Intermittent Fasting – Can It Help Dogs Stay Healthier and Live Longer?
In many dogs (though not all), intermittent fasting can offer a variety of health benefits, from maintaining lean body mass to reducing the risk of neurodegenerative conditions and other age-related diseases. There’s been lots of buzz lately about the benefits of intermittent fasting for humans — and now for dogs as well. Intermittent fasting, also termed therapeutic fasting, is a pattern that includes alternating cycles of eating and fasting. But is it safe or healthy for dogs? If so, can it offer benefits for canine health and...
Most Popular Dog & Cat Names Of 2022
Choosing a name for your newly adopted dog or cat can be a fun yet daunting task. Many people turn to their passions, favorite shows, and food for inspiration. However, some pick names based on what occurred the year they adopted their pet. So, where do you begin? Thankfully, Rover, the world’s largest network of pet sitters and dog walkers, just released their most popular pet names of the year. They analyzed their database of millions of pet owners to figure out the popular and trending dog and cat names of 2022. While the classic...
Speaking your community’s language with translation services
Want to make a better connection with your community members? Make sure you’re speaking their language (literally!) During the Open Arms Challenge, participants made big strides in understanding the demographics of their community members. Many organizations worked to translate their most popular resources into another language commonly used in their community. Below are a few lessons you can learn from the Open Arms Challengers on supporting your community in a variety of ways and languages. Start from within: Identify what languages...
A Visually-Impaired Woman and Her Service Dog Were Forced to Leave a London Hotel After Staff Questioned the Dog’s Credentials
A young British woman staying at a London hotel was forced to leave in the middle of the night because her dog was with her. It wasn’t a matter of not paying a pet deposit or that she tried to sneak the animal in under the cover of darkness. It was because the staff at the Premier Inn at Enfield questioned the authenticity of the animal’s service dog credentials. The incident created such a ruckus that the police were eventually called to sort the whole mess out, and the woman was forced to vacate the premises anyways. Guide Dogs...
Older Dog Ends Up in Shelter After Owner Dies, Finds Family That Helps with Her Mobility Issues
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 husband and I have always had shelter dogs. Over three years ago, we went to a shelter to get a dog. It had been a while since we’d lost our last one, and it was time for a dog in the house. We were going for a lap dog that was older and had lost its home. Older ones don’t get adopted as easily as the others. DOG. PHOTO: PIXABAY / ALEXA At this shelter, they all barked...
Pet Owners Will Love These Easy-to-Launder Rugs for Messy Pets Prone to Accidents
As pet owners, we’ve all had them: puppies or kittens who have missed the mark when it comes to using litter boxes or pee pads while undergoing house training. It can also happen with shelter pets we’ve adopted that haven’t been trained properly or that weren’t given adequate potty breaks with access to the great outdoors. Or it might be muddy paw prints, drool or slobber marks, or worse yet, your dog dragging its heinie across the rug. There’s only so much spot cleaning you can do, and who wants to bust out...
German Shepherd Uses His Instincts To Keep His Owner Safe During Her Dangerous Seizures
Tina Stikeleather, of Indiana, suffers from seizures, which can become very dangerous if she’s standing up during one as she can fall and hit her head. That’s where her service dog, a German Shepherd named Max, comes in. Max is trained to alert Tina before her seizures and to be there to act as a barrier between her and the floor to protect her from falling and hurting herself. Photo: YouTube/Humankind Tina has had Max since he was just three months old, and he began alerting Tina before her seizures all on his own. He paid...
Dallas Becomes the Last Major City in Texas to Ban the Sale of Kittens and Puppies from Pet Stores
The state of Texas has gradually joined the ranks of five other U.S. states that have banned the sale of puppies and kittens in pet stores. The new ordinance went into effect on November 11, 2022. It was passed in May and allows for a penalty of up to $500 per violation. Dallas is the last large city in the state to enact the regulation. People advocating for the Humane Pet Store Ordinance have voiced their opinions that taking these steps will help reduce support for puppy mills that keep female dogs as breeders penned and pregnant....
Holiday Season Is Approaching! Here’s How to Prepare Your Pup for The Festivities
Believe it or not, the holiday season is fast approaching! Between family events, parties, out-of-town travel, and anything in between, this time of year can be overwhelming for our four-legged friends. To avoid unnecessary stress, you’ll want to prepare your dog for the holidays before the season is in full swing. Give them some pampering Before the festivities begin, why not treat your pup to a day of pampering? Start by choosing a low-scent or scent-free shampoo designed specifically for dogs or cats, such as the one by Burt’s...
Thanks to You, Tomato Paste Gets to be the King of His Castle!
Nov 14, 2022 Who would’ve guessed big boy Tomato Paste, who started losing his appetite at the shelter due to stress, would soon spend every day getting cuddles and wearing fun costumes in his new home? (Well, maybe we could’ve guessed!). Now affectionately nicknamed Tommy, this incontinent kitty is getting the peace, love, and routine he craves from his new family thanks to support from friends like you. Tommy came to APA! with an old tail injury that made it hard for him to control where and when he had to go potty. He needs his...
Great Couch Covers for Dogs
You absolutely love snuggling up with your pup on the couch. The only problem is that she tends to shed everywhere, tear the fabric, eat her food on it and generally make it look dirtier. What are you supposed to do? You don’t want to kick your best furry friend off, but you also need to protect your furniture. With a pet couch cover that stays in place, you can do just that. Discover how to protect your couch from your dog while ensuring you are both comfortable at the same time. What is a pet couch cover Dog couch covers are...
5 Things You MUST Consider Before Getting a Dog!
When you decide to add a four-legged member to your family, it’s easy to get caught up in new puppy excitement and want to bring home the first cute doggo you see! But it’s better for you and your pup if you take the time to consider five important factors first. Before getting a new dog, you’ll have to think about your lifestyle, budget, the size of your house, and more. Otherwise, your family might not be able to meet the pup’s needs. Not sure where to start? These are the five factors you need to consider when you...
Maddie’s Weekly Roundup: Holiday promotion ideas, service deserts and more!
Happy Monday! Below is a brief roundup of resources added over the past week. Holiday promotion ideas for your animal organization With the fall season in full swing and winter right around the corner, it’s time to start thinking about what promotions or marketing campaigns your organization will try out to engage your community, find fosters/adopters, keep pets in homes, and raise funds around the holiday season. That’s why the final resource drive of 2022 on… Learn More The October Weekly Community Conversations...
How To Introduce A Dog To A Baby and Young Children
You may envision dogs as modern-day versions of Lassie, Benji or Rin Tin Tin. In reality, most dogs need guidance navigating their relationships with children. Most dog bites to children are by dogs they know and love, so the best defense is a good offense. Dogs and kids can be best buddies if you use proper planning, thoughtful management and safety considerations. Are all dogs good with kids? Many dogs are good with kids and dogs are good for kids. Studies show children growing up with dogs tend to feel calmer and develop stronger bonds...
This Grandma’s Puppy is So Thoughtful that Many People Were Touched and Amazed on Twitter
People who love dogs can give you numerous reasons for choosing to adopt one. Even a person who hasn’t kept one but loves them can create a list — two or more pages, front, and back. When you spend time with dogs, you’ll never see them as pets. Dogs can be your best friend, soulmate, or adorable yet annoying sibling, or you’ll treat them like your child. Photo: Twitter/Buitengebieden They are also entertaining and interesting creatures — dogs have a lot to offer more than learning tricks and running around at...
Tips to Take Note Whenever You Leave a Dog to Your Chosen Pet Sitter
Dogs are so irresistible and lovable that it’s possible to be attached even for a short time. What more if you are used to spending time with them every day? You’ll feel so strongly attached to the dog that you cannot imagine a day without its presence. Dogs feel the same way — they get sad and anxious whenever their humans are out of sight. That’s why they welcome you most adorably once you return home. They’ll know it’s you even when you haven’t opened the gate or door yet. Photo: Pexels/Samson Katt...
Can Dogs Drink Milk?
While most dogs will happily lap up a bowl of milk, enjoy a chunk of cheese as a treat or sneak a few licks of an ice cream cone, in essence, milk and all other dairy products, aren’t always good for dogs. The reason: Many dogs, but not all, are lactose intolerant. And while some pooches may appear to tolerate milk, cheese and yogurt, the bottom line is many dogs’ digestive systems aren’t always able to completely breakdown lactose. Symptoms of lactose intolerance in dogs include: Flatulence Vomiting Diarrhea Signs of...
How Pal, the First-Ever Lassie, Got His Start in Hollywood
According to Showbiz CheatSheet, the original Lassie, a rough border collie named Pal, had a number of behavioral issues and was a failure as a show dog. Described as bored and somewhat maladjusted, his owner wasn’t pleased and Pal found himself in the care of trainer Rudd Weatherwax, who was able to solve the problems by working with the animal. After Pal was returned to his owner, however, his incessant barking irritated them so much that Pal once again found himself in Weatherwax’s care. Lassie, Come Home Somewhere during all...
Talk About a True Life Feel Good Story Just in Time for the Holidays!
If you’re a regular Greater Good reader, chances are you’re looking for uplifting and cheerful content that provides some semblance of a happy ending. This sort of reading material seems harder and harder to come by with everything going on in the world, so you have to get it wherever you can. One additional source besides Greater Good is and always has been Reader’s Digest. While many people might be blown away to know they’re still around, the fact is they are, and they’re still providing content you can count...
2022 National Dog Show
Thanksgiving — family, friends, turkey and … the National Dog Show Presented by Purina on TV. We dog lovers know a good annual family tradition when we see one. Wondering about this year’s show? We’ve got all the facts, given to us by the lovely folks at the National Dog Show. So just like your Thanksgiving meal, dig right on in. The National Dog Show Presented by Purina premieres on Thanksgiving Day for its annual two-hour special from noon to 2pm (all time zones) on NBC. When does the actual live National Dog Show...
