“A dog has one aim in life. To bestow his heart.”
– J. R. Ackerley, writer and editor, author of My Dog Tulip
“Your dog always lives in memory. Even though they don’t live as long as people, dogs leave lasting memories.”
– Dolly Parton, singer, songwriter, actress, philanthropist (1946-2026)
Dolly had a connection to dogs throughout her life. Her first dog when growing up in East Tennesee was Cracker Jack, who she later wrote a song about. In the 1980s, she credited her Boston Terrier, Popeye, with saving her life – he distracted her at a particularly dark and depressive moment when she was contemplating using a gun, presumably to commit suicide. Her ‘God Dog’ was Billy the Kid, a French Bulldog owned by her manager. Billy became the official brand ambassador for her line of dog apparel – entitled Doggy Parton (launched in 2022) – and the inspiration for her children’s book series, starting with Dolly Parton’s Billy the Kid Makes It Big.
Dolly used her influence in support of animal welfare organizations like PETA to speak out against chained dogs and leaving pets in hot cars. A portion of the proceeds from Doggy Parton go to support the Willa B Farms animal rescue organisation based in Tennessee.
RIP Dolly. Many dogs will have rushed to meet you when you crossed over the Rainbow Bridge.
Posted in dog quotes
Tagged Billy the Kid, boston terrier, Cracker Jack, Doggy Parton, dogs, Dolly Parton, French Bulldog, memories, Popeye, Rainbow Bridge
There’s a chap who regularly turns up at pet events in the area, like the recent Selwyn Pet Expo. He seems to take great pleasure in coming into my stall, picking up a dog toothbrush, and loudly exclaiming that it would never work.
I say that you can’t expect most dogs to accept teeth brushing immediately but it is the Gold Standard for good dental health. I explain the process of de-sensitisation and counter-conditioning to achieve co-operative care.
Make it a positive experience and be patient.
“Nope. Nope” he says. “Won’t work” as he walks away…
I wish him well in spending lots of money at the vet for routine professional cleanings under general anaesthetic (and silently send good thoughts to his poor dog).
In the meantime, I hope he sees this post and video. The keepers at London Zoo use the same principles with the wild animals in their care. Co-operative care strategies enable each animal to actively take part in their weigh-in – without fear, anxiety or stress.
Kathleen Crisley is Fear-Free certified dog massage therapist and canine fitness trainer. She has a particular passion for working with dogs and their families to ensure injury prevention and quality of life. She specialises in working with anxious and emotionally damaged dogs. Her mobile practice, The Balanced Dog, is based in Christchurch, New Zealand
Tagged animals, anxiety, cooperative care, dental care, Dog, dog training, dogs, fear, Fear Free, London Zoo, patience, pets, stress, wild animals
People experiencing homelessness, victims of domestic violence and economically vulnerable people are at higher risk of social exclusion. For them, pets are an important source of emotional support.
A study by the Affinity Foundation Chair for Animals and Health of the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB) and the FAADA Foundation, published in the Frontiers in Psychology journal, highlights the importance of this support from a multidimensional perspective, drawing on the experiences of 100 individuals in vulnerable situations.
The study, conducted with a diverse group of people ages 19–80, concludes that pets play a crucial role in the support networks of vulnerable individuals, who view them as family members—primarily because they provide companionship and emotional well-being. In 90% of cases, dogs and cats serve as the respondents’ sole source of support, as well as their only opportunity for physical contact and care. Ninety-one percent of participants said that when they are angry or sad, their pet is the one they most want to be with, and for 90%, the animal provides a reason to get up every morning. Furthermore, 71% believe their pet is the one who would remain by their side if everyone else were to abandon them.
According to Jaume Fatjó, a researcher in the UAB Department of Psychiatry and Legal Medicine, director of the UAB Affinity Foundation Chair in Animals and Health, and one of the study’s lead researchers, “cats and dogs play a central role in the lives of many vulnerable people.” Although they do not replace human relationships, “they provide forms of help, such as companionship and emotional comfort, that can be crucial when other sources of support are unavailable,” Fatjó said. “Protecting the bond between these individuals and their animals also means protecting their well-being.”
The study indicates that one of the most valued qualities of pets is their availability compared with that of people, as well as the fact that they offer unconditional, nonjudgmental love, something highly appreciated by vulnerable individuals, who often feel stigmatized.
Research shows that, rather than acting as substitutes for human relationships, companion animals serve as a complementary component of the social networks of vulnerable individuals. Noe Terrassa, head of the social department at FAADA—who was also involved in the research—said that “the study demonstrates that the bond between family animals and vulnerable people, far from replacing human ties, enriches them.”
This evidence “reinforces the need to promote comprehensive social support programs that prevent separating people from their animals. In this regard, collaboration between research and social action is key to providing more effective and inclusive solutions.”
Isabel Buil, director of the Affinity Foundation, said that “scientific knowledge takes on a particularly valuable dimension when it helps address social challenges.” This study “provides evidence that has already made it possible to improve social interventions and guide public policies that take into account the role of family pets in many people’s support networks.”
The research concludes that protecting the bond between vulnerable individuals and their pets is crucial because otherwise, a significant component of their already fragile social network would be lost.
Mónica Boada et al, Dogs and cats as sources of companionship and emotional support in vulnerable animal caregivers, Frontiers in Psychology (2026). DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2026.1831814
Journal information: Frontiers in Psychology
Source: Phys.org
A new study by an international research team led by Friedrich Schiller University Jena and the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology (Leipzig) has revealed striking similarities in the way humans and dogs interact in very different societies. The research is published in the journal Scientific Reports.
Researchers tested hunting dogs and their owners in five rural communities in Vanuatu, Mongolia, Madagascar, Peru and Germany. Despite major differences in culture, environment and dog-keeping practices, the study found that the relationship between dogs and humans is remarkably consistent around the world.
Most previous research on dog cognition has been conducted in Western, educated, industrialized, rich and democratic—or “WEIRD”—societies. However, around three-quarters of the world’s dogs do not live the life of a Western family pet. Many are free-ranging and work as hunting or guard dogs, interacting with humans in very different social settings.
To broaden this perspective, the team developed a cross-cultural test battery consisting of six well-established behavioral experiments and a questionnaire exploring the emotional and practical aspects of the bond between dogs and humans. They studied a total of 164 dog-owner pairs: 34 in rural Germany, 30 in Vanuatu, 35 in Mongolia, 33 in Madagascar and 32 in Peru. The team included local helpers whose input was particularly important for refining the study’s cross-cultural aspects.
“Dogs live with humans almost everywhere, but not in the same way,” says first author Juliane Bräuer of the DogStudies project at Friedrich Schiller University Jena. “We wanted to know whether the close relationship between dogs and humans, as seen in Western societies, is universal and also exists in very different cultural contexts.”
The researchers focused on hunting dogs because hunting is one of the oldest and most widespread forms of dog-human cooperation. The behavioral tests examined the following: whether the dogs came when called; whether they followed a human pointing gesture to find hidden food; whether they showed their owner where food was hidden; whether they avoided forbidden food when being observed; whether they looked to humans when faced with an unsolvable problem; and whether they used their owner’s reaction when approaching a novel, potentially frightening object.
Across the five societies, dogs exhibited many similar social and cognitive behaviors. For example, they could use human pointing gestures to locate hidden food, and dog-owner pairs communicated successfully in tasks where the dog knew the location of hidden food and the owner had to find it. Dogs also frequently looked to humans for guidance in uncertain situations, suggesting that they closely monitor people and use them as a source of information.
The questionnaire revealed that dog owners in all five countries valued their pets. All the owners reported enjoying having their dog around at least some of the time, and almost all said that life was sometimes better because they had a dog. More than 90% of owners in every country said they could rely on their dog at least sometimes, and more than 90% believed their dog would protect them in a threatening situation.
These findings suggest that, even in societies where they are not primarily kept as companion animals in the Western sense, dogs are not only useful working partners but also socially important to their owners.
The study also revealed some differences. Owners in Peru rated their relationships with their dogs lower than owners in other countries did. The researchers suggest that this may be linked to local hunting practices, given that dogs are not always essential for successful hunting there.
Some of the differences appear to reflect how dogs are used and trained in each society. For example, owners in Vanuatu were particularly adept at interpreting their dogs’ behavior in the hidden-food task, in which only the dogs knew where the food was hidden. This may be because dogs play a crucial role in hunting wild pigs in dense forests, so paying close attention to their signals is particularly important.
German dogs also differed in several respects. They approached their owners more quickly in the obedience test, persisted longer when attempting to open an unsolvable food container, and focused more on their owner than on an unfamiliar experimenter. These patterns may be a result of formal training for hunting-dog exams and the stronger emphasis placed on owner-dog relationships in Western contexts.
“Some of these differences make sense when we consider the everyday lives of dogs,” says Bräuer. “Training, hunting techniques and the social role of dogs all influence the way they interact with humans.”
The researchers also investigated whether a closer relationship between owners and their dogs predicted better performance in behavioral tasks. Overall, this was rarely the case. However, one exception was the social referencing test: Dogs with a higher relationship score were more likely to approach a strange object alongside their owner. This suggests that the strength of the bond may be particularly important in uncertain or potentially frightening situations.
Taken together, the findings suggest that dog-human cooperation has a stable and flexible foundation. Dogs were domesticated about 30,000 years ago—earlier than any other animal—and their partnership with humans may have evolved from mutual benefits, such as hunting together, providing protection and sharing access to food.
“Despite enormous cultural diversity, we found more similarities than differences,” concludes senior author Russell Gray, director of the Department of Linguistic and Cultural Evolution at the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology. “The bond between humans and dogs appears to be a globally widespread relationship that has adapted to many different ways of life.”
Source: Phys.org
“You can’t have a farm without dogs.” – Jeremy Clarkson, English television presenter and author
There are two kinds of homebuyers: those with pets and those without. And for pet owners, a home purchase can hinge on whether a listing works as well for their pet as it does for them, according to new data.
A new survey from Realtor.com® finds that buyers with pets often evaluate homes through an animal-first lens, prioritizing features like a secure outdoor space, durable interiors, and communities where pets are allowed.
It’s not surprising to the agents who regularly see these trade-offs play out in real time.
“I’ve never seen a child influence a house decision no matter what they’ve thought of it,” says Jeff Lichtenstein, a broker with more than 25 years of experience. “A pet, however, has much more influence.”
“I see pet needs influence decisions all the time,” echoes Miltiadis Kastanis, executive director of sales at Compass. “A buyer might really like a home, but if it does not feel right for their pet, whether it is the lack of outdoor space or the overall environment, they will walk away.”
The new research from Realtor.com backs them up. For many buyers, pets were not a side consideration but a real force in the home search—one strong enough to shape decisions and even justify paying more for the right features.
The survey drew from a mix of first-time homebuyers, repeat buyers, and sellers across the country, with pets that included dogs, cats, birds, reptiles, fish, hamsters, and guinea pigs.
For all that variety, their answers pointed to a strikingly consistent definition of what makes a home truly pet-friendly: secure outdoor space, durable and easy-to-clean interiors, and neighborhoods or developments where pets are clearly allowed.
Outdoor space came up repeatedly, especially when it was enclosed.
“Pet friendly means having a good-sized backyard that is secured well with a fence or wall,” said Katey, a millennial first-time homebuyer.
Rhonda, a repeat buyer of the baby boomer generation, emphasized the same priority in pet terms, saying the yard needed to be large enough that her pets could “do zoomies without destroying furniture.”
Inside the home, respondents focused on surfaces and layouts that could hold up to everyday wear and tear.
“We looked for homes with larger yards, scratch resistant floors, and neighbors who embraced pets,” said Kate, a Gen X repeat buyer. Others called out finishes that were easier to clean, safer for animals, or better suited to senior animals.
Some buyers had an even more detailed checklist.
“A pet friendly home would have scratch resistant flooring, wall finishes that are easy to clean, built in nooks or feeding stations, and a mudroom and bathing station,” said Chi, a Gen X repeat buyer.
And for some, the issue was not the home itself but the rules around it. “Pet friendly to me means that pets are allowed in the development,” said Brigette, a baby boomer repeat buyer.
Their responses suggest that pet-friendly isn’t a throwaway listing term, but a concrete standard that shaped their home search. It’s something that Kastanis says he sees often, especially in the condo market.
“Pet policies are usually the first thing we look at before even setting up a showing, since restrictions can immediately rule out a property,” he says, adding that buyers are increasingly drawn to buildings that combine pet-friendly rules with practical conveniences, especially easy access to outdoor space.
One such example is Vestra, a luxury apartment complex in Las Vegas where developers prioritized communal dog runs, a resort-style dog park, and professional grooming facilities for its four-legged residents.
“You can walk out the front door and take your dog for a walk and run into neighbors or friends,” Jim Stuart, part of the team behind the project, told Realtor.com last year.
The survey responses suggest those considerations can be decisive features for pet owners.
“I definitely looked for outdoor space where my cat would be able to go outside but be protected by a fence or screen. Also windows he could sit in or see out. I was drawn to open loft space so he could look down,” said Tara, a Gen X first-time homebuyer.
Stacei, a Gen X repeat buyer, was even more explicit about how much her pets narrowed the field: “My pets had a large impact on the selection of my current home. I honestly wouldn’t have even looked at a place if it didn’t have a decent sized yard and enough space for my pets to run around comfortably.”
And when buyers find those features, some are willing to pay more for them, the research found—a reality that agents say mirrors what they see in home searches every day.
“Buyers are willing to pay more for homes that already work for their pets,” says Kastanis. “A house with a fenced yard or a layout that does not require changes can make a big difference, especially when inventory is tight and buyers want something that feels move-in ready.”
But the strongest premium appears to be attached to practical features that reduce friction from day one.
“I would pay more for a property that had a fenced in backyard and decent sized backyard,” said Paul, a Gen X repeat buyer.
In some ways, it echoes what’s long been known about buying and selling a home: Some features fetch you more than others.
Research from the National Association of Realtors® found that homeowners most valued remodeling outcomes tied to improved functionality and livability (28%) and durable, long-lasting materials and appliances (23%)—the same practical qualities many pet-friendly buyers were prioritizing here.
Luxury vinyl plank, or LVP, is one example. Designed to mimic the look of hardwood while holding up better to scratches, messes, and daily wear, it came up repeatedly in the survey as a pet-friendly flooring choice.
“The LVP has been a game changer. So easy to maintain and a nonnegotiable going forward,” said Lori, a Gen X repeat buyer.
And that demand didn’t stop at closing. The survey found that while many buyers didn’t make major pet-related changes after move-in, others invested in upgrades that made the home more durable, convenient, or comfortable for their animals.
“We had the entire home re-floored with scratch resistant flooring to keep our home beautiful and our dog out of trouble,” said Chi. Cory, a millennial first-time buyer said, “I put in a dog door so they can go outside at their convenience.”
Even then, some buyers were still imagining what else a truly pet-centered home could include—touches like a catio (a cat patio), pet-cleaning stations, and other spaces tailored to their animal’s needs. It’s a reminder that for some, a home isn’t only about function—it’s also about creating a little luxury for their pets, too.
Source: Realtor.com
Posted in dog care, dog ownership, dog-friendly accommodation, Dogs
Tagged animals, cats, Dog, dogs, first time home buyers, home buyers, homes, pet friendly homes, pets, real estate
“In my experience, those tenants that have fur babies generally stay longer in rentals and look after them well.”
– Serena Page, Property Manager, Christchurch
Posted in dog quotes, Dogs
Tagged cats, dogs, property management, renting with pets, Serena Page
NZ-owned pet company Pet Direct released its pet survey recently and this infographic was the one I found most interesting and relevant.
The results align well with what my clients tell me. They seek out my services for support in their dog’s care – so of course general health features.
Arthritis is a major concern (no one likes to see there dog growing old) and there is a lot of confusion about what management options are available and that arthritis is actually a disease of the young dog. I still see too many pet parents who think a supplement is going to be their 100% solution which is the farthest from the truth. A multi-modal management strategy is needed.
And then comes anxiety. Thanks to my Fear Free certification, a lot of the clients I see have dogs with multiple issues and one of those is anxiety. Imagine living your life in a constant state of stress, unable to communicate in people language what is wrong! I really feel for these dogs. Massage, acupressure and lifestyle changes are all part of the picture for these dogs.
A friend of mine said she noticed that many of the posts on my Facebook page mention weight loss. Weight adds stress to the joints – so no surprises that weight management and diet are on my assessment list, too.
It’s certainly worth looking at the Pet Direct survey and thinking of what you can do for your dog and how you fit within the ‘norms’ of pet ownership in NZ. My full assessments include a review of your dog’s veterinary history, an in-home visit with gait analysis, massage and exercise game plan recommendations. Easy, convenient and cost effective.
Kathleen Crisley is Fear-Free certified dog massage therapist and canine fitness trainer. She has a particular passion for working with dogs and their families to ensure injury prevention and quality of life. She specialises in working with anxious and emotionally damaged dogs. Her mobile practice, The Balanced Dog, is based in Christchurch, New Zealand
Tagged animals, arthritis, canine arthritis, diets, Dog, dog massage, dogs, health, health concerns, Pet Direct, pets, supplements, survey, weight management
Dogs influence the air quality in homes. A study from Lausanne has measured for the first time the gases, particles and microbes that four-legged friends bring indoors.
The researchers see the results as a basis for more realistic models of indoor air, the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL) said on Monday, 23 February 2026. The influence of humans on the air has been well researched. However, the researchers say that the impact of pets has hardly been considered to date.
According to the study, a large dog at rest emits about the same amount of CO2 as an adult human. The amount of ammonia emitted is also comparable. This gas is produced when proteins are broken down and is released via the skin and the air we breathe.
According to the data, however, dogs had the greatest influence on particles in the air. By shaking, scratching or stroking, they stir up large quantities of dust, pollen, plant residues and microbes. Large dogs release two to four times more microorganisms than a human in the same room.
The animals act as mobile “carriers”, transporting biological material from the outside to the inside and distributing it throughout the room through their activities. However, this increased variety of particles in the interior is not necessarily negative, according to the researchers. Some studies suggest that contact with various microbes can promote the development of the immune system, especially in children.
Another aspect concerns chemical reactions indoors. Ozone that enters homes from outside reacts with skin lipids and forms new substances such as aldehydes or ketones. In humans, squalene, a component of skin sebum, plays a role here.
Dogs do not produce squalene themselves. However, humans transfer skin residues to the animals’ fur when stroking them. These residues then also react with ozone. On average, however, dogs produced around 40% less ozone reaction products than humans.
The team used a controlled environmental chamber at the EPFL in Fribourg for the measurements. Two groups of dogs were analysed: one with three large dogs (a Mastiff, a Tibetan Mastiff and a Newfoundland) and one with four small dogs (Chihuahuas). The study was published in the journal Environmental Science & Technology.
Source: Swissinfo.ch
Tagged allergies, child development, dogs, health, indoor air quality, microbes, science
