Archive

What’s the tipping point for an idea like vegan living to become mainstream? Does it come down to sheer numbers or systematic changes? The principle of intersubjective agreement suggests that where multiple subjects and disciplines find overlapping consensus, a level of objectivity can be verified. If it’s about institutional systems, there seems to be a […]

Maybe you were taken aback to discover that dogs are often mistreated for human amusements (like silly pictures and online videos). But the harm doesn’t stop there.  Sadly, many dogs and other animals are harmed on a daily basis. Blinded by Science: funded research on dogs continues – despite critiques and questions about both its scientific […]

If you’re getting ready to swim with your canine companion, here are five quick water safety tips:  If you want to allow your dog to swim, find a place where dogs are welcome. Dog Beach anyone?  If the water looks dirty, still, or full of algae, skip it. Blue Green Algae, in particular, is toxic and […]

Long after the 17th century French philosopher Descartes’ suggested animals were little more than mindless machines, the debate has continued about animals’ mental abilities. Like consciousness or sentience, a capacity for thought and reasoning remains a significant criteria considered for elevated moral status and personhood. Clearly, a dog may not be able to plan for […]

If you have companion animals at home, you know how important play time is, both for bonding and to help prevent boredom, which can lead to destructive and undesirable behavior.  Behaviors and activities that could be described as “playful” have been observed in a variety of animals, from goats and pigs on the farm to elephants, otters, […]