Posted December 04, 2019in People & Pets
Veteran trains support dogs for other vets. When Jake Hommer returned from his second deployment in Afghanistan, he suffered from PTSD and injuries. It took a toll on his mind, as he replayed combat zone scenes. Going from military to civilian life left him confused. What should he do next?
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Posted November 06, 2019in People & Pets
Girl waits two years for her own pet. For more than two years, Piper Ladwig, 10, yearned for her own cat. With three other pets at home, she wanted one to call her own and not share with her sisters or parents. So, her dad offered her an incentive: If
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Posted October 02, 2019in People & Pets
Dogs need a “job” to feel happy. When Michelle Hoile of Windsor Heights adopted two puppies from the Animal Rescue League seven years ago, she thought it might be a mistake. Joe and Nina, both pit bull mixes, were energetic adolescent dogs that hadn’t been trained properly. She thought a
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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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