Watch as Hope For Paws Miraculously Save a Pit Bull from a Busy Los Angeles Freeway

Living near a busy, dangerous freeway is no place for a dog to call home, which was sadly the case for a pit bull named Veyron.

The animal rescue organization Hope For Paws received a call that a homeless pit bull was scared and stranded near a Los Angeles freeway.

Dedicated workers from Hope for Paws spent ample time trying to get the timid dog away from his surroundings, and in a terrifying life-or-death moment near an overpass, the team was eventually able to rescue the shaken pittie.

With the efforts of Hope for Paws and trainers, Veyron is now a happy, healthy dog. He gets to run and play and no longer lives in fear. Veyron is ready to leave his old life behind and be adopted and brought into a caring forever home.

Watch Veyron's journey from the streets to the hearts of animal lovers everywhere below:

Have You Heard of American Airlines “Cuddle Class” Cabins For Pets?

If your pup’s tired of getting stuffed under your seat during long flights, you may want to try out American Airlines’ new pet cabins, which they’re affectionately calling “Cuddle Class.” The snug cabins have vented doors and let pets sit adjacent to their owner’s seat, which lets them see their best buddies during flight and, hopefully, keeps them a bit more relaxed.

The pet cabins don’t come cheap, as they’re only available in First Class suites. For the initial roll-out of the pet cabins, they will only appear on flights from New York to Los Angeles and from JFK to San Francisco.

While Cuddle Class will only be for a limited few passengers and their lucky dogs and cats, at least it’s a step in the right direction to make flying more comfortable for our furry friends. Anything that lets us stay close to them and keep them from being stressed is fine with us. And at least they can beg us for some of our airline peanuts.

The Problem With Pit Bulls

It's horrible that KFC kicked out that 3-year-old girl, but let's focus on the real problem: pit bulls were bred to be violent

The social media universe became furious at KFC this week after an employee reportedly asked a 3-year-old victim of a dog attack to leave one of their restaurants because “her face is disrupting our customers.”

But it wasn’t KFC employees who broke down the door to Victoria Wilcher’s grandfather’s house and mauled the toddler until half her face was paralyzed and she lost the use of one of her eyes. Three pit bulls did that.

Pit bulls make up only 6% of the dog population, but they’re responsible for 68% of dog attacks and 52% of dog-related deaths since 1982, according to research compiled by Merritt Clifton, editor of Animals 24-7, an animal-news organization that focuses on humane work and animal-cruelty prevention.

Clifton himself has been twice attacked by dogs (one pit bull), and part of his work involves logging fatal and disfiguring attacks. Clifton says that for the 32 years he’s been recording, there has never been a year when pit bulls have accounted for less than half of all attacks. A CDC report on dog-bite fatalities from 1978 to 1998 confirms that pit bulls are responsible for more deaths than any other breed, but the CDC no longer collects breed-specific information.

Another report published in the April 2011 issue of Annals of Surgery found that one person is killed by a pit bull every 14 days, two people are injured by a pit bull every day, and young children are especially at risk. The report concludes that “these breeds should be regulated in the same way in which other dangerous species, such as leopards, are regulated.” That report was shared with TIME by PETA, the world’s largest animal-rights organization.

To read more on this story, click here: The Problem With Pit Bulls

Bringing Home Baby to a Dog’s World

The scenario is far too common. The happy, expecting couple stroll into the clinic with their four-legged child for her Annual Wellness Exam. The first born of the family is healthy and has a great check-up so I turn my attention to the parents who are expecting their first two-legged child. “Have you starting thinking about how you will introduce your new baby?” All of the sudden, the happy couple becomes the bewildered couple and stares at me with the “deer in the headlights” look. I know it’s time to have “the talk”. Bringing home baby to a pet who has ‘ruled the roost’ for years can be done. We have a few guidelines for you.Many soon-to-be parents don’t realize that without proper precautions and planning, their new bundle of joy will be their pet’s worst nightmare and is even at risk to be harmed by their pet.

It is important that every pet owner who is expecting a child follow a few easy steps to ensure the new addition to the family is a happy addition.

1) Allow your pet to becomes used to “baby stuff” before the big day comes. While babies themselves are terrifying enough for pets, all their stuff can be even worse. Strollers, cribs, toys, high chairs, and car seats are all brand new items for your pet to adjust to. Stock the nursery early and allow your pets time to get used to all the new stuff before their is a screaming child who is taking all your time and energy sitting in them. Even going on walks with the empty stroller or having bonding time in the baby-less nursery can put your pets at ease. If your pet is anxious or scared around new noises, play recordings of baby noises in the months leading up to the delivery. Start at low levels that your pet doesn’t react to and slowly work up to “real life” levels. Do positive things with your pets such as eating, giving treats, brushing, and playing during these noise desensitization sessions to allow your pet to become comfortable with the change.

2)Teach a calm, controlled behavior. Many dogs get excited around new people and like to jump up on them to greet them. Teach your dog to “sit” or “lay” and make them do it before they receive anything (food, treats, toys, affection, etc.). Think of it as teaching your dog to  say “please” before they get something they want. Pets with good manners are less likely to injure children or be scolded by adults who are holding children. Remember, we want having a baby to be a happy experience for the pets and constantly getting scolded because the baby is around will lead to further fear and anxiety for your pet.

To  read more on this story, click here: Bringing Home Baby to a Dog’s World

Myths/Facts About Protecting Your Pets in the Winter

We love our pets as family members, so it is our responsibility to make sure that they are safe and warm in the winter.

Here are some myths/facts about caring for your pets:

Myth: Unlike summertime where a car acts as a greenhouse and can cause harm and even death to pets, a pet is safer in a car during winter months.

Fact: Pets can freeze to death even in a short period of time. Cars act as a refrigerator in cold months. A dog alone in a car, no matter the season, is a target for thieves.

Myth: All ice melts are created equal.

Fact: Not all ice melts are formulated to keep pets safe. Pet-safe ice melts like Morton Safe-T-Pet are salt- and chloride-free, which is safer on pet paws and stomachs. Never use a human grade ice melt, and always sprinkle Safe-T-Pet on sidewalks; do not pile product and risk Fido or Fluffy’s health.

Myth: A dog’s pads protect them from all elements of weather.

Fact: Though a dog’s pads contain much fatty tissue that does not freeze as easily as other tissues, protection against scuffing, scraping, cutting, and ice damage is crucial in winter months. Ice cubes and “snowballing” may occur in the delicate areas between toes and pads. Protective booties or a product like Musher’s Secret, which is used on sledding dogs, can help ease extreme conditions on sensitive pads.

Myth: Dogs do not absorb antifreeze or harmful chemicals on walks through their paws.

Fact: A dog’s pads are more resilient than other parts of his body, but chemicals can be absorbed through them. In turn, chemicals like antifreeze can be licked by dogs and cause severe problems. Wipe dog pads off thoroughly after a walk, perhaps using some warm water and a washcloth to melt any ice balls that may have formed on the feet.

Myth: Coats are for show and really do not keep pets warm in the winter months since animals have a natural fur coat.

Fact: Dogs and cats get cold, particularly short-haired breeds, senior citizens, puppies, and pets with medical conditions. Look for an insulated sweater with a turtleneck, that covers the belly, and that allows for protection from neck to tip of tail.

Myth: Dogs should gain weight in the winter to keep their fat ratio up and stay warm.

Fact: Not always. Though dogs are more sedentary in winter months, gaining weight as a form of insulation is not always advised. Indoor dogs who participate in strenuous activities or winter sports may require additional food in colder months. A recent study from the Association for Pet Obesity revealed that 53 percent of cats and 55 percent of dogs are overweight or obese in the United States. Keep a pet’s heart, organs, and joints healthy and keep an eye on their weight year round.

Myth: Thought a humidifier may help people, it does not do much for our pets during winter heating season.

Fact: Dry air in the home can make pets itchier, cause dry noses, upper respiratory infections, more dander, and dry throats. Consider a humidifier, talk to the veterinarian about skin conditioners and fatty acid supplements for healthy skin.

Myth: Fleas will not affect my pet during the winter months.

Fact: Though fleas may not survive in brutal winter temperatures outside, the warmth of home means fleas gravitate towards indoor comfort where they can affect pets. Using a natural, safer product with no chemicals, and a safe alternative for pest control and prevention during colder months. Always consult a veterinarian with any questions.

  

Football Fan Cuddles Cat During Chiefs Raiders Game At Arrowhead Stadium

A photo of a stray cat being cuddled inside Kansas City’s Arrowhead Stadium during a football match has gone viral, with the unusual sight raising plenty of whiskers.

“Just a man and his kitty in a sea of red,” Instagram user Max Chilen captioned the bizarre snap as the Chiefs battled the Oakland Raiders on Sunday.

As if the cat’s attendance wasn’t enough of an anomaly – especially considering stadiums’ strict rules on restricted items -- the man seen holding the animal is decked out in Green Bay Packers garb.

According to Chilen, the foreign fan scooped up the cat after finding it wandering around inside. Another Twitter user shared a photo of the man appearing to exit the stadium with the cat in his arms.

"Great work by Arrowhead security tonight. This dude managed to sneak in an effing cat," Taco Salazar sarcastically tweeted with the photo and hashtag #StandUpJob

But Chilen said they got it wrong.

“The dude found it in the spiral walkway heading into the game so they kept it instead of giving it to security,” Chilen tweeted to an Arrowhead Pride reporter.

“At the 4th quarter security came and there was quite the protest to let him keep the cat. Then he went away with them but … I think they planned on letting him keep the cat,” he continued.

To read more on this story, click here: Football Fan Cuddles Cat During Chiefs-Raiders Game At Arrowhead Stadium

This Photo of an Absolutely Adorable, Brown Ball of Fluff is Indeed of a Dog… Not a Bear

The first great Internet mystery of 2016 has been solved. This photo of an absolutely adorable, brown ball of fluff is indeed of a dog -- not a bear.

The dog is actually a female Pomeranian-mix named Bounce, according to Ryan Horn, an employee of The Dog Spot, West Nashville, Tennessee, a retailer, dog supplier and daycare store with three locations in the Nashville area.

Horn told ABC News that Bounce checked in The Dog Spot last Monday, when he took a photo of her and texted it to his friends, joking, "Somebody brought this bear into doggie day care."

One of his friends, Lanier Basenberg, posted the photo to Reddit and Imgur with the same text as a caption. The post took off, and hundreds of users got into a debate over whether Bounce was indeed a bear or a dog. The photo of the smiley "bear dog" on Imgur had nearly 1 million views as of Tuesday afternoon.

"Bear with me -- I think he might be a woof," one user, carson9910, wrote.

Horn explained that Bounce is actually owned by Elizabeth Maguyon, a 19-year-old chemical and bio-molecular engineering student at the Georgia Institute of Technology.

Maguyon told ABC News today that she and her family were on vacation in Tennessee when they checked Bounce into doggie daycare.

"We hate leaving her at home and try not to board her as much as possible, so we decided to take her on the road trip with us and then board her there if the hotel wouldn't allow pets," she said.

Maguyon said that while walking Bounce in downtown Nashville,"every single person who walked by her stopped, took photos of her and commented about how cute she was, saying things like, 'Is that dog a bear?!'"

"Since she was getting so much attention, I actually made a joke on the trip that Bounce would become famous without us even knowing because of all the pictures people were taking of her, and little did we know she actually did!" Maguyon said.

The 19-year-old and her family were shocked after several family friends texted them about seeing Bounce on the Internet.

Maguyon said that funny enough, Bounce isn't just like a bear in appearance but also in personality.

"My mom thinks she looks like Paddington, and she also loves to sleep," she said. "She could sleep all day long. She doesn't ever bark either. She naps all day and in that way, I guess she's like a little bear who sleeps lots in winter. We joke all the time she's not even like a real dog."

In light of the Internet fame, Bounce "hasn't let all the attention get to her head," Maguyon said, adding, "She's just a normal, very, very friendly and nice dog."

         

American Kennel Club: We Have Two New Dog Breeds – The American Hairless Terrier and the Sloughi Have Joined 187 Other Recognized Breeds

A hairless terrier and an ancient North African hound are ready to run with the pack of dog breeds recognized by the American Kennel Club.

The organization announced Tuesday that the American hairless terrier and the sloughi have joined 187 other recognized breeds. The newcomers can now compete in most AKC shows and competitions, though not at the prominent Westminster Kennel Club show until next year.

Many American hairless terriers are, as advertised, bare-skinned, though others have short coats but carry the hairless gene. Their rise began when a hairless puppy emerged in a litter of rat terriers in the 1970s, wowing a Louisiana couple and leading to deliberate breeding of the hairless dogs, according to the American Hairless Terrier Club of America.

The lively, inquisitive terriers can do well at canine sports and as pets for people with dog-hair allergies.

"They're terrier-smart" but somewhat calmer than some other terrier breeds, said club secretary Lynn Poston of Fontana, California. "They're very easy to live with because they're very trainable."

The sloughi (pronounced SLOO-ghee), also called the Arabian greyhound, was developed to hunt game as big as gazelles. The lean, leggy dogs have some similarities to salukis, another hound breed from North Africa.

Sloughis are known for speed, endurance, grace and rather reserved demeanors.

"They are very attentive to their family, but they are not the kind of dog that will jump on your lap - they are not after you all the time," says Ermine Moreau-Sipiere of Como, Texas, president of the American Sloughi Association. She has owned them for nearly 40 years.

The dogs need patient training, opportunities to exercise, and a substantial fence if they're allowed to be loose in a yard because they may follow their hunting instinct far and wide if they spy prey, she said.

Criteria for AKC recognition include having several hundred dogs of the breed nationwide.

Some animal-rights advocates are critical of dog breeding and emphasize that many mixed-breed dogs need adoption. The AKC says breed characteristics help owners anticipate a dog's characteristics and make an enduring match.

This undated photo provided by the American Kennel Club (AKC) shows an American Hairless Terrier, one of two newcomers recognized by the AKC that can now compete in most of the organizations shows and competitions, though not at the prominent Westminster Kennel Club show until next year. The two new breeds announced Tuesday, Jan 5, 2016, are the hairless terrier and a sloughi, also called the Arabian greyhound. (American Kennel Club via AP)

This undated photo provided by the American Kennel Club (AKC) shows a sloughi, also called the Arabian greyhound, one of two newcomers recognized by the AKC that can now compete in most of the organizations shows and competitions, though not at the prominent Westminster Kennel Club show until next year. The two new breeds announced Tuesday, Jan. 5, 2016, are the sloughi and the American hairless terrier. (American Kennel Club via AP)