Animals have played a significant role in military campaigns for thousands of years. Horses and dogs, in particular, have marched across continents with their masters and handlers as support and, at times, as fellow warriors. Ancient authors such as Pliny the Elder have written about a number of breeds used by the Roman Army during the empire’s expansion and the various roles the animals played. Among the favorites for sheer strength and size were the Cane Corso and the Molossian, a likely … [Read more...] about Arizona Military Dog Trainer Continues Tradition
Rebecca West
Injured Vet, Service Dog Become Dynamic Duo
You’ve likely seen them around Tucson. Whizzing by in traffic, saddling up in a parking lot or maybe right next to you at a stoplight. To some extent, the dynamic duo with the distinctive bullet-shaped sidecar has actually become what you might call local celebrities for the striking path they cut about town. Their names are Mike and Scott, and they ride a 2018 Road Glide with a custom sidecar. It’s a one-of-a-kind creation with a lot of gawker appeal. In fact, the twosome can’t go anywhere … [Read more...] about Injured Vet, Service Dog Become Dynamic Duo
Study Shows Stress Levels Decrease in Shelter Dogs When Fostered
Researchers are studying ways to reduce stress in shelter dogs. They are finding that canine foster programs and activities like weekend or holiday sleepovers that remove animals from noisy shelters and place them in home environments have a significant impact on their cortisol levels. Cortisol is a hormone involved in the stress response system in both humans and animals. In order to gather this type of evidence, companion animal scientist Lisa Gunter, Ph.D., and Maddie’s Fund Research … [Read more...] about Study Shows Stress Levels Decrease in Shelter Dogs When Fostered
Valley Fever Vaccine Expected to be Coming Soon
Coughing, fever, weight loss, lack of appetite – these worrisome symptoms are all cause for alarm when exhibited by loved ones, including family pets. If you recognize these clinical signs of illness in your dog or cat, it could be an indicator of Valley Fever, a serious though relatively rare medical condition prevalent in the Western and Southwestern portions of the United States. Valley Fever is a systemic fungal disease caused by inhaling Coccidioides spores. The Coccidioides fungus is found … [Read more...] about Valley Fever Vaccine Expected to be Coming Soon
