During this holiday season, Paws of War is on a mission to deliver gratitude, joy, and much-needed supplies to U.S. military dog handlers and their K-9 partners overseas

NESCONSET, N.Y. – (December 2, 2025) – The holiday season is a special time of the year when people give to others to show their gratitude and appreciation for all that they do year-round. Now, people have a unique and critical opportunity to give back to dog handlers in the U.S. military who are stationed overseas. Paws of War is on a holiday mission to send special care packages to U.S. K-9 teams overseas and is seeking community members to help ensure its success.

“We are all so honored to help support them in doing what they do for our country,” said Derek Cartwright, U.S. Army veteran and international logistics coordinator for Paws of War. “We know people are looking for ways to support military members, and we would love for them to join us with this mission.”

Not only is it the season of giving, but Giving Tuesday is also upon us, reminding us to give now and beyond. Paws of War is seeking monetary donations of all sizes to help fill the care packages being sent to military bases overseas. The care packages will include sun goggles, socks for handlers, Kong toys for the K-9s, hydrating drinks, cooling fans, booties for the dogs, and more.

Individually, it would be difficult for people to make much of a difference in getting a care package to military members stationed overseas. By coming together to help Paws of War with their care package mission, we can make a significant impact that will be appreciated by all those who receive the items. By teaming up with Paws of War to provide the care packages, people will show their appreciation and support, help them feel more connected to home during the holidays, boost their morale, and provide them with practical supplies. It also helps to create a sense of community between military members and civilians.

“This is a great time to get in on the mission and excellent care packages that they are going to use and love,” said Cartwright. “We invite everyone to give a monetary donation in any amount to help and appreciate everyone’s effort in helping these military members.”

To get more information and make a donation to help with the K-9 care packages, visit the site at: https://pawsofwar.org/?form=MWDHolidayMission

Paws of War focuses on helping active duty soldiers and veterans in a variety of ways. They have helped relocate the rescued pets of overseas military members. They have helped veterans with numerous issues, including suicide prevention, service and support dogs, companion cats and dogs, food insecurity, veterinary care, etc. Paws of War has a large, loyal following of supporters and looks forward to working with new corporate sponsors to support these life-saving programs. To donate to help their missions, visit their site at http://pawsofwar.org.

About Paws of War

Paws of War is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) charitable organization that assists military members and their pets, rescues and trains dogs to be service dogs, and provides companion animals to veterans and first responders. To learn more about Paws of War and the programs provided or donate, visit its site at http://pawsofwar.org.

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May is National Lyme Disease Awareness Month

FLEAS, TICKS, AND WORMS, OH MY!

EXPERT TIPS ON FELINE PARASITE PREVENTION

Cats are funny creatures. One minute they want their space, and the next, they want to cuddle up on your lap (or they completely ignore you until it’s dinnertime). While it may sometimes seem like your cat could be hiding from you, the reality is they form bonds with their humans and are dependent on us

These bonds are mutually beneficial. Cat ownership has been found to lower stress, decrease the risk of allergies in children, and improve your quality of life. That’s why it’s important for cat owners to do all they can to protect their pets, especially when it comes to common parasites.

While some parasites are most active in the spring and summer, your cat is at risk year-round. Especially now, from Heartworm Awareness Month in April to Lyme Disease Awareness Month in May, learning about potential risks and how to protect your cat is crucial. This includes understanding common misconceptions around feline parasite prevention.

One such misconception is that only outdoor pets are affected by parasites – in fact, cats of all lifestyles are susceptible. Even indoor cats can be exposed, as parasites can be brought inside by other pets and people. A flea infestation or tick bite can spread disease and hinder your bond with your cat. Between seeing your cat constantly itching and finding flea dirt in your home, these parasites can cause stress and frustration for you both.

There’s also a misunderstanding that parasite prevention medication is only needed seasonally; however, parasites are a constant threat, and year-round protection is the key to a happy and healthy cat. Whether you’re a first-time cat owner or a well-experienced pet parent, it’s always best to talk with your veterinarian about the right protection for your cat.

On Tuesday, May 6th, Dr. Amber Whittle, Medical Affairs Manager of Feline Parasiticides at Zoetis, will be available to talk about the joys of cat ownership and how cat owners can protect their furry friends against parasites. She’ll explain what owners should be aware of to help keep their cats healthy, so they can have a happier, stronger bond at home.

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Katharine Hayhoe

Photo by Andriyko Podilnyk, June 9, 2019

All around the world, people are planting tiny forests full of native plants on plots of land as small as a tennis court. These tiny forests — also called pocket forests, mini forests, and, in the U.K., “wee” forests — are based on principles developed in the 1970s by a Japanese botanist named Akira Miyawaki.

When I first heard about the Miyawaki forest being planted by middle-schoolers in California, I was amazed. “The reason we are planting the Miyawaki forests and using the Miyawaki method is to address climate change,” teacher Neelam Patil explained. By densely planting these small plots with native trees and shrubs, the competition between these plants for sunlight means that nearly a century’s worth of growth can be achieved in just a few decades.

Greening urban areas carries a host of benefits. These dense tiny forests cool their surrounding area, mitigating the urban heat island effect. The trees also filter pollution from the air, soak up floodwaters during heavy downpours, and provide a rich habitat for local wildlife. Because they’re so dense, these forests store more carbon than conventionally farmed trees would. And, as fifth-grader Lydia says here, “When I look at it, I feel very proud and I am happy that I’m helping the world.” That’s six wins!

Over 3000 projects around the world have already been created using Miyawaki’s methods, according to the British nonprofit Creating Tomorrow’s Forests. In Canada, six mini forests were planted last year while Amman, Jordan already has five mini forests and another in the works. Work on a new one on New York City’s small Roosevelt Island will begin this spring and an elementary schoolin McAllen, Texas is also getting one soon.

Want to learn more? Watch this video on the first tiny forest in Massachusetts, and consider starting one where you live. It’s a great project for neighbourhoods, communities and schools!

NOT-SO-GOOD NEWS

My cats, Dr. Evil and Mr. Jekyll

I love kittens – but even our cats Dr. Evil and Mr. Jekyll (pictured above) agree that a world with a longer, more active kitten season isn’t good for anyone.

Feral cats are typically most fertile when it’s warm out, and unfortunately, each year kitten season seems to be starting earlier and ending later. This means more kittens for already overloaded shelters, more feral cats, and more threats to biodiversity. One study estimated that outdoor, mostly unhomed, cats kill between 1 to 4 billion birds and 6 to 22 billion small mammals in the U.S. alone every year.

As you might guess, climate change – with its milder winters and earlier springtime – is likely responsible. Milder winters may mean more food, and so cats start mating earlier in the year than they have in the past. “No animal is going to breed unless they can survive,” says Christopher Lepczyk, an ecologist at Auburn University who studies free-ranging cats. Milder winters mean that last year’s kittens may survive in larger numbers, too. “I would argue that temperature really matters,” Lepczyk said.

And animal shelters cannot keep up. The Humane Society of America already likens each kitten season to a “natural disaster.” “As the population continues to explode, how do we address all these little lives that need our help?” asks Ann Dunn, director of Oakland Animal Services. “We’re giving this everything we have.”

INSPIRATION OF THE MONTH

YECA’s Steering Committee on an in-person retreat in Massachusetts, 2023

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If you want to find out which is the best DNA test according to my research:

Click Here

What percentage of DNA do humans share with other animals:

Human 99.9%

Neanderthal 99.7%

Chimps 98.8%

Gorilla 98.4%

Pig 98%

Orangutan 96.9%

Cat 90%

Mouse 85%

Dog 84%

Cow 80%

Zebrafish 73%

Slug 70%

Chicken 65%

Fruit flies 61%

Banana 60%

Tree 50%

Cabbage 45%

Honey bee 44%

Apple 40%

Yeast 26%

Daffodil 25%

Understanding Genetics
Every single living organism on the planet has DNA. This is a self-replicating material that passes on information from one organism to the next. Our bodies are made up of millions of genetic building blocks, otherwise known as base pairs, that make up our physical anatomy.

There are about 3 billion genome base pairs that make human beings about 99.9% similar to the other human strangers around us. However, recent research has uncovered the fact that our closest relatives, chimpanzees, are nearly 98.8% similar to humans genetically. In addition to this, cats are about 90% similar and even honey bees share 44% of DNA.

Genetic Similarities Between Animals
While chimpanzees and apes are the most genetically similar creatures to us as humans, other organisms also share a huge portion of our DNA. Below, we will go over a few of them.

Human beings share 99.9% of their DNA with all other human beings. This genetic material determines our eye color, our genetic predispositions, and our likelihood to inherit other critical traits. That being said, we also share an unexpected amount of DNA with many other creatures!

How much DNA do we share with cats?
Cats, for instance, are more like you and me than anyone would have guessed, say, 100 years ago. Perhaps that explains why some people display such fine feline-like tendencies such as laying out in the sun on a summer day. In 2007, a study found that felines share around 90% of their overall genetic material with homo sapiens. So the next time someone refers to their friend as a “cat person”, they may be more correct than they realize.

How much DNA do we share with Mice?
We’ve talked about cats, but what about mice? How much DNA could you possibly share with a mouse? Well, the answer is a whopping 85%! That’s more than most people realize, though it does help to explain why lab mice work so well for scientific research.

How much DNA do we share with pigs?
We’ve all heard the expression “pigging out.” Interestingly enough, human beings also share a huge amount of genetic material with pigs. Almost as much as we do with chimpanzees! The genetic DNA similarity between pigs and human beings is 98%. Interspecies organ transplant activities between humans and pigs have even taken place, called xenotransplants.

How much DNA do we share with chickens?
If you’ve ever been called a chicken (closest living relatives of Tyrannosaurus rex), chances are that someone in your life is probably just trying to pressure you into jumping into a lake or trying on an ugly sweater. That being said, you may be interested to know that humans and chickens share more than half of their DNA, around 60%.

How much DNA do we share with plants and insects?
We also share a shocking amount of DNA with plants and insects. We share 50% of our DNA with trees, 70% with slugs (gross), 44% with honey bees, and even 25% with daffodils.

How much DNA do we share with bananas?
We share around 60% of our DNA with bananas.

How much dna do we share with dogs?
Not as much as we might think at first. Only 84% of DNA we share. Less than cats and even pigs.

If you want to find your human DNA relatives, check out these articles: which is better 23andMe or Ancestry, and the best DNA tests on the market.

So there you have it! DNA similarities exist primarily because DNA is an influential chemical building block that makes up a huge portion of the genetic material shared by all living organisms. That being said, when you truly break things down, we are not so different after all! To learn more about DNA composition and inter-species similarities, click here.

Resources:

https://sciencing.com/animals-share-human-dna-sequences-8628167.html
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/science/human-dna-share-cats-cattle-mice-same-genetics-code-a8292111.html
https://www.businessinsider.com/comparing-genetic-similarity-between-humans-and-other-things-2016-5
https://sciencing.com/animals-share-human-dna-sequences-8628167.html
https://www.saps.org.uk/saps-associates/browse-q-and-a/473-how-much-dna-do-plants-share-with-humans-over-99
http://education.seattlepi.com/animals-share-human-dna-sequences-6693.html
http://www.abc.net.au/science/articles/2010/05/03/2887206.htm
https://www.huffpost.com/entry/acorn-worm-dna_n_564f5a50e4b0258edb3145dc
https://education.seattlepi.com/animals-share-human-dna-sequences-6693.html

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#care #pets #indoors #outdoors #pet #marty #becker #cats #cat #dog #puppy #dogs #kitten #puppies #kittens

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Southampton Animal Shelter Foundation

to Host Beach Party Fundraiser

SO FETCH

Georgina Bloomberg and her rescue dogs ©Geoff Tischman
This summer The Southampton Animal Shelter Foundation (SASF) is proud to present SO FETCH, a beach party fundraiser hosted by Georgina Bloomberg, Katie McEntee, Kingsley Crawford, Nathania Nisonson, Merritt Piro, Elizabeth Shafiroff and Jessica Fontaine Swift.

On August 7th, 2021, from 7:00pm to 11:00pm the girls are calling all party animals to attend their first annual beach party where 100% of the proceeds will go directly to the shelter’s rescue program. Guests will arrive at 7:00pm to the Gin Lane beach located to the left of the historic Bathing Corporation. Dogs with shelter volunteers will greet party goers and enjoy a night at the beach and out of their kennels.

SASF SO FETCH ©SASF
Guests can expect a night filled with cocktails and dancing on the beach to music by DJ Teal Camner. Wine provided by Winc, a tequila station serving up DOGaritas sponsored by Bottle Hampton, Tito’s at the bar while guests treat themselves to vegetarian appetizers catered by Seasons of Southampton. Dessert will be classic Hampton’s Tate’s chocolate chip cookies and cupcakes in a jar by Baked Cravings that party goers will eat around bonfire (smores included!).

Thank you to all our sponsors also including Bissel, JP Mulvey Plumbing and Heating INC, Saunders, Schmidt’s market, Southampton Limousine, Hamptons Drone Imaging and Jiade Vaia Landscaping.

Tickets are now on sale at www.sasf.org/SOFETCH.

“I’m so excited to be able to get back together in person to raise money for the Southampton Animal Shelter Foundation and help support the important animals they save. This year not only do I appreciate the incredible work they do more than ever, but we will all appreciate the opportunity to celebrate and enjoy what will be a great evening together on the beach.” -Georgina Bloomberg

Huge thank you to our host committee and event committee. You have all been so supportive and such a great team. Our shelter is so lucky to have such wonderful volunteers. Thanks to host committee Georgina Bloomberg, Katie McEntee, Kingsley Crawford, Nathania Nisonson, Merritt Piro and Elizabeth Shafiroff and event committee Sarah Alvarez, Serena Bancroft, Elizabeth Bowden, Sara Burack, Joe Calamita, Joe Cirpo, Sara DiOrazio, Jessica Hatton, Alexandra Iadevaia, Taylor Karns, Jessica Mackin, Alexandra Maitland, James Marzigliano, Olivia Mulvey, Nick Norcia, Samantha Pace, Christine Prydatko, Rolise Rachel, Maurice Richardson, Lexie Routh, Julie Sinaw, Louise Taylor, Nicole Teitler, Sarah Vacchiano. Big thank you to all my friends for their devotion and support!

Kingsley Crawford with rescue puppy ©SASF

Katie McEntee on rescue ©SASF
Katie McEntee, director of Animal Relations at the Southampton Animal Shelter Foundation runs the shelters rescue program. Every year she goes on rescue missions to help animals in need and bring them back to safely. “It means so much to me and to the animals we save. Without donations and fundraisers like SO FETCH our program would be nonexistent. Many times, these pets are suffering from medical conditions that require expensive surgeries and we are able to provide them thanks to our donors. Our Rescue Program is here to help those in times of desperation. We help local shelters on Long Island when they get overcrowded, or we head into the city to the boroughs Animal Care and Control centers. We rescue from shelters in the south such as Louisiana, Alabama, South Carolina, Florida and Texas. Dogs and cats are put on an at-risk list: at risk of losing their lives if another rescue or shelter does not “pull” or “rescue” them. It is a sad reality that pets are euthanized simply because there are too many of them and not enough homes. Shelters that are overcrowded are forced to euthanize a percentage of their population. They cannot support the number of pets brought to them on a daily basis. Due to the overpopulation of unwanted and abandoned pets, they are killed. According the ASPCA each year approximately 1.5 million shelter animals are euthanized in the United States. If I am to just save a couple of lives, it is worth it, but this is a problem that are a country we need to come together to fix. This cannot continue. The animals deserve better than this.”

For hi-res images, visit: https://bit.ly/3wnU9bZ

About SASF:

The Southampton Animal Shelter Foundation (SASF) is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization that relies on the generosity of their donors and volunteers to care to for the homeless animals in its community, and to place them in loving “forever homes.” The number of animals in need of help is growing every day. The overpopulation of pets on Long Island is a major issue. Whether caring for strays found wandering the streets, rescuing neglected and abandoned animals, or saving dogs from the horrors of the puppy mill industry, the shelter is a safe haven for all animals and for some, a last resort. Without SASF, these animals would not be able to survive. The shelter provides a steppingstone for animals to find a loving home. It offers them housing, food, medical treatment, training, and rehabilitation when necessary.

They not only take in community pets but also partner with other rescues and shelters, located on Long Island, New York and areas in the South including Puerto Rico, to save animals that are in dire situations.

This past year, the Southampton Animal Shelter Foundation found homes for over 800 animals and provided the community with necessary resources like their Wellness Clinic, Pet Food Pantry, Advo-Cats Program, low-cost spay/neuter mobile clinic, as well as other community outreach programs. These services help pet owners who fall on hard times keep their animals with them and out of the shelters.

For more information, please visit www.southamptonanimalshelter.com

PRESS CONTACT:

Norah Lawlor | Lawlor Media Group | www.lawlormediagroup.com

Norah@lawlormediagroup.com| Tel: (212) 967-6900

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Trusty Treats–New snack designed for especially picky eating pets

Purr-Fect Ideas–Expert advice on providing a safe space for your animals

Clean & Safe—Easy ways to keep your pets cleaner with less hassle

Spokesperson Background: Kristen Levine is the founder of Fetching Communications, the nation’s first and only marketing and public relations firm dedicated to serving the pet and veterinary industry. Today, Kristen is a popular pet living expert, speaker, author and blogger, connecting with pet parents, and providing business consulting services to pet positive companies and veterinary practices. A Florida resident, Kristen is married and lives with her dog Chilly, a pair of miniature donkeys, and cats.

#happier #pets #living #portal #purrfect #perfect #trusty #treats #animals #clean #safe #ideas #kristen #leine #fetching #communications #public #firm #serving #pet #speaker #author #blogger #parents #dog #chilly #cats #donkeys

The post ***Living Happier with Pets*** appeared first on Good News!.

Spending quality time outside with pets is a great way to be refreshed and experience companionship during this unprecedented time. Many are also adopting or fostering shelter pets as a way to connect. While people are doing all they can to preserve the health and safety of their communities through social distancing, working from home and other actions, pet owners also face the unique responsibility of maintaining their pet’s health and safety when choosing outdoor activities over social gatherings.

Spending time in nature on long walks, taking hikes or even playing in the backyard with your pets is important to their physical health. At the same time, this gives fleas and ticks the opportunity to pounce on dogs and cats and spread serious diseases. Lyme disease is the most common illness caused by tick bites, representing 72% of the tick-borne diseases reported in humans, according to recent Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) data. It can also be fatal if left untreated in both dogs and humans.
Lyme disease has been found in every state in the U.S. According to the CDC, approximately 30,000 cases of Lyme disease occur in the U.S. each year. While dogs and cats cannot spread the disease directly to humans, pets can bring infected ticks into your house from the outdoors.
Pet parents should take measures to protect their four-legged friends, such as checking fur for ticks and having pets protected with a parasite preventative year-round. Long-lasting preventative treatments can help keep your pet safe from these creepy crawlers and your home free from infestation.
Dan Markwalder, DVM and leading expert in Lyme disease and prevention, shares advice that will help keep your dog safe outside this summer, with a special emphasis on protecting pets from fleas, ticks and Lyme disease. He’ll also outline the signs and symptoms associated with Lyme disease in pets.

The interview is courtesy: Merck Animal Health

#dog #summer #lyme #disease #awareness #protect #pets #spending #time #outdoors #adopt #health #safety #safe #social #distancing #distance #cdc #center #centers #disease #control #prevention #pet #walks #hikes #playing #play #physical #fleas #ticks #cats #dogs #illness #bites #humans #house #symptoms #signs #merck #animal

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