Bunny Watson shares what you need to know about Boa Constrictors

(NECN) – It’s a powerful snake, but also a popular pet.

The Boa Constrictor can grow to almost 13 feet in length and can weigh up to 60 pounds.

Sure there are smaller variations, but most people would agree, the boa is big and so is the responsibility that comes with owning and taking care of one.

Joining Vicki Croke to share more is Bunny Watson.

Bunny is the live animal curator at the Museum of Science in Boston.

Taking care of Boa Constrictor on Secret Life of Animals

Moose spotting in Greenville, Maine

NECN videographer Dave Brosemer catches sight of some lovely moose in Greenville, Maine. They must be used to cars and people stopping to look, because they didn’t seem to mind having their pictures taken!

Moose spotting in Greenville, Maine

Temple Grandin’s unique perspective on Animals

(NECN) -Temple Grandin’s latest book “Animals Make us Human” is now out in paperback.

Whether or not you read her best selling blockbuster “Animals in Translation,” I think you’ll want to check this one out.

Grandin is the incredibly accomplished woman with autism who designs equipment in order to make life –and death –better for farm animals.

But she’s got a lot to say about all animals and from a very unique perspective.

Vicki interviewed her a while back at the Brookline Booksmith and found her as brilliant, down-to-earth, and full of surprises as the book itself.

You can also watch a new HBO movie about her starring Clare Danes, which airs next month.

Temple Grandin Interview on NECN.com

Pet Gear: Most popular items in pet stores

(NECN) – If you’ve ever roamed the aisles of the pet store and found yourself scratching your head in confusion, then today’s pet gear is just for you!

We’re bringing you the five most popular items at especially for pets stores.

Maria Mazokopos joins Vicki Croke now with the shopping list.

Pet Gear: Most popular items in pet stores

Arnie Katz teaches you to pamper your pooch

(NECN) – We all know how important it is to pat our dogs.

But for some pet owners, a routine rubdown by a canine massage therapist is considered just as important, when it comes to combating things like arthritis and increasing flexibility.

Arnie Katz is a canine masseuse in Boston who teaches dog owners how to pamper a pooch, at home.

Arnie joins Vicki Croke with a few tips for our viewers.

Arnie Katz teaches you to pamper your pooch

http://www.katzanddogz.com/

House training your dogs with Scott Dunmore

(NECN) – Our resident trainer Scott Dunmore is in the house and answering more of your questions.

One thing we’ve noticed, there are lots of you struggling with house-training your dogs.

It’s the one problem we get the most emails about.

But I’m not sure if that’s because it’s so common or if this unlike other offenses is something we’re not so likely to put up with.

House training your dogs with Scott Dunmore

IFAW saving animals in Haiti

(NECN) – By now, we’ve heard the countless tales of human loss and suffering and seen the first signs of relief in Haiti.

But as nations around the globe step in to help with the humanitarian crisis, there is also an effort underway to save animals in Haiti.

Led by an organization right in our own backyard.

The International Fund for Animal Welfare, based in Yarmouthport Massachusett is setting up mobile clinics to bring aid to an estimated five million head of livestock and countless pets.

Joining Vicki Croke is AJ Cady to talk more about IFAW’s impact in Haiti.

IFAW saving animals in Haiti

‘Saffron’ is looking to fly in to a loving home

NECN’s Allison Sonfist is joined by Melissa Tanguay of the Animal Rescue League of Boston, who brings along with her Saffron, a ringneck dove. Saffron is absolutely adorable and needs a loving home.

For more information on how to adopt Saffron, click here.

Is it ‘puppy love’ this Valentine’s Day?

We’ve all been in “puppy love” at some point in our lives, so why not show some love to our furry friends? The MSPCA will be holding a special fundraiser for homeless pets this Valentine’s Day weekend.

You can shop for your valentine and help homeless animals at the same time. The MSPCA will have professionally-designed custom floral arrangements created on site along with gourmet sweets from Laughing Moon Chocolates.

100% of all sales benefit the MSPCA Boston Animal Care and Adoption Center and Spike’s Fund, which helps the MSPCA provide emergency medical treatment for homeless animals in need.

Burlington High brings science class to life

(NECN) – The Burlington Public school system is Vicki Croke’s kind of school system.

Their live animal collection includes about 60 animals – hawks, owls, turtles, a huge monster of a snapping turtle, and lots of others.

Many of the animals spend much of the year stationed in classrooms where kids can really get to know them over time.

Just this week Vicki enjoyed an incredible afternoon communing with the residents.

Vicki introduces us to the gang that includes the world’s friendliest snake.

Joining the Secret Life of Animals from the Burlington Science Center is Wendy Pavlicek.

She’s brought some of the center’s gregarious chickens to the studio!