Long before Mink became famous, naturalist Mary Holland had the privilege of accidentally encountering and spending time with this enchanting bear. Named after the nearby Mink Brook tributary to the Connecticut River, Mink was beautiful and courageous, having spent most of her 30 years at the mercy of humans whose ultimate decisions guided her destiny until her untimely death in August 2020. During the time we came to know her, she not only exhibited her charisma as an individual but, also her goodness as a mother, leaving behind many offspring, several of whom continue to live in the Hanover/Lebanon area.

Seen often about town or its outskirts, this black bear became a local symbol of confidence and strength, agility and authority.… Read More

This is a story about the resilience of two small kittens who faced the certainty of death if not for a little bit of luck and the love of staff and volunteers at the Upper Valley Humane Society. Meet Apollo, a three-month-old kitten from Lebanon. He is as cute and soft as he looks with a chocolate nose, blonde fur, and brilliant blue eyes. He is also playful, sweet, and funny.

In his new home, Apollo hides in backpacks, snuggles in blankets, stalks movement under the covers, plays with a purple ball of yarn, goes for walks outdoors on a leash and harness, and loves to ride on his new mom’s shoulder.… Read More

The Lebanon Police Department has always been one of the more progressive departments in the State of New Hampshire and they continue to lead the way.

As soon as all required training is complete, Lebanon will have three K-9 teams to serve and protect not only Lebanon, but surrounding communities as well. That turn of events will give the Lebanon Police Department one of the highest number of K-9 units per capita of any Police Department in the Granite State.

Meet the dynamic K-9 teams: Officer Jeremy Perkins works with K-9 Blesk, a Belgian Malinois imported from Slovakia who joined the force in February of 2018.… Read More

I first heard about skijoring a few years ago. My friend Stevie’s dog Baxter is the kind of dog who loves to run and be out in the snow, and Stevie’s friend wanted to try skijoring. She asked if she could begin with Baxter. Now I never heard how it went – I don’t get to see my friend as often as I’d like – and the idea of skijoring slipped to the back of my mind for a while.

With winter its way; it’s always a fun time of year for outdoor activities with your dogs, and, while thinking about the different things people do, skijoring came to mind again.… Read More

Have you been lucky enough to meet Dudley, the not-so-mini mini-pig? Many in the Upper Valley have. Michelle Carbonneau and Zebulon Jenks of Vershire, Vt., are the proud owners of 3-year-old Dudley Winston Jenks, a miniature pig. Dudley is not a pot-bellied pig but a Juliana pig, also known as the Miniature Painted Pig. Unlike the more commonly known pot-bellied pigs, Juliana pigs are leaner in appearance, generally taller, and they lack the belly of other miniature pigs.

Also, Michelle and Zeb discovered that if fed and cared for properly, miniature pigs can actually grow to be quite sizable. Dudley has maxed out at a very healthy weight of 185 pounds.… Read More

Those of us who have visited or read about wild animal rehabilitation centers generally understand that the people behind the scenes are doing some pretty incredible work. The amount of training these individuals have to undergo in order to be able to care for wild animals is intensive. There is often the dangerous potential for animals to react fearfully if they are not used to humans. There are sad stories that go along with the work, and sometimes it’s hard to let those stories go.

What is often forgotten is the part played by everyday citizens, the ones who take time out of their busy schedules to bring in these injured animals.… Read More

The Lebanon Police Department values its sterling reputation for serving and protecting citizens. But how about their four-legged counterparts who lay their lives on the line everyday as well?

Fortunately the K-9 dogs associated with the Lebanon Police Department and throughout the Twin State region have a pair of guardian angels watching over them.

Dr. Daniel Kelly and his wife Jodi founded Small Animal Veterinary Emergency Services (S.A.V.E.S) in Lebanon, one of a very few 24-hour veterinary hospitals in New England. And along with the general public they serve a special clientele, K-9 dogs that hold full status as police officers.… Read More