It’s International Assistance Dog Week!

August 2-8 is International Assistance Dog Week, an annual event created to raise awareness about the important work assistance dogs do to help people with disability related limitations. Assistance dogs come in all shapes, sizes, and breeds and play a variety of roles.  Here’s a quick overview: Guide dogs:  Assist people with vision loss in …

CDC Warns of Salmonella Outbreak in Backyard Poultry

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has traced a recent Salmonella outbreak that has sickened almost 1,000 people around the US to recently acquired chicks and ducklings. Salmonella is a type of bacteria that causes the foodborne illness known as salmonellosis.  It is commonly found in raw or undercooked meat and poultry, eggs, …

Socializing Your Dog During the Coronavirus Pandemic

Social distancing is an important component of keeping us all safe and healthy during these times.  But as a social animal, your dog might be feeling the effects of reduced social contact with other pets and people. The American Veterinary Medical Association has created a list of helpful tips on how to modify your dog’s …

Summer Safety Tips for Community Cat Caregivers

  Community cats--unowned stray and/or feral cats that live outdoors--are common in all types of neighborhoods.  Many kindhearted people who live in these communities provide food and shelter for the homeless cats in their area.  The hot summer months can be as hard on these kitties as cold winters.  Alley Cat Allies has prepared a …

Evidence Shows Arctic Sled Dogs are the Oldest Dog Breeds

A combination of DNA and fossil evidence is confirming what scientists have long suspected.  Arctic sled dogs have not only been around longer than most dog breeds, they also might be the first known example of our attempts at selective dog breeding. A new DNA study published in the journal Science examined the preserved DNA …