The Best Friends 2021 national dataset has arrived
This month, Best Friends Animal Society published its 2021 dataset. While there were some setbacks, there is plenty to be optimistic about. In 2021, the save rate increased from 79% to 83%. According to its blog, “The number of animals who didn’t leave shelters alive ticked up by only 2.3% to 355,000 in 2021, which shows that we are trending toward something resembling normality. The latest dataset also shows intake rising by 8.1%.” Given that many shelters were forced to close to the public or limit access in 2020 due to...
Cute Dog Makes Its Owner’s Food Business Boom by Doing the Delivery Service
Yes, times have been hard even for New York City due to the coronavirus pandemic. Its owner’s struggles and heartaches are a dog’s pain, too. (Who wouldn’t feel the actual stress and sadness when all that the two of you have been eating during the lockdown were sardines and oatmeal?) But, with the lockdown already over, now is the opportunity to fully support its owner who happens to own a small fast food store! Photo: Instagram Video/dogsofinstagram This Golden Retriever would be more than happy to help! Well, not in...
This Shelter Started a Lost and Found Texting Program and Got Twice as Many Dogs Home
About a year and a half ago, Greenville County Animal Care in South Carolina set up a lost and found pets texting program. People who’ve lost a pet text the word LOST to 864-467-3950, and receive an instant reply with information about how to file a lost pet report, and other steps to help locate the missing pet. Those who’ve found a pet text the word FOUND to the same number. “We’ll text you all of the information and tips you need to help you reunite the cat or dog you found with its lost owner!” GCAC...
Disaster in the air? Put your dog in good care.
If disaster strikes, do you have a plan for your pet? There are no shortage of stories of groups having to come into a disaster zone to rescue animals. It’s important to have a plan. Setting the Scene: In late August of 2005, Hurricane Katrina struck the Gulf Coast, creating irreparable damage to thousands of lives, homes, buildings, and animals. As a society, we learned a lot from the insufficient preparation for and handling of the natural disaster. Specifically, we learned how to better approach the care of pets during emergency...
Adopting a special needs animal
If you’re thinking of adopting a dog or cat with special needs, know that you’re an awesome human being! But there are a few things to consider before you take that step. Here’s how to help ensure the best possible outcome for both you and your new best friend. When visiting the shelter, many people overlook animals with special needs. From deaf cats to three-legged dogs, animals with disabilities, chronic diseases, and various behavioral issues are languishing at shelters and rescues, just waiting for the right person to...
Young Woman Reunites with Her Chihuahua Two Years after a Friend Told Her that the Dog Died
What is the importance of a dog microchip? It can lead your dog back into your life even after it has been gone for years. Such is the story of Maile Trist, who did not even lose her dog. She was the victim of a vicious lie that was concocted by a “friend”. Photo: Facebook Video/Cowley County Humane Society That friend told her that her beloved Chihuahua had died, and Trist spent the next two years grieving. Trist adopted her dog, Jazzy, from a humane society when she was still living in California. She was just in high school...
“Psychologically-Disturbed” Dog Dumped by a Cruel Animal Research Lab on the Street
The attention of the shelter workers at the Seal Beach Animal Care Center was caught by a pure-bred husky which appeared like it was living on the street as a stray. Yet, there was something else in its eyes that reflected deep loneliness, fear, wariness, and distrust of people who wanted to help it, Photo: YouTube/Beagle Freedom Project But, he did not look like an ordinary homeless dog and so the shelter workers took him in to feed and care for it while they search for its owner. After scanning for a microchip, they were shocked to find out...
Do dogs and toddlers mix?
The short answer is yes, but when dogs and toddlers spend time together, it’s vitally important to make safety a top priority. Dogs and toddlers can be great pals. Some canines are naturally easy-going around young children — but others are afraid or even anxious, especially if the youngsters are active and noisy (and most are!). So it’s important to consider the safety of both dogs and toddlers when they’re in the same vicinity, especially when family and friends are visiting and your dog might already be a bit...
The Monday and Friday National Calls are merging and we need your input
Beginning in July, we will combine Monday’s Shelter and Rescue Support call with Friday’s Animal Welfare Leadership Roundup call. These collaborative calls have been so invaluable to many, and they’re about to get even better. These calls will give your organization space to interact with other subject matter experts, review groundbreaking research, discuss operational challenges, and more. We’re all leaders in this space and know we work best when we have folks from all levels, backgrounds and experiences at the...
Maddie’s Weekly Roundup: Pet support services, National Call update and more!
Happy Monday! Below is a brief roundup of resources added over the past week. Implement pet support services with this free courseLooking to add more pet support services for your community? Maddie’s® University’s free, self-paced course, Pet Support Services, is for you! By offering pet support services, you will help keep pets with their families and out of your shelter. Pet Support Services programs are not hard to implement; you can start by retraining your current… Learn More The Best Friends National...
