Adoptable Dog Of The Week – Tommy

Adoptable Dog of the Week – Tommy

He might look like a wild spirit, but this lovely guy is all cuddles! Our Adoptable Dog of the Week is Tommy, a 2 to 3 years old Husky mix from Cedar Crest, New Mexico. Tommy is neutered, up to date with his vaccinations, and good with kids and other dogs. Tommy’s Tale Tomy was a street-roaming stray before he got rescued. He did have some medical issues when he was found, all of which have cleared by now: Tommy is a healthy, happy dog. Also, you shouldn’t let his rugged looks and past on the streets fool you- this sweet boy is very well-mannered and quite affectionate. He absolutely loves spending times with his humans. Tommy loves cuddles and belly rubs are his favorite (no surprise there!). This lovely pooch does well with many other dogs, but prefers females- but with looks like his, who could blame him for being a ladies man, right? Kitties, though, are not Tommy’s favorite, and he’ll need to go to a cat-free household. Tommy is also a very smart dog- it might be the suspected Shepherd genes in his ancestry. He is great on walks and will sit on command. Tommy behaves well on a leash and in a crate and is generally a good traveler. On top of his many qualities, this pretty pooch has an insanely adorable walk- it kind of looks like prancing. Seriously, can this dog get any cuter? Ideally, his new home will have a female dog companion, experienced husky owners, daily walks, and a minimum 5 foot or higher secure fence. If you think that your family is the right match for Tommy, visit Siberian Husky Rescue of New Mexico, Inc. for more information.

Adoptable Dog of the Week - Robin

Are you considering adding a new dog to the family, but you’re worried about how they will interact with your current pup? If so, this adorable boy may be the perfect fit! Robin is an adult mutt, but don’t let his lack of pedigree hold you back. He’s currently waiting in Houston, Texas for his forever home, where he’s referred to as “dog’s best friend.” Why? He is happiest spending his days with another dog companion. Included in his adoption fee, Robin will be neutered, microchipped, heartworm tested, and up to date on his vaccinations.Robin’s TaleWhen Robin came into the care of Best Friends Houston, they quickly noticed that he was pretty shy around people. He’s a low-key homebody that would be happiest trading in his social life to spend time at home with another dog friend. This isn’t to say that he will never warm up to some quality time with his people. He does love sharing the couch, taking naps on his person’s bed and enjoys a belly rub from time to time. But he’s not the kind of dog interested in constant attention or travelling to high-traffic public areas.He is a great addition if you already have some furry family members. In the time he has been fostered through Best Friends Houston, he has lived with dogs and cats and gotten along with both. In fact, his ideal home would include a doggy pal he can hang out with.Robin has been working on his basic obedience under the direction of his foster mom. He is housetrained, knows how to sit on command, and takes treats gently from people he feels comfortable with. If you spend a lot of time outdoors in your yard, he’s happy to join in. Many of his favorite things to do are outdoor activities, including playing chase with his dog friends, sunbathing, and letting the local squirrels know who is in charge. When he’s in the house, he’s content playing independently with Kongs and chew toys.If Robin sounds like the perfect fit for you and your family, contact Best Friends Houston for more information. 

Adoptable Dog of the Week – Hannah

This lovely girl needs someone to give her a second chance at a happily ever after! Our Adoptable Dog of the Week is Hannah, a six year old Labrador Retriever and Catahoula Leopard Dog mix from Indianapolis, Indiana. She is spayed, current on her shots, and house trained. Hannah doesn’t mind older children and does well with dogs (that have a personality similar to hers), but hasn’t been tested around cats. Hannah’s TaleHannah has been picked up as a stray dog by a local shelter, but has been very stressed out in the shelter’s kennel – she has significantly relaxed since being transferred to a rescue. She is a sweet dog that only wants to have a family of her own, where she could really blossom and show her beautiful personality to the fullest. She is playful (balls are her favorite toy ever), but isn’t too energetic or demanding – she’d do great with a family that leads a quiet lifestyle and wants a mellow companion that doesn’t need daily adventures to be happy.While Hannah can be a bit shy and distrustful at first, once she gets a chance to meet you, she will quickly warm up to you and shower you with affection once she feels safe and relaxed around you. She’ll love to snuggle up to you, kick it back, and simply unwind while she’s getting some much-wanted ear scratches and belly rubs – she really is a loving dog that only wants that love to be returned by someone.Hannah is house-trained, has great leash manners, and has never made a mess or an issue when left alone – she is a very well-behaved gal. She has been around kids in the rescue but has been scared and startled by curious toddlers, so it’s best if she goes to an adult-only home or a family with older children. Hannah is good around dogs but gets really stressed by young, energetic dogs that can be pushy, and it would be better if her canine sibling would be an older dog or a pooch with a similarly mellow character.If you want to learn more about Hannah or adopt her, contact S.O.A.R. Initiative, Inc. for additional information.

Adoptable Dog of the Week - Asher

Are you looking for a high-energy dog that can keep up with your many exciting adventures and activities? If so, this boy may be the perfect new addition to your family! Our Adoptable Dog of the Week is Asher, a 2-year-old Australian Cattle Dog patiently (or not so patiently) waiting in Studio City, CA, to find his forever home. Like many Cattle Dogs, Asher often displays herding behaviors. For this reason, he would be best suited to a home where he is the only dog, and there are no young children. He is neutered and up to date on his vaccinations. Asher’s Tale Asher was found wandering the streets as a stray. He had suffered an injury resulting in a neck wound that appeared to have been caused by a dog fight at some point in his attempt to survive on his own. Since being found, he was given the medical care and attention needed, and his wounds have fully healed. Like most Cattle Dogs, Asher has a lot of energy. He is a working dog and needs to go to a home where he will be given plenty of exercise daily. He would do best with an experienced adopter that knows how to train and handle a working dog. Asher thrives in situations where he is given a job or a task to focus on. For many working dogs, this could include trick or obedience training, agility, hiking (especially carrying a properly weighted pack), scent work, or long games of fetch. Working dogs also love the mental enrichment from puzzle toys and snuffle mats. There is nothing that Asher will love more than getting out and spending time at his owner’s side, enjoying that quality time whatever the task. When not working, Asher is a loving companion. He will happily relax next to you while you work and cuddle all night if his exercise needs are met. While he will bond closely with “his person” or people, cattle dogs are often wary of strangers. If Asher sounds like the perfect fit for you and your lifestyle, contact The Rescue Train for more information. 

Adoptable Dog of the Week – Rickey

This handsome boy is looking for his forever home – could you be the one to give him the happy ending he deserves? Our Adoptable Dog of the Week is Rickey, a one year old  Beagle and  Chihuahua mix (a  Cheagle, if you prefer), from Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. This ginger beauty is neutered, up to date on his shots, microchipped, and current on heartworm, flea, and tick preventatives. Rickey is housetrained, and does well with other dogs and older children, but hasn’t been tested around cats. Rickey’s TaleRickey was left at the shelter by his previous owner due to landlord troubles – but he’s more than ready to get his second chance with a family that will love and cherish him forever. He weighs only 13 pounds, so he’d be a great choice for an apartment dweller looking for a small pooch that is well-behaved and would do well in any setting – Rickey is house trained and crate trained, so he really is very well-mannered. A loving soul, he is eager to please and could learn so much more with a patient, committed owner that would like to teach him some new tricks – he’d be more than happy to show off his smarts! A friendly dog, Rickey gets along with other dogs and wouldn't mind a canine sibling in the family, even though he would do just as well as the only pet in the home. He does well with older, respectful children but hasn’t been tested around cats since coming into the rescue – if you have a feline and are considering adopting Rickey, it’s best to contact his rescuers for more information. If you want to be the one to show Rickey what real love means and pamper this adorable boy just like he deserves, contact  Dogs As Family, Inc. to learn more about him and the adoption process. 

Research Finds That Rats Have Imagination

Do animals have imagination? Many people wonder if animals are capable of imagining things in their minds the same way that humans can. Could a rat, for example, use their imagination? Recent research has shown that, yes, they can, at least to a similar degree as people.

UK Firefighters Get No Thanks from Rescued Cat

Trapped between brick walls, rescued feline's epic scowl captures readers attention.

Britain's Beloved Breed, the Scottish Terrier, Faces Extinction

Once an icon of British culture, the Scottish terrier is now facing extinction. The Scottie has a distinctive silhouette of a short-legged but sturdy dog with furnishings at the beard, legs, and lower body.These mighty pooches decorated everything from the Monopoly board to designer bags, and shortbread tins. However, the Kennel Club has placed the Scottish terrier on its “at watch” list after only 406 puppies were registered by breeders in 2023.The number of registered Scotties has been plummeting for five consecutive years, but this is a record low.The Scottie was the most popular in the 1930s when there were more than 5,800 registered puppies in a single year. Presidents Franklin D Roosevelt and George W Bush enjoyed the company of Scottie dogs, while countless celebrities including Dorothy Parker and Charles Lindbergh owned a Scottish terrier. Originally bred to hunt foxes, badgers, and other vermin in the Highlands, the Scottish terrier has a loyal, fateful, and bold nature, but is never aggressive. Scotties are dignified, self-assured, independent, and highly intelligent dogs that make wonderful companions to people of all ages.Unfortunately, the Scottie isn’t the only dog that has fallen out of favor with British dog lovers. On the Kennel Club’s “at watch” list are also the English pointer, the rough collie, the wire fox terrier, the Sussex spaniel, the curly-coated retriever, the otterhound, the Gordon setter, the Norwich terrier, and the Manchester terrier. “The Scottish terrier has been such an icon and recognizable breed in the UK for decades and means so much to so many different people, so these latest figures are really worrying,” said Bill Lambart, a spokesman for the Kennel Club.On the other end of the popularity spectrum are Bernese mountain dogs and miniature longhaired Dachshunds, which saw the biggest rise in registrations. The English setter, the Jack Russel terrier, and the Yorkshire terrier also experienced a surge in popularity. Brits are lucky to have more than two hundred wonderful dog breeds to choose from. Each of these breeds has unique personality and character traits and make amazing companions. However, most dogs seen in the parks and streets come from the top ten most popular breeds.“People often opt for well-known choices and simply forget to dig a little deeper, with the worrying knock-on effect that not only are some of our most iconic breeds in decline but also that people might not be getting the perfect match for them,” said Lambert. “People simply forget there are so many different dog breeds, with different personalities and characteristics, and it’s not just the well-known ones that could be a great match for our lifestyles.” The Kennel Club is pleased to see that some of the country’s native breeds, like the English setter, are regaining their popularity. However, the organization also stresses that many breeds are at risk of extinction only because they are no longer fashionable. The top ten most popular breeds in the UK, including the French bulldog, Labrador retriever, and Cocker spaniel, account for more than 60 percent of annual puppy registrations for all breeds. Despite the low registration numbers, there’s still hope for the Scottish terrier. Breed enthusiasts and clubs have started to promote the breed’s unique traits, in hopes of increasing the public’s interest in this amazing breed. The plan to educate the public about the Scottish terrier’s character, history, and suitability as a companion pet could be essential for boosting the breed’s registration numbers. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Are Dog Bars the New Dog Park?

Socializing with other pet parents over a cold one, just got easier!

New Tool Detects and Predicts Dog Mobility Issues

Researchers at the University of Liverpool and experts at Dogs Trust have joined forces to create a unique new tool for detecting and predicting dog mobility issues. These veterinary experts have developed the GenPup-M questionnaire. This survey asks dog owners a series of questions to about their dog's mobility. The GenPup-M questionnaire is designed in a way that can help owners determine whether their dog might be experiencing mobility problems, even mild ones. Mobility-related problems are the third most commonly diagnosed disease in dogs. It’s estimated that 200,000 dogs are affected by musculoskeletal disease annually. According to some estimates, 20% of dogs have mobility issues before one year old, but most aren’t diagnosed until they are eight to 13 years old. Current mobility questionnaires are developed for dogs already diagnosed with mobility problems and track their quality of life. This means that many dogs spend the better part of their lives living with a painful condition that negatively impacts their overall health and well-being. A recent study, published in PLOS ONE confirms the validity of the GenPup-M questionnaire. The study involved 62 dogs - 31 with mobility issues and 31 without mobility issues.Scientists obtained the dogs’ clinical history from the owners, and all dogs received an orthopedic exam at the beginning of the study. Next, owners were asked to complete the GenPup-M questionnaire along with a previously validated mobility questionnaire.To determine the survey’s validity and its ability to identify mobility issues in dogs, scientists compared GenPup-M responses with the results of other expert tests, including advanced gait analysis.“Impaired mobility can affect a dog’s ability to engage in daily activities and interactions, move or exercise freely. If an animal is unwilling to or cannot play, exercise, or express normal behavior, this can impact its quality of life,” said Natasha Clark, veterinary surgeon and researcher at the Department of Musculoskeletal & Aging Science at the University of Liverpool. According to Clark, when done over time at regular checkups, the GenPup-M questionnaire can identify subtle changes in a dog’s mobility without the use of expensive and time-consuming gait analysis. This new tool can help vets diagnose and slow the development of mobility problems in dogs. “Our research doesn’t stop here and we will continue to research and develop GenPup-M to refine it as an even more effective tool for vets and dog caregivers,” added Clark.The Deputy Head of Research, Welfare Projects & Grants at Dogs Trust, Dr Jane Murray, said, “We are delighted to work collaboratively with the University of Liverpool on this study which serves to improve the well-being of dogs, as no dog is immune to mobility issues. Generation Pup is a ground-breaking study of the health, welfare, and behavior of our dogs and we hope this research helps more owners detect early signs of mobility issues, leading to veterinary and management interventions that can improve the welfare of the affected dogs.”Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Check Out Giant Dogs On the Free 2024 Calendar of the Portland USACE

Who knew that calendars featuring gigantic cats could be such a hit! Last year, the Pacific Northwest-based U.S. military personnel issued their own calendars which featured enormous kitties that oversaw construction projects making a seemingly ordinary calendar - a ton of fun. Needless to say, their hilarious (and completely free) calendar went viral, so they wanted to repeat last year’s success. This year, however, the Portland branch of the US Army Corps of Engineers, which is based in Oregon, decided to “branch out”, and their new yearly 2024 calendar will feature gigantic doggos as well. This was a logical follow-up to their viral social media campaign of the previous year, when kittens stole the show. The personnel of this military branch handles tough civil works in the whole of Oregon and southwestern Washington, so a bit of lighthearted humor really goes a long way for them. Their staff got the idea of superimposing photos of cats and dogs into quality landscape photos of the most important public infrastructure projects that the teams were involved with. The idea was an instant hit. And now, their 2024 calendars in both cat and dog editions can be freely downloaded in a PDF format, allowing quick and easy printing. You can find the dog calendar here and the cat calendar here.“This product was created to tell the story of our district and what we do in a way that’s actually enjoyable for the average member of the public,” Portland district spokesman Chris Gaylord said. Mr. Gaylord further said that the whole project was their effort to portray an otherwise rough and industrial work in a more entertaining light. And it is also a way for the workers to get some steam off as well. After all, they are busy throughout the year, operating more than 700 dams and 12,000 miles of inland waterways. “It was really so inspiring to see how much joy this little product brought to people all over the world,” Gaylord said, after their first calendar “won over the internet”, getting an incredible 530,000 downloads on their website. To make matters even more memorable, the photos of the pets are from the employees themselves! Gaylord received almost 750 photos from 150 workers. Choosing just a few to include in the calendar was no easy task. But to make everyone satisfied, a page at the end of the calendar includes a grid with most of the pets that did not make it onto the big pages. What do you think – which pooch of the month is your fave?

New Study Reveals Dogs Can Sniff Out Neurodegenerative Diseases

We all know that doggos have incredible noses and a superb sense of smell. It is tens of thousands of times stronger than our own. This makes us wonder – what secrets can such a sense of smell unveil? Many scientists consider the canine sense of smell a great potential to enhance human lives thanks to its accuracy. And that is exactly what was unveiled in a recent study published in “bioRxiv”, by researchers Samuel V. Johnston and Lisa Holt from Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory. Thanks to their efforts, and the incredible abilities of doggos, it was revealed that our four-legged friends have the potential to detect neurodegenerative diseases, such as Parkinson’s. Parkinson’s disease is a terrible condition, affecting primarily seniors. What is even worse is that this disease has many difficulties in diagnosis, which prevents doctors from accurately identifying the disease in the early stages. But the breakthrough study could change all that! Thanks to doggos and their powerful noses, we could be on the brink of completely changing the way Parkinson’s is diagnosed. “Dogs have an extraordinary olfactory capability, which far exceeds that of humans. Dogs’ sense of smell seems to be the main sense, allowing them to not only gather both current and historical information about their surrounding environment, but also to find the source of the smell, which is crucial for locating food, danger, or partners for reproduction.”  writes Agata Kusiak, from the Institute of Animal Sciences, Warsaw University. “Dogs can be trained by humans to use their olfactory abilities in a variety of fields, with a detection limit often much lower than that of sophisticated laboratory instruments.”Utilizing this remarkable sense of smell, scientists trained 23 dogs of different breeds and backgrounds, to successfully differentiate between samples of both Parkinson’s-positive individuals and Parkinson’s-negative individuals. The results were more than successful, with the dogs showcasing 86% sensitivity and 89% specificity in distinguishing the samples. In many ways, this is a revolutionary study and opens new doors and new possibilities in medical diagnostics. What is even better, it offers new hope for the timely detection of Parkinson’s disease. However, it is important to note that the study is still in relative infancy, and is still awaiting peer review. But the potential here is incredible. If validated, the study could help improve patient outcomes, and help with early diagnosis of this troubling disease.

After 11 Long Years, a Cat That Was Presumed Dead Returns Home

Sometimes, miracles can truly happen when you least expect it! And if a pet story can be considered a real life miracle, it’s the one about Toby, a family cat that - it would seem - lived a life of great adventure. In 2012, Toby, the now 14-year-old cat of the Allan family from Warwickshire, suddenly disappeared after the family moved to a new house. It was a heartbreaking event for the entire family, but their pet was nowhere to be found. After many attempts to locate their cat, they simply had to come to terms with the fact that old Toby was lost, and presumably dead. But this week, after 11 long years, Toby was returned to the Allan family by a local woman. The lady checked the cat’s microchip and was quick to get in touch with Coventry Cats Protection."I never thought in a million years I’d see him again," said owner Justine Allan. "Toby was collected and will no longer have to scavenge for food and sleep in a cold bin store," added the Coventry charity co-ordinator Wendy Harris.Toby suddenly went missing in a chilly December in 2012, after the Allan family moved from Galley Common in Nuneaton, to their new residence at Long Shoot."[My son Charlie] was about 12 when Toby went missing, and he was heartbroken when we realized he probably wasn’t coming back," said Mrs Allan for  Yahoo "The Long Shoot is a notoriously busy road, we just assumed the worst had happened and thought he had been run over.”But almost a decade later, just 5 miles away a local Bedworth lady got in touch with Cats Protection, believing that a stray cat she was feeding was pregnant. A volunteer with the charity went out to investigate, a microchip scanner in tow. "It turned out, not only did it have a chip, but that he was a neutered male named Toby, rather than female as originally believed," said Ms. Harris.Blazingly fast, the charity managed to trace the details of the Allan family on their database, and got in touch to share the splendid news – their missing feline friend was re-discovered!Initially in complete shock, after 11 years, the Allan family rejoiced and celebrated and quickly went out to pick up their long-lost pet. During those 11 years, the family welcomed another pet into their home, a King Charles Cavalier named Bernie. But even so, Toby fits right back into the family dynamic. As if he wasn’t missing for more than a decade!

Is Dog Snoring Normal?

Does it sound like your pet’s sawing wood whenever they take a nap? We hear you. It just so happens that dogs can snore like humans do, and some do it quite often and quite loudly. But what causes snoring in dogs, and is it normal? And is there a way to limit, reduce, or altogether eliminate it? Here are all the deets on dog snoring you need to know.Is Dog Snoring Normal?First off, yes, dog snoring can be completely normal. Just like humans, dogs can snore for various reasons. In most cases, it is not something you should worry about. Still, it can be somewhat distracting, and you might want to know what causes it. A number of factors can contribute to this issue – here are the most common ones.Brachycephalic Breeds:Dogs with short noses and flat faces, known as brachycephalic breeds, are more prone to snoring. This conformation can lead to narrower air passages, making it harder for air to flow smoothly during breathing. Examples of brachycephalic breeds include Bulldogs, Pugs, Boxers, and Shih Tzus.Weight:Overweight, chubby dogs may snore more frequently because excess weight can put pressure on their airways. Combined with excess fat on their neck, and the sleeping position, their snoring can be quite loud, especially during sleep. Age:Believe it or not, age can cause snoring as well! Older dogs may snore more frequently and loudly as they age, just like some humans. Age can affect the muscles and tissues in a dog's throat. Older dogs may experience a relaxation of these tissues, contributing to snoring. Don't hold it against your senior furry friend, they can't help it!Sleeping Environment:Ultimately, the environment in which a dog sleeps can influence snoring. For example, if the room is too dry, it may irritate the nasal passages, or if it's too warm, dogs may breathe with their mouths open, contributing to snoring. Try to find an ideal environment for them, or consider using an air humidifier to moisturize dry air.

Pet Obesity Study Shows Promise and Surprising Links With Humans

If you thought that your chubby doggo is incredibly cute, you might want to consider what’s hiding behind that adorable exterior.  Pet obesity is a real thing, and it is a major health hazard that many dogs experience in their lifetime. And, sadly, a lot of it is connected to improper care and diet. To show us just how big of a problem it has become, the latest study from the  Association for Pet Obesity Prevention revealed that in the U.S. alone, around 59% of dogs and 61% of cats were overweight or obese! However, recently conducted research shows that there might be a way to battle the obesity pandemic – with certain strains of probiotics that can help curb pet obesity, especially when dogs are in question. A research team from Seoul National University's Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, College of Agriculture and Life Science, conducted a study investigating the effects of probiotics on canine obesity. They discovered two strains that appeared to have weight-reducing properties in obese dogs. To assess the probiotic potential of these strains, the researchers employed a lifespan analysis using Caenorhabditis elegans, a genetic model known for its simplicity in genetic manipulation and shorter lifespan compared to other animal models. Their findings were detailed in a  paper published in the Microbiology Spectrum journal.Thanks to the positive outcome of this research, a new hope was discovered for doggos struggling with excess weight. The use of Caenorhabditis Elegans offers “interventions aimed at enhancing metabolic health in various mammals”, according to the research team. What is more, the effects could be applied to cats, humans, and other mammals, since C. Elegans “serves as a human homolog model”. In general, this whole study could prove to be beneficial to several animal species, as well as humans, making its significance multifold. However, the exact way that bacteria affects weight is not entirely understood. Even though some studies show that certain strains will slow weight gain, researchers were still unable to find a connection between bacteria and weight.Nevertheless, the study is proving to be a major leap forward when pet obesity is considered. There is plenty of potential in this study, and further efforts could change the way dog obesity is experienced – or possibly even root it out for good! 

Urine Tests Could Now Provide Early Detection of Cancer in Dogs

Cancer doesn’t discriminate – it affects all creatures around the world, including our cherished pets. Learning that your  dog has cancer can be such a devastating thing, but sadly, it is so common nowadays. John Robertson, research professor in the Department of Biomedical Engineering and Mechanics at Virginia Tech says in his interview for  WTOP News  that “one in four dogs will be diagnosed with cancer,” and that “by the time they’re middle-aged, 50% of dogs will die of cancer after the age of 10 years.”Professor Robertson is part of a vast research team that has developed an innovative new noninvasive rapid test that utilizes a dog’s urine and allows potential early detection of cancer. “Usually, when a dog gets diagnosed with cancer, it’s usually quite advanced, with visible signs — we’re trying to detect cancer before these physical symptoms appear,” said fellow researcher Ryan Senger, associate professor in the Department of Biological Systems Engineering. “Cancer is going to change overall metabolism inside the body, and it’s going to change the way the kidneys function, which can be observed in the urine screening process,” Senger added.Through samples of dog urine, the research team discovered that cancerous subjects amongst the observed molecules had a unique “fingerprint” that could be used to indicate the presence of cancer. “We would like to be able to have dogs screened earlier, before cancer develops, throughout their lifetime, perhaps a once-a-year urine specimen,” said Robertson. “That tells us what the molecular fingerprint of the urine is, so if it changes and falls into that realm of fingerprints that define cancer, we’d be able to pay more attention to figure out what’s going on with the dog.”Robertson also added that there are 12 breeds of purebred dogs that have a much higher incidence of cancer. “We’re going to focus on being able to institute early, regular screening that’s going to help pick up earlier when they’re developing cancer, in the hopes that we can get better outcomes.”However, veterinary care is typically subsidized by the owner, Robertson emphasized, which is opposite to medical care, which is often paid for by insurance. “So, we intend to make our tests readily available at a price point that everyone can afford to regularly have their dog examined and screened.”, the professor added. Robertson said that urine screening is currently being researched, to determine whether it could be applied to humans as well, potentially bringing great changes to the discovery of cancer cells. The team’s findings were published in  Frontiers in Veterinary Science and make us very optimistic for the future of preventive veterinary medicine – an inexpensive, accurate way to screen for a potentially fatal illness could be life-changing for so many pets and their owners. Not to mention the implications if such a test could be adapted to be used on humans, as well! 

Pregnant Dog Saved from Shipping Container by U.S. Coast Guard

Members of the U.S. Coast Guard Sector Houston-Galveston got a big surprise when they found a dog trapped inside a shipping container. While inspecting the containers, Lucas Loe, Bryan Wainscott, Jose Reyes, and Ryan McMahon heard scratching and barking coming from inside one of them. After bringing the container down to ground level—it had been roughly 25 feet up—they opened it to find an adorable dog desperate to get out.A Dog Rescued Against All OddsThe poor dog had been stuck in that container, which had junked vehicles and was set to be shipped overseas, for at least eight days without any food or water. How she got in there in the first place is a mystery, but they think she might’ve been in one of the cars that was put in the container.What makes this story even more incredible is the fact that there were thousands of shipping containers along with the one that the friendly dog was trapped in, so she’s very lucky that the inspectors heard her and rescued her in time. They named her Connie, and her story quickly went viral. She’s even referred to as Connie the Container Dog. A video posted on Facebook shows her rescue.According to a U.S. Coast Guard Heartland Facebook post, Connie was thrilled and grateful to be free, but she was also tired and hungry. She was taken to Pasadena Animal Shelter to be examined before being flown to Forever Changed Animal Rescue (FCAR) in the Washington, D.C. metro area. She was diagnosed with heartworm and was found to be underweight.A New Discovery: Connie the Container Dog Is PregnantAfter her rescuers noticed that Connie’s mammary glands were swollen, they worried that she’d given birth to and lost her puppies while she was trapped in the container. But an ultrasound revealed that she is indeed pregnant.Once she’s healed and ready to be adopted, Connie will be looking for a forever home. And her puppies will also be looking for homes once they’re old enough. In the meantime, she’ll stay with a veterinarian who will keep a close eye on her and make sure that she and her puppies are doing well.To keep up with Connie’s journey, you can follow FCAR’s Facebook page.You can also watch this video to see Connie and her rescuers:

Dogs Trained to Detect Ancient Remains Expedite Search for Graves

Canada’s recent discovery of hundreds of tiny unmarked graves attributed to the residential school system has created not only cross-country outrage but also a determination to locate and repatriate the remains of all children who left home to attend these schools but never returned.Within a few weeks, the number of unmarked graves throughout Canada had quickly grown to over 10,000 and the ability to locate and identify additional sites (that would date back decades), had become almost impossible. Particularly since many of the schools had since been razed and pinpointing potential burial areas leaned heavily toward guesswork.The search had to be done respectfully – meaning without the use of large, excavation equipment – however, the need to cover a vast range of land in a timely manner was a challenge.That’s when the search teams decided to bring in the dogs.Part of the Ottawa Valley Search and Rescue Dog Association, German Shepherds, Recce and Taz are proficient in detecting older, archeological remains with drill work that has included using older cemeteries as their training ground. In fact, Historic Human Remains Detection Dogs have been used throughout North America and Europe to identify human remains in archaeological sites that date back hundreds of years… and longer. These dogs can pick up on the much lower scent levels that come from teeth and bones found in ancient graves… and some are even explicitly trained to detect cremated remains where no bones or teeth remain.This switch from bulldozers to the canine duo is a change welcomed by the area’s former residential school students who feel that because dogs have always been part of the Indigenous culture, they offer a natural, more appropriate approach to finding the missing children.According to Archaeology Professor Adrian Burke, dogs make a great option because they are non-invasive. Although it’s not an exact science – they can’t pinpoint an individual grave - they can hone in on a location and this saves time and the need for random digging. Once dogs flag a site, Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) is used to confirm what lies beneath.By adding Recce and Taz to the search teams, it’s estimated the time needed to cover a couple of acres can be reduced from a few weeks to just a couple of days.While the process is still slow and time-consuming, Indigenous residents confirm it’s about the children’s families understanding what happened to their little ones, being able to bring them home for appropriate burial, and ultimately experiencing a sense of closure and justice.

Top stories

Adoptable Dog Of The Week – Tommy

Give Your Cat a Purr-fect Treat

How Do I Stop My Cat From Waking Me up at Night?

Top stories

Adoptable Dog Of The Week – Tommy

Related articles