Cat That Went Missing Over the Summer Finds His Way Home for the Holidays
The following story was an entrant in the Tales of Summer Tails Photo and Story contest. The top three finishers received $500 in cash, as well as $2,000 in cash and supplies for their favorite shelter. To read more stories, click here! Reese is an indoor/outdoor cat that enjoys hanging out at a pool, even stepping onto a wet pool ledge to drink! Reese will walk down to the pool with me and chase flying insects and butterflies, or simply lay around and watch me swim. PHOTO: DEBORAH LYNCH One time, Reese started pacing back and forth, meowing,...
‘Forever Chemicals’ Contaminate Every Continent, Endangering Wildlife Worldwide
The menace of “forever chemicals” is wreaking havok on our natural world. While the impact of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) on human health is well-documented, a recent study has revealed the alarming toll these toxic compounds are taking on wildlife across the globe. Photo: PexelsPFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, have profound effects on wildlife. PFAS: An Unseen Peril What are PFAS? PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are synthetic fluorinated chemicals that have been manufactured since the...
7 Dog Breeds Prone To Deafness
Deaf Dog Awareness week is always the last full week of September. Deafness in dogs is more common than you may realize, especially among certain breeds. Dr. George M. Strain, former veterinarian and researcher at the School of Veterinary Medicine at Louisiana State University, discovered, “8% of all dogs in the US are bilaterally deaf and 22% are unilaterally deaf”. Photo: Pixabay Any dog can have congenital deafness (present at birth or shortly after) but breeds with white pigmentations are at a higher risk. Multiple studies...
Nature’s Witnesses to Nuclear History: These Animals Still Carry Radiation
The echoes of humanity’s nuclear legacy resonate far and wide, leaving an indelible mark on some of the most unsuspecting creatures across the globe. From the lush Pacific waters of Enewetak Atoll to the dense forests of Bavaria, the chilling consequences of nuclear testing and disasters are surfacing in the animal kingdom. As National Geographic reports, four animals in particular—Sea Turtles of Enewetak Atoll, Wild Boars of Bavaria, Reindeer of Norway, and Macaques of Japan—carry a radioactive legacy. Photo:...
Data Insight: Microchips Work and They Could Work Better (Part II)
Does your shelter know how much of your lost/stray intake has a microchip already when it arrives? Many shelters don’t know, but this small data detail can offer big benefits in improving your Return to Home (RTH) rates. A key point to this article is that while we tend to focus on their intended end result—more happy stories of families reconnected with beloved lost pets—microchips, and the data associated with them, are also useful in managing shelter operations. Readers should also note that this post can be applied...
Is There a Connection Between Diet and Dementia in Dogs?
Also called canine cognitive dysfunction (CCD), dementia in dogs is a common disorder among seniors. Here’s how to recognize the signs in your own dog, and how diet may help support her brain as she ages. If your dog is getting old, you may have seen changes in her behavior. Perhaps she’s gradually losing her house training, is more lethargic than usual, or sometimes seems lost and confused. She may have canine dementia, more accurately termed canine cognitive dysfunction (CCD). This article takes a comprehensive look at CCD and...
Husband and Wife Build Elaborate Catio, and Their Cats Can’t Get Enough of It
The following story was an entrant in the Tales of Summer Tails Photo and Story contest. The top three finishers received $500 in cash, as well as $2,000 in cash and supplies for their favorite shelter. To read more stories, click here! We have several kitties in our fur family who love the great outdoors, but we chose not to allow them to roam our neighborhood. Instead, my husband and I decided to add a “catio” to our backyard garden. PHOTO: JULIA VIGER We made short work of designing it. It has plenty of room for garden seating...
Kitten Has ‘Accident’ When She First Meets New Human, Who Takes Her Home Anyway
The following story was an entrant in the Tales of Summer Tails Photo and Story contest. The top three finishers received $500 in cash, as well as $2,000 in cash and supplies for their favorite shelter. To read more stories, click here! This is my special little tabby cat I named Little Shitz. You may be wondering why I named such a sweet, innocent-looking kitty that. PHOTO: ANGELA ARTHURS Well, she was brought home to me as a stray that had wandered into a tractor supply and repair shop. I couldn’t resist picking her up and holding...
Yellowstone Grizzly Bear Sprints Away From Charging Animal In Rare Footage Captured By Guide
Grizzly bears are fierce predators who rarely back down to another animal. However, there are instances when the bear’s survival instincts kick in and it realizes it is better to run than fight. Bo Welden, a guide for Jackson Hole EcoTour Adventures, witnessed a rare moment during one of his tours and captured it on video. He took to Instagram to share the amazing footage and asked, “What animal do grown grizzly bears run from?” Some of his followers guessed another grizzly bear, pack of wolves, wolverine, moose, and even...
What Causes Hearing Loss in Dogs?
The last full week of September is National Deaf Dog Awareness Week. Veterinarians shed light on the causes, challenges, benefits, and how to spot a dog experiencing hearing loss. Deaf dogs make great pets who are trainable through visual cues and some even compete in dog sports. Read on to learn what causes hearing loss and signs your dog may be experiencing it. Photo: Pixabay What Causes Deafness in Dogs? American Kennel Club shares that deafness in dogs is either inherited or acquired. “It is estimated that about 5 to 10 percent of...
