So thrilled and honored to learn today ~ January 5, 2026 ~ that this article has been selected as a Finalist in the Special  AKC Reunite Microchip Awareness Award Category of the Dog Writers Association of America's Competition!   W e love our pets. Of course. We tend to their needs and get in as much loving snuggles, exercise time, and fun as possible. We make sure our pets go in for their veterinarian check-ups, and, if they need medical attention, we make sure they get it. And if they require medications, we set timers to be sure their meds are dispensed on time each day. They are vaccinated and neutered, placed on heartworm as well as some type of flea and tick preventatives all to help keep them healthy. And the other best thing we can do for our pets is to have them microchipped. Why microchip? Because while we hope our pets never escape, get lost, or even stolen, it can happen, even to the most attentive pet caregiver. Having your pet microchipped increases th...

 When Love Walks In A Short Romance Fiction Story  by Dorothy Wills-Raftery    A fun note: The Siberian Husky’s name in this story – “Ginger”  –   was selected from of a list of  31 fantastic Husky names suggested by my FiveSibes Facebook & Instagram followers, and then  voted on for the overall favorite.  Thank you to all who participated!   So thrilled to learn today - January 5, 2026 - that this story is a Finalist in the Dog Writers Association of America (DWAA) Competition! L anie turned the skeleton key and gave the old wooden door a hefty push. Greeted by a blast of musty air, she scrunched up her nose. “We need to open a window, Ginger.” Her blue-eyed, red-and-white Siberian Husky tipped its head in response. Stepping inside what once was the town’s train station turned Walt’s Pet Depot, autumn leaves rolled in through the open doorway. Lanie pushed the door shut then unclipped Ginger’s leash. The dog...