Pets

There are lots of reasons it’s better to adopt a dog or cat (or other animal!

Pets are wonderful additions to households that can offer love, time, and the financial responsibilities that come with caring for an animal, but the love they can return is ten-fold. Therapy animals, which include both pets and animals that are trained as therapy animals (which requires a more extensive training background, including certified coursework and certifications), can improve social behavior and skills, reduce pain and anxiety, and help ease depression.

Has Fido tried acupuncture to cure his pesky arthritis? Has hydrotherapy helped Bailey’s hip dysplasia?

If your four-legged friend seems to be having summertime sadness, don’t ignore it. Like us, our pets too need some specialized care to stay safe in the heat.

Raising rabbits for their fiber, or wool, isn't hard to do. We have raised a large herd of French Angoras for their wool, and have loved every minute of it. They are soft, cute, and even very friendly, but they do need a few additional steps in their care.

Summertime is a great time to get outside with your dog. Seeing your dog rolling in the grass, swimming in the lake, or just playing in the backyard can bring so much joy!

However, accidents can happen -- and they can happen to your pet as well. Being prepared for a medical emergency is vital -- not only for yourself but for your dog, too.

Sunny springtime sure is lovely and all, but what about the hair (pet hair, that is)?! During the colder months, our furry friends gain their winter coats to keep them nice and warm, but, at the first sign of sunshine, those coats seem to come right off—onto our carpets, couches, clothes, etc.

As children, we were all guilty of slipping the family dog(s) some table scraps when nobody was looking. It’s harmless, right? Wrong. I know they’re your best friends, but you cannot let those big ol’ puppy eyes get to you. Many common foods that may be somewhat healthy for us can actually send your pets to the vet (or worse, unfortunately). You may be tempted to share the wealth of food with your furriest family members, but it’s in the best interests of all parties involved to just toss them their favorite dog treats.

I’ve grown up around plenty of pets my entire life. In fact, my mom has always been a part of animal rescue efforts. Needless to say, I know a thing or two about your average cat and dog. However, until recently, I was completely unaware that there are numerous proven health benefits that can come from caring for a furry friend or two. So, next time your kid starts begging you for either a kitten or puppy, take a moment to think it over before you simply shut them down (and inevitably crush their dreams).

People love their pets. Sixty percent of American homes house an animal. Like humans, pets seem to be omni-present in the lives of their caretakers, without an official invitation. Pets often do not know why they are here any more than we do, although we both are sometimes absentmindedly present and dumbfounded, albeit together. Two peas in a pod…