I Took 11 Dogs And A Cat To The Beach… And Their Reactions Were PRICELESS!

Trending on YouTube with over 8 million views, this gem is one that leaves you feeling the warm fuzzies. Practically any video made with Pharrell Williams’ International hit ‘Happy’
will have that effect, however, add in eleven happy-go-lucky dogs AND a cat to the mix? We’re sold.

Author, CATMANTOO, a dog trainer out of Australia and his feline companion, Diga, took a GoPro to the beach one afternoon and captured this footage of their pet friends having a
ball (no pun intended). Diga enjoys Stand Up Paddle Boarding and swimming – just a couple of her daily beach-going activities.

Have media of your pet(s) at the
beach you’d like to share? Send them to us at social@fetchpetcare.com

Adopt a Senior Dog and Adopt Everlasting Love

Walking through the kennels at animal control is one of the saddest things I’ve ever done. It is so difficult knowing that you are choosing one sweet dog over another, while knowing the possible outcome for the other dog.

We walked kennel after kennel looking for a dog that would fit in perfectly with our family. We were looking for a dog that was calm,would be fine being alone while we were working, that knew basic commands and that would love evening walks!

The kennel worker thought that a “senior” dog would fit the bill.  We were a little shocked that dogs are considered “seniors” at five years old.  For a dog that may live 15 to 20 years, that seems pretty young to have the “senior” label.

While talking to the kennel worker we asked why the dogs were in the shelter— had they done bad things causing their families to abandon them? Dogs are usually brought to the shelter when owners don’t have enough time for the pet or the owner is moving and couldn’t take the dog to their new home. Senior dogs are also less likely to be adopted over puppies.

After some discussion we decided that we’d consider a senior dog. We knew the puppies would easily find homes. We were surprised by how many different breeds there were to choose from, even pure breed. We choose three senior dogs that we wanted to meet and, one by one, we spent some time with them in the meet and greet area. We finally decided we wanted to adopt a beautiful golden retriever with the soulful eyes, named Harold!

Harold has been in our home now for almost a month. He’s been the perfect addition since the moment he arrived, already potty trained, and he seems to know that we saved him. He is so loving and grateful. We giggle every time he asks to sleep with us because he is so polite and he is so excited when he is given permission to jump up on the bed for a snuggle. We have had to learn to sleep on half a bed so he has room to stretch out— which we never thought we could love anyone enough to give up half of our bed!

Our family is so grateful that we found Harold and we love the way he fits in.  If you are considering adopting a now family member, may we suggest that you consider a senior dog, too?

November is Adopt-a-Senior-Pet Month and we hope, with your help, to improved the adoption rate by spreading awareness about how great senior pets can be. Click here to find a senior dog near you.

Adorable Moment Dog Tries To Teach Baby How To Jump

What's cuter than a dog teaching his baby a new skill? We all love it when the family is so close. This dog is teaching his baby how to use the jump up. When you bring your baby home it is time to start the bonding process. Instead of waiting until your baby is sleeping to give your dog attention, give your dog treats and attention when the baby is awake. Teach the dog that the baby is a good thing and it is great to have the baby around. Then when the baby is sleeping, keep thing boring so the dog looks forward to the baby waking up.

When it is time to feed the baby, give the dog a comfy place to be with a treat so the dog learns that feeding time is a quiet time with a fun treat. Always reward the dog for his good manners when he is around the baby. Any time the dog exhibits quiet and calm behavior, the dog gets a treat.

Always make sure your dog is supervised when he is around the children. Keep your dog safe and make sure the dog is never in a position to make a mistake. Keep your children safe by keeping the dog safe.

Tom, The Cat, and His Very Important Job & More — This Week on Pets Weekly

Pets Weekly is a series that highlights valuable headlines from around the web: From health tips, events, humor and more. We’ve got your tail covered!

In this issue of Pets Weekly:

- Tom, the Cat, and His Very important Job

- Talk to the Animals

- Why Cat Circles Work

Tom, The Cat, and His Very Important Job

Tom has a job that most would consider difficult. Tom just considers it his job. Tom is a comfort animal in the VA Medical Center in Salem, Virginia.

The families with loved ones in the hospital are just grateful that Tom is there to be with their beloved family members. Tom has been known to round up family members and usher them into the room so they would be present for the final moments. He curls up with people that are in their last hours so they won’t be alone. He is always there to comfort a patient with Alzheimer’s or to just be a calming influence to everyone in the hospital. Because of his important job, Tom is loved by everyone alike, the staff, the patients and the families.

Talk To the Animals

Researchers at North Carolina State University have developed a harness that will allow humans to better understand their dogs and for humans to give the dogs more consistent and appropriate feedback.

The harness, known as the Cyber-Enhanced Working Dog, has sensors that tell the handler if the dog is stressed, distracted, excited, etc. and then the handler can communicate with the dog with a voice command on the vest or by vibrating signals embedded in the vest at different locations.

The vest is being used now as a proto-type by search and rescue dogs. They hope that soon they can be used by Police and in training Seeing Eye Dogs. The harness will have the benefit to the dogs of making their trainer become more consistent with rewards and training which will lower the dogs stress.

Why Cat Circles Work

The latest video trend is to make a circle on the floor and to wait for a cat to get “trapped” in the circle. With so many cats falling for the stunt, the question is, why does it work?

One theory is that cats are territorial animals so they are glad to take possession of a territory that defined. Another theory is that they think they are inside a “box” with invisible walls. Whatever the reason, people are still going to try to “trap” their cat.

Have a trending story to share with us? Send your tips to social@fetchpetcare.com or leave us a message in the comments below...