💚 Grinch Dog Warms Heart

💚 Grinch Dog Warms to Xmas

🐈‍⬛ Bird Flu Recall

🏠 Missing Dogs Return Home

💸 Lotto Winner (at Bottom)

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^Heartwarmers
Dog Used to Be a Christmas Grinch
 

• When Moxy was adopted, her owners had no way of knowing she would despise Christmas lights, presents, and trees.

• Her grumpy face couldn’t conceal her frustration when the house would change, the lights would go up, and all of the funny noisemakers would make their way into her home.

• Watch Moxy’s heart grow a few sizes as she finally warms up to the holiday spirit, just like the Grinch. 🎄 🐶 💖 💕

As the New Year approaches, many of us reflect on ways to improve our lives and set goals for the months ahead. While personal resolutions often take center stage, it’s also a great time to think about how we can enhance the lives of our beloved pets. Whether you share your home with a dog or a cat, incorporating resolutions that prioritize their health, happiness, and well-being can strengthen your bond and ensure they thrive in the year to come. Here’s how you can start the New Year with your furry friend in mind.

Resolutions for Dogs 🐕

Dogs thrive on routines and activities that keep them happy, healthy, and engaged. Here are some resolutions to consider for your canine companion:

1. Go on More Adventures
   Plan regular hikes, park visits, or neighborhood explorations to keep your dog physically active and mentally stimulated.

2. Focus on Fitness
   Increase daily walks or playtime to ensure your dog stays fit, especially if they’ve been less active recently.

3. Upgrade Their Diet
   Review their current food and consider switching to a higher-quality brand or incorporating fresh, dog-safe fruits and vegetables.

4. Prioritize Regular Grooming
   Schedule consistent grooming sessions to keep their coat, nails, and ears in top condition.

5. Teach New Tricks or Commands
   Keep their mind sharp by teaching new skills, whether it’s fun tricks or essential commands like "stay" or "come."

6. Ensure Routine Health Care
   Book a vet check-up to stay on top of vaccinations, dental care, and any health screenings needed for their age or breed.

7. Increase Socialization
   Introduce your dog to new friends, whether at a dog park or through playdates, to improve their social skills.

Each resolution offers an opportunity to enhance your dog’s quality of life while creating more memorable moments together.

Resolutions for Cats 🐈

Cats may have a reputation for being independent, but they still benefit greatly from intentional care and enrichment. Here are some resolutions to consider for your feline friend:

1. Create an Enriching Environment
   Add scratching posts, interactive toys, or a cozy perch near a window to keep your cat entertained and happy.

2. Dedicate Time for Play
   Engage in daily play sessions with feather wands, laser pointers, or catnip toys to stimulate their hunting instincts and provide exercise.

3. Monitor Their Diet
   Assess your cat’s diet for proper portion sizes and nutritional value, and consult your vet about healthy options or supplements if needed.

4. Keep the Litter Box Perfect
   Clean the litter box daily, and consider upgrading to a larger box or adding a second one to ensure their comfort.

5. Encourage Hydration
   Cats can be prone to dehydration, so provide fresh water daily or invest in a cat fountain to entice them to drink more.

6. Schedule Wellness Check-Ups
   Regular veterinary visits help catch potential issues early and ensure your cat stays in peak health.

7. Try Something New
   Whether it’s leash training, teaching simple tricks, or introducing safe outdoor time, offering fresh experiences keeps your cat curious and engaged.

By setting resolutions that prioritize your cat’s well-being, you’ll help them live a healthier and more fulfilled life while strengthening your bond in the coming year.

^{Front Page Pets}
Concerns of Bird Flu Remain, Recalls

Recent reports have highlighted the emergence of avian influenza (H5N1), commonly known as bird flu, affecting domestic cats in the United States. Notably:

• Oregon Incident: A house cat in Oregon died after consuming raw, frozen pet food contaminated with H5N1. The product, sold by Northwest Naturals, has been recalled. No human cases linked to this incident have been reported.

  Associated Press

• Los Angeles County Cases: Authorities confirmed avian flu in cat deaths, with more cases suspected. The affected cats exhibited severe symptoms, including neurological and respiratory signs.

  CIDRAP

These incidents underscore the importance of monitoring and preventing H5N1 transmission to pets. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that while such infections in domestic animals are sporadic, they can occur through contact with infected birds or contaminated environments.

Preventive Measures for Pet Owners:

• Avoid Raw Diets: Refrain from feeding pets raw or undercooked meat, especially poultry, to reduce infection risk.

  VCA Hospitals

• Limit Exposure: Keep pets away from wild birds and their habitats to minimize contact with potential sources of the virus.

• Monitor Health: Watch for symptoms such as lethargy, respiratory distress, or neurological signs in pets, and seek veterinary care promptly if they appear.

^{Best Friend Moments}
Puppy is Determined to Befriend Cat

^{_{The Tail Wag Tribune}}
This Week’s Key Pet News

Missing Goldendoodle Found Just Before Christmas

A Minnesota Goldendoodle who went missing two years ago was found a few days ago, hundreds of miles away in Iowa. Corduroy was on a walk with a friend of his parents’ when he was scared off by another dog two years ago.

Corduroy’s parents had nearly lost hope of ever seeing him again, but they got an incredible phone call a few days ago, just in time for the holidays.

Missing Florida Dog Returns Home Christmas Eve

Another Christmas miracle! A dog in Green Cove Springs, FL was missing for 9 days. Without a little help from her community, Athena found her way home and arrived on Christmas Eve.

Click below to learn about the efforts to bring Athena home, and a little about her journey that took her miles from where she was originally lost.

Entire School Class Stops to Wave at Dog in Window

An entire classroom of elementary school students stopped to wave at a friendly dog while they were on a walk around the block. The dog is a little confused, but you can tell he appreciates the gesture and enjoys seeing all of his new friends on the street outside.

The world needs more moments like this!