The U.S. Transportation Department has announced plans to tighten rules around service animals on airplanes. The biggest change: only dogs could qualify as service animals allowed on-board.
Category: Animal-Human Connections
Pet-Friendly Bathroom at Airport
Progress in Finland. Step up, U.S.
Can You Accurately Read Cat Facial Expressions? Maybe If You Are a Cat Whisperer
Cat facial expressions are notoriously difficult to read for many people–and a new study has scientifically demonstrated this fact. Researchers recruited more than 6,300 people from 85 countries and the results indicate that only 13 percent of participants accurately identified cat facial expressions.
Dogs Follow Caretaker to Hospital, Wait for His Release
Dogs in south Brazil took their loyalty to the next level when they followed their pack leader—a homeless man—all the way to hospital.
Stray Dogs Go to Church–To Find Their Forever Home
Every Sunday the church welcomes not only its parishioners but stray dogs, too. Father João Paulo Araujo Gomes is at the helm of this heartwarming act; he invites pups from off the streets to be part of weekend Mass in hopes that attendees will want to take them home.
Cats Form Close Bonds with their Human Caretakers: Study
Cats have a reputation among many people as being unable (or unwilling) to form close bonds with their human family members and caretakers. A new study has just debunked those myths.
Overweight Humans Create Overweight Dogs: Study
A new study revealed that the prevalence of heavy or obese dogs occurs more than twice as much among overweight or obese owners than among owners who are slim or of a normal weight.
Pets Ease Depression, Loneliness for Seniors
A new study reveals that the companionship of a pet after the loss of a spouse can help reduce feelings of depression and loneliness in older adults.
Crows that Eat McDonalds Cheeseburgers have Higher Cholesterol Levels
Researchers recently studied whether eating highly processed junk food had an effect on wildlife. Specifically, the researchers tested whether eating McDonald’s cheeseburgers had any effects on crows. The short answer is: Yes. Crows who had McDonald’s cheeseburgers left near their nests had an increase in their blood cholesterol levels.
Animal Shelter Workers, Vets at Increased Risk for Mental Health Problems, Suicide
New study confirms that animal shelter workers and veterinarians are at an increased risk for depression, anxiety, compassion fatigue, burnout and even suicide.
Majority of Dog Owners Kiss their Dogs More than their Partners: Survey
Survey on how Americans feel about their dogs vs their partners.
Petting Dogs, Cats Reduces Stress Levels: New Study
There is now another reason to strengthen the human-animal bond: A new scientific study has demonstrated that in addition to potential psychological benefits, petting dogs and cats also has stress-relieving physiological benefits. The study results demonstrated that just 10 minutes of interacting with cats and dogs can produce a significant reduction in cortisol, a major stress hormone.
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