We love our companion animals. But sometimes their actions are mystifying, if not altogether baffling. Fortunately, our own Dr. Jane is on-hand to offer some rationale behind some of the most perplexing pet behaviors. More...

True Blue Animal Rescue President, Melanie DeAeth

It is with immense pleasure that we bring you news that another rescue organization has received financial aid from Dr. Jane’s Foundation. This month’s featured grant recipient is a committed group of volunteers working to alleviate the needless death and suffering of animals in Texas.

In operation since January of 2004, True Blue Animal Rescue is a non-profit organization dedicated to rescuing abused, neglected and abandoned animals, providing necessary rehabilitation services and locating great new forever homes. More...

Recent estimates put the number of dogs suffering from joint disease and chronic pain at nearly ten million, a significant percentage of the population. And, with more and more senior pet kids in American homes, those numbers are likely to remain high. Fortunately, veterinarians have adopted a treatment previously used only for humans, and it’s one that is dramatically improving the quality of life for pet patients. In this episode of Pet Talk, Dr. Sarah explains how laser therapy offers a ray of hope for dogs and cats dealing with the pain associated with degenerative joint disease. Be sure to share this important message on alternative therapies with your fellow pet parents!

It is with great gladness that we reveal one of the latest recipients of financial aid awarded by Dr. Jane’s Foundation. This month’s featured beneficiary is a committed group of rescuers wholly dedicated to alleviating the needless death and suffering of abandoned, abused and neglected dogs on tribal lands in Nevada. More...

If you’ve ever noticed a foul odor wafting from your pet’s hind end, there's a chance that anal sacs may be the source of the problem. As any pet parent will tell you, nothing smells as uniquely terrible as the material emitted from these glands. More...

Pet parents postpone annual health exams for their dogs and cats for all manner of reasons. For some, it’s a fear of what your veterinarian will find during the examination. Others worry about the expense of the exam itself. And some seek only to avoid the stress a vet visit causes their pet kids. Regardless of the rationales behind not going in, the benefits far outweigh the more immediate costs of inaction.

The advantages of a yearly check-up are so vital, Dr. Sarah has devoted an entire episode of Pet Talk to the topic, providing all the motives why you shouldn’t put it off. In her clear and no-nonsense style, our good doctor walks you step-by-step through a typical annual wellbeing examination, revealing exactly what veterinarians are thinking when they’re investigating your pet kid’s health … and, why each step is vital to the long-term health and happiness of your companion animal.

Don’t miss this month’s episode of Pet Talk, and be sure to click on the ‘Email’ link to share this important message with friends and family!

Imagine walking down the road. Suddenly, you are confronted by a large, snarling dog heading directly for you. Try to imagine your level of fear. If you were once terrorized by a dog earlier in life, multiply that fright by a factor of ten. Your heart would race, your body would start to shake and your breathing would become shallow and rapid. These reactions are caused by a surge of hormones, such as adrenaline, often referred to as the ‘fight or flight response’. It’s how your body reacts to a perceived threat, and it’s totally normal. More...

Very few would argue that our country suffers from an inordinately high population of homeless pets. Current estimates put the number of pets entering shelters between 6-8 million. Less than half of these animals are adopted.

For the last few years, we’ve published monthly reports about small-to-medium size rescue groups doing their utmost to deal with the crisis. Which is why it brings us great pleasure to announce funding for an innovative rescue start-up that seeks to change the future. More...

This Golden Retriever pup loves watching televised sports, especially tennis. Here is a clip of him spectating and 'participating in' the Australian Open.

Have you ever wondered, "Why does my dog bow sometimes?" The answer is more complicated than you might think!

Dog bows serve as building blocks of dog communication and also have a physiological function in the stretching referred to as pandiculation. The reason behind each bow depends on when the dog engages in the behavior. Let’s talk about this unique form of stretching first.

Why do dogs bow?

• Dog bowing is most commonly expressed with what we refer to as the ‘play bow’. This common posture serves as a cornerstone of dog communication. Most often, it functions as an expression of ‘let's play!”
• It can signal an apologetic tone, such as, "Oops, I didn't mean to bite so hard. I wasn't trying to hurt you. Let's keep playing!”
• When two dogs meet for the first time, they may initiate interaction with play bows as a way of making friends.
• Sometimes as part of the mating ritual, canines will initially assume the play-bow position to communicate amorous intent.
• Dog bowing or stretching in the morning “wakes up” the muscular system, activating the connection between the brain and the muscles. 

Want to try something fun? Try doing your own version of the play bow to your dog, and watch your pup go from serious to goofball in a heartbeat. Use a silly voice, plop down and invite your dog to play - you will likely be delighted at your dog’s response!

If your dog invites you to play with a bow, accept the invitation! Chances are that you’ll boost her well-being, as well as yours, by simply engaging in purposeful play for only five minutes. It’s a great way to take a break from the day and begin a game of tug of war, tag or fetch.

Remember: if dogs are not properly socialized, they may not know how to respond to another dog’s play-bow invitation. Rather than responding in-kind, they may feel threatened and growl fearfully. If you witness any fearful or aggressive reactions, I recommend working with a professional dog trainer.