The current economy is definitely being felt by the majority of families in our community. As budgets start to feel the pinch families are looking at which expenses they can cut. ...more

July 13, 2008

and not just for you. Your pet will notice your baby the moment you carry him or her in the front door. A dog or cat accustomed to being the center of attention may develop feelings akin to sibling rivalry when everyone's focus shifts to the new family member. For the best transition, start preparing months beforehand. ...more

July 9, 2008

Four of the five Highlands County commissioners are leaning toward letting voters decide in the November general election whether they want to pay an extra 2/10ths of 1 mill in property tax to fund purchase of conservation lands. ...more

July 9, 2008

SEBRING - Four of the five Highlands County commissioners are leaning toward letting voters decide in the November general election whether they want to pay an extra 2/10ths of 1 mill in property tax to fund purchase of conservation lands. On Tuesday, though, they agreed with county Administrator Michael Wright that more public discussion and input is needed before they decide to put it on the ballot. ...more

July 8, 2008

Our entire lives we've rescued pets from shelters. I really believe that at some level these dogs and cats bonded so tightly with our family because they realized we'd rescued them. Am I only fantasizing, or do you think such pets know their lives have been saved? - S.P., Minneapolis, MN ...more

July 6, 2008

The rockets' red glare and bombs bursting in air might make for patriotic celebrations for us humans, but your pet will feel differently. ...more

July 3, 2008

TAMPA - When firefighters entered a Lakeland home this afternoon to combat a small fire, they found a family dog unresponsive, according to a Polk County Public Safety news release. Firefighters carried the dog outside of the home at 3204 Fletcher Ave., and Polk County EMS was able to revive the animal. ...more

July 2, 2008

A child found two puppies abandoned in a Clearwater parking lot Sunday afternoon. ...more

July 1, 2008

TAMPA - A child found two puppies abandoned in a Clearwater parking lot Sunday afternoon. The male puppy was fine, but a female pup was dead, having suffered head trauma, according to a spokeswoman for the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals spokeswoman. ...more

June 30, 2008

BRADENTON - A woman who stabbed her ex-boyfriend and his rabbit with scissors in a fight this year was found not guilty by reason of insanity Wednesday and committed to a state psychiatric hospital. ...more

June 26, 2008