Nine-week-old Wazzi, an Australian Cattle Dog, plays in the snow while walking with his owner Hayley Charest at Deering Oaks Park on Wednesday. Pets are helping some people cope with the challenges introduced by social distancing.
Sam Woodward of South Portland calls to Romeo – his 2-year-old miniature Schnauzer/Australian shepherd mix, on Friday at Bug Light Park.
Pear Capuchino-Ragsdale, 9, pays attention to her dog Cousteau while waiting to pick up a laptop at King Middle School in South Portland, along with her mother Chaning Capuchino, on March 23.
Horton, an 11 month-old mix, retrieves a stick thrown by his owner Paul McGonnigal of Portland at East End Beach on Wednesday. "I can't imagine going through this stressful time without him," McGonnigal said.
Beth McGrath of Cape Elizabeth walks at Kettle Cove State Park with her dog Tango, a 1-year-old mix that she rescued from the Bahamas.
Heather Guido and her dog Binx pose for a portrait by daughter Sabelle Guido, both of Portland, on the jetty at East End Beach. "He's the light of our family," Sabelle said.
Mother and daughter Allie and Melinda Eaton of Portland walk their dogs Gemma, left, a red Siberian husky, and Josie, a Havanese, on Thursday on the Eastern Promenade. Melinda said walking the dogs helps alleviate the stress of the coronavirus. "Believe me," she said, "it takes away the boredom day after day after day. We're getting to know our city so well."
Pippa watches and waits for her owner after a walk at Hinckley Park in South Portland.
Nancy Lund plays with her dog Kima at her Falmouth home on Thursday.
Nancy Lund and her partner Kevin McCarthy give Kima, 9, some love.
Ted shines like gold in the early morning light at Hinckley Park in South Portland. Elizabeth Giroux was walking Ted for a friend.
Kate Beever and Jeff Beam's cat, Wilma, sits at the backdoor wanting to go outside on a sunny, spring-like day. The photographer titled this photo "Cats are Better".
Local & State 
