(Welcome to our weekly pet column, courtesy of Pet Connection Programs Inc. of Marilla. We post a new article each week, so be sure to check back on a regular basis!)

Pets are beloved members of the family. With Lyme disease on the rise, pet owners should take precautions when taking their pets, particularly dogs, outdoors in warmer weather.

Lyme disease is contracted through bites from black-legged ticks that have become infected after feeding on infected birds or rodents.

(Welcome to our weekly pet column, courtesy of Pet Connection Programs Inc. of Marilla. We post a new article each week, so be sure to check back on a regular basis!)

The arrival of spring and summer means our pets will be spending more time exploring and playing outdoors. Long walks, frolics in the yard and trips to the park are fun for dogs and owners alike, but do keep an eye on health risks, say advisers in this field.

Pets Plus Us, a pet owner community and insurance provider, offers some guidance for the warmer months:

Pet Connection Programs Inc., a maternity and special care animal shelter located in Marilla, will host its annual Yard Sale from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, May 31, at 6114 Broadway, Lancaster.