How Pal, the First-Ever Lassie, Got His Start in Hollywood
According to Showbiz CheatSheet, the original Lassie, a rough border collie named Pal, had a number of behavioral issues and was a failure as a show dog. Described as bored and somewhat maladjusted, his owner wasn’t pleased and Pal found himself in the care of trainer Rudd Weatherwax, who was able to solve the problems by working with the animal. After Pal was returned to his owner, however, his incessant barking irritated them so much that Pal once again found himself in Weatherwax’s care. Lassie, Come Home Somewhere during all...
Talk About a True Life Feel Good Story Just in Time for the Holidays!
If you’re a regular Greater Good reader, chances are you’re looking for uplifting and cheerful content that provides some semblance of a happy ending. This sort of reading material seems harder and harder to come by with everything going on in the world, so you have to get it wherever you can. One additional source besides Greater Good is and always has been Reader’s Digest. While many people might be blown away to know they’re still around, the fact is they are, and they’re still providing content you can count...
True Bromance: FIV+ Besties Firefly & Carson at Purrfect Pals Cat Sanctuary are Ready for Their Forever Home
Firefly and Carson’s story comes to us from our friend Crystal Chiechi, Outreach Manager at Purrfect Pals. When stray 3-year-old brown and white tabby Firefly first arrived at Purrfect Pals Cat Sanctuary in Arlington, Washington, in early 2021, he was safe at last! But something was missing… A good samaritan found Firefly living outside their home and fed him for over a year. They decided to take him to their veterinarian to get neutered in the hopes of making him part of their indoor cat family. While undergoing routine blood...
6 Common Holiday Foods Considered Safe for Dogs on Turkey Day
Turkey Day and the rest of the holidays are just around the corner. You’ve likely got your menu planned out already, and it just as likely includes turkey. You may have even planned on picking up some dog-friendly foods and treats so Fido and Buttercup will have their own spread to feast on. But did you know that there are actually several foods already on your list that are safe for them to eat? It’s true. Many of the staples that usually adorn holiday tables are actually okay for them to eat — in moderation, of course....
3 Things You Need to Know About Senior Dogs and Exercise
Submission Guidelines Thank you for your interest in writing for Animal Wellness. As the #1 natural health magazine for pets in North America, we take pride in providing our readers with the information they need to make wise health care choices for their animal companions. Our publication embraces the entire holistic spectrum, from physical health issues to the emotional and spiritual well being of our animals. We welcome unsolicited articles and story outlines as long as they focus on holistic healing, whether physical, emotional or...
20 Interesting Tidbits You Might Not Know About Cats
Did you know… 1. House cats share 95.6 percent of the same DNA as tigers. 2. Cats are thought to be the only mammals that don’t taste sweetness. 3. Cats do have an extra organ that allows them to taste scents in the air. 4. Kittens are born with closed eyes but they are blue when they finally open. 5. Cats’ collarbones don’t connect to their other bones, as these bones are buried in their shoulder muscles. Photo: Pixabay/congerdesign 6. Cats have 230 bones, while human beings only have 206. 7. A cat’s average...
Xoloitzcuintli: the History of One of Nature’s Most Unusual Dog Breeds
Descended from hairless dogs prized by the Aztecs and Maya, and revered as guardians of the dead, the more than 3,000-year-old Xoloitzcuintli (pronounced sho-lo-eats-queent-lee) is recognized as one of the oldest and rarest dog breeds on the planet. Also known as Mexico’s national dog, the hairless Xolo has smooth, close-fitting skin that’s thick to the touch. Their hairlessness is the result of a genetic mutation. The unique animals come in three sizes, and there is even a coated variety with short, flat fur. Either type can be...
For the Love of Fostering: Anna’s Story
Anna’s Story by Oana Stratman I’ve been fostering for a couple of years now. To date, I’ve fostered five dogs, but Anna was my first. As a registered nurse, I had changed to a non-bedside/non-hospital job just as the pandemic was ramping up. I felt extremely guilty about not being able to contribute to the community by taking care of patients, so I wanted to find a different way of giving back. Enter Anna. Photo: Oana Stratman Fostering Saves Lives Anna had been found in the parking lot of a grocery store after being hit by...
A Few Facts About the Dog that Played Eddie on “Frasier”
Did you know that Eddie the dog regularly received the most fan mail on the TV series Frasier? He was also the only member of the popular cast to appear on the cover of Entertainment Weekly. Eddie was originally portrayed by a Jack Russell terrier named Moose, whose family in Florida gave him up because of his extremely rambunctious and mischievous nature. He reportedly dug holes in the backyard, chased anything in his path, chewed furniture, and even climbed trees to escape his enclosure on multiple occasions. Basically, he was hell on...
5 Ways Your Animal Shelter Can Facilitate Mutual Aid to Keep Pets in Homes
In a previous blog, we got into the 101 of what animal mutual aid is and how it harnesses the will of your community to keep people and pets together. The short version, to save you a click: Mutual aid is when people get together to meet each other’s basic needs. Animal mutual aid is when people help each other with pet-related challenges—and in so doing, keep families together and pets from entering the sheltering system when they don’t have to. This can happen in any number of ways—think taking care of a...
