6-Year-Old Cat Failed By His Family Needs A New One ASAP
Meet Arthur. The six-year-old ginger cat has spent his entire life with one family and loved them dearly. That is why he was so confused when he was brought to Humane Society of Broward County in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The sweet fella was surrendered because his family stated they could no longer care for him. He doesn’t understand what he did wrong and spends his days curled up in a ball on his bed. The shelter team is heartbroken for him and wants to find him a loving home soon. Screenshot: TikTok/@humanebroward The loud and...
Smart Dog Helps Police Rescue Her Owner from a Hole in the Ice
Michigan State Police officer Kammeron Bennetts was the first responder on the scene after a 65-year-old man was reported to have fallen through some thin ice on a local lake in Grand Traverse County, Michigan. Officer Bennetts worked as quickly as he could to get the man out, but he wasn’t able to get close enough to do much good. Officer Bennetts edged out onto the ice as far as he could safely do so and threw an emergency rescue disk toward the man, but it came to a rest 5-10 feet away from him each time. It was the only tool the...
Sweet Dog Abandoned In NYC Apartment Has Been Waiting At Shelter For Over 200 Days For A Home
A 4-year-old shelter dog named Yas Queen is learning to trust humans again after being left behind by her owner in a NYC apartment when they were evicted. The sweet dog was taken in by Animal Care Centers of NYC. She has been winning the hearts of staff and volunteers for the past several months. She is the longest-stay dog at the Manhattan shelter and has been waiting to find a home for over 210 days. While she can take a little time to warm up to people, she is a complete sweetheart and just wants to find someone to love. The adorable pup...
Holiday Horror as Family Pet Undergoes Life-Saving Operation After Eating 50 Hair Bands
In a baffling incident, a two-year-old pug named Ham from Sherborne, Dorset, underwent emergency surgery after ingesting an astonishing 200 grams of hairbands. The dog’s owner, Victoria Northwood, 50, was startled by the revelation that her pet had consumed such a large number of everyday items. Photo: PexelsRegularly inspect your home for small objects like coins, buttons, and batteries that pets could swallow. Discovery of the Hazard The saga unfolded when Northwood noticed a change in Ham’s behavior over the Christmas period....
Adaptogens—Solutions for Animal Stress!
The world can be a very stressful place for dogs, cats, and other companion animals. While it may be impossible to eliminate stressors from your fur baby’s life, there are things you can do to help them manage stress, and that includes adding adaptogens to their daily diet. COMMON STRESSORS FOR DOGS AND CATS Dogs and cats experience stress for reasons that can be physical, behavioral, and physiological. Depending on the animal and the situation, possible causes of stress can include: Being alone Loud noises Unfamiliar places Strangers...
Human Animal Support Services (HASS) Announces Highly-Anticipated Launch of the HASS Playbook
(AUSTIN, TX) January 23, 2024–Human Animal Support Services (HASS), an international project revolutionizing the animal welfare industry by uniting the human and animal welfare approach, announced today the launch of the HASS Playbook–a FREE comprehensive portfolio of how-to guides aligned with the HASS pathways. The HASS Playbook aims to provide animal welfare organizations with innovative programming and best practices to rise above existing sheltering system challenges and increase capacity for care within their...
The latest and greatest in Maddie’s Insights
Maddie’s® Insights is a monthly webcast that shares research to help you in your work, with a focus on practical tips and applications of that research. Having begun in September 2022, there is an abundance of previous webcasts for you to peruse and well as well as an exciting future lineup! You can register for Maddie’s® Insights now. These webcasts also offer the opportunity for continuing education credit: Certified Animal Welfare Administrator (CAWA), National Animal Care & Control Association (NACA),...
Woman Spends Weeks Trying to Rescue Stray, Finally Succeeds By Luring Her with Chips and Beans
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 found this sweet girl while living in Phoenix, one extremely hot summer. CAT. PHOTO: PIXABAY / ELLE RITTER I worked for a car rental company, and one morning when I was opening the gate, I saw this tiny thing dart out from under a car and run under a fence on the other side of the lot. At the time, I thought she was a black cat. She was living between two buildings in a space that was...
Woman in Maine Reunites with Pet Cat 10 Years After He Went Missing
When you first get a pet, there’s the question of whether you want to get them a microchip for safety purposes. A story out of Maine may sway you… and make you a little teary-eyed. The Animal Refuge League of Greater Portland recently shared a picture of a reunion a decade in the making. The organization says a cat named Stewart was recently brought in by a member of the public, and staff got to work trying to identify him. When they checked for a microchip, they found contact information for Rose Dorian. Dorian hadn’t seen...
Is Your Pet Overweight? Here’s How to Tell
Obesity has become a major epidemic in the United States and other parts of the world, and the problem extends to more than just humans. It’s very easy for our pets to become obese as well, especially if they live indoors, lead sedentary lifestyles, and have unlimited access to food. More than half of U.S. dogs and cats are now overweight or obese. Photo: Adobe Stock/boryanam For the most part, animals and humans were not built to be living the types of lives people and pets live now, but there are things we can do to keep ourselves and...
Learn the Unseen Dangers of Winter Your Pet Faces Every Day
Extreme cold weather poses significant risks to pets. As responsible pet owners, it’s crucial to understand and implement strategies to keep them safe and healthy. Here are some practical tips and expert advice to ensure your pets’ well-being during frigid conditions. Photo: PexelsPets can suffer from hypothermia and frostbite in extreme cold. Recognizing the Risks of Cold Weather to Pets Pets face various dangers in cold weather, including frostbite, hypothermia, and increased susceptibility to injuries. Like humans, pets’...
Woman Rescues Seal Entangled In Fishing Net “Begging For Help” On Beach
Seals are marine mammals who are often seen basking in the sun on beaches and docks. While people are often tempted to approach for a closer look, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) reminds people and their pets to always stay at least 50 yards away from seals. This is a rule that two woman strolling along their local beach always follow, until the day they saw a seal in desperate need of help. The seal was entangled in a fishing net and struggling to get free. As one brave woman slowly approached the stressed seal, the...
Reviving the World’s Rarest Insect is a Battle Against Odds for the Tree Lobster
The Lord Howe Island Stick Insect, commonly known as the ‘tree lobster’, is writing a remarkable story of survival and resurgence. Once abundant on Lord Howe Island, off the east coast of Australia, these insects faced near-extinction due to a rat invasion in 1918. Declared extinct in 1986, their rediscovery in 2001 on Ball’s Pyramid has sparked a global conservation effort, reports Science Alert, resulting in a dramatic turnaround for this critically endangered species. Photo: Wikimedia Commons / Melbourne MuseumThe...
Thousands of Dogs Face Crisis at U.S.-Mexico Border as Migrant Wave Leaves Pets Behind
The U.S.-Mexico border has become a site not just of human migration but also of a distressing animal welfare issue. Thousands of dogs, abandoned amidst the flux of immigration, face a crisis of neglect and abuse. Photo: PexelsThousands of animals are abandoned annually along the U.S.-Mexico border. Migration and Canine Abandonment The influx of migrants into the United States, particularly in Texas border areas like Colony Ridge, has led to a surge in pet abandonment. According to Fox News, immigrants, often apprehended by Customs and Border...
Life, Death, and Size — The Hidden Factors Affecting Your Dog’s Lifespan
Why do smaller dog breeds generally outlive their larger counterparts? This perplexing question has intrigued scientists and dog lovers alike. Recent research sheds light on this phenomenon, revealing intriguing insights into canine longevity. Photo: PexelsSmall dogs generally live longer than large dogs. Size and Health: The Core of Canine Longevity A comprehensive study conducted by the University of Washington analyzed over 27,500 dogs across 238 breeds. This research, published in PLOS ONE, revealed that while dogs of all sizes suffer...
Barking Dog Helps Rescue Injured Owner Who Fell Down Steep Slope On Hawaii Trail
The Lanipo Trail (7.5 miles round-trip) is a popular hiking trail on Oahu, Hawaii, that goes along steep ridges and offers breathtaking views. It can be a challenging hike with the muddy and narrow paths. On January 15, a woman and her dog set out on the trail but ran into trouble a few hours later. Hikers reported seeing a barking dog about two hours from the trailhead without a handler on a steep mountain slope. One called 911 for help. The Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) immediately responded with a rescue team in air and on foot....
Using Positive Reinforcement to Help Reactive Dogs
Reactivity in dogs is a common issue pet parents face. These pups are over-stimulated by sights, sounds, smells, people, and other dogs, usually because they’re afraid. They lunge, bark, growl, and become so focused on the stressor that they don’t listen and become difficult to control. What’s more, while reactive dogs aren’t necessarily aggressive, they can become aggressive. Training a reactive dog can be tough, but positive reinforcement is an effective, humane tool you can use to help your dog manage their...
Maddie’s Weekly Roundup: Candid Conversations, Open Arms Challenge preparation, and more!
Happy Monday! Below is a brief roundup of resources added over the past week. The 2024 Open Arms Challenge preparation begins in FebruaryJoin us for the 2024 Open Arms Challenge! This Challenge is all about opening our hearts and minds to more accessible and inclusive practices. Maddie’s Fund® is partnering with 24 national organizations to encourage animal shelters, foster-based organizations and public charities to pilot new approaches that welcome your entire community during the month of April.… Learn More Candid...
Ashwagandha: a powerful natural ally against arthritis in dogs and cats
Getting old is no joke. Particularly when it comes to creaking joints and aching bones, those telltale signs of arthritis. Now imagine this pain and discomfort – without a voice to tell anyone about it. It is up to us, as pet parents, to recognize the symptoms of osteoarthritis and any other joint issues commonly associated with canine and feline aging – and to find solutions to their pain. That’s where KSM-66 Ashwagandha for arthritis in dogs and cats can help, since studies show that the root of this herb has powerful...
4 Reasons to Try Mobile Veterinary Services
With the rise of mobile veterinary services, pet parents are finding it easier than ever to provide the best possible medical care for their fur babies. This is especially important in rural areas where access to services can be limited. Mobile veterinary services are becoming increasingly popular, and it’s not just because dog and cat parents want convenience. The growing trend of mobile clinics arose in part to combat the lack of accessibility in certain areas. At the same time, at-home services are great for anxious or reactive...
