Page 2 2026 Animal Stories Lincoln Daily News February 2026
Page 3 2026 Animal Stories Lincoln Daily News February 2026 Table of Contents 4: Jesse Daugherty and her service dog Dolly 8: Should you insure your pet? 12: 4 Rocks Cafe serves outside of horseshows 16: Special Pigeons 18: Adopting a senior or specials needs pet 26: LDN Staff Pets 40: Best Expression 58: Animals in Action 66: Cutest/Most Cuddly 86: Kitty Korner 94: Barnyard Buddies 98: Rainbow Bridge
Page 4 2026 Animal Stories Lincoln Daily News February 2026 Dolly Jesse Daugherty and her service dog When you walk into Jesse Daugherty's classroom, you may notice a furry companion sitting under her desk or near her as she teaches. The sweet dog is Dolly Mae, her service dog, who helps Daugherty manage her Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) by recognizing when she might have a fainting spell. An article by David Harris on “Service dogs for POTS” explains, “POTS service dogs are trained to perform tasks that directly address the symptoms of the condition. They help their handlers navigate the challenges of living with POTS by providing symptom alerts, physical assistance, and emotional reassurance.” These dogs can help alert people to symptoms, provide them with physical support, retrieve items, use deep pressure therapy to calm the handler, help reduce stress and provide support when symptoms arise. Daugherty says, “When I was first diagnosed, they informed me that treatment for POTS was limited and I should look at other avenues. The nurse told me that some patients she was familiar with looked into service dogs. My love for animals had me looking immediately into how a service dog could help me. Initially, Daugherty said, “I knew nothing about service dogs, but quickly became familiar with the ins and outs of laws, regulations, dos and don'ts. I did research on training my own service dog but with my new condition, that seemed impossible. We then started looking at different organizations, paid and nonprofit. There are very few service dog organizations in the state of Illinois, so this also posed some trouble.”
Page 5 2026 Animal Stories Lincoln Daily News February 2026 Daughtery was lucky enough to be put in touch with another family in Lincoln who have a service dog for their young daughter. They were able to put her in touch with the organization they used, Committed Canine located in Brownstown, Illinois. It is a husband and wife, Tammie and Robert, who have been showing and training dogs for many years. When Daugherty contacted them, she was paired with Dolly Mae. Dolly Mae was born on the Committed Canine property, and they knew from a very young age that she had wonderful potential to become a service dog. Jesse was then invited to meet Lyric (Dolly Mae’s litter name). She was about 5 months old at the time in October 2024. “I met Dolly and took her home that day. She knew the basic commands of sit, stay, and they had been working on 'paws up', which was a tasking command we would later introduce to help mitigate my disability. They believed it was important for Dolly and I to bond before returning her for a 10-day training when she was a little older. This gave Dolly and I the chance to bond, along with her to bond with the current dogs I already had at home.”
Page 6 2026 Animal Stories Lincoln Daily News February 2026 The difficult thing about obtaining a service dog through an organization like this one was the cost. Jesse says, “Dolly’s 10 day training in February 2025, and her 3 month training in May 2025 was a total of $15,000.” She says, “we were lucky and thankful enough to be surrounded by amazing family, friends, and community and were able to fundraise every penny. We can never thank people enough who gave their own money, some people I had never met, to see me gain my independence back by getting a trained service dog.” After Dolly's 10-day training in February, Daugherty said “we spent a day with them, learning everything Dolly had just learned. At the end of her 3 month training, we went back and spent 3 days learning everything Dolly had just learned, and then another 2 day weekend a month later. Tammie and Robert's knowledge, time, and patience is outstanding and we will forever consider them a part of our family. They have changed my life for the better!” Having Dolly Mae has been a life changer for Daugherty. She said, “I was unable to work the entire school year of 2024-25 due to my disability. In the beginning stages, I was passing out and having what I call episodes daily. These episodes were unconsciousness, extremely high or low heart rates, very low blood pressure, and memory loss. There were times in the beginning when I did not know where I was or my husband's name. It was very scary. They (doctors) advised in the beginning that the first 6-12 months would be the worst and then things would level out. Thankfully, about 8 months after diagnosis, things started leveling out.” Today, Jesse says, “I have a few episodes a month and Dolly is right there to help. She
Page 7 2026 Animal Stories Lincoln Daily News February 2026 puts her paws up on my body/lap. Her body weight helps bring my heart rate down and settle my nervous system. This often keeps me from passing out entirely, or keeps the episodes short lived, and I am able to move on quickly after. Dollie Mae knows about 2-3 minutes before I have an episode and never hesitates to jump into her job. She loves working and takes her job very seriously. She is worth her weight in gold.” Jesse says, “this year, thanks to Dolly's help and the support of my husband and family, I was able to return to work and am now the 3rd-5th grade special education teacher at Central and I LOVE it. Dolly loves it too. We are so thankful for the support at Central as well, who have taken us under their wing, checking in often and being there when we need them. I am now cleared to live a normal life and do things as I feel up to them.” “POTS does not define who I am.” Jesse says, “I enjoy talking about my experience because I hope others, too, can see that a life-changing disability does not have to be life-ending. It means change but change and hardship only makes you stronger. I am a different person now than I was when all of this started, and I could not be more thankful or happy.” [Angela Reiners] Sources: Service Dogs for POTS
Page 8 2026 Animal Stories Lincoln Daily News February 2026 Should you insure your pet? Like health insurance for people, pet insurance provides pet owners financial assistance with vet bills. However, as with regular insurance, people want to make sure they are getting the best bang for their buck. Vet bills generally do not cost as much as hospital bills, but they can be expensive, especially when your pet has a medical condition. Is pet insurance worth it or not? This question has a lot of parts to it. Vet visits are traditionally once a year for checkups, and most plans cover these costs. However, it would likely be more expensive for the plan over the course of a year than the vet bill would be. This is almost certainly to be the case with just one visit per year. Like other insurance plans pet insurance can be modified to cover different things, such as surgeries and medication. According to the website Findpetinurance, coverage can cover “emergency medical treatments, surgeries, diagnostic treatments, and medications,” with some plans covering “preventative care, dental treatments, and even alternative therapies.” According to the same website, most pet insurance plans are reimbursement-based, meaning you will get money back from the insurance company after you pay the bill. Unlike traditional insurance plans that pay before you do, most pet insurance plans seem to be the other way around. This also means that someone would need the capital to pay for their pet’s care, or go on a payment plan if their vet allows. It is also important to know that not all things are covered by pet insurance. According to the insurance company Nationwide, who provides pet insurance, preexisting conditions are not covered by their plans. Most plans seem to have this stipulation, meaning that if your animal is already sick, the insurance plan will not cover it. This can be an important issue for something like cancer, which would be classified as a pre-existing condition if the insurance was purchased after the animal was diagnosed. There are some plans available that do cover pre-existing conditions, however. The company AKC Pet Insurance is one of these companies, claiming to cover pre-existing common illnesses such as cancer, allergies, and dermatitis, as well as hereditary conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and arthritis. These plans are often more expensive than more traditional plans. Ultimately, it is up to the individual whether they think pet insurance is worth it. There is no clear answer and unfortunately, like with regular health insurance, life circumstances are the determining factor in whether the plan is worth the money. Pet owners with pets that get sick later in life, or develop conditions in their old age, may be grateful they chose to get a policy. Others with healthy older animals may not see it as a great investment.
Page 9 2026 Animal Stories Lincoln Daily News February 2026 If someone does decide to opt for pet insurance, what company should they go with? What plan should they pick? What could the price look like? This task can be daunting, as a quick Google search for “pet insurance plans” comes back with articles from websites ranking what they claim to be the best plans, as well as other companies directing people to their website. There are dozens of pet insurance companies out there, including but certainly not limited to, ASPCA, Best Pets Insurance, Spot and Healthy Paws. Someone’s best bet for finding a company they can trust would simply be doing research. According to the website thetop10petinsurance.com, Lemonade, ASPCA, and Spot take the top three spots. The website USNews, on the other hand, lists their top three as ASPCA, Best Pets, and MetLife. Unless a person knows someone with pet insurance they like, taking the time to look through different companies and their plans is the only effective way to find a plan. What does pet insurance cost? According to Progressive, in 2023, illness and accident pet insurance averaged $56.30 per month for dogs and $31.94 for cats. Progressive also states that several factors go into determining the cost of insurance for animals. The pet's age, breed, and how much their owner is going to be reimbursed for medical expenses are all factors considered when determining the monthly cost of an insurance plan. Many companies offer free quotes to give potential customers a cost for their specific pet or pets. As for plans, however, they are customizable depending on what the pet owner wants. Some plans only cover accidents, and these plans tend to be on the cheaper side. Plans that cover vet bills would be an average plan, with things
Page 10 2026 Animal Stories Lincoln Daily News February 2026 such as dental work and medications being able to be added for an additional monthly cost. As mentioned earlier, plans that cover pre-existing conditions can also be found, but these are on the more expensive side. It is up to each pet owner to decide if insurance is an expense they are willing to take on. Due to the uncertainty of life, it may be something someone thanks themselves for having the foresight to invest in, or something that someone kicks themselves for not getting. [Matt Boutcher] Sources: Best Dog Insurance of 2026 What’s not covered Pet Insurance for Pre-Existing Conditions Best Pet Insurance in Illinois of 2026 Best Pet Insurance Companies of 2026 How much is pet insurance?
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Page 12 2026 Animal Stories Lincoln Daily News February 2026 serves outside of horseshows 4 Rocks Cafe
Page 13 2026 Animal Stories Lincoln Daily News February 2026 The 4 Rocks Café and Arena in Delavan offers more than just a place to grab breakfast—it serves as a hub for horse shows, community gatherings and family-friendly events that draw visitors from across the Midwest. Owner Felicity Vandenberg has operated the arena for nearly nine years after purchasing the property in 2017. Originally from South Africa, Vandenberg and her husband Jacobus (better known as J.P.) were already familiar with running horse shows before relocating to the United States, where they moved to be closer to family. “The arena became available,” Vandenberg said. “Back in South Africa, that is what we also did as a hobby—ran horse shows.” While the arena itself has been operating for years, the café is a more recent addition. The restaurant opened nearly two years ago after Vandenberg struggled to consistently secure food trucks for events held at the facility “We had food trucks always, and sometimes they were difficult to get ahold of…Especially after COVID.” she said. Creating a permanent café allowed the arena to better serve guests during events while also opening the doors to the general public throughout the week. Today, the 4 Rocks Café is open Thursday through Sunday from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m., offering breakfast and lunch in a relaxed, welcoming space connected to the arena. Breakfast is especially popular among regular visitors, with biscuits and gravy standing out as a customer favorite in the mornings. During lunch hours, pulled pork sandwiches and burgers are among the most frequently ordered items, along with fries topped with pulled pork. Vandenberg said many customers who discover the café return regularly, creating a comfortable, community atmosphere that feels more like gathering with friends than visiting a restaurant.
Page 14 2026 Animal Stories Lincoln Daily News February 2026 “It’s family friendly,” she said. “The people who do come here, they enjoy coming here, and they come again and again. I’ve got quite a few regulars and they just sit and talk for hours.” Despite being located just outside town, she said many residents are still unaware the café is open to the public. “Most of them say, ‘I didn’t know it existed,’ and then they ride past here every day,” she said. The arena itself hosts a variety of events throughout the year, primarily Western riding competitions such as barrel racing, pole bending and rodeo-style activities. Organizations often rent the facility for events, though Vandenberg also organizes some events herself. “We try to do one a week,” she said. “At the moment we’re busy with the winter series, which is one a month.” In addition to horse events, the arena has expanded into new activities, including remote control car competitions and go-kart racing. These events have attracted visitors from multiple states—and even internationally.
Page 15 2026 Animal Stories Lincoln Daily News February 2026 “With the remote-control cars, we had people from Canada,” Vandenberg said. “With the gokarts, we had people from South Dakota come all the way down here to race.” The facility has also hosted weddings and agricultural demonstrations, showcasing its flexibility as an event venue. “We’ve had weddings here as well — country weddings,” she said. “You can dress it up if you really want to make it formal.” Operating the business has been a learning experience, particularly transitioning from Saddlebred horse shows in South Africa to Western riding events in Illinois. “It’s two different worlds,” Vandenberg said. “We learned a new industry to start with, and there’s a lot of people that we got to know.” Although much of the work falls on her shoulders, Vandenberg said her husband plays a key role in preparing the arena surface and assisting with physical labor during events. “My husband…he helps with the cleaning and all the manual stuff,” she said. “When it comes to administration and this stuff, it’s all on me.” Community involvement remains central to the arena’s mission. Events are free for spectators to attend, with optional donations sometimes benefiting charitable causes such as St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. “You can just come in, look,” Vandenberg said. “If you like what you see, stay.” Looking ahead, the arena is preparing to introduce new programming, including Western pleasure shows and a seasonal “Spring Fling” series, which Vandenberg hopes will attract new visitors and expand the facility’s reach. Ultimately, she hopes more people will discover what the property offers — whether for events, meals or simply a welcoming place to spend time. “What I would like them to know about is the fact that the café is here,” she said. “It’s family friendly.” [Sophia Larimore]
Page 16 2026 Animal Stories Lincoln Daily News February 2026 Special Sometime in 1964, on a market day (our town had a market on Thursdays), I went to downtown Genk (my hometown in Belgium) to buy a couple of fancy pigeons (“sierduiven”). I bought a beautiful couple (a white male and a dark female). I built a home for them and put it high on a sturdy pole to protect them from cats. The birds were easy to take care of and, before long they had made a nest in the box and laid two eggs! It was a little while later, after the eggs had hatched, that I also took in a stray dog I found wandering in our neighborhood. Now I already had previously taken in a stray dog (as well as a stray cat), but this large dog looked like it also needed a home. One unfortunate evening, both doves had flown down into the backyard to forage for food, and the dog had killed both my doves. That was the sad end of those pigeons. I decided I had to let go of the dog. However, my interest in pigeons has always continued. We had, at the time, a neighbor on our street in Winterslag (a suburb in Genk) who kept a large “duivekot’ (pigeon loft). Many men throughout my home country cared for these “homing” pigeons in large coops. They are called “homing” pigeons because wherever they are released, these special birds can find their way back home with great speed and amazing persistence! At different times during the day, I remember as a boy seeing flights of these pigeons in formation, circling around our neighborhood. On my last few trips to see my family in Genk, I noticed only a few such remaining pigeon houses. I don’t think younger men are picking up on this unique hobby Racing pigeons had become a sport for many men in Belgium somewhere in the midnineteenth century. I was surprised to learn that this hobby actually started in my home country of Belgium. From there it spread to France, England, and then to the rest of the world (Pigeon racing - Wikipedia). Pigeon fanciers can make good money if they can breed fast pigeons who can win important pigeon races. The Wikipedia article has this succinct, very informative description: Pigeon racing is the sport of releasing specialized, trained homing pigeons, which then return to their homes over a carefully measured distance. The time it takes the animal to cover the specified distance is measured, and the bird's rate of travel is calculated and compared with all the other pigeons in the race to determine which animal returned at the highest speed. Pigeon racing requires a specific breed of pigeon bred for the sport, the Racing Homer. Competing pigeons are specially trained and conditioned for races that vary in distance from approximately 100 kilometers (62 mi) to 1,000 kilometers (620 mi). Despite these lengths, races can be won and lost by seconds, so many different timing and measuring devices have been developed. The traditional timing method involves rubber rings being placed into a specially designed clock, whereas a newer development uses RFID [radio-frequency identification] tags to record arrival time. Pigeons
Page 17 2026 Animal Stories Lincoln Daily News February 2026 I remember my childhood friend, Honoré, who bred and raised racing pigeons. He entered many such races and even won a large cash prize once when one of his prize birds beat out the field of thousands of competitors. (in different countries). All the pigeons were simultaneously released from somewhere in Spain (I have forgotten the town) and made their way to their individual homes—simply amazing! I guess these birds must have a builtin GPS! I know of no pigeon handlers/racers in Illinois, or even in America. However, I do have a friend in our church who houses a beautiful pigeon in his garage and allows “Homer” to fly free inside the garage. Even now, I still find the cooing of doves in the evening to be beautiful and relaxing. [John Castelein]
Page 18 2026 Animal Stories Lincoln Daily News February 2026 Adopting a senior or special needs pet Looking to adopt? A senior or special needs pet is a great option and there is a growing need to find loving, adaptable, and secure homes for these animals all around the country. While national statistics are not always tracked specifically for these groups, many shelters report that senior and special needs pets make up a significant portion of their adoptable animals. Unfortunately, senior, and special needs pets are often overlooked by potential adopters, leading to a higher number of these animals waiting for new homes. By choosing to adopt one of these deserving pets, you can make a significant difference in their quality of life and help reduce the number of overlooked animals in shelters. There are many reasons why so many senior or special needs pets end up in shelters or rescue organizations. Sometimes, owners face unexpected life changes such as illness, relocation, or financial hardship, making it difficult to continue caring for their pets as they age or develop medical needs. In other cases, pets may outlive their owners, or families might not be prepared for the additional time, cost, or commitment required to manage chronic conditions or age-related issues. Additionally, some pets develop special needs due to accidents, genetic conditions, or untreated medical problems, and are subsequently surrendered when their care becomes too complex or expensive. What is considered a ‘senior’ pet? A senior pet is generally considered to be an animal that has reached the later stages of its natural lifespan, though the exact age can vary depending on the species and breed. For many dogs and cats, pets are often classified as seniors around seven years of age, but larger
Page 19 2026 Animal Stories Lincoln Daily News February 2026 breeds may be considered seniors even earlier due to shorter lifespans, while smaller breeds might not reach this stage until closer to ten years old. Other factors, such as overall health and lifestyle, can also influence when a pet is categorized as a senior. Adopting a senior pet is generally not more difficult than adopting a younger animal, though it does come with its own considerations. Many shelters and rescue organizations actively encourage senior pet adoptions by offering reduced fees and providing additional support to make the transition smoother. The process typically involves the same application and screening steps as adopting any pet, but staff may discuss the animal’s medical history and ongoing needs to ensure a good match. While senior pets might require a bit more veterinary care, their stable personalities and established habits often make them easier to integrate into a new home. Senior pet vs. a newborn pet Taking care of a senior pet differs significantly from caring for a newborn pet in several ways. Senior pets usually have established routines and calmer dispositions, making them easier to integrate into daily life, whereas newborn pets require more attention, training, and patience as they learn basic behaviors and adapt to their environment. While newborn pets tend to be energetic and require constant supervision, senior pets often appreciate a more relaxed pace and may prefer quiet companionship. Additionally, senior pets may need more frequent veterinary visits due to age-related health issues, while newborn pets often need vaccinations and preventive care but generally experience fewer chronic conditions early on. Both age groups benefit from loving care, but the approach and time commitment can vary since raising a newborn pet involves teaching and guiding, while caring for a senior pet focuses on providing comfort, stability, and addressing medical needs as they arise. Seniors frequently form strong bonds with their adopters and genuinely appreciate the second chance at a loving life. Adopting a senior pet is a rewarding experience because older animals often have calmer temperaments and are already trained and well socialized, making them wonderful companions for individuals and families, hence easier to integrate into your home. Additionally, giving a senior pet a home provides comfort and companionship, enriching both your life and theirs during their golden years.
Page 20 2026 Animal Stories Lincoln Daily News February 2026 Consideration before adopting a senior pet: There are several important considerations to keep in mind: • Health and Medical Needs: Senior pets may require more frequent veterinary visits and could have existing health conditions that need ongoing care. Be sure to ask about the pet’s medical history and any medications or special diets they might need. • Temperament and Behavior: Older pets often have established personalities and habits, which can make them more predictable and easier to integrate into your home. They are typically calmer and may already be trained. • Transition Period: Like any adopted pet, senior animals need time to adjust to a new environment. Providing a stable, comfortable space and a consistent routine can help them settle in. • Financial Commitment: While many shelters offer reduced adoption fees for senior pets and provide extra support, it’s important to budget for potential veterinary expenses and ongoing care. • Quality Time: Senior pets often bond deeply with their adopters and appreciate the companionship and comfort of a loving home during their golden years. By considering these factors, you can help ensure a smooth and rewarding experience for both you and your senior pet. Special needs pet What is considered a ‘special needs’ pet? A special needs pet is an animal that requires extra care or accommodations due to physical, medical, or behavioral challenges. These may include pets with chronic illnesses, disabilities such as impaired mobility or vision, or those with behavioral issues that need ongoing support. Adopting a special needs pet often means providing tailored care, medication, or therapy to ensure their comfort and wellbeing. Examples of special needs pet include animals with chronic medical conditions like diabetes or kidney disease, pets with physical disabilities such as amputations or paralysis, and those with sensory impairments like blindness or deafness. Some may also require behavioral support, including pets with anxiety or trauma-related issues, or those who need ongoing therapy or medication to improve their quality of life.
Page 21 2026 Animal Stories Lincoln Daily News February 2026 Cost of a special needs pet The cost of caring for a special needs pet can be higher than that of a typical pet, mainly due to ongoing medical treatments, specialized equipment, medications, and potential therapy or rehabilitation. Some pets may require frequent veterinary visits, prescription diets, or custom mobility aids, which can add to monthly expenses. It’s important to budget for these additional costs and consider whether you have the financial resources to provide the necessary care and support for your pet’s unique needs. However, many shelters and rescue organizations offer reduced adoption fees for special needs pets and may assist with some medical costs or provide guidance and resources. Checking with these organizations about available support can help offset some expenses and make adopting a special needs pet more manageable. Considerations before adopting a special needs pet: • Before adopting a special needs pet, it’s crucial to evaluate whether you have the time, patience, and resources to meet their unique requirements. • Think about the additional responsibilities involved, such as administering medication, attending regular veterinary appointments, and making necessary adjustments to your home for accessibility and safety. • A special needs pet may require ongoing treatments, specialized diets, or adaptive equipment that can increase costs. • Emotional readiness is equally important, as caring for a pet with medical, physical, or behavioral challenges can be both demanding and deeply rewarding. • Ask yourself if you can fully commit to this responsibility, because it will not be beneficial to the pet or your household if you realize it is too much after the fact. o Have you honestly assessed your ability to meet their unique requirements o Consider your daily schedule, willingness to learn about their condition, and whether you can provide consistent care o Assess the possible on-going, lifelong financial support
Page 22 2026 Animal Stories Lincoln Daily News February 2026 o Assess your ability to administer medication. o Evaluate your emotional readiness, as caring for a special needs animal can be both rewarding and challenging. o You should research the specific needs of the pet you’re considering; the shelter should give you all the specific details and records, such as their medical, behavioral, or physical challenges. o Talk to the veterinarian specialists at the shelter and determine if you have the resources, patience, and support to address them. Many shelters and organizations offer guidance and ongoing assistance, so reaching out to experts or support groups can help you make an informed decision. If you’re comfortable with the level of commitment and feel prepared to offer a compassionate, stable environment, you’re likely well-suited to adopt a special needs pet. What and where do I go if I want to adopt a senior or special needs pet? To get started in adopting a senior or special needs pet, begin by researching reputable animal shelters and rescue organizations that specialize in these adoptions. Many shelters provide detailed information about each pet’s health, temperament, and any special requirements, making it easier to find a match that suits your lifestyle. It’s helpful to speak with staff or volunteers who can answer questions and guide you through the process of getting started to find the right fit. After identifying potential pets, visit the shelter to meet them in person and discuss any medical or behavioral needs. Prepare your home for their arrival by ensuring a comfortable, accessible environment and gathering necessary supplies such as food, bedding, and medications. Remember to ask about ongoing support services or adoption programs for senior and special needs pets, as many organizations offer resources to help you provide the best care. Not just dogs & cats When thinking about adopting animals, most people think of dogs or cats. But there are many more adoptable animals out there. Adopting these alternative pets can be equally rewarding, but each species will have its own unique care requirements, so it’s important to research thoroughly before making a decision.
Page 23 2026 Animal Stories Lincoln Daily News February 2026 Start by contacting local animal shelters, rescue organizations, or sanctuaries, as many regularly have small mammals like rabbits, guinea pigs, and ferrets, as well as birds, reptiles, and sometimes even farm animals like goats, chickens, pigs, and horses available for adoption. There are also species-specific rescues—such as rabbit rescues, bird sanctuaries, or reptile adoption groups—that specialize in finding homes for these alternative pets. Exploring online adoption platforms and community bulletin boards can also help you locate organizations dedicated to the type of animal you’re hoping to adopt. Considerations before adopting a nontraditional pet: • Be sure to research the unique care requirements, local & state laws, licensing and vaccinations, and special permits of your chosen species. • Connect with organizations that provide guidance and support throughout the adoption process. • Many states and municipalities have specific laws regarding the ownership of certain species, such as reptiles, birds, or farm animals, which may include permitting, zoning restrictions, or bans on exotic or wild animals. • Some animals may require special licenses, and there may be regulations about their housing, transport, or medical care. • Always check with your local animal control agency or government offices to ensure you are compliant with all relevant laws and ordinances before finalizing an adoption. Many of these organizations provide detailed information on the care requirements and adoption process for alternative pets, ensuring you find the right fit for your home. • Best Friends Animal Society – Rehoming a Pet With Special Needs: Offers guidance and support for adopting a variety of animals with special needs, including those beyond dogs and cats. • Local shelters and species-specific rescues: Contact organizations such as rabbit, bird, reptile, or farm animal rescues in your area. • National sanctuaries and adoption networks: Many national organizations have listings or directories for small mammals, birds, reptiles, and farm animals available for adoption.
Page 24 2026 Animal Stories Lincoln Daily News February 2026 Remember to research each organization’s adoption policies and available support services, as many offer resources to help you provide the best care for your new companion. Each pet is as unique as each person. If you are considering adopting a pet, please consider an older or special needs animal. The joy, the love, and the happiness you can give that animal and yourself, is priceless. Look past the age, or disability as you would a human and determine your selection on that unwavering connection that you both feel. Each animal deserves the love, security, and respect as much as we humans do. [JA Hodgdon-Ruppel] Sources: 2024 State Level Data - Shelter Animals Count Adopt a Dog, Cat | Participating Animal Shelters | Pets for the Elderly Adopting Pets with Disabilities: A Complete Compassionate Guide Animal laws and pet rules in the USA | USAHello Pets for the Elderly Foundation | Pet Assistance | Free Pets for Seniors | Pet Adoption for Seniors Pet ownership laws by state Senior Pet Adoption - Search for senior dogs and senior cats Senior Pet Adoption: What Older Adults Need Rehoming a Pet With Special Needs | Best Friends Animal Society U.S. Animal Shelter Statistics | Shelter Intake and Surrender | ASPCA Why Senior and Special Needs Dogs Deserve a Second Chance—and a Spot on Your Couch - A-Z Animals
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Page 26 2026 Animal Stories Lincoln Daily News February 2026 LDN STAFF PET PICTURES
Page 27 2026 Animal Stories Lincoln Daily News February 2026 Devyn Fry Pickles (left, almost nine) has settled well in her forever home and now gets the royal treatment, as her older sister Bella (right, twelve) always has. Pickles' favorite things are getting new toys, food, and filling personal space. Bella's favorite things are treats, her lamby, and running in the leaves. Bella (left) still loves her walks in the park, even though we usually end up transitioning her to her stroller after a while. Pickles (right) can make it around Kickapoo with no problem, but she never complains when we carry her. Bella Pickles
Page 28 2026 Animal Stories Lincoln Daily News February 2026 Karen Castelein When someone asks me if I have a pet I immediately smile and say yes! Currently I have a ten-year-old Yorkie named Zookie. She hasn’t been my dog for that whole time, but I have lived in the same house with her since she was six weeks old. My best friend, Kaye, bought her from a little Amish boy near Arthur, IL. Kaye had seen an ad in the Pantagragh for Yorkie puppies and wanted us to go see them. I knew if we went we would come home with one and I was excited to go on this adventure with her. It was about four in the afternoon and all the paper had was a phone number to call. So Kaye called and had to leave a message. Waiting was not an option. Knowing we would need to travel about an hour to get near Arthur she said let’s go. I’m thinking we don’t know where we are going! But off we went. We were on the other side of Decatur and I was feeling like the owners might be gone for the evening and may not return her call till morning. And I knew she wanted a female pup and I was wondering if they had even had one available. My excitement was turning to doubt but Kaye had reasoned that since it was in Amish country we were probably waiting for them to notice the phone booth had a message waiting for them. Sure enough she was right. We are about two miles till Arthur when the phone rang and the man told us he had a female pup available and asked where we were so he could direct us to the house. I swear we were within a half mile of our turn! Then we had another three miles to go in the blackest of night. Thankfully the stop signs were every mile with the man staying on the phone till we got to the third sign. He said their house was the first one on the right. It was so black. But all of a sudden I saw a hitching rail so we slowed down. We still couldn’t see a house but then a little lantern came out of the darkness. It was the man and his son coming from the back of the house to greet us. They led us around the house to the back porch and then into their kitchen where the
Page 29 2026 Animal Stories Lincoln Daily News February 2026 two pups were. One pup they were keeping and the other was a female. The pup belonged to the young boy, and the father had told us we would need to deal with him if we were interested in buying the puppy. After watching them playing on the floor Kaye said she would like to buy her. She pulled out the cash and asked the boy to come count the cash out with her. It was such a precious moment. All the way home we talked about how all this unfolded perfectly. It was like the perfect dream. It couldn’t get any better. Then came the conversation about what to name her. Because she was Amish, Kaye wanted an Amish name for her. Knowing absolutely squat about Amish names we tried to recall some names from Amish movies and books. Nothing seemed to come to mind. I said Zook was an Amish name but that wasn’t a good puppy name. Then Kaye said “what about Zookie?” And that is what we called her! Ten years later, Zookie reminds me of that first day, my best friend, and all the memories we have shared together. As she aged, her hair color has changed, but then again so has mine! Zookie
Page 30 2026 Animal Stories Lincoln Daily News February 2026 JA Hodgdon-Ruppel Being bonafide animal lovers, our house is full of furry friends! It started out with our son’s full sized Australian Shephard that he had as a kid, and a beautiful little kitty as his faithful companion. However, both are aging fast…probably more gracefully than most humans! Since our son now has a home of his own, he and his wife decided not to uproot these lovable aging critters so they can live out their remaining days in a more familiar, safe place. Whiskey (was rescued as a pup) is a 15-year-old full grown red Australian Shephard and Hazel (was rescued from an abandoned litter) is a 9-year-old farm cat that comes and goes as she pleases and thinks she is a princess. Hazel Whiskey
Page 31 2026 Animal Stories Lincoln Daily News February 2026 As we dread the day the older ones pass on, we decided to acclimate another dog into the mix. Knowing and loving the Australian breed, we were adamant about adopting a dog that would be past the puppy stage, vetted to be around grandkids and other animals, and support a local kennel. In comes a 3-year-old toy Australian Shephard we named Axel Rose! Axel was relinquished at a shelter by a breeder. We were told this a common practice of some breeders when the dogs have reached a certain age or can no longer produce large litters. This breeder claims Axel is a full-blooded toy Aussie but gave no other information other than he was past his prime. The shelter said he was raised in a 2x3 cage and was made to be alone with extremely strict discipline. The ride home, which was about an hour and a half, was full of surprises as he sat on my lap shaking the whole time while throwing up and pooping all over me. He was our boy from the get-go…puke, poop, and all… and has been loved every minute since we got him home. Axel had a very traumatic life and would shake uncontrollably and very skittish. We have gotten him toys and balls, and he just stares at them, not knowing what to do. He minds very well, never barks and is a constant shadow……except if there is a trash bag out! He does like to tear into full, plastic trash bags! The most excited he gets is when he comes in from outside for a treat, and that is when he turns in circles like a figure skater. Someone suggested that another animal may help Axel loosen up a bit, and of course being the animal lovers we are, we (probably more like ‘I’) jumped all over that! So, all it took was a suggestion and I was in search for another Australian Shephard to rescue and Axel Elly May
Page 32 2026 Animal Stories Lincoln Daily News February 2026 in comes Elly May (Clampet…one of my husband’s favorite shows!). Elly May is a miniature Australian Shephard, and she had glaucoma when she was rescued. She is so sweet, cuddly, and independent, but she needed a home where she felt safe and could have space to walk and run. She is now completely blind but runs and plays outside more than Axel does. She has been really good for Axel, and she has taught him to wrestle and roll around on the floor, and you can often see them sleeping side by side. Four animals, yes! If I hear of this with other people, I immediately think about the dog hair, grime, cost and room. Our animals have a large, enclosed porch, huge fenced in yard for them to all roam. Axel and Elly do stay in the house, but Whiskey can’t manage the steps anymore and now has her own safe, warm, and secure area on the enclosed porch. Hazel, on the other hand, is only seen during the really cold months and is out ‘catting’ around as soon as it gets warm, occasionally bringing us a ‘special gift’ just to let us know she is still around. When Whiskey or Hazel crosses that rainbow bridge, we will not be replacing her with another dog (I don’t think…). We are content and happy with our current fur babies and hopefully we will all have each other for many, many more years to come. Axel & Elly May
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Page 34 2026 Animal Stories Lincoln Daily News February 2026 Lesleigh Bennett Lou Lou is almost 2 and is a Leopard Gecko. Our daughter Peyton got her as a pet in college and brought her home over Christmas break 2024, she never left. She is sassy and particular and has so much more personality than I ever thought a reptile could have. We love her. Whitney Whitney is 9 and is a toy poodle. Whitney is a mommy’s girl and follows me everywhere I go. She rules the roost and is the pack leader. Although she is small at only 9lbs she is mighty! Ella Ella is 9. She is a powder puff Chinese Crested. She is shy and quite skiddish but she loves and trusts her family.
Page 35 2026 Animal Stories Lincoln Daily News February 2026 Lucky Lucky is 6. He is an Aussiedoodle. Lucky loves treats! He is a kind and loving boy and everyone that meets him loves him. Domino Domino is 2 and belonged to my aunt. My Aunt Cheryl passed in October of 2024 and she asked if we would take him. He is a sweet boy, loves to cuddle, and is exceptionally smart. He fit right in here and our love for him grows every day.
Page 36 2026 Animal Stories Lincoln Daily News February 2026 Matt Boutcher My wife Abby and I have two cats, one named Moo and the other Angus. Moo actually existed as an idea in our minds well before she was born. When we were in college, we had an inside joke that we would one day get a Siberian Husky named Rocky and a white cat with black patches named Moo. We never ended up getting a dog, but we did get Moo. It was July of 2018, and I was thinking of what to get my wife for her birthday. We had just gotten married the previous month and had moved into the Lakepointe Apartments in Springfield just off Toronto Road. Not all of the apartments were pet friendly, but the one we moved into was. We had not talked about getting a cat named Moo for a while, and the idea came back around to me one way or another. On her birthday, I took Abby to the Animal Protective League (APL). When we got there, we were looking through all the cats, and she found one that she wanted. The cat was calico, having black and white, but also some spots of brown. The APL staff allowed us to open the cages and grab out kittens that we wanted to hold and play with. I reached in to grab the cat Abby was pointing at, and this little black and white cat jumped on my arm and climbed up to my shoulder. We ended up falling in love with this cat, whose name was Gonzo for about 5 minutes before we changed it to Moo. The rest is history. We sometimes (lovingly) call Moo our ‘spicy girl,’ on account of how she does not care for people outside our house. She warms up to people but is more likely to give someone a hiss rather than show them any amount of affection. Moo
Page 37 2026 Animal Stories Lincoln Daily News February 2026 Moo has always been very loving to our family. She loves to lay on our laps, taking any opportunity to do so. When one of us is upset, she always comes around to check on us and curl up in our lap. She will also still climb on our shoulders to this day. The story of how we got Angus actually begins with Moo. We had to leave Moo home alone while Abby and I volunteered at a camp one summer. We were only about ten minutes from our apartment, but the organizers wanted us to sleep at the camp to help keep an eye on the kids since they were also staying there. We would go home a couple of times a day to feed Moo, pet her for a few minutes, and clean her cat box, but then we had to get back. After the second night, we noticed that Moo’s eye was starting to look really bad, seemingly out of nowhere. She has always had an issue with one of her eyes (the vet tells us that one eye is smaller than the other), so we got really worried. We ended up taking her to an emergency vet late at night. The vet did some tests and told us it was pink eye. When we asked how she could have contracted it, the vet told us that, since we have been gone a lot recently, she may have been nervously scratching at her face. In doing so, she may have scratched her eye with a dirty claw and caused an infection. We got medicine to give her and took her home, but we realized that she was going to need a friend. The next few weeks, we went back to the APL looking for a boy cat. There was really only one option, but they were a bonded sibling pair, and we did not want two more cats. We really did not want to break up the pair either, and were informed that there were some kittens at the Petsmart on Veterans Parkway. We went there and found a little black cat named Bumblebee. My wife has a soft spot for creatures that are not always loved by most people. Knowing the stigma around black cats, she wanted to adopt him and take him home. We got the paperwork in order and were told they were going to neuter him, and that we could come pick him up in the next couple of days. For those days, we were discussing all kinds of names, as we had not yet settled on the name Angus. I remember we were driving, Abby was looking up names on her phone, and stumbled across the name Angus. Considering Moo was clearly named after a Holstein cow, and Angus was all black like an Aberdeen Angus cow, we knew we needed to choose that name. Just like that, the Boutcher CATtle ranch was born. Angus
Page 38 2026 Animal Stories Lincoln Daily News February 2026 Not quite true to his name, Angus was actually the smallest cat of his litter. He was also very sick. He had ear mites and worms in his stomach and intestines. We were given several medicines to give him. He did not want to eat the first couple of days, leaving his food untouched and worrying us about his health. After the second day of the medicine, however, his appetite appeared with a fury, and that cat has not stopped eating since. We will often have to monitor both cats during feeding time to make sure Angus does not kick Moo out of her bowl so he can eat her food too. Angus definitely grew into his name, however. He became a very large cat, but not really overweight. He is incredibly strong for a cat, and at the last vet appointment we took him to, weighed just over 18 pounds. Moo and Angus could not be more different personality wise. Angus is very laid back, choosing to nap throughout the day or come around to get some pets. Moo, on the other hand, while she does like pets, loves to run around and play. She is always very curious, always trying to get into things that she should not. Like anyone, we love our pets and only want the best for them. They are a part of our family, not just an animal living in our home. The Boutcher house would not be the same without Moo and Angus. Moo & Angus
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Page 40 2026 Animal Stories Lincoln Daily News February 2026 Farm and Home employee Sean Cayhill presented a $50 gift card and Lincoln Daily News Ad Director Karen Castelein presented an LDN gift bag with a mug, pen and candy to TJ, Kindall, Aubree and Amanda Bishop and their Boxer Eli, who won Lincoln Daily News’ Best Expression pet contest. Eli is a six year old rescue dog. The Bishops said his owner was moving and he was going to be taken to the pound. Amanda called it “the best $50 I ever spent” and said he loves to play and cuddle with the kids.
Page 41 2026 Animal Stories Lincoln Daily News February 2026 Moose Pet Parent(s): Amanda McCray Moose is the best little friend a girl could ask for. She’s always quick to greet me with a smile and hug when I get home from work. I love her very much. Onyx Pet Parent(s): Kensley Shumard My dog looks so cute and funny. Tobias Pet Parent(s): Brooklyn Scales Bath time is the worst! Johnny Castle Pet Parent(s): Brittney Edwards Pup cups, face licking good!
Page 42 2026 Animal Stories Lincoln Daily News February 2026 Derby Pet Parent(s): Emily Hackett Derby is a Great Dane/ Newfoundland mix. He was in a mid-yawn; however he looks rather shocked Chomper Pet Parent(s): Teagan White This was Chomper as a puppy. He’s very photogenic. Watson Pet Parent(s): Emily Hyde This is his “mom you’re not giving me enough attention” look!
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