from the editor’s desk WOOF MAGAZINEMORE THAN A MAGAZINE PUBLISHER Sullivan Grueter Communications, LLC EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Jill Sullivan Grueter MARKETING EXECUTIVE Melissa Diorio: [email protected] CONTRIBUTORS Dr. Melissa Magnuson All Pets Veterinary Hospital Greenland Veterinary Hospital Canobie Lake Veterinary Hospital Crystal Ward Kent Freelance Writer Grace Elliot Freelance Writer CREATIVE IDEAS Drew Davis Melissa Diorio Jill Sullivan Grueter PHOTOGRAPHY CONTRIBUTOR Danielle R. Mackey Dee Renee Photography SPECIAL THANKS Special thanks to Carrie Barron and the most handsome and inspiring, Ray. CIRCULATION & SUBSCRIPTION QOL Distribution Woof Magazine is printed every month and distributed in New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and Maine. Please submit questions about advertising to [email protected] and content questions to Jill@woofnewenglandcom. Read Woof. Rebuild Animal Shelters. With all of the sad, horrifying news on television lately, I have to make sure that I look around my life and find gratitude and peace wherever I can. I think that us pet lovers can all agree on something: Our pets are a consistent source of unconditional love and emotional support. I mean, really, how did we get so darn lucky? I find on tough days, whether at work, or home, or what I see on the television, I tend to ask a lot more of my dogs emotionally. I cuddle up to them even more than normal (and, that’s a lot!) and talk to them softly about how special they are. Within minutes, I feel my stress level regulating and my mind taking a bit of a rest. One of the hardest parts of having the privilege of caring for such blessings in our lives, is, of course, that most likely we will outlive them. But, how can we keep them healthy and around for as long as possible? That’s why I love Dr. Melissa Magnuson’s article this month. She talks about how she thinks the number one way you can keep your pet living longer and healthier is by keeping him or her lean and exercised. She gives such great advice about food, exercise, and Jill Sullivan Grueter | Editor + Founder of Project Pawsitive 2 || WOOF MAGAZINE general overall health of our pets. I urge you to read her article in this issue and consider her suggestions. I’m also so inspired this month by our cover story on a disable cat named Ray. Saying that his life has had obstacles is certainly an understatement, yet his perseverance, trust, and zest for life is absolutely contagious. I must also say that Ray’s owner, Carrie Barron, is the true definition of a rescue angel. It warmed my heart and refreshed my spirit to spend the afternoon with Carrie and sweet Ray. When the world seems cold, unforgiving, and jaded, we must look at the love and goodness that is right in front of us. Sometimes it’s okay to make your world a little smaller by shutting off the television and the phone and simply “being” in a state of gratitude for our animals and the amazing local people who are doing such good -- so purely. Enjoy this issue and email me at Jill@ woofnewengland.com if you have a hero story you’d like us to consider. xo, Jill