As the weather warms and community events begin filling the calendar, many pet owners look forward to bringing their dogs along for the fun. From outdoor festivals and farmers markets’ to charity walks and dog-friendly celebrations such as the Animal Protective Foundation’s Woofstock, public events can be a wonderful way to spend time with your pet while enjoying the season together. However, not every dog is suited for busy social settings — and that’s OK. Is your pet ready for a public event? -- Animal Chronicles | Pets | dailygazette.com

National Adopt a Shelter Pet Day is celebrated every year on April 30 — a day that highlights the impact adoption has on both the animals and the people who welcome them home. This day is especially meaningful at the Animal Protective Foundation . It represents second chances made possible through compassion, patience and the simple step of saying “yes” to a pet in need. National Adopt a Shelter Pet Day 2026 | Pets | dailygazette.com

When we think about things that could harm our pets, most of us picture obvious dangers—cleaning chemicals, medications, or antifreeze. But many pet poisonings happen because of common household items that people never realize are dangerous. As spring arrives and families prepare for Easter celebrations, it’s a perfect time to refresh our awareness. Holiday traditions like chocolate treats, Easter egg hunts, and decorative plants can accidentally create risks for our four-legged family members. Animal Chronicles- March: Poison Prevention Month

When we think about things that could harm our pets, most of us picture obvious dangers—cleaning chemicals, medications, or antifreeze. But many pet poisonings happen because of common household items that people never realize are dangerous. As spring arrives and families prepare for Easter celebrations, it’s a perfect time to refresh our awareness. Holiday traditions like chocolate treats, Easter egg hunts, and decorative plants can accidentally create risks for our four-legged family members. Animal Chronicles- March: Poison Prevention Month

February is National Pet Dental Health Month. Veterinarians and pet health advocates across the country are shining a spotlight on the importance of proper pet dental care and how to treat common pet dental health issues. The Animal Protective Foundation encourages pet owners to set aside some time during National Pet Dental Health Month to examine the dental health of your pets, start a tooth brushing routine and consult your veterinarian if you have any concerns. Animal Chronicles- Feb. Dental Health Month

The Animal Protective Foundation exists because people believe that animals deserve dignity and a second chance. During the past year that belief showed up every day — through adoptions that turned fear into love; through donations that became lifesaving medical care; and through volunteers who gave their time, patience and compassion to animals who needed it most. Because of you, thousands of animals were met not with indifference but with care, and not with uncertainty but with hope. This year, your generosity helped more than 5,500 animals receive compassionate care through our community spay/neuter clinic, pet food pantry program and free community pet wellness clinics. Looking ahead to a year of care, compassion and commitment | Life & Arts | dailygazette.com 

The Animal Protective Foundation proudly stands as the region’s largest public spay/neuter provider thanks to our community clinic, which performed nearly 4,000 spay/neuter surgeries in 2025. There are no restrictions on who can schedule their pet for surgery at the Community clinic, although qualifying pet owners can benefit from the New York State Animal Population Control Program, covering a substantial portion of the costs and making it affordable for everyone. Discover more by visiting our website at animalprotective.org/clinic or contact us at 518-374-3944 ext. 107, or via email at apfclinic@animalprotective.org . Spay/Neuter Awareness Month | Pets | dailygazette.com

One of the greatest joys of having a dog is the bond you build together. Over time, with a little patience and consistency, that bond grows into a shared understanding — a kind of “language” that’s unique to you and your dog and makes everyday life better for both of you. Training your dog isn’t just about teaching commands. It’s also about learning to truly see your dog. As a dog owner, you start to notice how much they communicate through their eyes, ears, tail and body. Paying attention to those signals helps you understand what your dog needs, what excites them and when they might be feeling unsure. That awareness can make training feel more natural, more successful and a lot more enjoyable. Celebrate National Train Your Dog Month - Animal Chronicles

Animal Chronicles with the Daily Gazette: As winter settles in to the Capital Region, the season brings sparkling snow, holiday spirit — and often dangerously cold temperatures. While our pets might look winter-ready in their fur coats, they feel the chill just as much as we do. As the weather turns frigid, it’s important to keep an eye on the hazards cold weather can pose for our furry family members. https://www.dailygazette.com/life_and_arts/pets/keep-your-pets-happy-healthy-this-winter----animal-chronicles/article_555e1d63-c382-4399-a0f5-ce7aad4a4b6d.html