My husband and I almost missed out on driving about half of the lonely and sometimes treacherous Dalton Highway on our recent Alaskan vacation. But with a bit of good fortune, we drove about 210 miles north along the two-lane, primarily dirt road originally built to service the Alaskan Pipeline. Experiencing the vast and beautiful frontier of our country’s 49th state was a special treat.
Thanks to my understanding pack hubby, cooperative canines, and lightweight equipment, I’ve learned that backpacking, after a twenty-eight-year hiatus, remains one of my favorite summertime activities. But backpacking with dogs can be challenging and sometimes amusing notwithstanding careful preparation!
Freedom Service Dogs of America, whose canines assist veterans with post-traumatic stress, children with autism, and adults with other disabilities cope with everyday life, desperately needs donations of well-bred and socialized purebred puppies and young adults from reputable breeders. Learn more about why 120 disabled persons are waiting between eighteen and twenty-four months to be matched with a specially trained service dog that will become theirs free of charge, and how reputable purebred breeders can help.
The Galapagos Islands are truly a special and almost magical place, and in many respects, a step back in time where wildlife and beautiful beaches dot the landscape. That’s what my husband Dave and I discovered when we visited a few of the islands in May.
Our new middle-aged Labrador adoptee reminded me that newbie hiking dogs not only need physical conditioning but also some basic training to assure safe and fun adventures. Read on to learn about how to condition and teach proper trail etiquette to your dog.
The Grey Muzzle Organization founder believes senior dogs deserve the “happiest time we can give them” no matter if they have years, months, or even days left in their lives. Since 2008, Grey Muzzle has awarded more than $1.5 million in grants to countless animal shelters, rescues, sanctuaries, breed specific rescues, and other nonprofits to help better the lives of senior canines in thirty-eight states.
Good news may be on the horizon for Labrador retriever breeders and owners who understand the potential heartbreak of copper toxicosis, an often-deadly disease that attacks some purebreds as well as mixed breeds. Dutch researchers will soon release a study about a controversial DNA genetic test and are working on a biomarker in blood to predict whether an individual dog has the disease.
Tens of thousands of street dogs roam Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal. These often sickly-looking canines scavenge for food and often hang out around tourist attractions. Many carry rabies. The city government formerly set out poisoned meat at night to control the street dog population. Fortunately, one nonprofit animal rescue organization’s “catch and release” spay/neuter/vaccinate/treat program has replaced the poison method and saved thousands of canines.
Once Dave and I decided that Ranger needed a companion, we carefully agreed on the age range and gender of our prospective new family member. To our surprise, we needed to think harder about the best age for Ranger’s sister.
Canine Health Resort offers an amazing opportunity for dogs to heal after undergoing medical treatment at Colorado State University’s Veterinary Teaching Hospital. Owners with non-aggressive dogs may choose to leave them in this homey country haven during their rehabilitation. These lucky canines heal together as they romp on nearly seventy-five acres, swim in a pond, and sleep crate-free at night in the living room of a cozy farmhouse!