Karen Fine DVM

08/25/2025

Love Sy Montgomery!

Dear Friends,
Since publishing The Soul of an Octopus in 2015, remarkable new discoveries have deepened our understanding of these extraordinary beings. In my newest book, Secrets of the Octopus, I share the latest research into their intelligence, surprising behaviors, and stories that continue to astonish me even after decades of study.

This book is also filled with some of the most stunning underwater photographs I have ever seen, thanks to the brilliant team at National Geographic. And in the back of the book, you’ll find 15 beautifully written species profiles contributed by OctoNation’s founder, Warren Carlyle, a true champion for octopus education.

I’m delighted to let you know that OctoNation has a limited number of autographed copies available. If you’d like a signed edition for your shelf or to give to another ocean lover, now’s your chance.

Available here Only: SecretsOfTheOctopus.com

With love and gratitude for your shared admiration of the wild and mysterious!

Sy

07/19/2025

Ooh, not good

➡️ Patreon.com/ScottMetzgerCartoons

06/19/2025

Happy Juneteenth! 🎉 Commemorating June 19, 1865, when the last enslaved African Americans in Texas were freed—marking end of slavery in the U.S. A day of freedom, reflection, and celebration.
#2025

06/19/2025

How adorable is this

Just like our ocean friends, we know that diversity makes the world a brighter, more beautiful place. This month (and every month), we’re celebrating love, identity, and being your true, authentic self — no matter how you swim through life. 🏳️‍🌈

06/12/2025

Why the long face?

06/12/2025

Time to put health before looks

🐾 A Historic Win for Dog Welfare in the Netherlands! 🇳🇱🐶

"Short-nosed pedigree dogs can finally breathe a sigh of relief."

On June 4, 2025, the Amsterdam District Court ruled that the Dutch kennel club, Raad van Beheer, must stop issuing pedigrees for 25 flat-faced dog breeds unless there is proof of legal, welfare-compliant breeding.

These breeds — including French Bulldogs, Pugs, Boxers, Shih Tzus, and more — are often bred with excessively short snouts, causing lifelong health issues like:
🔹 Breathing difficulties
🔹 Eye and dental diseases
🔹 Skin fold infections
🔹 Hernias and birthing complications

📣 “That pedigree wrongly gives buyers the idea that they are buying a healthy dog,” said Dr. Kelly Kessen from Dier&Recht, the animal rights organization that filed the complaint.

From now on:
✔ Pedigrees can only be issued if both parent dogs meet minimum muzzle-length standards, confirmed by a vet.
❌ If they don't, no pedigree will be granted.
💶 A fine of €2,500 per unlawful pedigree will be enforced.

This landmark ruling sets a new legal and ethical precedent and we hope it will inspire similar action across Europe to protect the health and welfare of dogs over harmful appearance-based breeding.

📄 Full verdict (PDF):https://www.dierenrecht.nl/sites/default/files/2025-06/vonnis.pdf
📢 Press release: https://www.dierenrecht.nl/persberichten/rechtbank-verbiedt-misleidende-stamboomhandel

🛑 It's time to put health before looks — no dog should suffer for fashion.

06/08/2025

If you get a dog from a breeder and you don’t go to their home, the dog may have come from a place like this. These “breeders” will meet you at an airport or a parking lot or even a pick-up facility. If they refuse to allow you to see where the puppy came from, it’s a warning sign.

06/07/2025

Love this!

06/03/2025

How cute is this?

04/15/2025

Amazing

04/09/2025

Good news!

Great news for animals - two new protection laws go into effect today!

The first is the ban of cats from being declawed, except if medically necessary.

The second prohibits the sale, offer to sell, exchange, trade, barter, lease or transfer for permanent physical placement a dog or cat that is less than 8 weeks of age, AND states that dogs and cats cannot be sold, offered to sell, exchange, trade, barter, lease or transferred on any roadside, public right-of-way, parkway, median, park or other recreation area, flea market or other outdoor market or commercial or retail parking lot.

Thank you to everyone who helped with the passage of these laws. If you are interested in animal advocacy, join our MSPCA Animal Action Team Facebook group and by signing up at mspca.org/jointheteam.

Learn more about these new laws here:https://www.mspca.org/animal_protection/past-legislative-successes/

03/16/2025

BIRD FLU: Keep cats safe! Cats are very susceptible to H5N1, also known as bird or avian flu, but at this time the overall risk for exposure and infection is believed to be low. The virus has ravaged poultry farms, leading to the mass killing of over 150 million birds. Now, it's been detected in dairy cows, cats—even humans.

Signs of H5N1 infection in cats:
⛔ Respiratory problems like coughing, sneezing, nasal discharge, trouble breathing
⛔ Lethargy
⛔ Neurological disorders, such as disorientation or trouble walking
⛔ Sudden onset of severe disease or death without prior signs of illness or injury

Share this graphic to keep pets safe and read more at aspca.org/birdfluandcats 🧡