pets

Faithful Friends: Holocaust Survivors Stories of the Pets Who Gave Them Comfort, Suffered Alongside Them and Waited for Their Return

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Imagine that your family is frightened, you know it even though they are trying to hide it from you. People who were your friends now ignore or avoid you. War has gripped your country, and some people are leaving everything behind to flee. Yet at night, you sleep soundly because your faithful pet, whether it be a dog or cat, lays by your side. You pet still loves you and thinks that you are the best person in the world. Then one day, you and your family are taken away, forced to leave your best friend behind. Faithful Friends is the story of these devoted animals. All are true, all are treasured memories, and all are special to the people who shared them for this book, the only book of its kind to tell the stories of these devoted animals. Available in English and Italian.

Order a copy at www.sbulanda.com, https://cladach.com/bookstore/

Decoding dog vocalizations

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Researchers at Mexico’s National Institute of Astrophysics, Optics and Electronics (INAOE) along with the researchers at the University of Michigan, have devised a program using AI to begin the process of understanding dog vocalizations.

They found that AI models used for human speech can be used as a starting point to develop new systems that understand animal vocalizations. The human voice models can encode the very complex patterns of human languages and speech, so the researchers have started to develop similar programs to decode canine barks.

If they are successful, they feel that it will benefit biologists as well as animal behaviorists and other people who work with animals. Of course, it will benefit dogs as well. Such a system could enhance the care of dogs by letting people interpret their emotional and physical needs. This information could prevent potentially dangerous situations.

Sue’s Note: While this is very good, understanding dogs and any other animal depends heavily on their body language. Will this program take that into consideration? To the best of our knowledge, animals do not have a word by word vocal communication system.

Journal Reference:

  1. Artem Abzaliev, Humberto Pérez Espinosa, Rada Mihalcea. Towards Dog Bark Decoding: Leveraging Human Speech Processing for Automated Bark Classification. Submited to arXiv, 2024 DOI: 10.48550/arXiv.2404.18739

Cite This Page:

University of Michigan. “Using AI to decode dog vocalizations.” ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 4 June 2024. <www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/06/240604132204.htm>.

Sleep apnea in dogs

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Many people may not be aware that brachycephalic dogs breeds such as French Bulldogs, Pugs and other breeds with short, flat noses can suffer from sleep apnea. It has been found that these dogs suffer from disordered breathing that is similar to human obstructive sleep apnea which is caused by upper airway obstruction. The result is daytime fatigue and interruptions in sleep.

Researchers at the University of Helsinki Lung Insight group found that a neckband system that is used in people, was successful in determining if dogs suffered from sleep apnea.  

Their research showed that brachycephalic dogs snore and suffer from sleep disorders more than dogs with long snouts. Sleep apnea causes health issues in humans such as hypertension and cardiovascular disease. It affects the body’s immune system, hormone secretion and metabolism. Since dogs and humans share similar health issues, it is important to monitor your dog’s sleep habits and if you think that your dog has sleep apnea contact your veterinarian.   

Journal Reference:

  1. Iida Niinikoski, Sari‐Leena Himanen, Mirja Tenhunen, Liisa Lilja‐Maula, Minna M. Rajamäki. Description of a novel method for detection of sleep‐disordered breathing in brachycephalic dogs. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 2023; DOI: 10.1111/jvim.16783

Cite This Page:

University of Helsinki. “A short snout predisposes dogs to sleep apnea.” ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 13 June 2023. <www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2023/06/230613110050.htm>.

Stress causes overeating in pets

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Researcher Sora Shin, an assistant professor at the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at Virginia Tech has discovered a molecule that triggers the need to eat high fat foods in mice 24 hours after being exposed stress in the form of the scent of cats.

This molecule is found in the hypothalamus section of the brain which is the part of the brain that is connected to changes in the brain that lead to emotional overeating.

 The same molecule is found in people as well as animals. This discovery may lead to treatment methods that can help people who react to the emotionally driven need to overeat, even when they are not hungry.

Sue’s Note: There are many animals, particularly dogs and cats that tend to overeat which result in them becoming obese. Pet owners who have pets that have this problem should consider stress as a factor that causes their pets to overeat. First be sure that the family or friends are not over feeding the pets. If this is not the case the pet owner should evaluate the possibility that stress may be a cause. Since the study showed that the effects of stress can cause overeating 24 hours later, the pet owner should consider events that happened in the last 24 hours. An example would be someone or something that passes the pet’s home when the owner is not home that causes high stress in the pet. In situations where stress is a factor, reducing the amount of food that the pet has access to may cause a greater amount of stress. In this case over the counter calming remedies may help the pet. If not a visit to your veterinarian would be in order explaining to the veterinarian that you suspect stress is a cause of the overeating. Print a copy of the article in the link below to show your veterinarian if necessary.

Journal Reference:

  1. In-Jee You, Yeeun Bae, Alec R. Beck, Sora Shin. Lateral hypothalamic proenkephalin neurons drive threat-induced overeating associated with a negative emotional state. Nature Communications, 2023; 14 (1) DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-42623-6

Cite This Page:

Virginia Tech. “Scientist discovers potential brain link between stress, emotional eating.” ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 27 November 2023. <www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2023/11/231127180702.htm>.

Unlock the Healing Power of Animal Companionship in Overcoming Addiction

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by guest blogger Cindy Aldridge

Embarking on the path to overcoming addiction, you might discover solace and support in unexpected places. Among these, the companionship of pets stands out as a source of unconditional love and understanding. These furry friends offer companionship and become critical pillars in the journey toward sobriety, providing a unique form of support that nurtures emotional and physical well-being. Susan Bulanda shares more:

Providing Companionship and Sense of Purpose

In the throes of addiction recovery, the presence of a pet can imbue your life with a newfound sense of purpose and belonging. The unconditional love and unwavering companionship pets offer can fill the void of loneliness, giving you a reason to push forward. 

Their dependence on you for care and affection instills a routine and responsibility that can be incredibly grounding. This bond is crucial to the recovery process, offering a comforting presence that reassures and motivates you to continue healing.

Navigating Through Inpatient Treatment

When grappling with the complexities of addiction recovery, acknowledging the potential for relapse becomes pivotal. In such instances, opting for inpatient treatment emerges as a decisive choice, offering a structured and supportive setting for individuals navigating the trials of recovery. While concerns about the expense of rehabilitation may arise, it’s reassuring that numerous treatment centers readily accept health insurance from major providers. 

Mitigating financial worries requires proactive engagement with insurance companies to ascertain the extent of coverage. Selecting the right inpatient facility involves a multifaceted approach; start with this list of best rehab centers in the US. Take into account accommodations, accreditations, treatment approaches, location, and the testimonials of former patients. 

In parallel to choosing a rehabilitation center, it’s crucial to ensure your pet’s well-being by arranging temporary housing. Research local pet boarding facilities or consider pet-sitting services that can offer personalized care in your absence. Engaging with a trusted provider early on will give you peace of mind, knowing your furry friend is in safe hands while you focus on your recovery.

Alleviating Stress Through Pet Interaction

Petting or simply being near an animal has been shown to reduce stress and significantly lower cortisol levels. This interaction promotes a sense of calm and well-being, which is particularly beneficial during the unpredictability of addiction recovery. 

The routine of caring for a pet provides a distraction from stressors and a way to channel energy positively. This natural form of stress relief can make a significant difference in managing recovery’s emotional ups and downs, offering a peaceful respite in moments of turmoil.

Overcoming Loneliness with the Company of Pets

The companionship of a pet combats the loneliness and isolation felt during addiction recovery, offering comfort and a sense of security that diminishes the risk of relapse. Their simple, unwavering support lightens the complexities in human relationships, making the path to sobriety feel less intimidating. This bond is a constant reminder that you are never truly alone in your journey toward healing.

Fostering Emotional Healing Through Pet Bonding

Pets provide a unique outlet for emotional expression, offering a safe space to express feelings without fear of judgment or reprisal. This aspect of pet ownership can be particularly therapeutic during addiction recovery, where emotional vulnerability is often a key part of the healing process. Caring for an animal can help redirect focus from personal struggles to the well-being of another, facilitating a form of emotional healing that is both subtle and profound.

Promoting Physical Health and Activity

Engaging in physical activities with a pet, such as walking or playing, strengthens your bond and promotes your own physical health. This routine encourages regular exercise, which is an essential component of a healthy recovery process. The physical benefits of activity and the emotional support of pet companionship contribute to a holistic approach to overcoming addiction, enhancing mental and physical resilience.

Encouraging Mindfulness and Presence

Caring for a pet requires mindfulness and presence which can be incredibly beneficial during addiction recovery. This responsibility encourages you to live in the moment, focusing on your pet’s needs rather than dwelling on past mistakes or future anxieties. This mindfulness practice fosters a sense of peace and connection, grounding you in the present and supporting a more mindful, purposeful approach to recovery.

In the challenging journey of overcoming addiction, the companionship of pets offers a powerful source of healing and support. Beyond mere companionship, they provide love, purpose, and a unique form of unconditional support that can significantly impact your recovery process. As you navigate the path to sobriety, consider embracing the therapeutic power of pets to find strength, resilience, and comfort in their presence.

Tips on How to Juggle Looking After Your Faithful, Furry Friend While Tending to Your Business

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by Guest Blogger Cindy Aldridge

Congratulations, you”ve got a new pet! But there’s one small problem, you’re starting a new business at the same time and have no choice but to bring him along with you in the beginning.

Certainly, this could prove to be immensely challenging if you don’t have a plan of action to help guide you on the right path. Today, A Blog by Susan Bulanda looks at some tips to help you juggle the roles of pet owner and owner without losing the reins of them both.

Choose the Best Structure for Your Business

This is one of the first things to consider when including your pet in your new business venture. It is important to decide what business you want to start. A limited liability company (LLC) is a great option for new business owners who are looking for a bit more

flexibility in the start-up phase. LLCs have other advantages as well, including tax benefits, less paperwork to file, and limited liability. Also, be sure what the different regulations are regarding filing an LLC, as these may differ from other states.

You’ll also need to plan a marketing campaign, too, notes i7 Marketing. Spreading the word via social media is a great way to start, but you should also invest in some old-fashioned approaches like business cards. And if you’re on a tight budget, you can use a business card design tool and take advantage of the free templates.

Upgrade Your Marketing Game

Even in the digital age, the value of tangible marketing tools like business cards remains significant. They are a physical extension of your brand and an essential part of your overall marketing strategy. Business cards offer a personal touch in a digital world, providing a direct and memorable way to share your contact information and reinforce your brand identity.

Design a Standout Logo

A logo is more than just a pretty image. Entrepreneurship in a Box points out that it is the cornerstone of your visual identity, and it should be designed with care and purpose. A well-designed logo can communicate your brand values and give customers a positive impression of your business. It can also help you to stand out from the competition and attract new customers. Investing in a professional logo is an essential part of any good marketing strategy, and it can pay off in a big way over time.

Create a Pet-Friendly Routine

Pets, more specifically dogs, tend to thrive on routine, especially when trained to follow through on a specific set of orders. So, if you intend to bring your pet with you to work daily, making small changes to accommodate your pet and familiarizing your pet with these changes could be the ice-breaker your pet needs to grow fond of his new home away from home. Also, you could consider buying them some new toys and treats to make them more comfortable.

Make Them Feel Welcome and at Home

One way to make your pet feel more at home in your new office is to make them feel as much at home as possible. Therefore, you should ideally bring along with you his favorite bed, toy, feeding, and water bowl so that he gets to know that this new space is his space, too. If you’re a tenant, consider looking for a place that offers more pet-friendly accommodations or amenities.

Some apartment complexes even offer dog washing stations and green areas specifically for pets. Keep an eye out for new potential places where you and your pet can be more comfortable.

Get Assistance

Perhaps your pet is a little rambunctious, and you envision needing assistance from professionals to help your pet get used to his new surroundings. For example, your pet may be a bit apprehensive around new people. Or perhaps, he requires a little more training on the potty-training side of things. Enrolling your pet in a pet training school could help your pet cope better with these issues. Be sure to only use a trainer who uses positive training techniques.

Improve Your Skills

Balancing the demands of running a business and caring for a pet can be challenging, but pursuing a cybersecurity degree online can be a strategic move to help your business grow while managing these responsibilities. With a cybersecurity degree, you’ll gain valuable knowledge in protecting your business’s computers and network systems, a crucial aspect in 0today’s digital world.

The convenience of online learning means you can acquire this vital skill set without having to sacrifice time spent on your business or neglect the needs of your pet. All-online classes offer the flexibility to learn at your own pace and schedule, allowing you to be present at home for your pet. This approach not only ensures your business is fortified against digital threats but also provides the peace of mind that comes with being able to take care of your pet’s needs throughout the day.

Make Use of Pet-Friendly Gadgets

Suppose you need something to keep your pet busy while you get to work on building your business from the ground up. There are plenty of pet-friendly gadgets that can help you keep an eye on your pet while you’re busy working, and you can even interact with them when you have a free moment in your busy day. Before investing in any new pet gadgets, be sure to seek out products that have been reviewed by veterinary professionals first.

Make Some Time for Them in Your Day

You’re probably going to feel pulled in every direction when starting your new business (at least in the beginning). And this probably won’t leave much time for downtime. But it is vital that you make time for your pet every day, and taking them for a walk around the block is sure to make their day, as well as get them more acquainted with their new role as your office companion at work.

Find the Right Balance for You and Your Pet

Taking your pet along with you on your new business venture is sure to be an enlightening experience as you bond with your pet on a whole other level. But as stressful as it might be in the beginning, working with formation services and getting your rambunctious pet some training can make things easier. It’s also sure to be comforting as you get the privilege of having your pet by your side through all the ups and downs of your new journey.

Susan Bulanda is the author of nine books including Faithful Friends: The Never-Before-Told Stories of Pets during the Holocaust which won the prestigious Maxwell Award by the Dog Writers Association of America for being first in its category (2013) and numerous additional awards. Visit her online today! http://www.sbulanda.com

Rats have the ability to imagine

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Researchers at the Howard Hughes Medical Institute Janelia Research Campus have discovered that rats have the ability to imagine. There findings indicate that just like people, animals can think about places and objects that they cannot see.

To determine this, they used a Brain Machine Interface and saw that rats showed specific neural activity patterns in the hippocampus area of their brain which is related to spatial memory. The researchers have determined that this function is necessary for an animal to remember past events and imagining future scenarios even if the animal is at a different location.  

Sue’ Note: While this research is important because it gives scientific proof that animals can remember the past and think of the future, it is obvious to me because if animals cannot do this, those in the wild would not survive. Our domestic animals would not be able to learn the things we teach them. An example that many of us have observed is the dog who knows what time a person is coming home and waits at the door, long before he could hear, smell or see the person coming. This is evident when the person is late and the dog at waiting at the normal time and illustrates the dog’s ability to anticipate the future. A famous example of this is Hachikō, an Akita who lived in Japan from 1923 to 1935 and went every day to the train station to wait for his master after his master died.

Journal Reference:

  1. Chongxi Lai, Shinsuke Tanaka, Timothy D. Harris, Albert K. Lee. Volitional activation of remote place representations with a hippocampal brain–machine interface. Science, 2023; 382 (6670): 566 DOI: 10.1126/science.adh5206

Cite This Page:

Howard Hughes Medical Institute. “Rats have an imagination, new research suggests.” ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 2 November 2023. <www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2023/11/231102162557.htm>.

Scent and Memory

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According to a study done by researchers at the UCI Center for the Neurobiology of Learning & Memory at the University of California, adults who were ages 60 – 85 who were suffering from some sort of mental impairment partook of the scent therapy test.  

The subjects of the study were given a diffuser and seven cartridges, each with a natural oil. The subjects used the diffuser each night when going to bed. The diffuser ran for two hours. The results showed that the group with the full-strength diffusers improved their cognitive skills by 226%.

Imagining showed that there was better integrity in the brain pathway called the left uncinate fasciculus, which connects the medial temporal lobe to the decision-making prefrontal cortex.

In addition to having better memory, the subjects said that they slept better, more soundly.

Sue’s Comments:  We know that essential oils have numerous benefits when smelled. For example, lavender is known for its calming properties. What this study brings to mind for me is the possible connection with scent work in dogs. There are many accounts of animals, dogs, elephants, and other animals, who recognize a person that they have not seen in years. Scent is one of the keys for this, indicating that there may be a connection similar to the findings in this study. Previous studies have shown that in dogs, scent is linked to sight, they are not separate in the dog’s brain. I would love to see further studies that involve this finding and how it might apply to animals. Would it be possible to help elderly animals in the same way. Dogs and other animals suffer from dementia the same as people.

Journal Reference:

  1. Cynthia C. Woo, Blake Miranda, Mithra Sathishkumar, Farideh Dehkordi-Vakil, Michael A. Yassa, Michael Leon. Overnight olfactory enrichment using an odorant diffuser improves memory and modifies the uncinate fasciculus in older adults. Frontiers in Neuroscience, 2023; 17 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1200448

Cite This Page:

University of California – Irvine. “Sweet smell of success: Simple fragrance method produces major memory boost.” ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 1 August 2023. <www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2023/08/230801131700.htm>.

Those amazing whiskers

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A study at Northwestern University has shown that rats determine the direction of the wind with their whiskers. Since many other animals such as dogs, foxes, coyotes and cats also have whiskers that are similar to those of a rat, is it possible that they also use their whiskers to determine the direction of the wind?

All wild animals also have to be aware of the direction of the wind to either find food or avoid being detected by predators. Therefore, the ability to determine the direction of the wind or even a slight breeze is a life and death skill. It seems reasonable that that they would use their whiskers as well as the movement of their fur to detect the direction of air movement.

Sue’s Note: As a person who has trained many working dogs, I have seen dogs learn how to use the direction of the wind to find scent. It is quite an amazing thing to watch, and another example of how intelligent animals are.

Journal References:

Mitra J. Z. Hartmann et al. Whiskers aid anemotaxis in rats. Science Advances, August 2016 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.1600716

Yan S. W. Yu, Matthew M. Graff, Mitra J. Z. Hartmann. Mechanical responses of rat vibrissae to airflow. The Journal of Experimental Biology, 2016; 219 (7): 937 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.126896

Cite This Page:

Northwestern University. (2016, August 24). Whiskers help animals sense the direction of the wind: First-ever study shows that rats use whiskers to locate source of airflow. ScienceDaily. http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2016/08/160824160248.htm

Do animals have beliefs?

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Based on the research by Dr. Tobias Starzak and Professor Albert Newen from the Institute of Philosophy II at Ruhr-Universität Bochum, yes, they do. Although it is not easy to prove, the research shows that chimpanzees, dogs, and some birds have beliefs. It stands to reason that if these animals do, others do as well.

According to the study for an animal to illustrate that they have beliefs, they must meet certain criteria. They must have information about the world; the animal must be able to use the information in a flexible manner; then that information is then internally structured into a belief with different aspects of that information being processed separately; and they must be able to recombine the components of the information in unique ways.

According to Albert Newen, flexible behavior which can be interpreted as caused by beliefs has been observed in chimpanzees, rats and Border collies.

Journal Reference:

  1. Albert Newen, Tobias Starzak. How to ascribe beliefs to animals. Mind & Language, 2020; DOI: 10.1111/mila.12302

Cite This Page:

Ruhr-University Bochum. “What it means when animals have beliefs: Chimpanzees, some dog species and even scrub jay and crows have beliefs..” ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 17 June 2020. www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/06/200617145957.htm