A number of researchers from various universities have joined together to try and develop a mechanical device that can rival the scenting ability of dogs to detect diseases in people. No one denies that dogs have a remarkable ability to detect the early stages of disease in humans. But the cost of training the dog and the dog’s length of service makes using them expensive. If scientists can develop a device that can equal a dog’s nose it would reduce a lot of the cost.
What has proven elusive to scientists is that dogs can pick up connections that researchers cannot mimic in a machine. For example, some dogs that have been trained to detect one type of cancer will identify other types of cancer as well. When the researchers tried to determine what the dogs were detecting, they were not able to. The differences were not detectable by current tests. What complicates the problem is that the different cancers that were detected by the dogs do not have any biomolecular signatures in common. The dogs were able to generalize from one kind of cancer to be able to identify others.
The detection system that has been developed is 200 times more sensitive than a dog’s nose but the machine cannot figure out the elusive patterns that the dog can, that allows the dog to detect various cancers. In other words, the machine cannot think and make the connections. Until the researches solve the mystery, the machine cannot replace the dog.
The important point for people who use dogs for scent detection work is that dogs are capable of analyzing scent in a much more complex way then they have been trained to do. The bottom line is that if your scent dog gives you an indication that does not make sense to you, trust your dog and look further.
For many couples, a wedding isn’t complete without the pet who’s been there through everyday life. From quiet mornings to major milestones, furry companions are part of the story being celebrated. Including them in wedding festivities can feel meaningful rather than gimmicky when it’s done with intention. With a little planning, pets can add heart without adding stress.
Key Ideas
Choose roles that fit your pet’s temperament, not trends.
Plan logistics so comfort and safety come first.
Build in a graceful exit plan if your pet needs a break.
Carry the pet theme through details, from décor to keepsakes.
Why Pets Belong in the Story
From first apartments to long walks after work, pets witness the relationship’s quiet milestones. Inviting them into the celebration isn’t a gimmick; it’s a nod to shared life. The trick is choosing moments where they add warmth without stealing focus or feeling overwhelmed.
Roles That Feel Natural, Not Forced
Some pets love the spotlight; others prefer a cameo. A calm dog might walk down the aisle with a handler, while a shy cat could appear in portraits taken earlier in the day. Even a brief appearance—like greeting guests during cocktail hour—can feel meaningful when it aligns with your pet’s personality.
Preparing Your Pet for the Big Day
The goal is familiarity, not perfection. Walk your dog around the venue in advance. Practice short leash walks with distractions. Introduce any outfit well before the wedding so it feels routine, not restrictive. Assign a trusted friend or professional handler whose only job is your pet’s care.
Before the celebration arrives, walk through these practical steps to set everyone up for success:
Schedule a vet check to confirm vaccinations and health.
Pack a small kit with water, treats, waste bags, and a favorite toy.
Choose a quiet rest space away from music and crowds.
Confirm venue rules and any required documentation.
Plan transportation to and from the venue that suits your pet.
Styling Without Stress
Comfort always wins. Lightweight collars with florals, a simple bow tie, or a flower crown designed for pets can elevate photos without irritation. Skip anything that limits movement or hearing. If in doubt, dress up the leash instead of the pet.
Turning Wedding Memories Into Lasting Keepsakes
Including pets doesn’t have to stop when the music fades. Thank-you cards featuring your furry companion extend the celebration and add a personal note guests genuinely remember. Using an online app that lets couples design and order printed custom cards with polished templates and intuitive editing tools makes the process simple and flexible. You can personalize colors, photos, and messaging, then easily print online cards that feel thoughtful without adding post-wedding stress.
Bride with a beautiful dog on the wedding day
What Works Best by Wedding Moment
Different parts of the day call for different levels of pet participation. This overview helps you decide where your companion fits most comfortably.
These common questions help clarify what’s realistic and worthwhile.
Is it okay if our pet doesn’t stay for the whole wedding? Absolutely, and it’s often ideal. Many couples plan a meaningful appearance followed by a calm exit. This keeps the experience positive for the pet and stress-free for you.
Should we hire a professional pet handler? If your budget allows, it can be a game-changer. A handler manages walks, breaks, and cues so friends can enjoy the day. It also gives you peace of mind during key moments.
What if our venue has restrictions? Always confirm rules early. Some venues allow pets only outdoors or for photos. If restrictions are tight, consider off-site portraits or symbolic nods like signage or stationery.
How do we keep guests comfortable if they’re not animal lovers? Clear boundaries help. Assign handlers, avoid roaming pets, and ensure no one is surprised. Thoughtful planning keeps the focus on celebration, not logistics.
Are outfits really necessary for pets? Not at all. Many couples skip clothing and still achieve beautiful photos. A clean, brushed pet with a stylish leash can look just as polished.
What’s the simplest way to include a pet if logistics feel overwhelming? Photos and paper details are the easiest path. A short portrait session or pet-themed thank-you card captures inclusion without day-of stress.
Bringing It All Together
Including a furry companion can deepen the emotional texture of your wedding when it’s done thoughtfully. Focus on comfort, choose moments that suit your pet’s nature, and let simplicity guide your choices. Whether they walk the aisle or smile from a photo on your thank-you cards, their presence can quietly remind everyone what family really means.
Lead animal scientist Antonia Mataragka of the Agricultural University of Athens has conducted a study that explores the increase in chronic diseases in the animal kingdom. These same diseases are found in both animals and humans.
For example, obesity is widespread in dogs and cats. Being overweight leads to a greater number of cats who develop diabetes. About 20% of pigs develop osteoarthritis, beluga whales have an increase of gastrointestinal cancers and farmed Atlantic salmon suffer from cardiomyopathy. It doesn’t end there, up to 25% of wildlife living in polluted estuaries are developing liver tumors. Even
Marine turtles and fish are developing more tumors.
Mataragka hopes that her research will encourage more coordinated monitoring of both animals, people and ecosystems to identify early warning signs by recognizing shared causes of chronic illnesses and reduce disease risks for both animals and people.
Antonia Mataragka. Beyond Infections: The Growing Crisis of Chronic Disease in Animals. Risk Analysis, 2025; DOI: 10.1111/risa.70130
Society for Risk Analysis. “Animals are developing the same chronic diseases as humans.” ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 17 November 2025. <www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/11/251116105735.htm>.
Dragon’s Dust: Part Two: Prisoner of the Dark Fortress by Alfred Wohlmuth
284 pgs. $13.99
This book picks up where the first book, The Book of Seregon leaves off. In their search for the Book of Seregon the heroes must free a prisoner from the dungeon of a castle fortress because this is the only person who knows where the book is hidden. As is typical of this author, the book is well written with edge of your seat drama and adventures. The heroes must wade through the Marshes of Guglic, rescue the prisoner and escape from flooded caves. On top of that they are caught up in a battle. I highly recommend all five books in the series and I hope the author will continue the series, after reading book five I wanted it to continue.
Dragon’s Dust: Part I- The Book of Seregon by Alfred Wohlmuth
262 pages, $13.99
The heroes must find the Book of Seregon and the only man who knows its location is being held in the dungeon of a castle fortress by an evil warlord. The book gives the secrets of a great wizard that will give the person who owns it special power. If that person is evil, then they can destroy all the kingdoms and put the world into darkness. Our two heroes, decide to find the book but their journey takes them through dense forests where they must find a way to survive monsters and strange people.
This is a spell binding book that will have you turning pages as fast as you can read. There are many twists and turns that will keep you on the edge of your seat. I highly recommend this book for all readers. I also recommend the entire series of 5 books.
Dragon’s Dust: Book II-Part Two, The Black Castle, by Alfred Wohlmuth,
179 pgs. $14.95 on Amazon
This book is well crafted and the author’s skill in keeping the reader riveted is amazing. You might as well purchase all five books because you will want to see what happens next even though each book can be a stand-alone story.
I have read all the five books and cannot say enough about them. The authors skill in storytelling and creating a fantasy world is unmatched. In this book the main characters, Gyank and his friends have uncovered a devious plot to take over their country by the Red Lord. The last free castle is about to be surrounded with enemy ships. The castle had sent for help, but the ship was taken prisoner. It was up to the heroes to go for help, but the only way to get to the only country who could help was to go down a forbidden river called the Dead Branch from which everyone who has gone down it has disappeared never to be heard from again. The Dead Branch goes past the black castle.
Dragon’s Dust: Book II – Part Three, The Vulpine Warrior, by Alfred Wohlmuth,
265 pgs. $14.95 on Amazon
I cannot say enough about the author’s writing skill. The details and plot are amazing. I hope that the author is planning to continue the series because I want to read more. This book continues the adventure of the main characters and tells how they shrewdly fight the enemies who want to take over their country even though they are outnumbered. The tactics are mind boggling and I give the author the highest praise to be able to envision such action. The series, (all five books) are suitable for young adults as well as us older folks. It was a fun book to read, and I found it difficult to put down. I highly recommend all of this author’s books.
Dragon’s Dust: Book II Part One, The Secret Hunters, by Alfred Wohlmuth
194 pgs. $14.95 on Amazon
This book is well crafted and the author’s skill in keeping the reader riveted is amazing. You might as well purchase all five books because you will want to see what happens next even though each book can be a stand-alone story.
I have read all the five books and cannot say enough about them. The authors skill in storytelling and creating a fantasy world is unmatched. In this book the main characters, Gyank and his friends have uncovered a devious plot to take over their country by the Red Lord. The last free castle is about to be surrounded with enemy ships. The castle had sent for help, but the ship was taken prisoner. It was up to the heroes to go for help, but the only way to get to the only country who could help was to go down a forbidden river called the Dead Branch from which everyone who has gone down it has disappeared never to be heard from again. The Dead Branch goes past the black castle.
What this means is that dogs can group objects by how they are used, not by how they look. The importance of this discovery shows that dogs understand words and in a more flexible manner than previously thought.
A team of animal behavior researchers worked with dog owners and had them play with their dogs with objects in two categories, pull and fetch. The owners used these words with specific toys that did not look similar.
“Next, the dogs were tested to see if they had learned to connect the functional labels to the correct group of toys before playing with more novel toys in the two distinct categories. However, this time, their owners didn’t use the “pull” and “fetch” labels for the dogs.
The team found that the dogs were able to extend the functional labels they’d learned previously to the new toys based on their experience playing with them. In the final test, the dogs showed that they could successfully apply the verbal labels to the toys by either pulling or fetching accordingly, even when their owners hadn’t named them.”
This impacts the way we train our dogs and the importance of the words that we use, especially associating the words with actions. If dogs are capable of understanding words to this level, it is reasonable to assume that other animals and birds can do the same thing.
Journal Reference:
Claudia Fugazza, Andrea Sommese, Ádám Miklósi. Dogs extend verbal labels for functional classification of objects. Current Biology, 2025; DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2025.08.013
Cite This Page:
Cell Press. “Dogs can tell how toys work without any training.” ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 23 September 2025. <www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/09/250923021212.htm>.
A book of poems by Catherine Lawton, 110 pgs., Cladach Publishing, $14.00
Sometimes poetry can stir the heart in a special way, and this book does that. Ms. Lawton reveals her feelings in a beautiful way. It illustrates nature and God’s work in beautiful prose without openly preaching. The book has five chapters with numerous poems in each chapter. The chapters are: Seen & Unseen; Cycles & Seasons; Been & Becoming; Time & Space; Inside & Outside. What makes this book special are the notes at the end of the book. Ms. Lawton explains the inspiration for each chapter, which gives the poems deeper meaning. In addition the illustrations throughout the book help set the mood for the chapters. The book is a timeless work of art, one that a reader can cozy up to in the dead of winter or enjoy on a patio with the fresh breath of spring or a summer breeze. The book is excellent for all ages.
This wonderful book helps the reader deal with loss, is written by Jeannette Laube, a Christian counselor. The dedication reads, “Dedicated to those who cross the painful road of loss, betrayal and broken dreams. You are not alone, you taught me that grief can lead to new graces.”
No matter if you lost a loved one, a pet or have experienced disappointment, this is the book that will help you confront your grief. The book is based on TEARS which stand for Turn to face the reality of our losses; Experience the pain; Adjust to our new reality; Remembering the past is essential; Search for bringing new meanings to life.
Loss is not just the loss of a loved one, but can also be the loss of a job, or other meaningful thing in your life. It can be an accumulation of events that overwhelm a person or family. This book is equally important for teens who do not have the life experiences or perhaps the support to deal with their circumstances which may seem overwhelming.
Since we never know when we may face a loss, I highly recommend that everyone keep a copy handy to either use or give to someone who may need it.
A Blog by Susan Bulanda 