Entries by Marie Gilmore

Public Health Student Explores Benefits of Using Pot-bellied Pigs in Animal Therapy

Anastasia “Anya” Smith, a public health senior at The University of Toledo, fell in love with the two pot-bellied pigs her brother brought to the family’s farm in Monroe, Mich. Then, her mind shifted to her research project on the benefits of animal therapy. “With how cute and friendly they were, I thought they’d be […]

The Power of Companion Animals and The Benefits of Fostering a Pet

Kristen Tump found remarkable success in her emerging business career but felt something was missing. That “something” was discovered eight years ago when she adopted her cat, Maddie, from Orphans of the Storm Animal Shelter in Deerfield. As a child, Kristen always wanted to work with animals, originally going to school as a pre-veterinary student. […]

Veterinary groups launch new coalition to advance telehealth care

Before telehealth is used, an in-person veterinarian-client-patient relationship needs to be established. Seeking to enhance and expand patient care through wider use of telehealth in veterinary medicine, a group of leading professional and industry organizations have formed the Coalition for Connected Veterinary Care. The coalition will collaborate across the veterinary and animal health industry to enhance and […]

The ‘Beagle Brigade’ Receives Industry-Wide Support in Protection of U.S. Agriculture

Today, over 116 agricultural canine teams provide screening at border crossings, airports, cruise terminals, cargo warehouses and mail facilities, according to the U.S. Bureau of Customs and Border Protection (CBP). To protect the U.S. agriculture industry, natural resources and food supply, canines are used at U.S. ports of entry to detect and prevent foreign animal […]

LIVESTOCK GUARD DOGS GROW IN POPULARITY AMONG RANCHERS

RANCHERS FIND GOOD HELP MANAGING LIVESTOCK Livestock guard dogs (LGD) are becoming an increasingly popular tool in livestock management. A well-trained LGD will alert handlers to threats, ward off predators, and give ranchers peace of mind. Breeds developed over centuries by sheep- and goat-herding cultures. Anatolian shepherds, Akbash, Great Pyrenees, Kuvasz, and Central Asian shepherds […]

New survey: 95% of pet parents rely on their pet for stress relief

The American Heart Association’s Healthy Bond for Life™ releases new survey highlighting mental and physical health benefits of pet companionship DALLAS, June 20, 2022 — Nearly all cat and dog owners rely on their pets for stress relief according to a new survey released by the American Heart Association, a global force for longer, healthier […]

Walking the beat with Los Angeles’ Street Vet

Life on the streets can be extremely difficult for America’s homeless. Many are unsure where they will sleep tonight or their next meal. Some are mentally ill, others victims of dire circumstance. In many cases, a pet is a homeless person’s only solace. According to a 2015 report in the journal, Child Psychiatry & Human Development, […]

Heeling House Dogs Help Student De-Stress

Heeling House, a Sterling nonprofit, is becoming increasingly popular among high school students as they provide service dogs to help students de-stress. The nonprofit aims to improve the lives of special needs children through visits with therapy dogs, but its mission has evolved to help all students in the community. Established in 2014, Heeling House […]

GROWING UP WITH A DOG COULD REDUCE YOUR CHANCES OF GUT DISEASE — STUDY

WE’VE LONG KNOWN the myriad health benefits of owning a dog, from improved mental well-being to healthier aging. Specifically for children, studies find that dog ownership correlates with reduced anxiety and decreased response to stress. Now, there’s another reason to adopt: It could help your gut health. New research suggests living with a dog may yield a surprising benefit to children: improved gut […]

The Bonds Between Disabled People and Their Pets

Animals are instrumental to disabled people for comfort, support, and empowerment. The skill pets have to console their humans in vulnerable moments, guide in moments of discomfort, and encourage in instances of defeat has been proven countless times. Having a pet has numerous health benefits according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Animals help […]