Whatever Happened to Darla the Movie Dog After Her Role in “The Silence of the Lambs”?
If you’ve ever seen the psychological thriller The Silence of the Lambs, chances are you remember the sweet little Bichon Frise with the fluffy white coat belonging to the film’s maniacal killer, Buffalo Bill. In real life, Precious, as she was known in the movie, was called Darla, and she had a career beyond the horror movie genre. Photo: Pixabay/Kasman Darla the Dog Born in 1975, Darla lived until 1992 before passing away at roughly 17 years of age. She began her film career in the 1985 comedy Pee-wee’s Big Adventure in...
Rescue Pups Misha and Masha Had 3 Hidden Neighbors! More to the Story…
Not long ago, we brought you a rescue story from Ukraine about two absolutely adorable puppies that were given the names Misha and Masha by their rescuers @lovefurryfriends. The rescue group provided a follow-up story recently concerning the pair and their concern that there could be other members of the litter out there still. Their hunch proved generally correct, and they soon discovered three more pups living in a hole they’d dug not far from where Misha and Masha were found. Photo: YouTube/@lovefurryfriends Rescue Animals The three...
Canine Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome
Canine Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome (CDS) is estimated to affect 14% to 35% of all dogs, although it’s difficult to pinpoint the exact prevalence due to the difficulty in diagnosing and lack of centralized reporting. In a recent report published by the University of Washington’s Dog Aging Project, about 3% of 11,574 dogs had diagnostic scores above the clinical threshold for CDS. Most veterinarians agree that about a third of all dogs will develop some degree of cognitive decline as they age, with perhaps 10% to 20% progressing...
Arctic Wolves Fare Better Due to Extreme Isolation
While there is safety in numbers and wolves are pack animals, it’s the virtual isolation of the arctic or polar wolf that has kept its numbers strong. Living near the arctic circle and Greenland, Canis lupus arctos is one of the few wolf populations with stable numbers, leaving it off any lists pertaining to endangered species. In fact, it’s estimated their numbers are as high as 200,000 in their natural habitat. Photo: Pixabay/clhovious Natural Predators Living their whole lives above the northern tree line in the Arctic tundra...
Surrendered Dog Waits By Shelter Door For Family To Return
Dogs only know one way to love and that is unconditionally. They also would never leave their family – if it was up to them. Sadly, many dogs are abandoned by their families due to no fault of their own. A sweet Australian shepherd named Cubby was surrendered to Noah Project, a no-kill animal shelter in Michigan, when his family could no longer care for him. His heartbreaking reaction was captured on video and shared on the shelter’s TikTok page. Cubby never took his eyes off the door and patiently waited for his family to come...
Study Finds Mammals Living in Groups Have Longer Lifespans
It should probably come as no surprise. As humans, we’ve found safety in numbers and managed to flourish in communities. Going it alone can be tough. In fact, people that find themselves in difficult situations where rescue is imminent are advised to stay with the group rather than strike off alone. To some extent, the same is true for all mammals. At least that’s what recent data suggests. Photo: Pixabay/4931604 Safety in Numbers According to research performed by scientists from China and Australia, mammals that live in groups...
Wooly Animal Hides in Plain Sight In Joshua Tree National Park, Can You Spot It?
National parks are home to thousands of wild animals, but what most visitors may not realize is that most are hiding in plain sight. They are able to watch for predators or hunt prey without being detected thanks to camouflage. The pattern or color of their fur or skin blends in perfectly with their surroundings. While it is difficult to spot them, it is not impossible if you look closely. Joshua Tree National Park shared an image of an elusive animal hiding among the sand-colored rocky landscape. Roughly 100-200 of these wooly animals live...
Watch This Baby Otter Receive Warm Cuddles from a Mama Cat and Her Kittens
There is always that one animal that can instantly soften your heart when you look at them. Whether in person or on the screen, you’d want to give them the coziest hug ever. Baby animals often make humans feel that way, especially pets at home. They know how to win hearts effortlessly — one look is already enough happiness. If one animal can do that, what more are two different species with equal adorable qualities. Social media has a collection of such content, from images to videos. Most of which are animals with their babies....
Keeping the Geriatric Dog’s Brain and Body Fit with Exercise
From improving memory and cognition to strengthening muscles and enhancing quality of life, regular exercise is beneficial to the health and well-being of your geriatric dog. by Laurie McCauley, DVM, DACVSMR, CCRT, CVA, CVC, and Evelyn Orenbuch, DVM, DACVSMR, CCRT, CAVCA We’ve all seen it. The 80-year-old ladies lifting weights, doing Tai chi, going for power walks, staying healthy and mobile. These active octogenarians are striving for not only a long lifespan, but a long healthspan as well. Likewise, our older canine dogs need...
Support more pets and people in your community with this toolkit
One of the main goals of Human Animal Support Services (HASS) is to help keep pets with their people, even during tough times. And since some of the most common reasons animals are surrendered to shelters include issues with housing, lack of access to affordable veterinary care, and the need for behavioral support, HASS has created a Pet Support Services Toolkit to help achieve this goal. Support may include, but is not limited to: telephone response and advice, medical support for owned pets, food and supplies, fence building and pet shelter...
