TCVM food therapy for dogs and cats
We know the right foods improve and maintain health in dogs and cats, but Chinese medicine goes several steps further. We spoke to TCVM veterinarian, Dr. Marc Smith, for an understanding of food therapy from a Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine perspective. Q: Can you explain the concept of TCVM food therapy? A: According to Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine Theory, disease in the body is due to some type of energetic imbalance. So the goal of TCVM and food therapy is to maintain balance or bring your dog or cat’s body back...
How I Learned to Love ChatGPT for Shelter Marketing
This blog is for anyone who is curious, and perhaps a little nervous, about ChatGPT’s uses in animal shelter communications. When marketing and communications spaces started exploding with talk about ChatGPT earlier this year, my first instinct was to bury my head in the sand. Most feelings of anxiety in my life can ultimately be traced back to a fear of inadequacy or failure. I was terrified that a machine could possibly do my job—I’ve done marketing and communications for a major metro government shelter, for...
DIY Cupcake Topper: Easy Dog Birthday Party Idea
Linda Facci Linda Facci is a graphic designer, fiber artist and all-around crafter. Her work can be found on Etsy.com, faccidesigns.com and on Instagram @faccidesigns. She lives in Woodstock, New York, with her husband and rescue dog, Cocoa. Source:...
5 Foundations for Successful Dog Training
Dog training takes time and patience, but with a little foresight, you can set the stage for confidence and good behavior. These building blocks will arm pet parents with an effective approach to training, making sessions with your pup fun and intuitive! Foundation #1: Use a Holistic Approach to Dog Training For training to be successful, it’s important that your dog is healthy in mind and body and that there’s trust between parent and pup. An active, stimulated, and well-socialized dog will: Respond better to obedience training...
Yowling Rescue Cat Becomes Human Sister’s Protector
This story was originally shared on The Animal Rescue Site. Submit your own rescue story here. Your story just might be the next to be featured on our blog! One day, my husband and I decided to visit our local shelter just to see the cats. We were originally just going to visit, and we were looking from cage to cage. PHOTO: CYNTHIA FROM GARLAND, TX One we passed had an older cat, and she seemed friendly, but the one across from her was a young cat who had these amazing blue eyes and was reaching out to us. All the other cats didn’t seem...
Adoptable Rescue Dog, Cinder, Could Be Your Real-Life Cinderella
Say hello to Cinder, a super sweet girl who spent a bit of time in Pima Animal Care Center’s decompression program for shy and fearful dogs. The shelter can be a bit overwhelming, and sometimes a gal just needs a helping hand! Since then, Cinder has graduated from the program with flying colors and loves her volunteer friends. Give her a minute to get to know you, and you’ll have a devoted friend for life! Cinder has a perpetually wagging tail and loves getting pets and scritches. Photo: Pima Animal Care Center During her time at...
Second Oldest Park in the World Reintroduces Platypuses After a 50-Year Absence
Exciting news for nature lovers Down Under! Platypuses are back within the boundaries of Australia’s Royal National Park after disappearing from sight in the 1970s. So, what facilitated this fantastic turnaround in residency? Unfortunately, this isn’t one of those “Oh, we thought they were extinct” moments where decades later, the animals are seen on a trail cam, or a citizen catches a glimpse of one and reports it. Rather, wildlife officials released four female platypus inside the park located south of Sydney in the...
Why Are Some Dogs Brains Growing in Size, & How Do Wolves Fit In?
According to a recent study, our canine pals’ brains are growing in size as compared to their ancestors. On average, dogs’ brains are 24 percent smaller than wolves’ brains, but research now suggests modern breeding efforts may have increased their size. Compared to early canines, modern breeds developed over the last 150 years have larger noggins compared to their body size. Scientists still haven’t figured out exactly why, though. The curious part about the new data is that multiple studies have shown that...
Pandemic Dogs and Puppies: Socialization and Behavioral Issues
You may have heard dogs born in 2020 called pandemic puppies or dogs. These dogs developed behavioral issues related to growing up on lockdown. If this describes your dog, he may need help navigating a world outside COVID lockdown, since he did not get to socialize with other dogs during that important formative time. This resulted in adult dogs who struggle with socialization, overreactivity and separation-related issues. What is a pandemic dog? Commonly known as “pandemic puppies,” these young dogs were brought into homes during...
Escalating Human-Wildlife Conflicts Threaten Lion Survival in Sub-Saharan Africa
Sub-Saharan Africa, known for its diverse wildlife and stunning landscapes, is home to one of the world’s most iconic and majestic creatures—the lion. However, the king of the savannah is facing grave challenges that threaten its very existence. Lions in this region are being targeted by poachers and herders, resulting in devastating consequences for their populations. Lions as Targets: Poachers and Herders In a tragic incident that unfolded in Kenya recently, one of the country’s oldest wild lions, >Loonkiito, met a...
Black Pit Bull Has Spent 4 Years At Kentucky Shelter Waiting For Someone To Look Past Stereotypes
Tall, dark and handsome are what many women want in a partner. Donatello is all of these things and more, but he has been overlooked for the past 4 years at Woodford Humane Society. The adult pit bull arrived at the Kentucky shelter on May 13, 2019, and just passed his four-year anniversary making him the shelter’s longest resident. The sweet boy has watched nearly 1,200 dogs and puppies find homes and wonders when it will be his turn. The shelter shared more about Donatello on their Facebook page in hopes that he would go viral and...
Couple Is At An Impasse Because One Is Extremely Allergic To Cats While The Other Is A Cat Mom
What would you do if your significant other asked you to give away your beloved pet? Of course, it always depends on the circumstances, but most people would immediately shut the idea down, even if it’s for the sake of your partner. “AITA for asking my girlfriend to give away her cat?” PHOTO: Pixabay/Daga_Roszkowska I feel like I can hear people giving their verdicts as soon as they read the title… Oh, boy. I fear it will only get worse from here, folks. So OP and his girlfriend have been dating for almost 2 years and...
Solutions to Frequent Cat Ear Infection Issues
A cat ear infection is one of the most commonly diagnosed cat issues at veterinary clinics. Given that cats are such stoic creatures, however, an infection often becomes advanced before you even really notice it. As a result, serious health issues – including hearing loss – may ensue. All this to say, it’s important to recognize the signs of an ear infection in your cat and know what to do and how to treat them. Recognize the signs of an ear infection in your cat Some obvious signs of cat ear infections? Your cat’s...
Research study: Foster care has an impact on dogs’ welfare and adoption
This post was originally published in 2019. We are republishing today as foster care is as important as ever. Button had been at the Kansas City Pet Project for about a month, and he wasn’t doing well. He was displaying alarming signs of kennel stress, including pacing, spinning, vocalizing and jumping up and down over and over. The shelter has an excellent enrichment program that includes play groups, walks, puzzle toys and more, but this didn’t seem to be making a dent in Button’s stress levels. When Button was...
Cat Who Loves to Scream Provides a ‘Lot of Audio’ and Lots of Laughs
This story was originally shared on The Animal Rescue Site. Submit your own rescue story here. Your story just might be the next to be featured on our blog! It was a beautiful spring day, and I had opened the front door to let in some fresh air. My son and I suddenly heard this high-pitched yowling coming from outside. CAT. PHOTO: PIXABAY / MICHELLE RAPONI We found that one of the stray cats we care for had chased a small gray tortie cat up a neighbor’s tree and had her trapped there. The panicked little cat was screaming like a maniac....
Abandoned Corgi Found Wandering, Woman Finally Catches Him After Multiple Attempts
This story was originally shared on The Animal Rescue Site. Submit your own rescue story here. Your story just might be the next to be featured on our blog! My story always seems a little unreal, but it is nothing but truth. My husband was coming home from a church event when he called and asked me to bring a leash to the Mobile station. There was a little Corgi, he said. So I grabbed a leash and collar and drove the 1.5 miles. DOG. PHOTO: PIXABAY / ELENA ROGULINA By the time I got there, this little guy was climbing the hill to our road. He...
5 Dog Training Tips for Beginners
Gone are the days of strict obedience dog training, so unless you aspire to compete in obedience, relax. Cues like sit, come and manners are important, but first, you need to establish a solid foundation. This includes teaching your dog to exist harmoniously with you and your family and fit comfortably into our human-centered world. How do we do this? Here are 5 dog training tips for beginners to point you (and your dog) in a zen-like direction: Become versed in dog speak Dogs are nonverbal, constantly communicating how they feel and what...
Long-Stay Shelter Dog Learns Impressive Tricks To Attract Adopters
An intelligent and pretty pup named Sol has been patiently waiting at Animal Care Centers of NYC in Staten Island since January for a family to adopt her. She watches with her piercing blue eyes as people walk by and she doesn’t understand why no one stops to meet her. Sol is an energetic gal who needs an active partner who will show her the world. She is a fast learner and excels at mental challenges. Photo: Animal Care Centers of NYC The shelter staff worked with sweet Sol to show off her talents by teaching her tricks. She can do all...
Threatened Bat Species: Alarming Declines and the Battle for Survival for Our Ecological Superheroes
Bats, often misunderstood and under-appreciated, play a crucial role in North America’s ecosystems. These remarkable creatures are not only fascinating but also essential for maintaining the delicate balance of our natural world. However, many bat species are currently facing significant threats, pushing them towards the brink of extinction. The Diversity of Bats in North America North America is home to a rich diversity of bat species, each with its own unique characteristics and ecological niche. From the insect-devouring Little Brown...
This Cat Having a Moment on Horseback will Surely Complete Your Day
Cat videos are one of the most entertaining post formats online. Pet parents and curating pages share random cat moments that quickly go viral. It’s truly their world, and humans are just living in it. Even people not interested in pets find themselves admiring cats whenever they scroll on social media. They can be hilarious, sweet, sassy, or even adorably mean. Aside from personalities, felines have talents and skills that add to their charm. Some abilities are often seen only in animated films or cartoon shows. They’ll surprise...
