Posted September 04, 2019in People & Pets
Cat lover never dreamed of owning a dog. As a devoted cat person for most of her life, Kate Crane never dreamed of owning a dog. Growing up, her family had cats, and her cat, Lizzie, was the perfect companion. However, when Crane became roommates with a girl who fostered
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Posted July 31, 2019in People & Pets
Griffin, a rescue dog, watches over foster dogs. At age 10, Heather Stolp started a pet-sitting business, caring for the neighbor’s fish, dogs and cats. Their own family dog was treasured, until the dog passed away. As an adult, she knew she needed her own dog and began searching adoption
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Posted July 03, 2019in People & Pets
Pets entertain with circus-like antics. When Nicky and Zach Smith moved to their home in rural Polk City, they wanted their children to be raised with animals. With three dogs, a pony and four cats, that should be enough, right? It wasn’t. Nicky began researching goats as pets and purchased
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Posted June 05, 2019in People & Pets
Sydney Moore’s love of fostering animals leads to a trio of adopted dogs. When Sydney Moore’s coworker suggested she foster dogs, her top priority wasn’t to just provide a temporary home for stray or neglected pets — it was to cuddle. “I selfishly wanted to play with the puppies,” she
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Posted May 01, 2019in People & Pets
When Michael Pareene takes Tinker Bell for a walk, he is stopped multiple times with common questions. What kind of dog is that? How big is it? Can I pet it? Tinker Bell, a black Newfoundland, obliges and rolls on its back as gracefully as a 145-pound dog can. Its
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Posted April 03, 2019in People & Pets
16-year-old bird like a “grumpy old man.” Walking into Abby Kruse and Holden King’s home, I didn’t have to look far for their pet birds, Hugh and Peanut, since both were perched on their owners’ shoulders throughout the interview. Hugh is a 2-year-old pineapple green-cheeked conure, and Peanut is a
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Posted March 06, 2019in People & Pets
Adorable alpacas a dream come true For more than a dozen years, Luanne Sellner would visit the animal barns at the Iowa State Fair and dream of owning her own llama or alpaca. “(The animals were) cute,” she remembers. “Just like big fluffy teddy bears with huge eyelashes.” Yet her
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Posted February 06, 2019in People & Pets
Service dog supports those with invisible disabilities. When Amanda Cantwell received a puppy for her 20th birthday, the dog did more than play fetch or go for walks; it helped relieve her anxiety and panic attacks. She initially didn’t intend to train her dog Jocie as a service dog, but…
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Posted January 02, 2019in People & Pets
Buddy’s obsession delights the neighborhood. When Buddy — a soft-coated Wheaten Terrier — and his owner invited me to go for a walk with them, I eagerly joined. After all, I was curious to learn about the tale of Buddy’s stick. Here’s how it started. When Kim and Matt Coulter
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Posted December 05, 2018in People & Pets
But remember, “Don’t trust the pig.” Lis and Jordan Frentress’ pet, Rosie, lacks manners. When marching across the kitchen floor, she’ll stomp her pointed hooves on people’s feet, knocking over objects along the way. A triple-locked childproof latch for the garbage bin protects her favorite fixation (garbage), but you can’t
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