Would You Buy a Genetically Modified Super Dog?

by Emily Hutchinson

Published: July 22nd, 2017

would you buy a genetically modified super dog

It sounds like something from a sci-fi movie, but scientists in China have announced that they are now able to create super dogs with specific enhanced abilities.

It’s certainly an odd concept. Scientifically brilliant, but it gives us a lot to think about. Imagine a world where soldiers are created not born, where they are made to be extra strong and super fast. It’s pretty scary and while it sounds impossible, we are actually getting closer to this being a potential reality.

Cloning has always been controversial. Do you remember Dolly the cloned sheep? That was way back in 1996. Up until then, many people believed cloning was impossible, but Dolly proved them wrong. She lived a healthy, normal life until she died in 2003, having reached the average age for her breed.

Little Long Long the super dog

The first Chinese cloned dog is a beagle called Little Long Long. This tiny little pup is scientifically very special. A gene called myostatin was removed from the embryo. This gene controls the size of muscles, in humans as well as dogs. This means that Little Long Long will have muscles twice the size of other beagles, making him twice as strong!

Could this be the future for working dogs?

Putting aside fears of world domination by an army of super strong, super clever wonder dogs, there could be some major advantages for working dogs. Dogs are used in many fields such as law enforcement, where enhanced strength, stamina or speed would be of huge benefit. Perhaps sniffer dogs could be created with an extra powerful sense of smell?

Hugely controversial

It won’t come as a surprise that there is massive controversy surrounding the cloning of dogs. With dogs being physiologically similar to humans, some scientists are looking towards breeding dogs with specific DNA mutations, in order to help human medical research. This could advance research into diseases such as Parkinson’s, but at what cost? Many people will argue that breeding dogs to be born for this purpose is highly immoral and cruel, regardless of any potential benefits.

Where does it all stop?

While a police dog with extra muscles is one thing, where might it lead? The next step might be designer pets, then it’s a only another step away to designer human babies. It’s not as far fetched as you may think and there would be a huge market for it. Already egg donors who are attractive or highly intelligent receive higher fees in the US than those who are of average intelligence and are ordinary looking.

Emily Hutchinson

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Korean Scientists Introduce the World’s First Cloned Litter Of Dogs

It’s history in the making as a recent litter of puppies born in Korea have become the second-generation of cloned dogs, with their ‘donor’ being the first cloned dog in the world. If you’ve ever had a dog and thought, “Gosh, if only I could clone him…” you may not be too far from that being a reality. (And, let’s face it…don’t we sort of wish we could clone all our dogs?) Scientists from the Seoul National University in Korea have cloned a litter of purebred Afghan hounds, and the three puppies’ donor was Sunppy, the world’s first cloned dog. Related: First Cloned Cat Celebrates Her 15th Birthday Snuppy was ‘born’ in 2005 when the researchers used an ear cell from a male Afghan Hound named Tai. Tai had cancer, and was euthanized when he was 12-years old. Snuppy was cloned from Tai, literally sharing the same DNA, and after living a happy and healthy life, died of cancer when he was 10-years-old. The researchers said this is within the normal lifespan for the breed, suggesting that despite Dolly the cloned sheep (and first cloned animal) dying at six-years-old, cloned animals do not necessarily have shortened lifespans. Because of the success Snuppy’s cloning had, the researchers used stem cells they harvested from him in 2010 to clone the three identical puppies, and making them a second-generation of clones. The puppies are a little bit over a year-old, and the researchers are looking to understand more thoroughly how ‘recloned’ dogs will do in their lifetimes. The three pups were part of a group of 94 embryos who were grown from Snuppy’s stem cells, and then transferred into seven female dogs. Related: Would You Buy a Genetically Modified Super Dog? Four of the embryos successfully grew to full-term and were normally formed and healthy at birth. One puppy died a few days after he was born as the result of acute diarrhea, for which no cause was found. The three remaining pups are by all medical standards healthy, and the researchers expect that based on Snuppy’s life, they should not be any more disease-prone or suffer from accelerated aging just because they are clones. The authors claim that they will use the data from Tai and Snuppy when watching long-term health issues and aging processes of these puppy clones, in an effort to study the longevity and lives of cloned dogs.

Mystery Solved: Why Cat Breeds Look Alike, But Dog Breeds Don’t

Dog breeds take the lead with the highest number of recognized breeds compared to cats. But why is there such a difference? You may have noticed how cats seem to always resemble each other with similar, yet distinct traits. You’ll see the average cat prance around with it’s long, skinny body and whiskered button nose. Meanwhile, dog breeds represent the most diverse range of shapes and sizes from the tall and powerful Tibetan Mastiff to the short and fluffy Pomeranian. The Mastiff and Pomeranian are two very different and opposite-looking canines with two very different purposes. The question: Why don’t pedigreed cats show the same differences in body shape and size as dog breeds do? Related: Would You Buy a Genetically Modified Super Dog? Almost 15,000 years ago, canines underwent domestication to become man’s best friend. As the human-canine bond developed, people began to realize that dogs possessed the ability to perform specific tasks that could benefit humans in huge ways, whereas felines held simpler roles such as living as a household companion or hunting annoying mice. This realization urged breeders to undergo selective breeding and ultimately build the dogs that will help humans survive. Meanwhile, as dogs were being bred to achieve particular traits, cat owners weren’t too inclined to reinvent the cat’s body. Related: Show Off Your Creativity With DôyenWorld’s DôyenDog and DôyenCat According to the Cat Fanciers Association, there are 42 recognized cat breeds in the US. As for dogs, a whopping 190 breeds are recognized by the American Kennel Club. The World Canine Organization acknowledges a staggering 340 dog breeds. For decades, cats have been bred to produce consistent physical features such as a shortened snout, inward folded ears, round and lean faces, and a variety of colors and textures. This led to an increase in diversity of dogs and the set consistency of features seen in cats. When breeding to animals that tend to look alike as cats do, it is common to see less diversity among the breeds.

Study Shows Dogs Use Earth’s Magnetic Field To Navigate

As if we don’t already think our dogs are incredibly brilliant (and adorable), science now suggests that they’re navigation pros too, as they use the earth’s magnetic field to find their way around. You read that right–Czech scientists have found evidence that suggests our dogs’ uncanny senses of direction, even in new places, can be blamed on their ability to use the weak magnetic field of the Earth. This very cool superpower is called magnetoreception, and many other animals (birds, salamanders, frogs and sea turtles to name a few) also possess the ability. The study was published in eLife, and gave insight to the ways dogs are able to use the science. We know that while hunting, some dogs are able to use scent trails to retrace their steps and ‘find’ their way back to a starting point. That’s called tracking. But others can return to a starting point using a completely different way than they originally trekked out on. This is called scouting. Related: A Lure Coursing Test Turns Mixed Breed Dogs Into Tracking Champs Several years ago, scientists in Czechia observed that dogs did tended to do their business on a north-to-south axis, and believed this showed an ability to somehow sense the Earth’s magnetic field. Researchers now believe that their evidence shows dogs do this when they are scouting as well. To test their theory, the research team used GPS data and video on action cams. They watched 27 hunting dogs (representing 10 different breeds) in homing trials at 62 different forested locations. From 2014 to 2017, the dogs participated in over 600 trials in which they set out for a chase and then returned to their humans. They looked at the specific scouting events and the researchers found that dogs who chased an animal’s scent began to go back to their human within an approximate 65-ft run along a north-south axis. They did this despite the actual location their owner was standing in. The research team termed this a ‘compass run,’ believing it’s the way dogs got their ‘magnetic sensors’ ready before they took off. The forests were unknown to the dogs and there were no owner scents they could track. They also did trials on days that wind wasn’t carrying smells from their human to the dogs, and the foliage of the forests was so thick, the sun and any paths ahead were pretty obscure. But the earth’s magnetic field never really changes much, and acted as a universal reference frame for the dogs. Related: Would You Buy A Genetically Modified Super Dog? The researchers argued that hunting dogs truly appear to use magnetoreception when they are finding their way back to their humans. Obviously, this is a great skill for dogs to have for long-distance navigation, but it’s also important to know so we can better understand mammalian spatial behavior and cognition. In fact, it could be a skill even we humans possess, as the molecule scientists believe to be responsible for this ‘sixth sense’ in birds has also been found in dogs, bears and certain primates. It’s not unreasonable we could have it too, but in the meantime, if you’re lost and your dog is trying to guide you? You might want to pay attention.

A Dog is Adopted After 7 Years in Shelter After An Emotional Discovery

One pet shelter in Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania, has been the home of a darling rescue dog named Ella for 7 long years. But the long wait for a happy ending is finally over – as Ella was recently adopted, and under very special circumstances at that. The staff at  Bloomsburg Animal Resource Center have titled this “an extremely special adoption”, and advised readers that “they might want to grab a tissue real quick for this one”.Ella had been at the shelter for the last seven years, making her the center’s longest resident. But recently, things took a turn for the better, when Ella was spotted by Kaitlyn, a resident who quickly fell in love with the rescue pooch. When coming to the center, Kaitlyn said that her long-time furry friend, Jo, recently passed away, and now she was ready to meet a new dog.And as soon as the two met, the match was made. It was obvious that they were meant for each other. Ella quickly made everyone know that Kaitlyn was her “human”. Usually, it wasn’t so. Ella was a victim of abuse and had a long history of fear and aggression. It would take several visits for her to get relaxed around strangers. But with Kaitlyn, this was not the case. The bond was near-instant. “She immediately walked over to Kaitlyn with no hesitation, allowing her to give Ella scratches and pets right away,” the staff of the adoption center said.At the end of the adoption meeting, when Kaitlyn was about to leave, she suddenly noticed something that made her overwhelmingly emotional. What she spotted was the bandana that Ella was wearing around her neck. Her eyes welling with tears, Kaitlyn said to the staff that it was the exact bandana that belonged to her recently passed away dog, Jo. She said that after the passing, she donated all the bandanas to the center. “This bandana that Ella is wearing, it’s Jo’s. I donated them all here when he passed,” Kaitlyn said, quickly showing a picture of Jo wearing it. The symbolism and the connection were incredible. It was a sign that the two were meant to be together. When they realized what happened, the staff was moved to tears: “Out of the 20 dogs in our shelter right now, this bandana. This specific bandana. Jo’s bandana. It was on Ella.”Later, Kaitlyn said that the bandana is a sign: “I like to think of it as Jo’s stamp of approval.”And so it was, that after 7 long years of waiting, the kind and gentle Ella found her new forever home, and a human friend who would treat her right.“Every morning, Ella used to pop up off her bed and greet you at the door of her kennel right away,” the staff at the Animal Resource Center said. “We’ll miss that tomorrow, it’ll be such a bittersweet moment realizing that as we pause to reflect on a few of our favorites times with Ella — but my goodness the amount of pure happiness we will feel every day knowing Ella finally got what she deserved: ELLA GOT ADOPTED.”

Golden Retriever Nurses African Painted Dog Pups Rejected by Their Mom

The Potawatomi Zoo in South Bend, Indiana, recently welcomed a litter of eight endangered African painted dog puppies. After a rough start, only three puppies survived thanks to an unlikely surrogate mother - a golden retriever named Kassy.The Potawatomi Zoo announced that the pair of their African painted dogs, Bleu and Maurice, had a litter of eight puppies born in late September. However, it was soon clear to the care team at the zoo that the pack would not be able to raise the puppies successfully.“Bleu, an inexperienced mother, was not caring for her pups the way she should have, and Maurice was following her lead,” said the zoo. In their natural habitat, African painted dogs live in large packs with unique vocalizations and social dynamics. All adult dogs in the pack work together to help feed and raise the pups. The success of the birth and raising of the pups can be endangered if the pack doesn’t work together as they should. “We knew within 24 hours that we had to separate them,” the zoo’s executive director, Josh Sisk, told the South Bend Tribune. The zoo’s animal care staff consulted with the African Painted Dog Species Survival Plan (SSP), a group of zoo professionals who form the breeding plans for this endangered species in accredited zoos across the United States. The staff at zoos usually try to remain uninvolved, letting the packs raise the puppies as they would in the wild. This approach is often successful and helps the pups learn the complex social structure of their species. However, in this case, the decision was made to intervene and hand-raise the litter. Instead of bottle-feeding the puppies, the SSP recommended finding a surrogate dog to nurse the puppies. Within a few hours, the Indiana Council for Animal Welfare connected the zoo with a golden retriever named Kassy, who recently had a litter of puppies and had milk to spare. Kassy and her litter arrived at the zoo a day after the painted dog pups were born and immediately accepted them. The zoo’s staff watched as Kessy nursed and cared for the pups as if they were her own.“It was a crazy first month,” Sisk said. “Our team was there for four weeks, 24/7. We had a mattress next to the dogs.”The zoo’s veterinarian and care team worked around the clock to ensure that all of the puppies, including Kassy’s litter, were getting enough food and time with Kassy. However, despite everyone’s efforts, not all of the African painted dog pups survived. Four weeks after the litter was born, only three puppies remained. The surviving pups were named Blue, Red, and Orange for the colors staff used to track them since they were born. Originally, the zoo planned to reintegrate the pups with Bleu, Maurice, and Colby. However, the adult dogs didn’t show a positive interest in the pups, so the plan was changed. The zoo decided to build a home for the pups next to adult dogs, so they could still learn how to behave like painted dogs. Once the puppies get older they can either be integrated with Bleu, Maurice, and Colby or moved to another zoo.“Blue, Red, and Orange have had an unusual and challenging start to life, but the zoo hopes they will have a bright and successful future,” the zoo shared in a release. “These three healthy, active pups are just the start of this story and the zoo hopes to share more positive updates of their milestones in the future.”Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

World’s Oldest Dog Posthumously Stripped of His Title

Last year, the world’s oldest dog was thought to be Bobi – who was reportedly  31 years old. However, a recent investigation into this claim led to him being posthumously stripped of the title by none other than Guinness World Records. The lofty title was suspended this January, as doubts rose about the dog’s reported age. Bobi lived in Portugal and sadly passed away last fall, and according to his owner, at a grand age of 31 years. However, a recent review by Guinness World Records revealed that they didn’t have the necessary evidence to support that claim."Without any conclusive evidence available to us right now, we simply can't retain Bobi as the record holder and honestly claim to maintain the high standards we set ourselves," Guinness Director of Records Mark McKinley said. "Of course, as with any record, we'll gladly assess any new evidence should we receive any."Before Guinness World Records actually grants a world record, they require ample evidence of a claim. Pictures, videos, statements from witnesses, documents, and anything similar are all required. And when pets are concerned, microchip data can also be examined. "Central to Bobi's evidence was microchip data sourced from the Portuguese government database, the SIAC, which it transpires, when chipped in 2022, did not require proof of age for dogs born before 2008," McKinley said. "With the additional veterinary statement provided as evidence for Bobi's age also citing this microchip data, we're left with no conclusive evidence which can definitively prove Bobi's date of birth."So, who is the real oldest dog in the world? Well, before Bobi’s lofty claim, there was the famous Bluey, an Australian cattle dog who held the record, being 29 years and 5 months old. But with these recent events, the future of this record will certainly change. McKinley claims that microchips need to be widely adopted around the world for serious claims to be made."Until that time, we'll require documentary evidence for all years of a pet's life, we'll continue to ask for vet and witness statements and we'll also consider microchip data as well where available," he added. "It's for this reason that we're not yet in a position to confirm a new holder for the record, although we certainly hope that the publicity around the record title encourages pet owners from around the world to get in touch."Sadly, Bobi died in October 2023, just months after celebrating what was reportedly his 31st birthday. He was a purebred Rafeiro do Alentejo, a native Portuguese dog breed that is known for its ability to protect livestock. These magnificent dogs have an average life expectancy of 12 to 14 years, and it was thought that Bobbi managed to live twice the time expected – but we’ll never know if that’s actually true or not.

Why Does My Dog Paw or "Dig" His Food Bowl?

Sometimes, dogs can behave straight out quirky. The range of their weird behaviors varies from chasing their tail and scooting on their but, to “pawing” or “digging” food, which sort of looks like they’re burying their kibble but they’re not really doing anything. Have you ever seen your pooch trying to fake bury his food by pawing at it? Don’t worry, the behavior might look odd at the very least, but it’s not a reason for concern. Here’s what dogs that dig, bury, or paw their food are trying to tell you with this behavior.Why Does My Dog Paw or "Dig" His Food Bowl?Dogs may exhibit pawing or digging behavior around their food bowl for various reasons, and the interpretation can depend on the individual dog. By closely observing your dog's specific actions and considering these factors, you may gain a better understanding of why they engage in pawing behavior. Keep in mind that individual differences among dogs can lead to variations in behavior, and what holds true for one dog may not necessarily apply to another. Still, there are some common explanations that hold true for most situations when “pawing” is in question.Too Much Food Served:In the wild, dogs might use their paws to cover or bury their food to protect it from other animals or to save it for later. This behavior could be a residual instinct from their ancestors – if they eat a bit and then paw at their bowl before leaving the meal, it means that they are trying to stash the surplus away for later. Try downsizing their portions to see if the behavior goes away. Scent Marking: Dogs have scent glands in their paws, and pawing at the food bowl might be a way for them to mark the area with their scent. This could be a territorial behavior and might be seen in households where there are several dogs present. Excitement or Anticipation: Dogs might get excited about mealtime, and pawing at the bowl could be a way of expressing anticipation or eagerness for their food. This is especially true if they are eagerly pawing the ground even before the food has been served. These dogs can often be voracious eaters as well, so to prevent them from snarfing up their food in seconds, try utilizing a  slow feeder for dogs to promote a more appropriate pace of eating and prevent bloat and other digestive issues due to lack of chewing and fast eating.

Why Does My Cat Have a Bald Spot?

Discovering a bald spot or missing fur on your cat can be both perplexing and concerning for any cat parent. A change in your cat’s coat could be nothing, but it could also be a red flag of behavioral issues or medical problems. Understanding the underlying cause is the first step to addressing the problem.In this post, we explore the mystery of cat alopecia, including possible explanations for cat hair loss, what you should do if you notice your cat has a bald spot, and how to prevent this problem from happening.Let’s get started…6 Reasons Your Cat May Have a Bald SpotThe first step to addressing your cat’s hair loss is to identify why it occurred. This will mean paying careful attention to other signs and symptoms, both physical and behavioral. Here are a few of the most common causes of significant hair loss in cats:Allergies and IrritationDoes your cat suffer from food allergies or environmental allergies? While most allergies won’t directly cause your cat’s hair to fall out, they trigger dry, itchy skin. As your cat scratches the area, trying to soothe the itch, they may damage the skin or hair follicles.Identifying the allergens can be difficult. You may wish to do allergy testing or try an elimination diet. But the good news is that once you know the trigger, eliminating it will solve the problem.OvergroomingCats are well-known for their careful attention to their grooming needs, licking themselves to keep their fur clean and shiny. However, there are some behavioral situations when a cat may start grooming excessively, causing damage to their coat or their skin, resulting in bald patches.The most common causes of overgrooming are stress and anxiety. Take a moment to reconsider your household and any recent changes that may have occurred. Did you move? Are you renovating your home? Did you add a new pet or family member to the household?Another potential behavioral explanation for overgrooming is obsessive-compulsive disorder. This may have started as stress or anxiety, or it may be genetic. OCD in cats could result from neurological conditions or other medical problems.

Ready for the Solar Eclipse? What You Need to Know

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Scientists Finally Know Why Cats Love Tuna So Much

No food is more synonymous with cats than tuna. Even the pickiest of cats can’t resist the tuna’s fishy flavor. Finally, scientists have learned why cats love tuna so much. In the study published in the journal Chemical Sense, scientists report that cats, like humans, have receptors needed to detect umami flavor. Along with sweet, sour, bitter, and salty, umami is one of the five basic tastes.Umami seems to be the cats’ favorite flavor. Considering that umami gives food a deep and savory meaty aroma, it’s no surprise that an obligate carnivore like a cat would prefer it over all other flavors.The research team also found that cats’ taste receptors bind to two chemicals found in high concentrations in tuna. These chemicals boost the umami flavor, making cats obsessed with tuna. “This is an important study that will help us better understand the preferences of our familiar pers,” says Yasuka Toda, a molecular biologist at Meiji University. According to Toda, this study could help cat food manufacturers create healthier food and more palatable medication for cats. Previous studies showed that cats have a unique palate. Cats can’t taste sugar, because their sweet receptor gene is dysfunctional. Scientists believe that felines lose the ability to taste sweeteners and carbs because they don’t need these macronutrients to survive. Cats also have fewer bitter flavor receptors than humans. This trait is commonly seen in obligated carnivores. “Since discovering that cats don’t have a functional sweet taste receptor, we did wonder what they would respond to instead,” study lead author Scott McGrane, a sensory science expert at Waltham Petcare Science Institute, told Live Science. Humans and other animals possess two genes - Tas1r1 and Tas1r3 that work together to detect umami flavor. Previous research has shown that cats express the umami-related Tas1r3 gene in their taste buds, but it was unclear whether they possess both genes needed to detect umami flavor. The research team led by McGrane discovered that cats expressed both Tas1r1 and Tas1r3 genes in their taste buds. To learn this, the scientist biopsied the tongue of a six-year-old male cat that had been euthanized for health reasons unrelated to this study. However, a closer look at the protein sequences encoded by these genes showed that they are very different from human genes. As it turned out, the main amino acids that activate umami flavor in people - glutamic and aspartic acid - were mutated in cats. “So I began thinking, maybe cats can’t taste umami,” said McGrane. But, as it turned out, amino acids don’t bind to the cat umami receptor alone. Nucleotides, which are common in meat and yeast, bind to the cat receptor and glutamic and aspartic acid then have an enhancing effect. “That’s the exact opposite of what we see in people,” explained McGrane. Cats love tuna because it contains the nucleotide inosine monophosphate. Tuna also contains large quantities of L-histidine, an essential amino acid for cats, that enhances umami flavor. “The L-histidine content of tuna is much higher than of other fish species and meat sources.”These new findings could be used for the development of tastier cat food and pharmaceuticals. Although cat food manufacturers already knew that cats prefer meaty flavors, they now have much more details about the compounds they can start working with. It’s essential for manufacturers to ensure that animals want to eat the food they formulate and find it appealing. “I think umami is as important for cats as sweet is for humans,” said Toda. Dogs, she explained, can taste both sweet and umami, which may explain why they’re not such fussy eaters. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

This Farm Offers Cuddle Sessions With A Pack Of Adorable Goldens

For decades,  Golden Retrievers have been one of the most popular dog breeds in the United States – heck, in the world. It’s no secret that Goldens are simply everyone’s favorite! Cute, goofy, and cuddly, these dogs are such a wonder and so much fun to be around. And now, thanks to Golden Dog Farm from Jeffersonville, Vermont, the fans of this famed breed can enjoy a very special experience centered around these adorable furballs.This family-run farm launched a special Golden Retriever Experience – a one-hour session allows guests to enjoy refreshments such as cider and snacks, all in the company of a huge group of cuddly golden retrievers called “happy”. The session is usually called the “happy hour” just because of this, and allows anyone to immerse themselves in the company of “at least '' 10 dogs Umm, sign me up for any activity that includes dogs, especially ten of ‘em! The Golden Dog Farm is run by Doug and Becca Worple and in an interview with  USA TODAY, the couple happily exclaimed that the bookings for the experience sold out incredibly quickly. It was certainly not what they expected earlier this year when they came up with the idea and started it all. Not at all surprisingly, it was COVID that caused the idea to come to fruition. During the height of the virus rampage, Doug Worple’s job, based at a travel-oriented global digital advertising agency, suddenly experienced a major hiccup. Trying to get a bearing at this trying time, Doug said he “used the moment to take a step back and consider what was next.” And, together with his partner Becca Worple – herself a photographer and a media representative at a radio station – Doug decided it was best to sell their home in Cincinnati, Ohio, in hopes of moving to a family cottage in Ontario. It was a time of big changes."Then the border closed," Doug Worple said. "Now we're two weeks out of closing on our house and didn't know where to go, so we decided to buy an RV and traveled to 35 different states, 17,000 miles in the RV with two of the dogs."And during this incredible and life-changing adventure, the couple decided to start a golden retriever-based business, and to finally settle in beautiful Vermont. "We've just always loved goldens and always wanted to have a lot of goldens," Worple said. "With what I was doing, I saw the power of influencers and social media and all that and I joked we need to have an Instagram farm full of golden retrievers, and soon we started looking at what that might look like."And once they arrived at Jeffersonville, Vermont, a sign they were looking for appeared – and they were left speechless. While driving through town, they suddenly spotted a truck full of golden retrievers, driven by Dana Menne of Butternut Goldens. It was a match made in heaven. "(Becca told me), 'If God were to send to me a sign we needed to move someplace, it would be a truckload of goldens,'" Doug Worple said.In no time, their idea about a golden retriever “happy hour” began to take some serious shape. And especially thanks to the Butternut Goldens.  "Collectively both of us wanted to do something like this but they didn't have a place to do it and we didn't have enough goldens," Doug Worple said. "But together we could make it happen."At the moment, their “happy hours” are sold out until Dec. 17, but the Worples have plans to extend the dates to April, giving everyone a chance to enjoy this experience. The one-hour experience runs on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays and costs $75 for adults and $50 for children."People are so happy when they're here, they have this childlike joy on their faces," Worple said. "People cry because they're so happy."What about you? Would you enjoy an hour cuddling with golden retrievers?

What Are the Symptoms of Dementia in Dogs?

As the years go by, health issues tend to pile up, even in canines. Old age can bring a range of problems – some doggos have troubles with arthritis and limited mobility, while others suffer from cognitive decline and experience issues such as dementia. That’s right, even dogs can suffer from dementia, which is also known as canine cognitive dysfunction (CCD). This illness can bring about some troubling changes in your pet’s behavior, and it would be wise to be familiar with all the symptoms of dementia, especially if you are a senior dog owner. Let’s go over them and get familiar with the challenges of canine dementia.Doggy Dementia: Symptoms and What To ExpectAs your pet reaches their golden years, some issues are bound to pop up, including dementia. Known as canine cognitive dysfunction, it has similar symptoms to Alzheimer's disease in humans. The main cause is the aging of the dog’s brain, which results in many troubling issues. Of course, CCD doesn’t happen to all old dogs. Latest studies revealed that it only happens to roughly 50% of dogs that are over 11 years old. Of course, if you own a senior doggo, it is wise to get to know the symptoms of dog dementia. Here are some of the most common ones:Confusion and Disorientation:As dementia sets in, your pet might seem suddenly disoriented and awfully confused. They could get lost in spaces that should be all too familiar to them (the house for example), or could just stand and stare blankly into space. Major Sleep Pattern Changes:Dogs tend to have a solid sleep routine. But with dementia, this can suddenly change. They could experience alterations in their sleep-wake cycle, sleep a lot during the day, and become restless and sleepless throughout the entire night.Loss of Interest:Your dog, with dementia, could suddenly become a totally different pet. They could lose all interest in common interactions. They could have zero interest in playing with you or interacting with the family members. The same goes for interacting with other pets, or playing with toys - even if they were their favorites. Forgetting Housetraining:

Fat Feline Gets Fit in the Pool and Gains a TikTok Following

Tipping the scales at a hefty 25 pounds, an Edmonton-based tabby named Peaches was destined to live a life compromised by obesity-related health issues that had already manifested into diabetes. That was until his owner decided to take charge and help the fat feline shed those extra pounds.Let’s start by mentioning that the average male cat should weigh between 10 and 15 pounds and while this would mean that poor Peaches would need to lose half his body weight, his vet was happy to see just a 4.5-pound reduction.But what to do? Cut back on his food? Anyone who has ever had to deal with a hungry, impatient feline knows just how big a challenge putting said puss on a diet can be. I personally think the word “hangry” was explicitly penned to describe a ravenously hungry, oh-so-angry cat that’s waiting for his dinner. Alas, despite owner Chastity Emes pleading his case - “He’s always been a big boy.” – the time had come to end Peaches' free-feeding lifestyle. More than that…it was time to introduce a little activity into the life of this plump puss and that’s where the idea of his learning to swim came into the picture. Actually, taking him out for a daily walk was Emes first choice however she confirms “I had a harness for him and tried to get him out of the condo but we didn’t make it out of our hallway because he just kind of flopped over and decided it wasn’t going to happen.” Hey girl, been there, done that, and can confirm that an unwilling feline is the fluffy equivalent to dragging around 10 (or in this case 25) pounds of wet laundry. Not discouraged, this persistent pet parent turned to a friend who worked at a local animal hydrotherapy clinic. Before you could say “Tender Vittles”, Peaches was suited up and ready to learn to paddle like a dog. Now, water temps are comfortably warm (32 degrees centigrade / 89 degrees Fahrenheit) and this type of activity is not only easy on the joints but it dilates blood vessels, improves circulation and reduces inflammation. All important factors for an overweight animal.Plus, Peaches is in safe hands as he’s always accompanied in the pool by a handler who carries him to a platform, lets him swim back to help build cardio, and is ready to step in if needed. Vocal protests when he’s asked to push himself are respected and monitored by his vet to ensure these aquafit sessions aren’t over-stressing this big boy. Best of all, Peaches is not only showing the benefits of added activity on the scale side but he’s also picked up a TikTok fan following of over 33,000 who have been cheering him on since he began his fitness regimen. No pressure, right Peaches?

These Are The 10 Most Common Male and Female Dog Names, Survey Reveals

Naming a new puppy that’s come into the world or thinking of a name to symbolize a new beginning for a rescue dog is a precious moment – but sometimes you need a bit of inspiration to think of a fitting name for your fur baby. Some people prefer names with personal meaning or symbolism, but most just sift through name lists in hopes of finding one that fits our pooch and sounds nice. Well, this list can help you find the most popular names for dogs these days and see if any of them stick!  Sniffspot, the so-called “AirBnB of dog parks”, went through their massive database of 100,000 dog names and through hard work determined the 10 most common boy and girl dog names. The results are very interesting – take a look!Here are the top 10 male dog names:10. Leo:A very unique name that’s quick on the tongue, and very fitting for large and majestic doggos. A lion always comes to mind.9. Ollie:Believe it or not, Ollie is a gender-neutral name, but fits perfectly with energetic and goofy male puppers.8. Moose:Who would think that Moose is such a common dog name? It is fun, that is for sure, and strangely fitting too.7. Zeus:The mighty God of thunder in Ancient Greece has come a long way over the centuries. Nowadays, his name is given to dogs!6. Oliver:A classic, elegant, and fun name that, although used for humans, fits doggos as well. 5. Finn:An old-timey name that belongs on the pages of some good youth novel, Finn is remarkably fitting for puppers.4. Loki:The trickster god of the Old Norse has found his way into the modern age in a rather odd way. Lately, Norse gods are a popular choice for dog names.3. Bear:How adorable would it be to name your tiny little pup Bear? 2. Cooper:A simple but very fun name that works well for male pets of all characters and sizes.1. Milo:A very ancient-sounding name, Milo is the number one choice of many owners. Are you surprised that this is number 1? Well, you saw the most common names for boy dogs, so now it’s the girls’ turn. Let’s see their list!10. Sadie:This adorable female dog name, it brings to mind the summer, flowers, and all things girly.9. Nova:In stark contrast to Sadie, Nova sounds quite futuristic, and strong, and rolls easily off the tongue. Did you know that a Nova is an astronomical term? It is the name given to bright stars that appear suddenly in the sky and release powerful energy. Wonderful symbolism.8. Willow:Back to vintage and cozy-sounding names with Willow, a true classic that belongs to the pages of an old children’s book.7. Nala:Here’s a name that is quite a surprise. It is unique, modern, and not heard that often. But, according to this survey, it belongs with other most common female dog names!6. Stella:A name of Latin origin, it translates to “star”. And what better name to give to your zoomy, fun, and lovely female pup?5. Bailey:This is another fun and homely name that is often given to pets. Any similarity with a favorite drink is pure coincidence!4. Lucy:If you have a kind, loveable, and gentle female doggo, then you cannot go wrong with a name such as Lucy!3. Daisy:This is one of the most popular names given to animals, especially cows. But surprisingly, it works well for dogs too!2. Bella:A classic feminine name, Bella is ideal for all female puppers, no matter their character.1. Luna:And the number one female dog's name is Luna, which is Latin for “Moon”. It is simple and pretty, which makes it an easy choice for many owners!So, were you surprised by this survey? What is your favorite dog name? Let us know!

What Happens if Dogs Eat Cat Food?

A multi-pet household is always full of adventures, and even more so when you have both cats and dogs. While there are many fun aspects to sharing your life and your home with multiple pets, there are quite a few challenges, as well – such as making sure everybody’s keeping their nose in their own food bowl. We all know that dogs tend to have healthy appetites and are not picky, which means they’ll often try (and succeed) in eating cat food when given the chance.While not the  worst thing a dog can eat when sharing a home with a cat (litter and its contents seem to be irresistible to some canines), kitty kibble certainly isn’t the best type of food for your dog, either. But what happens if dogs eat cat food? Can it be harmful to them? And are cat and dog foods really that different? Here’s what you need to know.What Happens if a Dog Eats Cat Food?Let’s face it: if a dog eats cat food occasionally, it's usually not a cause for concern. The worst that can happen is an upset stomach or a bit of diarrhea. The main cause is the fact that cat food is formulated differently from dog food, containing higher levels of protein and fat, which can be harder for dogs to digest. If a dog eats cat food regularly, however, it can lead to digestive issues such as upset stomach, diarrhea, or even  pancreatitis due to the higher fat content. In other words, sneaking food from the cat’s bowl once or twice won’t be an issue – but repeated consumption most definitely will. What is more, cat food lacks certain nutrients that dogs need in their diet, such as adequate levels of vitamin E and taurine. So, while an occasional nibble might not harm your dog, it's best to prevent regular access to cat food to avoid potentially considerable health problems.Another reason why doggos should steer clear of cat food on a regular basis is weight gain. Cat food has a quite higher fat content, which can lead to weight gain in dogs. All the excess weight (which can pile up quite quickly) will lead to a lot of health issues, like diabetes or joint issues. If your pooch likes to sample cat food, they might also experience an upset stomach, resulting in vomiting or diarrhea. This is because cat food contains much more protein than the usual dog food. Higher levels of protein are harder to digest for dogs, and this results in gastrointestinal discomfort. A home remedy for an upset tummy in dogs – if it’s due to eating a bit of kitty food – could be providing  dog probiotics in combination with a bland diet for a day or two, until they’re feeling better. 

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