Pet Pulse Summer 2025 Roundup

Science & trends

Dogs and cats may help our brains age more gracefully

An 18-year analysis of ~16,500 adults (50–99) in the SHARE dataset found pet type mattered: dog owners showed slower decline in immediate and delayed recall, while cat owners declined more slowly in verbal fluency. Coverage notes the work was published in Scientific Reports (a Nature Portfolio journal). Observational study; not proof of causation. (Guardian; Verywell Health)

The pandemic pet boom’s happiness bump was a mirage

A longitudinal Hungarian study during COVID-19 found no lasting lift in mood or loneliness after acquiring a pet; dog owners actually reported lower calmness and life satisfaction over time. (Published in Scientific Reports.) (ScienceDaily summary; News-Medical)

About that “post-adoption glow”

In the same work, any early euphoria faded within ~1–4 months; pet loss showed no persistent change in household well-being in that sample. (Again, Scientific Reports; media recaps linked above.) (MedicalBrief recap)

Heartwarming rescues & loyalty tales

Desert devotion in Cochise County, AZ (July 6)

A small dog stayed for days with its deceased guardian in a remote desert near Muleshoe Ranch before rescuers brought the pup to a shelter. (KTAR; People)

Two-legged Chihuahua “Champ” saves his person (Georgia)

When Champ pressed and whined on Andrew Kuzyk’s chest, it led to an emergency call and surgery for a “widow-maker” blockage. Kuzyk says he wouldn’t be here without him. (WSB/CNN syndication; People).

211 small-breed dogs rescued from one Missouri home (July 30–31)

The Humane Society of Missouri pulled 211 Shih Tzus/Chihuahuas from a Christian County residence with high ammonia/heat; the next day, cats and birds raised the total to 224 animals. Adoptions to be case-by-case. (People; KMOV)

“Emmie” the NYC subway kitten finds a forever home (July 24)

A tiny tabby boarded a 2 train near 110th St and went home with commuter Betsaida Mercado, who named her Emmie (a nod to MTA). (ABC7NY; NBC New York/TODAY)

From abandoned truck to sanctuary (Hawaii)

Rescuer Summer Whitmore found a dog later named Peaches in an abandoned truck; Peaches hopped into the van on pickup and is now thriving at a sanctuary—adoptable soon. (The Dodo)