Animals

What if a cat had the ability to sense when someone was nearing the end of their life? This remarkable phenomenon became a reality with Oscar, the therapy cat at Steere House Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Providence, Rhode Island. His unique ability caught the attention of Dr. David Dosa, a geriatrician and researcher from Brown University, who later wrote a book detailing Oscar’s extraordinary talent. When Oscar arrived at […]

With the holiday season fast approaching, many people are making their Thanksgiving plans. In California, one farm is offering a unique way to celebrate the holiday — and it might just make your list of things to do. The Gentle Barn, a nonprofit farm in Santa Clarita, is hosting a special event on Thanksgiving Day: turkey cuddling. While most people associate Thanksgiving with eating turkey, The Gentle Barn is offering

In a delightful blend of workplace benefits and pet ownership, the concept of “pawternity leave” has emerged, allowing employees to take time off to care for their new furry family members. This innovative policy acknowledges the emotional and practical needs of pet parents and is rapidly gaining traction among progressive companies.  As more organizations recognize the importance of pets in their employees’ lives, a few trailblazers are leading the way

In an innovative approach to mental health support, a new free hotline is connecting seniors with virtual sessions featuring their very own “therapy cat.” This unique initiative aims to provide emotional comfort, companionship, and mental well-being for older adults, especially during times of loneliness or stress. 1. The Concept Behind Therapy Cats Cats have long been recognized for their calming presence and ability to provide emotional support. Studies show that

In recent years, the raw food diet has gained popularity among pet owners looking to provide their dogs with a more natural, unprocessed diet. Advocates argue that feeding dogs a raw food diet—often referred to as “BARF” (Biologically Appropriate Raw Food or Bones and Raw Food)—can lead to numerous health benefits. However, the suitability of a raw food diet for dogs remains a topic of debate among veterinarians, pet nutritionists,

Black cats have long been shrouded in myths and misconceptions, often unfairly associated with bad luck and superstition. Despite their popularity in folklore and their beautiful appearance, these animals face significant stigmas that can affect their adoption and treatment. Changing these perceptions requires a concerted effort rooted in patience, knowledge, and love. This article explores the journey toward transforming attitudes about black cats and the steps we can take to

You might know the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, possibly thanks to the 2000 Christopher Guest film “Best in Show.” This prestigious event has been around for 143 years, celebrating canine lineage and highlighting the finest breeds. Dogs compete across categories such as Sporting, Hound, Working, Terrier, Toy, Non-Sporting, and Herding, culminating in one lucky dog being crowned Best in Show. But what about the mixed-breed pups and the lovable

Spain has taken a significant step forward in animal rights by passing a groundbreaking law that officially recognizes animals as “sentient beings.” This new legislation acknowledges that animals are capable of feeling emotions such as pain, fear, and joy, and it seeks to provide them with stronger legal protections. The law was passed in December 2021 and marks a shift in how animals are treated under Spanish law. Previously, animals

Cats have long held a mysterious allure, captivating their human companions with their enigmatic behavior. A recent study sheds light on an intriguing aspect of feline intelligence: the ability of cats to recognize names, both of their human owners and their fellow feline friends. The Study Overview Conducted by researchers at the University of Tokyo, the study aimed to investigate whether cats could distinguish between different names, particularly in social

Rats often get a bad reputation. When people think of “rats,” many conjure images of large creatures scuttling through New York City sewers, leading to associations with infestations and frightening encounters. However, this perception stands in stark contrast to the joy and affection that pet rat owners experience. Our family has welcomed several pairs of pet rats over the years, starting with a pair we got from a fellow we