Paw Nation http://www.pawnation.com Paw Nation http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.pawnation.com/media/feedlogo.gif Paw Nation http://www.pawnation.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/New Study - The Science of How Cats Drinkhttp://www.pawnation.com/2010/11/17/the-science-of-how-cats-drink/http://www.pawnation.com/2010/11/17/the-science-of-how-cats-drink/http://www.pawnation.com/2010/11/17/the-science-of-how-cats-drink/#commentsFiled under: ,

cat drinking picture aerialsilentsun, Flickr

It's the latest news in the world of pet physics; a study has been published exploring exactly how cats drink. As any pet owner can attest, cats sip water differently than dogs, who use their tongues like scoops. But just how do cats manage their distinctive lapping?

The study, which was published in Science, was the work of MIT associate professor Roman Stocker and his research team who captured hours of feline lapping footage. "The nice thing about it is that the cat laps with an impressive frequency of four times per second, so if you catch only a few seconds of lapping you have many laps," Stocker explains to NPR. The team also looked at YouTube videos of cats lapping (Watching YouTube videos of cats? That's a scientific method we can definitely get behind.), and even crafted a robotic version of a cat's tongue, according to an MIT article about the study.

Much of what was understood about the feline drinking action was informed by a 1940 film of a cat lapping milk, made by Harold "Doc" Edgerton, also an MIT professor. Edgerton showed how when cats lap, "they extend their tongues straight down toward the bowl and curl the tip of their tongues backwards, so that the top of the tongue touches the liquid first," as the MIT article describes.

Continue reading New Study - The Science of How Cats Drink

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]]>cat drinkingcat lappingMITpet scienceRoman StockerRomanStockerRebecca QuimbyWed, 17 Nov 2010 13:00:00 ESTBeagles - Test Your Knowledgehttp://www.pawnation.com/2010/10/11/beagles-test-your-knowledge/http://www.pawnation.com/2010/10/11/beagles-test-your-knowledge/http://www.pawnation.com/2010/10/11/beagles-test-your-knowledge/#commentsFiled under: ,

Beagles are cute, cheery, and make great (if sometimes mischievious) family pets. You've probably met a beagle or two in your life, but how well do you really know the breed? Take this quiz to find out!

How Well Do You Know Beagles?

What were beagles were originally bred to do?

  • Hunt rabbits
  • Track deer
  • Be family pets
  • Imitate bugles with their baying

According to AKC Registration Statistics, how popular are beagles?

  • #2
  • #5
  • #14
  • #9

Which of these traits is beagles known for?

  • Courage
  • Laziness
  • Independence
  • Retrieving

Where did the breed originate?

  • France
  • The United States
  • England
  • Belgium

What U.S. President owned three beagles named Him, Her, and Edgar?

  • John F. Kennedy
  • Lyndon B. Johnson
  • Grover Cleveland
  • Ronald Reagan

Which of these famous fictional dogs is a beagle?

  • Snoopy
  • Odie
  • Brian Griffin
  • Grommit
  • All of the above


Learn more about your favorite breeds at the upcoming Meet the Breeds event in New York City on October 16th - 17th. For more information, visit MeetTheBreeds.com.

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]]>beaglebeagle dogsbeagle quizBeagleDogsdog breedsmeet the breedsRebecca QuimbyMon, 11 Oct 2010 07:00:00 ESTBlogging Bulldog is Nursing Home's Therapy Pethttp://www.pawnation.com/2010/09/30/blogging-bulldog-is-nursing-homes-new-therapy-pet/http://www.pawnation.com/2010/09/30/blogging-bulldog-is-nursing-homes-new-therapy-pet/http://www.pawnation.com/2010/09/30/blogging-bulldog-is-nursing-homes-new-therapy-pet/#commentsFiled under: ,

bulldog puppy pictureHumphrey visiting with his friends. Graeme Lindsay

This summer, the Inchmarlo Continuing Care Retirement Community welcomed a new addition which may be its cutest ever: a bulldog puppy named Humphrey. The innovative community, set on bucolic grounds in Inchmarlo, Banchory, Scotland, offers luxurious homes for independent people over 55 who can then take advantage of the facility's nursing care once they need it. Adding regular visits from a therapy dog is just another way Inchmarlo is attempting to ease residents' transition into older age.

The public-service pooch is becoming somewhat of a sensation. He's appeared on the BBC, Scottish Television news and local radio according to Graeme Lindsay, who heads up marketing for the Skene Group owners of the Inchmarlo retirement community. Lindsay tells Paw Nation, "we were going to appoint Humphrey anyway, but we thought the media would be interested."

Press-savvy Humphrey even has his own blog, "Diary of a Bulldog." On the blog, Humphrey fans can follow his whole life, from his birth ("My official name is Warricks Son of Selkirk but my new owners have christened me Humphrey.") to his adoption by his new human parents ("We drove all the way back to Aberdeen. I slept in the back seat in my sleeping basket and I'm told that I was very good.").

The blog follows the travails of potty training, the difficulty of learning not to nip at people's shoes, the horrors of bathtime, the fun of car rides, garden romps, and of course, Humphrey's introduction and subsequent assimilation at Inchmarlo. The blog is fun for anyone who's interested in what it's like to have a new puppy and all dog owners will chuckle while reading of Humphrey's internal struggles with ankle-biting and sock-nibbling.

Continue reading Blogging Bulldog is Nursing Home's Therapy Pet

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]]>bulldogbulldogsInchmarlotherapy dogsTherapyDogsRebecca QuimbyThu, 30 Sep 2010 13:00:00 ESTVienna Is the Latest City to Crack Down on 'Dangerous' Dog Breedshttp://www.pawnation.com/2010/07/12/vienna-is-the-latest-city-to-crack-down-on-dangerous-dog-breed/http://www.pawnation.com/2010/07/12/vienna-is-the-latest-city-to-crack-down-on-dangerous-dog-breed/http://www.pawnation.com/2010/07/12/vienna-is-the-latest-city-to-crack-down-on-dangerous-dog-breed/#commentsFiled under: ,

pit bull dog picture stevendepolo, Flickr

Do you love your big lug of a pit bull? Adore your sweetheart of a mastiff? If you lived in Vienna, Austria, you'd be facing major hassles. Last week, the city passed a controversial new law that will require the owners of so-called "fight dogs" to carry a license proving they can keep their pets in check. Alexander Willer, a spokesman for Vienna's main animal shelter, told the Associated Press that the list of affected dogs -- including rottweilers, pit bull terriers, mastiffs, and others -- was compiled "at random." He added that this kind of discrimination makes it harder for abandoned dogs of these breeds to find new homes.

Austria isn't the only country cracking down. Denmark recently added 12 more dog breeds to an outright ban on dangerous dogs. That list of the country's banned breeds includes pit bulls, Tosa Inus, American Staffordshire terriers, Brazilian mastiffs, Argentine dogos, American bulldogs, boerboels, Kangals, Central Asian ovtcharkas, Caucasian ovtcharkas, Southern Russian ovtcharkas, tornjaks and Sarplaninacs, according to the (Denmark) "Politiken." While Vienna city councilor Sandra Frauenberger says that "this is not about the criminalization of any types of dogs," the owners of these breeds have expressed concern that their pets will be discriminated against because of their breeds' bad reputations.

Some states in the U.S. have similar regulations or bans. Last year, Paw Nation reported on a pit-bull ban in New York City housing projects. Just last week, a Miami, Fla. veterinarian wrote in USA Today about how she couldn't keep a stray dog she'd rescued because the pooch is a pit bull, a breed that her county has banned despite statistics that breed bans don't curb violence.

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]]>breed banBreedBandangerous dogsdoberman pinschermastiffpit bullsPitBullsrottweilerRebecca QuimbyMon, 12 Jul 2010 10:00:00 ESTRome's Cat Ladies Care for Strayshttp://www.pawnation.com/2010/06/29/romes-cat-ladies-care-for-strays/http://www.pawnation.com/2010/06/29/romes-cat-ladies-care-for-strays/http://www.pawnation.com/2010/06/29/romes-cat-ladies-care-for-strays/#commentsFiled under: ,

Rome's cat lady pictureTorre Argentina

Gattaras. It's the Italian name for women who feed and care for stray cats. It's not necessarily a flattering term, but at least two "gattaras" are happy to accept the mantle: Lia Dequel and Sylvia Viviani, who run the Torre Argentina Cat Sanctuary, which helps to care for the strays who occupy the Roman ruins.

"Yes, we are Cat Ladies," Dequel told Stripes.com recently. "And be sure to write that with capital letters!"

Practically everyone who's ever had a Roman holiday has come home with photo albums filled with images of the many stray cats that haunt the ruins of the Field of Mars, the Theater of Pompey, the Colosseum and the Forum. The famous felines have even been recognized by Rome's city council, which declared the city's estimated 300,000 cats an official part of its "bio-cultural heritage."

According to Dequel, "It's a tradition in Rome. When you see ruins, you can dump your cats. They'll find someone to take care of them."

And most times they will, thanks to the Torre Argentina Cat Sanctuary. Dequel and Viviani took over the sanctuary 16 years ago, and with the help of volunteers and the Anglo Italian Society for the Protection of Animals (AISPA), they changed it from a small, cavelike room under the street without electricity or running water into a clean, bright refuge.

Rome's Cat ladies pictute Torre Argentina

The space itself is uniquely located under a busy street, and as Dutch volunteer Karen Cortese told Paw Nation, "We are still squatters and never completely sure if we will be allowed to stay or whether one day we will be evicted. We are still not attached to the sewer system, a big hurdle we have not been able to overcome yet!"

Despite these obstacles, the sanctuary has managed to make a difference for the felines of Rome. Cortese pointed out that many people don't know how most stray males are FiV positive, and many kittens are born with serious eye problems that will lead to blindness.

Medical attention, along with spaying and neutering, can help these cats, and for many of them, this unusual organization of dedicated volunteers toiling away beneath the street is a literal life saver.

Continue reading Rome's Cat Ladies Care for Strays

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]]>animal sanctuariesAnimalSanctuariesCatsexpire-images:2011-6-30gattararomeStrayCatstorre argentina cat sanctuaryTorreArgentinaCatSanctuaryRebecca QuimbyTue, 29 Jun 2010 17:00:00 ESTAfrican Wild Dogs Get a New Name and Hopefully a New Reputationhttp://www.pawnation.com/2010/05/20/wild-dogs-get-a-new-name-and-a-new-reputation/http://www.pawnation.com/2010/05/20/wild-dogs-get-a-new-name-and-a-new-reputation/http://www.pawnation.com/2010/05/20/wild-dogs-get-a-new-name-and-a-new-reputation/#commentsFiled under: ,

african wild dogs picture Mister-E, Flickr

Could better marketing help save endangered species? That's the basic concept behind Painted Dog Conservation, a center established by Dr. Gregory Rasmussen to help save the canines formerly known as African wild dogs.

There are only a few thousand wild dogs left in Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Botswana, and South Africa, while at the turn of the century, half a million of the animals lived in 39 countries throughout Africa. The wild dogs -- aka painted dogs -- which tend to be hated by local populations that blame them for killing livestock, are about the size of a German shepherd.

Why "painted dogs?" "Wild dogs" has become a pejorative, and so Rasmussen and his organization have worked to "rebrand" these animals. He calls them painted dogs because their distinctive coats make them look like they've just run through an artist's studio.

The Zimbabwe-based Painted Dog Conservation offers the animals a refuge from poachers, and rehabilitates injured dogs. Rasmussen founded the organization, originally called Painted Dog Research, in 1992, in response to the snares, shootings, and road kills that accounted for 95 percent of all wild-dog deaths. He gleaned that the local populations' attitudes toward the dogs were characterized by prejudice, ignorance, and hostility. PDC's uniquely holistic approach is Rasmussen's effort to save these animals from extinction.

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]]>african wild dogAfricanWildDogendangeredendangered speciesEndangeredSpeciespainted dogsPaintedDogswild dogsWildDogsRebecca QuimbyThu, 20 May 2010 13:00:00 ESTI Work With Animals! - Brooklyn Dog Walkerhttp://www.pawnation.com/2010/05/18/i-work-with-animals-brooklyn-dog-walker/http://www.pawnation.com/2010/05/18/i-work-with-animals-brooklyn-dog-walker/http://www.pawnation.com/2010/05/18/i-work-with-animals-brooklyn-dog-walker/#commentsFiled under: ,



New York Brooklyn Dog Walker picture
Rachel A. Cohen

What animal lover hasn't daydreamed about ditching their desk job and applying for a job at the zoo? Or at a doggy daycare? Or tracking gorillas in Africa? We sure have, but since most of us may never actually get to work with the animals we love, we thought we'd introduce you to a few people who do.

Name: Rachel A. Cohen
Age: 24
Job Title: Dog Walker/Pet Sitter

How did you become a dog walker?
I have always loved dogs. I grew up bringing my family dog to off-leash in Prospect Park in Brooklyn. I met a retiree who wondered if I'd care for her dogs while she traveled for a couple of weeks. It turned into a regular gig, and the more I walked around with dogs in tow, the more dogs I met. I started with just one puppy, and within a year I had 12 dogs.

What's your typical workday like?
A dog walker's day is scheduled to the minute in 30 to 60 minute increments. I start with my first dog at 7:30 a.m. and go through the day planning excursions in the park, puppy play dates and strolls around the neighborhood. I typically walk somewhere between 13 and 20 dogs a day. Some days, by 6:30pm I'm not sure if I can walk another step. Luckily, dogs always keep you on your feet. Every apartment you walk into has a dog that is overjoyed to see you and ready to play. The energy is contagious!

Continue reading I Work With Animals! - Brooklyn Dog Walker

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]]>dog behaviordog walkingDogBehaviordogsDogWalkingRebecca QuimbyTue, 18 May 2010 10:00:00 EST10 Great iPhone Apps for Pet Lovershttp://www.pawnation.com/2010/05/07/10-iphone-apps-for-pet-lovers/http://www.pawnation.com/2010/05/07/10-iphone-apps-for-pet-lovers/http://www.pawnation.com/2010/05/07/10-iphone-apps-for-pet-lovers/#commentsFiled under: ,

iPhone apps for Pet lovers picture

You love your pet. You love your iPhone. But did you know your iPhone could help you take great care of your pet? Here's a roundup of some of our favorite apps -- helpful, fun, and downright silly -- for animal lovers.

Organization: Pet Notebook
Truly for the dedicated pet family, this app allows you to enter ID information such as birth dates, microchip numbers, medications, and rearrangable lists and photos. It even works for multiple pets.

Veterinary Care: Pet Vet Records
Could keeping track of your pets' veterinary records have just gotten easier, more organized, and maybe possibly even... fun? Pet Vet Records sure beats just waiting for the vet to send you a reminder postcard.

Adoption: Petfinder.com Mobile Application
With the Petfinder app, you can search more than 290,000 pets from over 13,000 shelters and rescue groups. Bookmark your favorite pets, share pet profiles on your favorite social networking site and read adoption stories so heartwarming they might just inspire you to take the plunge with that puppy you've had your eye on.

Showing Off: Rate My Puppy
This addictive, kid-friendly app lets you upload cute photos of your pet, rate other peoples' pets, enter contests and more. It's a "10." Just like your adorable new labradoodle.

Exercise: Off Leash
You're out somewhere with your canine companion and you notice that look in his eye. It's time to run around! But where? The Off Leash app uses your phone's GPS to show you the five closest off-leash parks, including directions on how to get to each. Phew!

Continue reading 10 Great iPhone Apps for Pet Lovers

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]]>iphoneiphone appiPhone AppsIphoneAppIphoneAppspet appspet phone appsPetAppsPetPhoneAppsRebecca QuimbyFri, 07 May 2010 17:00:00 ESTCelebrate Mother's Day with These Amazing Animal Moms and Their Babieshttp://www.pawnation.com/2010/05/07/celebrate-mothers-day-with-these-amazing-animal-moms-and-their/http://www.pawnation.com/2010/05/07/celebrate-mothers-day-with-these-amazing-animal-moms-and-their/http://www.pawnation.com/2010/05/07/celebrate-mothers-day-with-these-amazing-animal-moms-and-their/#commentsFiled under:

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]]>baby animalsBabyAnimalsfarm animalsFarmAnimalsmother animalsMotherAnimalsMothers DayMothersDaywild animalsWildAnimalsRebecca QuimbyFri, 07 May 2010 11:00:00 ESTMoney Saving Tips for Pet Owners - 5 Smart Things You Can Dohttp://www.pawnation.com/2010/04/12/money-saving-tips-for-pet-owners/http://www.pawnation.com/2010/04/12/money-saving-tips-for-pet-owners/http://www.pawnation.com/2010/04/12/money-saving-tips-for-pet-owners/#commentsFiled under: ,

cute puppy picture

This cutie could cost a bundle if you're not careful. Beverly & Pack, Flickr

In today's less-than-robust economy, everyone is trying to find ways to save money, and pet owners are no exception. After all, owning a pet can be expensive. According to an American Pet Products Association survey, we spend over $45 billion a year on our pets. But having a dog or cat doesn't have to be a pricey proposition, here are our top five budget-friendly tips for getting and taking care of that animal family member.

1. Start By Rescuing A Pet
If you are pinching pennies (and even if you aren't), go visit your local animal shelter. They have animals of all ages, temperaments and sizes and often only charge what it costs to vaccinate and spay the animal.

If there is a specific breed that you absolutely adore, you still may find your true love at the shelter as pets of all breeds end up needing new homes. Or reach out to the breed-specific rescue organizations. For example, you might find the perfect pooch at Chihuahua Rescue, PugRescue.com, or French Bulldog Rescue Network. You can also search for dog-breed clubs in your area. They often have rescue or fostering organizations that can help connect you to the breed of your dreams while also giving a home to a pup in need.

2. Take Advantage Of Subsidized Spay/Neuter Services
At your local vet, paying full price to get your dog fixed can cost up to $200-300. But many organizations offer discount services, sometimes charging as low as $45 or nothing at all. Check ASPCA's special search function for low-cost and free resources in your area. SPAY/USA and Friends of Animals also provide great lists of low-cost services.

3. Buy Discounted Pet Food
Sites such as Pets Warehouse, PetFooder, PetFoodDirect and large retailers such as Costco, Petco and PetSmart may offer big discounts on your favorite brand of dog food or even special bulk pricing. You should also check out some of the online coupon web sites such as couponmountain.com, slickdeals.net and fatwallet.com or register at your pet food company's site for email newsletters and discount offers.

Continue reading Money Saving Tips for Pet Owners - 5 Smart Things You Can Do

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]]>budgetcheapdiscountdiscountspet carePetCaresaving moneySavingMoneyRebecca QuimbyMon, 12 Apr 2010 10:00:00 ESTOur Top 10 Favorite Famous Bunnieshttp://www.pawnation.com/2010/03/31/our-top-ten-favorite-famous-bunnies/http://www.pawnation.com/2010/03/31/our-top-ten-favorite-famous-bunnies/http://www.pawnation.com/2010/03/31/our-top-ten-favorite-famous-bunnies/#commentsFiled under: ,

In honor of a certain upcoming spring holiday, we thought we'd round up our favorite famous bunnies. Hop to it!

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]]>animals in literatureanimals in moviesAnimalsInLiteratureAnimalsInMoviesbunniesbunny rabbitsBunnyRabbitseaster bunnyEasterBunnyrabbitsRebecca QuimbyWed, 31 Mar 2010 10:00:00 ESTChicago Organizations Help Elderly Care for their Petshttp://www.pawnation.com/2010/03/15/chicago-organizations-help-elderly-care-for-their-pets/http://www.pawnation.com/2010/03/15/chicago-organizations-help-elderly-care-for-their-pets/http://www.pawnation.com/2010/03/15/chicago-organizations-help-elderly-care-for-their-pets/#commentsFiled under: ,

elderly person with pet picture Pets bring joy to people of all ages but also daunting responsibility. cielokatie, Flickr

It's always a difficult moment when a senior citizen has to enter a hospital or nursing home, especially if it means a pet is going to be left without care - even temporarily. Enter Sister Marijon Binder and her two organizations, Touched by an Animal and Cats-Are-Purrsons-Too. Binder's Chicago-based organizations help the elderly take care of their pets.

Depending on the situation, that can mean sending volunteers into people's homes to help provide pet food, walk dogs, or clean litter boxes, which often makes the difference between a senior being able to keep a pet or having to give it up. Binder also boards cats for people who have to go to a hospital or nursing home, and takes the cats to visit their owners.

Binder came to her current vocation after moving to Chicago from her California convent in 1976 and soon realized that she could make a difference helping people in need with their pets.

At one point, the convent called her back to service and she considering returning, but ultimately she had to say no. "I wanted to go back [to the convent] but too many elderly people were relying on me," Binder told the Chicago Sun Times. "I simply felt in my heart that God wanted me to continue taking care of these people and animals." She went on to say, "These pets are their family. They're desperate to find someone who will love and care for their pet after they are gone. So what we do is provide them with peace of mind."

Her passion for caring for this community does add a particular challenge to her life -- Binder cares for about 70 cats in her Chicago home, which has a screened-in backyard so the kitties can play outside. If the cat won't be returning to its owner for some reason, sometimes the cats are put up for adoption and Binder helps facilitate the process.

So just what is it like to live with 70 cats? Binder told Paw Nation, "Living with cats is a full-time job. As the saying goes, 'dogs have masters; cats have servants.' That's us."

The organizations are kept going by donations and volunteers. Says Binder, "Every day, I pray for volunteers and donations. Sometimes we're really low on money, but I trust in God and people to pull us out."

To participate in any way -- including adopting a cat -- call (773) 728-6336 or visit www.touchedbyananimal.org.

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]]>chicagopet adoptionPetAdoptionSenior CitizensSeniorCitizensseniorsRebecca QuimbyMon, 15 Mar 2010 13:00:00 ESTCharlie's Journey: More on the Dog Who Traveled 1,200 Miles and Found Its Ownerhttp://www.pawnation.com/2010/03/01/travels-with-charlie-more-on-the-dog-who-traveled-1-200-miles-a/http://www.pawnation.com/2010/03/01/travels-with-charlie-more-on-the-dog-who-traveled-1-200-miles-a/http://www.pawnation.com/2010/03/01/travels-with-charlie-more-on-the-dog-who-traveled-1-200-miles-a/#commentsFiled under: ,

Dog who travelled 1,200 miles pictureStephan Soleas (on the unicycle), his wife Gemma (holding the accordion) and daughter Namané Amorea (on the horse) are thrilled to have their dog, Charlie, home with the family. Photo: Stephan Soleas

Those stories about dogs traveling hundreds of miles to be reunited with their owners are always pretty unbelievable, but this one takes the cake. Just a few days after 26-year-old musician Stephan Soleas hitched a ride from his home in Taos, N.M. to New Orleans, his 6-year-old Lab mix went missing. On Feb. 5, Soleas heard that his dog, Charlie, had reappeared about 50 blocks from where Soleas was staying, over 1,200 miles from their home. Turns out Charlie really, really, really didn't want to miss Mardi Gras.

Charlie's journey "home" began when a New Orleans couple vacationing in Taos spotted him running down the street. He wasn't wearing a collar, so they assumed he was a stray. The couple fell in love with the white dog, who jumped into their car as soon as they opened the door. As Soleas told Paw Nation, "It is very common for Charlie to run off because he is very cute and he understands his affect on people. He is the most free willed dog I have ever met." And if this doesn't blow your mind, nothing will: By coincidence, the couple even named the dog Charlie.

After spending a few days trying to locate Charlie's owner, the vacationers decided to keep him, driving with him for three days to their home in New Orleans. But when a vet at Magazine Street Clinic scanned Charlie's chip, they discovered that not only did the dog have an owner, but that owner was staying nearby. Soleas told Paw Nation, "It blew my mind when he showed up. I thought I was dreaming. People didn't even believe me because the story is so crazy!"

He went on to say, "Charlie is the same as ever. The craziest part of all this to me really was that I was having a hard time in NOLA. Ever since I rolled into town, things just were not right, and the moment I picked up Charlie, things got increasingly better. That's how I know Charlie came down there for me."

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]]>lost and foundlost petsLostAndFoundLostPetsnew orleansNewOrleansRebecca QuimbyMon, 01 Mar 2010 17:00:00 ESTWorking With the Cat That Senses Deathhttp://www.pawnation.com/2010/03/01/working-with-the-cat-that-senses-death/http://www.pawnation.com/2010/03/01/working-with-the-cat-that-senses-death/http://www.pawnation.com/2010/03/01/working-with-the-cat-that-senses-death/#commentsFiled under: ,

Oscar the death sensing catStew Milne, AP

Oscar, a pet cat who lives at a nursing home in Providence, R.I., gained national attention several years ago for his apparent ability to predict which of the facility's patients was about to die. David Dosa, M.D., a geriatrician and assistant professor at Brown University who works with the facility, recently published Making Rounds with Oscar, a book about life with the amazing animal. Paw Nation spoke with Dr. Dosa to learn more about his experiences with Oscar.

Why was Oscar brought to live in the nursing home in the first place?
Oscar was adopted by the nursing home in the summer of 2005 as a replacement for a companion animal that died. Oscar was found in a shelter and came to reside at Steere House with a fellow cat by the name of Maya.

How did his abilities come to your attention?
As one death after another occurred with Oscar holding his vigils, they became harder to ignore. Family members and hospice staff started talking about his visits and soon we all started asking the question when someone died, "Was Oscar there?" Invariably the answer was yes, so it became easier to believe. I suppose the episode that brought it home for me was an occasion where there were two patients dying on the unit. We all thought that one patient was going to die first but Oscar was nowhere to be found. An aid went looking for Oscar and found him curled up next to another patient on the other side of the unit. We knew that patient was sick but did not suspect that they were close to death. The aid picked Oscar up and brought him down the hall so he could be with our patient. Oscar took one look around and then raced out of the room right back to where he was sitting. The patient Oscar was with died that evening. Our "sicker" patient rebounded somewhat and lived for a few more days. Hours before that patient died, Oscar was back.

Continue reading Working With the Cat That Senses Death

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]]>dr. david dosaDr.DavidDosaexpire-images:2011-6-30making the rounds with oscarMakingTheRoundsWithOscaroscarRebecca QuimbyMon, 01 Mar 2010 13:00:00 ESTRabbit Fever -- A Behind the Scenes Look at a Bunny Competitionhttp://www.pawnation.com/2010/02/26/rabbit-fever-a-behind-the-scenes-look-at-bunny-competitions/http://www.pawnation.com/2010/02/26/rabbit-fever-a-behind-the-scenes-look-at-bunny-competitions/http://www.pawnation.com/2010/02/26/rabbit-fever-a-behind-the-scenes-look-at-bunny-competitions/#commentsFiled under:

We probably don't need to tell you that 2010 marks the 100-year anniversary of the American Rabbit Breeders Association. And what better way to celebrate than by watching the brand-spanking-new, hot-off-the-presses official trailer for "Rabbit Fever." This fascinating, educational, and often hilarious documentary follows some of the competitors at the National American Rabbit Convention, which is sort of like the Westminster Dog Show, but of course, for rabbits. (Check out our interview with "Rabbit Fever" filmmaker Amy Do to learn more about this "hare-raising" documentary.)

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]]>Amy DoAmyDobunniesRabbit FeverRabbitFeverrabbitsRebecca QuimbyFri, 26 Feb 2010 17:00:00 EST3-Legged Shelter Dog Wins Talent Competitionhttp://www.pawnation.com/2010/02/23/3-legged-shelter-dog-wins-talent-competition/http://www.pawnation.com/2010/02/23/3-legged-shelter-dog-wins-talent-competition/http://www.pawnation.com/2010/02/23/3-legged-shelter-dog-wins-talent-competition/#commentsFiled under: ,

Westminster-winning Sadie's got nothing on Prince. The three-legged pit-bull mix won "Best in Show" at a shelter dog talent competition at the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. The two-year-old wowed the crowd at the New York City event by catching three baseballs thrown by his handler/pitcher.

Prince's major league talent won over the judges, who included singer-songwriter Roberta Flack, actress Bernadette Peters, ballroom dance champion and So You Think You Can Dance choreographer Melanie LaPatin, and Assistant Director of ASPCA Humane Law Enforcement Joseph Pentangelo.

Prince lost his leg after being hit by a car, but Gail Buchwald, Senior Vice President of the ASPCA Adoption Center, said Prince's disability doesn't hold him back. "The talent show demonstrates the resilience of these wonderful dogs," Buchwald also said, "but the real prize will be finding their two-legged soul mates and homes to call their own." Yes, Prince and the other competition contestants are up for adoption. Visit ASPCA.org to learn more about adding him to your team!

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]]>aspcabest in showBestInShowinjured petsInjuredPetsPitBullRebecca QuimbyTue, 23 Feb 2010 15:00:00 ESTPetfinder.com Introduces New FurKeeps Programhttp://www.pawnation.com/2010/02/22/petfinder-com-introduces-new-furkeeps-program/http://www.pawnation.com/2010/02/22/petfinder-com-introduces-new-furkeeps-program/http://www.pawnation.com/2010/02/22/petfinder-com-introduces-new-furkeeps-program/#commentsFiled under:

Petfinder.com Furkeeps program picture put that down, Flickr

Did you know that 34.2 percent of people who give up their pets have had them for over two years? Clearly, these folks didn't give up their furry family member at the first sign of inconvenience--which, lets be honest, happens the first day you bring a pet home. But due to changes in housing, the potentially high costs of pet-owning, behavior problems, and a host of other reasons, many animal adoptions don't quite take.

That's why this March, Petfinder.com is introducing their new FurKeeps program. (Though you can go online now and preview some of the features.) Prospective pet parents can go the section "Starting Your Adoption Right" which features an adoption checklist as well as an explanation about what to expect in the first 30 days with your new pet. Current pet parents will be able ask pet professionals their questions about animal care, health, and behavior in a free "Ask the Experts" online forum. The FurKeeps Web site also includes resources addressing the most common reasons people give up their pets. From tips on finding animal-friendly housing (36.4 percent relinquish their pets because of a move) to pet training tips (17.9 percent of pets are given up because of behavioral problems), the site aims to help you plan ahead. As the site says, "Part of being a great pet parent is planning for the long haul. Your adoptive pet could be with you for a very long time, and even pet parents who have the best intentions at the time of adoption run into problems sometimes. This is nothing to be ashamed of."

In other words, pets can be a pain. We all love them, but it is common for there to be tough times with furry family members and its good to remember that there are resources to help.

Continue reading Petfinder.com Introduces New FurKeeps Program

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]]>pet behaviorpet healthpet health questionsPetBehaviorPetHealthPetHealthQuestionspetresourceRebecca QuimbyMon, 22 Feb 2010 13:00:00 ESTI Work With Animals! Circus Elephant Trainerhttp://www.pawnation.com/2010/02/17/i-work-with-animals-circus-elephant-trainer/http://www.pawnation.com/2010/02/17/i-work-with-animals-circus-elephant-trainer/http://www.pawnation.com/2010/02/17/i-work-with-animals-circus-elephant-trainer/#commentsFiled under:

Larry Carden Elephant Trainer pictureAgeless Northshore

We all occasionally dream of running off to join the circus. Well, Larry Carden didn't have to dream. He was born into one! Carden took some time from his busy schedule traveling with the George Carden Circus, International (started by his father) to answer our questions about being an elephant trainer.

Name: Larry Carden

Age: 29

Job title: Elephant Trainer

What do you do?
My father owns 10 elephants. I work with all of them but when I'm on the road I work with four. I grew up around elephants and have been training them for 12 years -- as did my father before me and his father before him.

What is it like to work with elephants?
Taking care of an elephant is a 24-hour job. They are always eating and pooping, so I am always on one end or the other. They also get washed with soap and water every day, up to three times a day. Along with that, if they aren't performing I train them every day. They are just like people with their personalities and they have different moods depending on the day.

What's the best thing about your job?
I get to see the U.S and perform for thousands of people a day, Best of all, I get to spend my time with my best friends the elephants Betty, Cindy, Vicky and Bo.

Do you have any advice to aspiring elephant trainers?
To someone who wants to train elephants: Start learning all you can about them and try to get around them. The more time you spend with them, the more they get to know you. All elephant trainers start at the back and work their way to the front.

See more photos of Larry and the George Carden Circus.

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]]>circuselephantelephantsi work with animalsiworkwithanimalsRebecca QuimbyWed, 17 Feb 2010 13:00:00 ESTPygmy Goats: The New 'It' Pet?http://www.pawnation.com/2010/02/02/pygmy-goats-the-new-it-pet/http://www.pawnation.com/2010/02/02/pygmy-goats-the-new-it-pet/http://www.pawnation.com/2010/02/02/pygmy-goats-the-new-it-pet/#commentsFiled under:



Cats? Dogs? Iguanas? Played out. The hot new family pet just might be the pygmy goat. Publications like the San Francisco Gate and the New York Times are reporting that more and more people are choosing goats as pets.

Many urbanites are reclaiming the art of growing their own vegetables, and even keeping bees and chicken coops, so why not goats? Pygmies are particularly well-suited for urban and suburban yards. They stand 17 to 23 inches tall and are said to be as intelligent and good-tempered as some dogs. Plus, they provide milk and cut your grass for you. They range in cost from $100 to $300 -- cheaper than a lawn mower, and way cuter.

But before you pick up your new pet, check local laws to avoid grazing violations or other snafus. And because they are herd animals, you'll need to get more than one. Your neighbors are going to loooove that.

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]]>farm animalsFarmAnimalsgoatpygmy goatPygmyGoatRebecca QuimbyTue, 02 Feb 2010 15:00:00 ESTPet Bull Rescued from Pondhttp://www.pawnation.com/2010/02/01/pet-bull-rescued-from-pond/http://www.pawnation.com/2010/02/01/pet-bull-rescued-from-pond/http://www.pawnation.com/2010/02/01/pet-bull-rescued-from-pond/#commentsFiled under:

Rescued Pet Bull picturegjeewaytee (off), Flickr

We've heard of firefighters saving cats stuck in trees, but this is a whole other bull, er, ball of wax!

Firefighters in the U.K. rescued a pet bull from a pond in Essex last week, according to the BBC. No word on why in the world the 20-year-old bull fell into the pond, but it could not stand up after four fire crews freed it with rescue equipment, so they propped it up with bales of hay. The sickly animal was taken to a shelter overnight and examined by a vet.

Watch the amazing rescue video on the BBC.

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]]>bullbullsfallinginpondsenglandessexrescueRebecca QuimbyMon, 01 Feb 2010 17:00:00 EST