Story by Laurie Coyle

“Spike” had severely deformed front legs, “Clark Kent” was having trouble breathing due to a bone deformity, and “Wonder Kitty” was blind when each cat was taken in by members of Last Chance Animal Rescue (LCAR) in Waldorf, given the medical treatment it needed, and ultimately given a chance to live a happy, healthy life.

Story by Jamie Clark Tiralla and Photography by August Selckmann

Southern Maryland is seeing a shift in agriculture as more and more farms leave behind traditional methods of farming and cash crops for a fresh new approach. Hobby farms and farmettes are also on the rise in the area, giving people the chance to reconnect with their roots and supplement their income doing something they love. Many local farmers are finding out that alpacas are the perfect fit.

Story by George Newman and Photography by Rick Dove

Some birds are fair-weather feathered friends, taking flight for points south as the days grow shorter and cooler. But many others tough it out, including Maryland’s state bird, the Baltimore oriole, and a rich variety of doves, juncos, cardinals, chickadees, finches, nuthatches, wrens and woodpeckers. If you want these year-round residents to brighten your fall and winter, you just have to feed them. But you need to know some basics.

Story by Janet Dunphy and Photography by John Kite

Southern Maryland is for dog lovers, and the counties of St. Mary’s, Calvert and Charles are making sure pets have a place to play.

Story by George Newman and Photography by Ed Mann

Famously, dogs are humans’ best friends. But when your buddy attacks the living room furniture, strews the kitchen trash and shreds your slippers, the quality of friendship suffers serious strain. Worse, your attempts to change behavior seem to fall on deaf canine ears. That’s when it’s time for professional intervention – past time, in fact, according to Southern Maryland dog trainers.

Story by Jamie Clark Tiralla and Photo by John Kite

Southern Marylanders love their pets, and thanks to the talented groomers in the region, Southern Maryland is home to some of the best looking pets around.

Story by Michelle Brosco Christian and photography by Ed Mann

Horseback riding is a fun and physical activity for many Southern Marylanders, but for others who have various disabilities, it can literally seem like a lifesaver.

Story by Jamie Clark Tiralla and Photography by August Selckmann

Here in Southern Maryland, the equine industry is diverse and colorful, offering something for every horse enthusiast. Horse farms, stables and riding trails speckle the local landscape, preserving the agricultural charm of our area and providing a source of recreation and enjoyment for its residents.

If you are looking for some retail therapy you can feel good about, The SPOT in St. Leonard is the place to go. The SPOT, short for Stop Pet Overpopulation Thrift-shop, is a nonprofit organization that provides low-cost spay and neuter services for Calvert County residents. Run by Southern Maryland Spay and Neuter, Inc. (SMSN), the goals of the organization are to prevent unwanted pets and end the euthanasia of healthy companion animals.

Animals have a profound effect on our wellbeing. Studies have shown that snuggling with a furry friend, gazing into an aquarium, or communing with a variety of creatures benefits our overall health. Interaction with animals can help lower blood pressure, increase exercise, alleviate loneliness and even lessen depression.