Alaskapox Virus Takes Its First Human Victim in the Wilds of Alaska
Alaskapox, a virus recently spotlighted by the first known fatal case in Alaska, has sparked attention among health officials and the public. This rare virus primarily affects small mammals but has now been documented in a handful of human cases since its discovery in 2015. It ahas also resulted in one recent fatality, CNN reports an elderly man with an immunocompromised condition due to cancer treatment. Photo: PexelsSmall mammals in Alaska, such as voles and shrews, are natural reservoirs of the virus. Symptoms of Alaskapox Typically,...
8 Ways to Manage a Dog with a High Prey Drive
A dog’s desire to hunt prey is an instinct they would need to survive in the wild. But as domesticated companions, dogs no longer need to hunt food, and a prey drive can cause unwanted behaviors. Here are eight ways to help you manage your dog’s hunting instincts. Although you might find it hard to believe there’s any wolf left in the tiny Chihuahua wearing a sweater sitting in your lap, all dogs still have instincts left over from their wild ancestors—including instincts to hunt and kill. When a dog acts on their prey...
Time Running Out for Earth’s Living Fossils, the Horseshoe Crabs
The American horseshoe crab, a species that has survived for over 450 million years, now faces a dire threat from human activities. Known as “living fossils,” these ancient creatures are essential to coastal ecosystems and biomedical research. However, their numbers have drastically declined, prompting conservation groups to seek protections under the Endangered Species Act. Photo: Wikimedia Commons / Gurpreet Singh RanchiHorseshoe crabs are often harvested for use as bait in fishing industries. Horseshoe Crabs: An Ancient Marvel...
Deadly Discovery — Canine Cop Finds Mummified Monkeys in Luggage
In a startling discovery at Boston’s Logan International Airport, a Customs and Border Protection (CBP) dog named Buddey unearthed something far from ordinary in a passenger’s luggage. CBP canine units like Buddey are critical in safeguarding U.S. borders against the illegal entry of prohibited items, including bushmeat, which poses significant health risks due to potential disease transmission. In this case, Buddey’s training uncovered something no one expected to see: the mummified remains of four monkeys. Photo: U.S....
Elephants At San Diego Zoo Have A Blast Playing In Massive Puddles Caused By Torrential Rainfall
There is something so freeing about playing and singing in the rain, and elephants at the San Diego Zoo agree. San Diego has recently been hammered by heavy rainstorms which have caused massive flooding. The elephants at the zoo are making the best of the situation by playing in the rain. A 12-year-old male African elephant named Nipho was captured splashing in puddles and making happy trumpet sounds as the rain continued to fall. It is clear that he is having the best day. The video was posted on the zoo’s TikTok page with the caption,...
Shelter Pets Are The Winners Of Shelter Bowl With Over 3 Million Meals Donated
We asked for your help to fund 3 million meals for shelter pets during our 2024 Shelter Bowl, and you delivered in a big way. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for helping us fund 3.24 million meals for hungry shelter pets across the country. We exceeded our goal thanks to your support and the partnership with Boehringer Ingelheim and Hill’s Pet Nutrition. Overcrowded shelters are in need of a helping hand, and this will go a long way in feeding and caring for homeless animals. But that’s not all… The two featured...
Pet Cat Could Be Patient Zero in Oregon’s First Human Plague Case in Years
Health officials in Deschutes County, Oregon, confirmed a case of human plague, marking the state’s first such occurrence in eight years. The infection was traced back to a domestic cat, shedding light on the complexities of zoonotic diseases, where illnesses transfer from animals to humans. Photo: PexelsHuman plague infections can arise from contact with infected animals or fleas. The Incident in Deschutes County A resident of this rural area became infected with the plague through their pet cat, which had shown signs of severe...
The Extraordinary Fabric that Supports Canine Joint Health!
Welltex® technology helps support dogs with osteoarthritis, musculoskeletal problems, and sports injuries so that joint pain and discomfort don’t affect their quality of life. Experts estimate that around 20% of dogs experience osteoarthritis or joint discomfort. And the numbers are even higher for athletic/working dogs and seniors. In fact, once a dog reaches eight years old, their chances of developing arthritis could be as high as 80%. Joint discomfort and musculoskeletal problems can impact a dog’s quality of life in many...
This Online Instructor-Led course can increase adoptions by five times
Dog field trips and short-term dog foster homes may be exactly what organizations can do to increase its adoption rates. In fact, a new journal publication finds that shelter dogs who went on field trips were five times more likely to be adopted! Additionally, those who went into short-term foster homes (defined as one to two nights), were more than 14 times more likely to be adopted. The ins and outs of these short-term fostering programs can be learned through the course, Short-Term Foster and Field Trips. This Online Instructor-Led Course...
Kitten Named Tuna is a Catch, and He’s Looking to Reel in a Forever Home
This story was submitted by our shelter friend The Cat House on the Kings. The Cat House on the Kings saves pets’ lives in the Fresno County, California area, and the Animal Rescue Site is proud to share their stories. You can learn more about their work here! A litter of kittens was born as the weather was changing to the cold season, even for the warm Central Valley. They were also born when the holiday seasons get busy and adoptions slow way down. Then there was the issue of being born on a busy highly-traveled street with a speed...
Fire Department Finds Good Use for Old Hoses: Turning Them Into Toys for Zoo Animals
Firemen are often depicted saving cats from trees, or even courageously pulling animals out of burning buildings. Turns out they also help animals in other ways, by making their play time more enjoyable. The Duluth Fire Department in Minnesota recently shared how it’s making use of decommissioned fire hoses: Repurposing them as enrichment toys for zoo animals! In a Facebook post, the department explained that hoses are often decommissioned due to issues like holes, reaching the end of their life expectancy, or failing an annual pressure...
UN Report: Habitat Loss and Overexploitation Are Driving Up Extinction Risk for Migratory Animals
Billions of animals migrate each year, including mammals, birds, fish, reptiles, amphibians, and insects. As they travel vast distances in search of better feeding, more favored climate, or breeding grounds, they’re also benefitting the planet. These species help with nutrient transfer, seed dispersal, maintenance of ecosystems, and even climate change mitigation by storing carbon. A new report shows, though, that these animals – and their benefits – are at increasing risk. The Convention on the Conservation of Migratory...
Tax Relief Act of 2024 Could Save Thousands of American Children from Poverty
In a significant legislative move, the House of Representatives recently passed the Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act of 2024. This comprehensive bill, now awaiting Senate approval, promises to bring about substantial changes in the tax landscape, directly impacting American families and the broader economy. Photo: PexelsThe Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act of 2024 was passed by the House of Representatives. Child Tax Credit: A Beacon of Hope At the core of the legislation is the enhancement of the Child Tax...
The Best 2024 Super Bowl Commercials Featuring Animals
The much-anticipated football game has come to an end and millions watched as the Kansas City Chiefs won in overtime. While many people tuned in to watch the two teams play their hearts out on the field, just as many came for the commercials. This year did not disappoint with funny, unique, and tear-jerking ads. Since we are huge animal lovers, the ones that featured any sort of animal were our favorites. Check out several of our favorites below and don’t forget to share your favorite commercial in the comments. Budweiser Budweiser...
10 Holistic Hairball Solutions for Cats
Dealing with hairballs is a normal part of cat parenthood, but your cat shouldn’t struggle with them all the time. These 10 holistic solutions will help you manage your cat’s hairballs naturally. Most cats get hairballs occasionally because of their fastidious grooming habits. However, if your cat is prone to hairballs, it could be related to a health issue, allergies, gut health or digestive problems, or even their diet. While it’s important to talk to your veterinarian if you suspect a problem, here are 10 holistic...
Maddie’s Weekly Roundup: New Camp Maddie, Candid Conversations and more!
Happy Monday! Below is a brief roundup of resources added over the past week. Registration for Camp Maddie: Behavior Edition is now open!Camp Maddie is back! Join us on Wednesday, March 20, 2024 and Wednesday, April 3, 2024 from 9AM-1PM PT (12PM-4PM ET) for a focus on dog behavior. The free, virtual event will consist of two half-days that will include presentations, short videos and question and answer sessions. At Camp Maddie: Behavior Edition, we’ll talk about… Learn More Dianne Prado kicks off the new season of Candid...
11 Mental Enrichment Ideas for Your Dog Playpen
A dog playpen can be a benefit to pet parents in many situations. They keep pups contained so they can’t get into trouble, and they can also be safe spaces where dogs can relax or even enjoy some stimulating play. If you’re looking to add more mental enrichment to your dog’s playpen time, here are 11 ideas. A dog playpen is an enclosed area that provides a safe and secure space for dogs to play, exercise, and relax. They help keep puppies and dogs in a designated area, preventing them from wandering into potentially unsafe...
Understanding Pancreatitis in Dogs – What You Should Know
Pancreatitis is a serious and painful disease that can profoundly impact your dog’s health and quality of life. Learn to recognize the symptoms and understand the causes — and find out how it can be treated using an integrative approach. Pancreatitis doesn’t just affect humans. It also occurs in dogs and causes painful inflammation in the pancreas. Any suspicion of this disease requires a visit to the vet — or in some cases, a trip to the closest emergency hospital. As a dog parent, you need to know the signs and...
From Steadfast Lizards to Devoted Primates: Nine Animals That Mate for Life
As we approach Valentine’s Day, many long-term couples may be reminiscing about decades of memories from the holiday. While not many animals live as long as humans, there are plenty of species that also spend their lives with the same mate. It may not be with the same romantic notions that we have (though there are some animals that show their “love” for each other in sweet ways), but even if it’s more about survival and the best chance of successfully raising offspring, their dedication is still admirable. To mark...
Honoring Black History Month
Feb 09, 2024 February is Black History Month and we’re celebrating by amplifying Black voices, celebrating Black pioneers in animal welfare, and exploring the ways our community is honoring this month. And we want our APA! community to join in with us on learning something new and honoring the deep and rich Black history so that we may continue to move toward a more equitable future. We’ll update this blog throughout the month so bookmark this page and make sure to check back in to see new ways you can participate in Black History...
