Nancy Castaldo authored a book with vivid photographs, first-person interviews and historical anecdotes exploring animals’ ability to show empathy, communicate and develop complex social societies. Humans have changed their overall perception of animals. As little as 40 years ago, many considered animals to be “machine-like” creatures that feel no pain. Now, we know different. But how much do we really know? Nancy will share her research on the clever little rat and why cats don’t rank. Also, in a shocking and controversial decision, a Michigan Federal Court granted police the right to shoot a dog that moves or barks at them when they are inside a home. The decision stems from an incident in Battle Creek, Michigan where police shot and killed two dogs while executing a search warrant looking for drugs inside a couple’s house. While this doesn’t give permission across the board, it will set a legal precedence in the justice system. One has to ask why such lethal force is necessary? Why won’t a stun-gun or pepper spray suffice? Also, according to a new study from the University of Cambridge, children get more satisfaction from the relationships they have with their pets than with their brothers and sisters. The research also found that many children get along with their pets better than their siblings. While boys and girls were equally satisfied with their pets, girls reported more companionship and conflict with their pet than boys, and girls talks more to their pets. Also, a skin cancer cream that is usually used to cure and prevent skin cancer has killed at least five dogs after they accidentally swallowed it. The FDA is warning pet owners to keep the prescription cream out of reach from pets. It is called Fluorouracil and is sold under the brand names Fluoroplex, Efudex and Carac. Also, the FDA has a new warning for pet owners who smoke saying it’s not just second-hand smoke that’s harmful to pets.  Animals are also at risk for being exposed to third-hand smoke, which includes the residue that lingers on skin, clothes, carpets and other household items that ends up on their fur. Obviously most animals groom themselves, meaning that residue getting transferred from the floor, couch or your hand to their fur – is ingested.