True or False?

Dogs have a "sixth sense" that allows them to predict the weather.

(scroll to the bottom to find the answer!)

In the streets of Trstenik, Serbia, a lonely stray dog found solace in an unexpected place: a mechanical statue. As the statue’s arm moved, the dog leaned into it, hoping for a bit of affection he hadn’t experienced in a long time. The touching moment, captured by passerby Vesna Vukojevic, quickly went viral, tugging at hearts worldwide.

Among those moved by the video was Nina Savić, an animal lover from Belgrade. She couldn’t let the dog continue living on the streets and, with the help of friends, brought him into her home. Though initially hesitant, the dog, now affectionately named Hogar, slowly began to trust and accept the love he had long been missing.

Hogar, once starved for affection, has transformed in his new home. Now, he’s known for seeking out cuddles and resting his head in the hands of anyone he meets. Though Savić hopes to find him a forever home, she admits she would be happy to keep him, as Hogar’s charm has won over everyone who’s met him.

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If you’ve ever caught yourself chatting with your dog in a silly, high-pitched voice, you’re not alone! Many pet parents “ventriloquize” their pets, creating voices and personalities for them as if they were having a conversation. While this might seem a bit quirky, it’s a natural way for us to bond and communicate with our pups.

According to Dr. Stanley Coren, dogs are drawn to the tone we use when speaking to them. Studies show they prefer “doggerel”—the sing-songy, baby-talk voice we often use. In fact, when we alter our voice for our pets, they pay more attention, helping to strengthen the emotional bond. The change in pitch even releases oxytocin, the “love hormone,” which makes both of you feel closer.

Cats, too, enjoy the attention, even if we’re speaking in their voice. Jennifer Van de Kieft, a feline behavior coach, says that cats appreciate the focus we give them, so long as their body language signals comfort. Whether it’s a relaxed purr or a wagging tail, your pet’s response is a positive sign that they enjoy your interactions.

So next time you're having a one-sided chat with your dog, know that they might be loving every second of it.

Communal water bowls, often seen at dog parks or outside shops, seem like a thoughtful gesture. However, Jade, a popular vet nurse on TikTok, strongly advises against letting your dog drink from them. These bowls, while convenient, could pose serious health risks.

Shared water sources can harbor harmful bacteria, like Salmonella and E. coli, which can upset your dog’s stomach. But it’s not just bacteria you need to worry about—wildlife also drinks from these bowls, potentially spreading parasites like roundworms, giardia, and lungworm. Additionally, dirty water bowls are prime breeding grounds for infectious diseases, including kennel cough and parvovirus.

Jade also highlights the uncertainty surrounding these communal bowls. How often are they cleaned? How fresh is the water? The risks, especially in the summer when bacteria thrive, are simply too high. Instead, carry your own travel bowl and water for your dog when you're out and about to ensure their health and safety.

1. The best dog-friendly beaches in America

2. Deaf dog is the most dutiful nanny

3. It’s time to invest in yourself: try therapy with no risk today.

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With lots of love,

Stitcher, Minnie, & Finnegan 🐾

🦴 A Little Treat

🤔 True or False? False (but with some truth!). Dogs can’t predict the weather in the mystical sense, but they can sense changes in the environment. Many dogs are particularly sensitive to barometric pressure changes, which is why some dogs become anxious or restless before a storm.

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