Florida Shelter Dog Found Her Person And Isn’t Letting Her Out of Her Sight, Even To Fill Out Adoption Papers
There is a day that all shelter dog’s dream of – the day they finally meet their person. For a shelter dog named Luna at Walton County Animal Services it happened on January 13. The American bulldog mix estimated to be 1-2 years old arrived as a stray and was put on a three-day hold to see if her owners would come for her. They posted her photo to Facebook to make sure no one was looking for her. No one came to claim her, so the sweet pup was put up for adoption. Photo: Facebook/Walton County Animal Services, Florida She...
Video of Dog Determined to Join Owner’s Trip Brings TikTok Viewers To Tears
Golden retriever Leo has captured the hearts of millions with his talent for packing a suitcase. A video recorded by Leo’s owner, Tik Tok user midwestgolden.leo, first showcased Leo’s unique response to his owner’s travel preparations: he begins to pack his own suitcase, starting with his most cherished item, a stuffed lion. We all know that there is a deep bond between pets and their owners, but it’s more of a magical experience when animals gain an intuitive understanding of human actions. Leo’s talent has...
Critical Secrets to Prevent Catastrophe in Multi-Cat Households
Cats, known for their independent and territorial nature, often face challenges when sharing their living spaces with other felines. Understanding and addressing these challenges is crucial for pet owners aiming to foster a peaceful multi-cat environment. Let’s explore some effective strategies, drawing from expert advice, that can help cats coexist harmoniously. Photo: PexelsGradual introductions ease tension between new and resident cats. Understanding Feline Dynamics Cats are inherently territorial creatures that value their personal...
How Supporting Self-Rehoming Helps Your Community and Your Shelter
Owner surrendered pets make up the second largest category for shelter intake, contributing over a quarter of intake cases annually in national data, and over 14% in HASS pilot shelters. They are an important population to address if shelters are to alleviate the overcrowding many have seen since the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic began to fade. The data on owner surrenders also shows a pattern that likely contributes to the extra strain on resources and space that shelters typically see in the summer months. Both in Shelter Animals Count...
Three Kittens Regularly Show Up in Backyard, One Friendly Male Decides to Move to the House
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! We noticed that there was a family of cats – a mom and three kittens – playing in our back yard. After awhile, they would go and hide in some raised wooden decking by the pool. We tried to approach them, but mom wouldn’t let anyone near her. She was totally wild and appeared to be a purebred Manx. KITTEN. PHOTO: PIXABAY / RIHAIJ My husband and I watched the little ones...
Bruised, Burned Dog is Nearly Run Over After Escaping Abuse
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! It was on a rainy night a little over a year ago when my mom and brother came home with this skinny, small dog, Django, who stole my heart the first time I saw him, giving me a kiss and wagging his tail. DOG. PHOTO: PIXABAY / MARI My mom almost ran him over when she was picking up my brother from practice, and the little dog was so afraid that he just stood there in the middle of the...
Good Samaritan Rescues Kitten From Train Station Bin While Everyone Else Walks Past
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! It was 10 p.m. on a winter night when I spotted a kitten by a bin of garbage cans outside the train station. He sat in a corner shivering from the cold and looked as if he was in terrible pain. Something was wrong with his legs and his meow was loud and painful. PHOTO: JESSICA PENA Everyone walked past him, not even flinching. Not even a sigh of concern or glance of empathy. My phone was...
Horse Who Lived for Years in a 10 by 10 Stall Now Runs Across 40 Acre Property
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! I got my black stallion through a rescue group who had saved him through his owner turning him over to them. HORSE. PHOTO: PIXABAY / RIA He’s a registered Quarter Horse and had been used for breeding. The owners kept him in a 10×10 stall all the time – never a chance to be out in a pasture or run with other horses. SHARE YOUR OWN RESCUE STORY He was emaciated and had no...
Save Your Cat’s Life By Learning to Spot These Critical Illness Signs
Cats, known for their mysterious and stoic nature, often mask their illnesses, posing a challenge for owners to discern their health status. The indicators of feline illness can be subtle, which is why it’s crucial for cat owners to learn how to recognize the signs of sickness before it is too late. Photo: PexelsCats often hide pain; watch for subtle behavioral changes. Behavioral Changes — The First Red Flags Alterations in a cat’s usual behavior often signal the onset of health issues. A study in the Journal of Veterinary...
Experts Say Dogs and Cats Can Be Allergic to Humans Too
It’s an unfortunate fact of life that some people are allergic to pet dander and experience itchy eyes, a runny nose, or other symptoms when they spend time around animals. Those people have to make the tough decision between suffering through their allergies, treating them with medications, or not owning a pet at all. But what happens when the roles are reversed? Can Pets Really Be Allergic to Humans? Pet dander is made up of flakes of skin that shed from the animal along with their fur or hair. But people also shed their skin in tiny...
Severely Mistreated Foxes Rescued From Fur Farm Need Your Help To Recover
Every year, an estimated 100 million animals are bred and killed for their fur, including foxes. They live in squalor in cramped cages and are neglected all the way up to their death. They never experience a kind touch and associate people with pain. When Home of Rescued Animals heard about a fox fur farm closing down in Romania they raised funds to save the remaining animals. Over a dozen black and brown foxes were rescued but arrived in horrible condition. Photo: Home of Rescued Animals The rescue shared with us, “After they were...
6 Ways Service Dogs Help People with Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia is a challenging condition that causes pain, fatigue, and other symptoms. There is no cure, but service dogs for fibromyalgia can help make people’s lives easier in these six ways. Service dogs are specially trained to help people with illnesses and disabilities. They can perform tasks, provide physical support, and so much more. Service animals began as dogs who would help blind or visually impaired people navigate the world. Today, they also help people with fibromyalgia, a chronic disease characterized by fatigue, sleep...
5 exceptional animal well-being professionals honored with Holiday Hero Awards, thanks to Maddie
The remarkable efforts of five individuals in the animal well-being (welfare) space were each recognized with a Maddie Holiday Hero Award in December. Five organizations each received a $5,000 grant from Maddie’s Fund in honor of these individuals. Maddie’s Fund®, is a national family foundation established by Dave and Cheryl Duffield to revolutionize the status and well-being of companion animals. “We believe these Maddie Holiday Heroes represent the key essence of community leadership and...
Former Animal Rescue Director Gets Back in the Game When a Kitten Needs Her Help
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! We already had three rescue kitties at home from a local rescue that was awesome, but they had recently been forced to disband. We’d always hoped to get another kitty or two through them, but had not been able to before they had to close. KITTEN. PHOTO: PIXABAY / MOKAPOT The former director of the rescue was driving home one day in a rural area when a little ball of fluff ran across...
Shelter Raises Money, Creates Beautiful Artwork Through ‘Poorly Drawn Pets’ Event
What’s fancier than getting a portrait of a family member drawn? Especially a pet? An animal shelter is providing its supporters with this kind of art, though it may not be quite as refined as some other commissions. The Humane Society for Tacoma & Pierce County in Washington State is holding its annual Poorly Drawn Pets event. Now in its fifth year, it encourages supporters to donate $30, and when they do, they’ll receive a unique work of art based on a photo they’ve shared. These portraits can all be seen in a Facebook...
A Day in the Life of “Dr. Harley,” APA!’s Resident Therapy Dog
Jan 24, 2024 Hi, I’m Dr. Harley (aka “Dog-tor” Harley). I’m the resident therapy dog here at Austin Pets Alive!, providing a much-needed listening ear, emotional support and calming presence to the humans working hard to get dogs like me adopted. My days are pretty jam-packed and I never know what they’ll bring. Sometimes my clients present with a classic case of separation anxiety, while other times I’m just a sounding board for their doggy drama. I get asked all the time what it’s like to be a...
The Fascinating World of Animal Vision and Its Impact on Survival
Animal vision is a fascinating area of study that sheds light on how different species perceive the world. Unlike humans, animals have evolved a diverse array of visual systems, each tailored to their specific environmental needs. This variety is not just about seeing more colors; it’s about survival, finding food, avoiding predators, and navigating complex ecosystems. Understanding these differences not only fascinates us but also provides vital insights into animal behavior and ecology. Photo: PexelsDogs primarily see in shades of...
Lash Salon Has a Full-Time Feline Employee Who “Makes Biscuits” for Every Client
You’ve probably been to a few establishments in your lifetime that had a resident cat hanging around. Usually these privileged felines spend their days lounging in a windowsill or winding around newcomers’ legs, demanding to be petted. But there’s one cat who not only hangs out in her owner’s shop – she works there full-time. The cat, who goes by the name “Kitty,” works hard at her mom’s lash salon. While her mom gives people eyelash treatments, she laboriously “makes biscuits” for...
Over 150 Homeless Dogs Living At Dump In Greece Were Neutered, Microchipped And Vaccinated Thanks To Your Support
When we and our non-profit partner, Greater Good Charities, heard about the hundreds of homeless dogs living at a dump in northern Greece we asked for your help to care for the starving and ill dogs. Thanks to your generous support and a local animal organization called Animal Action Greece, the dogs are receiving food and water while they wait to be rounded up and examined. So far, 157 adult dogs and puppies have been neutered or spayed, vaccinated, microchipped, and treated for parvo, mange, and other illnesses. Photo: Animal Action Greece...
Can Old Dogs Learn New Tricks? Age Is Just a Number For Many Canines
It’s a common belief that older dogs are set in their ways, unable to learn new behaviors or tricks. However, this notion has been largely debunked. Contrary to the old adage, “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks,” recent insights reveal that not only can older dogs learn new tricks, but they can also benefit greatly from the process. Photo: PexelsSenior dogs can benefit from the mental stimulation of learning new things. Learning Abilities in Older Dogs Dogs, regardless of age, are inherently good learners....