The Ruff Report: Don't let the winter blues get hold of your pet

Lack of sunlight, cold and snow, and curtailed outdoor activities can be depressing for anyone, including our pets, and those winter blues can have serious health consequences for dogs and cats, too, a leading veterinarian warns.

The Hunt of Her Life: A book about a rescue dog that will touch your heart 

Many pets deal with the psychological effects of wintertime by sleeping too much, overeating and avoiding exercise, a routine that can lead to obesity and other illnesses, according to Dr. Elaine Pendlebury of PDSA, a leading veterinary charity in Britain.

The Ruff Report: Winter is most deadly time of the year for pets

Hypothermia and frostbite from the cold and snow, broken bones from falling on ice and poisoning from ingesting antifreeze are just a few of the hazards that make winter the most deadly season of the year for pets, animal experts warn.

The Hunt of Her Life: A book about a rescue dog that will touch your heart 

And pet parents are being urged to take precautions to keep their dogs and cats safe by limiting their outdoor activities in extreme cold and snow, and using sweaters to keep them warm and treatments to protect their feet during outdoor activities.

The Ruff Report: Try these New Year's resolutions for your pet

Your pet might like fancy toys, enjoy tasty treats and get excited when gobbling down a special mouth-watering meal, but those who give their dogs and cats gifts and food to celebrate the New Year should consider a different approach.

The Hunt of Her Life: A book about a rescue dog that will touch your heart

Leading animal welfare organizations say that as much as your pet might appreciate toys and treats, those gifts pale in comparison to the most cherished thing in the life of a dog or cat, and that thing is your time and attention.

The Hunt of Her Life: A book about a rescue dog that will touch your heart

FREE LOOK INSIDE THE BOOK!

The Hunt of Her Life is a nonfiction book about Samantha, an unwanted rescue dog who the author adopts at age 2. This beautifully designed full-color deluxe book, by longtime newspaper journalist Joseph A. Reppucci, contains more than 60 vibrant color photos of dogs to help illustrate the compelling and uplifting of Samantha - a pretty tricolor bird dog who uses her warm personality to win people over and build a new family after being put up for adoption by a hunter because she is gun-shy and afraid to hunt. Learn how she uses her special bonding abilities with people to help her eventually make a difficult, but successful, transition to family life.

Living Well with Your Dog: A series of short stories

Want a better life with your dog? MySetterSam.com's Living Well With Your Dog, a series of short stories for pet owners, is loaded with common-sense ideas to help make  life more fun, enjoyable and healthy for you and your dog. Find great tips about subjects such as: creating a comfortable lifestyle for you and your dog; making your home and environment safe; improving your pet's health and nutrition; choosing a pet sitter and veterinarian; and saving money on dog food, pet products, prescription drugs and pet insurance.