Woof Meow Pet Tip for March 16, 2026 at Star 977 with Don Hanson – Cell Phones, Tablets & Our Pets
< Updated 2026-03-16 >
< The link to this page – https://forcefreepets.com/wfmwtip-mobiledevices-pets/>
MIKE DOW: – Welcome to Woof Meow with Don Hanson here on Star 977. When it comes to pets, how to best care for them, how to train them, and how to make that bond with your pet even stronger, do what so many people in Maine do: they go to Don Hanson at Green Acres Kennel Shop, 1653 Union Street in Bangor and online at greenacreskennel.com, and at the ForceFreePets website at forcefreepets.com
DON: – Just like many of you, I have a mobile phone and a tablet I can use to check email and social media, listen to music, or read a book almost anywhere at any time. Basically, these devices have liberated me from having to be at my desktop computer to do many things. However, research has indicated that the constant use of these devices can often reduce face-to-face social connections and our own emotional well-being. Many of the apps we use on these devices have been intentionally designed to be addictive. An article in Nature discussed how these devices intensify inattention and poor interpersonal engagement. This can negatively impact not only our relationships with people but also with our pets. After the break, I’ll discuss why you might want to limit your use of these devices.
MIKE DOW: – Since 1995, Don has owned Green Acres Kennel Shop at 1653 Union Street in Bangor, offering pet food and supplies, boarding, daycare, and grooming. Learn more at greenacreskennel.com. Don also offers education for pets and their people at forcefreepets.com.
DON: – Most of us add a dog or a cat to our family for companionship. Like all family members, they will want, need, and deserve our attention. While a child will eventually be able to take care of themselves, our dogs and cats will always need us. Feeding your pet is not enough. You wanted a companion, so spend quality time with them every day doing something you both enjoy. When you do, turn your device off and focus entirely on your pet. Watch your dog enjoy themselves as they go on a sniffari. Watch your cat as they play with you with a chase toy. It’s far better entertainment than that video on your phone. Your pet will love you for it, and it will be good for you too!
MIKE DOW: – Animal lovers listen for Woof Meow with Don Hanson each Monday at 4:20, and at various times during the week only on Star 977.
I maintain two blogs, where I write about a variety of topics related
to dogs and cats, or with a “Woof and Meow” theme. See what I did there? You can explore either by clicking on the links below. I also often share links to articles by others that I believe my subscribers will find interesting. If you like what you see, please subscribe. You can unsubscribe at any time. If you think friends and family members would like what I’m writing about, please share the link. – Don
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ForceFreePets Blog – https://forcefreepets.com/blog/
Green Acres Kennel Shop Blog – https://www.greenacreskennel.com/blog/
Don Hanson lives in Bangor, Maine, where he is the co-owner of the Green Acres Kennel Shop (