From the moment the veteran laid eyes on the big, tan mastiff-mix with the adorably oversized head, he couldn’t stop smiling. It was love at first sight when Eddie first spotted Calvin in a lineup of possible Pets For Vets dogs, and asked to meet him as a potential emotional support dog for Eddie’s service-related challenges. When veterans return from deployment, the quiet, unconditional love of a pet can be an essential part of transitioning back into civilian life. ARF’s Pets for Vets program provides powerful therapeutic and practical benefits for veterans in need through transformational relationships with shelter pets, and Calvin was no exception. Once together, their connection was instant and incredible, with Eddie burying his face in Calvin’s neck and murmuring “Look, we trust each other already,” into his soft fur. Read more...

If you take the right precautions for your pets, there’s nothing to fear on Halloween. Beware of chocolate left out where dogs and cats can reach them - those tasty treats are toxic for our furry friends. Prevent burns by keeping lighted pumpkins away from wagging tails, and stick to battery-operated lights instead of candles. Inspect your decorations and party supplies to make sure they are pet-safe. Be sure to secure the front door to prevent escapes during trick-or-treat time. For more pet tips, visit ARF's Pet Care and Behavior Library.