Family of Autistic Boy Launched a Fundraising Campaign to Get $12,500 Needed for a Therapy Dog: Taylor Swift Donates $10,000

Two schoolgirls who created their own version of one of Taylor Swift's most famous songs to raise money for their autistic relative have received a huge donation from the popstar herself.

Jordan Fox and Makaylee Duhon, who are both 12, joined together to rewrite the lyrics to Swift's hit 'Blank Space' as a way of helping Jacob Hill, who suffers from autism.

Jacob, who is five, suffers from the condition, which makes it harder for him socialize and he is prone to wandering off from his parents.

His mother Allison was keen for Jacob to be given a service dog, which would stop him from putting himself in constant danger.

His family then launched a fund-raising campaign to gather together the $12,500 needed to train a dog and his sister Jordan and cousin Makaylee decided to rework one of Swift's songs where they plead for donations.

The video of their song, their own take on Blank Space, was posted to YouTube and spotted by the hitmaker who wanted to help out the cause.

She then went on the appeal's Gofundme page and donated $10,000, meaning the family now have enough for a therapy dog.

Writing on the page, Swift and her mother Andrea Swift, wrote: “Jacob, we hope you love your new dog! Please tell your cousins that they did a great job on the song! Love, Taylor and Andrea Swift.”

And when the two girls were told that Ms. Swift had made the donation, they were shocked.

Makaylee told KPRC: “She was like, 2Taylor Swift just donated $10,000.

And we were all like, 'Oh my gosh!”

While Jordan added: “I couldn't just look at this situation and ignore it, because he's my brother.

I love him a lot. He's really special to me.”

A service dog will now be chosen for Jacob and will take two and a half years to train before going to live with the family.

Schoolgirls Jordan Fox and Makaylee Duhon, who created their own version of one of Taylor Swift's most famous songs to raise money for their autistic relative Jacob Hill, pictured.

The two girls reworked the words to the song Blank Space and performed a music video to go with it, which they posted online.

After posting the video online for Jacob, left, it was spotted by Taylor Swift, right, who donated $10,000 to help him afford a service dog.

The hitmaker spotted the girls' song on YouTube and wanted to help Jacob afford to get his service dog.

When the two girls were told by Jacob's mother, Allison that Swift had made the donation, they were shocked.

Thanks to the popstar's donation, the family now have enough money to afford to train the dog.

The message that Swift and her mother Andrea left on Gofundme after making their donation.

Could Your Senior Dog Be Suffering from Canine Cognitive Dysfunction?

While your beloved senior dog can’t really forget where he put his car keys, it turns out that he is capable of experiencing “senior moments.” If your dog forgets the route on your daily walk or if he’s not enjoying the things he once did, like chasing after his favorite toy or greeting you at the door, he could be suffering from canine cognitive dysfunction (CCD), or the doggy version of Alzheimer’s.

Canine cognitive dysfunction can occur for a number of reasons, like an accumulation of abnormal proteins in the brain. This creates a build-up of plaque, which eventually damages nerves and results in the loss of brain function, which can affect your dog's memory, motor functions and learned behaviors.

Most dogs, regardless of breed, experience some form of CCD as they age. In a study conducted by the Behavior Clinic at the University of California at Davis, researchers found that 28 percent of dogs aged 11-12 years, and 68 percent of dogs aged 15-16 years, showed one or more signs of cognitive impairment.

Dr. Bonnie Beaver, a board-certified veterinary behaviorist, says a lot of dog owners aren’t aware that their dogs can suffer from CCD until they take them to the vet for what they think are physical or behavioral problems.

“The first thing you should do is to talk to your vet to make sure that it’s cognitive dysfunction and not something else. It comes on gradually and owners don't always notice things,” says Dr. Beaver.

“What did your dog stop doing that he used to do? Is he not chasing his ball because he has arthritis? Or is it that he doesn't care anymore? It's important to differentiate between physical and mental causes."

Some symptoms of CCD can overlap with other age related conditions, such as arthritis, diabetes, cancer, and kidney issues, as well as hearing and sight loss. Depending on your dog's symptoms your vet may propose x-rays, blood tests, urinalysis, or other diagnostic tests.

Dr. Denise Petryk, a former emergency room vet who now works with Trupanion pet insurance, says the widely accepted DISHA acronym can help dog owners characterize the most distinct signs and changes associated with CCD.

The term DISHA refers to the symptoms Disorientation, [altered] Interactions with their family members or other pets, Sleep-wake cycle changes, House soiling, and Activity level changes.

“It gives us the ability to check against a list of things to show that something else isn’t going on. If your dog has one of the symptoms or some combination then we’re more likely to call it cognitive dysfunction.”

Dr. Beaver says to keep in mind that there isn’t necessarily a progression to the symptoms your dog may be experiencing.

“The more signs and frequency we see, the greater significance of the problem. Each sign or symptom doesn’t really signify a particular phase,” she says.

Here’s the DISHA list of possible symptoms that may demonstrate cognitive dysfunction in dogs:

Disorientation

One of the most common things pet parents may notice is that their senior dog gets disoriented even when he’s in his normal or familiar environment.

“This often happens when the dog is out in the backyard and he goes to the wrong door or the wrong side of the door to get back in. The part of the brain that is involved with orientation has been affected.” Beaver says.

Your dog may also experience difficulty with spatial awareness. He may wander behind the couch and then realize he doesn’t know where he is or how to get out.

At bedtime you may find your dog in a different part of the house staring at the wall instead of curled up in his dog bed. Petryk says dogs have a good sense of timing, so this is a sign that something is wrong.

“The first thing you should do is to take your dog in for a check-up. It might not be a cognitive issue, so your vet may want to rule out some other possible medical causes which could involve a brain tumor or diabetes.”

Interactions

Canine cognitive dysfunction can affect your dog’s interactions with people and other animals. Your once sociable dog who used to be the most popular pooch on the block now acts cranky and irritable, or even growls at other animals or children. He may lash out and bite his once favorite playmates. Petryk cautions that this behavior could be the result of something serious.

“He may be acting this way because he’s in pain. He could have arthritis or some other ailment that hurts when he moves or is touched. Your vet may want to do x-rays to rule out a painful condition.”

Some dogs withdraw from their family and their favorite activities. They may fail to notice when the doorbell rings and seem disinterested in greeting visitors, or they may stop barking at the mailman. Your dog may not even respond when you get his leash out to go for a walk.

"I've had patients whose dogs don't recognize that their favorite cookies are treats for them, “ says Petryk. “The owner's first instinct is to buy other cookies. They don't realize something else could be going on.”

Sleep-Wake Cycle Changes

A change in sleep patterns or a disruption in circadian rhythms is one of the more specific symptoms related to cognitive dysfunction. Dogs that used to sleep soundly may now pace all night. Many dogs reverse their normal schedules, so their daytime activities become their nighttime activities. This “up all night” routine can be frustrating and tiring to pet owners.

“If your dog is active at night and you want to get him to sleep, a nightlight or white noise may help him,” Beaver says.

If this doesn’t provide relief, consult your vet for medications that may ease your dog’s anxiety and reestablish normal sleep cycles.

House Soiling

Urinating or defecating in the house is one of the most common ways cognitive dysfunction is detected in dogs, especially if the dog was previously housetrained.

Petryk says that when this happens it’s important for owners to consider that their dog may have lost its ability to voluntarily control elimination or even let them know that he needs to go outside.

“After we run tests and rule out a bladder infection, kidney problems, or diabetes, then there’s usually been a cognitive change. If your dog is staring out at the sliding glass door and then poops in the house anyway and it’s not because of bowel trouble, then he’s lost the understanding that he should poop outside,” Petryk explains.

Activity Level

Dogs with cognitive dysfunction may show a decreased desire to explore and a decreased response to things, people, and sounds in their environments. They may not greet you or they may no longer respond on cue to fetch their favorite toy. They may also be less focused and show an altered response to stimuli. Some dogs have trouble eating or drinking or finding their food bowls.

"They may drop something when they’re eating and they can’t find it,” says Petryk. “If they don’t have sight or hearing issues, this can be a true indication that they are experiencing cognitive dysfunction.”

Although older dogs experience a normal decline in activity levels, they may also experience restless or repetitive locomotion.

"They may exhibit repetitive motion; things like head bobbing, leg shaking, or pacing in circles. This kind of action is more related to cognitive dysfunction or a degeneration of the brain. It’s less likely to be mistaken for anything else," Petryk says.

Owners should also be aware if their typically quiet dog now barks excessively or if he barks at times when nothing is going on.

Diet, Medication and Environment

Watching your dog lose his cognitive abilities can be a difficult and disturbing process, but there are things you can do to help ease his discomfort.

“You can’t stop the process but it’s possible to slow it down so they don’t go from one problem to three problems,” Beaver says.

Certain dog foods are formulated to help slow down cognitive dysfunction and include anti-oxidants and omega-3 fatty acids to promote and strengthen cell health.

Beaver says combining an enhanced diet with efforts to enrich your dog’s environment provides the greatest chance for cognitive improvement.

“Introducing things like food puzzles encourages mental stimulation,” she explains. “Any type of food dispenser toy where they have to roll it around to get the food out helps keep them mentally active.”

Regular scheduled play sessions can also stimulate your dog’s brain and improve his learning and memory abilities.

“If your dog doesn’t have physical restrictions, grab his leash and take him to the dog park where he can socialize with other dogs,” says Petryk. “It’s possible to slow deterioration by keeping him physically and mentally active, just like it is for us.”

Psychoactive drugs and dietary supplements can also help slow your dog's decline, but Beaver recommends visiting your vet for specific recommendations that can be tailored to your dog’s health and medical history.

“If, for instance, your dog also has a heart problem, the medications he takes for that is going to factor into any medications prescribed for cognitive decline,” says Beaver. “Vets and owners need to work together to establish a plan.”

Regular Checks-Ups

“As your dog gets older he should be having twice yearly check-ups. That way they can help differentiate between normal aging and what's pathological or wrong,” says Petryk.

She suggests going into the vet with a list of questions and observations—things that you notice when you’re at home. If changes happen gradually, it’s easy to overlook them, says Petryk.

“People can be blind to the changes in their pets because they’ve happened slowly,” she says. “They may not notice things and it may be too late to fix them.”

Heartbreaking Story: 150,000 Adelie Penguins Dead, as Iceberg Dooms Rest of Colony

An Antarctic iceberg the size of a major city that's blocked access to the sea since 2010 for thousands of Adelie penguins threatens to completely wipe out the colony.

Once 160,000 strong, the flightless birds now number only 10,000 after being forced to waddle some 40 miles in search of food, according to new research from the Climate Change Research Center at Australia’s University of New South Wales.

Scientists predict the colony will vanish in 20 years unless the ice breaks up or the giant iceberg, which measures 1,000 square miles, is somehow dislodged.

The penguins of Cape Denison traditionally have relied on easy access to the ocean for feeding. But an ice floe that gradually increased in size pressed in on the bay. Six years ago, it made contact with the land and effectively sealed off the bird's traditional route to the sea. Many penguins could not successfully complete the long trek to another sea outlet now required for feeding.

“The arrival of iceberg B09B in Commonwealth Bay, East Antarctica, and subsequent fast ice expansion has dramatically increased the distance Adélie penguins breeding at Cape Denison must travel in search of food,” the researchers wrote in an article in Antarctic Science.

"It's eerily silent now," Chris Turney, a climate change professor with the Australasian Antarctic Expedition, which has been tracking the penguins' decline, told the Sydney Morning Herald.

"The ones that we saw at Cape Denison were incredibly docile, lethargic, almost unaware of your existence," he said. "The ones that are surviving are clearly struggling. They can barely survive themselves, let alone hatch the next generation. We saw lots of dead birds on the ground ... it's just heartbreaking to see."

The birds will not migrate, he added. "They're stuck there," he said. "They're dying."

Why You Should Never Wake Your Dog from a Dream

Those mournful wails and yips let loose by our sleeping dogs tug on our heartstrings so hard that it can be impossible to resist waking our dreaming pets. The same goes for when their four legs get to moving and we wonder if they are happily bounding after squirrels or if something big and scary might be chasing them. Even the heavy-duty doggie snoring sometimes sounds like it can’t be a good thing. But should we wake our dogs up from a dream?

The hardline answer is: Probably not. Dogs dream and sleep much like humans, with similar REM patterns. Although most dogs sleep 14 to 16 hours a day, they still need some of the deep, uninterrupted sleep we do. So, if you have a dog that seems to dream a lot, constantly waking your pup may be unhealthy for him.

But…what if you just can’t help yourself?

No Touching

The aforementioned mournful wailing and heartstrings being tugged upon pretty much guarantee that we’re going to awaken our pet anyway. You may want to hug his crying away. Which is exactly what not to do, at least not until your dog is fully awake.

No matter how loyal, well-trained and loving your pet is, awakening them by contact can get you snarled at or even bit. Remember that you are bringing your dog back from a dream state, where the dream is reality.

Use a Gentle Voice

Our natural instinct can be to wake our pet as quickly as possible, even sometimes by shouting their name, as we too are distressed for them. Taking that tone, however, can put your dog on the offensive. He will think something is wrong upon waking and go into protection mode.

Imagine an alarm clock that goes off sounding like the panicked voice of the person you love the most. That would be more than a little stressful to wake to. For these reasons, use a soft and loving tone to coax your dog out of a dream and into a safe environment.

Lay On the Love

Once your dog has successfully been retrieved from the Land of Nod is when you can finally soothe them by touch. Give comforting hugs, rub their head and give that favorite spot a quality petting. Talk to your dog and let them know everything is safe – basically everything comforting you would want after being abruptly woken up.

Get a Behind-the-Scenes Look at Washington Humane Society and Washington Animal Rescue League Merger Event: Visit Our Flickr Page!

Get a behind-the-scenes look at yesterday's Washington Humane Society and Washington Animal Rescue League  merger on our Flickr page.

To view the pictures, click here: flic.kr/s/aHskumd36f

Tiny Monkeys No Bigger Than a Thumb Are Being Sold Illegally in China and Used as Accessories by the Country’s Nouveau Riche

Tiny monkeys no bigger than a thumb are being sold illegally in China and used as accessories by the country's nouveau riche.

These little primates are thought to be pygmy marmosets, the world's smallest monkey, they are being priced at up to 30,000 Yuan (£3,140), reports the People's Daily Online.

Pygmy marmosets are native to rainforests of Western Amazon Basin in South America, but they are becoming increasingly popular as exotic pets in China especially as gifts to celebrate the Year of the Monkey.

According to the report, the tiny animals have been given the nickname of 'thumb monkeys' in China and they have become the new star pet among wealthy people in the country.

One such man surnamed Chen is the owner of a jewelry business.

He showcased what he referred to as a 'New Year mascot' on China's Twitter-like social media platform Weibo.

His post said: “Snow skin leopards and red-crowned cranes have nothing on my New Year's gift. Please meet Xiao Shen.”

A wave of comments among his friends on WeChat came after the post.

The monkeys are smaller than mice and cling on to a person's thumb as if to be hugging it.

An official expert who was not named spoke to local reporters: “Buying and selling are certainly not legal. Not only one governmental bodies are supervising this.”

The official also said the monkey is not native to China, so it not only involves the protection of wildlife, but also quarantine.

They have to be able to adapt to the environment, as pygmy marmosets are native to the Amazon, survival in China could be extremely difficult.

What You Need to Know About Pygmy Marmosets:

• Pygmy marmosets are the smallest monkey's in the world.

• They average about five inches, with a tail that grows to about eight inches.

• Native exclusively to rainforests of Western Amazon Basin in South America.

• They like to eat grasshoppers and make high pitched clicks, squeaks and whistles.

The pygmy marmoset is becoming increasingly popular as an exotic pet, but they are very hard to keep.

International Union for Conservation of Nature's have listed them on their red list of endangered species.

They are undergoing some localized declines, due mainly to habitat loss in the rainforests and international trade.

Source: International Union for Conservation

The tiny monkeys are becoming increasingly popular as exotic pets for their cuteness and size but they are very hard to keep.

According to a-zanimals.com, when a baby pygmy marmoset is taken away from the family it can often die quickly due to depression.

What a spokesman from the World Animal Protection said about keeping these animals as pets:

“It is obvious to see why these incredibly endearing animals have appeal but people must remember they are wild animals and they must live out their lives in their natural environment – not as a curio for someone as a pet.

They have specific needs that cannot be met in a domestic environment and keeping them as pets is not only cruel but highly irresponsible.”

Pigmy marmosets are on the International Union for Conservation of Nature's red list of endangered species.

They are listed as 'Least Concern' as the species has a relatively wide distribution range, and there are no major threats resulting in a significant population decline.

However, the report said they may be undergoing some localiSed declines, due mainly to habitat loss in the rainforests and international trade.

February is National Pet Dental Health Month: Tips on How to Improve Your Pet’s Dental Health

February is officially designated as dental health month for our pets.  We all take our pets’ to the vet to check their overall condition, but when is the last time you checked your dog or cat’s teeth?  Proper dental care can help avoid other health risks for our beloved cats and dogs.   And, as always, preventive care is the best care of all.

Below are six ways to check and improve your pet’s dental health.

Take a whiff of your dog or cat's breath

As appealing as that sounds, just get a quick sniff of your dog or cat’s breath (preferably not right after eating something stinky!).  Your pet’s breath shouldn’t be offensive or have an abnormally strong odor (doesn’t have to smell like roses either).  If it does reek, your dog or cat could have a digestive problem or a gum condition such as gingivitis and should be taken to your vet for a thorough exam.

Look out for tooth decay (discoloring) in your dog or cat

Bacteria and plaque-forming foods can cause a buildup your dog or cat’s teeth. This can harden into tartar, possibly causing gingivitis, receding gums and tooth loss.  If your dog or cat’s teeth are discolored, it’s time to start a brushing program with a toothpaste to ward off decay.

Examine your dog or cat's gums (carefully)

If you want to look at your dog or cat’s gums, make sure he or she is facing you and then gently push back his or her lips and take a look. Your pets’ gums should be firm and pink, not white or red, and should show no signs of swelling.  Their teeth should be clean and free of any brownish tartar, and none should be loose or broken obviously (they should look just like human gums)!

Peruse your dog or cat's mouth for anything unusual

If you see any of the following, there could be a bigger dental issue in your cat or dog’s mouth and you should take your pet to the vet: dark red line along the gums, loose teeth, pus or extreme salivation, difficulty chewing food, excessive drooling and/or excessive pawing at the mouth area

Learn how to brush your cat's or dog's teeth (if you don't do it already).

While most pets don’t love it, it’s important to brush your dog or cat’s teeth.  You’ll need a small toothbrush and a type of toothpaste formulated for dogs or cats.  You can also use salt and water. It really isn’t that different from brushing your own teeth and can be done quickly once you get the hang of it.

Buy chew toys for your dog or cat to strengthen their teeth.

Chew toys are great for your cats and especially dogs for so many reasons.  It keeps your pets’ occupied and can also make their teeth strong. Gnawing on a chew toy can also help floss your pet’s teeth, massage their gums and scrape away soft tartar.

Make sure to take the time to check your dog or cat’s mouth regularly for any issues that might occur and try to implement brushing their teeth in your routine.  If you see anything out of the ordinary, make sure to schedule and appoint with your veterinarian as soon as possible. 

Want a Pet? Living on a Budget? Tips on How You Can Do it…Without Burning a Hole in Your Pockets

There are few things cuter than a puppy or kitten, but for those seeking a new pet without giving an arm and a leg might want to consider adopting from a shelter.

Read on for some tips on how to welcome a four-legged friend into your home without burning a hole in your pockets.

Q: How can I save on food, toys and supplies?

Buying pet food in bulk is a good way to save over time, but you'll want to make sure you're buying quality.

"Food isn't an area you want to skimp on," Scott Giacoppo of the Washington Humane Society said. "I wouldn't recommend buying the cheapest food the same way I wouldn't recommend someone to serve Oreos at their Sunday dinner."

Giacoppo said your vet or employees at pet supply stores like Pro Feed, Petco or PetSmart should be able to recommend food and other supplies for your pet.

Also, remember that you don't need to buy everything for your pet all at once. You might be able to start out with just bowls, food, a collar and a few toys, and then learn more about your pet to determine what else he or she needs. Of course, a dog will need a leash, and a cat will need a litter box, but you don't need to spring for top-of-the-line models.

Sign up for deals websites such as Groupon, which often have deals on pet supplies and services -- just make sure you actually need the item; otherwise, you won't be saving money at all.

Also, search pet retailer websites for coupons or special discounts. For instance, Petco.com offers 20 percent off for signing up to receive emails, and free shipping for orders of $49 or more.

Learn how to perform basic pet grooming skills yourself, such as nail clipping, to save on grooming fees. If you're able to, bathe your dog yourself in your bathtub or outside in the yard. If you can't, consider visiting a DIY dog-washing business, where you can use their shampoos and professional-grade tubs for about $20 -- still cheaper than paying for professional grooming.

Q: What are some preventative tactics I can take to avoid mishaps and large vet bills?

One way to cut costs before you ever see the vet is to adopt from a shelter, because "when you adopt, the animals are sterilized, they're up to date on vaccinations and they've been house trained," Giacoppo said.

If you buy a puppy or kitten from a breeder, you'll pay for these costs out of pocket. Sure, they're cute, but they can end up much pricier in the long run than adopting an older dog -- and by adopting from a shelter, you'll actually be saving two lives, not one (here's why).

The Washington Humane Society also provides one year of pet health insurance and low-cost spaying and neutering if your new buddy hasn't been altered already ($130 for dogs, $80 for cats).

Make sure to "pet-proof" your home so that any hazards or harmless substances are kept out of your new pet's reach. And remember that what's safe for humans might not be safe for dogs or cats. (See the Pet Poison Hotline's list here.) 

Q: Which breeds of dogs/cats tend to be cheaper to care for?

Generally, smaller ones. The cost of care for cats and dogs doesn't vary much based on breed (unless you have a breed that requires extensive professional grooming), but smaller animals simply tend to consume less food than larger animals. Same goes for items like toys, treats and beds -- larger ones usually cost more.

However, the best way to reduce costs is to take care of your pet well, both physically and psychologically. Giacoppo says Parvo, for example, is a life-threatening disease that can cost thousands of dollars to treat, but can be avoided for a small price.

"Take a Saturday once a year, wait in line for an hour and pay $10 for a shot that can save your pet's life," he said. The Washington Humane Society offers low-cost vaccinations Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.

Also, be sure that your pet has a social life and gets plenty of exercise. Leaving pets tied up or left alone leads to psychological problems and boredom, which can cause behavioral problems, damage to your home or property, and ultimately physical problems that need treatment.

Q: Where can I find affordable pet insurance (and is it worth it)?

Pet insurance can be tricky because there are a few different kinds, and it's not necessarily about what injuries or illnesses your pet could endure, as dog owner Sarah Kliff noted in a recent Vox article. Kliff pays $40 to $50 a month for pet insurance and says the real question is actualll "How much are you willing to pay to spend to save your pet’s life?"

For her, it would be a lot. "If I got a very large bill, I would likely pay it," Kliff wrote. "I would pay bills big enough to make it difficult for me to put a down payment on a house."

To sum it up, you might pay a premium for pet insurance that you never use to make a claim. But a few $400 trips to the vet or an unfortunate $3,000 surgery to remove your pet's favorite toy from its stomach could eventually surpass the price you paid for the insurance. Kliff also points out that many people pay renters' insurance and never file a claim, but the peace of mind can be worth it.

The website PolicyGenius advises people on which types of insurance they should buy, advising some pet owners not to invest in insurance at all.

Kliff writes that Jennifer Fitzgerald, the co-founder of the site, said the right consumer for pet insurance has "low ability to pay (to save their pet's life) but high willingness," so it's not for everyone.

Alternative options include pet wellness plans. For instance, PetSmart's Banfield Pet Hospital chain offers a wellness plan with a focus on prevention and early diagnosis, with potentially lower costs than traditional pet care services. Plans include a set number of wellness visits per year, may cover the cost of shots and offer discounts on other forms of care.

Q: If I need to travel, should I take my pet, hire a sitter or board at a kennel?

It depends. The cost of a travel crate can range from $30 to $100, and overnight care can be costly, too. Your best bet: Find friends or family member willing to do watch your pets. Or, get to know a pet-owning neighbor and offer to trade pet care: You'll watch their dog or cat for a weekend if they'll do the same for you another weekend.

If you're thinking of boarding your pet, check business reviews on a site such as Yelp. If you find several well-reviewed spots, call around to get the best rate. And don't be afraid to ask about any special deals: Will they give you a discount if you pick up your pet before a certain time, for example?

If you hire someone to watch your pet at home, beware of an apparent "bargain." Giacoppo said it's best to use a referral.

"You don't wanna hire someone who says they will just come over for five dollars," he said. "You have no idea how they will treat your pet."