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Do animals feel shame or are they faking it? An expert unmasks what dogs and cats may really feel

Whether you’re a fan of dogs or not, chances are you’ve seen “dog shaming” online. It is the meme-able, viral trend of photographing one’s dog next to handwritten signs in which the pups “confess” to their real-life misdeeds. Such canine crimes include barking too loudly, biting strangers, eating remote controls, stealing cookies from children and peeing on a Virgin Mary statue....

Originally posted on salon.com

Is it ethical to eat octopuses? An acclaimed octopus expert and marine biologist weighs in

Whether grilled, on sushin or mixed into stir fry or ceviche, there are many ways to consume octopus. But given their well-known, almost human-like intelligence, it begs the question: is it ethical to eat eight-legged cephalopods?

“You can’t draw a sharp line of saying, ‘Well, I would eat a clam, but I never eat an octopus, and neither should anyone else,’ because there’s a continuum there.”

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Originally posted on salon.com

Being a stray is no laughing matter: Experts say abandoned dogs experience genuine PTSD

Comedians Will Ferrell and Jamie Foxx voice adorable canines in the upcoming summer comedy “Strays.” As the title suggests, “Strays” is the story of a pack of dogs who decide to get revenge against one of their former owners (Will Forte) for abandoning them. While I won’t dare spoil the method that those dogs select as an appropriate punishment, it should not be a spoiler to reveal that the underlying subject matter behind “Strays” is far from comical....

Originally posted on salon.com