Story by Rebecca West As concerned pet owners, we’re constantly scanning the horizon for ways to improve their quality of life any way we can. We make sure to take them to the veterinarian for regular checkups, provide them with the highest quality foods and treats we can afford, ensure they’re walked regularly, and try to provide them with the mental stimulation and enrichments recommended for long, healthy, and happy lives. Afterall, in our estimation, they deserve it for everything they provide us in return. Well, scientists have now struck upon another way to improve your pet’s day-to-day ..read more

Story and Photos by Alison Martin, Animal Soul Connection   Have you ever had the feeling your animal companion was reading your mind? For example, maybe you thought about taking your dog for a walk and suddenly, he was right in front of you, wagging his tail. Possibly you’ve experienced your cat running under the bed just before you went to get her cat carrier to go to the vet. You may have brushed these times off as coincidence without realizing what was really happening. Your pets are reading your thoughts and feelings because they communicate telepathically. This is their natural lang ..read more

Story by Rebecca West, Images provided by John Wierwille In case you missed it, it was one of the wildest, most intense stories of the year in the world of canines. A stout-hearted Great Pyrenees named Casper determinedly fought with a pack of coyotes while guarding his flock late one night in Georgia, killing eight of the 11 marauders in the process. It all went down at a home in Decatur around 9 p.m. on November 3, 2022, when a small group of coyotes skulking about approached the property Casper stood guard over. Initially, the animals were run off, but when they returned several hours later ..read more

Story by Monica Dangler, Director of Pima Animal Care Center Those who know me know that I’m all about data, and I’m thrilled to report that Pima Animal Care Center’s 2023 data again reflected Pima County residents’ commitment to keeping Pima County a life-saving community. Perhaps the most tangible reflection of that commitment was in the number of pets who benefitted from a stay in a foster home. In 2023, nearly 7,000 animals went to foster care, representing a 12% increase over the year before, a monumental achievement that allowed us to remain a life-saving shelter despite continued nation ..read more

Story by Bonnie Craig   Happy spring, Tucson dogs and your humans! The birds are singing and our allergies are kicking into high gear, but never fear, because It’s time to celebrate our latest local celebrity. Everyone put your paws together for the stunning Miss Koko! We’ll learn all about this charmer soon, but first, let’s meet our fabulous runners up. We’ve got another great crop this time, and no surprise there. It has become obvious that whether transplanted or homegrown, our desert dogs just have that special something. First there is the one of a kind Akira. Looking like a beautif ..read more

Story by Jeremy Brown, The Complete Canine Expecting a baby can be a stressful time in the family, so we will look at ways to alleviate some of the stress that comes with introducing your pets to this curious new little family member. By planning ahead, there are many things that you can do to make for a less anxious event. For starters, bringing the scent of the newborn home before the dog and baby meet one another, will not only desensitize your pup to a chaotic situation, but it can be an integral part of the introduction process. Adding a canine to the family requires different approaches ..read more

Story by Jeremy Brown, The Complete Canine   Sadly, if you go to any shelter you will find many senior dogs waiting for a new “forever” home. Giving these guys a place to live out their last years can be a very rewarding experience and knowing what to expect will make yours and their experience even better. Adopting a senior dog can be substantially different from a puppy or a younger dog, so let’s look at some things that will set them up for success. Some things you should consider are their healthcare, treatments if needed, nutritional options and exercise as well. Giving them a littl ..read more

Story by: Rebecca West   The bane of wildlife in Africa isn’t necessarily apex predators higher up on the food chain but poachers. The revolting crimes continue unabated due to the lucrative trade netting between $5- and $23 billion annually, according to statistics from the World Animal Foundation. Thousands of endangered animals die from poachers in Africa daily, and in protecting wildlife, approximately two rangers are killed each week. The number of pachyderms killed each year is so shocking we’d rather not post the exact figures for fear you won’t be able to read on, but the Center f ..read more

Story by Melissa Barrow, Photos provided by DLRR   It’s a celebration year for this Phoenix-based organization; they started in October of 1999, so they will celebrate their 25th year in October of 2024! The whole mission of this group revolves around their love for this breed and their determination not to see any of them homeless. Desert Labrador Retriever Rescue (DLRR) is a 501(c)(3)non-profit, all-volunteer organization dedicated to finding loving, life-long homes for displaced Labrador Retrievers. They provide medical care and/or rehabilitation for the dogs and then match them with a ..read more

Story by: Rebecca West Photographs by: Candice Eaton Oftentimes, when it comes to shelter dogs, there is no rhyme or reason as to why some seem to get adopted relatively quickly, as opposed to others who can languish for months and even years before finding homes. It’s a riddle rescues have been puzzling over with no clear answers as yet. Many animals do not cope well in a shelter or kennel environment and, in turn, may appear shut down or aloof to visitors looking to adopt. When this happens, potential forever families can’t see the true nature of the canine and all its potential. Others are ..read more