Sally Cragin

Long time fans of the legendary Ruggles Mine in Grafton County, N.H. are rejoicing – visitors are welcome once again.

DEAR PET TALK: Does it hurt a cat to go into heat? -Barry DEAR BARRY: Felines will first go “into heat” (become capable of getting pregnant with kittens) around four or five months.

This week, Second Chance Animal Services brought their low-cost pet vaccine clinic to Fitchburg, and we wanted to say “thank you” by posting a pet who needs a home – STAT! Many young dogs arrive at shelters because people adopt puppies without understanding the amount of training and time needed.

Carla, of Fitchburg with her French Bulldog, Coco receives Coco's license from Principal Clerk Lily Suarez during the Jeffrey P.

DEAR PET TALK: Parts of the country are having extreme weather events, like hurricanes and floods. I worry about having to leave quickly with my pet. What should I bring? -Weather Channel Watcher

All hail the regal lion – and let's find him a home! Buffy is a two-year-old orange striped tom cat currently at Pat Brody Shelter For Cats in Lunenburg. He is handsome, athletic, and very appreciative of attention. In fact, head butts (bunting) are his specialty. He has been a good roommate to his feline friends at the Shelter, but he can definitely play rough if he feel ...

Welcome to the first of a new weekly local lifestyle column called “Family Recipe Box,” where we'll explore time-tested recipes from local cookbooks and area chefs, cooks, grillmasters, and, of course, our readers. And it's not just recipes – the column will also be cultural commentary, family lore, and local history all together, as we have a long history of hospitality out here.

DEAR PET TALK: Why do cats poop in a litter box and why do dogs poop wherever they want? – Pet Lover

Meet Scrappy, a happy Lhasa Apso who's just five years old with a magnificent zest for love and play-time. Currently fostered in Milford, through Broken Tail Rescue, Scrappy comes from a breed renowned for their affection – the American Kennel Club ranks dogs from “independent” to “lovey dovey” and Lhasa Apsos are so people-oriented, they get a high score.

Thanks to everyone who mentioned or wrote to me about “Family Recipe Box.” This is the place for the recipe you always serve to company, the recipe you make for yourself and immediate family. And if you cook or bake with your children, we'd love to hear about that experience. When you invite a child into the kitchen, they work with numbers, directions, measuring volumes a ...