Summary: Do dogs or cats make you happy? The dog vs. cat argument will probably go on forever. But now there’s a new survey that says dog owners are officially happier than cat owners, but not by much. Dog owners are only happier by a mere 4%. Also, Dr. Allen Kamrava believes he has invented a better way to cover the costs of a catastrophic health event. According to Kamrava, advances in technology allow for a community-based model that can replace typical pet health insurance. Also, dogs, miniature horses, cats, rabbits and even llamas are increasingly being used to help heal and cheer the sick in hospitals, cancer clinics and other settings. However, research to support the efficacy of animal-assisted therapy is largely in its early stages. A team led by scientists at UC Davis published a study about interactions between family house cats and children with autism. It found that cats in families with a child with autism-spectrum disorder “ often provided valuable bonding, attention and calming affect to the child.” And finally, for years, animal lovers and animal welfare organizations have been working to end dog and cat meat sales. There has been a big step toward that goal, as the U.S. House of Representatives passed bipartisan legislation named the Dog and Cat Meat Trade Prohibition Act. The Act makes it “illegal to knowingly slaughter, ship, transport, move, deliver, receive, possess, purchase, sell or donate a dog or cat or his or her parts for human consumption, and authorizes a fine of up to $5,000 for each violation” in the United States. Listen Now
