Quality of Life 25/08/07

A graphic the shape of the state of New Hampshire, filled in with the New Hampshire flag made up of the crest of New Hampshire on a blue field.

Animal news, part 1: Snake!

As reported by WMUR in a July 29 online article, a Derry woman was shocked to find a 5-foot python in her bathroom on Monday, July 28. “The woman called police for help,” WMUR reported. “They … found the snake inside the woman’s bathroom. Officers safely placed the snake in a tote and contacted some nearby neighbors to see if it belonged to them.” WMUR quoted the police responders who said that the snake was “docile, friendly, and clearly someone’s pet.”

QOL score: -1 because, like, this can happen? In NH?

Comment: WMUR consulted Kevin McCurley, owner of New England Reptile Distributors in Plaistow, who speculated that the snake may have gotten into the apartment through the toilet.

Animal news, part 2: Sad summer for pets

A July 31 online story by Nashua InkLink reported that area animal shelters are at capacity, due to an unusually large number of owner surrenders. According to Humane Society for Greater Nashua president and CEO Douglas Barry in the story, it’s not uncommon for newly homeless pet owners to be forced to give up their pets.

QOL score: -2

Comment: According to a recent study, the InkLink article reported, “In 2024, 5.8 million cats and dogs entered shelters and rescues in the U.S. This marks the fifth consecutive year that shelters experienced more intakes than outcomes.”

Animal news, part 3: Top dog

As reported by WMUR in an Aug. 4 online article, New Hampshire Fish and Game K9 Aspen has won a photo contest sponsored by the Vermont Police Canine Association. “Aspen will be the inspiration for the association’s next T-shirt design,” the article read. According to a post on the Association’s Facebook page, Aspen received 579 of 2,623 votes.

QOL score: +1

Comment: Aspen was recently in the news for locating a missing person, according to a WMUR report from July 27.

QOL score last week: 66

Net change: -2

QOL this week: 64

What’s affecting your Quality of Life here in New Hampshire?

Let us know at news@hippopress.com.

Stay in the loop!

Get FREE weekly briefs on local food, music,

arts, and more across southern New Hampshire!