Weekly Roundup: Our Favorite Dog Articles, Deals and Videos
Quick Update – I Finally Got Myself a Camera
As part of the goal I made in January I finally purchased my very own camera. I’ve been practicing my photography skills for the past few weeks. I still have no idea what most of the buttons do but luckily Laika doesn’t seem to mind helping me out and modeling on our hikes. She’s a really good sport – I let her get dirty and roll in the mud as long as she’s willing to get cleaned up afterwards. I just say “hose” and she gladly waits. So you might be seeing more photos of Laika in the future – just a fair warning.
“Put down that stupid camera and hose me off already”
Here’s my favorite dog articles of the week; I hope you enjoy them as much as I did. If you have any suggestions for future roundups I’ll gladly take a look, just e-mail them on over. Have a great weekend and I hope you get out to enjoy some of this beautiful spring weather.
Favorite Dog Articles of the Week
The Look of Love is in the Dog’s Eyes
Scientists have discovered that looking into your dogs eyes releases oxytocin – for both the dog and owner. Oxytocin is the hormone produced in the brain associated with attachment and nurturing.
There is a possibility that dogs cleverly and unknowingly utilized a natural system meant for bonding a parent with his or her child.
I Fainted During Dog Surgery
This is a wonderful personal essay about wanting to become a veterinarian – and the realities faced along the way. After reading this I don’t think I’d be able to handle a job at a veterinarian hospital. Kudos to all of you who work in the medical field (human or animal).
Love Letter
Although this post technically wasn’t published this week it’s a gem everyone needs to read. It’s one of the most heartwarming stories about adopting a dog you’ll ever read. This story gets to the heart of animal surrender – and it’s beautiful from both perspectives. A great lesson that sometimes things work out for the best in the end.
Pawsitively Amazing: Ginger – One Year Later
Are you familiar with the Beagle Freedom Project? This post highlights Ginger who was released from a testing lab after being used for research for years. Take a touching look at how Ginger’s doing one year later.
Be Cautious About Seeking Online Advice
This advice is true for a lot of things online but it’s very common when it comes to asking for medical advice for our pets. A great reminder of how an online group is probably the last place you should be seeking expert medical advice.
How the Wolf Became the Dog
Another great look at the new study regarding the oxytocin we produce when looking at our dogs. This article takes a look at how this new finding might help explain how dogs have evolved this amazing ability through their domestication.
Mutual gazing had a profound effect on both the dogs and their owners. Of the duos that had spent the greatest amount of time looking into each other’s eyes, both male and female dogs experienced a 130% rise in oxytocin levels, and both male and female owners a 300% increase.
Cute Dog Photo Posts of the Week
27 Dogs Having the Time of Their Lives
These photos will cheer you up if you’re feeling a bit “blah” today. (This is where the happy Pit Bull & Husky in the featured image are from)
21 Pets Who Fell Asleep in the Middle of Something
I always find it so cute when pets fall asleep in the middle of eating or playing.
Dog Deals of the Week
Only Natural Pet – 30% off Greenies 04/16/15 – 04/19/15 with code AFSAVE30
Petco – Millers Force Nail Trimmers 35% off
Only Natural Pet – Save 20% off orders of $125 or more thru 04/30/15 with code AFPET20
Amazon – Griggles satellite dog toy 28% off (we refer to it as baby Kong)
This post contains affiliate links, if you make a purchase I might earn a small commission.
Favorite Dog Videos of the Week
As you can tell I spent a lot of time watching dog videos this week. So many great choices I just couldn’t narrow it down to just a few. Enjoy.
Such a cute concept; I love the reactions:
Where have I been? I just discovered the Saving Castaways channel and I’m hooked:
It’s nap time – don’t make me tell you twice:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=upo1NXApnjc
Such a sweet companion:
Love this reaction to the pool:
Pro handling skills – Laika’s not even this good:
Hadn’t seen that pit bull video yet but it’s very cool! Too bad they didn’t have pit bulls that lick attacked them lol. That would be funny, but probably a little overwhelming for people who might not be used to dogs.
I just love that video so much; it shows what a little bit of exposure can do for our perceptions. It’s such a simple video but a profound message. I agree that the dogs licking probably would have made them nervous; I have to remind myself that not everyone is a dog person. I think being a dog blogger I just assume we all love dogs.
You remind me that I need to learn how to use my camera still lol. LOVE the article about the fainting veterinarian. I remember starting out as a vet tech and getting light headed watching certain surgeries. I wondered if I was nuts for thinking I could handle this job. There are definitely certain things you have to get used to, but it’s totally possible. I also loved the article about the oxytocin when looking in a dog’s eyes and made my husband read it last night after Buster was staring at him for like 5 minutes, haha.
After reading that article about fainting I think I might have done the same, it’s just such a great description of what you’re really dealing with. I know I couldn’t hack it. I’m so glad you’re able to do that job – it’s something that takes a certain level of professionalism and sensibility that I think a lot of us lack. Haha I hope your boyfriend loved reading the article after that 🙂
I love (and totally agree with) the article about oxytocin increasing when looking into a dog’s eyes! Also enjoyed reading about the fainting veterinarian; I can definitely relate. I figured since I loved animals so much, being a vet tech would be a great job for me…not so much. On my VERY FIRST DAY of work during a routine blood draw on an elderly dog, I passed out. It was awful and so embarrassing. It takes a very special person to work in a vet’s office – they must love animals, sure, but they also have to be strong-stomached and able to distance themselves emotionally from the animals they are working with.
Have fun with your new camera!
Very nice selection.
I love how you included deals of the week! What a great idea!
I’m so excited to that you have a new camera! Laika is a beauty! Thanks for sharing Ginger’s story. There are so many great articles here!
Great roundup! I love the Beagle Freedom Project. I cannot believe that in this day & age we still subject dogs & other animals to horrific conditions in order to test products (and make money off them); the conditions they “live” in and the constant pain and suffering they endure for YEARS certainly is animal cruelty. Why does human society still tolerate this??
You’ve picked a lot of really pawsome dog info here! I love that humans and dogs have such a close relationship that they even effect one another physiologically.
These are all so great! I laughed so hard at the “people meeting pit bulls for the first time” – that was hilarious. All of these are wonderful. 🙂
There are a lot of great dog articles to read! I agree, I could not handle being a veterinarian. When I was younger, I wanted to be one. After shadowing a vet for a day and witnessing a spay surgery, I knew I couldn’t handle it. So I do other things for animals instead 🙂
I love these kinds of blogs posts, especially the dog deals section. The picture you took looks good! Cameras can be confusing… but once you learn it will be amazing!
Love these posts! Can’t wait to see how your photography grows! We never mind seeing more pics of Laika! 🙂
Love the reaction to the pool video!
Great round up! Good luck with your new camera!
–Wags (and purrs) from Life with Dogs and Cats
Great post . Love all the smiles <3 and info 🙂 <3
I love the weekly roundup! I love to read new dog articles, but often run short on time, your roundup gives me an awesome selection in a short amount of time. Thanks 🙂