Tag - Family

Labrador Sworn In At State Attorney’s Office As Emotional Support Dog

Hatty, age 2, will work with children as well as people with mental health issues who have been the victims of assault

CAMILLE FINE/CHICAGO TRIBUNE/AP

CHICAGO (AP) — It was a real dog of a ceremony this week during a swearing-in at the state’s attorney’s office in Chicago.

The newly sworn-in worker is a Labrador retriever named Hatty. The 2-year-old will be on a 9-to-5 human schedule. But she’s being asked to work like a dog, to just do what comes naturally to most dogs: show affection.

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6 Dog-Related Tax Deductions You May Be Eligible to Claim

With tax day right around the corner, many of us are searching far and wide for any deductions we can get! That got us wondering, are dogs tax deductible? Well… not exactly, but there are some dog related expenses that may be!

We all know our dogs are members of the family, but the IRS doesn’t see them that way – they can’t be counted as dependents. But, there ARE some dog-related expenses you might not be aware of! Of course, you’ll want to check with your tax professional to make sure your write-offs are legitimate.

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The Major Benefits of Adopting an Adult Dog

The idea that an adult dog is somehow "damaged goods" as an adoption prospect is strangely pervasive, especially among people for whom an older dog would be perfect -- novices with neither the time nor the experience to raise a puppy properly. Mature dogs of 5 years and older are especially recommended, since many dogs have an extended adolescence that can be avoided by choosing a dog who's often overlooked in the shelter. Many older dogs have years of loving left, and they deserve a chance.

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How to Select a Puppy That’s Right for You

Though all puppies are incredibly cute, not all are a good fit for your lifestyle. With the proper research and preparation, you can find a dog who will be a great addition to the family. The decision to adopt is far too important to be based on puppy-love-at-first-sight. The incredible range of breeds, exercise needs and temperaments makes it imperative that you do your homework. All puppies eventually grow to be adults, so choosing a dog who fits your lifestyle is the best way to ensure that your decision won’t end in regret. After taking the time to research and compare dog breeds, you’ll have a better sense about which puppies are likely to grow up to be couch potatoes and which might make good jogging partners.

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4 Things Elderly Dogs Do Not Like That Young Dogs Do

Much like people, dogs change as they grow older. Perhaps the most noticeable of all changes is their temperament. Older dogs often have a lower tolerance level for rough play and they can easily be irritable at times. However, elderly dogs also become a lot calmer, which can be a welcome change for a lot of pet parents. 

For example, some young dogs have a yapping problem as they needlessly vocalize for long durations. As they grow older, this annoying habit usually becomes less and less frequent to a point it goes away completely.

As a pet parent, it’s important to know what your dog likes and dislikes. Considering that senior dogs have different likes than young ones do, pet parents need to update themselves. They simply cannot follow the same pet care routine and expect the same happy reaction from their dogs.

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188 Sickly Dogs Hoarded by a One-Time Top Breeder at Westminster

An animal cruelty investigation of a New Jersey couple has been opened. The pair said: “This wasn’t backyard breeding. Things just went sideways.”

Nearly 200 dogs were rescued from squalid living conditions on a 10-acre New Jersey farm.CreditCreditMonmouth County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals

June 12, 2019

There was a time when the mention of the two high-end dog breeders came with a shower of praise and admiration.

The New Jersey couple at the helm of Rocky Ridge Russells kennel could proudly boast of dozens of American Kennel Club winners and a 2009 Westminster Kennel Club best in breed champion. 

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North Carolina County Euthanizes Family’s Dog By Mistake

Davidson County Animal Shelter in North Carolina. (Google Maps)

“Due to the overwhelming number of animals coming in and a limited staff, especially on weekends, this dog was crisscrossed with another dog scheduled to be euthanized that probably looked similar,” Assistant Davidson County Manager Casey Smith said, according to the Winston-Salem Journal. “It was an unfortunate mistake.”

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Woman accused of pushing her dog into lake, watching it drown

Nancy Bucciarelli, 66, of Merrimack, NH 
SOURCE: Merrimack PD

MERRIMACK, N.H. — A New Hampshire woman is facing a misdemeanor animal cruelty charge after witnesses said she pushed her 11-year-old golden retriever into a lake and watched it drown, according to Merrimack police.

On June 8, police said they were dispatched to Wasserman Park at 7:34 p.m. to assist the fire department with a dog that had drowned in Naticook Lake.

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