News

Family Gets Reunited With Service Dog

December 15, 2020

A Michigan couple was reunited with their rescue service dog after spending three years looking for the dog in an emotional reunion made possible just in time for Christmas. The black Labrador retriever mix named Lola, or as Steve and Debra Mejeur affectionally refer to her, Lola Pup or Poo Butt, is home and the timing […]

Firefighters Get ESA

December 15, 2020

Battalion Chief David Picone remembers the car wreck on Mother’s Day some 20 years ago like it was yesterday. Picone, then a paramedic in Riverside County, comforted an uninjured toddler who was in one of the cars involved in the crash, holding the girl in his arms as he looked for her mother. The mom […]

Robot Therapy Dog

December 15, 2020

Animals, especially dogs, can have therapeutic benefits for children and young people. But researchers from the UK have found that the robotic animal, ‘MiRo-E’, can be just as effective and may even be a better alternative. “We know that real dogs can provide calming and enjoyable interactions for children—increasing their feelings of wellbeing, improving motivation […]

Hero Pups Program

December 14, 2020

It’s been four joyful and sometimes chaotic years for Laura Barker, training service dogs that will go on to assist veterans and first responders recovering from physical and emotional damage sustained while on the job or serving in the armed forces. Barker founded the entirely volunteer-run nonprofit Hero Pups in 2016, and this week, she […]

Caring Canines

December 14, 2020

Add a couple more veterans who can ease their stress a bit thanks to the Canines Assisting Service Heroes program. David White’s bond with Chief was evident during a ceremony inside the Reidel K9 facility this month, while Edward Heddinger and Gunny were unabashedly sharing affection for all to see. The CASH program, created by […]

Enzo’s Purpose

December 14, 2020

Alexandra Padilla’s cardiologist recommended that she have a service dog so that she could have a little more independence, and make it easier for her to do things on her own. Padilla was matched with Enzo, a Golden Retriever medical alert service dog, in late March. Since then, she has come to visit him at […]

Magazine Honors Dog Shelter

December 14, 2020

Animal control can be a different story for each rural community and urban city. Due to large populations in cities, the work is much different from us in the countryside. Looking at both is like comparing apples to oranges. Both rural and urban communities have similarities but many differences in the perceptions of animal control. […]

Service Animals On Planes

December 14, 2020

The days of pets flying with their owners in airplane cabins for free are coming to an end. The Department of Transportation issued a final rule Dec. 2 covering animals on airlines. It decided that only dogs can fly as service animals, and companions that passengers use for emotional support don’t count. The rule aims […]

Pets Together Program

December 14, 2020

To combat the sense of loneliness and sadness many are experiencing due to COVID-19, a national nonprofit is facilitating pet visits to bring people and pets together. Pets Together was created during the COVID-19 pandemic through the Animal Farm Foundation after safety protocols and restrictions limited opportunities to volunteer in the communities they serve. Edmond […]

Canberra Dog Show

December 14, 2020

Exhibition Park in Canberra hosted a family reunion of sorts this weekend. After three months of planning, the show dog community came together for Canberra’s first official show since February. Secretary Linda Stevens said four shows were held across Saturday and Sunday with 600 dogs at each show and 480 exhibitors. “People have been absolutely […]