Well, I guess it’s official: I’m now “blue in the face.”  The kind of blue that frustrated people get when they’ve said something so many times, they say they’ve done it ‘til they’re “blue in the face.” Recently, I received an email from someone who reads my commentaries on one of the many online platforms that …

Your weirdest food dreams (or nightmares) have officially come true.

Some 1,400 Catholics donning rainbow attire and carrying crosses are taking part in the first officially recognised LGBTQ+ pilgrimage to Rome as part of the Vatican's Jubilee Year. Coming from 20 countries, pilgrims are attending prayer vigils, masses and other activities this weekend - though they will not have a private audience with Pope Leo XIV. His predecessor Pope Francis, who died in April, did not change the Roman Catholic Church doctrine regarding the LGBTQ+ community - but made...

A longstanding peace vigil opposite the White House has not been dismantled despite President Donald Trump‘s insistence that it be removed. On Monday morning, the anti-war encampment and two spokespeople manning it were still in Lafayette Park, the Washington Examiner found. A spokeswoman claimed that the Trump administration removed part of the vigil on Friday after Trump said to “take it down.” The vigil features several anti-war and anti-Trump signs and a large...

President Donald Trump addressed the brutal murder of a Ukrainian woman on the Charlotte metro during remarks Monday. Authorities released surveillance footage Friday morning showing Iryna Zarutska boarding the Lynx Blue Line in Charlotte, North Carolina, at 9:46 p.m. on August 22. Decarlos Brown Jr., 34, pulls out a pocket knife and stabs her three times just minutes later, WBTV reported. Trump indicated that he had seen the footage Monday, as he continues his focus on...

It's safe to say that most veterinarians go into animal medicine because they love animals and want to help them. But in the day-to-day business of doing exams, treating various medical conditions, and helping pet owners through agonizing decisions about their companions' end-of-life care, the pure joy of simply loving on an animal can get lost. But as one vet demonstrates, veterinary care sometimes means providing some personal cuddle comfort. Dr. Kris Vine, a vet in Las Vegas, was captured giving a new patient—a scared Chihuahua-Dachshund mix—some pets and reassurance in the middle of his exam. "My new patient was scared to get his vaccines so I had to give him some lov'n between each one," Dr. Vine wrote. "He did good." @dr.vinethevet my hope is to make your pet’s visit as comfortable as possible. #fypage #dog #veterinarian #doctor #pets #fypシ゚viral The doggo puts his paws up on Vine's chest and nuzzles his little face into him, and we can see by the tail between his legs that the poor thing is terrified. But he finds comfort in Vine's soothing strokes. “I’m not only their doctor, but their safe space as well," Vine tells Upworthy.Vine's hope is to make the animals in his care as comfortable as possible, and people are loving seeing his genuine, patient compassion for the frightened pup. "Perfect example of real compassion a person has inside of them both for himself and his job," wrote one person. "So touching.""Omg why can’t all vets AND groomers be like this?!!! ?," wrote another. "I dropped my last groomer cause I didn’t like the tone she used with my baby.""It is good to receive love ❤️ to help get through our fears ❤️?," shared another. We all do better with a little comfort. Photo credit: CanvaIt's so true. Lots of animals are afraid to go to the vet, especially if they associate it with something painful or negative. Having a caring, compassionate vet who goes out of their way to provide comfort to a frightened furry friend can make a big difference in how an animal feels about vet visits. To be fair, vet visits can be scary. Plenty of humans have anxiety about going to the doctor even when we fully understand why we need to go. For an animal, it's just an unfamiliar place with strange smells and harsh lighting where someone pokes and prods them without their consent. Many pets have to be put into a carrier and ride in the car to go to the vet, which may cause them stress. Vets can do a lot to ease an animal's fears, but owners can do even more at home beforehand to prepare their pet for a vet visit. PetLife Animal Hospital recommends these steps to help animals feel more at ease about going to the vet:1. Make Car Rides PositiveIf your pet only goes in the car to visit the vet, they may associate car rides with fear. Take them on short, enjoyable rides and reward them with praise or treats afterward to help break the negative association. Getting your pet into the car is a lot easier if they have positive associations with it.Photo credit: Canva2. Turn the Carrier into a Comfort ZoneKeep the pet carrier out at home—not just when it’s time to leave. Line it with soft blankets, place treats inside, and let your pet explore it at their own pace. This turns the carrier into a familiar, safe space.3. Schedule “Happy Visits”Stop by your local vet office or animal hospital just to say hello! Let your pet meet the team, get a treat, and leave. No needles. No exams. Just good vibes and friendly faces.4. Stay Calm and ConfidentYour pet looks to you for cues. If you’re calm and positive, it helps them feel safe. Use a cheerful voice, avoid rushing, and reassure them with gentle touches.5. Talk to Your Vet About Extra HelpSome pets need a little more support. Ask about calming sprays, anxiety-reducing supplements, or even prescription options if needed. Vet visits can be stressful, but there are steps to make them easier for everyone.Photo credit: CanvaMaking sure our pets get the medical and emotional care they need is an important part of pet ownership. Finding a caring vet is a big part of fulfilling those responsibilities, so thanks to Dr. Vine for setting such a beautiful example. You can follow Dr. Vine on TikTok.