What golden retrievers are teaching us about cancer

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In September, Sara Fritz lost her six-year-old golden retriever, Emma, to an especially aggressive cancer called hemangiosarcoma. As a pet parent, she was heartbroken. As a practicing veterinary oncologist, she was frustrated. More than 60 percent of golden retrievers will develop cancer in their lifetimes, compared to about 25 percent of other breeds. “All dogs can develop […]

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How one rabid kitten triggered intensive effort to contain deadly virus

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At first, Madeline Wahl thought her new kitten was having a bad reaction to medication for ringworm. After each dose, he would shake his head and flail his legs. She and her husband, Rich, had brought the kitten to their house in a historic neighborhood in Omaha after a friend found the stray meowing in her driveway. […]

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Equine-assisted therapy and therapeutic riding embraces the magic of human-horse bonds

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The healing qualities of animal companionship are hard to deny. From veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder to people who have seizures, all kinds of people can get help from animals to cope with different mental and physical issues. Emotional support dogs are a familiar concept to many, but medical professionals are also starting to […]

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Three-Legged Therapy Dog Brings Hope to Children With Limb Differences at Kentucky Hospital

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A three-legged therapy dog is bringing hope to kids with limb differences at Shriners Children’s Lexington in Kentucky. According to People, the rescue dog visits kids in the hospital and helps them feel more confident in their bodies. Wounded pup gets second chance No one would’ve predicted that Chance would become a therapy dog. He was found with a […]

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Canine friends help kids’ health, especially in the hospital

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Few parents would question the benefits a dog brings to their child’s life. Exercise, a sense of responsibility, empathy, reduced anxiety and compassion are among just a few. Now, the healing benefits of a furry friend is evident with the increasing number of hospital dogs throughout the country — dogs that put in their eight-hour […]

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Dogs show heightened brain responsiveness to certain speech patterns, particularly from women who use the cute-sie voice.

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A recent study has taken an intriguing look into the world of dog-human communication, giving us a new understanding about the ways dogs respond to human speech. The study, conducted by researchers from the Department of Ethology at Eötvös Loránd University, found that dogs’ brains are sensitive to a specific tone of voice often referred […]

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A bundle of fluff when you’re feeling ruff

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Pet therapy animals bring comfort to children and adults in the hospital. They can help lower blood pressure, pain levels and the feeling of loneliness. Photos courtesy of Pet Partners A visit with a furry four-legged friend is a dream of many. The power of pet companionship extends above and beyond long walks, countless games […]

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Petting other people’s dogs, even briefly, can boost your health

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What’s four-legged, furry, and often serves up a quick little mood boost? That’s right, a dog. It turns out even short, friendly interactions with canines can be good for our health. I started pondering the power of dogs during one of my daily strolls around my neighborhood. Almost invariably, I’ll run into at least one […]

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With pets being treated like family, businesses aim to meet new needs

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About 65 million households nationwide are now proud owners of a furry canine companion, while 46 million households have a lovable feline friend. Millennials are at the forefront of this pet ownership trend, making up the highest percentage of pet owners among all age groups. One in four pet owners refer to their beloved animals […]

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Mothers are happier, more articulate with babies, puppies – study

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Why do we articulate more when speaking to babies and puppies? If you’re a new mother and also have taken possession of a new puppy as a pet, you are certainly very busy. But another sure is that you speak to both newborns with the same type of articulation – using clear and distinct sounds and higher […]

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