I love that Jorge Mario Bergoglio chose a name inspired by Saint Francis of Assisi, a monk famously known for his kindness to animals. Since being elected one week ago, Pope Francis has already had an opportunity to show a little canine admiration.

When Italian radio journalist, Alessandro Forlani, showed up with his guide dog, Asià, to cover one of the Pope's first addresses to the media, security guards told him that dogs were not allowed inside the Vatican. But officials eventually let him in and seated the pair near the front row.

Am I feeling frustrated and disappointed? You bet I am after reading an article titled, “Vets Slowly Move to 3-Year Vaccine Protocols” in the most recent edition of Veterinary Practice News. According to the article, approximately 60 percent of veterinarians continue to over-vaccinate their adult canine and feline patients by administering “core” vaccinations annually.

(Revised 3/21/13) The FDA just issued the following recall notification for a wide assortment of Natura Pet Products brand pet foods. The FDA notice follows the one that the company posted on their website a couple of days ago. We are still trying to find out what the production problem was that resulted in such a large-scale recall, but have been unable to speak with a spokesperson for Procter & Gamble, the owner of Natura. The company’s original post, with the list of recalled products, follows the one from the FDA.

A man had broken his back after a fall and was found on the side of his road with a dog who was unwilling to leave his side. That’s the sort of loyalty dogs are famous for, and many dogs live up to this high standard. There are countless examples of dogs who stayed with a person in a crisis situation, providing protection, warmth or simply company.