Southwest Life

Happy Animal Care & Control Appreciation Week

This month, we celebrate Animal Care & Control Appreciation Week (April 13-19), a time to recognize the dedicated professionals who protect animals and promote public safety in our communiti...

Rabies: What La Plata County residents need to know

The most recent known case of rabies in La Plata County occurred in June 2023 when a bat found in a Durango home tested positive for the virus. While there was no direct human contact, expos...

Dog talk: Are you listening?

Dogs communicate with humans through various cues such as body language, vocalizations and energy. Being mindful of these signals is key to understanding their behavior. Similarly, our own b...

Deciding whether to pick up a stray dog

When traveling through rural areas, especially on drives through places like Arizona, Utah and the Navajo Nation, encountering stray dogs is a common experience. It’s estimated that up to 50...

‘Community cats’ can use a little help in winter

Cats are incredibly hardy and resilient animals and many of them manage to survive and thrive on their own. During the winter months, our community becomes a tougher place for felines who li...

Regular nail care important for your dog’s health

Imagine walking in stilettos 24/7: Your posture changes, your gait shifts and with time, discomfort can lead to pain and even lasting damage. Now, picture a dog with overgrown nails – this i...

Rethinking ear and tail docking: Protecting dogs from unnecessary surgery

Ear and tail docking involve surgically removing part of a dog’s ears or tail. This practice, which has been around for centuries, originally aimed to prevent injuries in hunting and working...

Desert descendants: Why cats need moisture-rich diets and how to provide it

Every Duragoan knows the importance of staying hydrated, but how often do you think about your cat’s hydration? Cats have been companions to humans for thousands of years, with the first sig...

The enduring love and pain of losing a pet

The bond between humans and their pets is profound. Pets are not just animals; they are family members and friends that bring unconditional love, joy and companionship into our lives. Howeve...

Your dog is talking, are you listening?

Humans often rely on verbal communication, but to truly understand our dogs, we must learn to interpret their nonverbal cues. Dogs communicate their thoughts and emotions through body langua...

Which collar or harness is right for your dog?

Choosing the right collar or harness for your dog can be challenging. There are dozens of options available, but which is right for you and your dog? Prong collars are metal collars with sti...

The kittens are coming: Here’s what to do if you find one

During the spring and summer months, La Plata County Humane Society sees an influx of kittens that require round-the-clock care from dedicated fosters. This year we are expecting to care for...