Did you know that 53 percent of adult dogs and 55 percent of adult cats are considered overweight by their veterinarians? Our pets are there for us through thick and thin, so it's easy to think there's no harm in giving them one more treat. But as pet obesity can cause a myriad of health problems — think: osteoarthritis, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, breathing problems, kidney disease, and shortened life expectancy — that cute belly pudge that your pet is carrying is no longer so, well, cute. The Association for Pet Obesity Prevention has proclaimed today National Pet Obesity Awareness Day, so in support of pups everywhere who need to lose a few, we're breaking down the organization's tips for helping pooches lose weight through walking.

Source: Shutterstock

Some folks believe that shelters only house big, high energy pooches, and while there are plenty of them to go around for people who like the extra activity, some homes can accommodate only pint-sized pups. If your apartment is the perfect sanctuary for a tiny tot, check out your local shelters and rescues before you call up the breeder. You'll be surprised at how many cute and compact canines are in need of an adoring family. It's Adopt a Shelter Pet Month, and while we encourage this practice year-round, here's a sampling of 10 lovable littles that you can find among the thousands of pets awaiting you on Petfinder.

One sad side effect of the nation's economic struggles is the increase in pets showing up at animal shelters, turned in by families who can no longer afford their upkeep. But while most of you said that you'd never give up your fuzzy buddy, even if you faced bankruptcy, it can sometimes feel as though our pets are eating us out of house and home. If you seem to be spending more on pet food than you are on your own food, consider these seven tips to keep your furry friend from ingesting your monthly budget!

Tim Burton's next adorably gruesome animated adventure, Frankenweenie, comes out in theaters today, and I'm totally smitten by Sparky, the pointy-nosed Bull Terrier so loved by little Victor that his buddy brings him back from the dead. He's, of course, adorable when alive, but he's almost more darling in his undead form with a few stitches and missing parts! Resurrected Sparky has now joined a long line of movie critters that aren't real . . . but I wish they were! Check out the others in this slideshow, and chime in with your favorites.

Last week, scientists in Japan released a study demonstrating that viewing images of cute critters can improve concentration. A paper titled "Power of Kawaii" describes experiments in which groups of university students were asked to perform tasks before and after looking at photos of puppies and kittens. Researchers report that "viewing cute images makes participants behave more deliberately and perform tasks with greater time and care."

You heard that right: all that time you spend on PetSugar actually helps you focus on completing the sales report for which your boss is impatiently tapping his toe. So go ahead and click through this slideshow of insanely adorable Instagram fuzzies without fear of wasting valuable time. It's now a work-related activity! You're very welcome.

Fall is just a few short weeks away, and I just can't wait for that crisp, cooling air, the smoky scent of firewood, and crunchy, crackling leaves . . . and many dogs and cats can't either! For some pets, it's enough to feel the soft cushion of fallen leaves beneath their feet. For others, the trees' castoffs become a comfy, seasonal napping spot. Still others just want to dive right into a pile and have some fun! So in celebration of the most colorful of seasons, we bring you pets playing (and lolling) in leaves!

Source: Flickr Users AmandaLouise, mark0978, and Petteri Sulonen

Whether you're unemployed or supported by a regular paycheck, job hunting and blindly sending out résumés can be a tiring and frustrating experience. So when the career gods smile in your direction and provide your dream position at a company where you know an employee, it can feel as though your professional traffic jam just opened onto the six-lane new-job freeway. But before you fire off that "Will you refer me?" email, consider some of these important factors that can make or break your chances at an interview.

Pumpkin may be a great tummy-settler for cats and dogs, but while most pups will down just about any substance (food or otherwise) that you place in their bowls, felines exhibit more discriminating tastes. Fish, cheese, and chicken are, of course, easy sells to a cat's palate, but squash? Often not so much. Nevertheless, these kitties prove that you don't have to eat these Halloween gourds to like pumpkins!

Source: Flickr users AlishaV, impermeableazul, freshpinkpaint, and kaoruokumura

We're fast approaching the spoooookiest time of year, which is a great time to have fun with your furry gremlin, ghoul, or chupacabra. But beyond tricks and treats, October brings adorable new animal film stars and pet photography sensations our way. Have a silly but safe month, and be sure to check out our October must haves!

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There's a reason why celebripup Boo is so darned adorable . . . beyond the fuzzball haircut and cute widdle pink tongue, the social media giant comes from a long line of teeny toy dogs called Pomeranians. These petite personality powerhouses can melt the iciest of hearts with one glance from their big, brown eyes, no matter if they are peeking out of a purse or prancing through the park. We've found some ridiculously awww-dorable Poms that will give Boo and Buddy a run for their money!

Maybe it's the thought of falling leaves, crisp air, and fragrant firewood, but this time of year puts me in an earthy mood. Whether I'm using delicate branches in home decorating or just spending more time in the great outdoors, I can't wait to get my hands on anything ocher, moss, and rusty brown or natural and knotty. And since many of us will spend the greater part of our day tied to our desks, why not bring some of those woodsy tones and natural materials indoors to keep us company while we type, file, and email? Here are some of my favorite desk accessories that will bring Autumn to the office!

At the start of each season, it's so tempting to rush to the farmers market and buy up a bumper crop's worth of produce: buying local fruits and vegetables in season ensures peak flavor and lower prices. But unless you're feeding an army, you may find yourself with more delicious produce than you can consume before the weather changes once again. This Fall, feel free to stock up on an assortment of fruits and vegetables, because we have some tips on how to keep nature's seasonal delights from going to waste before the first frost kicks in!

You've already placed your preorders for Fashion Week goods, so don't leave your pet out of the primping party. If the presence of jacquard-swathed poodles at this year's Mulberry Spring show was any indication, high-end designers are still churning out exquisite accessories for the label-conscious pooch, feline, and dressage mount. Here's a sampling of their finest wares that will keep your pet feeling like more than just a diamond in the ruff.