Scientists at a biotech company have used gene editing to create two hypoallergenic beagles that don't trigger allergies. Using a Nobel Prize-winning editing tool called CRISPR, they switched off a gene that produces the main allergy-causing protein in dogs. The pups Alfie and Bailey were born healthy and are still going strong almost two years later. It'll take years before such pooches could be available at pet stores because scientists need to make sure the approach is safe and affordable. It's the first time this technique has been successful in dogs. Findings were published on Wednesday in the CRISPR Journal.

In parts of the U.S. where venomous snakes are more common, training programs aim to protect pets from getting bitten. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals says up to 150,000 dogs are bitten by poisonous snakes each year. One emergency vet in Tucson, Arizona, says her hospital treats four to six dogs for rattlesnake bites daily, and the occasional cat. With quick treatment, the survival rate for pets is 94%. Snake-avoidance trainers say using electronic collars sparingly teaches pets not to approach poisonous snakes. The ASPCA says the collars should be used under the guidance of a knowledgeable trainer. Other steps to avoid pet-snake interactions include trimming back undergrowth and learning about snakes in your area.

Earlier this year, the Venerable Bhikkhu Pannakara, a Buddhist monk from Texas, led a Walk for Peace with an international group of monks and his rescue dog, Aloka. The 2,300-mile journey started in Fort Worth and ended in Washington, D.C. Pannakara’s discourses on mindfulness and message of nurturing inner peace drew large crowds. Millions from around the world followed online. His popularity continues to grow, with some comparing him to the Dalai Lama and the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. Pannakara says he doesn’t care for the attention. He is focused on doing more peace walks and completing a $200-million initiative to enshrine the Buddha's teachings in stone shrines on the Fort Worth temple's campus.

Hong Kong has relaxed a decades-old rule, allowing dogs in over 900 approved restaurants. Since 1994, only guide dogs and those on duty were allowed. The change, effective Thursday, aims to promote a pet-friendly culture. In recent years, some ferries, metro trains, and public hospitals have also become more pet-inclusive. Kelvin Chan, owner of Wan Land Cafe, welcomes the change, hoping it fosters a more inclusive society. Dog owners are even attending "dog dining etiquette workshops" to prepare. Owners must follow guidelines, like keeping dogs on leashes. Some eateries have invested in pet-friendly facilities, hoping for increased business.