Keep your pets safe this Halloween
Halloween is meant to be a fun festivity for all involved. However, for our furry friends, the holiday can turn into a frightful time. The tradition of trick-or-treating has long been a fun festivity for both children and adults. While we might appreciate the large assortment of chocolate and caramel, Kit Darling, infection control coordinator […]
Helping our pets cope with loss
Like humans, pets experience a complex array of emotions. The loss of a beloved human or a housemate can be devastating to pets in a household, leading to a period of grief and mourning. It may be difficult for owners to tell if their pet is in mourning, but Kit Darling, infection control coordinator at […]
June 3-9 is Pet Appreciation Week
While every day with our pets may be special, we celebrate with extra love and attention to our pets during Pet Appreciation Week, June 3-9. Kit Darling, the infection control coordinator at the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, said pets offer more than just companionship. “We should remember to recognize our […]
Therapy pets spread love through the community
Therapy pets are similar to the average pet because they offer stress relief, comfort, and affection. However, therapy animals differ because they are specially trained to travel to and remain calm in various environments, such as nursing homes, hospitals, and college campuses. Because therapy pets must be able to tolerate potentially stressful situations, such as […]
Dog Park Etiquette
Does your dog need a change of scenery? Consider taking Fido to the dog park, where he or she can play, exercise, and socialize with other dogs and people. These activities can benefit your dog both physically and mentally. But that doesn’t mean Fido should be free to roam the park without your supervision. Kit […]
Keep your pets safe this Halloween
Children and adults may love the spooky traditions of Halloween, but our pets are less likely to appreciate the costumes, masks, and parties associated with Halloween night. Kit Darling, infection control coordinator at the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, recommended a few tips to keep your pet safe this Halloween. “Keep […]
Finding a Fur-ever Home
Approximately 6.5 million companion animals enter U.S. animal shelters nationwide every year, but only about 3.2 million are adopted in the same period, according to the ASPCA. To bridge the gap between intake and finding a permanent home, families can give pets love, care, and attention by fostering a homeless animal. Kit Darling, the infection […]
Obedience Training for Dogs
If you’ve recently added a puppy or dog to your family, consider obedience training to help build a healthy relationship between you and your pet. Though training your dog requires patience and commitment, the positive benefits of obedience training are worth it. Kit , Infection Control Coordinator for the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine […]
Pet Therapy in Nursing Homes: Assisted Living May Never be the Same
When the time comes for a family member to move into a nursing home or retirement community many worry that their loved ones will begin to feel lonely and unneeded as time goes by. Fortunately, thanks to people such as Kit Darling and Dr. Karen Snowden and their work with organizations like Aggieland Pets With […]
Elderly People and Pets
Contact can lessen loneliness. Contact can lessen depression. Contact can bring a smile. And that point of contact can be a pet. An elderly person paired with an appropriate pet can be a winning combination. “Humans and animals need love, companionship and activity,” explained Ms. Kit Darling, MS, infection control coordinator at Texas A&M College […]
