Endangered Galápagos Penguins are Swallowing Death One Microplastic at a Time
Microplastics have been discovered accumulating in the bodies of Galápagos penguins, an endangered species. This alarming finding underscores the pervasive nature of plastic pollution, even in some of the world’s most remote and protected environments. Microplastics, tiny particles less than five millimeters in size, have been found from the deepest trenches of the oceans to the peaks of mountains, and now, disturbingly, inside Galápagos penguins. Photo: PexelsMicroplastics are found throughout the Galápagos...
Help Hungry Shelter Pets Score Nutritious Food During The Shelter Bowl
Football fans will spend an average of $115 celebrating this year’s big football game on February 11. That could provide more than 2,000 meals for shelter pets! That’s why Greater Good Charities created the Shelter Bowl, and we need your help to meet our goal of 3 million meals for pets in need. Animal shelters need our help now more than ever. Homeless pets arrive daily at the already overcrowded shelters. Adoptions have declined and the shelters are struggling. Your generous donations can help save lives by not only providing...
Why Dogs and Cats Need Magnesium
Learn what role magnesium plays in your dog’s or cat’s health and when your fur baby might need more of this mineral in their diet. Dogs and cats require many of the same vitamins and minerals as humans, including magnesium. They need this mineral for energy, bone and muscle health, protein synthesis, and more. As such, it’s good to understand how this mineral plays a role in the health of your dog or cat. Let’s explore why animals need magnesium and how you can sneak more into your pup’s or kitty’s diet...
Starving Dog Found On Streets Of Detroit Finally Has Full Belly, Thanks To You
Meet Bert. The 2-year-old dog overcame malnourishment and is living his best life thanks to your generous donations. He is also one of the spokes-dogs for Greater Good Charities’ 9th annual Shelter Bowl to feed hungry shelter pets. Bert was found severely underweight wandering the streets of Detroit looking for food and shelter. He arrived at Friends for Animals of Metro Detroit with a body condition score of 3 out of 9. Photo: Friends for Animals of Metro Detroit The shelter was able to provide nutritious food and constant care to help...
Maddie’s Weekly Roundup: Free HASS Playbook, Holiday Hero Awards and more!
Happy Monday! Below is a brief roundup of resources added over the past week. 5 exceptional animal well-being professionals honored with Holiday Hero Awards, thanks to Maddie Join us for the 2024 Open Arms Challenge! This Challenge is all about opening our hearts and minds to more accessible and The remarkable efforts of five individuals in the animal well-being (welfare) space were each recognized with a Maddie Holiday Hero Award in December. Five organizations each received a $5,000 grant from Maddie’s Fund in honor of these...
11 Times to Try Veterinary Telehealth
Veterinary telehealth is a way for pet parents to access medical care for dogs and cats without having to visit a clinic. While you will still have to take your fur baby to the clinic for some things, here are 11 instances when telehealth can replace an in-person visit. Veterinary telehealth enables veterinarians and clients to connect using phones, video chat, and email. Tele-triage is for people who need basic information or guidance but don’t have a previous relationship with the veterinarian. Telemedicine offers more services...
When Your Dog or Cat Needs a Tooth Extracted
From periodontal disease to crowded teeth, there are various reasons why your dog or cat may need one or more teeth extracted. Find out what they are, and what the procedure entails. Periodontal disease is a very common problem, affecting approximately 70% to 80% of dogs and cats starting at one to three years of age. Neglecting or improperly treating the issue can lead to further disease and more involved treatment, including dental extractions. But periodontal disease isn’t the only problem that can necessitate extraction. Find out...
The Benefits of Random Acts of Kindness, and 50 Ideas to Try Yourself
When you head out to warm up your car in the winter and see a neighbor has brushed the snow off your windshield, or when you’re having a rough day and your friend stops by with a coffee treat, it can bring a smile to your face. Did you know these kind actions are also beneficial for the person doing them, though? Each February, Random Acts of Kindness Day is held on February 17, and Random Acts of Kindness Week prolongs the festivities. Here are some reasons you may want to join in, in addition to making someone else feel important....
Bee Population Crisis Triggers Emergency Endangered Species Act Review
In recent times, the critical condition of pollinators, especially bees, has caught widespread attention due to their indispensable role in both natural ecosystems and agriculture. The honeybee, in particular, stands out for its vital contribution to pollinating numerous crops and wild plants. However, emerging research and environmental petitions indicate that specific bee species, such as the Southern Plains bumblebee, might soon be granted protection under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) owing to significant declines in their numbers....
Our 2024 Promise: We will be vigilant for progress for Austin’s pets
Jan 26, 2024 Last year was extremely challenging for animal shelters in the US, and Austin was no exception. The Austin of yesteryear found tremendous pride in leading the country in No Kill during a time when shelters struggled the most to save the lives of even half of the pets who entered their care. In this new era of humane struggles, where pets are guaranteed not to be killed while other pets are left on the streets, some living in crates for too long, and people struggle to keep their pets without support, our city must take the lead...
