Weekly News Roundup 1/24 to 1/30

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Delta Air Lines launches new pet travel option

Delta Air Lines is introducing an upscale alternative for four-legged travelers: a pet carrier with GPS tracking and a built-in water bowl and triple-locking door. At $850 one way, the elaborate new crate—the CarePod—for the cargo hold isn’t cheap. But it does come with industrial-strength walls and “specially angled blinds to help create a calming environment for pets,” the Atlanta-based airline announced last week. The launch of the CarePod follows Delta’s decision in 2016 to stop accepting pets as checked baggage after facing criticism for pet deaths in checked carriers. . . . more

CSU gets gift to open research center on cannabis compounds

A research center at Colorado State University (CSU) dedicated to studying the chemical compounds in hemp is expected to open this spring. The announcement comes after the university received a $1.5 million donation from a Golden, Colorado–based company that makes products out of cannabidiol (CBD), a chemical found in hemp. The money would be used to fund research, cover operating costs, and purchase equipment, university officials said. The facility would allow faculty and undergraduate and graduate students to study the formulation of CBDs, separation efficiencies, efficacy testing, and more. . . . more

American Humane calls for veterinary hero nominations

American Humane has announced that nominations are now open for its seventh annual Hero Veterinarian and Hero Veterinary Nurse Awards. The winners will travel to Los Angeles to be honored as part of the tenth annual American Humane Hero Dog Awards gala in September, which will air on the Hallmark Channel this fall. Professionals from all fields of veterinary medicine are eligible for entry, including those who work in research, emergency services, shelters, and large-, companion-, and exotic-animal settings. Five finalists will be selected in each category by a panel of judges consisting of veterinary professionals, celebrities, and animal-care professionals. . . . more

University of Wisconsin School of Veterinary Medicine staff and patient to star in Super Bowl commercial

When clinicians at the University of Wisconsin School of Veterinary Medicine began caring for Scout, a seven-year-old golden retriever in July 2019, they had no idea they would soon inspire, and appear in, a Super Bowl commercial. But they had a canine star on their hands, and a very appreciative client who set in motion the ad’s production. When Super Bowl LIV airs this Sunday, February 2, Scout will appear alongside members of the school’s faculty and staff who have been part of his cancer treatment journey. The new 30-second commercial, titled “Lucky Dog,” will air during the game’s second quarter and was paid for by WeatherTech, manufacturer of automotive accessories and home and pet care products. Scout is a member of the family of WeatherTech founder and CEO David MacNeil. . . . more

Man quits job, sells possessions to travel the world with a ferret

Charlie Hammerton, 25, was grieving following the deaths of his best friend, his mother, and his adopted mom, all of which occurred in just one year. In a bid to feel more positive, he decided to travel the world with his “best pal,” rescue ferret Bandit. He quit his job and sold his three cars and almost all of his possessions, drumming up $19,585 for his dream trip and a campervan. The inseparable pair traveled for eight months, driving through 11 countries, from the Arctic Circle to southern Italy. . . . more

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