Two special guys are in my life: my dogs, Festus and Cyrus. Festus is a three-legged pit bull/Rottweiler. Cyrus is a tiny terrier born without front legs. These dogs are my greatest teachers. Here are some of the simple lessons that I have learned from them.
Dr. Aysha Akhtar looks at the interlocking animal and human health issues involved in domestic violence, animal-fighting, animal attacks, the wildlife trade, factory farming, climate change, and drug development.
Exotic birds may make wonderful companions for knowledgeable, dedicated owners who have the time and other resources required to ensure the best possible quality of life for their pets.
While dogs like Bo have held the title of First Pet in the modern era, it would take a cuddly, loyal elephant, giraffe, or rhino to truly be a first.
Grief can be a confusing experience for children. The death of a pet is often the first time children are subjected to such sorrow.
Pet ownership has numerous responsibilities. You need to feed, play and medically care for them, and finally know when it's the time to say goodbye -- which is the highest honor that we have bestowed on ourselves as their caretaker.
What allows one animal to cope better and socialize faster than others who have experienced the same circumstances, I do not know. I do know that with constant love, reassurance, safety, and security, the majority of animals are able to blossom into the selves they were meant to be.
Bernie's cancer went into remission, and he survived to meet my daughter. Then, amazingly, he held on to his remission to meet my son 20 months later. But living that long wasn't easy on him, and it took its toll on us, too.
Improvements in medical care for animals and people are advancing at a dizzying rate. As more research is funded, we are discovering things that benefit both ends of the leash, and that makes the practice of medicine more challenging and interesting.
The most important purpose for putting a collar on your kitty is to ensure she can be identified and returned to you if she's lost.
Just as humans need to keep moving and stay active to fully enjoy their senior years, so do older dogs and cats. The aging process brings with it loss of muscle tone and balance, which can lead to inactivity.
Adopting animals, rather than killing them, generates new sources of revenue within the local community and is a classic win-win: for the animals, taxpayers, local businesses, as well as for the many caring people who love their animals as family.
A whole lot of worry as I dropped off Frida, a member of my family, at the veterinarian's office on my way into work yesterday morning.
Imagine having a job where you never looked at the clock, and worked 60 hours a week with no regrets. Responding to disasters and rescues has just been the "glamorous" part of the job. And it's not just about the animals; it's also the people.
Countries with little in the way of social services also have weak animal welfare systems. Think Russia and Mexico, where dogs roam the streets and are often in the most pitiful health.
Has a dog or cat been a genuine part of your life? Both have been companions of mine as body mates and soul mates...They accepted me with unconditional love. Who could ask for more?
Most Popular Pets Stories
