Social distancing rules are strange for humans and dogs alike, says animal behaviourist Kim Metcalfe. Yet, despite socialising being encouraged for puppies, not all dogs grow up to want to be around other dogs.

Kim’s Canines: Social distancing is not just for humans
This column is written for the Stray Ferret by Kimberley Metcalfe. Kimberley has an MSc in Applied Animal Behaviour and Welfare. Her company Pooches Galore is based in Harrogate and specialises in dog training and resolving canine behavioural problems. ...

Knaresborough museum project launches £35,000 crowdfunder
The Knaresborough Museum has launched the crowdfunding page to allow it to undertake the necessary renovations to open this year.

StrayArt with Johnny Messum: Painting Outdoors
In his first monthly column of 2021, art gallery director Johnny Messum looks at the joys of ‘En Plein Air’ painting.

Stray Foodie Lockdown Recipe: Beef with Winter Vegetables
Michelin Starred chef Frances Atkins is back with another Stray Foodie lockdown recipe, for sauteed beef with anchovies and winter vegetables.

Stray Pets Rescue Club: could Troy, Twiglet, or a trio of degus be your new pet?
The Stray Pets Rescue Club is our monthly profile of animals in need of a new home. Could Troy, Twiglet, or a trio of degus be your new pet?

Stray Jewels: Inspired by Animals
Antiques expert Susan Rumfitt outlines the appeal of animal-themed jewellery, including three exquisite animal pieces for sale in the Harrogate area.

Mum and daughter team behind floral Ripon ‘hidden gem’
The pair may have been in the same spot for 35 years but people are still stumbling across their shop, whether in person or online.

Harrogate Cat Rescue crippled by vet fees
While it is hard for them to know the reasons for the spike in rescue cats, many of the reasons she comes across are a direct or indirect cause of coronavirus.

Bespoke Harrogate jeweller is a ‘hidden gem’
The jewellers have made their name on their engagement rings, which are all made to order and designed with a sheet of paper and pencils.

Harrogate’s pioneering woman doctor nominated for county award
Dr Laura Sobey Veale was North Yorkshire’s first female doctor and spent much of her professional career in Harrogate developing local services for women and infants. This nomination honours her impact on the town and as an important figure in medicine and feminism.

Knaresborough reptile centre ‘struggling’ to stay open
Owner Daniel Holmes says more reptiles were abandoned during lockdown and the centre is struggling to cope with the cost of looking after them and running the premises.

The Stray Garden: Planting tulips for spring colour pops
In a new monthly column, Rudding Park gardener, Fiona Slight, takes us through the process of planting tulip bulbs – ready for an explosion of colour in the Spring.