How Pets Improve Our Lives

I love my dog--he makes me laugh out loud, lets me snuggle with him, is excited to see me when I get home. But the benefits of having a pet aren't just anecdotal. Numerous studies have shown all sorts of benefits to having that creature in your life, from improving your blood pressure to improving your outlook on life. This article on Huffington Post lists nine ways pets improve our lives. Take a look. 

They Hate the Vet

Huffington Post recently posted a compilation of photos of pets at the vet. "Veterinarians are doing God's work," Simon McCormack wrote.  "They take care of the sick, disabled and most vulnerable of our household pets. But those pets hate them."

Take a look at their article.

Canines With A Cause

Deseret News

A few months ago, I read about a great new charitable organization based in Park City, Utah. Canines With a Cause takes dogs from shelters and works with prison inmates to train them as service dogs for veterans.

I love my dog--I love playing with him, petting him, and taking him for walks. He sleeps on my bed. He's happy to see me when I get home--he rushes up to me with his tail wagging. He makes me laugh and can cheer me up--he even gives me hugs when I ask him to. It amazes me how much a dog as a companion does.

When I was younger, our family trained puppies for Guide Dogs for the Blind. This gave me a small window into the world of service dogs. I learned about how the dogs would need to learn to stay on task perfectly, ignoring food on the ground, animals, people, and other distractions. They would need to guide people around obstacles--including being aware of what is above themselves but still an obstacle for the person walking with them. When they are told "sit," they have to sit every time. When they are told "down," they need to lay down every time. They are incredible dogs.

In sum, I am amazed by the healing, loving power dogs have as well as their incredible capacity to learn and serve. I love that this organization is working to harness the incredible gift of animals--rescuing the dogs themselves, giving meaningful, healing work for prisoners, and offering needed support for veterans who have suffered in the service of our country. What a wonderful organization.

Check It Out:

Military.com:Rescued Dog Helps Veteran Cope With PTSD

Deseret News: Paws in prison--Utah inmates help to train therapy dogs for veterans

Happy Happy Halloween

Are you dressing up your pet for Halloween next week? Here's some inspiration.

Cast Your Votes: Salt Lake Canine Mayor

With all the campaign posters around this election season, one that I've been seeing near my house that makes me smile:

 

I thought this was just someone having some well-merited fun during the high-pressure election season. But I looked Tex up, and it turns out you really can vote for Tex for mayor--that is, for canine mayor of Salt Lake County.

Mayor Ben McAdams explained on his blog what this is all about:

"Salt Lake County is going to the dogs – literally. Last week I was excited to announce the first-ever race for Canine Mayor of Salt Lake County! Does your dog have what it takes to be a leader?

"Your dog must be spayed or neutered, licensed, fully vaccinated and well-behaved.  As representatives for dogs throughout the county, they must earn the trust of dogs and their humans. The winner will serve a two year term and will be my sidekick at ribbon-cuttings, park ground-breakings, and so forth.

"Filing for the race closes September 15^th. Then, get ready to cast your vote for the dog of your choice on October 1^st. Each vote costs a $1 donation to the Animal Shelter’s Injured Animal Fund and all funds will directly help meet the needs of animals who come into the care of Salt Lake County Animal Services with injuries.  Voters can live anywhere and may vote online or in person at the shelter. Visit Salt Lake County Animal Services to find an application for your canine candidate."

 

Tex is far from the only candidate. Salt Lake County Service's website lists the candidates, and their Facebook page not only keeps you updated on a running total of the votes, but lists bios for them, as well. There are therapy dogs, movie stars, volunteers, service dogs, and companion animals. Whatever happens in the race, these dogs are helping earn money for a great cause--and helping raise awareness for their kind.

Essential Oils Workshop

Hey! Here's something you might be interested in. Dr. Charles Gold is leading a workshop on using essential oils for your pet. It's free!

Yum, Yum

My mom (Dr. Clytee Gold) sometimes tells about a couple of memorable surgeries here at Forest Hills Pet Care. One was a dog that came in sick--and the x-ray just showed that his stomach had turned to solid metal. When she opened the dog up, she found...hundreds of pennies, nickles, dimes, and quarters. The dog had eaten a jar of change. Another similar incidence revealed that a dog had eaten a stuffed animal. The surgery, my mom tells, almost felt like a C-section: as she opened the dog up, the eyes of the stuffed animal were peering up at her. Our dog Bomb once decided to fill her belly up with the long leaves of a plant in our yard. She couldn't digest them, and she got sicker and sicker until she had surgery to empty out her stomach.

It turns out, though, that a lot of animals eat odd objects and need surgery to help them out. This article by the Washington Post doesn't just tell the story of these poor pets, but shows the x-rays that surprised the vets treating them.