Short and digestible online courses for animal organizations available through Austin Pets Alive!
If your animal organization is looking to elevate the quality of care you provide and improve job satisfaction for staff, the Training and Education Center at Austin Pets Alive! may be just what you are looking for. The courses are broken up into chapters, which can be completed in 8-12 minutes. Combined with quick video demonstrations, printable infographics and interactive presentations, the courses keep learners engaged. There are currently six offerings available, with more planned for the future. The classes are available for a small fee...
Skinny Pup Rescued From the Streets, Learns How to Become a Dog Thanks to New Canine Sister
The following story was submitted to the From Woofs to Wonders Photo and Story contest. The top three finishers received a $250 Animal Rescue Site store shopping spree, as well as $2,000 in cash and supplies for their favorite shelter. To read more stories, click here! Astrid was saved by Shenandoah Shepherd Rescue when she and her companion were tossed away like trash to roam the streets of Texas. PHOTO: JENNIFER LANGENOHL She was incredibly skinny, and you could tell she was much more comfortable outside than she was inside a home, which...
Light Pollution is Drawing Migrating Birds to Cities, Placing Them in a Possible ‘Ecological Trap’
According to the Audubon Society, at least 4,000 bird species migrate every year. They typically do so to get to food in winter months and then to get back to their nesting habitat in the spring. The journey can be substantial, with the most extreme case involving the Arctic tern, which travels from pole-to-pole every year. Along the way, the need to stop and rest arises, and a new study finds the light in urban environments may draw birds to it, putting them at risk. Research recently published in Nature Communications used weather radar...
Rare Twin Elephant Captivates Internet with His Viral Selfie Skills
Yaad, a one-year-old Asian elephant, has become an internet sensation after his “elfie” (elephant selfie) went viral. Residents at the Rosamond Gifford Zoo in Syracuse, New York, Yaad and his twin brother, Tukada, have been in the limelight since their historic birth, a rare event given that twin elephant births constitute only 1% of all elephant births globally, ABC News reports. Photo: X / Rosamond Gifford ZooAsian elephants are a keystone species, playing a crucial role in maintaining the biodiversity of the ecosystems they...
Pet Theft Is On The Rise This Year — Here’s How To Safeguard Your Companion Animals
Each year, an alarming trend surfaces with millions of pets being stolen across the United States, with only a small percentage fortunately reunited with their families, reports Met Life Pet Insurance. Recognized annually on February 14th, Pet Theft Awareness Day serves as a critical reminder for pet owners to take proactive steps in protecting their furry companions. Photo: PexelsPet theft affects millions globally. Why Are Pets Stolen? The motives behind pet theft are diverse, ranging from the desire to sell popular breeds for profit, to...
Data Insight: The Potential Power of Intake Data to Keep Pets with Families
One of the sadder things we see in shelter intake lobbies is when someone arrives to surrender the beloved pet of a deceased family member or of a loved one unable to care for a companion. HASS believes there are other solutions to consider before a shelter surrender, especially in sensitive moments such as these, that can benefit both the family in need and a shelter’s ability to manage intake in a positive way. But how can shelters still support this need? It begins with intake data. At HASS, it’s increasingly clear there...
Understanding Fall Allergies in Dogs
Submission Guidelines Thank you for your interest in writing for Animal Wellness. As the #1 natural health magazine for pets in North America, we take pride in providing our readers with the information they need to make wise health care choices for their animal companions. Our publication embraces the entire holistic spectrum, from physical health issues to the emotional and spiritual well being of our animals. We welcome unsolicited articles and story outlines as long as they focus on holistic healing, whether physical, emotional or...
Cat Loses Sight After Being Shot, Still ‘Fools’ People Into Thinking She Can See
The following story was submitted to the From Woofs to Wonders Photo and Story contest. The top three finishers received a $250 Animal Rescue Site store shopping spree, as well as $2,000 in cash and supplies for their favorite shelter. To read more stories, click here! Helen was found in the woods behind a neighborhood. She was malnourished, injured, and appeared to have issues seeing. Her eyeballs were swollen, cloudy and red, so caregivers immediately took her to the vet. The vet gave her multiple medications to try and help her eyes get...
Why Every Month Counts in Maintaining Your Pet’s Dental Wellness
Dental health is a crucial aspect of our pets’ overall well-being, often overlooked. National Pet Dental Health Month in February shines a spotlight on this vital issue, but maintaining our pets’ dental health is a year-round responsibility. There’s no overstating the importance of dental care in pets. So, let’s go through some practical advice for pet owners to follow throughout the year. Photo: PexelsMost pets show signs of dental disease by age 3. Why Pet Dental Health Matters Dental health in pets is more than just...
Pennsylvania SPCA Asks People To Donate $13 on December 13 To Local Shelters In #TaylorSwiftChallenge
Taylor Swift is known for her music and love of cats. She is the mother of three adorable felines, Benjamin Button, Meredith Grey, and Olivia Benson. Meredith and Olivia are both Scottish folds who were adopted in 2011 and 2014. Benjamin the rescued Ragdoll cat joined the family in 2019. They are often featured on her social media and Benjamin Button even made the cover of TIME magazine announcing Swift as their 2023 Person of the Year. The magazine cover inspired Pennsylvania SPCA (PSPCA) to come up with their #TaylorSwiftChallenge to...
Minnesota Firefighters Rescue Dog Struggling In 8-Foot Waves In Lake Superior
Duluth Minnesota Fire Department (DFD) immediately responded to a call about a dog who escaped his leash and jumped into the icy waters of Lake Superior near Duluth Aerial Lift Bridge. The dog quickly found himself struggling to stay above the 8-foot waves as his terrified owner called out to him. Firefighters knew the general area the dog was in but needed help pinpointing the exact location. “Saint Louis County Dispatchers were able to use cameras on the lift bridge being controlled by the bridge operator to help locate the...
The Link Between Doggie Dental Health and Overall Well-Being
Submission Guidelines Thank you for your interest in writing for Animal Wellness. As the #1 natural health magazine for pets in North America, we take pride in providing our readers with the information they need to make wise health care choices for their animal companions. Our publication embraces the entire holistic spectrum, from physical health issues to the emotional and spiritual well being of our animals. We welcome unsolicited articles and story outlines as long as they focus on holistic healing, whether physical, emotional or...
Surrendered Dog Struggling To Adjust To Noisy Shelter Life Hopes For New Home Soon
Shelter life is hard on dogs with the unfamiliar smells, people, loud noises, and a lot of alone time. Staff and volunteers do their best to shower the animals with love and attention, but it doesn’t compare to a loving home of their own. Mack, a five-year-old pit bull, was surrendered to Humane Society of Broward County by his family when they moved away and couldn’t take him with. Confused and heartbroken, he now spends his days waiting for someone to rescue him from this strange place. The shelter posted his story on TikTok to...
Study Finds Humans Can Read Dog Facial Expressions
A dog’s body language, posture, and facial expressions can tell you how they are feeling. Dog owners strive to communicate effectively with their beloved pets and new research out of George Washington University states that humans can read what is written all over their dog’s face. All the time and not just when they misbehave and give you those sad puppy-dog eyes. The study was published in the journal Animals and revealed that humans were able to read the expressions of a dog with a single-colored (plainer) face easier than...
Endangered Bald and Golden Eagles Targeted in Black Market Scheme
America’s national birds, the Golden and Bald Eagles, are threatened by a grim and clandestine trade. After their indictments in Montana, Simon Paul and Travis John Branson face serious allegations for illegally killing and trafficking these protected species on the Flathead Indian Reservation, unraveling a disturbing tale of wildlife crime. Photo: PexelsThe illegal bird trade often targets rare and endangered species for exotic pet markets. A Chilling Enterprise The scale of the operation uncovered in Montana is alarming. As the...
New Jersey Witnesses Unprecedented Arrival of Red-Flanked Bluetail
In a striking wildlife event, the red-flanked bluetail, a small bird normally residing in East Asia, has been unexpectedly sighted in New Jersey. This occurrence has garnered significant attention from birdwatchers and ecologists, offering insights into rare migratory behaviors and broader ecological shifts. Photo: Wikimedia Commons / Olli-Pekka KarlinThe Red-flanked Bluetail, scientifically known as Tarsiger cyanurus, is a small passerine bird. Unprecedented Discovery in Eastern North America The red-flanked bluetail, known scientifically as...
Dr. Kwane Stewart is CNN’s Hero of the Year!
Dr. Kwane Stewart, veterinarian and co-founder of Project Street Vet and a Maddie’s Fund® grantee, has been named at the 2023 CNN Hero of the Year for his incredible work with pets and people. As CNN Hero of the Year, Dr. Stewart will receive $100,000 to expand his work. During his acceptance speech, he promised to split the monies evenly amongst his nine fellow nominees. “An act of kindness can change your day, change someone’s day. An act or gesture of kindness can change somebody’s life,” Dr. Stewart...
Why Mushrooms Are So Good for Your Dog’s Gut Microbiome
From Lion’s Mane to Maitake, edible mushrooms are rich in prebiotic fiber and other nutrients that help improve the health of your dog’s gut microbiome. Shiitake, Maitake and oyster mushrooms are considered some of the world’s tastiest edible mushrooms — and they’re just a few of the flavorful fungal delights available worldwide. But mushrooms aren’t just delicious. They also provide solid nutrition to your dog (and yourself!) thanks to their high levels of good quality protein and fiber, and their low...
Virginia Zoo Faces Animal Cruelty Probe as Over 100 Animals Rescued
A harrowing situation unfolded at the Natural Bridge Zoo in Virginia, where authorities have intervened in a case of alarming animal cruelty. Following thorough investigations and searches, over 100 animals, both living and deceased, were seized by law enforcement in response to suspected abuse and neglect, reports the New York Daily News. Photo: PexelsRoadside zoos often lack the resources for proper animal care compared to larger, accredited institutions. Shocking Discoveries The extent of neglect at the zoo is deeply disturbing....
Puppy Rescued From Behind Dumpster Had Parvo and a Broken Tail, Now He’s Grown and Healthy
The following story was submitted to the From Woofs to Wonders Photo and Story contest. The top three finishers received a $250 Animal Rescue Site store shopping spree, as well as $2,000 in cash and supplies for their favorite shelter. To read more stories, click here! I will always be grateful for the passerby that heard the faint whimpering from behind the dumpster. I’m so grateful they stopped to check when they could have kept walking. PHOTO: DANA MACLEAN It was four puppies, barely 6-weeks-old and in very rough shape, with various...
