Have You Ever Wondered Why Some Dog Owners Treat Their Dogs Like Their Babies?

While this might seem ridiculous to some, a study in Science proves the bond between dogs and their owners can be as emotionally strong as the connection between mothers and their children.

It's the latest in a growing body of science that explains how dogs have gained such an important place in human society.

"Owner-dog bonding is comparable to parent-infant bonding," writes Takefumi Kikusui, from Azabu University in Japan, via email. "And this is surprising to us … because there is not a reproductive relationship between humans and dogs."

But any dog lover who has gazed into the big eyes of a pleading pup is not surprised.

Previously, the researchers had shown the eye connection between dogs and humans increases the levels of oxytocin in people. Oxytocin, aka the "cuddle chemical," is a hormone mammals produce in the brain that encourages bonding between mothers and their offspring. It's also involved in partner and social bonding.

Most evidence shows this kind of connection works within a species — humans produce oxytocin because of other humans, and dogs produce it because of other dogs.

But this study is the first to show the hormonal bonding between dog and human.

That is, the feeling is mutual.

In the first experiment, the researchers measured oxytocin levels in 28 pairs of dogs and their humans before watching them interact for 30 minutes. People talked, petted and looked at their canines. Afterward, the researchers screened oxytocin levels again.

The owners and pups that gazed at one another more showed increased oxytocin.

Humans "use eye gaze for affiliative communications and [are] very much sensitive to eye contact," said Kikusui. "Gaze, in particular, (over touch, for example) led to the release of oxytocin."

For the second experiment, the researchers dosed 54 dogs with either a spray of saline or oxytocin in the nose. The female dogs treated with oxytocin spent more time gazing at their owners, which after 30 minutes boosted the levels of their owners' oxytocin.

"[This] suggests that this gaze behavior is really critical in oxytocin release," said Evan MacLean, senior research scientist and co-director of the Duke Canine Cognition Center, who wrote an article about the findings. "When they receive oxytocin, this causes dogs to look more at people and the more they look, it boosts [oxytocin levels] more."

What's more: Wolves, which dogs descended from about 30,000 years ago, do not experience an increase in oxytocin from gaze.

"This means that dogs have acquired this superior ability during [the] evolutional/domestic process living with humans," says Kikusui.

This provides more evidence of how deeply dogs are attuned to humans.

"We make the claim that dogs might have hijacked [the oxytocin] pathway. It is in place in humans and we use this in our romantic relations and with children. And we know it is important," says MacLean. "This is sort of an accidental thing that happens over … time."

"This special bonding relationship with dogs is fairly unique," he says.

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This Summer Has Been So Hot and Dry in Upstate New York That Horse Manure is Bursting Into Flames

The owners of a horse stable had been storing the manure in large piles that frequently spontaneously combusted in the excessive heat and dry conditions.

The state Department of Environmental Conservation says one of its enforcement officers responded on July 5 to multiple calls complaining of smell and smoke coming from a burning pile of horse manure at a property in the town of Throop, in the Finger Lakes region 20 miles west of Syracuse. 

The officer learned that the owners of a horse stable had been storing the manure in large piles that frequently spontaneously combusted in the excessive heat and dry conditions. 

DEC officials say a shift in the prevailing winds carried the odor of burning manure it into the neighbors' windows. 

It took three local fire departments two hours to douse the burning horse manure.



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Meet Eve an Adorable 4-Month Old Shepherd Mix Looking for Her Forever Home: Please Read and Share Her Story – WHS-WARL

Washington, DC - They say beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Well, everyone at the Washington Humane Society  - Washington Animal Rescue League who has met little Eve agrees she is indeed beautiful…despite her mangled ears. 

At only four months old, this little shepherd mix was the victim of the cruel practice of home ear cropping, often performed without anesthesia in an unsterile environment. Not surprisingly, Eve’s ears were infected when she arrived at an Alabama shelter. But thanks to good medical care, she has recovered and faces a bright future. 

Eve is a bit timid—who can blame her—but very, very sweet! She’ll wiggle right over and climb in your lap for cuddles and even give gentle little kisses in return. She’d love nothing better than a loving home with patient people who will show her that the world truly can be her Garden of Eden. 

Eve will be available for adoption later this week at the WHS-WARL Oglethorpe Adoption Center.

Animal ID: 33067087 
Species:zDog 
Agez: 4 months 3 days 
Sex: Female 
Color: Brown 
Declawed: No 
Site: Oglethorpe Street 

To learn more about Eve, Click HERE.





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Washington Humane Society/Washington Animal Rescue League: DC Walk for the Animals - September 18th - Fun, Food and Entertainment

Washington, DC - An annual tradition continues as the DC Walk for the Animals takes place on Sunday, September 18th at the Capitol Riverfront.  

The event includes a one mile walk around the Capitol Riverfront area, admission to Pet-a-palooza and, for the first time, admission to “Barktoberfest” – all to raise money to benefit the 60,000 animals cared for by the Washington Humane Society-Washington Animal Rescue League.

WHAT: DC Walk for the Animals

WHEN: Sunday, September 18, 2016

TIME: 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM

WHERE: Capitol Riverfront
Corner of M St SE & First St SE
(across from the Navy Yard Metro Station and adjacent to Nats Park)

Look for our mobile adoption center - Adopt Force One

EVENT: This event includes admission to Pet-A-Palooza and Barktoberfest all for one ticket price!

PRICE: $35
  
The entry fee is $35 for walkers, $20 for those under 21, and includes a t-shirt and gift bag and admission to Pet-a-palooza and Barktoberfest.  Walkers are encouraged reach out to friends and family to raise at least $125 to help the animals cared for by WHS-WARL (this is a suggested goal; there is not a fundraising requirement for the event).

This year’s DC Walk for the Animals has something for everyone!  Come out and participate in the walk, enjoy vendor booths, contests for your dogs, win prizes, music, pet adoptions, kids’ entertainment, and much, much more at Pet-a-Palooza!  And, you don't want to miss the delicious food trucks and unlimited beer tastings (for those 21+) at Barktoberfest.

Visit our webpage to register to walk or purchase tickets and for more event information!

More about the event:

The DC Walk for the Animals is a one mile walk around the Capitol Riverfront area to raise money to benefit WHS-WARL and the 60,000 animals we serve each year. Registered walkers will also have access to Pet-A-Palooza and be able to participate in Barktoberfest. Entry fee is $35 for walkers, $20 for those under 21, and includes a t-shirt and gift bag.

Barktoberfest gives beer lovers a chance to bring their four legged friends out for an afternoon, sample craft beers and food trucks. Beer enthusiasts will enjoy sampling a wide variety of unique craft brewed beer and grabbing a bite to eat from local food vendors. Quench your thirst at Barktoberfest!  For those that do not participate in the Walk for the Animals, tickets are $35 and include a tasting glass (for those 21+). Tickets for designated drivers and those under 21 are $20.

Participants in both the DC Walk for the Animals and Barktoberfest will have access to Pet-A-Palooza, which includes vendor booths, pet entertainment, contests, pet adoptions, games, kid’s entertainment, live music provided by 94.7 Fresh FM, and much more!

The location for this one-of-a-kind event is the SE Capitol Riverfront at the corner of M St SE & First St SE in D.C. (across from the Navy Yard Metro Station and adjacent to Nats Park).  Get your tickets today at www.dclovesdcanimals.org.

For more information or to donate, visit the websites below:

Register here to walk: REGISTER

Barktoberfest

Donate

Event Info

About Washington Animal Rescue League-Washington Humane Society (WARL-WHS)

The Washington Humane Society-Washington Animal Rescue League combined organization cares for more than 60,000 animals annually. The broad range of programs offered include: rescue and adoption, humane law enforcement, low-cost veterinary services, animal care & control, behavior and training, spay-neuter services, humane education, and many others.  Operating four animal-care facilities in Washington, D.C., the organization occupies a significant footprint in the District, and serves as a resource to current pet guardians and prospective adopters across the region. 

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A Stray Pit Bull Stabbed While Saving a Woman from a Knife Attack: Looking for His Forever Home – Now ‘Hero’…Needs a Hero, Will It Be You?

Baldwin, Georgia - A stray pit bull came to the aid of a woman in Georgia last week and saved her from a knife attack, it's been revealed.

Known as 'Hero', the dog can now be yours.

He got the woman away from a man in the July 22nd incident, which took place in Baldwin, WATE reported.

Officer Timothy Clay told the local news station in an interview: “The dog then lunged toward the male and the male came out with the knife and stabbed the dog several times.”

Hero was stabbed five times and was brought by police to the vet, the station said.

Clay explained: “I don't think we could have let that dog suffer and die. We felt like we needed to get that dog some help after what it had been through.”

Carla Welch with Fighting for The Bullys Pit Bull Rescue in Knoxville, Tennessee, told WATE in an interview: “He has had a really rough life. He has had a bum back leg and a bum front leg, but he gets around fine and he's looking for a good friend.”

She discovered what happened to the dog via social media and raised money for treatment, the station reported.

She said:  “I thought he was very courageous and very brave.”

Welch also said: “For those two officers to go to the extent they did to save him is very heroic and very awesome.”

If you're interested in giving Hero a home, visit the website for Fighting for The Bullys Pit Bull Rescue. 

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MPD Officer Douglas Berlin Presented ‘Humane Hero Award’ by Washington Humane Society-Washington Animal Rescue League

Washington, DC - The Washington Humane Society-Washington Animal Rescue League presented Metropolitan Police Officer Douglas Berlin for his dedicated and compassionate actions during a fire at an apartment building in Washington, D.C. on Tuesday.   Berlin was presented the award at a ceremony at the 3rd District Police Station on Wednesday by WHS-WARL President and CEO Lisa LaFontaine.

On Tuesday during a fire in an apartment building at 11th and Rhode Island Avenue, Berlin went to great lengths to save a small dog fleeing the burning building.  The 11 year-old Rat Terrier named “Lucy” was suffering from serious burns when she was fleeing the scene through busy traffic.

“Officer Berlin’s dedication to the care and safety of this dog is a shining example of what we strive to do every day – make a difference in the lives of the animals and the people we serve,” said LaFontaine.  “Officer Berlin put himself in harm’s way for to save Lucy’s life and that exemplifies what this award is all about.  He is a hero to Lucy and her family, to our organization and to the people of the District of Columbia.”

Officer Berlin arrived at the scene of the burning apartment building at the same time Lucy was seen running from the burning building.  Berlin realized the dog was suffering serious burn wounds and chased the dog in and out of traffic for several blocks to safely secure her.  Once Lucy was secured, a paramedic on scene transported Berlin and Lucy to City Paws veterinary clinic for treatment.

Lucy has been reunited with her owner and is currently recovering from her burns.

About Washington Animal Rescue League/Washington Humane Society (WARL-WHS)
The Washington Humane Society -Washington Animal Rescue League combined organization cares for more than 60,000 animals annually. The broad range of programs offered include: rescue and adoption, humane law enforcement, low-cost veterinary services, animal care & control, behavior and training, spay-neuter services, humane education, and many others.  Operating four animal-care facilities in Washington, D.C., the organization occupies a significant footprint in the District, and serves as a resource to current pet guardians and prospective adopters across the region.

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A D.C. Police Officer Received an Award from the Washington Humane Society-Washington Animal Rescue League for Helping a dog who Escaped From an Apartment Fire

Washington, DC - As an apartment building fire sent a cloud of black smoke over D.C. Tuesday afternoon, a small dog was able to make a fast escape.

Lucy, an 11-year-old rat terrier, was inside a home on the 1300 block of 12th Street NW when the building caught fire. A Metropolitan Police Department officer was able to save her after he spotted the dog running from the building with burns.

Officer Douglas Berlin was making sure residents got out of buildings safely when he saw Lucy, who's black-and-white with big black ears, tear down the block.

"As I was coming down the stairs from one of the adjoining units, I saw Lucy take off, running down the street, and it looked like she had burns on her hindquarters, and her paws looked to be pretty bloody, so I gave chase," Berlin said Wednesday afternoon at a news conference.

He and a man with a skateboard dodged in and out of traffic for blocks to try to catch Lucy, said Berlin, who described himself as a dog-lover.

"I thought at one point she was going to get hit because she ran underneath a car," he said. "Fortunately, she came out on the other side of the median and didn't skip a beat."

Finally, the officer was able to catch the 13-pound dog. Berlin and others used water and ice to try to cool her down and rushed her to a nearby veterinarian. There, vets disinfected her paws and gave her painkillers and an IV.

Lucy was discharged from the vet on Wednesday, according to Berlin, who said he had exchanged texts with her owner.

"She's a fighter. She runs like she's 2. She gave me a good run for my money last night," Berlin said, laughing.

Three firefighters were hurt battling the blaze and 12 residents were displaced, including the family that owns Lucy, the head of the Washington Humane Society-Washington Animal Rescue League said. She thanked Berlin for his help and presented him with the Humane Hero Award.

“What Officer Berlin did yesterday was above and beyond the call of duty,” CEO Lisa LaFontaine said. "A family that lost everything yesterday will at least have their family complete today because Lucy survived and that would likely have been a different outcome without Officer Berlin."

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What To Do If You Suspect Your Dog Has Heat Stroke

If you suspect that your dog is suffering from heat stroke to the following:

1.  Get your dog out of direct heat

2.  Check for shock. Signs include: collapse, body temperature 104° F+, bloody diarrhea or vomit, depression stupor, seizures or coma, excessive panting or difficulty breathing, increased heart rate, salivation.

3.  Take your dog’s temperature.

4.  Spray your dog with cool water then retake temperature.

5.  Place water-soaked towels on the dog’s head, neck feet, chest and abdomen, turn on a fan and point it in your dog’s direction, rub Isopropyl alcohol (70%) on the dog’s foot pads to help cool him but don’t use large quantities.

6.  Take your dog to the nearest veterinary hospital.

During a heat crisis, the goal is always to decrease the dog’s body temperature to 103° F in the first 10-15 minutes. Once 103° F is reached, you must stop the cooling process because the body temperature will continue to decrease and can plummet dangerously low if you continue to cool the dog for too long.

Even if you successfully cool your pet down to 103° F in the first 10-15 minutes, you must take the dog to a veterinarian as soon as possible because consequences of heat stroke will not show up for hours or even days. Potential problems include abnormal heart rhythms, kidney failure, neurological problems and respiratory arrest.

It is important to know if your pet is predisposed to dog heat stroke, which is true of dogs with short snouts such as bulldogs, pugs and many other breeds. Other common causes of heat stroke include: a previous episode of heat stroke, leaving a dog in a parked car, excessive exercise in hot, humid weather (this may be exercise that your dog can usually handle but not in warmer weather), lack of appropriate shelter outdoors, thicker-coated dogs in warm weather and underlying disease such as upper airway, heart of lung disease.


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