Puppy & 90-Year-Old Man are Besties

💌 Puppy & 90-Year-Old Man are Besties

✂️ The Pros & Cons of Professional Grooming

👨🏼‍⚖️ Dogs are Legally Family Members in NY

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Puppy & 90-Year-Old are Besties ❤️

• 👴🏻 Brida is a tiny Dachshund puppy that has bonded tightly with her 90-year-old owner. The same is true for her owner, who after all of his 90 years had never been interested in owning a puppy.

• 💌 Brida stole his heart, and she unlocked a part of his personality that he didn’t know he had. The two of them share joyful moments of love and meaning every day, and Brida has added immeasurable value to this man’s life.

• 🎥 Watch the story below, and let it serve as a reminder that we can always open up to new things, no matter how many years we’ve lived on this earth. Also, let it be a reminder that dogs, no matter how small, can bring incredible meaning to any situation.

 Weekly Learning 📖 🐾

Our Latest Tip: How to Tell if Pavement is Too Hot for Your Dog’s Paws 🌡️ 🐾

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Pets are Now Legally Family Members in NY

• 🐾 Big Win for Pets: A New York judge officially ruled that dogs can be considered immediate family—not just property—in legal cases, marking a groundbreaking shift in how the law views our furry companions.

• ❤️ A Tribute with Impact: The case stemmed from the heartbreaking loss of a dachshund named Duke. His family’s legal battle has now set a powerful precedent for pet-related emotional distress claims.

• 📈 Animal Rights Momentum: Advocates call it a major step toward recognizing pets as individuals who matter. While limited for now, this could open doors for broader legal protections in the future.

Do You Need to Pay for Pet Grooming?

Let’s be honest—pet grooming often gets filed under “nice to have,” not “need to have.” Some of us swear by monthly trips to the groomer; others grab the nail clippers and hope for the best. But as trends shift toward sustainability and personalized care, many pet owners are rethinking their approach. Do you really need a professional groomer? Can you do it yourself without stressing your pet (or yourself)? And where does eco-grooming come into play?

Whether you're a pet parent to a long-haired cat who mats at the sight of humidity or a pit bull with skin sensitivities, this guide is for you. Let’s unpack the real value of grooming—without judgment, guilt, or assumptions.

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When Professional Grooming Plays a Key Role 

Grooming isn’t just about cute bows and trimmed fur. Done right, it plays a key role in your pet’s health and comfort:

• Skin and Coat Health: Regular brushing distributes natural oils, prevents matting, and can catch early signs of skin issues. Studies have shown that mats can trap moisture and bacteria, increasing risk for infections—especially in long-haired breeds.

• Early Detection: Professional groomers often spot lumps, parasites, or skin problems that might otherwise go unnoticed. One UK study found that groomers identified potential health issues in nearly 1 in 5 dogs they saw.

• Reduced Allergens in the Home: For people with allergies, regular grooming (especially bathing) can reduce pet dander levels significantly, according to research from the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology.

• Behavioral Benefits: Regular grooming sessions help desensitize pets to touch, making vet visits and handling less stressful. This is especially important for rescue animals or anxious pets.

• Eco-Friendly Grooming Is on the Rise: Many salons now offer biodegradable shampoos, water-efficient equipment, and mobile units that reduce your carbon pawprint. Some even use refillable product systems to cut down on plastic waste.

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The Value of Doing it Yourself

While groomers offer great value, not every pet needs a full salon day. Here’s when you can feel confident taking matters into your own paws:

• Short-Haired Breeds or Low-Shed Pets: Regular brushing, the occasional bath, and routine nail trims can keep them looking and feeling great without professional help.

• Routine Maintenance Between Groomer Visits: Learn to spot-clean, brush effectively, and trim nails safely. Tools like rubber curry brushes for dogs or dematting combs for cats make a big difference—and many pets tolerate home care better when it’s done by a familiar hand.

• Sensitive or Reactive Pets: Some pets do better in a calm home environment. If your dog or cat gets overwhelmed at the groomer, home grooming—with patience and positive reinforcement—can be a lower-stress alternative.

• Eco-DIY Bonus: Want to align with green grooming? Try plant-based shampoos with minimal packaging, waterless rinse-free options, and reusable grooming mitts. You can even make homemade paw balm with shea butter and beeswax.

That said, always know your limits: grooming injuries (especially from clippers or scissors) are a common emergency vet visit trigger. When in doubt, consult your vet or a groomer who offers one-on-one instruction.

The Final Takeaway

Grooming doesn’t have to be expensive, intimidating, or wasteful—and it certainly doesn’t have to look the same for every pet. Some pets thrive with professional care, others do just fine with a loving at-home routine. The key is knowing your pet, staying proactive about their needs, and choosing tools and services that align with your values.

Whether you book a mobile eco-groomer or build a DIY grooming kit at home, what matters most is that your dog or cat feels good in their own fur—and that you both feel good about the process.

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This Week’s Key Pet News

MLB’s Newest Bat Dog Shows His Skills

• ⚾ From Minor Leagues to the Majors: Bruce, the bat-fetching golden retriever, just got called up from the Rochester Red Wings to the Washington Nationals—and he's already stealing the spotlight.

• 🎥 Viral Sensation: A video of Bruce proudly retrieving bats during a game has taken the internet by storm, melting hearts nationwide.

• 🐶 Good Boy, Great Career: Bruce and his owner/trainer, Josh Snyder, recently appeared on Studio 1A to share their story and show off Bruce’s all-star skills in action.

Sweet Senior Cat Overcomes Injuries & Awaits Adoption

• 🐱 Mazy’s Road to Recovery: This resilient 9-year-old cat arrived at MSPCA-Angell with facial injuries and broken teeth, but even in pain, she greeted staff with playful headbutts and love.

• 💔 Suspected Cruelty, Ongoing Investigation: Mazy’s injuries raised concerns of abuse, and MSPCA Law Enforcement is actively investigating while ensuring she receives top-notch care.

• 🏡 Ready for Her Forever Home: Now healed and full of affection, Mazy is available for adoption in Boston—and she’s a shining example of strength, trust, and second chances.

Researchers Keep Proving The Health Benefits of Owning Pets

• 🧠 Science-Backed Stress Relief: A new study shows that watching just five minutes of a therapy dog video can significantly reduce stress and anxiety—no in-person cuddles required.

• 📺 Virtual Comfort, Real Impact: Thoughtfully designed dog videos helped over 1,000 participants feel calmer, especially women and those who prefer solo support over traditional therapy.

• 🐕 Accessible & Low-Stress for All: These bite-sized sessions are easy to watch, kind to the therapy dogs, and perfect for anyone needing a quick emotional boost—anytime, anywhere.