Quarantine Weather Reports Constantly Interrupted By Talkative Pooch

by Lori Ennis

April 21st, 2020 12:00 AM

quarantine weather reports constantly interrupted by talkative pooch

With much of North America working remotely from home, there are bound to be some ruff days as pets and their people adjust to so much togetherness. One meteorologist from St. Louis had us cracking up, as his dog Maple clearly wanted to be the star of his show!

When NBC5 On Your Side’s Chief Meterologist Scott Connell tried to film a tease from home, his King Charles Cavalier Maple wasn’t having any of it.

Anybody else have a dog that really wants to be part of every experience? Working from home certainly has its challenges. Little Miss Maple apparently thought the squirrel in the backyard was worthy of my attention while trying to tape the tease for the late news Tuesday night. She's just a little spunky for sure!

Posted by Scott Connell on Wednesday, April 15, 2020

Maple didn’t give any cares as he barked and yipped, trying to alert her clearly oblivious dad to the dangers of squirmy squirrels in the back yard. Maple’s barks were timed perfectly as each one hilariously coincided with her dad’s redoing a take for his weather report.

Connell’s constant interruptions from Maple kept forcing him to retake, and even when he tried to get Maple to come and stay by his side, Maple wasn’t having any of it. It was only when Connell had his hand on Maple the entire time that she gave him enough quiet to make it all the way through…just barely, though. Because, you know…squirrels are serious business and wait for no one.

The meteorologist posted the bloopers on Facebook, wondering it was just him who was having a hard time with pets who want to be part of every work from home experience.

Turns out that he’s NOT, as the Interwebs have been full of people posting about how their pets are presenting themselves in the most inconvenient of ways while their humans work from home.

Some pets are being the ever judgy bosses…

meetings with my manager are a little different during mandated work from home pic.twitter.com/SwFOlOPSEH

— bradley babendir (@therealbradbabs) March 12, 2020

While others are literally showing their rears in protest of working from home….

thoughts and prayers to everyone out there trying to work from home with a pet that does not understand the concept pic.twitter.com/zWLaLWyZg8

— Anagha Srikanth (@anasrikanth) March 12, 2020

Others are requiring some serious hand-holding through this whole COVID-19 thing…

Work from home, they said. You’ll just be as productive. Clearly they haven’t met my dog, who requires me to hold her paws. pic.twitter.com/7vKjY251ys

— Alex Wilcox (@Ms_Alex_W) March 12, 2020

While others insist that work be all about THEM…

Everyday. Excuse my messy desk. pic.twitter.com/saSTTrTgy9

— Raven Vz (@blackedraven) March 12, 2020

Then there’s that sound that we all know the second we hear it…coming at the most inopportune times…

The people on this conference call don’t know, but I BARELY muted my micrphone before my dog did something I can only describe as a yell barf.

— Hand Stanitizer Horaczek (@stanhoraczek) March 18, 2020

And those who just give in and let their pets win.

How I imagine pretty much every video conference meeting is going for anyone working from home who has a cat. pic.twitter.com/NYS3bpLkyw

— Amanda (@Pandamoanimum) March 19, 2020

Of course, you always have those micromanager bosses who insist on being in the middle of EVERYthing…

Studies have shown that pets boost our sense of well-being and creativity. They also sit on our hands while we’re trying to type. pic.twitter.com/fdbx92ajrX

— Stephanie Zacharek (@szacharek) March 12, 2020

Mine’s a bit of a micromanager… pic.twitter.com/V4CBhz7L6c

— SuchFertileChaos (@OldATXMonster) March 13, 2020

But then, there are always those who don’t care how you get it done, as long as it’s done and you don’t bother them!

Meet Lily! On our last day of Alamo Staffs'

Lily is a French Bulldog and just doesn't get this whole "Work From Home" thing. "Don't these humans know that their only job should be petting and playing with me?"

How are your pets handling their new jobs? pic.twitter.com/LBZsUsEpi8

— The Alamo (@OfficialAlamo) April 17, 2020

These are definitely different times, and it’s unprecedented that we’re home as much as we are. Our pets are doing their best to cope with us, and hey…who can blame them for wanting to get into some of the quarantine action?

Do you have any pet work-from-home pics you want to share with us? We’d love to see!

Lori Ennis

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Beagle

Beagle Basics When you hear a one-word breed of dog, you think of some true classics: Dalmatians, for example. Poodles, for another. It seems that any breed of dog with only one word in its name must be somewhat unique and, well, considered a classic. The Beagle? No exceptions here. One of the most recognizable dogs in the world, the Beagle often has a classic brown-and-white coloring to its coat that has become synonymous with the world of pets. Heck, if there was a flag for pets, it would probably look like the coat of a Beagle. Technically a type of hound, the Beagle’s unique identity is thanks to its easy-going and easy-to-get-along-with nature. It’s cute enough for anyone in your household and loyal enough to melt the heart of even the most stubborn anti-dog people around. For many people, a Beagle is a perfect addition to the home – it’s not often where people have to wonder if this breed is “right for them.” The question is: are you right for a Beagle? The Beagle’s unique identity is thanks to its easy-going and easy-to-get-along-with nature. Origin We told you Beagles are classic. Some people trace their origins back to antiquity and ancient Greece, making their direct ancestors thousands of years old. Beagles were not developed as separate breeds like many Terriers in the 19th Century; instead, the Beagle has a long and rich history across the European continent. That doesn’t mean, however, that the Beagle always appeared in its modern form. The history-changing William the Conqueror brought a Beagle-like hound to England, the Talbot hound. This hound gave rise to another breed of dog that is believed to be a direct ancestor to the Beagle. So the genetics of the Beagle were definitely swimming around during the high Middle Ages even if their current form wasn’t quite developed. But that doesn’t make them a non-classic: heck, you can say the same about the history of corn. Pedigree

Afghan Hound

Afghan Hound Basics One of the oldest dog breeds and certainly one of the more “aristocratic” breeds, the Afghan Hound has become known as a sort of “king of dogs” for its appearance, general demeanor, and general nobility as a breed. Very well-suited for dog showing, these dogs are gentle and respond well to that type of attention. The Afghan Hound’s coat is remarkable, although it requires plenty of grooming. When an Afghan Hound walks in the room, people certainly take notice. There is a lot to learn about the Afghan Hound, as it has a particularly rich and ancient history and have several aspects of its personality that make it a unique dog. Considered better-suited for older children who understand how to interact with dogs, it will not be a dog for everyone. People who need a versatile working dog, for example, can probably find a better breed in the Bouvier des Flandres than they can in the Afghan Hound. Let’s learn more about this dog and what makes it part of dog breed royalty. The Afghan Hound is known as “king of dogs” for its appearance, general demeanor, and general nobility as a breed. Origin Originally hailing from areas like the Sinai Peninsula (the Afghan Hound was even mentioned/portrayed in ancient Egyptian papyrus and were painted in Afghan caves as far back as 4,000 years ago), there’s no denying the ancient origins of the Afghan Hound. Despite this long history, the breed has remained relatively pure, which means the modern deviations are not far off of the historical Afghan Hounds. As a sighthound (a dog that hunts by sight rather than necessarily using scents or the nose), the Afghan Hound has a rich history of working that its appearance might not convey. It has been both used as a shepherd and hunter, hunting down game such as deer and goats. With a thick coat, they were able to function in extreme seasons, which gives them a general outdoor versatility one would not necessarily expect. The Afghan Hound is generally considered an original without much of a pedigree to speak of… or, rather, it is one of those rare breeds that can be considered its own pedigree. Pedigree Because the Afghan Hound is such an old breed of dog, its pedigree is essentially zilch – there’s not a lot known about it. Historians can discern some hypothesis, knowing the areas where the Afghan Hound probably originated. But beyond that, the Afghan Hound is generally considered an original without much of a pedigree to speak of… or, rather, it is one of those rare breeds that can be considered its own pedigree. Food / Diet The food you give to your Afghan Hound will not be untypical for that of most dog breeds, but many people try different foods in order to “treat” the Afghan Hound’s coat – people who show their Afghan Hound, in particular. You don’t have to take any special precautions in your dog’s diet beyond assuring essential nutrition and a general food level that keeps the dog at a healthy weight.

English Setter

English Setter Basics When you own a dog of a specific and pure breed, admit it: part of you wants to be the kind of owner who gets approached. “What kind of breed is that?” your fellow dog admirers might ask you, eager to hear what you’ve got to say. Arousing this kind of attention appeals to our vanity, sure, but it also underlies a very deep appreciation for the variety and pure breeding that occurs within the world of dogs. After all, you wouldn’t feel very special about your dog’s specific breed unless there was something inherently interesting about it. That’s a perfect introduction into the world of the English Setter – you’re reading right, not the Irish Setter – a unique breed that is instantly recognizable. Well, instantly recognizable as long as you know what English Setters look like. This breed, of course, belongs to the setter group and is similarly bred for both athleticism and a workmanlike attitude. You don’t have to go very far for a friend if you’ve got an English Setter. But if you want to have an answer to that question “What kind of breed is that?” you’ve got to know a thing or two about English Setters. Don’t worry… you’re about to learn. Generally easy-going, the English Setter is prone to obedience and loyalty. Origin One glance at the name of this breed will tell you that this dog was originally bred for hunting, like many similar dogs and dogs in its pedigree. The English Setter’s position in the world of hunting, at least as it started out, was to flush out game and make it ready to shoot. Quite simply, the English Setter needs to not only have a good nose, but a good ability to understand a specific task and perform it with obedience and loyalty. That obedience and loyalty has marked the history of the English Setter through some four or five hundred years of breeding. Experts place the English Setters roots this far back as it’s quite apparent that the English Setter has been helping hunters all over the world for at least a few centuries. During the 19th century, the Setter saw a lot of further development and breeding, especially as a man named R. Percival Llewellin bred English Setters to enhance its beauty and its overall look. Consequently, the English Setter today has a very distinctive appearance and can be considered one of the best-looking dogs that belong to the setter group. Pedigree

Bubbletastic Dog Bubble Machine Smells Like Bacon

Bubbletastic Dog Bubble Machine blows bacon-scented bubbles! For a summer game your dog will never get tired over, get him the Bubbletastic Dog Bubble Machine. Most dogs go crazy over bubbles – they want to pop them, chase them and chomp them. Now, imagine if those bubbles were bacon scented… yep, you’re dog’s going to go nuts over this dog toy. Most dogs go crazy over bubbles – they want to pop them, chase them and chomp them. The Bubbletastic Dog Bubble Machine blows tons of bacon bubbles in various directions for your dog to chase. It adds up to hours of fun – for him to play with and you to watch. The bubbles are 100% non-toxic, tear free and safe for dogs and kids. The Bubbletastic Dog Bubble Machine includes 8 oz. of bacon-scented dog bubble solution and requires size AA batteries (not included). It costs $25.95 and is available for sale on Active Dog Toys website.

German Shepherd

German Shepherd Basics As far as we’re concerned, no list of iconic Germans is complete with out a little love for our favorite fury shepherds. That nation has given many gifts to the world, but none compare to the awesome power of the German Shepherd. This isn’t just one of the most popular dog breeds on the market, it’s also one of the best. So, what is it about the German Shepherd that people love so much? Quite frankly, that’s almost an impossible question to answer. There’s just so much to love. It’s not all about the fact that the breed makes great police dogs, though we do adore our four legged pups of the law! Sometimes known as an Alsatian, the German Shepherd is one of the most renowned breeds of dog out there in the world. German Shepherds are strong, loyal, and are highly responsive to training. Sure, they can often be larger and a little intimidating, but that doesn’t scare people off: German Shepherds are one of the most popular pets in the world. It’s impossible not to fall for these handsome gentlemen of the dog world. They are irresistible. Thanks to its large size, strength, and ability to behave obediently, German Shepherds are often used for police and military purposes. But what about a German Shepherd separates it from other dogs? As you’re about to learn, the German Shepherd might look like a classic breed, but it is actually a relatively new and unique type of dog. Yes, they do originally hail from Germany, but today German Shepherds are one of the most popular and recognizable dog breeds in the world. The only question is whether or not the German Shepherd is the right pup to bring into your home. That’s why you’re hear right? To learn everything that you could possibly want to know about owning a German Shepherd? Good. Keep your eyes glued to this page and scroll away. All will be revealed. All you need to do is keep reading. These dogs are strong, loyal, and are highly response to training. Origin German Shepherds do indeed get their name from Deutschland, because that’s where the first standard-bred Shepherds appeared. The twist? German Shepherds are actually a relatively young breed, having been fully bred in the 19th century. I’ll bet you didn’t see that coming? This breed is not as old as Germany itself. Instead, it’s a trim 200 years old. Practically a baby. As efforts were being made throughout the 19th century to standardize dog breeds – perhaps more of an art than a science – German Shepherds grew out of a group of dogs that were good at shepherding. German dog owners bred dogs that were good at rounding up sheep, protecting the flocks, and had strong, swift bodies. To say these dogs were good at shepherding would be an understatement, they mastered the form and set the standard. At the same time, these proto-German Shepherds often were a great deal different from the Shepherds in other towns and regions in northern Europe. But as enthusiasm for dog breed standardization grew, a man named Max von Stephanitz, a lover of work dogs, found a dog at a dog show that would come to be known as the “first” German Shepherd. He changed the dog’s name to Horand von Grafrath and Horand became the founding German Shepherd. Too few German Shepherds have been granted the privilege of having a “von” in their name since that OG German Shepherd. This needs to be addressed. So, good news reader! When your child asks you why they’re called “German Shepherds,” you’ll finally have an amusingly direct answer to give them. Pedigree

Study: A Dog’s Diet is Important To His Gut in More Ways Than One

Science reveals that microbiomes, a community of organisms found in your canine’s guts, are affected by the content of a dog’s diet. A study released by researchers from Nestle Purina PetCare states that the contents of a dog’s diet affect his microbiome similarly to the way a human’s does. Dogs fed a high-protein, low-carbohydrate diet had decreases in the ratio of Bacteroidetes to Firmicutes bacteria, two bacteria related to weight gain and obesity in humans. Essentially, in humans, the more Bacteroidetes you have in your gut compared to Firmicutes, the leaner you will be. Researchers believe this to be true of dogs as well, and believe these findings may go along way in identifying other microbiology-inspired strategies to battle the growing problem of pet obesity. Over half the dogs in America are overweight, and this is a trend that seems to be getting worse, not better, according to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention. Related: How To Use a Dog Food Calculator Computational biologist at Nestle Purina Johnny Li says that he launched the research because the effects of the canine microbiome on overall health has little documentation. Human studies have increasing been connecting microbial imbalances in the gut to a myriad of physical conditions, such as obesity, cardiovascular disease, immune disorders, and metabolic syndromes. So why couldn’t the same imbalances affect dogs in the same way? The research team studied 32 Labrador Retrievers and 32 Beagles, in equal amounts of lean and overweight dogs, and all were fed the same baseline diet for the first four weeks. During the second month, the diets varied, with half receiving high-protein/low-carb diets and the other half receiving low-protein/high-carb diets. Related: Do I Have A Fat Dog? How To Tell If Your Dog Is Overweight Differences in the dogs’ microbiomes were negligent after the first four weeks of the same diets, but dramatically different once the diets were switched up. Dogs who had low-protein and high-carb diets had significantly higher amounts of Bacteroides uniformis and Clostridium butyricum in their guts. Fecal microbiome studies conducted after the first four weeks revealed few differences in the gut microbiomes of the dogs. Studies conducted after the experimental diet showed dramatic changes in the microbiome. Dogs that ate a low-protein, high-carbohydrate diet had higher abundances of Bacteroides uniformis and Clostridium butyricum, while the dogs that ate a high-protein/low-carb diet had decreases in the Bacteroidetes to Firmicutes ratios. These differences were even more pronounced in obese dogs than in lean dogs, suggesting that overweight dogs may have more dietary control results when manipulating gut flora as a weight control intervention. Though these findings are still new and not expansive, Li says this study is a framework to continue to explore the connection in diet and gut microbiota in dogs. And quite possibly, this research could translate into ways to guide the use of pre- and probiotics in pet foods to help fight the obesity epidemic.

Adoptable Dog of the Week – Buddy

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Watch and Treat Your Dog With the Furbo Pet Camera

Busy pet parents want to keep an eye on their dogs – even when they’re not at home. The Furbo Treat-Tossing Pet Camera lets you spy, talk and treat your pooch, no matter where you are! We all know what it’s like to leave for work in the morning, turn around to look back and see our best buddy standing at the window, watching us walk away. Even though we know they’re going to be just fine once we’re out of sight, admit it, it kind breaks our hearts a little! That’s why the Furbo Treat-Tossing Pet Camera is such a great addition to our home pet care systems. It’s a little bit treat, a little bit pet sitter, and a whole lot of tech that makes us feel a heck of a lot less guilty when we leave for work or vacation. Why? Because we can continue to interact with our pooch and even toss him a treat or two for all those “good boy” moments we’ll still get to witness. The creative folks at Furbo designed the unit after soliciting input from over 5,000 dog parents regarding the features they felt were most important. They also reached out to veterinarians and professional dog trainers to help maximize the benefits of the Furbo for both pooch and owner, they beta-tested the user experience with over 500 volunteers and ultimately launched one of the most successful pet tech projects on a popular crowd funding site. The end result is a sleek, compact unit that sits comfortably on a table or counter and takes the typical nanny-cam to the next level with its many custom features that include: A camera with 4 x zoom so you can zero in on Rover — particularly handy if he’s not feeling well or is known to “explore” when you’re not home.The capability of storing photos and videos of your pooch for your personal enjoyment or to share on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, or other social media platforms.Live streaming HD video in crisp 720p over a super-wide 120° angle lens meaning you can view your pooch regardless of where he might be.Sending an alert to your phone when it detects your dog barking.A 2-way audio system that lets you interact with your pooch at any time and from any location so that you can calm him if he’s upset or fussing.A built-in infrared LED filter that offers an incredibly clear view despite low-light conditions – important for those late work nights. Best of all, Furbo has the ability to softly launch a treat to your pet — so load it up with his personal favorites. A cool blue hue that is visible to him plus a soft clicking sound similar to what dog trainers use will alert your little guy that a treat’s about to launch. He can then run over, listen to your voice praise him for being such a great pooch, and then dive through the air to catch the treat you’re sending his way! The Furbo app works on your smartphone, tablet and apple watch, and is available as a free download on the App Store and Google Play. Set up is simple – even for non-tech types – and you can be up and running in three simple steps: Download the Furbo app on the App Store or Google Play.Connect your Furbo to home Wi-Fi in a matter of minutes.See, talk and toss treats from your phone. If you’ve got a Furbo, take a pic or video of your dog in action and share it with us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or Pinterest, so we can share it with the community!

Harrier

Harrier Basics With the moniker of “Super Beagle,” it is safe to assume that the Harrier has one heck of a nose! Often mistaken for an oversized Beagle or an undersized Foxhound, his regal stature and expressive eyes set him apart from the rest of the hounds. The Harrier is a people pooch; he loves everybody and would be thrilled to have people line up to pet him. His brilliance and exuberant temperament will keep everyone mesmerized. Harriers were bred to hunt hare in packs therefore; they are not always comfortable being alone. This breed is energetic and fun-loving. Harriers are trustworthy with children and make a great companion for families who enjoy playing outdoors. To learn more about Harriers, read on. With the moniker of “Super Beagle,” it is safe to assume that the Harrier has one heck of a nose! Origin Although nothing is set in stone, it is believed that the Harrier originated in England. In the 1200s, Sir Elias de Midhope developed the breed. It is considered to be one of the oldest English breeds of dog. Ever since then, Harriers were kept in packs for hunting hare in the English countryside. Harriers were slower than the Beagle. This made them more favorable when hunting the bigger and slower European Hare. Pedigree

Expert Insight: Dr. Marty Becker and Winter Pet Wellness Tips

“America’s Veterinarian” is an author, expert TV guest, and secret chicken-breast fondler (see below for that explanation). Dr. Marty Becker shares dog health tips to keep in mind over the winter. Dr. Marty Becker is a household name in the pet industry. Not only does he know what he’s talking about when it comes to pet health, but he’s also one of the most down-to-earth, up-for-anything kind of guy you’ll meet. I was fortunate enough to meet the famous vet at a pet industry trade show. He was promoting a pet TV network, and a mutual PR friend set up a meeting. I have no recollection of anything he said about the network – what I do remember… and still talk about… is our mutual fondness for fondling chicken breasts. I know it sounds weird, because, really, it is weird. Let me just reassure you that it had everything to do with an awesome chicken harness and a photo-opt that was too good to pass up (please see below).

Pup Attempts Family Reunion With The Help Of Facebook

Adoption is a wonderful thing, but can raise questions about birth families. A sweet pup adopted from a rescue organization decided to use social media to find the fur siblings he knows are out there! Frito was one of six puppies dropped off at the Texas Humane Heroes rescue organization in October 2015. The sweet pups all found forever homes, but none were able to be placed together. Frito’s owners have always wondered what happened to his furry siblings, and thought a playdate reunion with them would be fabulous. They did what many of us do when looking for someone–they posted on Facebook to see if anyone had any idea of where the dogs went after adoption. Texas Humane Heroes posted the cutest call-out picture ever of Frito asking if anyone knew where his siblings were. According to the rescue, some have been found and a reunion playdate is in the works for February!

Cheer for These Adorable Pups Prepping For The Puppy Bowl [Video]

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Top 10 Best Water Dog Breeds

Are you looking for a natural born swimmer? If you want a pooch who loves to splash around in the pool, check out our list of water dog breeds! You’re standing at the edge of a lake and decide to throw a stick into the water for your pooch to fetch. Which breeds are splashing down before the target hits the water and which are sneaking back to the car with their tail between their legs? Some dog breeds just can’t get enough of the wet stuff while others are born landlubbers who prefer nothing more than the dry warmth of terra firma. These water breeds below love the water. Why do dogs like the water? Many dogs love to swim. Seriously, think of the term ‘Doggie Paddle’ and wonder where that came from for a minute. The majority of dogs who love to swim do so for a couple of different reasons. One is that a dog’s body is often built to swim. The way their body weight is distributed along with their (sometimes) webbed paws and natural instincts makes them great swimmers. Their tails act like a great rudder to steer them along and their water-resistant coats mean that they stay warm and dry quickly no matter the water they go in. Additionally, dogs with longer legs love swimming because –well, they have the legs that are built for it. Long, lean kicks and movements in the water help keep them afloat and when you combine that with their desire to do smart things for their owners (like hunt and point)? Many dogs just love the water because it allows them to please their owners. Additionally, introducing dogs early on can make them love the water. You shouldn’t ever make your fearful dog get into water if they don’t want to, but take the time to train them and even use life jackets if need be if you’re not 100% sure they’re good. Even though they may be a water breed, they still have normal tendencies that play into their behaviors; be cognizant of that. Now, If you want to go for a dip, here is our Top 10 list of best water dog breeds. Newfoundland

What You Should Know About Pyruvate Kinase Deficiency in Dogs

A blood disorder, Pyruvate Kinase Deficiency is an inherited disease that affects certain breeds of dogs. Here’s what you should know about Pyruvate Kinase Deficiency in Dogs. Also known as PK, pyruvate kinase deficiency is a disorder that affects your dog’s blood cells. This condition is an inherited disorder and it can lead to some serious symptoms if not promptly treated. Let’s talk about pyruvate kinase deficiency including its causes, symptoms, and treatment options. What is Pyruvate Kinase Deficiency? This condition is caused by the mutation of a specific enzyme that is involved in cellular metabolism called pyruvate kinase. Dogs with pyruvate kinase deficiency frequently develop severe hemolytic anemia because the condition causes red blood cells to die at a faster than normal rate. Red blood cells are essential for carrying oxygen to various muscles and tissues throughout the body, so anything that impairs this ability can cause some serious side effects. Related: What You Need to Know About Hemophilia in Dogs In many cases, symptoms for pyruvate kinase deficiency develop between four months and one year of age, and most dogs diagnosed with this condition die before they reach four years of age. Some dog breeds, however, are sometimes able to live longer than others. The breeds most likely to inherit this condition include Labrador Retrievers, Dachshunds, Beagles, Pugs, West Highland White Terriers, and Cairn Terriers. Common Symptoms and Treatment Options In the early stages, the symptoms of pyruvate kinase deficiency can sometimes be tricky to diagnose. The most common symptoms for this condition include weakness, rapid heart rate, lack of energy, heart murmurs, pale gums, and stunted growth. As your dog’s pyruvate kinase deficiency progresses, you may notice additional symptoms affecting his bones and liver. Unfortunately, pyruvate kinase deficiency is not a disease that can be prevented or cured. This condition is an autosomal recessive trait which means that it will only passed on if both parents are carriers. If a dog carries the genetic mutation but does not exhibit symptoms for the disease, he is considered a heterozygous carrier – dogs that are affected by the disease are called homozygous. This makes diagnosis tricky sometimes, but the mutation can be detected through blood tests. Related: What Is von Willebrand in Dogs? When it comes to the treatment and management of pyruvate kinase deficiency, there are not many treatment options. The only treatment currently available is bone marrow transplant – this treatment is expensive and it can be just as dangerous as the disease itself. In terms of management, steps must be taken to address the dog’s anemia. Your veterinarian will be able to tell you what will help your dog the most when it comes to long-term management. During the terminal stages of the disease, many dogs also have problems with fluid accumulation in the abdominal cavity. At this point, the best thing you can do is keep your dog comfortable or consider euthanasia if he is suffering. Pyruvate kinase deficiency is a serious and fatal disease. Because this disease has no cure, you should focus your efforts on reducing your dog’s symptoms and by making him as comfortable possible. Your time with him may be limited, so live each day to its fullest!

Actor Carolyn Hennesy Hitches a Ride in the Lucy Pet Foundation Mobile

She may play a lawyer… or a politically powerful vampire… or fairy tale con artist… on TV, but for her latest role, actor Carolyn Hennesy will need hands-on experience in the Lucy Pet Foundation Mobile Clinic! Emmy-nominated TV actor and New York Times best-selling author Carolyn Hennesy (think Gilmore Girls, True Blood and General Hospital) takes on a new role Tuesday, January 31, as she dons scrubs and shadows veterinary surgeon Karen “Doc” Halligan on her rounds. But this isn’t a movie set or a made-for-TV pilot and these rounds aren’t through the halls of a typical veterinary clinic, they’re on a bus that would make any touring rock star’s abode look like something that drops off the kids after school. The Lucy Pet Foundation’s Mobile Spay and Neuter bus is a traveling clinic that works in partnership with the City of Los Angeles Animal services and offers free spay/neuter services to pet parents who might not be able to afford the necessary surgery. Related: Lucy Foundation’s New Grooming Line Supports Mobile Spay / Neuter Bus Established by former President and Founder of Natural Balance Pet Foods, Joey Herrick, the non-profit organization’s goal is to have spay/neuter and adoption mobile clinics in every major city in the country. They figure that if just 40 of these units can spay and neuter 120 dogs and cats each week that over 6,000 animals will be prevented from adding to the population of critters already filling shelters – ultimately eliminating the need to euthanize more than 80,000 dogs and cats each week. Yes, each week! Hennesy describes her opportunity to ride shot-gun with Halligan, an award-winning author, regular guest on TV shows such as Live with Kelly Ripa and the Today show, and the Lucy Pet Foundation’s Chief Veterinary Officer, as a once in a lifetime experience and says “I can’t tell you what a thrill it is for me to be part of the activities that take place aboard the Lucy Pet Foundation mobile spay and neuter bus. Working with a skilled veterinary surgeon to see how these spay/neuter procedures are done and how much they help in preventing pet over- population…” Related: Common Myths About Spaying and Neutering Your Dog Doc Halligan couldn’t agree more, “I’m really looking forward to working together with Carolyn who has such a deep appreciation and love of animals.” The Lucy Pet Foundation bus will be parked at the Pacoima Shopping Center, 9801 Laurel Canyon Boulevard offering free spay and neuter clinics between 7 am and 5 pm, and low-cost vaccines between 10 am and 2 pm. If you’d like a listing of other clinics and events, visit the Lucy Pet Foundation website.

Yorkie Bichon

Yorkie Bichon BasicsWant to conjure up an image of pure adorableness within your brain? Who doesn’t?! So try this: imagine combining the adorable Bichon Frise with the irresistible Yorkshire Terrier. Did your heart just melt? How could it not?! Well good news, you don’t have to limit yourself to imagining this remarkably cute hybrid. This incredibly cute little pooch actually exists. In fact, you can even introduce the Yorkie Bichon into your family if you are in search of a super cute pup to call your own. These dogs are real and they will live up to your dreams.In fact, the Yorkie Bichon is more than just a pup with good looks. These dogs have substance to back up their eye candy. They are friendly, fun, and loving. They will fill your heart with joy and slather love all over your family. To bring a Yorkie Bichon into your home is to bring a little fur ball of pure happiness into your life. Sounds perfect, right?So, will you be bringing home one of these pups asap? You’ll want to do the proper research first and fortunately you’ve come to the right place for that. To find out everything that you need to know about the Yorkie Bichon, simply keep your eyes glued to this page and scroll away. Everything is about to be revealed. Read on.The Yorkie Bichon is a cross between a purebred Bichon Frise and Yorkshire Terrier.Origin The Yorkie Bichon is a designer crossbreed from the United States. But, apart from the country he originates from, there’s little else we know about this adorable fluffy dog. Sadly like pretty much all hybrid dogs, there simply isn’t much documentation available about the breed’s history. One of the main reasons why the history of the Yorkie Bichon is so full of mystery is the fact that mixed breed dogs haven’t always been thought of as designer dog breeds. It stands to reason that there have been many accidental mixed breed litters of the Yorkie and Bichon Frise throughout history, way before Yorkie Bichon got his name and status as a hybrid. We’ll never know for sure.However, based on what we already know about the designer dog breeds in general, we can pretty much figure out how it happened for the Yorkie Bichon. It’s highly likely that it shares the origin story with many other designer hybrids from the United States and that it was first developed sometime in the last 20 years. Other than that, we simply don’t know much about how this hybrid came to be. Thankfully, we do know quite a bit about why you need to bring one of these remarkable (and mysterious) pups home.Pedigree

Springerdoodle

Springerdoodle BasicsWhen it comes to Poodle-mix designer breeds, there are a lot of options to choose from. There are many such hybrids, and they all vary in their characteristics. They can be cuddly and cute, or energetic and mischievous. It is often hard to find a designer breed that has a truly balanced set of character traits. But, if you’re specifically seeking a dog that will quickly become a member of your family, you may have just found it. The Springerdoodle is one of the most popular designer dog breeds (it is a a cross between a purebred English Springer Spaniel and Poodle) because it makes a fantastic family pet. They have a variety of lovely traits, and at their core they are just big friendly goofs. These enthusiastic and active dogs really love being around people, and they also enjoy being around other pets. The dogs thrive off of company and make an effort to plaster smiles on the faces of everyone around them. They are loyal, smart, easy to train, and eager to please. In other words, Springerdoodles are absolutely ideal family pets.This dog breed could be perfect for your family if you want a dog who will lift your spirits and entertain you both in the great outdoors and inside your home. They can even show a bit of a protective character, guarding their family with utmost loyalty. And while it’s hard to imagine a home that wouldn’t benefit from the presence of a Springerdoodle, every dog owner has their own needs and interests. Most people would adore having one of these pups around, while others might have different qualities that they seek out in a canine companion. Keep your eyes glued to this page and scroll away to learn some important facts about these great dogs and find out if this could be the ideal pup for you! There could very well be a Springerdoodle in your future. The only way to know for sure is to read on!The Springerdoodle is a cross between a purebred English Springer Spaniel and Poodle.Origin When it comes to relatively new and unique crossbreeds, it is always challenging to find their exact origins documented. In the past, many designer breeds came about by chance or accident – with two purebreds mating with one another without any design behind it. With that, it could be entirely possible that a Springerdoodle was made decades ago – there’s no way of knowing for certain. Still, even though we don’t know these particulars, there are things we can say with relative certainty. The Springerdoodle is a designer crossbreed from the United States, but unfortunately, there hasn’t been much official documentation kept about the history of designer dogs so we don’t know much beyond that. No breeder has claimed credit for creating or even naming these remarkable pups. All we know is that they entered the dog market at some point in the late 20th century. Our best bet is that the breed was specifically created during the 90’s, when there was a real craze for unique designer dogs, and many crossbreeds appeared for the first time then. Either way, the lack of a definite origin does not prevent us from adoring every little bit out of a Springerdoodle – they’re here now and here to stay, and that is all that matters in the end. Pedigree

Daniff

Daniff BasicsThe Daniff is also known as the Great Daniff, Mastidane, and English Daniff. If you’re looking for the type of dog that you can hold in the palm of your hand, then the Danliff sure isn’t it. This is the sort of dog that feels as much like a roommate as it does a pet. These dogs will make their presence known through the physical space that they take up, but they will also win you over with their stellar personality.These are gentle giants that will protect you and love you forever. They are big but their hearts are even bigger! You’ll love the snuggles and slobbery smooches this imposing doggo will give you without hesitation. These lovable pups will snuggle you into submission. You can try not to love them, but you will fail. Of course, it’s not just about devotion, affection, and loyalty with these unique mixes. The Daniff has so much more than that to offer to the right owner.As a designer dog breed, the Daniff is a combination of two popular purebred- the Great Dane and the Mastiff. Due to their unusual ancestry, these dogs bring the best of both worlds to the table. Boasting the traits of two giant dog breeds, the Daniffs are truly something special. If you love either of the parental breeds, chances are you’ll be mad about the Daniff! That’s how genetics work, people!Good-natured, sweet, and adaptable with the right approach, the Daniff will appeal to many different types of pet owners. Naturally, this doesn’t make them a perfect choice for anybody- these dogs do require some special care and conditions to be happy. You might fall for this dog as soon as you meet one, but you should learn more about what these dogs need before introducing one to your family. How do you do that? Simple, you stay on this page to find out everything that you could possibly want to know about these remarkable animals. So, read on to find out all about the Daniff and by the end you’ll know whether or not one of these big beauties home.The Daniff is a cross between a purebred Great Dane and Mastiff.Origin Much like many designer dog breeds, the Daniff has a sadly mysterious past. While we know that these gentle giants are slowly but steadily growing in popularity, no one knows when the breed had its start. However, as the International Designer Canine Registry only started registering this breed in 2009, it’s safe to assume that the Great Dane and Mastiff mix is one of the more recent hybrid breeds- and that their intentional crossbreeding became popular sometime in the last 10 to 15 years alongside the rise of designer dogs in general. While there is no information about the breeders who first started to crossbreed these two giant purebreds, it’s safe to assume that this happened in the United States, where most designer dogs were first developed. It’s a shame that no one wants to claim credit for the creation of these remarkable animals because they truly made the world a better place.Despite the short history and enigmatic origins of the Daniff, we do know a lot about this new and unusual breed. Their parentage speaks volumes about the qualities they have! The Great Dane is thought to have been created more than 4 centuries ago, and the Mastiff’s roots go as far as the 15th century. Throughout their long histories, both of the parental breeds have been praised and cherished as pets and guard dogs. The Daniff shouldn’t thought of that differently from his mom and dad! They combine the best traits of both beloved breeds!Pedigree

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