Why Did This UPS Driver Adopt a Giant Pit Bull?

by Emily Hutchinson

Published: July 19th, 2017

why did this ups driver adopt a giant pit bull

Life is better with a dog, but this UPS driver had a REALLY good reason to adopt Leo… his mom passed away.

This is a sad story, but bear with me, as it does have a happy ending. Katie Newhouser is a driver for UPS. On her rounds she meets a lot of dogs. As a dog lover, Katie tends to make a fuss of the canines she meets while out delivering. But, there was one dog that seemed to be extra fond of her. When she delivered parcels to Leo’s mom Tina in their apartment block, Leo would always jump into the truck with Katie to say hello.

But things were soon to change…

Last year Katie took a vacation. After her time off she returned to work, refreshed, and looking forward to seeing Leo again. The next time she delivered a parcel to Tina, she noticed her son was loading all the furniture from the apartment into a van. Katie thought Tina must be moving. She wasn’t really surprised as other residents in the apartment block had been complaining about Leo. Being a Pit Bull he was pretty misunderstood. However, it turned out that Tina wasn’t moving. Sadly, Tina had recently passed away.

Katie to the rescue!

Tina’s son was in the Marines, so there was no way he could take on Leo. Katie was determined to make sure that Leo had a happy future and decided to foster him. At least until Tina’s son could have him. But once Leo arrived at Katie’s home, it was clear that he wasn’t going anywhere. He settled right in and become the best of friends with Katie’s own dog Moose, a Labrador cross. He also got on well with Katie’s other pets, a terrier and two cats. So it was decided that Leo should stay and become a proper member of the family.

At first he would get a little upset at times, especially at night. Katie think that this was because he was missing Tina. So Katie made sure that Leo got all the cuddles and love he needed.

The Happy Ending

Until Katie owned Leo, she had never totally realised how misjudged Pit Bulls are and now she spreads the word about just how loving and affectionate they really are. Leo certainly is the poster boy for Pit Bulls, hopefully people who read his story will give Pit Bulls a chance in future!

Emily Hutchinson

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Family Pittie Protects Children From Venomous Snake Attack

We often hear about breed restrictions, particularly when it comes to Pitbulls. A Florida couple will be forever grateful to their pittie, after saving their grandchildren from venomous snake bites. Melissa Butt knows her dog is a lovebug, and a protective one at that. Slayer is her beautiful pitbull, and she tells her grandchildren Zayden and Mallory that Slayer will always keep them safe. Related: Why Did This UPS Driver Adopt a Giant Pit Bull? True to Butt’s word, Slayer proved she would do that when the children were playing in Butt’s southwest Florida backyard. Butt’s other dog Paco was out too, and both of the dogs began barking fervently at the grass, Butt said. She tried to get them to stop, but they wouldn’t, and she sent the kids inside to be with Butt’s daughter, Cynthia. Once the children were safely inside, Butt and her daughter went back out to see what it was that got the dogs so riled up, as they were not budging. Within the blink of an eye, they saw a snake lash out and bite both of the dogs–Paco on his little elbow and Slayer on his snout. Protecting his little buddy from more attack, Slayer grabbed the snake in his mouth and killed it, with Butt realizing she needed to get the dogs to the vet immediately. The family at first thought the snake was a copperhead, though they aren’t sure now, but the veterinarian knew something was serious as Slayer’s face was swelling and he was having a hard time breathing. She rushed them to the nearest vet hospital, about 40 minutes away, and was frantic as she imagined they’d lose their lives protecting hers and her grandchildren. Related: Luke the Pitbull is 2017’s Mascot for National Justice for Animals Week Thankfully, the hospital had life-saving antivenin and the dogs were treated, though at great expense. A local organization called Frankie’s Friends helped cover the costs because they were so proud of how the dogs loyally protected the family’s humans, even at their own peril.

German Shepherd and Orphaned Moose Become Fast Friends

An odd couple is giving the Internet all the feels as an orphaned moose and a shepherd named Leo became fast friends in Wallagrass, Maine. They say opposites attract–and while we’re not sure the opposite of a dog is a moose, we are sure that it’s an odd pair! Shannon Lugdon lives in Wallagrass, Maine and said that a baby moose wandered into her backyard, whining for her mama early in the morning. Lugdon had two wardens come by and they intervened with the moose’s attempts to head for a local highway. Related: Why Did This UPS Driver Adopt a Giant Pit Bull? The trio led the moose to a brook in the shade nearby and then the wardens told Lugdon it was best to leave the moose alone, as babies were often left during the day so the mamas can eat, drink and rest. The wardens told Lugdon that it’s rare to find an actually abandoned moose. But that seemed to be the case, as Lugdon found the 25-pound newborn the next day. She’d peeked outside and hadn’t seen her but when her shepherd Leo went out for his necessaries, he sniffed the moose, affectionately called “Maggie,” out in some shaded foliage. Lugdon and her family are promoters of outdoor adventures in northern Maine, and she said that immediately, Maggie became sweet on Leo. Lugdon said the baby was super affectionate with Leo, and posted pictures on her Facebook account showing how Maggie wasn’t just snuggly with Leo, but the whole family, and really anyone who ventured near. Related: Insta-Famous Toddler and Her Giant Poodles Star in Beck’s New Video A local vet advised Ludgon on what to feed Maggie (Lactaid–moose don’t handle lactose) and the wardens believe that because the baby was alone and so needy for such a long time, it truly probably was abandoned by her mother. The good news is that she not only found a new bff in Leo, but she was picked up by biologists who took her to Maine Wildlife Park. There, she’ll be able to live among her moose buddies as she was supposed to.

Pittie Saves Family From Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Once again, the heroic actions of a family’s pit bull lend proof to the concept that you can’t judge a dog by its looks…or breed. Ruby is a three-year-old trained therapy dog, and though she is not a big barker, it was her voice that saved the lives of her family last week. Related: Why Did This UPS Driver Adopt a Giant Pit Bull? The pit bull’s owners Ronene Ando and Christopher Hall had a propane heater in their house, and had no idea that they were in danger of carbon monoxide poisoning. According to them, Ruby only really barks for one reason, when someone is at the door, and that night, no one was. Still, she wouldn’t stop whining, and they didn’t know why. After about an hour, they figured that something had to be going on, and they looked around the house. Ando went downstairs, and he said he smelled the gas from the propane heater they had coming from the garage. Ruby apparently had too and was trying to warn them that they were in danger. Thankfully, Ando said they finally understood her warning and were saved. Ironically, though Ruby is trained through the SPCA collaboration with Paws For Love, she is not trained to detect danger like that, or to warn her owners of situations with smells as she did. She simply used her super sniffer and her love for her owners and combined that with her intuition to pressure them into checking the house out. Ando is a pit bull advocate and he wants to share her story to show that these dogs who so often get a bad reputation do so for no reason. Pitties are known to be extremely protective of their families, and if trained well and given exercise are amazing dogs. Related: Family Dog Saves Two Girls Struck by Lightning As for Ruby? She’s just happy her owners listened, and enjoyed the venison roast she had for a reward dinner. Ando said she also got treated to an ice cream cone from McDonald’s, but most enjoyed the pets from her humans. Good job, Ruby girl! Good job!

Pittie-Looking Dog Prevented From Competing in Dock-Dog Meet

You can’t judge a book by its cover, but a Missouri woman found that not to be true when her sweet dog wasn’t allowed to be in a dock-dog competition. Amanda Morrisey loves her 2-year-old rescue Annie. When the Missouri woman adopted Annie, the rescue group didn’t know her breed, but Annie didn’t care because she was perfect. Annie made a great dock-dog (where she runs, jumps off docks and swims competitively) and the duo travel to compete in competitions. Related: Why Did This UPS Driver Adopt a Giant Pit Bull? Imagine Morrisey’s disappointment for Annie when they were told that Annie could not compete in Kansas City, Kansas because of an ordinance that bands dogs that ‘have pit bull characteristics.’ Even though Morrisey says they aren’t sure what Annie’s breed is, that she looked like a pit bull was enough to keep her from the competition. The decision to not let Annie compete was taken to the Kansas City Police Department, and after running the issue through the proper channels, decided that she would not be allowed to participate in the competition. More, the Kansas City Police Department said that Annie wasn’t even allowed to stay in the city. Morrisey was hoping that Annie not staying in the city might still somehow allow her to be able to compete in the competition, as some cities have exceptions they grant in cases like this. Related: Luke the Pitbull is 2017’s Mascot for National Justice for Animals Week That exception was not granted, though. Annie was denied the ability to even go to the competition as a spectator, though Morrisey says she still planned to. She said Annie has never been anywhere near aggressive toward anyone, and was a loving champion of a dog. Several weeks before, she’d competed in a nearby city, Overland Park, and the city’s official stance was that they couldn’t tell her breed. This discrimination has made Morrisey realize that she now wants to be a breed ambassador for pit bull mixes and pit bulls, and that her going to the competition, even without Annie, will bring awareness. [Source: KFOR]

Missouri Legislator Proposes to Eliminate Breed-Specific Bans Across T

More states are banning breed-specific legislation as they realize the ‘science’ behind them simply does not support the efforts. In Missouri, a bill that would eliminate breed-specific legislation in the entire state has been introduced, and animal activists are hoping it’s passed and will continue to protect dogs often discriminated against simply because of their look or breed. Related: Montreal Mayor Works To Fulfill Campaign Promise to Repeal Pit Bull Ban The bill, House Bill 1398, is sponsored by Missouri State Representative Bruce DeGroot, and if passed, will allow Missourians to own dogs of any breed they choose, despite current restrictions that are currently the case in 43 villages, towns and cities. Most breed-specific legislation is aimed at ‘Pit Bulls’ but this is an umbrella name that includes American Pit Bull Terriers, American Staffordshire Terriers, American Bulldogs, or even mixed-breeds that look like that breed. As well, often Rottweilers, Doberman Pinschers and German Shepherds fall in breed-sprecific legislation because of the misconception that those are ‘dangerous’ dogs. According to the American Humane Society, there is little to no evidence that should support breed-specific registration and more and more states are swinging the pendulum back toward protecting all dogs from discrimination. Related: Why Did This UPS Driver Adopt a Giant Pit Bull? The bill is new, and still has to go through a lengthy process before it progresses, but if you live in Missouri, and support equality for dogs based on their behaviors and not their looks or breeds, you can contact your local legislators and ask them to support HB 1398.

The Latest Pet Industry Trends from Global Pet Expo 2024

On March 20-22, 2024, pet industry professionals from across the globe gathered at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida, for the Global Pet Expo. Presented by the American Pet Products Association (APPA) and the Pet Industry Distributors Association (PIDA), the exhibit floor showcased 1,100+ companies, including 300 first-time exhibitors. This included 1,000+ product launches, the latest pet industry news, a packed New Products Showcase, and more! But what did we discover while attending the show? Here are some of the hottest trends in the industry, as seen at this year’s show: Mind the BudgetIn the last decade, we have seen a growing interest in spoiling our pets regardless of the cost. However, following the events of 2020, many pet parents are feeling the pinch that is society’s current financial state. So, how do we reconcile the two? Many brands came into this year’s show with a focus on providing high-quality pet care with a budget-friendly mindset. This included two distinct approaches. Some companies focused on finding ways to keep the price point low. This included changes to production, simplified designs, and sourcing quality supplies at a fraction of the cost. They then transferred these savings directly to the consumer, allowing you to spoil your pets without breaking the bank. The other trend we saw was to create premium products that, while requiring an upfront investment, are designed to last for years to come. By not having to replace them repeatedly, you will save money over the product's lifespan. Overall, we were excited to see so many ways pet parents can improve their pet’s quality of life, even when finances are tight. Sustainability for the Future A growing understanding of the impact of our pets on the environment has put pressure on the pet industry to find ways to prioritize sustainability. Some experts say that caring for a medium-sized dog can have a similar carbon footprint to driving a large SUV. How do we address this without giving up our pets? We saw several brands rising to the challenge! There was a growing number of companies creating adorable and functional toys from recycled materials. Snugarooz had a wide assortment of brightly colored, crinkly, and squeaky plush toys made from recycled water bottles. WestPaw added more products to their popular Seaflex line of 100% recyclable toys made with recycled ocean-bound plastic. We also saw a focus on sustainability in pet food and treats. One company that really stood out was Arch Pet Food. The company previously demonstrated their commitment to eco-friendly pet ownership by introducing alternative proteins in their food and treats. One product that we found very impressive was the Dehydrated Copi treats, made from an invasive species in our waterways. Other shifts towards sustainability included changes in packaging to reduce unnecessary plastics, the use of hemp-based bedding for small animals, and more sustainable decisions being made during production.

New Study Reveals More About How Cats Purr

Pet parents love hearing their cats purr while in a relaxed and blissful state, and it’s believed that a kitty’s purr could be healing, too. But, no matter how long you’ve shared your home with felines, you might still wonder how your furry friend is able to make such a unique sound. New research now sheds some more light on how cats purr, so people can learn even more about their feline companions.

Which Spring Flowers Are Toxic to Dogs?

Springtime is such a joyful time of the year. The harsh and gloomy winter days are finally over, and nature is awakening – the sun is shining, trees are blooming, and life erupts all over again. But that doesn’t mean that there are no downsides to this season. From spring allergies to spring shedding, there are also quite a few things that don’t spark joy when spring comes. One of those unexpected things that become a downside of spring when you’re a dog is flowers. Yup. Those gorgeous, lush-smelling blooms that appear in the spring can pose a threat to your dog, as many spring flowers are toxic to our canine friends.So without further ado, let’s see which of these pretty, colorful flowers are potentially dangerous for dogs – so you’ll know exactly which of them to avoid planting in your garden or putting in a vase.Which Spring Flowers Are Toxic to Dogs?As we all know, dogs are inquisitive and love to nibble and sniff all sorts of odd things, flowers included. This is why you should be vigilant in the spring when many potentially toxic plant varieties are in season. Keep an eye out for the following flowers when walking your pet out and about or when picking out seeds for your flower beds!Daffodils

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Can You Prevent Joint Pain in Dogs?

As dogs near their golden years, different health issues tend to pop up – sometimes completely out of the blue, and sometimes a little less unexpectedly. One of the more common health problems dogs experience as they age that can be predicted fairly easily and as such prevented on time are joint issues. Providing proper support for your dog while they are still young and agile can dramatically improve their quality of life later on, so it pays to start thinking ahead when it comes to joint health, especially if your pet is in a high-risk group for developing this type of problem (large breed dogs, working breeds, highly active dogs, etc). Here’s what you need to know to make sure your pet doesn’t suffer from joint pain in their senior years.5 Crucial Steps to Prevent Joint Pain in DogsWhile some factors contributing to joint pain are beyond our control, there are different proactive steps we can take to support our pet's joint health:#1 Maintain a Healthy WeightJust as in humans, obesity in dogs exacerbates joint strain and can accelerate the onset of joint problems. A balanced diet will go a long way in helping your pet maintain a healthy weight, so strive to ensure they are getting only quality food that is based mostly on protein and doesn’t contain unhealthy fats and too many fillers such as soy or corn.#2 Provide Regular ExerciseModerate, low-impact exercise helps keep joints limber and muscles strong. However, be mindful of your dog's limitations, as pushing them too far can end up being counterproductive. Activities like swimming and walks are excellent choices, just make sure to tailor the pace to your pet’s capabilities.#3 Quality Supplementation Providing a diet rich in essential nutrients, including omega-3 fatty acids, glucosamine, and chondroitin, supports joint health. However, even when feeding a good quality kibble, it’s not always feasible to rely on your pet’s diet alone to be enough to provide all of these joint-nurturing ingredients in the right ratio. This is where dog joint supplements come in to enrich your pet’s diet with specific nutrients. 

Study Finds Pets Didn't Make People Happier During the Pandemic

Would you say that your pet help you feel better during the pandemic? Countless pet parents, myself included, would say they experienced less stress and anxiety during lockdown thanks to their four-legged companions. However, a new study led by researchers from Michigan State University suggests otherwise. Researchers couldn’t find a reliable association between pet ownership and well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic, even though owners claimed pets improved their lives. The pandemic was extremely stressful for everyone. The research team from Michigan State University theorized that the pandemic created ideal conditions to determine how much happiness and comfort pets actually provide to their families. The study, published in the Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, evaluated 767 people on three separate occasions in May 2020. The researchers used a mixed-method approach, looking at several indicators of well-being. They also asked owners in an open-ended question to think about the role of pets. Unsurprisingly, pet owners reported their pets made them happy. Owners claimed pets help them feel more positive emotions and provide companionship and affection, but also expressed worry about their pet’s well-being and reported their pets interfered with working remotely. But when researchers compared the happiness of pet owners to levels seen in non-pet owners they made a surprising discovery. Shockingly, the data showed no difference in the well-being of pet owners and non-pet owners over time. The research team explained that it did not matter what type of pet people owned, how many pets they had, or how close owners were with their pets. The personalities of the owners weren’t a factor either. “People say pets make them happy, but when we actually measure happiness that doesn’t appear to be the case,” said William Chopik, an associate professor in MSU’s Department of Psychology and co-author of the study, in a university release. “People see friends as lonely or wanting companionship, and they recommend getting a pet. But it’s unlikely to be as transformative as people think,” added Chopik. The research team also explored several other potential reasons as to why there was no difference in the happiness levels of pet owners and non-pet owners. The most likely reason might be that non-pet owners have found ways to fill their lives with activities and interests that make them as happy as owning a pet would. “Staking all of your hope on a pet making you feel better is probably unfair and maybe costly, given other things you could do in your life that could improve your happiness,”  said Chopik. Another study, involving 4,237 people, beginning at the start of the pandemic and ending in December 2021, had similar findings. Although owners grew closer to their pets, especially dogs, during the pandemic, that didn’t stave off stress.In fact, the lowest stress levels were seen in non-pet owners. When you think about it, these results kind of make sense - pet owners had an additional mouth to feed during the lockdown and had limited opportunities to take their dogs out for a walk or play session. The results of these studies are surprising, to say the least. I was positive that I was happier than my poochless friends during the lockdown, but guess that wasn’t the case. After thinking about this a bit more, I realized that maybe we shouldn’t expect so much from our four-legged companions. Yes, there are many benefits to owning a pet, and pets can make us happy, but ultimately happiness depends on ourselves. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

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!

Unexpected Things That Helped Me Cope With Loss of My 17-Year-Old Cat

Getting to share your life with a pet is truly a privilege, as there’s not much that can rival the sheer joy and genuine love these little creatures bring to us. But when the time comes to say goodbye, the weight of grief can feel overwhelming. In these moments, it feels like nothing can help lighten the load we carry, but it’s crucial to remember that the journey through pet loss is a shared experience among countless others who have navigated the same emotional terrain.I recently found myself grappling with the profound loss of my beloved four-legged companion, a 17-year-old cat called Luna. Luna was not just a pet; she was a loyal friend for more than half of my life, a source of comfort during challenging times, and a bundle of joy who brightened even the gloomiest days. When Luna passed away, a void opened up in my heart, leaving me adrift in a sea of grief.

This Special Camera Reveals How Our Pets See the World Around Them

Have you ever wondered how your pet  sees the world around them? We all know that the eyes of dogs, cats, and all other animals are not the same as ours, and they often see the world in a very different way. While all we could do is imagine and theorize up until now, thanks to a new breakthrough in technology we will be able to take a peek through the eyes of animals!Scientists have  invented a special camera that uses a unique combination of state-of-the-art hardware and software, in order to create videos and images that show us exactly how certain animals see. For example, with this latest tech, you will be able to see the vivid world of colors that are seen through the eyes of birds and bees. One of the recent demonstrations revealed how a UV-sensitive vision of a bird renders an orange sulfur butterfly - the result is more than striking, as it doesn’t look like anything related to human vision.

The Unseen Threat: Dangers of Secondhand Smoke for Your Pet

Most people are well aware of the dangers of smoking. They understand what smoking does to their bodies and know the potential health risks of lighting up a cigarette. But did you know that exposure to secondhand smoke may have serious health consequences for your pets?It’s no secret that smoking is bad for people. In the United States, between 80% to 90% of lung cancer deaths are linked to cigarette smoking. Secondhand smoking is also linked with an increased risk of other forms of cancer, such as breast and colorectal cancer, heart and respiratory disease.Studies have shown that more than 50% of bladder cancer cases in humans are caused by cigarette smoking. A recent study involving Scottish terriers found a link between cigarette smoke exposure and bladder cancer. Cancer is one of the leading causes of death in dogs, and many pooches are diagnosed with some form of this terrible disease. Although many factors may predispose a pet to cancer, research shows that passive smoking is a main danger.Scientists from the College of Veterinary Medicine at Purdue University discovered that Scottish terriers who were exposed to secondhand smoke at home were six times more likely to develop bladder cancer than those who were not routinely exposed to smoke.Passive smoking is also linked with nasal cancer in dogs. This type of cancer is often diagnosed in long-nosed breeds such as collies, greyhounds, and borzois. The increased surface area in their nasal canals traps inhaled particles, allowing carcinogens from tobacco smoke to accumulate in the nasal mucus. As a result, long-nosed dogs are at a greater risk of developing tumors in their snouts. On the other hand, brachycephalic or short-nosed dog breeds, such as pugs and French bulldogs, are more likely to develop lung cancer. Their short noses aren’t as effective at trapping inhaled particles and allow more carcinogens to reach the lungs.Being exposed to smoke increases the risk that your dog will develop cancer, but that’s not all. Pooches that live with smokers are more likely to develop asthma, bronchitis, and other respiratory problems.Dogs aren’t the only pets to suffer the consequences of inhaling secondhand smoke on a daily basis. Cats, birds, and small critters like guinea pigs and rabbits are also at risk.Cats that live with smokers are more likely to develop asthma and lung cancer. Felines that inhale secondhand smoke regularly also have a higher incidence of malignant lymphoma.  Studies have found higher nicotine concentrations in the hair of cats living with smokers than those living in smoke-free homes. The same is true for dogs living with smokers, no matter whether their owners smoked inside or outside. Cats are famous for being fastidious groomers, but licking the fur puts them at risk of ingesting even more toxic particles from secondhand smoke than simply inhaling them. Felines that groom excessively can develop oral tumors from licking toxic particles off their fur.Secondhand smoke alone isn't responsible for all health problems seen in cats and dogs. Diet, genetics, lifestyle, and exposure to other potentially toxic substances in the environment combined affect the pet’s overall health.Owners concerned with the well-being of their four-legged companions should be more aware of the air quality in their homes and make necessary lifestyle changes.Choosing to smoke outside can minimize some risks associated with exposure to secondhand smoke. Improving ventilation, opening the windows, and using air filters can help too. However, it’s important to note that even a low exposure to secondhand smoke can be harmful to your four-legged companion.Quitting smoking is hard, but knowing how secondhand smoke affects your pet’s health may motivate you to put down that cigarette once and for all!Join the PetGuiJoin the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Animal Shelter Receives Donations in Memory of Jon Stewart’s Dog

Comedian Jon Stewart returned to “The Daily Show” on Comedy Central in February, and viewers have been tuning in to watch him talk about current events. Stewart hosts every Monday night, serving up news in a hilarious way. But on February 26, he closed the show on a somber note, spending a few minutes talking about his dog, Dipper.Jon Stewart Remembers His Extraordinary DogStewart shared a touching story of how he met and came to adopt Dipper. He explained that, 12 or 13 years ago, his young children wanted to raise money for Animal Haven, a no-kill shelter for dogs and cats in New York City. To fundraise, his family baked cupcakes and set up an area outside of the shelter to sell them.  He went on to say that the shelter brought out a pit bull who was about 1 year old. At this point, Stewart started to break down, clearly getting emotional as he explained that the dog had been hit by a car in Brooklyn and had lost one of his legs as a result.Through tears, Stewart said his family left the shelter after raising some much-needed funds for a wonderful organization that does great work. But they also left with the very special pit bull who had stolen their hearts and who was, as Stewart described him, the best boy. Dipper even used to go to the studio with Stewart, so he met the famous people who were guests on the show.Then, Stewart shared the devastating news that Dipper had passed away just the day before. He ended with a wish for everyone to find an amazing dog they could love. And then, for the show’s “Moment of Zen,” they played an adorable video of Dipper playing in the snow.You can watch the segment here:

Are Dogs Smarter than Cats?

The rivalry between cats and dogs is an age-old thing. Many pet owners are divided in their affections, as some adore kitties, but others are strictly doggo lovers. And this rivalry poses an intriguing question – could there be a difference between cats and dogs? While both are cuddly and loveable, they are inevitably different. So, could it be possible that  dogs are smarter than cats, or vice versa? This is a popular question in the scientific world, and many tried answering it. Let’s see what they came up with.Are Dogs Smarter than Cats? For ages, the debate on the rivalry between cats and dogs has been ongoing. Ultimately, however, it all depends on how you define “smart”. Dogs are often loved for their obedience, their ability to be trained and follow commands, their unwavering loyalty, and their excellent guardian traits. Cats, on the other hand, are known for their independence, their adaptability and problem-solving skills, their free and restless spirit, and their cuddly nature. So, as we can see, while generally different in personalities, both of these animals possess certain cognitive skills – but is one smarter than the other?Recent studies have revealed that both dogs and cats possess unique cognitive abilities suited to their respective lifestyles and evolutionary histories. Meaning, they are completely different animals. Dogs, for example, originated from domesticated canines, far, far back in history. They were bred over thousands of years to work alongside humans, protect flocks, help with hunting, and guard homes. This, in turn, has likely influenced their ability to understand and communicate with us, and to be so devoted as pets. But cats are different. In stark contrast to doggos, cats have retained more of their wild instincts, allowing them to thrive in a variety of environments and situations.All of this means that you can’t really compare the intelligence of a cat and that of a dog. It’s like comparing apples and oranges – it just doesn’t go. Each animal excels in different areas and possesses different strengths. It's more accurate to appreciate the unique qualities of each species rather than trying to determine which one is "smarter."But even so, scientists tried to reach a decisive conclusion. They studied both cats and dogs and ultimately reached an answer - at least, scientifically speaking. Their research shows that dogs are smarter than cats! Some of you might find this answer surprising but don’t raise a revolt just yet. Cats are super intelligent even so. It’s just that they are likely not as smart as some dogs are. The secret is in “smartness” itself. Dogs are intelligent in their own way. They are generally more reliant on humans for problem-solving tasks, but they are adept at learning from observation and experience. They can also be trained to perform a wide range of tasks, from simple tricks to complex behaviors, such as guiding the visually impaired or detecting explosives. Cats, however, are natural hunters and possess excellent problem-solving skills. They are known for their agility, stealth, and ability to strategize when stalking their prey. In a domestic setting, cats demonstrate problem-solving abilities when navigating obstacles, finding hiding spots, and even manipulating objects to access food or toys. So, both of them have different positive traits and different types of intelligence. But it could be that dogs, with their ability to learn and obey commands, are just a tad bit smarter.

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