Exotic Pet Series Pt. 2: Rabbits and guinea pigs

Small mammals, including rabbits, guinea pigs, rats, mice, hamsters and other rodents, can make a wonderful addition to the family. Approximately 8.1 percent of households in 2024 owned some type of small mammal. Much like reptiles, we don’t always see them at the vet for routine visits, but it is still important for them to have veterinary care.

Girl Scouts help local dogs

Recently, local Girl Scout troops sewed blankets and made knotted dog toys for the Connecticut Humane Society. It was an instant success for the animals.

Thoughts on 2025

Already the new year moves quickly by. Some of our New Year’s resolutions may have slipped by us, but we can always begin again—

Exotic Pet Series – Part One

Over the next few months, I will be covering topics related to exotic pet ownership. These articles will include information and data on ownership of reptiles/amphibians, small mammals and birds. Exotics can be fun and rewarding to keep as pets but typically have very specific needs depending on the species.

Local Girl Scout earns Gold Award

Mackenzie Janski has earned the highest award offered by Girl Scouts USA (GSUSA), the Girl Scout Gold Award. Mackenzie was recognized at her Gold Award Pinning Ceremony on Jan. 12, at Pilgrim Covenant Church. In recognition of her dedication and hard work to benefit all Granby citizens, the Granby Board of Selectmen presented a proclamation to Mackenzie on Jan. 6, and the State Legislature issued its own proclamation during the ceremony.

A new life for Belmeade Signs

This is a heart-warming story in more than one way. Let’s start with saying goodbye to Jean-Luc Godard, original artist and owner of the local company known as Belmeade Signs.

John Myers embraces life

He’s known as “John the Englishman” by frequenters of Starbucks. But behind John Myers’ British accent lies curiosity, intelligence, skill, creativity, humor and above all, gratitude for a second chance at what by any measure is a life well lived.

Fresh take on a worship song

Patrick Fitzgerald, worship arts director of Valley Brook Community Church, recently released a new arrangement of a worship song called Not in a Hurry. The song was originally recorded by United Pursuit and Will Reagan in 2017, and it features a theme of patiently pursuing a relationship with God.

Winning a national poetry award

On Jan. 14, 2016, I had a heart attack but having never had one before, I thought I was just feeling sick for some reason. I ignored the symptoms and then on Sunday, Jan. 17, I had another.