Non-Profit Brings Together Veterans and Rescue Dogs

by Britt

Published: August 19th, 2024

Photo credit: Creative Cat Studio / Shutterstock.com

There are few tales as heartwarming as the magic of the human-animal bond shared by dogs and their people. This love and loyalty that inspires Arizona-based nonprofit, Soldiers Best Friend, to bring together combat veterans and local homeless dogs for their happily ever after.

The organization was founded by veterinarian John Burnham following the passing of his father in 2007. At this time, he realized he wanted to do something bigger to honor his father while using his personal and professional talents, and the rest, as they say, is history.

Since its establishment in 2011, Soldiers Best Friend has remained unwavering in its commitment to its mission of 'touching 2 lives at once'. The organization pairs veterans with combat-related PTSD or traumatic brain injuries with dogs from local shelters.

The veteran and dog train together, giving both a second chance at the quality of life they deserve while also allowing them to create the close bond that will strengthen their relationship moving forward. Not only do dogs find a forever home, helping to address the current pet overpopulation problem, but veterans are also provided with a unique and effective source of support free of charge.

While John has stated that he will continue his mission until these service dogs are no longer needed, he also acknowledges that the time will likely never come—at least not in his lifetime.

To date, Solder’s Best Friend has connected with and served over 400 veterans, an impressive feat. These dogs not only offer the veterans more independence at home, but they also make the greater world feel more accessible.

Tiffany Batura, a retired Navy veteran who served for four years, shared her story. After retiring, Batura was faced with the incredible challenge of recovering from PTSD from her service. “I had not very many women on my boat,” she explained. “The military has changed a lot, but at the time, there was a lot of harassment.”

When asked about Soldier’s Best Friend and her service dog, a lab named Deadly, she was happy to share how much the dog has made a difference in her life.

“So far, I’ve noticed that I am more willing to go out in public. I’m not homebound all the time,” Batura stated.

While that may not seem like a lot, it’s a life-changing difference for Batura and others who are faced with PTSD from their military experiences. In fact, according to the National Center for PTSD, approximately 7% of veterans will have PTSD. However, that rate is nearly double among female veterans, reaching a concerning 13%.

If you’re interested in helping Solider’s Best Friend in their noble mission, you can show your support in several ways. Those based in Arizona can volunteer to help with various tasks, including administrative duties, building maintenance, fundraising events, and even fostering a dog.

For those who live outside of Arizona or who have a busy schedule that prevents them from committing to volunteer work, the organization is an Arizona Qualifying Charitable Organization. Simply make your donations using QCO code 22497. Alternatively, they also have an Amazon Wish List with many items needed to continue their work.

Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Britt

Britt Kascjak is a proud pet mom, sharing her heart (and her home) with her “pack” which includes her husband John, their 2 dogs – Lucifer and Willow – and their 2 cats – Pippen and Jinx. She has been active in the animal rescue community for over 15 years, volunteering, fostering and advocating for organizations across Canada and the US. In her free time, she enjoys traveling around the country camping, hiking, and canoeing with her pets.

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Lyft is Making it Easier Than Ever to Travel With Pets!

Great news! Lyft, the popular ride-sharing app, has now introduced a new feature that’s sure to create excitement for pet parents everywhere: Pet Rides! This feature lets pet parents connect with pet-friendly drivers, guaranteeing your companion can join you on your adventures. Pet Rides officially launched on National Dog Day – celebrating the role dogs (and other pets) play in our lives. The convenient feature provides more flexibility for pet parents on the go.To use the feature, you will need to select “Pet Ride” when searching for ride availability. This will ensure that your options exclusively include drivers who have opted to allow pet travelers in their vehicles. The additional $4 (plus tax) fee for the Pet Ride will be factored into the upfront price shown in the app. However, an extra cleaning fee may be charged if your pet leaves an excessive mess or damages the vehicle during the trip.Of course, this is for companion pets, not service animals. Drivers are still required to accommodate service animals, per the Americans with Disabilities Act.The Pet Ride feature allows for one pet per pet-friendly ride, with no restrictions related to breed or size. Additional pets may be permitted on the ride at the driver’s discretion, but it is not guaranteed. Pet rides are currently only available in the United States.This feature is similar to the Uber Pet feature offered by the most popular competitor, Uber.“At Lyft, we believe that everyone belongs, and that includes our four-legged family members,” stated Audrey Liu, the Executive Vice President and Head of Rider and Community Safety at Lyft. When asked about the feature, she explained that it will make it “easier than ever for pet owners to get where they need to go with their pets.”While there are no specific rules or requirements in terms of how a pet can travel in the vehicle, pet parents are asked to be respectful of the driver and other riders by keeping their pet in a carrier, on a blanket to keep any mess contained (like muddy paws or shed fur), or seated safely at your feet while the vehicle is in motion. If a dog does create an unsafe situation, serving as a distraction and putting the driver and any passengers in the vehicle at risk, the ride may be canceled.Traveling with pets can be stressful, especially if this is your first time. From trying to find pet-friendly accommodations to determining whether public transit options will even allow your pet to ride, a fun adventure can quickly become frustrating and overwhelming.By offering a pet-friendly ride option, Lyft is the latest company to demonstrate its commitment to creating options for pet-friendly travelers. But this isn’t the first time that Lyft has stepped up to create a safe and accommodating solution for a particular population among the app’s users. For example, Women+ Connect allows females and non-binary riders to request a female or non-binary driver, addressing safety concerns they may experience when getting into a vehicle with a stranger. As a pet-friendly traveler myself, I’m excited to see what companies in the travel industry will be the next to revolutionize travel as we know it with our furry (feathered, scaly, etc.) friends in mind!Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

University's Campus Cat Earns an Honorary Degree in Litter-auture

A cat, named Max, graduated from Vermont State University at Castleton last weekend. The cute tabby has earned a doctorate in “litter-ature” without taking any classes in recognition of his friendliness. The feline, whose full name is Max Dow, has proved himself to be an expert napper and hunter of mice and has been an affectionate member of the Castleton family for years. In a pun ladden Facebook post, the college shared that this year they’ll have a very special honorary degree recipient.“With a resounding purr of approval from the faculty, the Board of Trustees of the Vermont State Cat-leges has bestowed on Max Dow the prestigious title of Doctor of Litter-ature, complete with all the catnip perks, scratching post privileges, and litter box responsibilities that come with it.” “While his adventures may have slowed, Max exemplifies the CastletonWay and we are honored to have him as a member of VTSU’s firstclass.” Once a stray kitten, Max was adopted by Ashley Dow from Fair Haven four years ago. The popular tabby lives with his family in Seminary Street, a few steps from Castleton’s campus. Max’s owner, Ashley Dow told the local news station WCAX “My cat is the emotional support animal” to students and faculty members. Adding that Max has been socializing around the campus for about four years - pretty much the entire time he has been living with the Dow family.The students like to pick Max up, take selfies with him, and carry him on backpacks around the campus. The admission office describes Max as the star of their campus tours to prospective students and visitors. “He comes out and actually greets most of our guests. He’ll follow them over to the old chapel where they get a general welcome, and then when they start their tour, he usually follows right along with them,” said Brandon Kennedy, associate director of admissions. The end of the school year is a confusing time for Max. Dow explained that summer breaks confound Max and throw him off his normal routine. Suddenly the campus is empty, and there’s no one to pick up Max and give him a hug.“He’ll go looking and then come back, kind of disappointed, kind of sad, and he’ll stick around the house more,” said Dow. Max’s family is looking forward to spending more time with him this summer as he patiently waits for his other family to come back to campus in the fall for another school year. The tabby feline likes to stay on campus so much, that he forgot to return home several times. Luckily for his family, Max is such a famous figure that students bring him home if he is ever seen out and about after 5 pm.“Students did actually bring him home,” said Dow. “Or… they have my number, and I’ll get a text message from random students [saying] like, ‘He’s OK, he’s up by the greenhouse,’ and all of that.” Sometimes, Max gets confused and forgets to return to the campus after the breaks. During one of Max’s extended absences from the campus, students erected a shrine commemorating him. They’ve even put candles and printed a picture of Max and put it in a frame. Although his family is excited to spend more time with Max this summer, they know that he’ll head back to campus when students come back in the fall. “The students will come back in the fall and he’ll be gone for three days, and we’ll have to go looking for him, and he’s up there on the campus hanging out waiting for his people.”Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Should You Bathe Your Cat?

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This US Map Reveals Which States Prefers Dogs Over Cats And Vice Versa

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If you cancel this subscription, you can no longer access the collar’s location.Flea/Tick CollarDesigned to help prevent fleas and ticks, these collars contain an anti-parasitic medication that is slowly released into your pet’s skin over time. Like a topical preventative, the active chemical is absorbed through the skin and into the bloodstream and distributed throughout the body. While all collars work by killing fleas and ticks if they bite, others will work to repel the pests from even showing interest. These collars are still a chemical product and should be approached with caution. Some dogs will have adverse reactions. If introducing a flea/tick collar for the first time, monitor your dog carefully for any sign of trouble. LED CollarA growing trend with a focus on nighttime safety, LED collars feature bright LED lights that can be turned on, either as a solid light or with various flashing patterns, to make your dog visible in the dark. They come in one basic size and can then be cut down to fit your dog, making the collar easy to adjust to dogs of any size. Many of these collars are a one-time-use product, needing to be replaced when the included battery dies. However, with a growing interest in sustainability, companies are now selling rechargeable options. Our dogs wear the Nite Ize NiteHowl Max Rechargeable LED Safety Necklace. If you don’t want to deal with a full LED collar or prefer something you can keep safely tucked away in your pocket or purse to pull out when needed, the Nite Ize SpotLit Rechargeable Collar Light is a great option. This little light just clips onto their existing collar or harness.

Why Do Dogs Burrow in Their Blankets?

Have you ever watched your dog bury themselves beneath a mountain of blankets, only to peek their head out with a look of pure joy and bliss? It’s a behavior that’s incredibly common. Yet it leaves so many dog parents confused – especially when your dog chooses to disappear into the blankets in the middle of the summer heat!Why are dogs so drawn to burrowing under their blankets? Is this a quirky habit, or is there a deeper reason for this cozy behavior?Let’s take a look at the fascinating world of canine behavior. We’ll talk about the instincts that encourage your dog to dig into their bedding to create that perfect “nest” and other interesting behaviors related to puppy bedtime.Why Do Dogs Love to Burrow?Like many dog habits, burrowing can be traced back to their evolutionary roots and the survival instincts of their wild ancestors. In the wild, dogs burrow in the ground to create a safe space to rest or raise their young. We still see these dens being used by foxes and wolves. Dens not only offered a place to hide from potential predators but also protected them from the elements. Today, domesticated dogs obviously aren’t faced with the same risks. However, this doesn’t take away from the natural desire to keep themselves safe. Burrowing into the blankets to create a den creates a space where your dog feels safe and secure. It makes sense to snuggle under the blankets in the winter for a little added warmth. But what about the summer? Next time you are outdoors on a hot summer day, dig away a little dirt, and you’ll find that while the surface is warm, the ground a little further down is much cooler. Therefore, they associate this behavior with finding a cooler spot shielding them from the summer heat. Can Dogs Breathe Comfortably Under the Covers? One concern I often hear when people see my dog Lucifer snuggling happily under the covers (his favorite place to sleep) is whether he can breathe safely. When assessing whether your dog’s burrowing behavior is safe, take a moment to consider their survival instinct. If a dog gets into a situation where they can’t breathe, they aren’t going to choose to remain there – instead, they will make an effort to get back out to safety as quickly as possible. A dog snuggling happily under the blankets feels safe and secure, meaning they can clearly breathe well enough to feel comfortable there. If you’re still concerned about the safety of your blanket-loving dog, take a moment to look at the blankets that are available to them: Are they thick, heavy blankets that can be stuffy, cutting off airflow? Are they thinner or designed in a way that allows airflow? Consider offering multiple blankets of varying thicknesses. This will allow your dog to burrow in and find the blanket (or combination of blankets) that makes them feel the most comfortable. Which Dog Breeds Are More Likely to Exhibit Burrowing Behavior?Some dog breeds are more likely to engage in this behavior. This is usually due to the roles your dog’s ancestors were bred to perform. For instance, Huskies and Malamutes are often burrowers. These are Arctic breeds that lived and worked in subzero temperatures. Creating dens in the snow was a necessary part of their survival when living in those conditions, making it an instinctual behavior. While your northern dog may no longer live in the land of ice and snow, they still exhibit many of the same instincts. Dogs that were bred to hunt rodents are also natural burrowers. During their hunts, they would often dig to help them squeeze into the small dens and tunnels created by their prey, flushing them out. This includes smaller breeds like Dachshunds and Terriers. Any dog, regardless of breed, may embrace the joy of burrowing – either digging a den outdoors or burrowing into the blankets. Just ask my German Shepherd/Australian Cattle Dog, Lucifer. He loves nothing more than to snuggle comfortably under the blankets!

Can You Use Dog Flea Products on Cats?

Final Thoughts – Safe Flea Prevention for CatsWhile flea prevention is an important step to keep your cat safe and healthy, you must ensure that the products you are purchasing are made for use on cats. Many dog flea prevention products include highly toxic chemicals to cats, making them potentially life-threatening.If you suspect you have recently used the wrong flea treatment on your cat, wash the area immediately with soap and water to remove as much of the product as possible. Call your vet for an immediate emergency appointment or make your way to the nearest emergency clinic. These products can be lethal, and time is of the essence.For those concerned about the risks of fleas and flea-transmitted diseases, highly effective products are available that are safe for your kitty. When shopping, read the packaging carefully to ensure it says it is made for use on cats. If you are still unsure, ask your veterinarian for recommendations.Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

According to a New Study, Crows Can Count Out Loud

It’s no secret that crows are very intelligent creatures, and are capable of some truly stunning feats. However, a new study sheds light on a previously unknown skill of theirs – one that makes them truly unique in the world of animals. According to a team of scientists, crows can count out loud, quite similarly to human toddlers – and are the only other animal except humans to do so.This study is titled “Crows 'Count' the Number of Self-Generated Vocalizations" and was released on May 23rd, 2024 in the popular journal Science. The study found that crows are capable of producing a certain number of “caws” in response to auditory or visual stimuli. This means that they were able to count out loud between one and four. Why is that so important, though?"Producing a specific number of vocalizations with purpose requires a sophisticated combination of numerical abilities and vocal control," the researchers explained. "Our results demonstrate that crows can flexibly and deliberately produce an instructed number of vocalizations by using the 'approximate number system', a non-symbolic number estimation system shared by humans and animals."During the course of the experiment, the research team presented three crows with random auditory and visual stimuli. These included sounds from various instruments and Arabic numbers. "Through trial and error, the birds learned that each cue corresponded to a set number of caws between one and four," the team members wrote. "After crowing the vocalizations out (cawing four times for a sound or symbol associated with four caws, for example), the birds were trained to peck the screen displaying them to signal they had finished."After the training was done, the crows – much to everyone’s surprise – gave correct answers when asked to say “the proper number of caws”. Their counting skills were quickly compared to those of toddlers. "This competency in crows also mirrors toddlers' enumeration skills before they learn to understand cardinal number words and may therefore constitute an evolutionary precursor of true counting where numbers are part of a combinatorial symbol system," the team shared.This goes beyond everything that was known about crows thus far. It just goes to show that crows are much more than regular birds in their behavior and abilities. And they might be much smarter than we previously realized – and we already thought they were exceptionally intelligent to begin with.

Owner Who Never Lost Hope Reunites with a Missing Dog After 10 Years

An owner’s undying hope and commitment to keeping their dog’s microchip up to date resulted in a happy reunion 10 years after the dog went missing. A Florida family lost their cockapoo, named Cleo, way back in 2014 when the mischievous pooch ran away from home. Despite never hearing anything about Cleo again, the owner Luisa, kept the microchip information up to date in hopes of getting reunited with her beloved pooch.After so many years, most owners would have lost hope of ever seeing their furry companion again but Cleo’s family still had faith, even after they moved to Miami. Finally, all those years of unwavering hope and commitment paid off when Cleo arrived at the Humane Society of Tampa Bay.The organization shared in a post that the dog recently arrived at the shelter as a stray. The staff had little hope that the dog was microchipped but scanned it nonetheless. Imagine their surprise when they discovered a microchip filled with up-to-date contact information.“We were hoping for a happy ending and for her to be reunited with her owners, but we did not foresee the joy her story brought,” the organization said on Facebook.The information on the pup’s microchip led the shelter’s staff to Luisa, who was in disbelief when they called because Cleo had been missing, ever since he ran away 10 years ago! “They never lost hope and continued to update her microchip in the small hope that they would be reunited, even after they moved to Miami.”The family made a five-hour trip from Miami to Tampa Bay to reclaim their beloved pooch. The shelter shared pictures of the emotional reunion, featuring a smiling Cleo. “This shows the power and importance of the microchip and never losing hope,” the post concluded.A microchip is a small transponder that carries a unique identification number. That identification number is entered into a database that contains contact information pet owners provide when registering their pet or when updating the information, like in Cleo’s case. Although microchips don’t possess GPS or tracking abilities they are still considered one of the best ways for owners to get reunited with a lost pet. In addition to microchipping your pet, they can also wear a collar with ID tags that include your current contact information.Microchipping is a simple and cheap procedure with minimal risks for your pet. If you haven’t microchipped your pup, do it now, and make sure the microchip is always registered with up-to-date information. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

World's Tallest Dog, Kevin, Dies Unexpectedly at Age Three

The world’s tallest male dog, Kevin, has died unexpectedly just days after his record-breaking accomplishment was announced to the world. According to a statement issued by the Guinness World Records, the gentle giant, who was only three years old, passed away after falling ill and undergoing an unexpected surgery. In March, Guinness World Records officially recognized Kevin as the world’s tallest living male dog.“Our whole family is devastated about Kevin. He was just the best giant boy,” said Kevin’s owner, Tracy Wolfe, in a statement. “We are so glad that he was able to break the record and have that light on him. He absolutely adored the attention. I wish these giant breeds, and all dogs, could live longer than they do. It’s never enough time.” Kevin secured his record after measuring 3ft 2in (0.97 meters) tall from his feet to his withers, or the ridge between the shoulder blades. However, when he stood up on his hind legs, Kevin was around 7ft tall, which is a foot taller than the average American man.The gentle giant got the title of the world’s tallest living male dog after the crown remained unclaimed for six months following the death of another American Great Dane. The previous record holder, Zeus, was 3ft 5.18in (1.046 meters) tall. Zeus had his right front leg amputated while battling bone cancer. Like Kevin, Zeus was only three years old when he suddenly died after developing a severe case of pneumonia. Just a few weeks ago, Guinness World Records published an interview with Kevin’s family, about how their pooch would act like he was clueless about his size. Wolfes described Kevin as a “gentle giant” who loved nothing more than snoozing on the sofa.“Kevin’s favorite activity is probably taking naps. Holding the couch down is his favorite pastime, I think,” said Tracy Wolfe. “Kevin is funny, and he is super duper friendly. In fact, overly friendly. You don’t want to keep your mouth open too much when he’s around,” she added. Named after the leading character in the Home Alone film series, Kevin was petrified of the vacuum cleaner. “He won’t let it come within six feet of him,” said Tracy adding that he would jump and run away from it. Many cats and dogs are terrified of vacuum cleaners because of the loud noises they produce. But Kevin’s fear of the vacuum cleaner was comical, considering how he towered over most things around him and was often mistaken for a small horse. The Wolfes welcomed Kevin into their family when he was just a puppy and couldn’t imagine that he would grow so big as to claim the title of the world’s tallest dog. The pooch was close to all members of the family but had developed a special bond with the Wolfes’ son Alexander, who took him to training classes.Despite his imposing size, Kevin was a scaredy cat. The first time Alexandar took Kevin to a training class at a youth development and monitoring organization, the pooch got so afraid that he soiled himself in the middle of the class. Kevin attracted attention wherever he went and he enjoyed every second of it. Sadly his stint as the world’s tallest living male dog was unexpectedly cut short. A spokesperson for the Guinness World Records said: “We are deeply saddened to learn that Kevin suddenly passed away after unexpected health complications. Tracy and the team at the vet clinic she works in did everything they could to save Kevin after he became ill. Our thoughts and support are with the Wolfe family as they navigate this difficult time.”Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Can Dogs Get Pink Eye?

Eye issues are always a big nuisance, for both dogs and their owners alike. Conjunctivitis, commonly known as pink eye, is one of the more common ailments that affects the eyes and can happen to any of us. But can it affect dogs as well? Yes – conjunctivitis is quite common in dogs, and it causes red, inflamed eyes. In this case, it is called canine conjunctivitis. It can be caused by various factors including bacterial or viral infections, allergies, foreign objects in the eye, or other irritants, and it is manifested in several different ways – this is what you need to know if you suspect your pet has pink eye.Can Dogs Get Pink Eye?There are different types of conjunctivitis in dogs, and some are more dangerous than others. Either way, all dog owners should be well informed about all the potential issues that this inflammation can lead to, as well as the potential causes behind the different types of pink eye.Bacterial ConjunctivitisThis form of conjunctivitis in dogs is often characterized by a yellow or green discharge from the eye, along with redness and swelling of the conjunctiva, which is the thin, transparent membrane covering the inner surface of the eyelids and the white part of the eye. Bacterial conjunctivitis can be connected to other conditions such as respiratory infections or trauma.Viral ConjunctivitisCertain viral infections such as  canine distemper virus or canine adenovirus can also lead to conjunctivitis in dogs. These infections may cause watery discharge, redness, and inflammation of the eye. Viral conjunctivitis can sometimes be more challenging to treat and may require supportive care to manage symptoms.Allergic ConjunctivitisJust like us, dogs can also experience allergic reactions that affect their eyes. Common allergens such as pollen, dust mites, or certain foods can trigger allergic conjunctivitis in some dogs. Symptoms may include itching, redness, and watery discharge.IrritantsSometimes, foreign bodies and irritants in the eye can cause conjunctivitis. Things such as dust, sand, or grass can irritate the eyes and if not treated, lead to conjunctivitis. The same goes for certain airborne chemicals and smoke which can lead to further problems. Conjunctival HyperemiaSomewhat rare, this condition involves dilation of blood vessels in the conjunctiva membrane, resulting in redness of the eyes. It can be caused by various factors, including irritation, trauma, or systemic diseases.Treating and Preventing Pink Eye in DogsTreatment for canine conjunctivitis typically involves addressing the underlying cause. This may include topical or oral medications such as antibiotics for bacterial infections, antiviral drugs for viral infections, or anti-inflammatory medications for allergic reactions. In some cases, supportive care such as eye rinses or lubricating drops may be recommended to alleviate discomfort and promote healing.Of course, it pays to do anything you can to prevent the inflammation from occurring in the first place. Be wary of potential irritants and things that could hurt your dog’s eyes and lead to conjunctivitis. If you live in an area with plenty of dust, pollen, smoke, or anything similar, it might be wise to invest in  special protective gogg l es for dogs.

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