The Most Adorable Detective You’ll Ever Meet Lives Underwater We often think of search-and-rescue heroes as brave dogs sniffing out clues in rubble or skilled divers combing through the water. But one tiny otter is proving that heroes can come in unexpected packages. Meet Splash, a playful 2-year-old Asian small-clawed otter with a very unusual job. Believed to be the nation’s first trained search-and-recovery otter, Splash is helping locate evidence and human remains underwater, providing long-awaited answers and a sense of closure for families. The idea began when veteran search-and-rescue expert Michael Hadsell stumbled across an article about how otters use their remarkable sense of smell underwater. After more than four decades working with search dogs, horses, and drones, he wondered: What if an otter could do the job no one else could? As it turns out, he was onto something. Otters have an extraordinary way of detecting scents underwater. They blow tiny bubbles toward an object and then quickly inhale them, allowing them to pick up odors that would be impossible for humans to detect. Combined with sensitive whiskers and incredible swimming skills, Splash was the perfect candidate for underwater recovery work. Training looked surprisingly familiar. Using positive reinforcement, Hadsell hid scented training objects in a swimming pool, rewarding Splash with his favorite treat whenever he made a successful find. This little otter has excellent taste, too. His reward has to be fresh salmon but only farm-raised. Wild salmon, apparently, just won’t do. An Otter Like No Other
weight management, mental stimulation, and muscle strength. If it’s safe outside, it’s still good to try to get out, do some exercise, and have some real playtime. (And I’m not just referring to pets here!) It’s also very important to protect our paws! Ice melt products can really irritate us, so please be sure to clean off our paws every time we come back indoors. Just as humans may feel stiff or have sore joints in winter, dogs can experience the same problems. If your dog suddenly has trouble jumping up on the couch or going up the stairs, it could be a sign that they’re hurting and should visit Petersen Pet Hospital to make sure everything is okay.
One more thing: Even though it’s winter, it’s still important that dogs keep getting their parasite prevention for fleas, ticks, and
heartworm. Most parasites are less common during the winter months, but they still can be found in homes and other places. By following these tips, you can help keep your dogs healthy, mobile, and active even during the winter. And if you need me over the next couple of months, you can find me outside, enjoying way too much snow!
–Sam Chief Barketing Officer
Thanksgiving Jerky Stuffing for Dogs INGREDIENTS
Splash’s impressive skills quickly moved beyond practice sessions. After only a few months of training, he helped investigators recover a weapon connected to a decades-old murder case. He has since assisted on numerous recovery missions, helping teams locate evidence and human remains that might otherwise have remained hidden forever. Despite his serious work, Splash is still very much an otter at heart. He swims alongside divers wearing a custom harness, eagerly grabs their masks when he’s found something important, and even has
• 1 tbsp olive oil • 6 Sot & Chewy Jerky Strips, chopped into small pieces • 1/2 cup finely chopped celery • 1/2 cup finely chopped carrots • 1/2 cup finely chopped green beans
• 1 cup cooked quinoa or brown rice • 1/2 cup Homestead Turkey Bone Broth for Dogs • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (don’t include if dog is pregnant or has kidney issues)
DIRECTIONS
teammates, affectionately known as the “Otter Spotters,” whose job is to keep him safe from hazards like alligators while he works. Thanks to one inventive trainer and one determined little otter, families are finding answers, investigators are gaining valuable evidence, and the world has one more reason to smile.
1. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. 2. Add jerky, celery, carrots, and green beans. 3. Sauté until softened, around 5–7 minutes. 4. Remove skillet from heat and combine mixture with cooked quinoa or rice in a large bowl. 5. Slowly stir in turkey broth until the mixture is moist but not soggy. 6. Mix in fresh parsley. 7. Allow it to cool and serve a portion appropriate for your dog’s size and dietary needs. ignature Selections
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