Paws to Read helps children boost their confidence when reading aloud

Paws to Read is a program for children in elementary schools who can practice reading while enjoying the comfort of a K9 dog. They read aloud to the dog and volunteer with no other distractions. It is meant to help boost their confidence in a judgment-free zone. For some kids, the dogs make them feel more comfortable reading aloud.

U.S. Naval Intelligence Officer transforms home into pet sanctuary

Rockville, MD – Retiring Naval Intelligence Officer Risa Simon has started operating “Leashes End” from her home.  It’s a nonprofit to help senior dogs and cats as they near the end of their lives.

Fidos for Freedom at UMD has continued to raise service dogs amidst the pandemic

College Park, MD – While the pandemic has affected how many clubs at the University of Maryland operates, Fidos for Freedom has been able to safely meet in person and raise service dogs together that will one day help those…

Maryland Senate passes legislation that would provide support dogs to child witnesses in court

Legislation that passed in the Maryland Senate would establish statewide an initiative to provide therapy dogs to child witnesses in circuit court hearings and proceedings.

BARCS holds a pet-friendly festival to promote pet adoption

The Baltimore Animal Rescue & Care Shelter saves thousands of abused and abandoned animals each year. Max Marcilla reports on how the group hopes to raise awareness and promote adoptions at its 15th annual BARCStoberfest.

Therapy puppies help teens in Maryland juvenile centers

Maryland’s Department of Juvenile Services has implemented a pilot puppy therapy program at two of their secure facilities to help resident teens cope with stress and anxiety.

Local non-profit sells jewelry to benefit dog rescues

Helping out shelter dogs in need is now easier, and more fashionable than ever. Pearls for Pups is a local non-profit run by a mom and her two daughters. They donate 100 percent of proceeds from their business to rescue shelters.

State’s largest animal shelter gets $250,000 grant for Valentine’s Day

The Petco Foundation on Wednesday surprised BARCS–the Baltimore Animal Rescue and Care Shelter –with a $250,000 grant in celebration of Valentine’s Day. The shelter is the largest in the state with over 12-thousand animals taken in every year.

Patriotic Pups: Maryland pets show up at the polls

CNS gathered some of the best photos of pets voting (along with their humans) in last week’s midterm election.

Local shelter helps with relocation of pets in path of Hurricane Florence

WASHINGTON—Shelter animals now in the path of Hurricane Florence are being relocated to other facilities along the East Coast, including one Washington shelter. Shelter officials say that moving the animals keeps them out of harm’s way and frees up space for pets that become separated from their families as a result of major storms like Hurricane Florence.