People, Pets, and Purpose: Derrick Garrett, Founder of Zoundz Music For Pets
[embedded content] Pets get stressed at the vet. They get upset in the car. Being home alone isn’t always a picnic. And of course animal shelters can be one of the most stressful environments for pets, with the noise, smells, and constant activity—and the stress can lead to behavior that makes it harder for pets to get adopted, and can even put their lives at risk. Enter Derrick Garrett. Derrick is a successful music producer and engineer who’s worked with Bobby Brown, the Spin Doctors, Chantay Savage, K-Ci & JoJo, and...
One Health
Understanding the One Health approach, how it connects humans, animals, and the environment, and what it means for your dog or cat. Chances are, you’ve come across references to “One Health” and wondered what it means. This concept has been around since the early years of the 21st century, but what is it all about, and how does it impact your dog or cat? Read on to learn more. One Health 101 According to the US Centers for Disease Control (CDC), One Health is a collaborative, multisectoral, and transdisciplinary approach...
Special Thank You to All of Our APA! Volunteers!
Apr 19, 2023 As animal shelters all across the country head into “busy season,” the impact that volunteers make is often underestimated and sometimes overlooked. At Austin Pets Alive!, the people who donate their time and experience to the animals who are fortunate enough to get to APA!, are part of what I consider our “lifeblood. APA! volunteers are here because they love animals, but what sets APA volunteers apart is that while they are here they become experts in animal welfare. They become experts in neonatal kitten...
Calling All Cat Lovers: Floofy Feline Bleu is the All Around Perfect Cat
This is a story about a beautiful floof named Bleu that is pretty much an all-around perfect cat. After surviving for who knows how long on the streets all by her lonesome, this lovely lady is just such a total sweetheart! She loves to snuggle and even allows you to rub her belly when she’s in the mood. When she wants to be picked up, she will outstretch her arms to let you know she’s ready, so there’s no guessing involved with this polite princess. On the flip side, she isn’t needy and can easily keep herself...
“Vodka for Dog People” is More Than Just a Tagline for Tito’s
Vodka for Dog People. That’s what Tito’s Handmade Vodka has labeled their latest canine-oriented endeavor. Headquartered in Austin, Texas, the website notes that they’ve been dog people for 25 years way back when it was just Tito and DogJo out at the distillery. Soon, strays started showing up, and since that time, Tito’s has rescued over 120 “distillery dogs” and reportedly supported thousands of animal-focused nonprofits in Austin and further afield. Unless you’re an avid vodka drinker or somehow...
Top 3 Things to Know About Hip and Joint Supplements for Dogs
Submission Guidelines Thank you for your interest in writing for Animal Wellness. As the #1 natural health magazine for pets in North America, we take pride in providing our readers with the information they need to make wise health care choices for their animal companions. Our publication embraces the entire holistic spectrum, from physical health issues to the emotional and spiritual well being of our animals. We welcome unsolicited articles and story outlines as long as they focus on holistic healing, whether physical, emotional or...
Is anxiety in your dog’s genes?
Scientists believe anxiety in many dogs is hereditary. If your dog is one of them, what can you do? You tried to do everything right – you socialized your dog, used positive training methods, and fed high quality food. So why is your furry friend still so anxious? According to Finnish scientists, the answer may be in their DNA, since anxiety in dogs is likely hereditary. A Finnish study considered seven anxiety-like traits: noise sensitivity, fearfulness, fear of surfaces and heights, inattention/impulsivity, compulsion, separation...
Customer service course for animal shelters now available in Spanish
Providing excellent customer service at your animal shelter or rescue organization is a vital component of keeping pets and people together. The impact that customer service has on our communities is vast, and whether or not that service is great or poor, can affect your organization. “Customer Service for Animal Shelters” is now available in Spanish as well as English. Part of making an organization more inclusive is offering services, brochures, customer service and more, in a variety of languages. Not only for the community...
A Young Black Lab Named Shaw Needs a Committed Human Who Has His Best Interests in Mind
Shaw is a 1-year-old black Lab weighing in at 96 pounds! He has had a rough start in life, as he was originally purchased from a breeder and then given to a second owner who only had him for three months. Unfortunately, he was free-fed in his previous home, which caused him to be approximately 20 pounds overweight. He needs an adopter who is committed to his weight loss journey so that he can be a healthy, active young fella. Photo: Desert Labrador Retriever Rescue Alpha Males Need Not Apply Shaw, who is a neutered male, lived with eight...
Protect Your Dog from Highly Contagious Dog Flu: Health Risks and Precautions
Dog flu, or Canine Influenza Virus is a highly transmissible virus that was introduced to the United States in While it typically not can lead severe illness and even especially for dogs with compromised immune systems. With recent outbreaks in many states, it’s important for dog owners to understand the health risks and take precautions to protect their pets. Health Risks of Dog Flu CIV is a highly contagious respiratory disease that affects dogs of all breeds and ages. The two strains of CIV, H3N8 and H3N2, are particularly potent and...