People Online are Losing it Over Real-Life Rainbow Bridge Memorial

Britt
by Britt
Published:  July 12th, 2024
Photo credit: Foto Matevz Lavric / Shutterstock.com

Social media has become a powerful space for pet parents to share the joys and challenges of living with their furry companions. From heartwarming adoptions to hilarious antics, our online feeds are filled with proof of the special bond that is formed between pets and their humans.


But there is another side to pet ownership, a bittersweet time when we could use the understanding of other pet parents. That is, of course, the inevitable loss of a beloved pet and the emotions that come with it.


A recent viral video has sparked a wave of shared grief and emotion on TikTok.


The video, originally posted by @onlyjulianamarie on TikTok, shares a beautiful real-life “Rainbow Bridge” memorial in Lake Lure, NC. It includes a literal rainbow bridge upon which countless pet owners have placed collars of all colors and sizes to memorialize the pets that have left a lasting mark on their hearts.


Many of the collars include tags adorned with the name of a special pet or a heartfelt engraved message. Others are nameless; their stories known only to the loving pet parents who placed them there.

The memorial was inspired by a popular poem shared with pet owners navigating their grief. It describes a special place where pets go after they die to wait for their special someone. Here, they run and play in the meadows and hills, warm, comfortable, and happy.


“All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor,” the poem promises. “Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again. Just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.”

It then explains how they will continue to play together until the day comes when they spot their special someone, running to greet them as fast as their legs (however big or small) can carry them.


“When you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again,” it goes on to say. “The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.”


It’s an image that helps many pet parents to heal and move forward after a tragic loss, picturing every pet they have ever loved together, waiting for them just across the “Rainbow Bridge.”


For those who are currently feeling lost or overwhelmed with grief following a loss, know that you are not alone! Studies have shown that the loss of a pet can be just as hard on us as the loss of a human family member.


The memorial shown in the video is only one of many across the United States and worldwide, giving pet parents a place to honor the furry friends and family members they held (and continue to hold) so dear.


If you’re unsure where to find a physical memorial, there are also websites like RainbowsBridge.com that allow you to create an online memorial to your pet, participate in candle-lighting ceremonies, and access much-needed pet loss grief support resources.


Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter  here.

WOW
Britt
Britt

Britt Kascjak is a proud pet mom, sharing her heart (and her home) with her “pack” which includes her husband John, their 2 dogs – Lucifer and Willow – and their 2 cats – Pippen and Jinx. She has been active in the animal rescue community for over 15 years, volunteering, fostering and advocating for organizations across Canada and the US. In her free time, she enjoys traveling around the country camping, hiking, and canoeing with her pets.

More by Britt

Can Dogs Get Harvest Mites?
Can Dogs Get Harvest Mites?
View Article
Next
Related articles
2024 Cannes Film Festival Celebrates All Things Dog

Celeb pooches get the star treatment at prestigious event.

Pretty Plants that Will Stop Cats from Pooping in Your Garden

Whether you own a cat or neighboring felines like to frequent your backyard, chances are you have come across half-buried cat poop in your flower beds. Cat lover or not, you probably weren’t thrilled to discover these unsightly deposits in your garden.Although cat poop won’t harm your garden, it also won’t add much to the overall appeal of it either, especially if the cats decide to dig their own toilets in the middle of your flower patch. In addition to preserving the aesthetics of your garden, there are several other reasons you may want to stop cats from pooping in your backyard. Keeping cats away will ensure the garden stays clean and safe for young children to play in. Plus, it will help protect wild birds that visit your garden, especially if you have a bird feeder or two.Besides being unsightly, cat poop in the garden can carry a parasite, called Toxoplasma gondii, which is particularly dangerous to pregnant women and unborn babies. For this reason, it’s super important that you wear gloves when you clean cat poop from your garden. As an added precaution against nasty infections, always use gloves when gardening.Are you sick and tired of cats using your garden as their personal toilet? There are several things you can do to preserve your outdoor oasis that don’t include the use of cruel booby-traps or startling devices.All you have to do is buy the right plant - one that cats hate but will look great in your garden. Although technically a weed, the curry plant is one of the best plants to deter cats from pooping in your garden. Scientifically known as Helichrysum italicum, the curry plant is a small, bushy evergreen shrub with linear-shaped silver-gray leaves. The leaves have a strong odor, reminiscent of curry, that acts as a potent cat deterrent. When a cat brushes against a curry plant, its leaves release a strong odor that attacks a cat’s sense of smell. Plus, the curry plant also has a coarse texture that cats hate. Many gardeners agree that curry plants act as excellent cat deterrents saying that cats stopped pooping in their gardens after they planted curry plants. Since the curry plant is essentially a weed, plant it sparingly so it won’t spread and take up too much space. If, for whatever reason, you don’t want to plant curry plants in your garden, plant lavender instead. A popular ornamental plant, lavender has pretty purple flowers and a delicate and sweet smell with herbal undertones. It’s that delicate smell that will help keep cats away from your garden!Cats have more than 200 million odor sensors in their noses and anything that emits a strong smell, like lavender, will be off-putting. Luckily, lavender is easy to grow and you can plant it in any part of your garden or containers. This gives you the freedom to plant lavender exactly where the cats like to poop to deter them. Many cats also dislike the smell of rosemary, rue, pennyroyal, citronella, oregano, geraniums, lemon thyme, and coffee. Any of these plants can act as a natural barrier and discourage cats from entering your garden and using it as a toilet. Although there are other ways to deter cats from pooping in your backyard, planting plants is an entirely natural and non-toxic option that isn’t harmful to the cats or you. It’s also cost-effective and aesthetically pleasing. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

How to Keep Your Cat Hydrated

Keeping your cat hydrated is an important part of maintaining their overall health, but your kitty might not be drinking enough water, and that could lead to dehydration. The good news is that you can encourage your feline to drink more, and there are ways to sneak more moisture into their daily diet. Here are a few tips to help you get started.

Meet Finn, the Giant Cat Who is The Size of a 9-Year-Old Child!

The world of domestic cats is about to get a whole lot bigger if this cat has anything to say about it! Although wild cats are pretty big, I’m not talking about lions or tigers. Instead, I’m referring to a loved member of a California family.  Finn the cat was adopted by his loving owner, Natalie Bowman, in 2017 at just three and a half months old. Bowman knew he was going to be a little larger than most domestic cats being a Maine Coon, but she had no idea exactly what she was in for… Maine Coons are well known for their large, impressive size, standing approximately 10-16 inches tall when full-grown. Their long, busy coat and tufted feet are well-insulated and water-resistant, allowing them to survive even in harsh winter climates. After bringing the young kitten home, he started to grow quickly. It wasn’t long until Finn reached then surpassed the typical Maine Coon size. By the time he reached his full-grown adult size, he measured a shocking 51 inches long and weighed 22 pounds.

Mexico's President Says Sí to Caring for National Palace's Feral Cats

Living Fixed Asset designation provides felines with care and shelter for life.

Can Dogs Have ADHD?

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, also known as ADHD, is commonly discussed in relation to humans, children in particular. And just as its name suggests, this mental disorder is characterized by symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. However, in recent years pet owners and veterinarians have begun to wonder if similar behavioral issues can also affect dogs. Can dogs have ADHD? Here’s what the facts say.Can Dogs Have ADHD?In humans, ADHD is classified as a neurodevelopmental disorder and is usually diagnosed in childhood. Symptoms typically include difficulty focusing, excessive energy, and impulsive actions. It is often treated with a combination of behavioral therapy and medications. And, understanding these traits in humans can help us look for analogous behaviors in dogs as well.Just like humans, dogs can also exhibit a range of behaviors that might seem similar to the symptoms of ADHD. Common behaviors that concern pet owners include excessive barking, restlessness, an inability to settle down, destructive behavior, and an apparent lack of focus or attention. However, it is essential to recognize that dogs naturally have higher energy levels compared to humans, for example, especially certain dog breeds. For instance, Border Collies and Jack Russell Terriers are known for their high energy and require significant physical and mental stimulation. This is why it is crucial to distinguish between normal breed-specific behavior and potential behavioral disorders. Veterinarians and animal behaviorists have mixed opinions on whether dogs can genuinely have ADHD. Dr. Nicholas Dodman, a veterinary behaviorist who wrote the revolutionary book “ Pets On the Couch”, has suggested that dogs can exhibit behaviors akin to ADHD in humans. He points out that some dogs may show persistent patterns of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity that go beyond typical high-energy behavior. 

Puppy Dog Eyes Didn't Evolve Just for Humans, Study Finds

Every doggy parent will agree that resisting puppy dog eyes is virtually impossible. Until recently, researchers have believed that dogs developed this adorable and deeply manipulative facial expression because of domestication. But a new study debunks this theory.Previous research studies, published in 2019 and 2022, surmised that dogs evolved new muscles around their eyes to improve their communication with humans. However, a new study into African wild dogs challenges this theory, finding that other canine species have similar muscle adaptations that make them capable of pulling puppy dog eye expressions.The 2019 study found that domestic dogs had more developed specialized muscles around their eyes, compared to wolves, which allowed them to make a wider range of facial expressions. Researchers theorized that these muscles evolved as dogs began living with humans so they could mimic human expressions and therefore encourage their companions to take better care of them. “We were curious to see, is that true. Or do these muscles also exist in other highly social canids?” said Heather Smith, the lead author of the new study. Her findings were published in the journal The Anatomical Record.To see if other canines have the same puppy dog eye muscles as domestic dogs, scientists dissected a dead African wild dog that was donated by a zoo. To everyone’s surprise, African wild dogs had the same muscles and they were just as developed as those in domestic dogs. Additionally, researchers discovered that African wild dogs also possess facial muscles that support the movement of their characteristically large ears. “This morphology suggests that ocular facial expressions contribute to within-pack communication in wild dogs and are not unique to domestic dogs,” researchers wrote in the study. “African wild dogs have the same well-developed facial muscles that generate the puppy dog eye expression in domestic dogs,” said Smith. “So it kind of debunks the idea that domestic dogs are the only canids that have this, and that they evolved specifically for us.” African wild dogs communicate mostly vocally, but their well-developed facial muscles suggest that these canines use other, still unknown, non-vocal forms of communication within the pack. Researchers speculate that the well-developed facial muscles used for puppy dog eyes, help African wild dogs to silently communicate and coordinate while hunting. Previous studies into puppy dog eyes found that domestic dogs have more developed eye muscles around their eyes than wolves. Now, researchers believe that’s because wolves rely less on visual communication while hunting than domestic dogs and African wild dogs. Wolves hunt in many different landscapes, including in mountains and dense forests. In these conditions, each wolf is more likely to be hidden by a rock or a tree when stalking prey. As a result, wolves may have evolved to communicate using more complex vocalizations and scent signs rather than visual cues. Although puppy dog eyes didn’t evolve just for humans, this facial expression has helped strengthen the bond we have with our pups. Those tiny facial muscles flex, creating an infamously cute, pleading expression.Resisting puppy dog eyes is extremely hard, and dogs know it! Every time your pooch wants an extra treat, more time in the yard, or more food, they will look at you with those big pleading eyes and manipulate you into giving them exactly what they want.But, at the end of the day, there’s nothing to complain about. You love your pooch and will give them anything they want, puppy dog eyes or not. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Kevin the Gentle Giant Crowned World’s Tallest Dog

Some dogs are simply born to be famous! Some do it with their accomplishments, others with their latest tricks, but Kevin the Great Dane did it with nothing else but his size. He is officially recognized as the world’s tallest living dog, and he is described as a true gentle giant.Named after the main character from the movie “Home Alone”, Kevin officially claimed the world record title after he was measured at 3ft 2in (0.97 meters) from his feet to his withers. For comparison, that is the average height of a three-year-old child. An average Great Dane, on the other hand, is around 2ft 6in (0.76 meters) to the withers. The record was previously held by another Great Dane, Zeus, who tragically died at the age of three this past year, leaving the title to Kevin. Living in West Des Moines, Iowa, USA, Kevin is in the loving care of his owners – Tracy and Roger Wolfe, and their children, Alexander (12) and Ava (10). He is not the only pet in the family: he is accompanied by three other doggos, four cats, and a multitude of chickens, horses, and goats. And, besides being so tall and majestic, Kevin is just an ordinary pooch. He loves to snooze on the couch and won’t hesitate to protest if his favorite spot is taken. Still, his owners describe him as a real gentle giant. According to Tracy Wolfe, he is a true fan of snuggles and is very afraid of the vacuum cleaner. He was similarly spooked by the officials who came to measure him for his record. The measuring tape really gave him the heebie-jeebies. “Kevin is the epitome of a gentle giant,” Tracy said. “In fact, he is scared of most things. He is terrified of the vacuum. He won't let it come within 6 feet of him! He will jump and run to get away from it.”Kevin’s owner Tracy, herself employed at a vet clinic, says that he is just a big baby, and often acts as if he has no idea how big he is. “When Kevin, or any of my dogs, come to my clinic, I put a baby gate up in the door of my office. That way I can keep my door open, but keep the dogs in,” she added. “Kevin is hilarious. He will be in there and stay whenever I am in there. However, if I leave, he just steps right over the baby gate like it's nothing! I don’t think he’s aware he is as big as he is. He’s continuously trying to squeeze into small beds and sit on top of us, and do everything that the smaller dogs do.”Of course, as all dogs do, Kevin also has his naughty side. He is adept at snatching food off of counters, aided by his great height. “Kevin can be stubborn,” Tracy said. “He can be naughty. It’s usually food-related. Otherwise, he’s usually a pretty good kid.”

Scientists Reveal Why Cats Scratch Furniture and How to Stop It

Many cat owners get used to seeing torn cushions, carpets, and furniture that bear their felines’ claw marks. Scratching is normal behavior for cats but is often considered a behavioral problem by cat owners who sometimes turn to painful procedures, like declawing, as a quick fix.This has prompted an international team of researchers to investigate which factors influence undesired scratching behavior in domestic cats. The team surveyed over 1,200 cat owners in France about the daily lives and characteristics, as well as undesired scratching behavior of their cats. Their findings were published in Frontiers in Veterinary Science. “Here we show that certain factors - such as the presence of children at home, personality traits of cats and their activity levels -significantly impact the extent of scratching behavior,” explained Dr. Yasemin Salgirli Demirbas, the first author of the study and a veterinary researcher at Ankara University. “Our findings can help caregivers manage and redirect scratching to appropriate materials, which could help foster a more harmonious living environment for both cats and their caregivers.”Researchers discovered a link between certain behavioral and environmental factors and increased scratching behavior in cats. “Specifically, the presence of children in the home as well as high levels of play and nocturnal activity significantly contribute to increased scratching,” explained Salgirli Demirbas. Nocturnal activity in cats consists of behaviors exhibited at night. Heightened vocalization and playfulness during the night are usually the result of poor daytime stimulation or lack of social interactions. But it may also be a cat’s way of seeking attention. “While cats are naturally nocturnal, they can adjust to a human diurnal schedule if provided with structured and engaging activities during the day,” said the survey’s lead author.However, researchers found that stress is the main reason behind increased scratching. For example, the presence of children in the home, especially while they’re small, might increase stress levels and be one of several factors that can cause cats to scratch. Although it may seem unlikely, playfulness is another factor that can be associated with stress. You see, when cats play for a long time without a break, their stress levels can become high because of uninterrupted stimulation. Unsurprisingly, researchers discovered that cats described as aggressive and troublesome also exhibited higher levels of unwanted scratching. Although some factors that contribute to unwanted scratching - such as the cat’s personality and the presence of young children at home - can’t be changed, others can. For example, placing scratching posts in areas a cat spends a lot of time in or near their favorite resting spot can lessen the cat’s urge to scratch the furniture. Using pheromone diffusers and sprays is also an effective way to help your cat feel calm and confident in their environment. Pheromone therapy is often used for cats that show signs of anxiety and can prevent stress behaviors like scratching, crying, and hiding. “Providing safe hiding places, elevated observation spots, and ample play opportunities can also help alleviate stress and engage the cat in more constructive activities,” explained researchers.Engaging a cat in multiple play sessions that mimic hunting behavior is a great strategy to reduce stress and excessive scratching. This type of play will keep the cat mentally stimulated and help deepen the bond between the owner and the cat.“Understanding the underlying emotional motivations of scratching behavior, such as frustration, which seem to be linked to personality traits and environmental factors, allows the caregivers to address these issues directly.” Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

University's Campus Cat Earns an Honorary Degree in Litter-auture

A cat, named Max, graduated from Vermont State University at Castleton last weekend. The cute tabby has earned a doctorate in “litter-ature” without taking any classes in recognition of his friendliness. The feline, whose full name is Max Dow, has proved himself to be an expert napper and hunter of mice and has been an affectionate member of the Castleton family for years. In a pun ladden Facebook post, the college shared that this year they’ll have a very special honorary degree recipient.“With a resounding purr of approval from the faculty, the Board of Trustees of the Vermont State Cat-leges has bestowed on Max Dow the prestigious title of Doctor of Litter-ature, complete with all the catnip perks, scratching post privileges, and litter box responsibilities that come with it.” “While his adventures may have slowed, Max exemplifies the CastletonWay and we are honored to have him as a member of VTSU’s firstclass.” Once a stray kitten, Max was adopted by Ashley Dow from Fair Haven four years ago. The popular tabby lives with his family in Seminary Street, a few steps from Castleton’s campus. Max’s owner, Ashley Dow told the local news station WCAX “My cat is the emotional support animal” to students and faculty members. Adding that Max has been socializing around the campus for about four years - pretty much the entire time he has been living with the Dow family.The students like to pick Max up, take selfies with him, and carry him on backpacks around the campus. The admission office describes Max as the star of their campus tours to prospective students and visitors. “He comes out and actually greets most of our guests. He’ll follow them over to the old chapel where they get a general welcome, and then when they start their tour, he usually follows right along with them,” said Brandon Kennedy, associate director of admissions. The end of the school year is a confusing time for Max. Dow explained that summer breaks confound Max and throw him off his normal routine. Suddenly the campus is empty, and there’s no one to pick up Max and give him a hug.“He’ll go looking and then come back, kind of disappointed, kind of sad, and he’ll stick around the house more,” said Dow. Max’s family is looking forward to spending more time with him this summer as he patiently waits for his other family to come back to campus in the fall for another school year. The tabby feline likes to stay on campus so much, that he forgot to return home several times. Luckily for his family, Max is such a famous figure that students bring him home if he is ever seen out and about after 5 pm.“Students did actually bring him home,” said Dow. “Or… they have my number, and I’ll get a text message from random students [saying] like, ‘He’s OK, he’s up by the greenhouse,’ and all of that.” Sometimes, Max gets confused and forgets to return to the campus after the breaks. During one of Max’s extended absences from the campus, students erected a shrine commemorating him. They’ve even put candles and printed a picture of Max and put it in a frame. Although his family is excited to spend more time with Max this summer, they know that he’ll head back to campus when students come back in the fall. “The students will come back in the fall and he’ll be gone for three days, and we’ll have to go looking for him, and he’s up there on the campus hanging out waiting for his people.”Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

This Unusual Aussie Love Story Has a Happy Ending

Staffordshire Terrier and Australian Magpie turn fans into fanatics when separation looms.

Unlock Your Pup’s Heritage: Embark Vet's Summer Sale is Here!

Hey fellow dog lovers! 🐾Is there anything more heartwarming than watching our furry friends playfully bounding around, tongues lolling and tails wagging?As proud dog parents, we're often fascinated by our pups' heritage and health.That's why it's so exciting to introduce you to Embark, the company that offers the most accurate dog DNA test on the market.

Missing 80-Year-Old Woman Found Thanks to Her Loyal Dog

The dedication and loyalty shown by “man’s best friend” has been long documented, from tales of heroic police K9s protecting their handlers to dedicated service dogs. But a recent story out of Utah shows just how far a loving dog will go to keep their person safe.The Emery County Sheriff’s Office in east-central Utah received a report of a missing 80-year-old woman. The elderly woman from Colorado had been visiting family when she took the family dog for a walk and never returned. Even more concerning, the missing woman had dementia. Recognizing this was a high-risk situation, a search was quickly organized, including multiple rescue crews, Ralph Mitchell, a local neighbor and friend of the family, James Thomas, a K9 Officer with the Utah Department of Wildlife Resources, and his canine partner, K9 Kip. It was a multi-agency effort to locate the woman quickly. Temperatures in the area rose to nearly 100 degrees during the day and dropped to 55 degrees at night. The situation was dire. The hot daytime temperatures slowed the search, forcing the teams to work when it was safe at night. After searching continuously for two days and two nights, Thomas and K9 Kip heard a dog barking briefly around 3:30 AM. Listening carefully, they tried to follow the sound but were unable to find the dog before it stopped. Thomas wasn’t the only one who heard the barking—Mitchell heard it, too! “When I was out checking the outbuildings, I heard a dog bark, and it was brief,” Mitchell explained. “I was in a very good position to get a direction on where this dog bark was coming from.” While Mitchell wasn’t able to pinpoint the bark's exact location, he was able to determine an approximate zone. On day three, the search crews accessed security cameras in the area, scanning the footage for any sign of the woman. Much to their surprise, they spotted her walking with her dog, heading east. “It was the first evidence that we had of her presence, and it gave us a timeline of when she was out walking and how long she’d been missing,” Mitchell stated. Focusing their efforts on the area they had seen her walking toward, the searchers split up and covered as much ground as they could. Not long into the search, they heard the sound again—barking. This time, they were able to follow the barks over steep, rugged terrain that had already been ruled out as too challenging for a woman of her age. Against all odds, there she was. On day three, they found her lying, fast asleep, with her face down. Her dog, 5-year-old chocolate lab Elsie, was lying beside her, sounding the alarm with her barks to call for help. While the two were dirty and dehydrated, they were in surprisingly good shape. Elsie had shown her loyalty to the family, keeping the woman safe and calling for help. In fact, searchers credited the dog with saving the woman’s life. It was a happy ending and a beautiful example of the true power of the loving bond that exists between a dog and their person. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter  here.

What is the Best Catio for My Cat?

Do you have a cat that loves being outdoors, enjoying the fresh air, but you worry about their safety and well-being? Does your cat refuse to walk to wear a harness or walk on a leash? The answer might be a catio! These kitty-focused enclosures are gaining a lot of attention lately, popping up in backyards, on the sides of travel trailers, and even as portable safe spaces for cat parents to take their furry friends anywhere. With so many designs, materials, and features available, choosing the best catio for your needs can feel overwhelming. In this guide, I will do a deep dive into the world of catios, exploring different types and the situations they are best suited for. I will also discuss different features and key considerations to help you while shopping for your cat. Get ready to create the perfect (and safe) outdoor space for your furry friend today! What is a Catio? Let’s start at the beginning—what exactly is a catio? The term is a mix of “cat” and “patio,” referring to enclosed outdoor spaces designed specifically for cats. These range from small playpen-style spaces to allow them to get a bit of fresh air to large patios with space for both the cat and their people. Are Catios Good for Cats? Yes! Catios are a great way to allow your cat to spend time outdoors without putting them at risk. While domesticated cats are safer indoors, spending time outdoors has benefits. Allowing your cat to watch the birds and explore new spaces is a great way to provide them with mental enrichment and stimulation. Many cats also simply enjoy sunbathing or watching the world around them. At the same time, the catio keeps them safely contained. Outdoor cats have considerably shorter lifespans due to their increased risk of diseases, predators, car accidents, outdoor toxins, and other unfortunate accidents. According to the Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative, the average outdoor cat lives to be 2-5 years old, while the average indoor cat with only safe, supervised outdoor time lives to be 10-20 years old. Keeping your cat in a catio is also a great way to protect the local wildlife. Cats are natural predators with a strong hunting instinct. Stray cats and cats allowed to roam outdoors significantly impact the ecosystem by killing large numbers of birds, rodents, and other wildlife. What Are the Downsides of a Catio? Allowing your cat to be outdoors in a catio is a great compromise. However, as with any product for our pets, there are pros and cons to consider. Even though your cat is contained, it may create a false sense of security regarding some of the risks of being outdoors. The mesh or screening around a catio isn’t enough to keep parasites like fleas and ticks away. You will still need to consider the necessary flea preventatives and regular tick checks to keep these pets away. The other risk that isn’t completely mitigated by the confines of a catio is the dangers introduced by local strays. Cat fights and confrontations can still occur through the flexible mesh and screen sides. This means your cat is still at risk of unnecessary stress from these encounters and the potential spread of diseases. Careful supervision of your cat outdoors, even if they are safely contained in their catio, will allow you to keep these strays away. What is the Difference Between a Catio and a Fenced Yard?Even if you have a fenced yard, a catio can provide an additional level of safety and security for your cat. But why might you need this extra layer of protection? There are many stray and outdoor cats that easily climb over fences, viewing them as nothing more than a minor inconvenience. Even if your cat has never escaped the fence around your yard before, there is a first time for everything. It only takes a couple of seconds for your cat to climb a tree, scale a shed, or jump up to the top of your fence from a patio chair, and they are now running loose. As we already discussed, there are many significant dangers putting your cat at risk when running unsupervised outdoors. A fenced yard is not a reliable solution to this.

Lyft is Making it Easier Than Ever to Travel With Pets!

Great news! Lyft, the popular ride-sharing app, has now introduced a new feature that’s sure to create excitement for pet parents everywhere: Pet Rides! This feature lets pet parents connect with pet-friendly drivers, guaranteeing your companion can join you on your adventures. Pet Rides officially launched on National Dog Day – celebrating the role dogs (and other pets) play in our lives. The convenient feature provides more flexibility for pet parents on the go.To use the feature, you will need to select “Pet Ride” when searching for ride availability. This will ensure that your options exclusively include drivers who have opted to allow pet travelers in their vehicles. The additional $4 (plus tax) fee for the Pet Ride will be factored into the upfront price shown in the app. However, an extra cleaning fee may be charged if your pet leaves an excessive mess or damages the vehicle during the trip.Of course, this is for companion pets, not service animals. Drivers are still required to accommodate service animals, per the Americans with Disabilities Act.The Pet Ride feature allows for one pet per pet-friendly ride, with no restrictions related to breed or size. Additional pets may be permitted on the ride at the driver’s discretion, but it is not guaranteed. Pet rides are currently only available in the United States.This feature is similar to the Uber Pet feature offered by the most popular competitor, Uber.“At Lyft, we believe that everyone belongs, and that includes our four-legged family members,” stated Audrey Liu, the Executive Vice President and Head of Rider and Community Safety at Lyft. When asked about the feature, she explained that it will make it “easier than ever for pet owners to get where they need to go with their pets.”While there are no specific rules or requirements in terms of how a pet can travel in the vehicle, pet parents are asked to be respectful of the driver and other riders by keeping their pet in a carrier, on a blanket to keep any mess contained (like muddy paws or shed fur), or seated safely at your feet while the vehicle is in motion. If a dog does create an unsafe situation, serving as a distraction and putting the driver and any passengers in the vehicle at risk, the ride may be canceled.Traveling with pets can be stressful, especially if this is your first time. From trying to find pet-friendly accommodations to determining whether public transit options will even allow your pet to ride, a fun adventure can quickly become frustrating and overwhelming.By offering a pet-friendly ride option, Lyft is the latest company to demonstrate its commitment to creating options for pet-friendly travelers. But this isn’t the first time that Lyft has stepped up to create a safe and accommodating solution for a particular population among the app’s users. For example, Women+ Connect allows females and non-binary riders to request a female or non-binary driver, addressing safety concerns they may experience when getting into a vehicle with a stranger. As a pet-friendly traveler myself, I’m excited to see what companies in the travel industry will be the next to revolutionize travel as we know it with our furry (feathered, scaly, etc.) friends in mind!Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter   here.

Ce n'est pas possible! French Actor Wants To be Buried with Pet Dog

Famed film actor Alain Delon's death triggers uproar over a special request.

What Are Symptoms of Heatstroke in Rabbits?

Pet rabbits can be quite vulnerable to extreme summer temperatures. One particular condition that is most threatening and can be fatal to them is heatstroke. Because of their thick fur and limited ability to sweat, rabbits are susceptible to heatstroke, and you will need to know how to spot the symptoms quickly. Here is all you need to know about heatstroke in rabbits and its dangers.What Causes Heatstroke in Rabbits?Unlike us humans, rabbits rely primarily on their ears to regulate their body temperature. When their body temperature rises to dangerous levels, usually above 104 F (40 degrees Celsius), heatstroke can occur. There are several factors that can contribute to it, and the foremost is high temperature. Exposure to temperatures above 80 F (27 degrees Celsius) can be dangerous to rabbits, especially if they are not accustomed to such conditions. Similarly, high humidity levels can make the effects of heat even worse. This is because they hinder the rabbit’s ability to cool itself through evaporation.Poor ventilation in your home can trap heat and increase the risk of heatstroke. Try improving the airflow in the room and lowering the temperature with a classic stand fan. A lack of shade can have a similar effect, especially if the rabbit is kept outdoors. In such cases, you will have to provide ample shade for your furry friend.

Scientists Developing AI Technology To Decipher Your Dog’s Barking

There is no dog owner out there who doesn’t wish to understand their pet’s bark! And now that artificial intelligence is evolving and expanding with each new day, it seems that this seemingly impossible feat can now become a reality.A research team at the University of Michigan is now studying how exactly artificial intelligence can be used to help understand the way dogs communicate. The scientists are developing special AI tools that will ultimately help understand whether a dog’s bark is aggressive, or shows playful intentions. And that is not all – AI will help gather crucial information from the bark, such as the breed, age, and sex of the dog. “By using speech processing models initially trained on human speech, our research opens a new window into how we can leverage what we built so far in speech processing to start understanding the nuances of dog barks,” said Rada Mihalcea, director of the University of Michigan’s AI laboratory.Throughout the course of the study, the team studied vocalizations from 74 different dogs, all in various contexts. They quickly realized that AI models that were originally trained on human speech could now be a great starting point to help train new AI systems made specifically to understand animal communication.“There is so much we don’t yet know about the animals that share this world with us,” said Mihalcea. “Advances in AI can be used to revolutionize our understanding of animal communication, and our findings suggest that we may not have to start from scratch.”Mihalcea also adds that all their findings indicate that “the sounds and patterns originating from human speech can form the basis for examining and comprehending the acoustic patterns of other sounds, including animal vocalizations”.But even so, using AI to analyze dog communication is hindered, as there is still a lack of data available publicly.“Animal vocalizations are logistically much harder to solicit and record,” said Artem Abzaliev, lead author of the study. “They must be passively recorded in the wild or, in the case of domestic pets, with the permission of owners.”Besides this, scientists were also able to reuse a model that analyzed human speech. This helped them to “tap into” major voice-enabled technologies that can actually recognize spoken words and those speaking them.“These models are able to learn and encode the incredibly complex patterns of human language and speech,” Abzaliev adds. “We wanted to see if we could leverage this ability to discern and interpret dog barks.”What is more, according to the study the research will also have major implications for animal welfare. If we can understand dog vocalizations, it can help us respond better to the needs of our pets.

About Privacy Terms Contact us Copyright
© 2024  VerticalScope Inc. All rights reserved.