Central Bark

Celebrate your pet sitter

As pet ownership continues to rise, so does the need for trusted, trained professionals who step in when you can’t be home. That’s why Pet Sitters International (PSI) celebrates its 32nd annual Professional Pet Sitters Week™ (March 1–7) — a time to recognize the dedicated individuals who keep pets safe, comfortable, and loved in their owners’ absence. Midweek brings Thank ...

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Research indicates therapy dog interventions reduce loneliness in patients hospitalized for the treatment of mental illness

PRESS RELEASE FROM HABRI AND PET PARTNERS: The Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI) and Pet Partners announced results of a randomized clinical trial that indicate the presence of a therapy dog contributes to greater immediate improvement in loneliness for psychiatric inpatients than visits from another person, or standard care alone. This study, published in Frontiers in Psychiatry, was conducted by ...

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America’s most dog-friendly cities

Here at Dog Living we don’t just like our dogs, we structure our lives around them. They join us on Zoom calls, trail hikes, and couch-side therapy sessions. And we know we’re not the only ones! Across the U.S., more communities are raising the bar to make everyday life better for people and their four-legged sidekicks. Which got us wondering: ...

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New data on spay/neuter could help provide insight to adoption success rate

February marks Spay and Neuter Awareness Month, and Best Friends Animal Society, a leading national animal welfare organization working to end the killing of cats and dogs in America’s shelters and take the country no-kill*, which means saving every healthy and treatable pet in shelters, is taking the opportunity to spotlight one of the most effective ways to improve adoption outcomes for cats and dogs. According to data from Best Friends, ...

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Cold weather tips for pet parents

Bundled up pup

Cold Weather Pet Safety Tips Every Pet Parent Should Know When temperatures drop, our pets rely on us to keep them safe, comfortable, and healthy. Cold weather brings unique risks from icy paws to hidden toxins. A little preparation goes a long way. Here are some simple tips to help protect your pets during the colder months. Limit time outdoors.Even ...

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You will not be a foster failure!

I’ve fostered countless dogs over the years and every single time I do I hear this phrase, “Oh, I could never do that. I wouldn’t want to give them up.” That thought couldn’t be more wrong. Or, perhaps, it is the wrong way of looking at the concept of fostering. I foster because it means one less dog will have ...

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Can dogs talk?

CAN DOGS TALK? opens with Stella, a Catahoula–Blue Heeler mix who became the first viral “button dog,” and her owner, speech therapist Christina Hunger, whose success teaching her dog to “talk” drew the attention of researchers. Are dogs like Stella truly understanding what we’re saying — and talking back? Are they really thinking creatively and applying words in new contexts, ...

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5 things my dog taught me about life

I am AuDHD which means part of the time my brain wants routine and the other part thrives on chaos. This combination does not bode well for taking it easy. But if I can look over at my dog, I’m reminded of ways to stay grounded. Here’s what my pup has taught me about life. Nothing is that serious. Griffin ...

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How do I hire the right pet sitter?

Rover.com and other options are saturated with pet sitters. How can you know you’re hiring the right one to care for your pup? Choosing the right pet sitter is about trust, competence, and fit—both for you and your pet. Here are the key things to look for: 1. Experience & Qualifications Relevant experience with your type of pet (dogs, cats, ...

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Recycle your pet food packaging

This World Animal Day, pet owners of all kinds—from dog and cat lovers to bird parents—can help protect the planet. International recycling leader for hard-to-recycle waste, TerraCycle offers a free and easy way to recycle everything from pet food packaging to well-loved accessories so your furry and feathered friends can be sustainable, too. Whether it’s leftover food bags, worn-out toys, ...

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