Animals - Marblehead Current

20 Oct

Locals support rescue pups, amid surge in need

Bella TravagliniAnimals, Nonprofit corner, Top Stories, Volunteerism

Two Marblehead women have taken on the selfless task of fostering dogs for a North Shore rescue, as the state faces a growing crisis of lost and abandoned dogs and cats; a phenomenon that exploded after COVID hit in 2020, overcrowding shelters and tapping out the number of people willing to foster. “What do we do with all of the animals in need when there are not enough people to adopt and pay for the life of the animal?” said Cynthia Sweet, the passionate and…

08 Oct

Marblehead’s most traveled cat?

khthomsonAnimals

Riley Sugarman was volunteering at the Marblehead Animal Shelter in June 2020 when a litter of kittens arrived. That’s when she met Freddie. “All his food was completely untouched and then once I came in I reached my hand into the cage and pet him. And he starts eating for the first time. And cats, if they eat in front of you, they trust you so I went home and told my parents. I was like ‘This cat, he's the one,’” said Sugarman. Freddie waiting…

08 Oct

PAWS AND CLAWS: Melanie will bring laughter to your home

khthomsonAnimals

Breed: Domestic shorthair Size: Small Age: Young Sex: Female Melanie is a playful, friendly kitty that is under a year old. Melanie loves to play hide and seek under her bed with you, according to volunteers at the Marblehead Animal Shelter. Volunteers will go up to her cage and not see her in it when all of a sudden she pops her head out from under her blanket. “She is sure to bring laughter to your home — just make sure you have plenty of…

10 Sep

Paws & Claws: Help spare Ebony from ‘shelter life’

Kris OlsonAnimals

Volunteers at the Marblehead Animal Shelter are hoping to rehome Ebony before she has to enter “shelter life.” COURTESY PHOTO Breed: Domestic shorthair Size: Medium Age: Senior Sex: Female Ebony is an 11-year-old spayed female who will be going through some major challenges in her life shortly. One of her owners was moved to a nursing home, and her other owner is having some health issues. The family has opted to surrender her to a shelter. Ebony is shy when people are around, but when…

04 Aug

CURRENT EVENTS: Marblehead’s best bets

Leigh BlanderAbbot Public Library, Animals, Art, Entertainment, Local News

Current Events spotlights exciting happenings in the coming days. If you’d like to contribute a listing, please email Current Editor Leigh Blander at lblander@marbleheadnews.org. Full Moon YogaFriday, Aug. 8, 7-8 p.m. Experience the magic of Full Moon Yoga outdoors in the serene gardens of the historic Jeremiah Lee Mansion, 161 Washington St. This special class is held directly under the light of the full moon, with the start time thoughtfully planned to align with the beauty of sunset. $25 to drop-in or sign up at…

22 Apr

Adopt-a-Cat T-shirt contest: How you can vote

Leigh BlanderAnimals, Local News

Voting will happen April 26-30 in the contest to pick a design to adorn T-shirts to be sold as a fundraiser for the Marblehead Animal Shelter in June, which is Adopt-A-Cat month. View the six designs created by students at Marblehead High School and vote for your favorite by scanning the QR code below.

14 Jan

Revamped leash laws may be headed to Town Meeting

Leigh BlanderAnimals, Top Stories

Town Meeting voters this May may debate three updated dog-related bylaws that hike fees for violators and change where and when dogs can go in town. Last fall, the Recreation and Parks Commission discussed a possible Pooch Pass that would allow residents to run their dogs off-leash at certain times of day in specified areas. Dogs with a Pooch Pass would also be permitted on the sidelines at playing fields while on leash and under control of the owner. “We’re tabling the Pooch Pass,” said…

24 Oct

ANIMAL ALLY: Marblehead resident brings paws-itive change

Will DowdAnimals, Local News

Marblehead resident Carrie Thomas has always loved dogs. From her childhood dogs Snoopy and Bailey, to her growing pack of rescue animals now, caring for animals has always been a big part of her life. Ten years ago, after a long career in the corporate world, she decided to start advocating for their rights, too. This eventually led her to being an animal rights advocate who influences legislators to help improve the lives of animals. Marblehead resident Carrie Thomas has dedicated herself over the last…

09 Oct

Changes may be coming to town leash laws

Leigh BlanderAnimals, Municipal Matters, Top Stories

This spring, voters may get the chance to change Marblehead’s leash laws and approve what’s called a Pooch Pass, giving certain dog owners extra privileges. Just two weeks ago, Animal Control Officer Betsy Cruger was allegedly violently attacked along Stramski Way by a 76-year-old resident who was angry that Cruger asked him to leash his dog. Should dogs be allowed on Marblehead beaches? CURRENT PHOTO / LEIGH BLANDER Currently, Marblehead’s bylaws require all dogs to be on a leash everywhere in town, except private property…

19 Jun

Paw-tecting our pups: Keeping your dogs safe in the summer

Will Dowd0 CommentsAnimals, Top Stories

As another Marblehead summer arrives, dog owners must navigate the challenges of keeping their furry friends safe and comfortable in the heat. Australian shepherd Brie has lived in Marblehead her whole life and is an avid swimmer and Causeway walker. COURTESY PHOTO Local dog owners and experts shared their concerns and tips for ensuring a happy and healthy summer for Marblehead's beloved canine residents. According to Marblehead's town bylaws (Article 13, Section 10), dogs are prohibited from public beaches, athletic areas, playgrounds and parks between…