68-Year-Old Man Catches Life-Threatening Disease From Cat

Graphic images are roaming around Twitter after the New England Journal of Medicine is sharing the case of a man who contracted an infectious disease from his cat. According to health experts, the unidentified 68-year-old man caught a rare infectious disease called glandular tularemia. The graphic photo shows the man with bulbous, with red lesions on the right side of his face and neck. The patient visited his primary care doctor after experiencing a week-long fever, followed by two months of pain on the right side of his neck.

According to medical experts, the swelling on his neck turned out to be his lymph nodes, revealing the man had been infected with Francisella Tularensis, a high contagious toxic bacterium. The patient told his doctors that two days before his symptoms began, his outdoor cat had died of what veterans diagnosed as Feline Leukemia. Yet, that diagnosis had never been confirmed with a lab test, which is why doctors suspect the cat was sick from Francisella Tularensis as well.

What is tularemia?
I’ll be honest, I have never heard of this in my life, and frankly, I wish I hadn’t- I mean, just look at those giant boils! But, being the curious person I am, I researched it so you wouldn’t have to, and have the answers to all your questions. Francisella tularensis is actually very rare in humans. In 2016, the most recent year with accurate data available, health experts recorded 230 cases of the disease in the United States. The disease is more common in an animal, mostly in wild rabbits and mice. But, cats can become infected if they attack a sick mouse, which is probably what happened in this case. The disease can also be carried by deer flies and ticks.

To read more on this story, click here: 68-Year-Old Man Catches Life-Threatening Disease From Cat


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Pets Are Becoming Subjects of Contention for Couples Undergoing Divorce - Pets Are Even Included in Prenuptial Arrangements, Also Known as "Pre-Pups."

Can you imagine being separated from your adorable, furry companion? Increasingly, pets are becoming subjects of contention for couples undergoing divorce. In some cases, pets are even included in prenuptial arrangements, also known as "pre-pups."

There are nearly 179 million cats and dogs living in U.S. homes, according to the Human Society of the United States. Pet ownership has surged over the years, and many Americans would rather go to court than leave a bad marriage even more alone.

"It's essential a couple that has a pet deal with these with issues because pets aren't treated in the same way under the laws," said attorney Ann-Margaret Carrozza.

Vicki Ziegler, star of Bravo cable network show "Untying the Knot" about divorce battles, wrote in her July 2 blog: "Conflicts over pets can be just as important to divorcing spouses as any issue when both spouses have developed a special connection to a furry friend that they love and care for day-in and day-out. This feeling can be even greater when the couple has no children and the animal has taken on the role of the couple's 'child'."

She adds that it is becoming increasingly popular for divorcing couples to set up visitation schedules for their pets and negotiating specific agreements on who will be responsible for vet visits, dog park exercise and more.

In late 2013, a landmark divorce case involving a lesbian couple in New York featured a heated pet custody battle.

Trisha Murray and Shannon Travis fought for custody over their two-year-old miniature dachshund Joey, which Murray had bought and given to Travis as a gift, the New York Post reported.

Murray had financially supported the puppy, but Travis argued that the pet belonged to her because she was the initial owner.

The judge in the case decided to set aside property claims, using instead a different "best for all concerned" standard established by the earlier Raymond v. Lachmann court case, which involved pet possession.

Murray's attorney Sherri Donovan said that the divorce case was one of the first to set aside a one-day hearing to gauge to dog's best interests.

The hearing gave a chance for both parties to address important questions regarding the dog's well-being and physical care.

"I think what it makes clear is that animals are not a piece of furniture," Donovan said. Pets are a beloved member of the family. The standard that was set in the case is a good one and I advocate for it."

The case set a precedent for future pet custody battles waged during divorces.

"It's a one-day hearing," Donovan said. "But it does take into account the concerns of all and it does help settle cases. Now there is a standard. Before this case there was no standard, people kept filing litigation."

Many married couples are beginning to take defensive measures to avoid any future litigation over pets. They choose to include stipulations involving pet visitation rights and primary custody as a separate class in their prenuptial agreements, Carrozza said.

"I think it's clear animal right and pets are important to the 21st century family," Donovan said.

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Pit Bull Gives Adorable Baby a Laugh Attack

Elliott just can't stop laughing while getting a bath from Gemma the pit bull. His reaction will definitely bring a smile to your face, check it out!

Tag: adorable pit bull adorable pit bull video cute pit bull video pit bull and baby pit bull and laughing baby pit bull makes baby laugh the rumble

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Woman Accused of Eating Dead Bird on Train Was Just Excited - Says She Was Only Defeathering It!

Like any other shared space, public transit is gross. Even when the rules are clearly understood, people are going to do whatever they can get away with, whether that means clipping their nails, delivering racist tirades or ravenously eating potato chips off the floor. Plucking birds, however, is not gross—or at least shouldn't be if you've ever enjoyed a Spicy Chicken Sandwich that didn't stab your mouth with a hundred razor-sharp quills.

But despite being a non-racist, odor-neutral activity, people lost their minds earlier this month when a Canadian woman plucked a bird inside a plastic bag on the Montreal Metro, retching and panicking and accusing her of eating the bird raw. That last part soon became the focus of international press coverage, earning write-ups from the Metro, the Daily Mirror and UPI, who ran the headline "Woman plucks and devours raw bird on Montreal Metro in viral video."

However, Christine David, who claims to be the woman in the video, has a different story. Talking to Vice, she said "No, I didn't eat it actually. They were just exaggerating." According to David, who comes from an Inuit community near the arctic circle, the bird was a rare treat from back home, a ptarmigan , she merely started defeathering out of excitement.

David had earlier defended her actions on Facebook, saying, "I was so happy that I didn't care where I was at the moment," "I was not even eating it raw" and "I will always be an Inuk no matter where I am."

Police are reportedly investigating David's suspiciously ethnic behavior, weird stuff having never before happened on a subway car.

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Do You Know the Story of Hachikō, an Akita, Remembered for His Remarkable Loyalty to his Owner? Here is His Story

There is Also a Hearwarming Remake His Story on Netflix - " Hachi - A Dog's Tale"

Hachikō was an Akita dog born on a farm near the city of Ōdate, Akita Prefecture and is remembered for his remarkable loyalty to his owner which continued for many years after his owner's death

In 1924, Hidesaburō Ueno, a professor in the agriculture department at the University of Tokyo, took in Hachikō, a golden brown Akita, as a pet. During his owner's life, Hachikō greeted him at the end of each day at the nearby Shibuya Station. The pair continued their daily routine until May 1925, when Professor Ueno did not return. The professor had suffered a cerebral hemorrhage and died, never returning to the train station where Hachikō was waiting. Each day for the next nine years Hachikō awaited Ueno's return, appearing precisely when the train was due at the station.

Hachikō attracted the attention of other commuters. Many of the people who frequented the Shibuya train station had seen Hachikō and Professor Ueno together each day. Initial reactions from the people, especially from those working at the station, were not necessarily friendly. However, after the first appearance of the article about him on October 4, 1932 in Asahi Shimbun, people started to bring Hachikō treats and food to nourish him during his wait.

The last photo ever taken of Hachikō, the dog who waited for 9 years after the death of his master outside the train station every morning until he himself passed away in 1930s.

Today, the bronze statue of the Akita dog, Hachiko, erected at the spot where he waited for his master outside the Shibuya Station, pays silent tribute to the breed's faithfulness and loyalty. A festival is also held there every April. The location is now a popular meeting point in Tokyo.

I watched, "Hachi - A Dog's Tale" on Netflix. It is a very heartwarming story that will bring you to tears.





About: Hachikō

Hachikō was an Akita dog born on a farm near the city of Ōdate, Akita Prefecture and is remembered for his remarkable loyalty to his owner which continued for many years after his owner's death. Wikipedia
Born: November 10, 1923, Akita Prefecture, Japan
Died: March 8, 1935, Shibuya, Tokyo, Japan

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7 Moving Tips for Dog and Cat Parents

It’s that time of year…peak moving season, that is! Planning for a move is a big task, and DogTails is here to help! Whether you’re moving to an apartment down the street or relocating across the country, read our tips to help prepare your pets for the big day. Follow this advice to help make this transition as smooth as possible for your precious pup, and for your faithful feline, too!

Before the Move
1) Pack Up Your Home Gradually
When it comes to boxing up all your things, take your time…your pet will appreciate it. Too much change can be overwhelming for dogs and cats. Keep up all of your regular routines (walking, feeding, play time) as well as you can to help ease the stress. And pack up your pets’s things last, and make sure they will be easy to find when you’re ready to start unpacking in your new home.

2) Local Distance Move? Do Your Research.
If you’re moving across the country or internationally, plan ahead when it comes to traveling with your pets. If you’ll be flying with your cat or small dog, check with your airline regarding appropriate carriers, size restrictions and other policies. If your pet will be flying cargo, check with your airline about certain breed restrictions and extreme temperature-related travel restrictions.

If you are planning a long drive with your animals, be sure to add plenty of extra time in your itinerary for bathroom breaks and opportunities for people and animals to stretch their legs. If travel makes your pet especially anxious, talk to your veterinarian about medication options.

Lastly, take time before the move to familiarize yourself with the pet laws, registration requirements and other local regulations. Check to see if your new town, city, state, etc. will require health certifications, vaccinations and registrations for your pets. If any or all of these are required, talk to your vet ahead of time to make sure all the paperwork is in order come move day.

3) Schedule a Pet Sitter or Doggie Day Care
Moving Day is a busy, often chaotic experience. Open doors, heavy furniture, moving trucks – all these things and more can be risky for pets. Bringing your dog to a local doggie day care for the day can help keep him safe and away from move-day stress. Another option for dog and cat parents would be to arrange for friends or family to look after your pets, or to hire a pet sitter who can take care of your pets in their home. They’ll get to enjoy some extra attention, and you’ll appreciate the peace of mind in knowing that they’re safe.

To read more on this story, click here: 7 Moving Tips for Dog and Cat Parents

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6-Year-Old Cat Finally Finds Loving Home After Spending A Long Time In Shelter

Leo the cat found himself in a shelter at 6-years-old, waiting for a loving family to take him home, but his health issues made it difficult for the ginger cutie to find a home. Nonetheless, a couple that had been going to the shelter trying to find a buddy to adopt felt like Leo was the perfect match and after a couple times, they decided to make it official.

“Each time we left without him our hearts broke, so we knew he was the one. He does have some health issues, however, which is probably why he had been in there 4 months and not been adopted. We didn’t care though,” the couple shared. Leo had to get dental surgery to fix an issue he had in his gum and although it took some saving, his humans managed to give the feline the medical help he needed and he’s now living happily, being the most loving cat.

“I highly recommend adopting an older cat! They have less chance of ever being adopted. It’s such a good feeling to be able to give them the love they deserve.”

To read more on this story, click here:  6-Year-Old Cat Finally Finds Loving Home After Spending A Long Time In Shelter


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Does the Royal Family Actually Walk Its Own Dogs?

On Wednesday, Meghan Markle was reportedly seen walking her dog and cleaning up after it—or was she? Miami-based reporter Lisa Petrillo tweeted a photo that appeared to show the Duchess of Sussex walking her pup outside of Kensington Palace, but palace sources denied that the woman in the photo was Meghan. Petrillo insisted on Instagram that she met the Duchess and pet her dog, and though some royal watchers believed her, others remained skeptical.

But even if we never learn whether that dog walker was Meghan or not, we can't help but wonder: Do royals even walk their own dogs in the first place? And do they clean up after them?

"Members of the royal family are just like you and I when it comes to walking their dogs. From the Queen to Princess Anne and even Duchess Kate, they have all been spotted walking their four-legged friends around the numerous royal estates and parks over the years," royal commentator Omid Scobie tells BAZAAR.com.

"And yes, when it comes to dealing with a dog’s, ahem, business, no royal has been too proud to handle things themselves," he added.

To read more on this story, click here: Does the Royal Family Actually Walk Its Own Dogs?

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Retirement Home for Elderly Dogs Opens in Japan - $1,000 Per Month

A pet company in Japan has opened a nursing home for older dogs which will provide round-the-clock vet care, a specialist guy, and even a swimming pool!  This is offered as a positive option for families with older pets that can be harder to care for.  Hopefully, this will keep people from just abandoning their older dogs, or putting them down.

Aeonpet Co., which is a subsidiary of the Aeon supermarket chain, is the company responsible for starting the idea.  The first site is opening at a shopping mall east of Tokyo, and has spots for an initial intake of 20 dogs.

“We decided to open the nursing facility because so many dog owners have requested something like this,” said Nanako Oiishi, a spokesperson for the company.

“Many Japanese people have pets now, but of course they get old and it can be difficult to care for them.”

Along with having vet services with a dedicated doctor on call at all times, there is a large grooming room, and owners will be able to stay with their animals as they live out the last days of their lives in comfort and luxury.

The care will also incorporate some services offered at the company’s luxury pet hotel at Tokyo's Narita Airport, including an hourly room temperature check and webcam so owners can look in on dogs day and night.

Prices will vary depending on the size and type of canine, although the company expects it will set the average owner back about $1,000 per month.

Aeonpet’s president said his intention is to use the first dog retirement home as a method to establish a second to none and available nowhere else.  They also hope to “establish an industry standard” in care for our older pets.

“We hope to eventually expand operations nationwide,” Akihiro Ogawa, Aeonpet’s president, said.

Aeonpet is already the largest pet company in Japan.  There are more than 170 stores, and 59 hospitals for pets in operation throughout the country.

Improved living conditions and health services for animals mean that the majority are living far longer than in the past, while new laws that went into effect in Japan last year make it a legal obligation for pet owners to take care of their animals until they die.

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Back To School Affects Our Pets: Here's How You Can Help

It's that time of year. The weather will soon start cooling down, our children will be back in school, and we have to say goodbye to our relaxing summer days.

Right now is an incredibly busy time for parents. Back to school shopping, getting our kids back on an early bedtime routine and what have you. During all this, one thing often gets overlooked. Our pets. Believe it or not, they feel the stress of changes around them. Dogs especially get so used to routine, and having their mini humans home with them every day. And they love it. So when all that comes to a quick halt, our dogs feel that. Some will even get upset about it. 

To read more on this story, click here: Back To School Affects Our Pets: Here's How You Can Help

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Tips on Keeping Your Dog’s Coat Healthy

Anyone with a furry friend can tell you that keeping up with a dog’s shedding is a full-time job.  Some dogs can grow 100 feet of fur per day...that’s adding up all the new strands covering the entire animal end-to-end, including the fluff between your dog’s toes. So it’s easy to see why taking care of your dog’s coat can sometimes seem overwhelming. But all that fluff’s got real substance! You may not know it, but your dog’s fur:

• Is eight times warmer than wool 
• Is fire-resistant
• Wards off dirt
• Repels static
• Protects from parasites

So how do you keep your dog’s coat healthy and handsome? Use these tips and tricks from the experts! 

A Healthy Diet
Like humans, dogs are only as healthy as what they eat, says Michael Weiss, a veterinarian at All Creatures Veterinary Care Center in Sewell, N.J. Two things to look for in your dog’s food:

Protein
If your dog lacks this vital nutrient, its body will dedicate protein to muscle first, leaving its fur and skin dry and dull. Make sure your dog’s food is rich in protein. Omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids. These essential building blocks keep your dog’s coat healthy, thick and lustrous. They may also help reduce itching, dandruff and allergy-related skin problems. On the ingredients panel, look for fish oil, fish meal or flax, all excellent sources of omega-3 fatty acids.

Exercise
Exercise not only keeps your dog slim, it may also help keep her fur in top condition. Weiss says regular exercise benefits your dog’s overall health -- and a healthy dog is more likely to have a healthy, shiny coat.

Grooming
The fact is you can’t keep your dog from shedding. But with a few key products and techniques, you can easily take great care of your dog’s coat at home to keep it looking its best:

Brush at least once a week. In order to keep your dog’s mane manageable, give the fur one good brush each week with a de-shedding brush to get out the undercoat, says New York City-based groomer Lisa Caputo from the dog service company Biscuits and Bath. Part the hair and brush from the skin out to avoid matting, moisture and heat build-up, which can cause yeast and bacteria. For an even slicker look, give your dog a quick brush every day. Bathe with gentle shampoos and conditioners. If your dog has sensitive skin, try a hypoallergenic or oatmeal shampoo. It is recommended that you wash your pooch every four weeks.

Medical Checkups
If you notice your dog has consistently itchy, uncomfortable skin or is shedding more than usual, your best bet is to take him to a veterinarian. It could be something as small as a food allergy to a more serious problem, like ringworm.

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Cat Scratch Disease - Do You Know What It Is?

Cat scratch disease (CSD) is a bacterial infection caused by the bartonella henselae bacterium. The bacteria can be carried in a cat's saliva and is usually contracted by being bitten or scratched by a cat. The cats probably get it from fleas, but this has not been established. CSD is an opportunistic infection that is usually not serious for patients with healthy immune systems.

About 40% of cats carry the bacteria in their saliva at some point in their lives, cats that carry Bartonella henselae do not themselves show any signs of illness. Most people contract the disease after being scratched or bitten by a cat.

Since these bacteria may also be present on cat fur, it is possible to contract the disease from petting a cat and then rubbing your eyes. Kittens are more likely than older cats to carry the bacteria and to transmit the infection to humans. Sometimes people who get cat scratch disease do not recall ever being scratched or bitten by a cat.

Symptoms
A person who has had contact with an infected cat may show common symptoms, including:

• Bump (papule) or blister (pustule) at site of injury (usually the first sign)
• Fatigue
• Fever (in some patients)
• Headache
• Lymph node swelling (lymphadenopathy) near the site of the scratch or bite
• Overall discomfort (malaise)
• Less common symptoms may include:
• Loss of appetite
• Sore throat
• Weight loss

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Shelter in Hurricane’s Path Warns it Will Euthanize Animals if it Can’t Find People to Adopt Them

Kevin Raffee had waited until nearly the last minute. His wife, Julie Lamacchia, had already left their seaside home in Wilmington, N.C.

But on Wednesday morning, the “life-threatening” force of Hurricane Florence churned closer, and it was time to leave.

So Raffee started packing the nine-foot moving van in the driveway — dubbed the “Fluffy Bus” — with what really counted: nearly two dozen cats and dogs the couple saved from possible euthanasia.

For many pets that have been left behind or abandoned after their owners fled this coastal county and surrounding communities, the final days before the storm hits could mean life or death.

[These cats and dogs were moved to safety as Hurricane Florence bears down on the East Coast]

Local, government-run animal shelters were filling up fast, and in many jurisdictions, such as Pender County, shelters that hit capacity must “make space,” Jewel Horton, manager of Pender County Animal Shelter, told The Washington Post on Wednesday.

To read more on this story, click here: Shelter in Hurricane’s Path Warns it Will Euthanize Animals if it Can’t Find People to Adopt Them


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Abandoned by Their Parents, Baby Flamingo Take Their First Steps at the Prague Zoo

Baby flamingos who were abandoned by their parents have been learning to walk around the Prague zoo. This will help to socialized so they can easily reintegrate with the rest of the flock.
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