Here’s a summary of the article:

The article discusses a new AI-powered app called CatsMe! that can detect signs of pain in cats by analyzing their facial expressions. Key points include:

1. Developed by Carelogy and researchers from Nihon University in Japan.
2. Uses AI trained on expert-labeled cat facial images.
3. Claims over 95% accuracy in detecting pain signs.
4. Downloaded by more than 200,000 users in 50 countries.
5. Aims to help pet owners identify pain that cats often conceal.
6. Users can upload a photo of their cat’s face, and the app categorizes pain levels as “none, mild, or severe” in 10 seconds.
7. Offers features like multiple cat tracking, trend analysis, and an AI chatbot for insights.
8. Designed to assist pet owners in deciding when to seek veterinary care.
9. The company aims to democratize healthcare for animals.

The article emphasizes the app’s potential to help recognize and treat pain in cats, which are known to hide signs of discomfort as a survival instinct.

Original Article Here 

Today marks a special day for me – I have joined up with the local animal shelter as a volunteer. The shelter is the Forsyth County, Winston-Salem, NC shelter. 

Since I am not on the road, I do have a lot of free time. Plus, this is the same shelter my wife has been volunteering at for the past 12.5 years. 

I have been around dogs all my life. From my earliest memories from childhood, spanning my USAF service where I was a Military Working Dog handler and trainer, as well as the now – there has been a dog (and at times a cat) in my life and family as long as I can remember. 

There is plenty to do there. It is quite a large shelter and help is so needed. I made one of 5 new volunteers on orientation today. I do have a gait and balance issue so not sure how many dogs I will walk but there is kennel cleaning, cleaning the dishes, doing laundry, and helping families meet and greet their new pet. 

So stay tuned and lets all get to volunteering.