VIRGINIA – Thanks to the continued donations of businesses and individuals throughout the region, the AMSOIL Northland Law Enforcement K-9 Foundation has been able to expand to support another police K-9 program. The Virginia Police Department is now the sixth law enforcement agency to be part of the K-9 Foundation, and Deputy Chief Chad Nickila has joined the Board of […]
Pets
Heartworm: the disease all pet owners should watch for
Pets owners go to great lengths to ensure their animal companions are happy and healthy. Nutritious diets and routine visits to a veterinarian are two ways to keep pets healthy. Pet owners also can educate themselves about various conditions that can adversely affect their pets’ health, including heartworm. The American Heartworm Society (AHS) notes heartworm is a potentially fatal disease […]
Duke’s journal: An adventure with the great cauldron
Let me set the scene, mom and dad take their big shower towels and place them on the side of my couch. Mom walks into the bathroom and dad walks into the red bedroom. When they walk into their respective rooms, they are wearing comfortable clothes, at least they look comfortable, but when they walk out, they are wearing different […]
Why dog owners should be on the watch for dirt eating
“What the heck do you have in your mouth?” is something all of us are familiar with, as we chase our dog around trying to figure out what they’ve gotten into this time. Dirt is a common culprit. Why do dogs eat dirt? There are a couple common causes we will go over in this article, when it is cause […]
Common conditions cat owners should watch out for
Cats are beloved pets that are admired for their can-do attitudes. They’re independent, quirky and often clever. It’s important for cat owners to familiarize themselves with common feline behaviors and personality traits. That familiarity can help cat owners recognize when something may be “off” with their cats. While cats are good at self-care, there are times when owners must step […]
Tips to keep your pet safe against accidental poisoning
Companion animals typically do not understand that certain items in their environments can be harmful. Pets’ innate curiosity coupled with unique aromas produced by common household items can put them in jeopardy of potentially deadly poisoning. According to veterinary experts at WebMD Pet Health Center, an estimated 232,000 cases of pet poisoning occur annually in the United States. In March […]
AKC canine excellence awards now taking nominations
The AKC Humane Fund is seeking your nominations for its AKC Humane Fund Awards for Canine Excellence (ACE). Nominations are open now through July 1. Winners will be announced in late 2024 and will be highlighted in a made-for-tv special. Each year, the AKC Humane Fund, a notfor profit organization, honors five dedicated, hardworking dogs for making significant contributions to […]
Too cold for you outside? Too cold for pets outside!
Important tips for keeping your pets safe in the winterRecently, yet another winter storm has been impacting large swaths of the U.S.—a weather system that is expected to bring heavy snow, frigid air, ice, and other severe weather. American Humane, the country’s first national humane organization, is sharing tips to help pet owners keep their fourlegged family members safe. “Winter weather can be just as dangerous for cats and […]
More physical activity and social connection
Mayo Clinic Q and A: Why dogs are good for your healthDEAR MAYO CLINIC: We’re thinking about getting a dog. We know they’re great companions, but how are they good for your health? ANSWER: People with dogs know the benefits of pet ownership. The unconditional love, trust and loyalty shown by your canine companions, coupled with their unbridled enthusiasm on your return home each day, is hard to put into words. […]
Former Air Force handler and K-9 working dog reunited
On December 20, 2023, American Humane reunited retired military working dog John with his former K-9 handler, U.S. Air Force Staff Sergeant Mike Alcala, in San Antonio, Texas. The once-inseparable pair had been apart for over two years and were then together for the holidays as John found his forever home to live out his retirement. The 10-year-old German shepherd […]