The veterinary profession continues to learn about the long-term health effects of surgeries done to prevent unwanted canine pregnancies. These insights help Dog Moms and Dads make better decisions about when to spay or neuter dogs. Simply put, our goals must bridge both reproductive protection and long-term comfort and health for the dogs we love. Researchers from UC-Davis looked at associated joint disorders, cancers, and urinary incontinence in 35 dog breeds and offered insights on making this important decision. In some cases, the best option may be leaving some dogs intact.

Our youngest canine hero, Mr. Stix, has NOT been sleeping well for many weeks now. We needed some fresh ideas, then along came some new research from Big Barker dog beds done at the University of Pennsylvania Veterinary Clinical Investigations Center. Here's why our little dude needed a new bed and how it's working so far. Don't miss the end of the Big Barker review video -- so doggone funny.

If you need a good giggle about some of the silliest (and, yes, documented by science) ways dogs prove their love for us in every day life, check out our book review! You Know Your Dog Loves You Because ... by writer Jeff Parks and illustrator Mark Sean Wilson might make a good gift for your loved ones of all ages. Here's why. [Also, news about our Mr. Stix at the bottom of the page.]

100 Dogs and Counting is the latest book by Cara Sue Achterberg about her adventures fostering dogs and about the efforts of so many to save more dogs from places where they face little hope of being adopted. If you're looking for something new to read as the COVID-19 pandemic rages on and you feel strong enough to learn some tough things about the reality of animal sheltering and rescues, I recommend reading this book -- with a few caveats (at the bottom of the page).