News

Over the last 10 days, my thoughts have never been far from Lahaina, Maui. Today I packed a grab bag as part of emergency preparedness - and I hope you will too. Climate change impacts us and our pets; we must protect them.

This research comes out of the large Dog Aging Project in the USA. Social interactions can have a positive impact on health, but of course the types of social interactions will vary according to the dog. Reactive dogs will, understandably, not appreciate forced interactions.

South Island pet retailer Pet Central is in liquidation. Since this is my local market, I had to reflect on why I didn't find this development a surprise.

The quote of the month is by Jury Nel

Another survey, but is it really surprising that so many people think of their pets as family?

We lead busy lives, but not devoting our attention to our dogs on their walks is a problem for a number of reasons. Check out this article originally featured in CNN for more details. I agree with the expert commentary and add my Two Cents at the end of the post, too.

In my July column, I visit Elvis Presley's Graceland and find the dog connections to the King of Rock and Roll.

Researchers have analysed statistics in the USA about the frequency of dog bites. In an analysis of 69,525 cases in eight U.S. cities, the team found that dog bites increased 3 percent on days with high ozone pollution, 4 percent on days with higher temperatures, and 11 percent on days with elevated ultraviolet radiation, a marker of increased sunshine. Another possible impact of climate change?

The quote this month is from the wonderful Ricky Gervais, on kindness

The Racing Integrity Board's supplementary report (dated in March, released in May) is a literature review of closures that have happened in other countries. There are pros and cons for each option to close the industry. All can be managed with close supervision which the industry requires.