(BPT) - Every day, in shelters all across the country, senior animals are passed over by prospective pet owners. Why? Some people are looking for the energy of a new puppy or feel older dogs offer families too little time. But the truth is, providing a new home for an older animal may bring you a level of companionship you never imagined.

(BPT) - For pet owners and their four-legged friends, interacting with other dogs provides great opportunities for exercise and socialization. Whether it's playing at the dog park, hiking through the woods, strolling around town or making new friends at doggy daycare, these activities can improve your dog's mental and physical well-being. They can also put your dog at risk for exposure to health threats.

(BPT) - When you raise animals, from poultry to cattle, hard work and dedication come with the territory. So how do you reward one of the toughest and most valuable members of your ranch or country home when he's of the four-legged variety? Give him more work to do.

(StatePoint) Your dog is your best friend, and you take good care of him, making sure he gets quality food and exercise, immunizations and heartworm medication. Why, then, does your veterinarian also insist on a yearly heartworm test?