New Year’s Resolutions Your Dog Wishes You’d Make
December 29, 2011 by Zoe
In 2005, Veterinary Economics reported that 40% of U.S. dogs are overweight. And according to a report from the National Academies’ National Research Council, 25% of pets in Western societies are obese. Our advice? Keep your dog moving.
The New Face of Pet Therapy
December 27, 2011 by Michael Mountain
Companion animals are playing a larger-than-ever role in psychotherapy, physical therapy and crisis response. And different kinds of animals have different roles.
When Families Fight over Pets
December 22, 2011 by Michael Mountain
People often refer to their pets as members of the family. As such, the pets are subject to many of the joys and tribulations of the household. Children and pets go through their own stages of development as do their parents and guardians. They bond and grow together, but not always harmoniously. We often hear of custody battles going on for years over who is responsible for the care of the child and under what conditions.
Does Loving Pets Make It Easier to Eat Meat?
December 19, 2011 by Zoe
A recent article on food taboos got me thinking about how living with pets affects our beliefs about eating meat. The article by James Serpell, one of the most insightful and creative minds in anthrozoology, offers a new perspective on why we eat some animals but not others.
How We’re Being Stuffed by the Big Food Companies
December 19, 2011 by Michael Mountain
The folks at Frugal Dad have produced an infographic showing how our food supply is governed by a small handful of huge companies. They wield enormous influence.
O Christmas Tree
December 16, 2011 by Michael Mountain
It all began in the great old forests of Northern Europe, when people would bring a young tree indoors for the winter and then replant it in spring. Back then, the great spruce, oak, pine and redwood trees were venerated as representing every aspect of the divine life force.
How Many True Vegetarians?
December 12, 2011 by Michael Mountain
How do you categorize whether someone is truly a vegetarian or not? A lot of people call themselves veggies because they “only” eat, say, fish, eggs and dairy … or they eat vegetarian three times a week.
When Your Cat Is Stuck in a Tree
December 2, 2011 by Michael Mountain
Most cats, he says, will eventually come down themselves. And since they went up the tree to get away, they’re unlikely to come down when you call them, and will likely just go up higher when someone tries to climb up to them.
Happy, Safe Thanksgiving to You and Your Cat
Although holidays often buzz with fun and commotion, they can be scary, or even downright dangerous, for cats. However, a host can make a Thanksgiving Day celebration safe for cats relatively easily with a few simple precautions.
Thanksgiving for Veggie Folks
November 21, 2011 by Michael Mountain
“This vegetarian treat is a beautiful addition to the Thanksgiving holiday table,” writes Christina W. “My family has been making it for years. You won’t even miss the turkey!
