Top Stories Archive

Fill Your Home With Wags and Woofs This Holiday Season!

Tis the season and with the spirit of giving in the air many people may be wondering "how can I help make a difference this year?" While there are several options out there to consider, Goodnewsforpets.com recommends adopting a dog from your local shelter! The sad reality is that more and more . . .   more

New York Has Cats

New York is a big city, but there is always room for cats! It's no secret that our publisher hails from New York and one of our offices is located there, so we have celebrated the cats of New York before. But with the Cat Writers' Association (CWA) coming to nearby White Plains this month, ther . . .   more

ASPCA Celebrates "Adopt-A-Shelter Cat Month" this June

NEW YORK—This June, the ASPCA® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®) will celebrate national "Adopt-a-Shelter Cat" Month to raise awareness about the importance of "making pet adoption your first option," especially considering the wide variety of . . .   more

FDA Approves First Canine Cancer Therapy

MONTREAL--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Pfizer Animal Health today announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the first canine cancer therapy in the U.S. – PALLADIATM (toceranib phosphate) – which was developed by Pfizer to treat mast cell tumors in dogs. Pfizer made th . . .   more

ACVIM to Host First Annual Specialty Symposium

MONTREAL - The American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM) will host the first annual ACVIM Specialty Symposium (Pre-Forum) on Wednesday, June 3, 2009 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. The ACVIM Specialty Symposium will be held prior to the beginning of the 2009 ACVIM Forum & Canadia . . .   more

The Algonquin Hotel Launches Algonquin Loves Pets Program

With the launch of the Algonquin ♥'s Pets Program, Matilda, the Algonquin Hotel's famed resident cat opened the doors of the historic Algonquin hotel to other felines and furry friends for the first time in the property's history. The program, designed by Matilda, features amenities and ser . . .   more

Celebrate National Pet Week
May 3-9

(SCHAUMBURG, Ill.) May 1, 2009—American's own more than 172 million companion animals. The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) wants to remind everyone during National Pet Week, May 3-9, that these animals deserve our love and care. This year's . . .   more

America's #1 Companion Gets Respect The CATalyst 2009 Top 10 Cat-Friendly Cities

(PHOENIX, American Animal Hospital Association Conference - March 27, 2009) - What makes a cat-friendly city? The love and care cats receive, says the CATalyst Council. Today, the recently formed organization is set to raise the stature of America's number one companion, the cat, by annou . . .   more

Virbac Announces Expansion of Glycotechnology in Dermatology Line

FORT WORTH, Texas (January 18, 2009) Virbac Animal Health (Virbac) today announced a campaign to include the anti-adhesive technology called glycotechnology in more of the company's dermatology line of products. Glycotechnology is a patent-pending advancement that reduces adherence of bac . . .   more

Buffington Honored with 2009 Mark L. Morris, Sr. Lifetime Achievement Award

Orlando, Fla. - NAVC - (Jan. 17, 2009) -- Because of his outstanding contributions to feline health, Hill's Pet Nutrition, Inc. has announced that C.A. Tony Buffington, DVM, MS, Ph.D, DACVN, an award-winning professor at the College of Veterinary Medicine at The Ohio State University, wil . . .   more

Germinder Celebrates 10th Anniversary Day with $10,000 Donation Pledge

Germinder & Associates, a marketing and communications agency specializing in animal health is celebrating its 10th Anniversary Day with a $10,000 donation pledge. As an expansion of its “Germinder Giving . . .   more

Caring for a New Kitten or Puppy: Basic Training

Go to Basic Training for Dogs Basic Training Cats Proper care and maintenance of your young kitten is vital. The habits you start now will last a lifetime. Socialization . . .   more

Mosquito Season Approaching: American Heartworm Society Reminds Pet Owners of Risk

As temperatures grow warmer, the American Heartworm Society (AHS) wants every pet owner to be prepared for mosquito season and the heartworm disease risk it carries for pets. Although the risk of heartworm disease is heightened in warmer months when the mosquito population increases, the . . .   more

CATalyst Summit Declared a Success: It's All About the Cat!

Las Vegas, Nev., Western Veterinary Conference, Feb. 18, 2008 – The American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP) today announced the successful outcome of the CATalyst Summit, which was held Feb. 5-6 in Palm Springs, Calif., with initial underwriting from Pfizer Animal Health. Atten . . .   more

It Happens at Madison Square Garden

Who: Mordecai Siegal What: Inducted into the prestigious DWAA Hall of Fame joining the ranks of Roger Caras, William Stifel and Maxwell Riddle When: Sunday, February 10, 2008 Where: DWAA Annual Banqu . . .   more

Mark L. Morris, Jr. Honored with 2008 Mark L. Morris, Sr. Lifetime Achievement Award

Because of his unwavering dedication to improving the lives of animals through nutrition, Hill’s Pet Nutrition, Inc. posthumously honored Mark L. Morris, Jr., DVM, MS, Ph.D., DACVN, as the recipient of the 2008 Mark L. Morris, Sr. Lifetime Achievement Award. Widely acknowledged as the father of s . . .   more

Make it a Green Christmas: Eco-Friendly Gifts for Pets

Don't leave your pet behind this Christmas when following the "green" trend. You know they expect something in their stocking, so we took this opportunity to help make your choices earth-friendly. Not only do these products contribute to a healthier planet by using recycled materials, but . . .   more

AVMA Releases Latest Stats on Pet Ownership and Practices

Did you know that there are more dog owners than cat owners in America, but more cats than dogs in those homes? According to the 2007 “U.S. Pet Ownership and Demographic Sourcebook”(Sourcebook)published by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) there are 43 million dog owning househo . . .   more

Cats in the Media

Cats have a wide variety of personalities, making them perfect for both stories on paper and for the big screen. Here are Goodnewsforpets.com and Catwellness.org’s top ten favorite cats in movies. Check back often to see where your favorite cat stands in the running! The poll will be up un . . .   more

Germinder & Associates, Inc. Sponsors KC Animal Health Corridor Homecoming Event

(Kansas City, Mo. – September 12, 2007 ) – Germinder & Associates, Inc. today announced its sponsorship of the Kansas City Animal Health Corridor Homecoming 2007 event. Germinder & Associates, Inc. has sponsored the event – an initiative of the Kansas Ci . . .   more

What is a Parasite?

A parasite is a plant or an animal that lives on or inside another living organism (host). A parasite is dependent on its host and obtains some benefit, such as survival, usually at the host's expense. . . .   more

Dr. Stephen J. Withrow Recipient of 2007 Mark L. Morris, Sr. Lifetime Achievement Award

Orlando, Fla. - NAVC - (January 13, 2007) – Hill's Pet Nutrition, Inc. proudly announces Stephen J. Withrow, DVM, DACVS, DACVIM, has received the prestigious 2007 Mark L. Morris, Sr. Lifetime Achievement Award. This distinguished award is presented annually to a veterinarian who has made . . .   more

The Humane Society of the United States Congratulates Animal Advocate Steve Dale—"Pets for Life" Award Recipient

WASHINGTON (November 27, 2006) – The Humane Society of the United States today announced that pet journalist and radio personality Steve Dale was chosen by the Cat Writers' Association to receive this year's Humane Society of the United States Pets for Life award for his radio show "Pet Central." . . .   more

National Veterinary Technician Week

The National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA) is celebrating National Veterinary Technician Week (NVTW) October 15 - 21, 2006. The week is held during National Pet Wellness Month, sponsored by the American Veterinary Medical Association and Fort Dodge Animal Health. This . . .   more

Fewer Clinic Visits Put Cat Health at Risk

(OVERLAND PARK, Kan.) – The well-being of America's cats is in danger. Many feline health practitioners fear cats are not receiving the frequency of veterinary care they need. To help cat lovers keep their pets healthy, the American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP) and Fort Dodge Animal . . .   more

Zoonotic Diseases: The Shared Threat

Owning a pet can be a wonderful, rewarding experience for you and your family. However, pets can transmit diseases that may be harmful to humans, especially young children and people with certain medical conditions. These are called zoonotic diseases or zoonoses (pronounced zoo-NO-sees). . . .   more

Cornell Releases Instructional Videos for Cat Owners

Having trouble administering medication to your feline friend? Cornell University’s Feline Health Center has produced a series of videos about this and other topics. See how to calm a cat that doesn’t like to receive medication, learn why hiding a pill in food usually doesn’t work for cats and . . .   more

Pet Parasite Gets to the Heart of the Hurricanes' Animal Refugees

Batavia, Ill. – (March 9, 2006) – The fresh start of animals, who were adopted and dispersed around the country courtesy of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, may inadvertently cause heartache for their new pet owners. An estimated 60 percent of the pets displaced by Hurricane Katrina are likely . . .   more

Rufus Wins Best In Show:

“RUFUS!” came the cries from all over the sold out Madison Square Garden, cheering him on and pleading with the judge to point to their favorite among the seven group winners in another spectacular Westminster Best In Show lineup. They were not to be disappointed. “The Colored B . . .   more

The Entries Are In: Westminster is America's Dog Show

NEW YORK - It’s called “America’s Dog Show” and the entry for the 2006 Westminster Kennel Club All Breed Dog Show shows exactly why. Westminster’s total entry of 2,622 for its 130th annual event February 13-14 at Madison Square Garden in New York City comes fro . . .   more

2006 Mark L. Morris, Sr. Lifetime Achievement Award Goes to Dr. Alfred M. Legendre

TOPEKA, Kan. - NAVC | January 7, 2006 Hill's Pet Nutrition, Inc. proudly announces Alfred M. Legendre, DVM, MS, DACVIM, has received the prestigious 2006 Mark L. Morris, Sr. Lifetime Achievement Award. This distinguished award is presented annually to a veterinarian who . . .   more

The Great Cat Watch for Wellness Sake!

Did you know your cat could be sick and you may not know it until it's too late? October is National Pet Wellness Month and a good time to learn how to tell if your feline friend is hiding a health problem. "The Great Cat Watch, for Wellness Sake!"TM campaign educates cat owners on how . . .   more

Discovering What Cats Have Been Hiding

Convinced they could improve the quality of life for both cats and cat owners if feline behavior was better understood, a handful of veterinarians, under the auspices of the American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP), decided nearly three years ago to pay more attention to what cats did . . .   more

Twice a Year, Twice as Nice to Pets

OVERLAND PARK, Kan. Fort Dodge Animal Health and the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA) have teamed up for National Veterinary Technician Week, October 9-15, 2005. This year's theme encourages pet owners to bring pets in for twice-yearly well . . .   more

Time to Think About Lyme

Backyards are popular places in the summer for pets and people. But a tiny, ugly, uninvited guest can possibly bring serious illness to your dog. Because it's not 100 percent possible to prevent ticks from biting, vaccines may be the best way to prevent your dog from getting Lyme disease. T . . .   more

American Heartworm Society Guidelines Pass the Test

BALTIMORE – ACVIM Forum | June 2, 2005One little bite. That teensy, annoying mosquito sting is all it takes to infect your pet with devastating heartworm disease. But the good news is that the American Heartworm Society (AHS) has updated guidelines so veterinarians can rea . . .   more

The American Veterinary Medical Association and Fort Dodge Animal Health Launch Spring Pet Wellness Campaign

Campaign Will Assist Veterinarians and Staff in Educating Pet Owners About Preventable Threats to Pets and the Importance of Twice-A-Year Wellness Exams Fort Dodge Animal Health Will Assist Veterinarians in Integrating Twice-A-Year Wellness Exam Protocols into Their . . .   more

Mosquito Season Alert

OVERLAND PARK, KS | February 2004 With mosquito season fast approaching, many of America's 63 million dogs will be exposed to deadly canine heartworm disease this year. While this lethal threat is preventable, studies released by the American Animal Hospital Associatio . . .   more

Why Annual Pet Vaccinations Still Make Sense

Dr. John Ellis is a professor of Veterinary Microbiology at the University of Saskatchewan's Western College of Veterinary Medicine and a well-known expert on vaccine safety and efficacy. Lea-Ann Germinder, executive editor of Goodnewsforpets.com, recently talked with Dr. Ellis about the . . .   more

Dr. Jack Mara

One of the most recognizable names in the veterinary profession, Dr. John L. (Jack) Mara, has passed away. Jack lived the life of a true gentleman, served as one of the great ambassadors of the veterinary profession and remained a wonderful friend to many. Dr. Mara's career as a veterinarian sp . . .   more

From Pets to Afghan Children

I'm asking listeners of my syndicated radio shows "Animal Planet Radio" and "The Pet News," and "Pet Central" on WGN in Chicago - and those who read my newspaper columns around America - to contribute one dollar per pet, as the President has asked c . . .   more

The Beagle Brigade

By Julie Lux, editor, goodnewsforpets.com First it was Mad Cow Disease and this year, concern over the outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease has caused increased attention to plants and animals brought into the U.S. from other countries. While the story may be "hot" right . . .   more

The Story of Dr. Jack Mara, Advocate of Animal Nutrition

At the age of 55, when many people would start to think about retirement, Dr. Jack Mara was about to embark on a second career. A career that would make him one of the most recognized and trusted names in veterinary medicine. The story of how Mara chose to devote his life to veterinary me . . .   more

National Veterinary Technician Week

Battle Ground, IN | October 1, 2003 The National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America, Inc. (NAVTA), has proclaimed October 12-18, 2003: National Veterinary Technician Week. The event is celebrated annually to recognize veterinary technicians for th . . .   more

American Heartworm Society Reminds Dog Owners to Remain Vigilant Against Heartworm Disease

Batavia, Ill. | April 4, 2003 Most pet owners wouldn’t knowingly put their pet at risk of becoming infected with a potentially deadly disease yet according to the American Heartworm Society (AHS), millions of pet owners who fail to protect their dog from heartworm infecti . . .   more

Recent Data Reveals That Canine Heartworm Remains a Major Health Threat to Dogs

OVERLAND PARK, KS | February 2003 U.S. canine health experts are extremely alarmed over recent data, indicating that canine heartworm disease continues to pose a major health threat to dogs, despite important advancements in prevention. Earlier this year, the Americ . . .   more

From Diets to Genetics

By Julie Lux, editor, goodnewsforpets.com Is your Parakeet looking a little puny? Does your Doberman seem depressed? Is your Persian passive aggressive? Veterinarians from across the country will be bringing their clients new idea . . .   more

Pet Lovers Will Prick up Their Ears With the National Launch of 'Animal Planet Radio'

On Saturday, April 21, Animal Planet will continue its rapid growth off of the television screen with the launch of the nationally syndicated radio program "Animal Planet Radio." Hosted by award-winning Chicago Tribune Media Services Pet Columnist Steve Dale, whose syndicated pieces appear in . . .   more

First Feline AIDS Vaccine Available

August 12, 2002 –Overland Park, Kans. The virus that causes AIDS, commonly known as HIV, isn’t just a concern for humans. Researchers have also identified a similar cat disease, caused by a different but related virus known as Feline Immunodeficiency Virus, or FIV. FIV . . .   more

Lyme Disease Poses Increasing Threat to Both People and Dogs

Overland Park, Kan. | May 2002 The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reports that the number of new cases of Lyme disease in the U.S. doubled over the past decade, now afflicting nearly 18,000 people annually. And, the news is even wors . . .   more

Fort Dodge Animal Health Establishes ProHeart® Hero Award To Recognize Canine Heroes

ORLANDO, FL - North American Veterinary Conference | January 14, 2002Fort Dodge Animal Health has established the ProHeart® Hero Award to recognize and honor canine companions that demonstrate heroism through acts of courage. . . .   more

Protecting Pets From Mosquito-Borne Diseases

Mosquito-borne illnesses are some of the deadliest in the world today, causing more than 300 million clinical cases each year of illness in humans, including encephalitis, malaria, and dengue fever, according to the World Health Organization. But hu . . .   more

Crufts Postponed Because of Foot and Mouth Disease Outbreak

by Julie Lux, editor, goodnewsforpets.com The Kennel Club of England postponed the Crufts Dog Show, which was scheduled for March 8-11, 2001 in Birmingham, England because of an escalating situation with foot and mouth disease. This highly contagious condition affects . . .   more

Executive Director Looks At The 2001 Western Veterinary Conference And Beyond

As more than 11,000 people gather in Las Vegas, Nev. for the 73rd annual Western Veterinary Conference, Executive Director, Stephen Crane, DVM, is focused on customer service. The customers Dr. Crane is thinking about are the 5,000 plus veterinarians and 2,300 veterinary technicians who will . . .   more

Goodnewsforpets.com Family and Friends Share Holiday Stories

By Julie Lux, Editor, goodnewsforpets.com To get things started, here's one of the many holiday stories from, as my friend Charles Ferruzza calls our home, Casa Deluxe. Like most pampered pets, the Deluxe dogs each have their own Christmas stockings that are filled wit . . .   more

Education and Entertainment Abounds at 2001 North American Veterinary Conference

By Julie Lux, editor, goodnewsforpets.com Nearly 14,000 veterinarians, technicians, practice managers, students, exhibitors and guests representing more than 50 countries attended the 18th annual North American Veterinary Conference (NAVC), January 13-17, 2001 in Orlan . . .   more

Pets Currently Not at Risk in Canine Leishmaniasis Outbreak

By Julie Lux, editor, goodnewsforpets.com Recent news reports have brought to light the outbreak of canine visceral leishmaniasis, a rare disease generally found in South America and Mediterranean countries where it is transmitted by the bite of an infected female sand . . .   more

Veterinary Technicians Highlight Profession During Annual Celebration

Battle Ground, Ind The North American Veterinary Technician Association (NAVTA) has proclaimed October 14-20, 2001 as National Veterinary Technician . . .   more

Fort Dodge Introduces New ProHeart®6 for Canine Heartworm Protection

OVERLAND PARK, KS | June 2001 The Center for Veterinary Medicine, a branch of the Food and Drug Administration, has just approved ProHeart®6 (moxidectin), a groundbreaking development in heartworm protection for dogs and dog owners from Fort Dodge Animal H . . .   more

Inquiring Pet Owners Can "Ask Purina" Courtesy of Purina.com and Ask Jeeves, Inc.

St. Louis, Mo, April 30, 2001 "How can I keep my cat from scratching the furniture?" "What is the best breed of dog for my lifestyle?" "How can I help my dog lose weight?" "Where is the best place to put my cat's litter box?" For pet owners who need to know . . .   more

In Search of "Dear Tabby" National Cat Tip Contest Kicks-off Feline-Friendly Tour

ST. LOUIS, Mo. | March 23, 2001 What makes your cat purr with delight? How do you train your fearless feline to stay off the kitchen counters? How do you make sure she gets enough exercise? Cat lovers around the country . . .   more

Goodnewsforpets.com Celebrates First Anniversary With New Look, New Focus

by Julie Lux, editor, goodnewsforpets.com One year ago at this time, activity was at a high point for the staff of gdmnews.com, LLC as they prepared for the launch of a new web site created as a news source for the media. A lot has changed in the online world since tha . . .   more

Disney Put on the Dog for the World Premier of "102 Dalmations"

By Julie Lux, editor, goodnewsforpets.com If there's one thing the Disney Company knows how to do, it's how to put on a show-on screen and off. In the case of the premiere of "102 Dalmatians" on November 13, 2000 at Radio City M . . .   more

National Veterinary Technician Week Activities

MICHIGAN TECHS HOST FALL CONFERENCE The Michigan Association of Veterinary Technicians will be hosting our Annual Fall Conference during NVTW. MICHIGAN STUDENT TECHS HOST FALL ACTIVTIES< . . .   more

JULIE LUX NAMED EDITOR OF GoodNewsForPets.com

Kansas City, Mo | August 18, 2000 GoodNewsForPets.com, a division of Germinder & Associates, Inc., public relations and marketing communications announced today that it has named Julie Lux as editor of the goodnewsforpets.com . . .   more

Dr. Jack L. Mara Recipient of 2004 Mark L. Morris, Sr. Lifetime Achievement Award

TOPEKA, Kan. | January 18, 2004Because of his unrivaled and exemplary lifetime of service, Dr. Jack Mara has been chosen as recipient of the 2004 Mark L. Morris, Sr. Lifetime Achievement Award. Extraordinary, visionary, a tireless advocate for the proper nutrition of pets . . .   more

New Kass Study on Vaccine-Associated Feline Sarcomas in Cats

With the ongoing debate about the possible threat of vaccine-associated feline sarcomas in cats, research continues to be conducted in the hope of answering several critical questions, such as: How c . . .   more

Veterinary Specialists Gather to Discuss Dog Genome Research, Pet Obesity and a New Cancer Vaccine at the 22nd Annual ACVIM Forum

Minneapolis, MN – Revolutionary developments in veterinary medicine were discussed among an estimated 3,000 veterinary professionals at the 22nd Annual American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM) Forum in June. Veterinary specialists from four disciplines gathered June 9-12 at . . .   more

New Cutting Edge Information: Veterinary Technician Coordinates Feline Transplant Program

When people talk about organ transplants they have visions of sick people on a long list waiting for just the right match. For veterinary technician Gerianne Holzman, CVT, talk of organ transplants means patients of the feline persuasion and no waiting list. Gerianne is the feline kidney transpla . . .   more

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