The great thing about cats is that they are superb at being independent and social companions. Most cats enjoy spending time outside playing with other felines. As a pet parent, it is very important that you are aware of some possible dangers associated with having your cat freely roaming outdoors. Since the 1960’s, Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) have been spreading amongst the feline population worldwide. While these two diseases are preventable, they are contagious and potentially fatal if they are not detected early enough. The good news is that vaccines are available to decrease the chances that your feline will catch FeLV or FIV. More...

We’re pleased to bring you news of another financial award given by our non-profit charity, this time to a small, inspirational group of rescuers headquartered in Ohio. A breed-specific rescue group, this organization places abandoned coonhounds with foster homes until appropriate adoptive families can be matched to these quintessentially American dogs.

 Aptly named, American Black & Tan Coonhound Rescue (ABTCR) is a not-for-profit association that’s been in continuous operation since May, 2004. In their many years of operation, ABTCR has helped to rescue and find forever homes for untold numbers of hounds, not just in Ohio but all over the country.

At any given time, this group provides essential daily care for dozens of Bloodhounds and Coonhounds, covering the costs of all veterinary expenses. They also pay for food costs on behalf of fosterers whenever possible. Achieving so much with so little, this is an excellent group of life savers – all of them deserving of a little extra financial assistance. More...

Few words evoke as much spontaneous glee as ‘my new puppy’. But, it’s also true that some might react with mild dread at the mere thought of the work involved in adopting a new pup. Fortunately, Dr. Sarah is ready to share the fruits of her personal experience and veterinary wisdom, all to help viewers ensure a smooth transition into the wonderful world of puppydom.

In the latest episode of Pet Talk, our puppy-loving doctor is joined by a very special co-host – Sarge. While technically not a sergeant (or even a human), Sarge is qualified to assist in this department, as he is a full-time puppy. With Sarge’s help, Dr. Sarah will reveal how, with just a little bit of prep work, you and your newest family member will be getting down to the business of bonding and creating adorable memories.

From tips on what you’ll need to buy before bringing your puppy home, to how to safely puppy-proof your home, to ideas for communicating effectively with your pup, to dietary considerations and so much more, Sarah and Sarge will demonstrate what you need to know in order to put your best paw forward.

From all of us here at Life’s Abundance, we send our heartfelt wishes for a long, healthy and happy relationship with your new canine companion.

To kick off the New Year and the launch of our Large Breed Puppy Food, we’re celebrating everything puppy. If you’re a new pet parent or are simply thinking about adopting a new puppy, we offer the following collection of frequently asked questions about puppies, along with Dr. Jane’s insightful responses.

My puppy often has the hiccups. Is this something I should be concerned about?

For a puppy, hiccups are generally not cause for alarm. Puppy hiccups are usually a harmless, involuntary contraction of the diaphragm. Hiccups are experienced by all breeds and sizes, with episodes typically lasting less than a few minutes. Some unborn pups even hiccup inside their mother's womb! While hiccups are harmless, when accompanied by regurgitation, or the sudden discharge of undigested food or water, especially without much provocation, is worrisome. If your pup vomits, especially repeatedly, a veterinary exam is very much in order. More...

It gives us immense pleasure to bring you more good news from the Dr. Jane HealthyPetNet Foundation. This first-of-2013 post sings the praises of one of our 2012 recipients, the Ft. Lauderdale-based Paws South Florida Rescue. This dedicated animal-welfare group has made significant inroads towards ending the cycle of feline overpopulation in their local South Florida area.

Devoted to working with feral cat communities, PSFR is composed of a tight-knit group of volunteers who care for felines who live in the shadows. Their efforts go towards the feeding and maintainence of these wild cat groups. PSFR is committed to seeing that all of these forgotten felines are up-to-date on their vaccinations, as well as tested and treated for illness or injury.

These aid providers are skilled in TNR, a method where felines are trapped without injury, neutered or spayed, and then released so that they may return to their feral group. With the assistance of veterinarians affiliated with PSFR, feral cat communities are closely monitored and carefully managed according to guidelines established by Alley Cat Allies, a popular feline advocacy organization. Any adults and kittens determined to be good candidates for adoption live with one of PSFR’s fosterers until matched with a perfect forever home. PSFR believes this foster-care strategy offers real advantages to the adoptable feral cats. Rescued felines learn to live in homes, where they are allowed to roam freely and socialize with people every day. More...

During the holidays many of us are swept up in a whirlwind of activities including trimming trees, opening presents and spending time with friends and loved ones. Once the twinkly lights are extinguished, the gifts are distributed and the kids go to sleep with full bellies and warm hearts, it’s the perfect time to reflect on the year that’s passed and make resolutions for the upcoming year.

As I look back on 2012, I feel the need to reiterate how truly honored and grateful I feel to be a part of a company devoted to the health and well-being of companion animals. Our products speak for themselves but they all include one important ingredient you won’t find on the label – heart. From our customer service agents to our management team to our dedicated Field Representatives, everyone here at Life’s Abundance plays a part in fulfilling our mission … to help dogs and cats lead longer, healthier and happier lives. More...

Gathering your family together for a delicious, festive feast is a holiday tradition. And, while you don’t have to completely exclude your pets from the celebration, you do need to watch out for the seemingly harmless holiday fixtures that could wreak havoc on their health. In this month’s informative episode of Pet Talk, our staff veterinarian Dr. Sarah sheds light on the things pet parents shouldn’t put under the Christmas tree. From errant table scraps, to cookies left out for Santa, to the delightful treats made for friends and family, if your dog or cat eats any of these, you could land on your vet's “naughty list”. The last thing you want to do this holiday season is forego eggnog and caroling in favor of urgent medical care for an ailing animal companion. So, watch this special yuletide message and enjoy the spirit of the season, responsibly! From all of us at Life's Abundance, we wish you a merry - and safe - holiday season!

Sometimes just meeting the basic necessities can be the greatest gift of all.

Along with a safe place to live, a reliable source of food is the most vital of needs. Unfortunately, too many in this country live with food insecurity, going day-to-day without knowing when – or if – their next meal will come.

In times of hardship, individuals step forward to lend a helping hand. No other small group of dedicated people is more devoted to helping their neighbors than Community Sharing. It’s our foundation’s great pleasure to assist them in achieving their goals. More...

No matter how much we adore our companion animals, there’s no denying that they come with responsibilities. Keeping your dog’s coat clean not only helps to support skin health, a luxurious, odor-free coat can actually improve your quality of life, too.

Not all of us are able to get to our professional groomer every time we really need to, so this episode of Pet Talk is all about techniques to wash your dog’s coat at home … in between regular groomer visits.

With help from her beautiful, blond assistant, Alma, Dr. Sarah offers a quick overview of the basics of home bathing, to leave your dog’s coat lustrous, clean and smelling spectacular.

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For most of us, the meal of the year is quickly fading from memory. While families, friends and neighbors gathered together last Thursday for Thanksgiving, others were slowly picking up the pieces of their lives after Hurricane Sandy, the largest Atlantic storm on record. Pummeling the East Coast beginning on October 29th, the death toll of the 1,000-mile-wide superstorm is estimated to be 113 human lives. Not tallied, and possibly unknowable, are the numbers of companion animals lost in the wake of this devastating weather event. More...