Alaskapox Virus Takes Its First Human Victim in the Wilds of Alaska
Alaskapox, a virus recently spotlighted by the first known fatal case in Alaska, has sparked attention among health officials and the public. This rare virus primarily affects small mammals but has now been documented in a handful of human cases since its discovery in 2015. It ahas also resulted in one recent fatality, CNN reports an elderly man with an immunocompromised condition due to cancer treatment. Photo: PexelsSmall mammals in Alaska, such as voles and shrews, are natural reservoirs of the virus. Symptoms of Alaskapox Typically,...
8 Ways to Manage a Dog with a High Prey Drive
A dog’s desire to hunt prey is an instinct they would need to survive in the wild. But as domesticated companions, dogs no longer need to hunt food, and a prey drive can cause unwanted behaviors. Here are eight ways to help you manage your dog’s hunting instincts. Although you might find it hard to believe there’s any wolf left in the tiny Chihuahua wearing a sweater sitting in your lap, all dogs still have instincts left over from their wild ancestors—including instincts to hunt and kill. When a dog acts on their prey...
Time Running Out for Earth’s Living Fossils, the Horseshoe Crabs
The American horseshoe crab, a species that has survived for over 450 million years, now faces a dire threat from human activities. Known as “living fossils,” these ancient creatures are essential to coastal ecosystems and biomedical research. However, their numbers have drastically declined, prompting conservation groups to seek protections under the Endangered Species Act. Photo: Wikimedia Commons / Gurpreet Singh RanchiHorseshoe crabs are often harvested for use as bait in fishing industries. Horseshoe Crabs: An Ancient Marvel...
Deadly Discovery — Canine Cop Finds Mummified Monkeys in Luggage
In a startling discovery at Boston’s Logan International Airport, a Customs and Border Protection (CBP) dog named Buddey unearthed something far from ordinary in a passenger’s luggage. CBP canine units like Buddey are critical in safeguarding U.S. borders against the illegal entry of prohibited items, including bushmeat, which poses significant health risks due to potential disease transmission. In this case, Buddey’s training uncovered something no one expected to see: the mummified remains of four monkeys. Photo: U.S....
Elephants At San Diego Zoo Have A Blast Playing In Massive Puddles Caused By Torrential Rainfall
There is something so freeing about playing and singing in the rain, and elephants at the San Diego Zoo agree. San Diego has recently been hammered by heavy rainstorms which have caused massive flooding. The elephants at the zoo are making the best of the situation by playing in the rain. A 12-year-old male African elephant named Nipho was captured splashing in puddles and making happy trumpet sounds as the rain continued to fall. It is clear that he is having the best day. The video was posted on the zoo’s TikTok page with the caption,...
Shelter Pets Are The Winners Of Shelter Bowl With Over 3 Million Meals Donated
We asked for your help to fund 3 million meals for shelter pets during our 2024 Shelter Bowl, and you delivered in a big way. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for helping us fund 3.24 million meals for hungry shelter pets across the country. We exceeded our goal thanks to your support and the partnership with Boehringer Ingelheim and Hill’s Pet Nutrition. Overcrowded shelters are in need of a helping hand, and this will go a long way in feeding and caring for homeless animals. But that’s not all… The two featured...
Pet Cat Could Be Patient Zero in Oregon’s First Human Plague Case in Years
Health officials in Deschutes County, Oregon, confirmed a case of human plague, marking the state’s first such occurrence in eight years. The infection was traced back to a domestic cat, shedding light on the complexities of zoonotic diseases, where illnesses transfer from animals to humans. Photo: PexelsHuman plague infections can arise from contact with infected animals or fleas. The Incident in Deschutes County A resident of this rural area became infected with the plague through their pet cat, which had shown signs of severe...
The Extraordinary Fabric that Supports Canine Joint Health!
Welltex® technology helps support dogs with osteoarthritis, musculoskeletal problems, and sports injuries so that joint pain and discomfort don’t affect their quality of life. Experts estimate that around 20% of dogs experience osteoarthritis or joint discomfort. And the numbers are even higher for athletic/working dogs and seniors. In fact, once a dog reaches eight years old, their chances of developing arthritis could be as high as 80%. Joint discomfort and musculoskeletal problems can impact a dog’s quality of life in many...
This Online Instructor-Led course can increase adoptions by five times
Dog field trips and short-term dog foster homes may be exactly what organizations can do to increase its adoption rates. In fact, a new journal publication finds that shelter dogs who went on field trips were five times more likely to be adopted! Additionally, those who went into short-term foster homes (defined as one to two nights), were more than 14 times more likely to be adopted. The ins and outs of these short-term fostering programs can be learned through the course, Short-Term Foster and Field Trips. This Online Instructor-Led Course...
Kitten Named Tuna is a Catch, and He’s Looking to Reel in a Forever Home
This story was submitted by our shelter friend The Cat House on the Kings. The Cat House on the Kings saves pets’ lives in the Fresno County, California area, and the Animal Rescue Site is proud to share their stories. You can learn more about their work here! A litter of kittens was born as the weather was changing to the cold season, even for the warm Central Valley. They were also born when the holiday seasons get busy and adoptions slow way down. Then there was the issue of being born on a busy highly-traveled street with a speed...
