Scary and Strange Top New Species List
From giant lizards to microscopic leeches: see the top 10 new species recognized by the International Institute for Species Exploration.
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Do Pets Prevent Sudden Death in Children with Epilepsy?
A group of Brazilian researchers wondered if the presence of a pet in the home of a child with epilepsy might reduce their risk of dying from SUDEP. They found that of the 1,092…
Crustacean Rights: The Case of the "Lucky" Crabs
Blessings Galore at St. John the Divine
Do All Bugs Go to Heaven?
Having Your Dog and Eating It Too?
Hal Herzog, Ph.D investigates the psychology of our interactions with other animals. We don’t eat creatures we love and we don’t eat creatures we loathe.
Better than Soda Cans & Plastic Bottles
We’ve all seen the photos of birds caught up in plastic trash in the ocean. Over 80 percent of plastic water and soda bottles in the US are still not recycled.
When a New Baby Arrives
A dog who’s properly introduced to an infant can gain a new sense of responsibility. But negative situations can lead a dog like Linus to despair.
Our Top 10 List for Children’s Book Day
With thousands of new children’s book being published every year, there’s no shortage of wonderful books about animals and/or the environment.
The Emotional Lives of Animals – Part 2
Here are some more anecdotes that are consistent with research on the emotional lives of animals, showing friendship, grief and gratitude.
Should I Feed My Raccoon Visitors?
Veterinarian answers a question about whether it is a good idea to feed your neighborhood wildlife. What are the risks to your own pets?
The Iditarod — And the Bigger Conversation it Leads To
The 2011 Iditarod, Alaska’s most famous sled dog race, began this past Saturday outside Anchorage. Each year, the event stirs up controversy among those most passionate about man and woman’s best friend.
The Emotional Lives of Animals
Research shows that animals are very intelligent and have sensory abilities that dwarf ours. Here are some amazing stories of friendship, grief, gratitude and wonder.
Canine Companions and the Co-Op
When our board said no new dogs in apartments, I was outraged. Research and experience say dogs have a big effect on our mental and physical health
How Much Do We Love Our Animals?
Some simple research you can do at home tells the real story of our attitudes toward animals. They’re not quite what we tell ourselves and each other
Healing from PTSD
She was a pitiful sight, curled in a fetal position, huddled and immobile. She’d come from a puppy mill, and showed all the symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder
Unicorn Whales Are No Fairytale
Their remarkable tusks were once thought to have magical healing powers — even raise the dead. Now scientists are learning how they can help protect the living
Prizewinner Is Breath of Fresh Air
Her drive to protect the environment around her hometown of West Oakland, CA, has earned Margaret Gordon the $100,000 Purpose Prize Award
Dog Collars: the Good, the Bad, the Ugly
What’s the best kind of collar to help train your dog? Are any of them abusive? There’s much debate on the topic. Veterinarian Liz Stelow discusses seven options
How Americans Think About Animals
With a new tool from Google, you can discover almost anything to do with cultural changes in our attitudes to animals – and indeed anything else. I looked into our changing relationship with pets, and the result was quite eye-opening
My Tasty Green Breakfast Smoothie
A green smoothie for breakfast is delicious, and it’s a great way to pack in your daily recommended fruit and vegetable servings in one fell swoop
Wildlife as Pets – What’s the Law?
Does an exotic or wildlife species make a good choice as a pet? And should our wildlife even be allowed as pets? Different states have different laws, and your state’s leaders might like to hear your views
Ferrets to Foxes: Exotic Animals as Pets
Veterinarian Liz Stelow says that keeping an exotic pet is a lot more difficult than having cats and dogs. It is difficult to provide the right food, housing and care. There is often little or no information about husbandry, and if the relationship doesn’t work out, you have fewer options
The Green-Eyed Monster
Jealousy is not limited to humans. Scientists agree that other animals can experience complex emotions like jealousy and pride. And whenever feelings of jealousy arise within a relationship, deep trouble often follows