Shelter Spotlight: Luvable Dog Rescue

by Kate Barrington

Published: April 18th, 2017

A shelter that lets dogs commune with nature, Luvable Dog Rescue houses its residents in quaint little cottages!

When you picture a dog shelter you probably picture rows upon rows of chain-link cages with hard concrete floors. But not every dog shelter looks this way. In fact, there is a shelter that houses their dogs in beautiful little cottages to ensure that they have a less stressful environment in which to live until they go to their new forever homes.

What Makes Luvable Dog Rescue Different?

While most dog shelters keep their dogs in stark metal cages in an effort to make their funding stretch as far as they can, one dog rescue is doing something different. Luvable Dog Rescue houses their dogs in miniature cottages that are outfitted like a real home to make sure that every dog is able to live comfortably while waiting for adoption.

Related: National Service Dogs

Not only are these cottages more comfortable for the dogs who live in them, but a low-stress, home-like environment allows the staff workers at Luvable Dog Rescue to observe each dog’s behavior and temperament so that they can find the perfect adoptive family for each individual dog.

Luvable Dog Rescue was founded nearly eighteen years ago, and it is run by a staff of hard-working animal lovers. The shelter sits on 55 acres of land that boasts everything from wooded hiking trails to open meadows – all of which is open to canine residents so they can get their fill of fresh air and exercise.

While the rescue accepts dogs of all breeds, executive director Liesl Wilhardt has a particular passion for pit bulls. Having started out as a foster parent, her love for dogs continued to grow until it developed into a fiery passion and led her to make a full-time career of helping to rescue and rehome dogs in need. She, along with the other staff members at Luvable Dog Rescue, has helped to save thousands of lives since the organization’s founding.

How Can You Help Luvable Dog Rescue?

If you want to support the work that Luvable Dog Rescue is doing to gives deserving dogs a forever home, there are a number of ways you can help. If you live close enough to Eugene, Oregon (where the shelter is located), you can volunteer your time to help walk dogs, clean the grounds, or help out with fundraising events.

To make a monetary donation, visit Luvable Dog Rescue’s website and click on the “Donate” page. You can also find information on the rescue’s website about adopting a dog in need and about becoming a pit bull advocate. Any way you are able to help the shelter (and the dogs it serves) will be greatly appreciated.

Kate Barrington

Kate Barrington is the loving owner of two cats (Bagel and Munchkin) and a noisy herd of guinea pigs. Having grown up with golden retrievers, Kate has a great deal of experience with dogs but labels herself a lover of all pets. Having received a Bachelor's degree in English, Kate has combined her love for pets and her passion for writing to create her own freelance writing business, specializing in the pet niche.

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Shelter Spotlight: American Dog Rescue Foundation

Are you up for the challenge? American Dog Rescue is, and they’re determined to reduce the number of homeless dogs on the streets. Arthur Benjamin, philanthropist and founder of the volunteer-based American Dog Rescue Foundation (ADRF), is throwing out a challenge to animal rescue organizations throughout the world: let’s reduce the number of homeless dogs roaming the streets. His mission is to reduce the estimated 200 million pooches (predicted to reach one billion if nothing is done) through aggressive yet humane spay and neuter tactics. According to Benjamin, “While the numbers are staggering, we need to remember that these dogs are suffering and need our compassion. No need to end the lives of these dogs, but instead curb the vicious cycle these poor animals are going through. We have the solution and call on animal rescues and corporations across the globe to join our coalition.” Related: Pet Peace of Mind No slouch in the animal welfare game, ADRF is known for their proactive approach to animals in need including funding surgeries too costly for other shelters, rescuing abandoned pets and livestock from disaster ravaged areas, connecting veterans suffering from PTSD with supports dogs, bringing an end to dog fighting as well as saving abandoned circus and theme park animals. With a long-standing overarching commitment to closing down puppy mills and growing the number of animal shelters, the organization’s steely determination to effect change means that 100% of funds raised are directed to animal welfare projects. Related: Humane Animal Rescue Team So how does one begin the daunting challenge of reducing the population of some 200 million street dogs within a target timeline of just seven years? ADRF has formed a global coalition of established, like-minded organizations such as: Bali (Dog) Adoption Rehabilitation Centre (BARC), which has drastically reduced the dog population and disease incidence in BaliOperation SNIP (Spay Neuter Incentive Program), the initiative of K9Aid, one of the most respected charities in AustraliaCathy Kangas Foundation for Animals Another partner, Cindy Amey, Founder of K9Aid confirms “We are thrilled to partner with American Dog Rescue and know that with more support this coalition will have a major impact on the stray dog population and prevent an incredible amount of suffering”. To date, ADRF has raised over $50,000 towards their $250,000 target, which they say will cover the costs to complete Phase 1 of the project in Bali and Thailand. Phase 2 will see them moving into Vietnam and Eastern Europe as soon as funds become available. While February 23rd is officially World Spay & Neuter Day, anytime is a good time to consider a donation to make the life of a pooch half way across the globe just a little bit better. Head on over to American Dog Rescue’s website to accept the challenge.

Shelter Spotlight: Florida Little Dog Rescue

Wonderful things come in small packages. Case in point: the pooches available for adoption through Florida Little Dog Rescue. The way of the future? A virtual kennel eliminates all payroll expenses by utilizing the talents of an entirely volunteer workforce. They never worry about their rent going up because their rescued pooches are cared for in foster homes, not kennels. And the return rate from adoptions is minimal because actual families have beta-tested these fur-kids and can vouch for their quirky behaviors and personalities. Related: Beagle Freedom Project It’s the Florida Little Dog Rescue Group and their team of volunteers who are stationed from Tampa to Tallahassee are ready and willing to take in pint-sized pooches from anywhere within the state of Florida at a moment’s notice. The mini-mutts involved are typically rescued from private homes and can live from just a few days to a few weeks with their new but temporary foster family depending on their physical condition and needs. This one-on-one relationship helps determine if the dog is fully house-trained, gets along with kids or other pets and what type of physical interaction he enjoys most; walks, playing ball or just cuddling on the sofa. It’s this type of personal intell that helps the group determine the best adoptive situation for the pooch. Related: Animal Aid USA Once taken in, the dogs are given a thorough once over prior to adoption. The group ensures each dog is examined by a vet, spayed/neutered, vaccinated, tested for heartworms or other parasites, and treated for any obvious conditions. All medical information is shared with prospective parents prior to moving forward in the adoption process – which can be a test in itself! Because there is no kennel or visitation facility prospective parents must first go through an application and interview process. If they pass muster, they are contacted about scheduling a visit with the foster family who can then help evaluate whether the adoptive family is the right fit for their little ward. Visit the Florida Little Dog Rescue website to view some of their most recent rescues and be assured that if a fur-kid in need catches your eye, the group’s many volunteers will be happy to answer your call or email as soon as time permits. If adoption isn’t in your cards just yet, you should know that the Florida Little Dog Rescue group does not receive government funding so is fully dependent on charitable donations. Consider making a big difference for a small dog with a financial donation.

Shelter Spotlight: Mission K9 Rescue

This organization is on a mission – to rehome retired military working dogs. Mission K9 Rescue is on the front lines when it comes to making sure these veterans are well taken care of. While the term “rescue mission” is often affiliated with disaster situations where survivors are in peril or hostages at risk, this particular mission has a decidedly brighter purpose and consistently upbeat outcome. The Mission K9 Rescue out of Houston, Texas is a non-profit that takes in retired or retiring Military Working Dogs (MWD) and Contract Working Dogs (CWD) and with a confident mission-is-possible attitude, dedicates it’s time and resources to rescuing, reuniting, re-homing, rehabilitating and repairing the many pooches that put their lives on the line as working dogs in war zones. Related: Florida Little Dog Rescue A pretty daunting task for any group, especially when one realizes they offer this support to dogs worldwide. So who are these furry heroes in need of re-homing? Typically they consist of German shepherd dogs, Labrador Retrievers, Springer Spaniels, Pointers, Weimareiners and even those spunky Jack Russells who are used for narcotics detection on submarines. Hey, a tight space calls for economy of scale! As for their role overseas, both the MWDs and CWDs are trained experts in the detection of explosives, and narcotics and many have seen active duty in war zones. The MWDs are owned by the military/government while CWDs are on contract – same job, different title. Related: Beagle Freedom Project Because many have come from a rather traumatic background and may display symptoms of PTSD, Mission K9 Rescue is quick to point out that these dogs are not suitable as service dogs for the handicapped and are equally diligent when it comes to checking out the who’s who and what’s what of prospective adoptive families. Even going so far as to check with your veterinarian to determine how well you care for any existing pets and if your home set-up is appropriate to the breed. Gotta say that if there was a “like” box to check here, I’d be doing it! Whether the dogs are brought back from overseas or rescued from less than ideal living conditions here in North America, the organization is committed to ensuring these pooches receive a deserving retirement for a job well done. As a result, there is no guarantee that your stellar history will net you a retired working dog. Mission K9 Rescue is clear that they do not have kennels of dogs looking for homes but individual dogs that are rehabilitated as they become aware of, rescue and rehabilitate. Additionally, the organization is committed to reuniting working dogs with their handlers if the home set-up meets their requirements. Under the category of “nice-to-know”, while successful adoptive pet parents need to cover the cost of transporting Rover to their home, Mission K9 Rescue covers the cost to transport any dog to his handler if the cost involves prohibits the adoption. Sweet! But as pet parents, we’ve learned that absolutely everything associated with our fur-kids has a price tag attached to it and these dogs are no different. When you’re talking older dog with a heavily active past you just know there will be costs to rehabilitate and reintegrate him into a family environment as well as to repair weary bones and muscles. That’s where you can help. Mission K9 Rescue is comprised of volunteers and funding that comes solely from public sector donations. If you aren’t in a position to adopt but would like to help offset medical bills or bring a little soldier home, consider a one-time donation, monthly or annual contribution.

Shelter Spotlight: Dharma Rescue

What a brilliant idea! Dharma Rescue saves dogs from overcrowded shelters and trains them as therapy animals. Each year, millions of adoptable pets are euthanized because the shelter system is overcrowded. Puppies and kittens are the first to find new homes but the pets that are a little bit older, have medical problems, or that are struggling with the shelter environment often don’t show well and are left homeless. Dharma Rescue is dedicated to saving those forgotten pets from the shelter system and giving them a new life as a therapy animal. History of the Dharma Rescue The Dharma Rescue was founded by Susan Fulcher, a dog groomer with more than forty years of experience. For years, Fulcher nursed her love for dogs by doing volunteer work and fostering for a local shelter. Eventually it became more than just a hobby – it became a full-time job and a passion of hers. At the suggestion of one of her customers, Fulcher eventually decided to start her own shelter – the Dharma Rescue. Related: Pets of the Homeless This organization is dedicated to rescuing disabled dogs from high-kill and high-risk shelters and training them to be therapy dogs, effectively giving them a new lease on life. Susan Fulcher and the members of her team believe that every animal deserves the opportunity to live life to the fullest and that is exactly what they aim to provide for disabled dogs – a full life well lived. What Services Does this Shelter Provide? The Dharma Rescue is dedicated to rescuing disabled dogs and to giving them a new lease on life as ‘DAWGS – Disabled Animals Who Generously Serve’. This organization takes dogs from death row and turns them into fully trained service animals. Related: Luvable Dog Rescue Dharma Rescue is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization that provides disabled dogs with a place to stay, medical care, and rehabilitation – they also spay and neuter all of their dogs. In addition to rescuing dogs from high-kill shelters, they also care for dogs that have been abused or are critically ill. They also care for senior dogs and cats. When Dharma Rescue takes in a dog, they not only rehabilitate him but train him to be a therapy dog – volunteer handlers from the organization take the dogs to local schools and hospitals to spread love and cheer. How Can You Offer Your Support? There are several ways you can support Dharma Rescue. The organization is always in need of donations to help them provide the food, shelter, and medical care their DAWGS need. The organization is always on the lookout for volunteer handlers for their therapy dogs, for sponsors, and for people to adopt their rehabilitated pets. If you’d like to adopt a dog from Dharma Rescue you can find a list of adoptable pets on their website as well as information about their adoption fees and the application process. You can submit donations by mail or through Paypal by clicking on the “Donate” button on the website. The next time you think about adopting a pet, don’t go straight for the puppies or the pure breeds – think about the needs of the less fortunate pets, the ones who are old, sick, or injured. These dogs deserve a second chance just as much as any other dog and the Dharma Rescue makes it their goal to give those dogs that second chance – you can join them by offering your support.

Shelter Spotlight: Hull’s Haven Border Collie Rescue

Hull’s Haven is a haven for Border Collies and any dog in need This month, we travel to Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada to spotlight Hull’s Haven Border Collie Rescue (HHBCR). This volunteer operated, non-profit rescue group takes in not just Border Collies and Border Collie mixes, but any dog in need. These dogs have been surrendered, neglected or placed in shelters, and Hull’s Haven works tirelessly to find them permanent, loving homes. Hull’s Haven Border Collie Rescue places dogs with loving foster families, who care for the dogs until they find their forever homes. That means they don’t operate within a stand-alone shelter system – without these foster homes, Hull’s Haven wouldn’t be able to save these dogs. Inspired by an amazing woman named Shahna Rice, HHBCR was started December 2006. The foundation has a versatile approach when it comes to rescue – they work with puppy mill rescues, US and interprovincial rescues where there are high-kill shelters. Their mantra of “Mercy Knows No Borders” is one they firmly believe in. Another great thing about Hull’s Haven Border Collie Rescue (yes, there is more great things about this organization) is their “Yes, I Can” program. A part of the foundation’s public education mandate, this program helps to promote healthy self-esteem in children and build positive focus for a balanced life. The stars of this program are Riddle and Dee Dee Waboose. Riddle is a special Border Collie who was born with no eyes and has epilepsy, but he doesn’t let this get in his way. With his amazing attitude, keen awareness of his surroundings, and uncanny ability to get what he wants, Riddle teaches kids that any kind of obstacle can be overcome. Dee Dee Waboose is deaf, but she doesn’t let that slow her down. She’s been taught to do so many cool things. Together, dogs teach kids that if they want something badly enough, they can achieve their goals by willing to work hard enough. Hull’s Haven Border Collie Rescue is always looking for volunteers, loving foster families and donations, either monetary or supplies. Monetary donations go toward spaying/neutering, deworming, vaccinating and any other necessary vetting, as well as the transport of dogs, or saving them from a hoarding situation. To learn more about this awesome organization, visit Hull’s Haven Border Collie Rescue’s website.

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Family Dog Alerts Parents to a Teen’s Stroke and Saves His Life

Dogs are so deserving of their title – man’s best friend - and they continue to prove it day in and day out. From being our best friends to providing irreplaceable acts of service to people in need, there’s so much that dogs do that makes a difference and this story only proves it.The fateful event took place in Spring, Texas, where the family Tanner lives, alongside their precious pooch, Axel. Axel is a 1-year-old  border collie, a rescue that quickly became a cherished member of the family and, as life would have it, their savior. It was around 5 am on a calm Saturday morning when Axel – completely out of the ordinary – jolted Amanda and her husband from their sleep. And it was no regular attention-seeking behavior. Something was amiss, and Axel was determined to let the couple know.“He was pawing me more than normal to get me to move,” Mr. Tanner explains for  Today.com. Realizing that the dog was clearly trying to wake them, Amanda’s husband went downstairs to check on things and let the dog outside. Axel refused. It wasn’t the outdoors he was seeking - there was something else. He quickly stopped in front of the closed doors of the 17-year-old Gabriel Tanner. Mr. Tanner went inside to check up on his son but realized what was the cause of the dog’s panic. Young Gabriel was having a stroke, his speech was slurred, and he could not feel his right side. At once they rushed him to the emergency room at the Memorial Hermann the Woodlands Medical Center. Young Gabriel was quickly treated and made a recovery. Dr. Sabih Effendi, who treated him, says that “by waking the parents up, and leading them to the boy, the dog made a “massive” difference in Gabriel’s outcome”. “It’s very amazing that their dog alerted and started this whole process of getting everyone awake and going downstairs,” Effendi continues. “When somebody’s acutely having a stroke, the neurons are dying. … If he was not found and another three or four hours went by, there would have been more and more and more brain injury.”The Tanner family is extremely grateful to have had Axel by their side in this crucial moment. They can only wonder what would have happened if the dog wasn’t there. He practically saved Gabriel’s life. “We wouldn’t have thought to go into Gabriel’s room and wake him up. He’s a teenager. It was a Saturday morning. We went to bed late. We wouldn’t think to go in there until maybe noon,” Amanda says.Nowadays, Axel is a precious member of their family and tends to follow Gabriel wherever he goes. He also sleeps with the teen a lot more, always on the lookout for anything out of the ordinary. A true four-legged friend and proof that dogs can be loyal to no end! 

Why is My Cat Shedding in October?

The fall colours are out on full display, and temperatures are starting to dip, but for many cat parents, this time of year introduces another interesting change – their cats are starting to shed much more than usual. But if you’re suddenly noticing a trail of fur around your house, you have a few questions, including: Why is my cat shedding in October? Is it normal for a cat to shed more during the fall season? When should I be worried about my cat’s shedding? Don’t worry. We have you covered! This blog post will discuss seasonal shedding and how it may affect your cat. Plus, we have assembled a list of tips and tricks to help you deal with the increased shedding during fall, ranging from how to help your cat stay comfortable to keeping your house clean (or as clean as can be expected). Let’s dive in… Why Do Cats Shed? Whether you are a first-time cat owner experiencing shedding for the first time or a lifelong cat lover who simply hasn’t explored the reason why our cats shed – let’s talk about why this occurs. After all, isn’t losing hair a sign of illness or disease in humans? Shedding is a natural process in animals like cats where dead or damaged hair falls loose. This is essential for your cat’s skin and coat health. The amount of hair your cat sheds will depend on several factors, including the breed, age, overall health, and the time of year. That’s right, the time of year does have an impact on the shedding cycle…Is it Normal for Cats to Shed in the Fall? There are two times each year when you may notice an increase in hair collecting around your house. Commonly referred to as “shedding season,” this heavy shedding activity falls in the spring and the fall as your cat’s coat adapts to the change in temperature. The heavy winter coat is shed in the spring to make way for a lighter summer coat. Then, the reverse happens in the fall as they set themselves up for the best chance of survival during the cold of winter. Check the temperature – if it’s starting to drop and there are colder days ahead, you can expect to see the shedding activity pick up in the coming days.

Is a Cat Tree Necessary for My Cat?

When you first bring home a new cat, it’s an exciting time – especially if you’re a first-time cat parent. However, amidst the excitement, there are many questions that may be holding you back from fully embracing the joy. Are you prepared to meet all your cat’s needs? Are there “must-have” items you have overlooked? The struggle is real! We have good news… Many of the items that are deemed “necessary” are actually optional. One such item is the traditional cat tree or cat scratcher. Do they offer benefits? Yes! Can they help to improve your cat’s mental and physical health? Yes! But is a cat tree necessary for your cat? No, it’s not. There are other ways you can meet your cat’s needs if your budget or space doesn’t allow for a large piece of cat furniture. Let’s dig into the truth about cat trees and your cat. What is the Point of Cat Trees? If you’re currently standing in your local pet store, looking over the wide assortment of cat furniture available, you may wonder – what exactly is the purpose of cat furniture? Is it just a fancy bed solution for your cat, or are there other considerations when these products are developed? It’s an honest question I often hear from first-time cat parents. After all, these large, elaborate structures often come with a hefty price tag. If they do nothing more than provide a place to sleep, wouldn’t a simple cat bed suffice? Cat furniture is designed to meet many of your cat’s instincts, including their need to scratch, hide, climb, and oversee their surroundings. Each type of cat furniture has its benefits to consider.

What Is Scent Enrichment for Cats?

Your cat has a powerful sense of smell that she uses to navigate her surroundings and make decisions, so it’s important to consider your kitty when using scented products around the house and maintaining a litter box that doesn’t have offensive odors.In addition to considering the fragrances that can be off-putting to your kitty, you can also enrich your cat’s environment and make her daily life more fun with scent. Below are some tips on how to use scent enrichment to keep your furbaby happy.

Watch This Brave Cat Save Her Dog Sibling from a Coyote Attack

Who said that there is no love between cats and dogs? This touching story proves that some bonds between a cat and a dog are so strong that one would risk their life for the other! The event took place in Edmond, Oklahoma, where a tiny pooch was miraculously saved from a vicious coyote attack– by none other than a feisty cat. At first glance, Oakley, a white Havanese dog, and Binx, a black cat, seem to belong to completely different worlds. But even so, they are family. Lane Dyer, the owner of the two, explains for Oklahoma News how the attack - and the daring rescue - came to be.“I was kind of inspired by it, quite frankly,” she said. The event occurred on November 30th, when the 6-year-old Havanese dog, Oakley, was let outside to go to the bathroom. “Out of nowhere she was attacked by a coyote,” said Dyer. Soon enough, another coyote came rushing.

Mice Have Passed the Mirror Test: What It Means

The “mirror test” is used by scientists to help them determine if an animal is self-aware—if an animal looks in the mirror and recognizes themselves in it, rather than thinking that there’s another animal looking back at them, they pass the test and are considered self-aware.Several animals have passed this test, such as primates, Asian elephants, and bottlenose dolphins, among others. More recently, a study has shown that mice can also recognize themselves when they look in the mirror.The Experiment That Proved Mice Can Pass the Mirror TestTo figure out if mice can pass the mirror test, scientists put some white ink on the foreheads of black mice. Then, they let the mice look into a mirror. What they discovered was fascinating: the mice recognized themselves in the reflection and started grooming themselves once they realized that there was something on their head that shouldn’t be there.Also, if the mice didn’t realize that something was on their forehead (when black ink was used so it would match the color of their fur or when the spot of ink wasn’t large enough), they didn’t start grooming themselves. This shows that there was a reason the mice groomed their heads after looking in the mirror, and it was an attempt to clean themselves of the ink stain.In addition to looking at their behavior, the scientists also used gene expression mapping to see which neurons in the brain became activated when the animals saw themselves in the mirror.  Findings Shed Light on Self-Recognition in MiceThis research shows that mice may be self-aware, but there are some things to consider. For example, the mice who groomed themselves to remove the ink were already used to mirrors, while mice who weren’t familiar with mirrors didn’t groom themselves. Also, mice who were socially isolated didn’t groom themselves during the experiment with the mirror, unlike mice who lived with other mice that looked like them.There’s still more to discover and learn about these animals, so scientists are planning on doing more research in this area.  Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Owner Who Never Lost Hope Reunites with a Missing Dog After 10 Years

An owner’s undying hope and commitment to keeping their dog’s microchip up to date resulted in a happy reunion 10 years after the dog went missing. A Florida family lost their cockapoo, named Cleo, way back in 2014 when the mischievous pooch ran away from home. Despite never hearing anything about Cleo again, the owner Luisa, kept the microchip information up to date in hopes of getting reunited with her beloved pooch.After so many years, most owners would have lost hope of ever seeing their furry companion again but Cleo’s family still had faith, even after they moved to Miami. Finally, all those years of unwavering hope and commitment paid off when Cleo arrived at the Humane Society of Tampa Bay.The organization shared in a post that the dog recently arrived at the shelter as a stray. The staff had little hope that the dog was microchipped but scanned it nonetheless. Imagine their surprise when they discovered a microchip filled with up-to-date contact information.“We were hoping for a happy ending and for her to be reunited with her owners, but we did not foresee the joy her story brought,” the organization said on Facebook.The information on the pup’s microchip led the shelter’s staff to Luisa, who was in disbelief when they called because Cleo had been missing, ever since he ran away 10 years ago! “They never lost hope and continued to update her microchip in the small hope that they would be reunited, even after they moved to Miami.”The family made a five-hour trip from Miami to Tampa Bay to reclaim their beloved pooch. The shelter shared pictures of the emotional reunion, featuring a smiling Cleo. “This shows the power and importance of the microchip and never losing hope,” the post concluded.A microchip is a small transponder that carries a unique identification number. That identification number is entered into a database that contains contact information pet owners provide when registering their pet or when updating the information, like in Cleo’s case. Although microchips don’t possess GPS or tracking abilities they are still considered one of the best ways for owners to get reunited with a lost pet. In addition to microchipping your pet, they can also wear a collar with ID tags that include your current contact information.Microchipping is a simple and cheap procedure with minimal risks for your pet. If you haven’t microchipped your pup, do it now, and make sure the microchip is always registered with up-to-date information. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

How Much Exercise Does My Cat Need?

Cats are often known for their laidback and aloof personalities, lounging around the house like true couch potatoes. But just like us, our kitties need regular exercise to live a happy, healthy, and fulfilling life. That’s where your job as a cat parent comes in! In this article, we will explore the importance of exercise for your cat, including how much exercise they need, the benefits of being active, and fun ways to include more physical activity in your cat’s daily routine. Whether you have an energetic young kitten or a calm senior cat, understanding their exercise needs can make a significant difference in their overall well-being. How Much Playtime Does an Indoor Cat Need? When choosing the perfect pet for your family, you have likely heard about how laid back and easy to care for cats can be. After all, they just lounge around the house all day. Right? The truth is that your cat needs daily activity to stay healthy and in shape. The exact amount of exercise your cat needs will depend on several factors, including their age, breed, lifestyle, and individual health needs. For example, a cat that is obese and needs to lose weight to improve their health may need more physical activity than a cat that is already of a healthy weight. That being said, the general rule of thumb is that a healthy adult cat should be engaging in 30 to 60 minutes of active playtime every day, split into shorter 10 or 15-minute play sessions. If you are unsure about your cat’s specific needs, contact your veterinarian. They will be able to provide insight into how exercise and playtime can improve or help to maintain your cat’s quality of life at this stage and as they continue to age. How Do I Know My Cat is Getting Enough Exercise? There are several behavioral signs that a cat isn’t getting enough exercise that you can watch out for. Cats that don’t engage in regular physical activity often suffer from boredom, depression, or anxiety. While our cats obviously can’t speak to tell us this, we can pay attention to their body language and behavior to catch any signs of trouble. Some key signs to watch out for include: Destructive Behavior: One of the first signs people notice when a cat is bored is that they start to exhibit bad habits and destructive behavior. This could include scratching your furniture, tearing apart the toilet paper, ripping curtains or screens, or stealing items they know they shouldn’t. It’s like a young child. They are bored and looking for ways to keep themselves entertained. Excessive Vocalization: Do you have a naturally vocal cat? If so, they may be trying to tell you that something’s wrong verbally. Some cats, when bored, will cry out for attention. This is a behavior we see in our two every time their morning playtime is even 5 minutes late. Change of Appetite: If they are feeling anxious or highly stressed, some cats will stop eating. Others, like humans, will turn to food during times of boredom. Any unexplained changes to your cat’s diet should be considered a sign of trouble – whether it’s a need for more exercise or something health-related.Over-Grooming: Cats are masters of self-grooming, but if a cat is stressed, anxious, or bored, they may take their grooming too far. This can often lead to the development of bald patches or skin irritation. Aggression or Irritation: Some cats become irritable or upset when experiencing stress and anxiety. This could result in uncharacteristic biting or scratching directed towards you, other family members, or other pets in the home. Loss of Energy or Lethargy: This may come as a surprise as most people will associate not enough exercise with having pent-up energy just begging to come out. However, a cat that isn’t getting enough physical activity can become depressed, which may present as being lazy, uninterested, or more aloof than usual. Another important sign to watch out for is unexplained weight gain. Just as humans will gain weight if they aren’t getting enough exercise, so will your cat. Sure, they likely aren’t concerned with “how they look” each morning – but obesity is a growing problem in the United States and can introduce serious health consequences!

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New technology helps us find our pets when they wander into trouble.

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! 

Let's Talk Turkey... and Why the White House Pardons One Each Year

It’s now a Thanksgiving tradition… and we’re not talking about the Macy’s parade, the Black Friday sales or that cranberry chutney Aunt Sally whips up each year. We’re talking about the turkey pardon that according to the White House Historical Association, is rumored to have begun back in 1863 with then-President Lincoln. Whether this tale is fact or fiction is debated. What we know is that more recent history confirms the big bird officially began as a gift made to the White House by The National Turkey Federation back in 1947. Alas, no details on his outcome.This year, President Biden pardoned two 42-pounders, preventing them from being on the wrong side of the Thanksgiving feast when he gave Liberty and Bell, a pass and a certain cushy future.As mentioned, this fun seasonal practice began in 1947 and over the years tended to be rather on-again/off-again depending on the whims of whichever administration was in place. It wasn’t until the Kennedy era in the early ‘60s that Tom Turkey was formally spared and lived to see another day. Since then, the support to spare this fine feathered fowl has ramped up considerably and his well-being post-pardon was carefully tracked by both the media and animal rights groups throughout the country.Was it just for show? Did he really make his exit from the White House intact versus being basted, carved and covered in gravy?Before I answer, let’s just say that the fun spin on this tradition is how it has evolved. Not only did Liberty and Bell enjoy a stay in a suite at the luxe Willard Intercontinental Hotel the night before their widely shared pardon, but following their moment in the spotlight, they returned home to Minnesota where the state’s College of Food, Agriculture and Natural Resources Sciences will oversee their care.So, yes. Beginning with the Bush administration in 1989, the turkey pardon became a tradition that sees one lucky bird truly pardoned and destined for a life of ease and indulgence.In fact, past White House pardons have typically resulted in said turkey being relocated to a local children’s farm where they can live out their remaining years being adored by the junior crowd and noshing down on kibble from a cone. BTW, did you know that a turkey can live to 10 years of age?Of course, now we’re all feeling warm and sentimental about turkeys, the inevitable question arises: Can a turkey be kept as a pet? The short answer is yes, these highly social critters enjoy the company of humans and can be curious, vocal, and entertaining.  So much so that they’re a top pick for hobby farmers and those who have already ventured into keeping chickens.Just a little food for thought!

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