As the COVID-19 pandemic has dragged on, veterinarians and pet owners say the emotional bond between people and their pets has had a significant positive influence on human mental health. But, while pets have provided valuable companionship during the lockdown, there’s been a big increase in pet adoptions, according to the Animal Policy Group, and also the workload for veterinary practices, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association. Veterinarians like Drs. Sarah Bason and … [Read more...] about Pandemic Pets: How Animals, Owners, Vets are Managing
Pets
Healing Powers of the Herd
A point often proven by history: The horse has a lot to teach the human. Contact between the two became closer when man started domesticating the horse around 4000 BC, and the relationship has evolved over time to inexorably link the two species. Today, that link is being used effectively to bring the lessons of the horse herd into the healing process for veterans and first responders who are struggling with trauma resulting from their service. A non-profit staged out of the Prescott … [Read more...] about Healing Powers of the Herd
Dogs May Suffer as Owners Return to Busy Lives
The more than 15 months of the COVID-19 saga have brought many changes for pets, some favorable and others sad, such as becoming homeless when a family had to move because of an eviction after jobs and income were lost. Jennifer Brehler, executive director of the Humane Society of Sedona, said one of the bright spots early on was a “significant increase” in the number of people stepping up to both foster and adopt shelter animals and “coming forward to help homeless animals in general and to … [Read more...] about Dogs May Suffer as Owners Return to Busy Lives
Rough Year for Pets, Too
It’s tricky enough to match up homeless pets with new owners, but the upheavals of 12 months of pandemic conditions have added to the challenges of animal adoption. In some cases, it also has added new difficulties to the world of pet ownership. Sudden changes for families facing unemployment and a loss of income because of the sweeping effects of COVID-19 have caused some to have to leave their homes because of evictions and foreclosures. The unexpected and unwelcome chaos has left … [Read more...] about Rough Year for Pets, Too
Hard-Working Service Dogs Improving Lives
For the first time in her life, Nannette Oatley Johnson has a service dog. Winchester, or Winnie, is a 75-pound, 2-year-old “goldador” – half golden retriever, half Labrador – that has been in training since she was a puppy. Winnie opens doors for Johnson, pulls her through grocery stores and can even pick things up that Johnson may have dropped, like her cell phone, although it may be covered with saliva and scratched up a bit when Johnson gets it back. The author and motivational speaker … [Read more...] about Hard-Working Service Dogs Improving Lives
Understanding the Danger of Halloween Candy for Dogs
When most people think of October, they think of that special day toward the end of the year when kids dress up and begin their month-long sugar high. However, what is sometimes overlooked is the danger that Halloween can be to the four-legged occupants of the house. A pillowcase full of Halloween candy can be just as appealing to a playful pup as it can be to the child who collected it. Between the decorative, noisy wrappers and the sweet aroma that emanates from those wrappers, Halloween candy … [Read more...] about Understanding the Danger of Halloween Candy for Dogs
Understanding the Danger of Rat Poison Around Pets
The thought of having wild rats in your house may be disturbing, but before you rush out to buy rat poison, there is some information you should know about what you are bringing into your home. Rat poison has been the cause of death of many pets because owners did not know what to watch for or did not know what to do if their pet ingested the poison. What are Rodenticides? Rodenticides are chemicals used to kill rodents. They are generally made to look like food so rats will want to eat … [Read more...] about Understanding the Danger of Rat Poison Around Pets
Pets –- More Than Just Man’s Best Friend
Owning a pet can be fun and rewarding for people of all ages. Who does not appreciate the joyous greeting your dog displays when you return home for the day, tail wagging furiously – that sparkle in his eyes just for you? Or how about snuggling with your soft, sweet cat while her gentle purr tickles your ears? Their antics are sure to bring a smile to your face no matter what is going on around you, and the love they have for you is certain to lift your heart on even your worst day. Aside … [Read more...] about Pets –- More Than Just Man’s Best Friend
