Move Over, Cats: Felines Aren’t the Only Ones Who Prefer Baby Talk
New research points to dogs’ brains being sensitive to what scientists refer to as “exaggerated prosody,” which simply means baby talk. You know, that higher-pitched voice accompanied by cooing we all seem to resort to when addressing an infant or even a pet. To discern whether or not canines prefer what’s sometimes called the cutesy voice, Hungarian researchers from the Department of Ethology, Eötvös Loránd University, the Research Centre for Natural Sciences, and the Eötvös Loránd...
Vet Raises Health Concerns Over Dogs Playing with Tennis Balls
Whether it’s gently tossing the fuzzy yellow-green ball across the lawn or lobbing it from a hand-held launcher, you might want to think twice about the ball you’re throwing when playing fetch with Fido — at least that’s what Texas-based veterinarian Hunter Finn is warning dog owners. Photo: Pixabay/BerckenGroep Tennis Balls & Dogs Hunter, a vet who routinely shares animal care advice on his TikTok account, outlined the dangers of tennis balls in two videos that have since gone viral. In the first, viewers...
Humans Let This Deaf Pittie Down So Many Times, But He’s Still the Most Lovable Goofball
When Lisa first met Brad, the poor boy had been through more than any dog deserves to go through. He was found as a stray on the streets of Houston, Texas. It was believed that he was originally bred to be a fighting dog but was probably abandoned when his temperament proved to be too sweet for that life, or perhaps because he was deaf. Either way, he was left to fend for himself with no love or protection. Eventually, Brad was taken to a shelter and later transferred to 2 Blondes All Breed Rescue in Colorado, an organization that rescues...
How Often Should You Bathe Your Dog? Experts Weigh In On Finding the Right Balance
We all adore the fresh feeling that comes after a shower, and it’s only natural to extend the same courtesy to our four-legged companions. But how often should you really be bathing your furry friend? As responsible pet owners, it’s important to strike a balance between cleanliness and your dog’s overall well-being. Veterinarians have weighed in on this perennial question, shedding light on the factors that influence the ideal bathing frequency for your canine companion. Photo: PexelsUse positive reinforcement and treats to...
Bob Barker, Longtime Animal Advocate & Iconic Host of “The Price Is Right”, Dies At Age 99
Bob Barker, the iconic host of “The Price is Right”, ended every show with the same message – “Help control the pet population. Have your pets spayed or neutered.” For 35 years, he greeted contestants with his infectious smile and witty sense of humor. Over his career (1972-2007) on the longest-running game show, he won 19 Daytime Emmy Awards and acquired millions of fans. He used his success onstage to help advocate for animals. He convinced the show to stop giving away fur coats due to animal cruelty, which his...
FDA’s Investigation Reveals Link Between ‘Grain-Free’ Foods and Heart Disease in Pets
The Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) ongoing investigation into diet-related heart disease in dogs and cats contains important warnings for pet owners. With over 1,300 reported cases of heart damage that may be tied to pet food, understanding the implications of this report is crucial for our furry companions’ well-being. Photo: PexelsDilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a condition that weakens the heart. The Link Between “Grain-Free” Diets and Heart Disease Since the FDA’s initial alert in 2018 about a possible...
Ziggy the Wobbly Kitten Proves Pets with Disabilities Are Just “A Different Kind of Perfection”
Heather Wilson and her husband and two teenagers have never really known a life without pets. But Heather admits that, up until recently, they never really thought of adopting an animal that had a disability or special need. Now, after having adopted a kitten with cerebellar hypoplasia (CH), a permanent condition that affects the cerebellum and makes balancing difficult, Heather believes that animals with disabilities make some of the best pets. Heather’s 17-year-old daughter, Katie, is very involved with special needs students at her...
How Manuka Honey Helps Heal Wounds in Dogs
You’ve likely heard about Manuka honey, and that it offers health benefits that go beyond those of regular honey. What exactly is it, and why is it so helpful for healing wounds in your dog? While honey is primarily a food product, it has also been used historically for its healing properties. As a cough suppressant, a treatment for gingivitis, and a general dietary supplement, honey has a lot to offer. Manuka honey is especially beneficial, not just for us but for our dogs as well. Let’s take a closer look at Manuka honey, and...
Maddie’s Weekly Roundup: prison programs, Online Instructor-Led Courses and more!
Happy Monday! Below is a brief roundup of resources added over the past week. How a dog training prison program can impact your community and beyondIn last month’s Community Conversation call, Zach Skow, the Executive Director of Marley’s Mutts, spoke about his dog training prison program, Pawsitive Change. Having experienced the transformative powers of rehabilitation through his connection with dogs, Zach has made it his mission to make a difference, finding great success through the program. Joining Skow are...
Is Your Cat Addicted to Kibble?
Commercial low-end kibbles aren’t good for your cat, but what if he won’t eat anything else? Here are some tips and tricks for adding nutrition to his diet. Cats don’t like change. They thrive on a regular routine, and that extends to their food as much as anything else. A kitty that has grown accustomed to one type of food usually won’t take kindly to changes in his diet, even if what you’re offering is much healthier than what he’s currently eating. This can be a problem if your feline friend is on a...
A Picture of Transport Success: Darla
Aug 26, 2023 APA!’s National Shelter Support team was working at a partner shelter location when they first laid eyes on sweet Darla. With legs too scared to walk, the 8-month old Golden Retriever was being taken to the euthanasia room in a wheelbarrow when a member of our team intervened. Jordana Moerbe urgently shared Darla’s story with rescue partners throughout the country in hopes of getting a shelter to accept her into their care; a “yes” from a shelter would mean a ticket onto the upcoming lifesaving transport...
Shy Cat, Left All Alone After Her Brothers Were Adopted, Needs a Patient 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! Candi has all the sweetness that matches her name, but it takes patience to reach it. Starting out life with her mama cat to protect her, she didn’t understand or react well to being scooped up from the location she was accustomed to, only to be put into a vehicle with her...
They’ve Served as Advisors to Winston Churchill, and Other Fun Facts About Ginger Cats
They’re furry, they’re friendly, they’re a little goofy, and they may even like lasagna, according to classic comic strips. Ginger cats are something special, so of course they have their own holiday. Ginger Cat Appreciation Day is September 1. Let’s mark the occasion by learning some fun facts about these cuddly felines! They Come in a Variety of Flavors PHOTO: ADOBE STOCK / OLHA All ginger cats are tabbies, and their coats can follow several different patterns. That includes the mackerel pattern, with narrow stripes...
Chance for You to Vote in “People Magazine’s” 2023 World’s Cutest Rescue Dog Contest
If you love rescue pets as much as we do, you might be excited at the prospect of voting for the cutest pooch among 10 finalists for this year’s People’s World’s Cutest Rescue Dog Contest Presented by the Pedigree brand. That’s right, 10 adopted dogs are competing for the crown, and you get to put your two cents in by voting for your favorite. The 10 finalists were chosen from literally thousands of entries, so you know it must have been tough whittling them down to just 10. Photo: Pixabay/carah_ Rescue Dogs Rock As...
“Most Dangerous Jobs” List Has an Unexpected 1st Place Winner You Likely Wouldn’t Have Guessed
According to recent data, the 10 most dangerous jobs in America have an interesting winner. Law firms are frequently behind statistical studies, whether they’re commissioned or assembled using data from their own legal experiences and insights. In this case, research performed by personal injury lawyers at JohnFitch.com analyzed the number of non-fatal injuries in every industry per 200 million hours worked (or 100,000 full-time workers at 40 hours per week, 50 weeks per year). The more injuries per time worked, the more dangerous those...
San Diego Humane Society Second Recipient Of $10,000 Surprise Check And Pet Supplies
We did it, again! Thanks to your generous support and daily clicks, The Animal Rescue Site and Greater Good Charities surprised another overcrowded shelter with a large check and much-needed pet supplies in celebration of NBCUniversal Local’s 9th Annual Clear The Shelters campaign. It was met with endless tail wagging, puppy kisses, and smiles. Photo: Greater Good Charities Shelters across the country are over capacity and really need adopters to come forward. San Diego Humane Society is one of the 1,400 shelters participating in the...
Baby Gorilla Abandoned at Birth Beats the Odds with the Help of a Dedicated Caregiver
An adorably sweet baby gorilla born at the Mogo Wildlife Park in Australia had a rough time of it initially, but the little one has officially turned yet another corner on their road to growing up big and strong someday. The baby, named Kaius, was born at the wildlife park last October to first-time mommy and daddy, 10-year-old mother Kipensi, and 17-year-old father Kisane. Shortly after giving birth, Kisane reportedly removed Kaius from his mother’s arms and refused to give him back. Photo: YouTube/7News Australia Australia Wildlife...
Looking for a Rescue Dog? Here’s How to Avoid Scams
Scammers seem to have infiltrated almost every area of modern life, and sadly, some are even posing as dog rescues. Here are seven ways to avoid being scammed when adopting a rescue dog. Scams are commonplace nowadays. From weird text messages to phony demands for account information, we’ve learned to just press “delete”. But when scammers pose as dog rescues, it’s easy to fall into their trap, especially if they’ve posted an adorable dog photo accompanied by a heartbreaking story. It’s a ploy to tug at...
Three Feral Cat Brothers Were Captured for a TNR, One Was a Little “Different”
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 have a colony of feral cats in our neighborhood. I feed them, provide shelter in the winter, and do my best to trap, spay, or neuter and release them. CAT. PHOTO: PIXABAY / MARIA About three years ago, the very fertile momma cat had a litter of three very cute babies. I was eventually able to trap all three baby boy cats. The first two were pretty typical ferals. The third was a little...
Insanely Cute Senior Dog, Mavis, Needs the Public’s Help in Securing a Forever Home
Meet Mavis, an adorable Cairn Terrier mix who is currently in the care of Cherished Tails Senior Sanctuary in Marana, Arizona. Mavis came to them by way of the Humane Society of Southern Arizona. She reportedly had a tough time in the shelter but has settled well into her foster home. Described as affectionate, gentle, quiet, dignified, a couch potato, and friendly, she is very sweet and loving and likes to cuddle and sleep with her humans. Cherished Tails noted she learned how to use the doggy door very quickly, so it’s likely she had...
