Just how sensitive is a dog’s sense of smell? Theoretically, it can detect a single spoon of sugar dissolved in a million gallons of water, the equivalent of two Olympic-sized pools, according to Alexandra Horowitz, author of the bestselling Inside a Dog: What Dogs See, Smell and Know. Now, trainers are channeling those talented snouts …
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“The world likes dogs because dogs are nearest to moral perfection of all living things,” according to Captain William Judy, who founded National Dog Week in 1928. The ordained minister, World War I veteran and publisher of the late Dog World magazine chose the last week in September as a time to honor that enduring …
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Human babies can emit a high-decibel wail when uncomfortable. A small child can point out an owie on the elbow. But aside from the occasional whimper or yowl, most pets lack the physical or verbal skills to communicate pain. And many pets — especially those of the feline persuasion — instinctively hide evidence of pain …
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Just having a dog in your life can be good for your health. There are the obvious benefits of companionship, including the squeals of delight when you return home and unlimited snuggling on lazy Saturday mornings. But research shows that dogs can also lower your blood pressure, reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease and help …
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It all started in 1975 when a state hospital inmate brought an injured bird back to the ward. Noticing that the bird improved the behavior of other inmates, the staff initiated an animal therapy program. The impact was profound: Inmates with access to animals required 50 percent less medication and were less violent than inmates …
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Sir Walter Scott was not only a prolific poet and novelist, he was also “perhaps the most devoted dog lover that ever was,” according to a New York Times article published in 1898. In paintings, he is almost always portrayed with a dog. And his deerhound, Maida, is immortalized in the monument of Scott in …
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Oh, the plight of left-handed people. It’s hard enough that they have to deal with right-handed scissors and can openers. Then there are cup holders in cars, situated inconveniently on the right side of the driver’s seat. Even writing in a 3-ring binder or spiral-bound notebook requires a certain amount of contortionism. Maybe that’s why …
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Some pets hoover up every morsel in their food bowls. Others hold a hunger strike until sliced turkey with gravy appears. Just how much does your pet’s sense of taste play into his or her food choices? And how do you know when they’re just being picky or it might be a sign of a …
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When the S.S. Ethie crashed into the rocky Canadian shoreline during a blizzard in 1919, a dog named Tang helped rescue everyone on board. With the ship’s rope clenched in his mouth, Tang paddled through frigid, choppy waves to the shore. All 92 passengers and crew, including a baby in a mail sack, were safely …
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Unplug your computer. Power down your phone. Disconnect from the stress of everyday life. And connect with your dog under a canopy of stars in the wilderness. What outdoor adventure is better than camping with your best friend? But before you pack up and head out, consider these tips to help make your trip safe …
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