News

A service dog in training brings comfort to ER doctors on the frontlines

March 30, 2020

Heroes come in all shapes and sizes — this one just happens to have four legs and a furry coat. Wynn, a service dog in training, is bringing joy and comfort to the medical staff on the front lines of the coronavirus fight in Denver. The one-year-old yellow Labrador serves up cuddles to health care […]

Coronavirus: Dog owner tackles self-isolation loneliness by taking pet to visit neighbours

March 30, 2020

A dog owner is taking her pet bulldog to visit neighbours to help battle self-isolation during the coronavirus outbreak. Jenny Bromfield visits neighbours’ houses with her American bulldog Rocky who provides a welcome distraction for those stuck inside their homes. The 37-year-old says Rocky gives out plenty of hugs and attention to those most in […]

Dogs are being trained to sniff out coronavirus

March 30, 2020

Extensive testing for the novel coronavirus is a crucial weapon against the pandemic, as seen in countries like South Korea, which was able to significantly flatten the curve and Germany, which is testing an average of 500,000 people a week. COVID-19 screening can help authorities get a better picture of the number of active cases […]

New York dog rescues report an unprecedented surge in applications as coronavirus keeps humans isolated

March 30, 2020

For New Yorkers who have made a cliche out of lamenting that they don’t have time to take care of a dog, recent isolation guidelines have had at least one upside: dog time. Demand for dogs right now is “totally unprecedented,” said Sarah Brasky, the founder and executive director of Foster Dogs Inc., a New […]

Coronavirus FAQs: Does It Live On Clothes? Can My Dog Infect Me? Any Advice On Wipes?

March 30, 2020

The new coronavirus continues its spread in nearly every nation, bringing illness or death to many thousands of people. In the United States, the number of cases is growing rapidly. Here we ask experts questions from readers and listeners about COVID-19 and how to prevent the spread of the virus. I know the virus can […]

Coronavirus could be ‘sniffed’ out by dogs, experts say

March 30, 2020

The coronavirus pandemic has upended nearly every facet of day-to-day life around the globe, but one charity is hoping this everyday activity can help flatten the curve — dogs sniffing. British charity Medical Detection Dogs has partnered with Durham University and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM) on a medical trial to […]

Therapy animals greet isolated seniors

March 27, 2020

The wagging tag of a happy dog and fidgeting nose of an adorable bunny outside Elmcroft Senior Living’s windows helped ease the stress and anxiety of the residents isolated inside. Activity Director Chelsea Tennant was limited in finding ways to entertain and excite the ones most vulnerable to the dangers of COVID-19, she said. “To […]

Therapy dog usage trends upward in East Moline Schools

March 27, 2020

Tinker, a professional Therapy Dog relaxes for a few minutes at Glenview Middle School Glenview Middle School seventh-grader Evan Schillinger sat on a floor outside the counseling offices, gently petting Tinker, counselor Shannon Harmon’s large golden retriever. “It really relieves my stress, kind of calms me knowing that she’s here,” Evan said. “I just love […]

Ollie the therapy dog comforts students through PALS program

March 27, 2020

“He loves being at school, these kids are his people,” said PALS program instructor Debbie Shapiro. “If I’m not here, they don’t ask where I am, they ask “Where is Ollie?” Ollie, a certified therapy dog, helps students with special needs through a personalized alternative learning school program at Buckhannon-Upshur Middle School. Teachers say Ollie […]

Moses the mastiff training to become a therapy dog

March 27, 2020

Moses, a year-and-a-half-old Canary Mastiff, was a bit unsure of his surroundings during a recent visit to the county fire station on Public Safety Drive, but he enjoyed the head scratches and bully rubs even if he wasn’t fond of the smell of smoke from a lingering training exercise or the look of firefighters laden […]