Looks innocent enough, but humans and dogs may have exchanged genetic material over the millennia via retroviruses.
The researchers studied the genome of a female boxer and looked for chains that corresponded to known retroviruses, which can integrate themselves into the genome of their hosts. They found that only 0.15% of the canine genome was made up of these endogenous retroviruses (ERV), compared to about 0.8% in humans and 2% in mice.

Canids may have had fewer retroviral infections than other mammals, the researchers speculate, but there could be other causes for the low percentage.

“However, the paucity of known extant retroviruses in dogs compared to other mammals as well as the current status of the dog assembly and the limited number of carnivore species sequenced to date preclude firm conclusions regarding mechanisms and processes leading to the low [canine endogenous retrovirus] content observed in dog,” the study says.

The study says that one group of retroviruses was similar to a human retrovirus, giving rise to the hypothesis that dogs and humans may have shared viruses over the millennia.

“This ERV analysis of the first carnivorous species supports the notion that different mammals interact distinctively with endogenous retroviruses and suggests that retroviral lateral transmissions between dog and human may have occurred,” the study concludes.

Enter Castaway Critters 5th Annual PET PHOTO CONTEST

Break out your cutest, sweetest, silliest photos you have of your special friends! 13 Calendar photos will be selected and featured on each of the 12 months and cover page of the 2014 rescue calendar. All photos submitted will be judged by local celebrities and business owners.

Entry donation is $20. All donations help sick and abandoned animals at Castaway Critters, The James A. Hueholt Memorial Foundation for Animals. For more information, go to: www.castawaycritters.org

Turner Kia will be holding the Third Annual Hoot and Howl 5K Smart Run to benefit CPAA! To register, please click here. For more information about the race and to see pictures from previous years, please click here.

In addition to the run, there are so many other activities: BOB 94.9 will be broadcasting live, food will be served before and after the run AND there will be adoptable dogs to meet!  Please register today and join the fun!

My name is Sheree. One day I was taken to a shelter with my 5 young puppies. I am only about a year or so old myself but I made sure my babies were safe and healthy until they were adopted.  I live in a foster home as a Castaway Critter where there is good food, fresh water and people to take good care of me. It’s nice here but I would really love to have my very own home and human to love me and play with me everyday. I am a Saint Bernard mix, possibly with hound. I am house and crate trained, walk well on a leash and love kids. I love to play with other dogs and am working on appropriate play and learning basic house etiquette. I can live with cats but I am very intrigued by them and like to chase them when they run. I am spayed, micro-chipped and up-to-date on my vaccines. I love everyone I meet and think it’s heaven when someone rubs my ears and head, I just melt into them and close my eyes. I love toys and will need lots of bones and sturdy toys to keep me entertained. I am told my energy level is moderate so will need someone who enjoys walks or has a nice yard where I can run and stretch my long longs legs daily. Another dog my size to play with would be super but I would be just as happy as an only dog, too. I have all this love to give to my person. Could it be you? If you can provide Sheree with a forever home, contact Castaway Critters at 717-831-5010 or apply online at www.castawaycritters.org.

“My Maltese dog Izzie became ill and was suffering and no longer eating or walking. Her vet was unable to find what was wrong. I was emotionally and financially drained and my son recommended that I take her to Dr. Sarsfield. I was surprised when I called on Sat. morning and was offered an appt. within 2 hrs. Dr. Sarsfield was very professional and compassionate and he immediately diagnosed her problem with her spine and prescribed her steroids and muscle relaxants and she is eating and walking again! More importantly was the personal care that we rec’d. by a personal follow-up call from Dr. S. on a Sunday! Also, I have invested so much money on this rescue dog that I have had for almost a yr. and did not know how I could spend anymore money on this dog and thought my only option was to put her down and not have her suffering, but I was so happy that the bill was very reasonable, and I will recommend Dr. S. to all of my friends and co-workers. Thank you so much for helping Izzie from being in so much pain. She is such a lovable little dog and I have grown to love her and could not imagine how I was going to be without her. Thank you so much Dr. Sarsfield and Dauphin County Animal Hospital. Robin & Izzie”

Saturday June, 1 from 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM at 1850 Schoolhouse Road in Middletown, PA

For detailed information, go to: http://www.castawaycritters.org/info/display?PageID=10696

And the number of confirmed cases in the southwestern part of the state spiked by 75 percent — from 315 cases in 2010 to 552 cases in 2011, according to Kait Gillis, deputy press secretary for the state Department of Health

There are many tick prevention solutions for your pet.  Please contact us if you have any questions