Supporting People that Help Pets
May 21, 2024 APA! has always operated outside of the “typical” role that animal welfare plays. Our teams and programming have contributed to thousands of lives saved and as we’ve continued to grow our organization and lifesaving, we recognized that much more needs to be done for the people who have given their time, talents and love to the animals who need us most! Our Social Work Department began in 2022, led by Alexis Telfair-Garcia creating a mental health resource for staff, volunteers and fosters. While May is Mental...
How Plastic is Secretly Poisoning Our Beloved Pets
Pets are an integral part of many families, bringing joy and companionship. Yet, despite our best efforts to care for them, many of us unknowingly expose our beloved animals to dangerous plastics every day. This exposure comes from a variety of sources including toys, food containers, and even household dust. Understanding the risks and how to mitigate them is crucial for ensuring the health and safety of our pets. Photo: PexelsMicroplastics in pet food can cause serious health issues for pets. Microplastics in Food and Water Microplastics...
Dozens Of Dogs From Overcrowded Shelters Get Second Chance In New Jersey
This month’s Flight to Freedom has touched down in New Jersey with 50 shelter dogs rescued from overcrowded shelters for a new life in the Garden State. In the early morning hours of May 20, the dogs were carefully loaded onto the flight and given a proper send-off by shelter staff and volunteers. Photo: Iberville Parish Animal Shelter They arrived in New Jersey and were welcomed by friendly faces of shelter staff from the receiving shelters. The dogs were transported back to the shelters to settle in before they are placed up for...
10 Great Dog Books for Kids: Our Favorites Based on Age
About 65.1 million American households have at least one dog. A child growing up with a dog is a common part of childhood for many. After all, kids couldn’t ask for a more loyal and trustworthy companion. It only makes sense to help them learn more about our favorite animal companions through books. They can teach kids—and parents—some valuable life lessons. Fortunately, you can find books geared to children of all ages. Our guide includes our favorites based on age group. With this list, you’re sure to score a great...
When Do Dogs Go Gray? Signs of Aging in Canines
VET APPROVED The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research. Learn more » Click to Skip Ahead Aging is a natural process that everyone should accept and embrace with love. Just like humans, dogs and other animals experience aging and even exhibit some of the same signs of aging as humans. Dogs start showing their first signs of aging as early as 5–8 years old depending on their size, which might include subtle signs like graying, frequent sleeping, or a reduced desire for playtime....
From Dark Cages to Hopeful Horizons: The Fight to Save Asia’s Moon Bears
The Asiatic black bear, also known as the moon bear, faces numerous threats across its habitat in Asia. From bear bile farming to habitat loss, these bears endure severe challenges that threaten their survival. Photo: Wikimedia Commons / Shiv’s fotografia, License: CC BY-SA 4.0 DEEDThe Asiatic black bear, known as the moon bear, is under severe threat across Asia. The Plight of Bear Bile Farming Bear bile farming, a practice that has persisted for decades, involves extracting bile from bears for use in traditional medicine. Despite the...
Cats & Kittens Rescued From Bombed Villages In Ukraine Need Your Help To Recover
Courageous individuals are risking their own lives to save innocent pets left behind in heavily bombed villages in Ukraine. The attacks continue as rescuers enter the destroyed areas to look for abandoned dogs and cats. They are finding many traumatized animals that are desperate for help. Photo: Patron Pet Center The brave volunteers scoop up the dogs and cats and bring them back to Patron Pet Center. They navigate the dangerous roads as bombs continue to go off nearby and keep an eye out for drones. The center is a safe haven that provides...
Dogs Evacuated From Ukraine War Zone Need Our Help To Heal
As the attacks intensify in Ukraine, people are running for their lives. The only inhabitants of the destroyed villages are abandoned pets. The dogs and cats are attempting to take shelter from the repeated bombings but need to be rescued. Photo: Patron Pet Center Drones are being used to target and attack rescuers, but that doesn’t stop brave volunteers from entering the dangerous areas to rescue the innocent animals. These heroes manage to rescue animals of all ages and bring them back to a safe haven called Patron Pet Center. Meet...
Olympic Marmots on the Brink as Climate Change and Predators Close In
The Olympic marmot, a unique species endemic to the Olympic Peninsula in Washington, faces the grim prospect of extinction. This creature, known for its distinctive whistling and fluffy appearance, plays a crucial role in its alpine habitat. But with only 2,000 to 4,000 individuals remaining, the situation is dire. Photo: PexelsOlympic marmots are unique to Washington’s Olympic Peninsula. Threats from Climate Change and Predators The challenges facing Olympic marmots are multifaceted. Primarily, climate change is altering their...
Traveling Without Penny: Why We Sometimes Don’t Take Her With Us
Hi, I’m Savanna! Read my introduction to learn more about me and my spunky Chihuahua mix, Penny. In my last post, I talked about our family trips and why we take Penny with us as much as possible. To sum it up: it’s good for her to get out of the house and experience new things, it’s fun for us and her, she loves traveling, and it can sometimes save us money as opposed to boarding her. The increase in dog-friendly places has certainly made it easier to travel with dogs. But as much as we like to travel with Penny, there...
Why Reiki Is a Good Fit for Cats
Cats are especially receptive to Reiki, an energetic healing modality that works well with other therapies to help enhance wellness and relaxation. As any cat parent can tell you, our feline friends are subtle creatures that seem especially sensitive to energies of various kinds. This means energetic healing modalities such as Reiki are often especially effective for them. Reiki can bring relaxation, comfort, healing, and an increased sense of well-being to your cat. Let’s explore the benefits of Reiki and why it works so well for cats....
Maddie’s Weekly Roundup: Veterinary school partners with Cabot Animal Services Center, Community Conversations and more!
Happy Monday! Below is a brief roundup of resources added over the past week. Lyon College School of Veterinary Medicine to partner with Cabot Animal Services CenterCabot Animal Services Center and the Lyon College School of Veterinary Medicine announced an exciting partnership last week that will benefit the community and students alike. The veterinary school will reside on a newly formed multi-acre campus in Cabot, Arkansas will be located adjacent to the planned Cabot Animal Services Center. “As a veterinarian devoted… Learn...
Natural Ways to Protect Your Dog or Cat From Fleas, Ticks, and Mosquitoes
The weather’s getting warmer, and that means more fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes! Here are some natural, non-toxic ways to protect your dog or cat from these pests and the diseases they carry. Fleas, ticks, and mosquitos are a huge headache for dog and cat parents. Not only can their bites cause a lot of itching and discomfort, but these pests can also spread diseases such as West Nile Virus and Lyme. Many of the preventatives for protecting companion animals from fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes are made from toxic chemicals that can cause...
How to Teach Your Dog Fun and Useful Skills
Chances are you’ve seen plenty of TikTok and Instagram reels and videos showing dogs bringing something from the fridge, cleaning up after playtime, doing the laundry, opening doors, and doing other handy things. Some dogs, like Border Collies, are naturally suited to learning such skills. But with time, patience, and at least five minutes of training daily, you can teach any dog new tricks. If you’ve ever wondered if you could teach your dog similar skills, today you’ll learn how! Teach Your Dog to Clean Up Toys Find a...
10 Things You Can Do to Bond With Your Cat
Cats are so adorable that it’s not hard to immediately feel affection for them. As for getting that affection in return, it’s not always immediate… or guaranteed. If you’ve recently brought home a new feline friend, or you’re just looking to strengthen the bond with your existing cat, here are some tips that may come in handy. Be Patient with New Cats PHOTO: ADOBE STOCK / URBY When a cat finds themself in a new environment, it can be a bit overwhelming because they become very comfortable with their routines....
Mama Dogs and Puppies Rescued Near Russian Border By Brave Volunteers
Ukraine villages are being bombed daily and while many people have fled the dangerous areas, countless dogs and cats were left behind. These innocent animals are struggling to find food and shelter for themselves and their young as the war continues. But all hope is not lost. Courageous volunteers are risking their lives to come to the rescue of abandoned pets. Photo: Patron Pet Center April and John, volunteers from Denmark, were joined by other fearless individuals on a rescue mission to save two mama dogs and their puppies. They entered a...
Innovative Ropeless Fishing Systems Promise New Hope for Marine Life
Off the U.S. West Coast, the plight of entangled whales and sea turtles has escalated into a dire environmental crisis. These majestic creatures, often entangled in fishing gear, face grave injuries or death—a consequence of human activity clashing with marine life. The main culprits? Vertical buoy lines used in the lucrative Dungeness crab fishery, which have become lethal traps for unsuspecting marine animals. Photo: PexelsWhales and sea turtles face increasing risks of entanglement off the U.S. West Coast. California’s...
Brondell Nebia Merced Handheld Showerhead Review 2024: Our Expert’s Opinion
Our Final Verdict We give Brondell Nebia Merced Showerhead a rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars. Look: 4.6/5 Functionality: 4.8/5 Installation Ease: 5/5 Value: 4.9/5 As a former groomer, I can attest to how much work it is to bathe a dog. And that’s when you have all the right equipment. When all you have is a shower and some doggy shampoo—that’s one chore few people look forward to! If you’re after an easier way to bathe your dog without having to swap out one of your showers for a doggy bath, Brondell has a solution for...
Kodah, Addicted to the Hose
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. A few months after we brought home a fluffy little German Shepherd pup, we began to suspect there’d been a fox in the henhouse. Or in this case, a Malinois in the German Shepherd kennel. As Kodah got older and larger, he became more active, chaotic, and difficult to keep...
PetLab Co. Mobility Pro Oil Review 2024: An Expert’s Breakdown
Click to Skip Ahead Our Final Verdict We give PetLab Co. Mobility Pro Oil a rating of 4.75 out of 5 stars. Effectiveness: 4.5/5 Ingredients: 4.8/5 Ease of Use: 5/5 Value: 4.8/5 There’s one thing just about every senior dog in the world suffers from and that’s joint pain and inflammation. Once your dog reaches this stage, it can be very difficult to reverse or stop joint damage. But there is still hope thanks to the many doggy joint supplements out there. One of the most unique of these options comes to us from PetLab Co. Their...
