Is My Pet Suffering? An Exploration of Grimace Scales
Submission Guidelines Thank you for your interest in writing for Animal Wellness. As the #1 natural health magazine for pets in North America, we take pride in providing our readers with the information they need to make wise health care choices for their animal companions. Our publication embraces the entire holistic spectrum, from physical health issues to the emotional and spiritual well being of our animals. We welcome unsolicited articles and story outlines as long as they focus on holistic healing, whether physical, emotional or...
How one foster-based organization is implementing a low-barrier foster program
Lowering barriers is a key element to attracting and keeping foster caregivers. Kelly Duer, Senior Community Solutions Specialist, here at Maddie’s Fund® spoke with Becky Costner, Executive Director of Let Love Live, a foster-based rescue organization in Wadena, Minnesota, to ask her about their low-barrier foster program. Using a “Fosters Welcome” approach is a big part of their recipe for success: in 2022 for the first time, they were able to transfer in over one thousand pets. In 2023, they’re on track to...
Cat Enjoys Riding on Boats and Splashing Through the Water on His Leash
The following story was a winner in the Tales of Summer Tails Photo and Story contest. The top three finishers received $500 in cash, as well as $2,000 in cash and supplies for their favorite shelter. To read more stories, click here! Our Bengal male Bronte (IW SGC FraserValley Denalis Thunder) was born in Canada. He came to us in Germany when he was one-year-old. He loves trips to the lakes in the area in summer. PHOTO: ANJA PATZ He walks like a dog on a leash. What he likes most is riding on the big excursion boats and keeping his nose in...
Oregon Takes Stand Against Puppy Mills and Cosmetics Testing
In a remarkable stride toward animal welfare, Oregon Governor Tina Kotek has signed two significant bills into law that send a strong message against cruelty towards animals. According to the Animal Legal Defense Fund, these new laws not only protect puppies, kittens, and cosmetics-testing animals but also set an inspiring example for other states to follow. Photo: PexelsCosmetics testing on animals is banned in many countries. An End to the Sale of Puppy Mill Pets HB 2915: This legislation in Oregon brings an end to the sale of puppies and...
All About Transport: Moving Animals to Create Lasting Positive Impact
[embedded content] Want to learn how animal transport can make a massive difference for people and pets in your community, and beyond? This discussion-style webinar will cover how the strategic transport of animals saves lives while fostering stronger community bonds, alleviating strain on shelters, creating lasting positive impacts, and more. Experts Clare Callison, Director of National Operations for Austin Pets Alive!, and Lindsay Hamrick, Director of Shelter Outreach & Engagement for the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) will...
Hybrid Hummingbird Stuns Scientists: The Gold-Feathered Enigma of the Peruvian Andes
In the world of birds, hummingbirds are renowned for their vibrant colors, dazzling iridescence, and extraordinary agility. But nestled deep within the Peruvian Andes, scientists stumbled upon a discovery that left them utterly perplexed. A never-before-documented hummingbird species, adorned with glittering gold feathers, has emerged from the heart of Cordillera Azul National Park, USA Today reports. However, what truly baffled researchers was that this avian marvel was not a new species at all. Instead, it unveiled an intricate tale of...
UK Pushes Ban On American Pit Bulls After 11-Year-Old Girl Attacked
The United Kingdom’s Home Secretary, Suella Braverman, is spearheading a controversial initiative to ban American Bully XL dogs. According to CBS, this move comes in response to a harrowing incident where an 11-year-old girl fell victim to a vicious attack by one of these dogs. Braverman’s outcry, echoed across social media platforms, brands the American Bully XL breed as a “clear and lethal danger” to public safety, especially children. Photo: PexelsAmerican Bully XL dogs are often characterized by their muscular...
Dog That Can’t Walk Makes Up for That with Her Love of Swimming
The following story was a finalist in the Tales of Summer Tails Photo and Story contest. The top three finishers received $500 in cash, as well as $2,000 in cash and supplies for their favorite shelter. To read more stories, click here! As a disabled dog, Amanda Mae’s life is far from normal. PHOTO: ALISON KREISER Amanda’s hind end does not work properly, preventing her from walking. She does have a wheelchair, but she struggles to use it. SHARE YOUR OWN RESCUE STORY Every summer, our family makes trips to the creek to cool off,...
Senior Kitty Has Some Hops: 13-Year-Old Tabby Sets Record for Most Rope Skips in a Minute
When you were a kid on the playground, you likely got into some serious jump rope during recess. If you were at all competitive, you may have been pretty proud of your consecutive jump streaks compared to those of your friends. Now imagine a cat showed up and schooled you on the sport. Kit Kat the cat may have been able to do just that. Kit Kat, a long-time feline performer once featured in a campaign for Friskies cat food, added another accomplishment onto his resume last month: The most jump rope skips by a cat in one minute. The...
Red Fire Ant Invasion: Europe Faces a Tenacious New Invader, ‘Spreading Like Wildfire’
In the intricate dance of ecosystems worldwide, the arrival of a new species can disrupt the harmony that has existed for centuries. As CNN reports, one such unwelcome guest has recently made its debut in Europe—the red fire ant, scientifically known as Solenopsis invicta. This resilient and invasive insect hails from the distant shores of South America but has already traversed continents and conquered lands far from its birthplace. Photo: PexelsThe red fire ant, or Solenopsis invicta, is a highly invasive species. The Red Fire Ant: A...
Jealous Dog Goes to Extremes to Keep Human Sister from Taking His Treats
You’ve seen siblings competing against one another before, but you’ve perhaps never seen a sibling rivalry quite like this one. It’s not often that a dog has to compete with his human sister for treats, after all. It appears that this family thought it would be fun to see what their doggo would do if they gave the treats promised to him to his human sister instead. Eager to see his reaction, they filmed the whole event, and we’re so glad they did! Photo: Facebook/LADbible In the beginning of the video, you’ll see...
Spotless Angolan Giraffe Sighted in Namibia’s Untamed Wilds
The world of wildlife conservation has been graced by an extraordinary and unexpected sight—a spotless giraffe! Just weeks after CBS reported the birth of a spotless giraffe at a Tennessee zoo, another one has been photographed in the wild, and this time, it’s in the heart of Africa, in Namibia. The Giraffe Conservation Foundation unveiled this astonishing discovery in a recent news release, marking the first-ever recorded sighting of a spotless Angolan giraffe in the wild on the African continent. A Marvel of Nature Imagine...
Lonesome Rescue Bunny Falls Head Over Heels in Love with Foster Sister
Getting a pet is a huge commitment, but there are still far too many people in the world who buy innocent animals without thinking ahead about how much time they’re going to need to give to their new family member. That can often result in animals being neglected, surrendered, or abandoned. This was likely the case for Bim, a domesticated bunny who was found wandering around outside shortly after the Easter holiday. It’s likely that his former owners bought him as a holiday gift for a young child, quickly found out how much work...
The Humble ‘Snot Otter’ Faces a Fight for Survival
The eastern hellbender, an unassuming and slimy aquatic amphibian, has found itself at the center of a critical battle for survival and environmental conservation. This elusive creature, also endearingly known as the “snot otter,” has become a symbol of hope and resilience in the face of mounting threats to its existence. In a landmark decision, a federal judge has ruled that the denial of Endangered Species Act protection for the eastern hellbender was “arbitrary and unlawful.” Now, conservationists are rallying to...
The Healthy Way to Feed a High-Protein Diet for Dogs
A high-protein diet for dogs can support skin & coat health, muscle development, the immune system, and general health. However, there are things you should do to ensure your pup still gets all the nutrients they need. Our loyal canine companions have evolved into omnivores who require a varied diet, but meat and protein are still key components of what they eat. A high-protein diet for dogs can be beneficial for many canine companions, including for their strength, energy, and skin & coat health. Let’s look at the right way to...
Self-Care Tips for Senior-Dog Guardians
Submission Guidelines Thank you for your interest in writing for Animal Wellness. As the #1 natural health magazine for pets in North America, we take pride in providing our readers with the information they need to make wise health care choices for their animal companions. Our publication embraces the entire holistic spectrum, from physical health issues to the emotional and spiritual well being of our animals. We welcome unsolicited articles and story outlines as long as they focus on holistic healing, whether physical, emotional or...
Take this short survey on finding homes for “behavior dogs”
On Wednesday, March 20, 2024, Maddie’s Fund® will be hosting a half-day summit that will focus on finding homes for behavior dogs (more information to come!) In the meantime, we are looking for further input about topics in order to develop the most beneficial agenda for the day. (Please note that when we say ‘behavior dogs’, we’re referring to dogs who have a home history of behavior such as fear, impulsivity, separation anxiety, resource guarding, etc.) The survey is short and should take less than five minutes...
Dog Accompanies His Human to Her Retail Job, Enchants All the Customers
The following story was a finalist in the Tales of Summer Tails Photo and Story contest. The top three finishers received $500 in cash, as well as $2,000 in cash and supplies for their favorite shelter. To read more stories, click here! Elvis gets to go to work with me at a local pet supply store. He’s allowed to sleep on the counter while I’m working on the register. PHOTO: ELIZABETH KING Many people come in, walk right past him, and don’t notice that he’s a live dog laying on the counter. Sometimes we just have to...
Lilo, Kona, and Maui Are a Trio of Littermates Ready for a Forever Ohana
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! To create a strong humane future, we need the power of youth. When a caring young adult found a mother cat with her tiny young kittens at his new apartment complex, he reached out to us for help. He wanted to do everything he could to make sure this feline family was safe and...
Florida Wildlife Officers Help Bear Cub Escape From a Sticky Situation
Dish soap can be used for a few different things: Cleaning a wide range of household items, blowing bubbles, de-fogging glasses in a pinch, and… helping a bear escape? Yes, you read that right. A Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) officer was recently called to the aid of a black bear cub that had gotten one of its back paws stuck in the crook of a tree. Realizing they could use some backup, the officer called a bear biologist to the scene to get the little guy out of this un-bear-able situation. Remember that time...
