Maddie’s Weekly Roundup: Instructor-Led Courses, big feelings in dogs and more!
Happy Monday! Below is a brief roundup of resources added over the past week. Apply for Maddie’s Fund Instructor-Led Courses on February 6!Looking to implement a new program, learn more about a specific subject and create positive change for pets and people in your community? Be sure to save the date for Maddie’s Fund® Instructor-Led Courses! All courses are free, #ThanksToMaddie. We are excited to share that we have four brand new classes this term! We’re offering… Learn More Recognizing and de-escalating big...
Cancer Can Be Prevented, Cancer Can Be Cured
Cancer remains one of the most serious health concerns for dogs, particularly as they grow older. While this diagnosis can feel overwhelming, dog parents should know that advances in veterinary medicine have opened new doors for both preventing and fighting this disease. Understanding your options can help you make informed decisions about your canine companion’s health. Why Cancer is Common in Dogs Just like in humans, cancer occurs when cells in the body grow abnormally and out of control. As dogs age, their bodies become more...
Why Your Dog’s Dental Health Matters
When you look at your dog’s smile, you might not realize that what’s happening in their mouth affects their entire body. Dental disease isn’t just about bad breath or dirty teeth—it’s a serious health concern that can impact your dog’s heart, kidneys, and overall well-being. The Problem Here’s a surprising fact: if your dog is over three years old, there’s an 80-90% chance they already have some form of dental disease. The tricky part is that you might not even notice it. The real troublemaker...
Apply for Maddie’s Fund Instructor-Led Courses on February 6!
Looking to implement a new program, learn more about a specific subject and create positive change for pets and people in your community? Be sure to save the date for Maddie’s Fund® Instructor-Led Courses! All courses are free, #ThanksToMaddie. We are excited to share that we have four brand new classes this term! We’re offering 10 different courses and 13 total classes in the Spring 2026 session. The spring 2026 application window opens on February 6, 2026 and closes on February 16, 2026. Below are the 10 courses offered:...
8 signs your dog needs a chiropractor
Is your dog acting “off?” Discover eight subtle signs they may be out of alignment — and how canine chiropractic care can help restore their health and happiness. As dog lovers, we pride ourselves on knowing our best friends inside and out. But when it comes to identifying physical discomfort, we’re often one step behind. Subtle, slow-building issues are the hardest to notice. Dogs don’t always limp when they’re hurting. They don’t always yelp when something’s out of place. In fact, dogs are...
Joint Problems and Arthritis in Dogs
If you care for dogs, understanding joint health is crucial for keeping them comfortable and active throughout their lives. Some breeds face higher risks for joint problems like hip dysplasia, arthritis, and ligament injuries. Let’s explore which dogs are most vulnerable and what you can do to help. Breeds Most at Risk Hip dysplasia commonly affects medium and large breeds. German Shepherds, Labrador Retrievers, Rottweilers, and Bulldogs top the list of susceptible breeds. This inherited condition causes the hip joint to form...
New resource center highlights pets and mental health benefits
This online hub shines a spotlight on how dogs, cats, and other companion animals support and strengthen our mental and emotional well-being. Anyone who shares their life with a dog or cat understands something about pets and mental health benefits. They know how animals positively affect our well-being in a multitude of ways. Dogs and cats give us unconditional love. They help us through the ups and downs of life with their steadfast loyalty and affection. The Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI) and Mental Health America (MHA)...
What Is Pillow Foot in Cats?
If you’ve noticed your cat’s paw pads looking swollen and soft like little pillows, they might have a condition called plasma cell pododermatitis, commonly known as pillow foot. This rare foot condition can be concerning for those caring for cats, but understanding it is the first step toward helping your feline companion. What Is Pillow Foot? Pillow foot is an uncommon condition where a cat’s paw pads become soft, swollen, and squishy. The medical term is feline plasma cell pododermatitis. The condition happens when special...
Recognizing and de-escalating big feelings in dogs
We’re excited to announce that the highly anticipated follow up to the course Fundamentals of Canine Communication and Safe Dog Handling is here! The new and second course in this series is called Recognizing and De-escalating Big Feelings in Dogs. Please complete the first course before taking this one. As in the first course, this course offers a series of short video examples to demonstrate behaviors and techniques in a real-world setting. This course will explore some of the reasons why we might see some of the more...
Unapologetically Me
Jan 26, 2026 There’s nurture. There’s nature. And then there’s something that lives right in the center of the Venn diagram between the two: the parts of a being that are so deeply woven in, that without them, they simply wouldn’t be who they are. Those are the traits that make us all Unapologetically Me. Over the years, society has grown more comfortable not just accepting, but embracing our full selves—and encouraging others to do the same. Phrases like “you do you” and “don’t yuck my...
