The Ruff Report: Cheap pet food leads to costly health problems

Pet parents tempted to switch to lower-priced food for their dogs and cats may save money now, but they are likely to shell out more dollars later in extra health costs, a veterinarian says.

“Nutrition is the foundation of good health, and a quality diet can actually decrease your pet’s chance of developing costly health problems in the future,” says Karen J. Johnson, a veterinarian at Banfield, The Pet Hospital in Portland, Oregon.

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.

Calendar of Pet Events: Expos, shows and fun activities

Looking for a pet expo, humane society party, photo contest or yard sale? Check out MySetterSam.com's Calendar of Pet Events. Listings include information about adoptions and donations; education, grants and scholarships; health; and shows, events and other fun activities.

Tips for Living Well with Your Dog: A series of short stories

Want a better life with your dog? MySetterSam.com's Tips for 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.

The Ruff Report: These hungry pets are begging for your help

Night after night, these dogs and cats have no choice but to sleep on the streets in the harsh outdoor elements with little or no food to eat. In some ways, even orphaned pets in shelters are better off than the 30,000 dogs and cats whose owners have fallen on hard times or who are homeless, unable to afford to buy food for their beloved companions.