Humans Might Be Unwittingly Spreading a Mind-Altering Parasite Among Cats, New Study Finds
A new study suggests that humans could be inadvertently fueling the spread of Toxoplasma gondii, a cat-loving parasite known to alter the minds of its hosts. The research reveals that areas densely populated by humans have a higher prevalence of T. gondii in both domesticated and wild cats. As Gizmodo reports, T. gondii, a single-celled parasite, takes a convoluted path to infect its primary host—cats. By manipulating the behavior of intermediate hosts, such as rodents, the parasite increases their vulnerability to predation by cats....
Everything You Need to Know About Pet Food Toppers
Pet food toppers. You’ve heard of them; your dog park pals swear by them; Grandma’s cat is a fan. But you’re wondering: is this (a) a fad; (b) a ploy to get you to spend yet more money on your favorite furry freeloader; or (c) a legitimate pet food option with bona fide benefits? (Hint: the answer is (c).) Here’s everything you need to know about pet food toppers – and why you should add them to your dog or cat’s diet today. Imagine eating the exact same plate of food for every meal. While the simplicity of...
How APA! Gives Behavior Dogs a Second Lease on Love and Life: Sylvester
Jun 23, 2023 Valentine’s Day 2023 will always be special for Jeni Gossard, a volunteer with Austin Pets Alive! (APA!), as it marks the day her adoption of Sylvester, a Chihuahua with a lot of love to give, became official. The journey to this point wasn’t an easy one due to trust and anxiety issues the pup had, but patience, persistence, and APA!’s expert Dog Behavior Program made this “happy beginning” possible. Sometimes perceived behaviors and issues can create barriers to adoption. APA!’s program uses a...
APA! Gives Behavior Dogs a Second Lease on Life: Sylvester
Jun 23, 2023 Valentine’s Day 2023 will always be special for Jeni Gossard, a volunteer with Austin Pets Alive! (APA!), as it marks the day her adoption of Sylvester, a Chihuahua with a lot of love to give, became official. The journey to this point wasn’t an easy one due to trust and anxiety issues the pup had, but patience, persistence, and APA!’s expert Dog Behavior Program made this “happy beginning” possible. Sometimes perceived behaviors and issues can create barriers to adoption. APA!’s program uses a...
Dog Irritated with Owner Sits in Front of TV, Purposely Blocking View of Football Game
The following story was submitted in the Pawsitively Picture Perfect photo 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! Setting the stage – Detroit Lions on television and winning (which is not always the case). Quinn Adele has been in and out several times already before the game started – in preparation for me attempting to watch the game uninterrupted (hahahahahahahaha). DOG. PHOTO: PIXABAY / NICOLAS As you can see by...
Abandoned Emaciated Dog Gives Birth to Eight Puppies, Barely Survives
The following story was submitted in the Pawsitively Picture Perfect photo 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! Lilly is a little dog we took in on the 25 of January 2023. She had wandered into our yard, and we’ve taken care of her ever since. She was skinny, scared. She was so weak and underweight that we couldn’t even get her spayed, as the anesthesia would have killed her. PHOTO: EMILIA DOJCINOVIC And then, we...
Firefighters Rescue Tiny Dog Trapped Behind Toilet
When you’re a firefighter, you never quite know what the day will hold. Firefighters respond to so much more than fires. They help out at car accidents, general emergencies, natural disasters and so much more. Of course, there’s also the stereotype of a firefighter helping a kitten down from a tree. For firefighters with the Woodlands Fire Department in Woodlands, Texas, helping an animal in need isn’t out of the question. Photo: Pixabay/Hilary Clark Recently, they were called to assist an animal with an “unusual...
Young Harvest Has Been Homeless For Far Too Long
This is poor, sweet Harvest. He’s been at the Pima Animal Care Center for nearly a year now, and he sure could use a forever home. Shelter staff at PACC made the following comments about this special fella. Harvest is a handsome pooch who came to the shelter in the fall. Well, autumn came and went, and Harvest is still waiting to find his forever home before another season passes. Photo: Pima Animal Care Center Harvest spent some time in PACC’s decompression program for shy and fearful dogs, gaining confidence and trust in people,...
Stolen Dog Reunites With Owner After 2 Years Apart
A dog who was stolen from his owner over two years ago is finally back home with his family. The dog’s owner, River Woods, shared with The Animal Rescue Site that it all started when someone he knew stole his dog, Bobo, and gave him away. He searched for the dog’s new owner to get him back, but he came up empty handed. Photo: Provided by River Woods Months passed, and eventually a year went by. River was starting to lose hope that he’d ever see his dog again. But then, two years after the dog was stolen, a friend sent River...
5 Low-Cost to No-Cost Ideas for Keeping Kitties Cool This Summer
While cats tend to search out warm, comfy spots in the home, even they can get overheated in the summer. Sometimes you’ll find them curled up in cool bathroom sinks napping in the dark. Or you may discover them splayed on tile floors trying to soak up some of the chill from the ceramic. If you’ve got a putty tat that feels the heat, we’ve got a few low-cost to no-cost ideas for you to try this summer. Photo: Pixabay/Furkiddies Kitty Pops This first one is a variation on doggy pops, only for felines. It entails taking a can...
