Chinstrap Penguins Sleep Nearly Half the Day Through Micro-Snoozing, Researchers Say
Have you ever dozed off for a few seconds, only to jolt back up? Hopefully this was in a less dangerous situation than on the road, but if you’re sleep deprived, it can happen. It may not provide the nourishing sleep we need as humans, but new research shows a species of penguin does this so often, they’re snoozing for half the day. A study recently published in Science monitored nesting chinstrap penguins, who needed to be on high alert for safety due to their eggs and chicks. The researchers hypothesized that if the animals got...
Opinionated Shelter Cat In Maryland Is Looking For “Brave” Person To Adopt Her
Honesty is the best policy, or at least that is what Humane Society of Washington County in Maryland is trying to find their longest-stay cat the perfect home. Meet Quinn. Don’t be fooled by her adorable face, she hates being cuddled. The 3-year-old feline arrived as a stray in August and is looking for a servant, also referred to as a human owner. The shelter refuses to give up hope that her person is out there. In a recent post they wrote, “Quinn’s not for everyone. But surely there’s someone out there who would...
Elusive De Winton’s Golden Mole Rediscovered in South Africa After 90 Years
In an extraordinary turn of events, the elusive De Winton’s golden mole, believed extinct for nearly 90 years, has been detected in South Africa. This rediscovery has challenged perceptions about species survival, and brought innovative methods into the light of conservation science. Photo: YouTube / NPR’s Skunk BearDe Winton’s golden mole is part of the “world’s most wanted lost species” list by Re:wild. The Search and Discovery The journey to find De Winton’s golden mole, a creature last recorded in...
Maine Police Puppy Experiences Pup Cup Treat For First Time In Viral Video
York Police Department in Maine recently added a new member to their crew, a chocolate Labrador puppy named Major. He is the official comfort dog who is already hard at work spreading joy, even though he is still in training. His handler/dad, Officer Michael Taddei, is making sure he is properly socialized by bringing him to local event and schools to meet people in the community. He is obviously a big hit, and he exerts all of his puppy energy meeting new people. @majortheyorkcomfortdog We’re on TikTok! Introducing Major, the latest...
Owning A Dog Reduces Risk of Dementia In Old Age By 40%, According To Researchers
There are several health benefits to owning a dog. Taking them for a walk helps lower blood pressure and build strength, while a play session reduces depression and brings a smile to our face. But that’s not all. More studies are being conducted to see how else our furry companions enhance our lives. A recent study in Japan found that they may also reduce our risk of developing dementia as we get older. Photo: Pexels/King Hang Leung Tokyo Metropolitan Institute for Geriatrics and Gerontology conducted a four-year study that monitored...
Mali, Known as World’s Saddest Elephant, Dies After 45 Years in Manila Zoo
Mali, an Asian elephant once known as the “world’s saddest elephant,” has passed away after spending nearly half a century in captivity at the Manila Zoo. Her death, announced by Mayor Honey Lacuna, marks the end of a life marked by controversy and calls for her freedom. Photo: PexelsElephants in zoos often live in enclosures far smaller than their natural habitat. Decades of Solitude Born Vishwa Ma’ali, Mali was transferred from Sri Lanka to the Philippines as a young calf in 1977. For most of her 45 years at the...
There’s Likely a Better Way to Get Lost Pets Home: Public RTH
Traditionally, a return-to-home (RTH) takes place when a family arrives at the shelter to be reunited with a lost companion, or whenever animal services have made it a priority for field officers to take pets home vs. bring them straight to the shelter. There is another way shelters can facilitate RTH, which HASS data indicates is likely to be even more effective—working with finders of lost pets in the community and avoiding shelter custody altogether. Where this has been tested in HASS pilot communities, we are seeing that...
Lessons from Earth’s History Shed Light On Imminent Oceanic Crisis
The Triassic-Jurassic mass extinction event, a catastrophic period that occurred around 200 million years ago, is shedding light on current ocean deoxygenation issues. A recent study in Nature Geosciences reveals startling similarities between past and present marine ecosystem vulnerabilities. This research serves as a crucial warning: our oceans may be teetering on the brink of a crisis akin to historical mass extinctions. Photo: PexelsOverfishing is depleting fish populations faster than they can replenish. History Repeating: The Role of...
Let’s Get Out of the Way of Getting Pets into Homes
Over the last few months, 12 HASS pilot shelters took a deep dive review into their shelter operations and programs, aiming to identify any lingering barriers to positive outcomes as part of a formal Competitive Pet Placement project. An initiative supported by PetSmart Charities, the goal is to make sure animal shelters are not making it harder for people to adopt and foster than it ought to be—and to make it easier for pets to get into homes. HASS trainer, Jenifer Reed with Onyx. Throughout the beginning stages of this process, the...
Tackling Obesity in Dogs and Cats — With Simple Low-Cal Recipes to Try
Find out why obesity is so bad for your dog or cat, and help her lose weight by addressing exercise and diet, including some nutritious low-calorie recipes. Obesity in dogs and cats has reached an all-time high. The Association for Pet Obesity Prevention states that more than 50% of our dogs are overweight. Meanwhile, 25% of cats in the Western world are overweight, according to the United States National Research Council. Let’s look at the signs of obesity in dogs and cats, and why it’s so bad for their health. We’ll also...
The next Maddie’s Insights will cover the Family Bondedness Scale
Join us on December 14th for the next webcast in the Maddie’s® Insights series, “The Development of and Research on the Family Bondedness Scale.” This one hour event will be presented by William M. Nugent, PhD, Professor at the College of Social Work, The University of Tennessee in Knoxville, TN. The Family Bondedness Scale (FBS) was designed to measure scores which represent the degree to which a person is emotionally and affectionately bonded to a pet as a member of their family. This presentation will cover...
Americans Are Twice As Likely To Own Dogs Over Cats, Study Finds
Are you a cat person or a dog person? This is the common question Compare the Market AU, pet insurance experts, asked thousands of people in USA, Australia, and Canada to see, “what makes dog and cat people tick.” While there is no wrong answer, there was a clear winner when it comes to pets in these three countries – dogs. Photo: Pixabay/Scott The Results The study of over 3,000 people found that dogs are the preferred pet over cats and other animals, especially in USA. The results are in and 58.8% of Americans are...
Axolotl Conservation Efforts Intensify Amidst Rising Threats in Mexico City
The axolotl, a unique amphibian native to the waters of Mexico, now faces a grave threat to its existence. Renowned for its extraordinary regenerative abilities and distinctive features, this creature has become a symbol of biological intrigue and cultural significance. However, alarming statistics reveal a dire situation: in less than two decades, the axolotl population in Lake Xochimilco, Mexico City, has plummeted by an astounding 99.5%,reports Common Dreams. Photo: PexelsAxolotls are a type of salamander native to Mexico. The AdoptAxolotl...
Stray Dog Shot In Head Needs Emergency Surgery To Repair Fractured Jaw And Teeth
Meet Novak. He has endured unimaginable cruelty but remains the sweetest boy. The young chocolate lab was often seen in Colgate, Oklahoma, walking up to the front porch of homes looking for attention, food, and water. He would even approach people on the street for some pats. A concerned citizen and former rescuer reached out to foster-based rescue, A Lab for Life, for help. The rescue was at max capacity at the time but said they would reach out as soon as there was an opening. They asked the person to keep an eye on the dog and they would...
FDA Considers Approval of Groundbreaking Canine Anti-Aging Treatments
The prospect of extending our pets’ lives through medical advancements is gaining momentum, thanks to groundbreaking research in longevity drugs. This emerging field, once relegated to the realms of science fiction, is now at the forefront of veterinary science, offering hope to pet owners worldwide. Photo: PexelsRegular veterinary check-ups are crucial for early detection and treatment of age-related issues in dogs. FDA’s Tentative Nod to Longevity Drugs As reported by the New York Times, a significant development occurred when...
How Sourcing Can Impact Pet Nutrition & The Planet
Wise pooch parents know that not all dog foods are created equal. Some are delicious, some are nutritious, some are neither. And some, albeit a rare handful, are both! The best dog foods are made by those that understand two critical things: the importance of BOTH excellent flavor and nutrition, and how the sourcing of ingredients can make a difference to both pets and the planet. Like human diets, pet nutrition is significantly impacted by the origin of the chicken, beef, turkey, seafood, and more that goes into their bowls. One dog food...
Cat Gets Abandoned and Loses Two Owners to Illness Before Finally Finding His Forever Home
This story was originally shared on The Animal Rescue Site. Submit your own rescue story here. Your story just might be the next to be featured on our blog! The story of Jake the tuxedo kitty is incomplete. When my mom first met him, he was living in a neighbor’s house, a sweet older lady. The story we heard is that Jake lived with a family on Long Island who had him declawed. Somehow, not long after, Jake found himself living on the street, defenseless and abandoned. CAT. PHOTO: PIXABAY / DC ALLEN My mom’s neighbor’s family...
Thousands of Starving Dogs in Greece Search For Scraps At Dump Where Humans Abandoned Them
What was once a public animal shelter is now the public dump in Xanthi, Greece. However, when the shelter closed the remaining dogs were left behind to fend for themselves. Photo: Angel’s Garden They now sleep on piles of trash and dig through garbage for scraps of food to eat. Photo: Angel’s Garden The dogs return to the abandoned kennels in hopes that someone will arrive to rescue them, or at least care for them. Photo: Angel’s Garden A bad problem became worse as the dogs started to multiply and locals from neighboring...
Rising Pollution Levels Threaten Green Sea Turtle Populations with Female-Heavy Imbalance
In the vast blue of the ocean, a crisis is unfolding silently. The green sea turtles, already grappling with the consequences of climate change, are facing a new, insidious threat: pollution. Recent studies reveal a disturbing trend: the reproductive habits of these endangered turtles are being significantly altered due to pollution, particularly heavy metals, leading to a disproportionate number of female hatchlings, reports the Washington Post. This imbalance poses a grave risk to their survival. Photo: PexelsGreen sea turtles are a species...
Rare Sumatran Rhino Calf Born in Indonesia Marks Hope for Endangered Species
In a significant milestone for wildlife conservation, a critically endangered Sumatran rhino was born in the Way Kambas National Park’s Sumatran Rhino Sanctuary, located in Indonesia’s Lampung province. This event marks a crucial step in the fight to save this species from extinction. With the global population of Sumatran rhinos dwindling to around 50, the birth of this male calf, born to parents Delilah and Harapan, sheds a ray of hope on conservation efforts, ABC reports. Photo: PexelsSumatran rhinos are critically endangered,...
