Search and Rescue Dogs in Northern Ireland Deploy to Turkey to Assist in Quake Efforts
After the devastating earthquake that hit Turkey and Syria, help began pouring in from around the world. Unfortunately, one of the most needed resources is specially trained canines for search and rescue efforts. Dogs, who weigh less than humans and have a much better sense of smell and hearing, are well-suited for the difficult work of locating survivors. Many have arrived but more are still needed. Now, a search and rescue charity from County Down in Northern Ireland is preparing to deploy to one of the hardest-hit regions to try to assist...
Is Your Dog a Barker or a Howler? One is Genetically Closer to Wolves
When your dog hears a siren, do they begin to howl? How about if another dog kicks off the chorus first? Are they apt to join in, or maybe they just bark at all the noise? How your dog responds could be an indicator of the nearness to their wolf ancestors or if they’re more akin to the new kids on the doggy block. Photo: Pixabay/Andrey_and_Lesya Canine Communication Science tells us that older dog breeds are genetically more similar to wolves than modern canines. The big question is whether or not there are any indicators we can use to...
Firefighters in Washington Save 115 Pups from Doggy Daycare Fire
A tragedy was averted as firefighters in Washington state rescued 115 dogs from a doggy daycare that started to burn after a dryer on the premises caught fire, according to Washington fire officials. The Seattle Fire Department quickly responded to The Dog Resort on Lake City Way in northeastern Seattle just before 11 a.m. on Wednesday, February 1, and discovered multiple canines trying to escape the smoke-filled building. Fire personnel contacted the Seattle PD and animal control to assist in gathering the scattering dogs and stop them from...
High-Energy Bandit Needs a Reprieve from Shelter Life
Meet Bandit! Despite what her name implies, Bandit isn’t an outlaw or robber, or even a small-time crook. Quite the contrary. She’s a very honest gal – the only thing she’s likely to steal is your heart! In fact, she’s stolen the hearts of countless volunteers, so maybe she is a bit of a career criminal after all! Photo: Pima Animal Care Center Adoptable Dogs Here’s what a few of her volunteer fans have said about her: “Bandit is a little bundle of energy. She has always been friendly and eager to...
Rouge National Urban Park Officials Ask for the Public’s Help with Abandoned Animals
We hear about it more frequently as each day passes: pet owners dumping their pets in parks and at airports. What they’re thinking is anyone’s guess, but the desperation levels for these people must be off the charts to resort to such moves. It’s gotten so bad in Canada’s Rouge National Urban Park that officials there are asking the public to please surrender unwanted pets through humane channels and not release them into the park or other natural areas. Photo: Pixabay/balouriarajesh Animal Surrender “The release...
Sous Vide for Dogs and Cats
Gently cooked food made using the sous vide method is a healthy option for dogs and cats. And it’s growing in popularity. Dog and cat parents have more choices than ever before when it comes to deciding what to feed their animal companions. One of the newer dietary options on the pet food market is sous vide, a method that involves gently cooking the food. It offers the convenience of prepared foods with some of the benefits of raw diets. What Is Gently Cooked Food? When you gently cook food, you heat it only to the temperature required...
Viking Invaders Brought Dogs with them from Scandinavia
Vikings were known to be fierce and vicious marauders during the 8th and 9th centuries when they regularly invaded Britain and plundered their way across the sparsely populated landscape. In movies, we are often treated to scenes of these forays into parts unknown, featuring their famous longboats sailing to distant shores in search of treasure, lands to farm, and slaves to work them. What we never see are their dogs or horses. Now, a recent discovery at a crematorium site located in present-day Derbyshire points conclusively to the inclusion...
“Water Baby” In Shelter for Nearly a Year Needs Forever Home to Swim and Zoom Around In
If you got in on that whole Pokemon craze years ago, then you know all about Vulpix. And if you didn’t get in on that whole thing, good for you for resisting! According to the shockingly extensive “Bulbapedia” page dedicated to this little critter, Vulpix is a small canine Pokemon with a red-brown pelt. Well, this Vulpix is also a canine with a red-brown pelt, but that’s about where the similarities end. This Vulpix is not nearly as elusive. In fact, she’s downright eager to get caught and taken to a loving home!...
Rescue Pups Misha and Masha Had 3 Hidden Neighbors! More to the Story…
Not long ago, we brought you a rescue story from Ukraine about two absolutely adorable puppies that were given the names Misha and Masha by their rescuers @lovefurryfriends. The rescue group provided a follow-up story recently concerning the pair and their concern that there could be other members of the litter out there still. Their hunch proved generally correct, and they soon discovered three more pups living in a hole they’d dug not far from where Misha and Masha were found. Photo: YouTube/@lovefurryfriends Rescue Animals The three...
Keeping the Geriatric Dog’s Brain and Body Fit with Exercise
From improving memory and cognition to strengthening muscles and enhancing quality of life, regular exercise is beneficial to the health and well-being of your geriatric dog. by Laurie McCauley, DVM, DACVSMR, CCRT, CVA, CVC, and Evelyn Orenbuch, DVM, DACVSMR, CCRT, CAVCA We’ve all seen it. The 80-year-old ladies lifting weights, doing Tai chi, going for power walks, staying healthy and mobile. These active octogenarians are striving for not only a long lifespan, but a long healthspan as well. Likewise, our older canine dogs need...
