We’re Renovating a Domestic Violence Shelter to Make it Pet-Friendly, And You Can Help
When trying to leave their abusers, many victims of domestic violence think twice due to fears over their pets’ safety. In fact, research has shown that about half will put off leaving if they can’t take their pets with them. This is a problem, as only about 17% of domestic violence shelters across the country accept pets. That’s why we’ve joined a collaborative effort to make more shelters pet-friendly, and the latest project is currently underway. CURRENT ROOM AT SPAN. PHOTO: GREATER GOOD CHARITIES This month,...
A Kitten Plagued with Scar Tissue Has Been Healing Thanks to You, But He Needs a Little More Help
Benjamin Buttons and his littermates found themselves without their mother all too soon. This has led to serious health issues for the tabby kitten, but you’ve been helping to address them. Benjamin and his siblings were taken in by The Cat House on the Kings in the Fresno, California, area earlier this year. The rescue says the kittens – who weighed right around a pound – still had their comfort practice of nursing, but no mother to nurse from, so they pivoted to nursing on Benjamin’s penis. While this may elicit a...
Can Dogs Eat Wasabi? Vet-Verified Nutrition Facts & FAQ
VET APPROVED The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research. Learn more » Click to Skip Ahead Wasabi is known for its strong, spicy flavor and is enjoyed for its powerful kick. Typically served as a paste, wasabi comes from the underground stem of the wasabi plant (Eutrema japonicum), which is often referred to as Japanese horseradish for its similar taste profile. Many Japanese restaurants and takeaways in the West use horseradish paste and green food coloring to replicate genuine wasabi....
Can Dogs Have Vanilla? Vet-Verified Nutrition Facts & FAQ
VET APPROVED The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research. Learn more » Click to Skip Ahead Vanilla is a common additive that is used to flavor sweet treats like cake, biscuits, and ice cream. Although some people keep and use the pods in their culinary efforts, most homes have vanilla extract, which is made by combining mashed vanilla pods with alcohol. Essences and concentrates have high concentrations of alcohol, which means they are not safe for dogs to consume. Even a relatively...
Can Dogs Have Scallops? Vet-Verified Nutrition Facts & FAQ
VET APPROVED The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research. Learn more » Click to Skip Ahead Learning that 95% of people consider their pets family members is not all that surprising these days. We open our homes to our dogs, share our vacations with them, and even let them sleep in our beds. We even slip them table scraps, and sometimes, these treats extend to extra special items like scallops. Scallops are delicious, whether searing them in butter or pulling out all the stops with Julia...
Turkey’s Plan to Euthanize Millions of Street Dogs Sparks Nationwide Outrage
Turkey faces a significant street dog problem, with an estimated four million strays roaming its cities and countryside. The proposed bill from President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s ruling party, the Justice and Development Party (AKP), has ignited a fierce debate across the nation. The bill aims to address the issue through mass euthanasia of unadopted street dogs, a move that has polarized public opinion and sparked protests among animal rights activists and dog lovers. Photo: PexelsTurkey proposed a bill to euthanize millions of...
Can Dogs Have Green Tea? Vet-Verified Facts & FAQ
VET APPROVED The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research. Learn more » Click to Skip Ahead We all want the best for our pets. After all, we consider them family members. Therefore, it’s understandable why you might want to give your pup some calming green tea. Some scientific evidence suggests green tea may have human health benefits like cardiovascular health and the prevention of liver disease. However, it’s not always possible or safe to apply them across species lines. We...
Penny’s Kayaking Adventure: Why I Take Her With Me
Hi, I’m Savanna! Read my introduction to learn more about me and my spunky Chihuahua mix, Penny. Small dogs have a reputation for being extra possessive of their owners, and Penny is no exception. I don’t know if she knows that I’ll protect her, or if she thinks that she has to protect me. She doesn’t suffer from separation anxiety if we aren’t with her, but she does like to be with me as much as possible. I first found out how much my dog is possessive of me when we went kayaking for the first time...
5 Tips to Adopt a Cat That’s Purrfect for Your Home!
When it’s time to adopt a cat into your home, these five tips will help you find the perfect addition to your two- and four-legged family! June was National Adopt-a-Cat Month, and if you’re still thinking about adding a four-legged member to your family, now is a great time to head to your local animal shelter or rescue! However, bringing a new cat into your home is a big responsibility. Luckily, knowing how to choose the right cat will help ensure you and your new pal become inseparable besties. Here are five tips to help you...
Fender’s Blue Butterfly Comeback Brings Hope to Oregon Biodiversity
The Fender’s blue butterfly, once on the brink of extinction, has become a beacon of hope in Washington County, Oregon. Thanks to dedicated conservation efforts and a unique partnership with a local winery, this tiny pollinator is making a significant comeback. The story of the Fender’s blue butterfly is not just about a species’ survival but also about the power of community and cooperation in conservation. Photo: Wikimedia Commons / Gentry George, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, License: Public DomainThe Fender’s...
Sea Otters Return to Oregon After a Century of Extinction
A rare and exciting discovery has been made off the coast of Oregon: two male sea otters were spotted near Cannon Beach, marking a significant event for conservationists and marine biologists. This sighting, confirmed by the nonprofit Elakha Alliance, is notable because sea otters have been largely absent from the state for over a century. A Glimpse into the Past Sea otters once thrived along the Oregon coast but were hunted to near extinction by the early 1900s for their fur. Efforts to reintroduce them in the 1970s failed, leaving the state...
Can Dogs Get Styes? Vet Reviewed Signs, Causes & Treatment
VET APPROVED The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research. Learn more » Click to Skip Ahead If you have ever had a stye, you know just how painful it can be. If your dog is showing eye irritation with an all-too-familiar appearance, you might wonder—can dogs get styes? In short, yes, dogs can get styes just like humans can. In this article, we are going to explore what a stye is and how you can help your dog heal. What Is a Stye? Image Credit: J K Laws, Shutterstock A stye, also...
Farm Hounds Natural Chews and Treats Review 2024: An Expert Breakdown
Click to Skip Ahead Our Final Verdict We give Farm Hounds Natural Chews and Treats an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars. Quality: 5/5 Variety: 5/5 Ingredients: 5/5 Value: 5/5 If there’s one thing dogs love having and humans love giving, it’s treats. But there are a lot of treats on the market, and deciding which ones to put in your dog’s cookie jar can be a big deal, especially if your pup is a picky eater. Not all treats are healthy either. Ingredients matter when it comes to your best bud so choosing a brand that’s...
Stray Animals Overwhelm Puerto Rico Years After Hurricane Aftermath
The streets of Puerto Rico are home to an overwhelming number of stray animals. Dogs and cats wander through urban areas, rural towns, and even abandoned naval bases. This problem, which has long plagued the island, has been exacerbated by natural disasters and economic hardships. The plight of these animals is severe, but efforts are underway to address the crisis. Photo: PexelsPuerto Rico faces a severe stray animal crisis. A Growing Crisis Before Hurricane Maria hit in 2017, Puerto Rico already struggled with a significant stray animal...
Crates Are Great: 7 Reasons Dr. Karyn Loves Them
VET APPROVED The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research. Learn more » Hi, I’m Dr. Karyn. Read my introduction to learn more about me and my five funny dogs, Poppy, Bailey, Kodah, Ned, and Fred. Let’s get one thing out of the way before I tell you all the ways that crates are great. Many people hate the idea of putting their dog in a cage, but I think it’s all about perception. If you stop looking at it as a cage, and think of it as a doggy bedroom, it can...
The Cruel Reality Behind Koala Cuddling Revealed
Koalas, with their soft fur and sleepy eyes, have long been a symbol of Australian wildlife. They are a magnet for tourists who yearn to hold and cuddle these iconic marsupials. But beneath the cute exterior lies a more troubling reality: the practice of koala cuddling is detrimental to the animals’ welfare, leading many to call for its end. Photo: PexelsKoala cuddling causes significant stress to the animals. The Stress of Being a Photo Prop Despite their docile appearance, koalas are naturally solitary animals. They sleep up to 20...
Can Dogs Eat Couscous? Vet-Reviewed Nutrition Facts & FAQ
VET APPROVED The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research. Learn more » Click to Skip Ahead Couscous has become an increasingly popular grain in people’s diets because it’s delicious, versatile, and healthy. If you make couscous often and have a dog, you might have wondered if this food is safe to give to your pup. After all, rice is safe for dogs to eat (and good for them if they have to be on a bland diet), and couscous is practically the same thing, right? While couscous...
Irish Setter Lab Mix: Info, Pictures, Care & Facts
Click Below to Skip Ahead Maybe you have decided to breed a dog, or you’re at least researching your options. There might also be a one-off chance that you spotted a dog that got your attention on a rescue or shelter page. Regardless of why you’re curious about the Irish Setter Lab mix, we have all of the details for you. Granted, this dog combination won’t be for every family, but they certainly acclimate to a variety of lifestyles. In this article, we’re going to go over a little about the hybrid themselves along...
Affengriffon Dog Breed: Info, Pictures, Care, & Facts
Click Below to Skip Ahead People initially bred dogs for specific functions. Many were utilitarian, like hunting companions or draft animals. However, things started to change around 180 years ago. Suddenly, conformation and looks became important. Fast forward to the late 1980s, and hybrids became the popular thing, with the Labradoodle leading the pack. But now, there are many designer dogs, just like the Affengriffon. Let’s learn more about this designer breed just below. Breed Overview Height: 7–11 inches Weight: 7–12...
Wheaten Terrier Husky Mix: Info, Pictures, Care & More
Click Below to Skip Ahead The Wheaten Terrier Husky mix combines the Soft-Haired Wheaten Terrier with the Siberian Husky. Both breeds are known for being loyal and loving and have a playful side. Owners should provide a lot of daily exercise and mental stimulation and be prepared for a dog with an independent streak. Breed Overview Height: 17-22 inches Weight: 35–60 pounds Lifespan: 12–15 years Colors: White, tan, brown, black Suitable for: Active families who want a loving but independent companion Temperament: Loyal, loving,...
