Do you love fetch! magazine or have a question about something you read? Then write us! We're accepting Letters to the Editor for the upcoming Brainiac issue of fetch! magazine, due out in November. Write to us at fetchmag@gopetplan.com and if we publish your letter, we'll send you a $25 gift card!
Northern Exposure - If you're planning on bringing your best friend along to hit the slopes (or more likely, lounge in front of the fireplace) on a Canadian ski trip this winter, make sure you're prepared.
While there is no quarantine period for pets entering our northern neighbor country, there may be an inspection fee (usually waived for dogs coming from the US) and dogs eight months or over must be
accompanied by a valid rabies vaccination certificate. Pick up pet passport forms for Canada at pettravel.com.
Glow in the Dark - Mayo Clinic researchers recently shed light on a new strategy to combat both feline AIDS and human HIV/AIDS. Using a technique called gamete-targeted lentiviral transgenesis (say that two times fast), they inserted a rhesus macaque restriction factor protein and jellyfish gene into feline eggs. The macaque protein factor blocks FIV - the feline immunodeficiency virus that causes AIDS in cats - and the jellyfish gene, used for tracking purposes, actually made offspring cats glow green! Researchers are hopeful the study will foster understanding of how restriction factors can be used in advance gene therapy for both cats and their two-legged counterparts.
Ear ye, Ear ye - If you think your pet is all ears, wait until you hear about Harbor. An eight-year-old Black and Tan Coonhound from Colorado, Harbor recently entered the Guinness World Book of Records for having the World's Longest Ears. His left stretched the tape at 12.25 inches and his right measured in at a whopping 13.5 inches - which is taller than the average Bichon Frise!
It's Only Human Nature - Next time you pick out a product based on your love of their four-legged mascot, you'll know why: Researchers from Caltech and UCLA have found that our brains are hardwired to respond preferentially to images of animals. According to the study, neurons in the human amygdala respond more actively to pictures of pets than those of buildings or people. Then again, who wouldn't respond to this face?
Just because your fur kids can't have any Halloween candy doesn't mean they shouldn't be allowed a special treat. Whip up a batch of these healthy bites from Dr. Ernie Ward to satisfy your pooch's pallet.
Quiche Bites
You'll Need:
½ cup minced vegetables (celery, carrots, zucchini, spinach)
2 medium eggs
Pinch of kelp
To make the bites:
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Generously coat a non-stick miniature muffin pan with non-stick cooking spray.
2. In a bowl, whisk eggs. Add vegetables and kelp and blend.
3. Evenly distribute the mixture into the mini-muffin pan.
4. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes.
Makes 16 treats (11 calories per treat).
For more healthy recipes and nutrition advice for furry friends, check out Dr. Ward's Chow Down feature in every issue of fetch! magazine.
Recipe from Chow Hounds: Why Our Dogs are Getting Fatter - a Vet's Plan to Save Their Lives (2010 HCI).
The Humane Society was on hand in Saratoga Springs, New York in September to conduct training at the State Sheriff's Association Conference after The Empire State passed legislation increasing the penalties spectators to dogfights face. Introduced at the urging of The HSUS, the new bill increases the penalty for animal fighting spectators to a misdemeanor crime punishable by up to three months in prison and a $500 fine. Engaging in dogfighting itself is still a felony offense in New York and Congress is considering a house bill that would further up the punishment to spectators by including them in the federal animal fighting law. Learn more about The HSUS's campaign to end animal cruelty and fighting.
"A Scary Tail"
The misadventures of our four-legged scaredy cats and pumpkin-shaped pooches can certainly give us a fright. Tell us about your pet's most hair-raising tale for a chance to win a $25 AMEX gift card!
September's “A Lesson in Life” Contest Winner
"I have a Beagle and two cats. They have taught me patience, unconditional love and that I can get more in life with a wag than a bark. That there is joy in a normal routine and a good nap; a long walk with a good sniff; and just hanging out with those you love. They've taught me there is warmth in a cold nose, and that I may have tiffs with people in my life, but they should be short-lived and quickly forgiven. But most of all, my pets have taught me that when I thought I was rescuing them, they in fact were rescuing me, pushing me from a ho-hum life to a life of purpose."
- Cindy Phillips, Columbus, OH
The information contained in this website is for illustrative purposes only and coverage under any pet insurance policy is expressly subject to the conditions, restrictions, limitations, exclusions and terms of the policy documentation issued by the insurer. Availability of this program is subject to each state's approval and coverage may vary by state. Pet insurance policies are issued by AGCS Marine Insurance Company and administered by Fetch Insurance Services, LLC (Fetch Insurance Agency, LLC in Michigan), d/b/a Petplan (Petplan Insurance Agency, LLC in California). AGCS Marine Insurance Company, a member of the Allianz Group, is rated A+ by A.M. Best (2010).
