Hundreds of At-Risk Shelter Pets Boarded Flights for a Second Chance in 2022
As 2022 comes to an end, we wanted to look back at the year and share how your support has helped fly over 900 at-risk shelter pets to loving homes on Flights to Freedom. This year has been tough for animal shelters that have seen an increase in surrendered dogs and strays and a decrease in adopters. It has been especially hard for large dogs who are often seen as more work. Every month, along with our partner Greater Good Charities, we take dogs and cats from overcrowded shelters in the South and fly them to shelters with open kennels and...
The Best Christmas Dog Treats
Your dog is most likely enjoying her Christmas treats as much as you enjoy yours! We share a few of our favorite Christmas dog treat recipes and some dog lovers baking gear to kick start your baking. Do you have a dog treat recipe you’d like to share? Comment with your favorite Christmas or holiday dog treat recipes for us — and our pups — to try. Dogster’s favorite Christmas dog treats Peanut Butter Bites Ingredients 3 tablespoons olive oil ¼ cup all-natural smooth peanut butter, no...
Gold Medal Winner, Luke, is a Work in Progress While He Awaits His Forever Home
There is no rhyme or reason why some dogs end up in shelters and rescues. We just have to accept the fact that it happens and pray that they find forever homes sooner rather than later. But part of the problem is that a lot of folks don’t take into consideration the fit of the animal they’re bringing home. And by fit, we mean does the breed’s temperament and needs match your own? Are they a good fit for you and your lifestyle? Chocolate Lab Enter Luke, aka Chocolate Chip, who is looking for his forever home. He’s a...
Two “Wobbly” Kitties Who Lost Their Siblings Are Serendipitously Adopted by the Same Family
Cats, just like people, deserve love and care despite their differences. Their fur color, perceived personalities, or disabilities should not keep them from being adopted into loving homes. Luckily, there are still some humans out there who thoroughly understand these animals’ plight and want to help. Gemma, who lives in the UK with her partner and three cats, perhaps understands these creatures’ situation better than most. She has a few disabilities herself, including Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS), myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME),...
Periodontal disease: the top 3 early signs in dogs
The beginning signs of periodontal disease in dogs can start as early as the age of three. Good oral health is crucial for the overall health of your dog. Having poor oral health can lead your dog to have serious heart, liver and kidney problems, along with eye issues and oral cancer. Are you unsure if your dog is exhibiting signs of periodontal disease? Here are the top 3 early signs to watch out for: 1) Bad Breath Bad breath means that there are too many bad bacteria in your dog’s mouth as a result of a build-up of tartar, which...
Nail Care for Cats
If your cat’s claws get too long, it can cause problems ranging from injury to infection. Regular nail care keeps her comfortable and helps prevent scratches. by Nadia Ali People often bite their fingernails — some occasionally, some out of habit, and some obsessively. Cats do the same thing. You may have seen your own kitty chewing away at her claws as if she’s a professional manicurist. There are reasons why she does this, some that are normal and some that aren’t. Either way, it’s a reminder that proper nail...
The Hawaiian Poi Dog
The Hawaiian Poi Dog (‘īlio in Hawaiian) was a Pariah dog brought to Hawaii more than 1,000 years ago by Polynesian settlers. These island dogs lived amongst the tribes and sometimes played with the Polynesian children. Back then, the Hawaiian Poi Dog was bred to be eaten and was seen as a delicacy. In order to fatten them up, they were fed only poi, which is a granular paste made from the taro root. This vegetarian diet led to the dogs becoming fat and lazy with distended stomachs. They also were given as gifts to children at...
Survey Gauges Insect Population By the Number of Bugs on License Plates, Finds They’ve Gone Down
After a long road trip, the front of your car is generally a bit of a mess, filled with bugs that had the unfortunate luck to slam into your grille, license plate, or windshield. A study out of the United Kingdom has found that fewer bugs are ending up on license plates, and that signals a problem. Results from the 2022 Bugs Matter Survey, in which citizen scientists self-report the number of “bug splats” on their plates after trips, were released this month. The findings, put together by conservation charities Buglife and Kent...
Like a Modern Jurassic Park! Experts Are Ecstatic over the Baby Boom of Near-Extinct Marsupials
“I watched a quoll lead a devil on a merry dance around a carcass — the devil would chase it away — only to beat the devil back to the food to steal a few bites each time,” said Wade Anthony, founder of the Devil’s Cradle animal sanctuary in Tasmania. Anthony was describing an interesting interaction between two feisty, close relatives — a quoll and a Tasmanian devil. The quoll is only half the size of the Tasmanian devil at 33 centimeters, but they share the same running speed of 24 kilometers per hour....
Dog in Horrific Condition Cries After Receiving Sustenance for the First Time in Weeks, but a Happy Ending Was Waiting for Him
After weeks of laying near a fence too weak to move, a sweet dog in horrific condition literally cried in relief after being offered water and food. This is the kind of stuff that makes you want to cry yourself but thank goodness for happy endings! According to the video overlay, neighbors claimed the animal had been lying there for three weeks, trying to stay out of the sun’s glare. They also said that occasionally the owner would provide the dog with some food. Covered in ticks, the poor pup tried to struggle to an upright position...