Potsdam, NY, Dec 23, 2009 — In these last few days before Christmas, adoptions are up at North Country animal shelters. It's a hectic time as kittens and puppies are in high demand.

Some shelter workers fear they'll see these same animals come back in a few months when they're too big or too much to handle. Others are actively discouraging people from giving pets as gifts. Jonathan Brown reports.  Go to full article

Nov 16, 2009 — A new coalition wants to set up an early warning system for diseases that pass between animals and humans. Samara Freemark reports some research institutions and conservation groups are launching the PREDICT program.  Go to full article

Elizabethtown, NY, Oct 01, 2009 — For a lot of people in the North Country, a hike in the woods wouldn't be the same without a dog. A new guidebook published this summer offers a great list of trails in the Adirondacks that are dog-friendly, along with good advice for taking your pet into the woods. Brian Mann hit the trail this week with the book's editor, Libby Treadwell, and sends this audio postcard.  Go to full article

May 19, 2009 — To many of us our pets are part of the family. Now with the recession some families are having to split up. As a part of our series, A Year of Hard Choices, our intern Sarah Minor looked into the effects of the recession on the Potsdam Humane Society. Here's today's Heard Up North.  Go to full article

Boonville, NY, Jan 13, 2009 — In our occasional series, Moving the World, we meet North Country people who take their skills, expertise and resources to share with communities around the globe. Today we meet Boonville residents Terese and John Hart. They spend part of their time in the North Country, and the rest in Congo, Africa, working on land, species and habitat protection. The Harts are ecologists who first traveled to Congo in the early 70's. They've committed their lives and careers to preserving that region's environment and wildlife -- like Okapi, a forest giraffe and Bonobo, a diminutive ape. Todd Moe spoke with them about parallels with the landscape where they work in Africa and the North Country.  Go to full article

Dec 30, 2008 — This year's economic downtown has had an impact on animal shelters in the region. They've seen a surge in numbers as stressed owners give up pets they can no longer afford to keep. The Potsdam Humane Society is planning to expand its current facility that was built back in the '50s. They're in the midst of a capital campaign and recently turned to the internet for a boost. Todd Moe talks with Linda Caamano, a Potsdam Humane Society board member.  Go to full article

Jul 19, 2007 — Last week, the Plattsburgh city council passed a resolution urging New York's legislature to allow local governments to ban pit bulls and other breeds of dogs. State law now prohibits local governments from targeting certain breeds of dogs with animal control regulations. Councilor Michael Drew told the Plattsburgh Press-Republican that each city or municipality should have the opportunity to consider a ban. This local debate comes as star NFL quarterback Michael Vick was being indicted for allegedly running a pit bull fighting ring from his estate in Virginia. Over the last several weeks, Brian Mann has been on special assignment for National Public Radio, looking at the national debate over pit bulls. He found that the animals and the illegal sport of dog fighting have grown far more popular in recent years.

A warning that this story includes language that may be disturbing to some listeners.  Go to full article

Mar 15, 2006 — Kim Crowner manages TNT Tackle, a bait and ammo shop in Edwards. She told Gregory Warner that her two parakeets play an important role in the shopping experience...  Go to full article

Mar 06, 2006 — Judith Noiseux called us with a lost dog announcement...two radio stations and one abominable snowdog later...Mark Schneider found "Tuva". An NCPR exclusive, this originally aired in December of 2005.  Go to full article

Dec 09, 2005 — As if it wasn't enough that he has billions of kids to worry about... Santa is taking time out for photos with pets, all to raise money for Spay/Neuter/Now in St. Lawrence and Jefferson counties. Martha Foley watched and listened as two very laid-back cats took their turn at the Potsdam Agway store last weekend. The last pet photo with Santa day is Saturday, the 10th, at The Pretty Puppy on Church St. in Alexandria Bay.  Go to full article