Pets and Animals
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Hoffman Estates police dog back on duty after injuryFeb 01, 2026 4:32 pm - Hoffman Estates police dog Ajax is back on duty thanks to some skilled veterinarians and help from a national organization that assists law enforcement canines.
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‘Wily and Wild Animal Invaders’ webinar explores environmental impact of invasive wildlifeJan 29, 2026 1:31 pm - The University of Illinois Extension is hosting a free webinar, "Wild and Wily Animal Invaders," on March 19 to explore the history of non-native wildlife species in Illinois and efforts to protect local ecosystems and economy.
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Local wildlife groups team up for ‘In Search of Eagles’ on Feb. 7 along the Fox River ValleyJan 28, 2026 10:38 pm - Winter is one of the best times to observe bald eagles in the wild as they congregate to feed near open waters. “In Search of Eagles,” an outdoor event. will be held at four sites in the Fox River Valley on Saturday, Feb. 7.
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To clear ice and snow, there are rock salt alternatives that are safer for your pets and yard
Jan 27, 2026 4:13 pm - Rock salt is the cheapest and most commonly used product for melting ice and snow. But it's not great for the environment and it's not the most effective option out there.
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A groundhog robot? Woodstock won’t bow to PETA pressure to replace its woodchuck mascot
Jan 27, 2026 7:41 am - Woodstock Willie is set to make his annual prognostication on the next six weeks of weather early on Groundhog Day morning. However, the national animal rights group People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals is calling for the furry forecaster to be replaced by a 3D holographic projection, the costumed mascot, a stuffed toy, or even an AI-powered robot groundhog.
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Horned Lark is having a moment: Ground-hugger featured on cover of two birding magazinesJan 26, 2026 12:24 pm - There are roughly 750 kinds of birds in the United States. So, what are the chances that one of them, Horned Lark, would grace the covers of two major birding magazines this month?
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Brookfield Zoo Chicago celebrates the season of love with special Valentine’s Day experiencesJan 26, 2026 11:31 am - Brookfield Zoo Chicago is offering unusual Valentine's Day experiences, including “Name a Cockroach” after someone for $15; a romantic jazz dinner with animal encounter; a new lantern festival; and up-close animal encounters through the "Wild Connections" program.
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Top dogs compete in show at Lake County FairgroundsJan 24, 2026 5:42 pm - The Lake County Fairgrounds was filled with man’s best friends and their owners as they vied for top honors at the Cool Cluster Dog Show this frigid Saturday in January.
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‘It would mean everything’: Riverwoods animal shelter starts public fundraiser for rebuildJan 22, 2026 2:26 pm - Riverwoods-based pet shelter Orphans of the Storm is embarking on a $2.3 million fundraising campaign to help cover a $15 million renovation of the facility.
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Pet sitting business takes technology use to new levelJan 20, 2026 3:00 pm - Paige Massarelli and Max Vickers, a married couple from Lake County, own Paige’s In-Home Pet Care, a pet-sitting service that utilizes technology and GPS trackers to show the owners how their pets were cared for.