 😂🦴

📍 Lincoln, Maine

08/23/2026

A Great-great Grandmother's book on the Human-Animal bond. Published in 1899 with one photo! What an awesome treasure with so much meaning 127 years later!

08/10/2026

Great research! Do they love us or just want treats? What are your thoughts? 🐾

07/21/2026

🐾 Could your pet be the face of petMAINE 2027? 📸

We're looking for an incredible photo of your pet enjoying everything that makes Maine special! Whether they're exploring the coastline, hiking a favorite trail, relaxing by a lake, or taking in the fall colors, we want to see your best shot.

🏆 Enter the 2027 petMAINE Cover Contest for a chance to have your pet featured on the cover of petMAINE and win a gift basket valued at approximately $150!

Before you submit, please remember:
🐾 You must own the rights to the photo or have permission to publish it.
🐾 Photos should be vertical and at least 300 dpi.
🐾 Maine scenery is preferred.
🐾 Include where in Maine the photo was taken.
🐾 Entries close October 30, 2026.

📧 Submit your photo to [email protected]

🌐 Visit petmaine.com for complete contest details.

Contest Terms: By entering the contest, participants acknowledge and agree that submitted photos may be used in print and digital publications associated with petMAINE and Downeast Dog News and may be modified for design or production purposes.

07/12/2026

Looking for some fun hikes to do with your dog? Check out some of these great places in Maine.

From roadside chutes to backcountry cascades, tiny slides to dramatic plunges, here’s where to find our faves.