From Bears to Bunnies: Adorable Animals Caught In The Act Of ‘Splooting’
A delightful trend that has captured the hearts of animal enthusiasts and sparked an outpouring of affectionate images. It’s called ‘splooting,’ and it’s not only charming but also surprisingly common among a variety of animals. Photo: Facebook / Doug The PugDoug the Pug demonstrates the proper way to sploot. What is ‘Splooting’ and How Did It Start? “Sploot happens…” These words, shared by National Park Service officials in a Facebook post, introduced the world to the endearing concept...
Gabon Marks Decisive Victory Over Illegal Ivory Trafficking
Gabon, a lush African nation teeming with biodiversity, has recently achieved a significant victory in the ongoing battle against illegal ivory trafficking. This success comes as a result of a well-coordinated operation involving Gabonese authorities, Conservation Justice, and a determined effort to dismantle a notorious international ivory smuggling network. Photo: PexelsAn investigation in Gabon uncovered 19 tusks and four pieces of ivory weighing 120 kilograms. Unraveling the Network In early August, the Gabonese judicial police, in...
Maddie’s Weekly Roundup: Hard-to place cats, humane education and more!
Happy Monday! Below is a brief roundup of resources added over the past week. Maddie’s® Insights is back! Social Behavior and Implications for Bonded Pairs in Group-housed Shelter CatsJoin us on Thursday, September 14 at 12pm PT/ 3pm ET to learn to identify positive social (prosocial, affiliative) behavior in cats, understand that being surrendered together is not adequate evidence for bonding and recognize the link between behavior and social bonding in cats. Register now Hard-to-place cats and humane education are among the...
Two Adventurous Cats Accompany Their Human Cross Country in a Trailer
The following story is a finalist in the Tales of Summer Tails Photo and Story contest. The top three finishers will receive $500 in cash, as well as $2,000 in cash and supplies for their favorite shelter. Voting runs through September 8. To read more stories and cast your vote, click here! Two summers ago, I bought a truck and trailer and moved myself and my cats from California to New York, having many adventures along the way. PHOTO: JANET NELSON The kitties enjoyed traveling in the trailer, seeing the sights and smells of all the new...
Dog With Short Spine Syndrome Finally Adopted, Immediately Goes on Adventures with New Family
The following story is a finalist in the Tales of Summer Tails Photo and Story contest. The top three finishers will receive $500 in cash, as well as $2,000 in cash and supplies for their favorite shelter. Voting runs through September 8. To read more stories and cast your vote, click here! My name is Grump. I was in a crowded shelter in the south before I was saved by a rescue group in Pennsylvania. I didn’t find a forever family right away because I have something called short spine syndrome. PHOTO: CAROL MOWERY I look a little...
Caring for Deaf Dogs and Cats: 10 Tips for a Happy, Safe Home
As pets age, they can begin to lose their hearing. On the flip side, a birth defect can mean some pets never have their hearing to begin with. There are plenty of health conditions that can cause hearing loss in the interim, too. While this may not lead to a huge disturbance for your pet, there are a few things to keep in mind when it comes to caring for a deaf dog or cat. Keep Cats Inside, In an Enclosed Outdoor Area, or On a Harness PHOTO: ADOBE STOCK / KHUDOLLY If you have a deaf cat, they should generally remain indoors for their safety,...
Native Amphibians, Underserved By The Endangered Species Act, Face Serious Threats
Amphibians are some of the most enigmatic creatures in the animal kingdom. With their unique ability to inhabit both aquatic and terrestrial environments, they play a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance. However, these incredible creatures face unprecedented challenges, including habitat loss, pollution, and the ever-looming threat of roadkill. The Endangered Species Act (ESA) plays a critical role in safeguarding native amphibians in the United States, shedding light on their plight and the conservation efforts aimed at preserving...
Owl Loves Playing with Human Sisters and Picking Them Up from School
Most of us have only ever seen owls high up in trees in the wild or at zoos or wildlife refuges. Sometimes they can be viewed in cities and suburbs as well. But have you ever seen an owl chilling in a car? Or in a child’s bed? Yeah, we hadn’t either. Until now. Photo: Facebook/The Dodo One particular female owl named Michael imprinted on her human family when she was a very young rescue owl in the process of rehabilitation, leaving her unreleasable despite the beautiful recovery she made. Now she loves playing with her sisters and...
Protecting the Western Gray Squirrel: A Case for Endangered Species Act Protections
In the serene landscapes of Washington state, amidst the lush forests and tranquil natural beauty, an iconic resident is silently struggling for survival. The Western gray squirrel, once a symbol of the region’s thriving ecosystem, is facing a perilous decline. Regional reports show their numbers dwindling and their habitats shrinking. The question arises: Can we save this remarkable creature from the brink of extinction? Considering the threats faced by the Western gray squirrel, extending protections of the Endangered Species Act to...
Reunited in Juneau: Couple Finds Lost Cat 26 Days After Devastating Flood
In the quiet town of Juneau, Alaska, Elizabeth Wilkins and Tom Schwartz, both devoted teachers, were living a serene life with their resilient cat, Leo. Little did they know that their world was about to be turned upside down by a catastrophic event. As the Associated Press reports, the couple’s peaceful abode, nestled alongside the picturesque Mendenhall River, suddenly collapsed into the rushing waters due to a glacial-outburst flood caused by the Mendenhall Glacier. Photo: YouTube / WHAS11The home rented by Elizabeth Wilkins and Tom...
Different Causes of Lumps and Bumps in Dogs and Cats
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...
Meet Shelter Dogs Waiting To Catch Their Flight To Freedom
More and more dogs are arriving at shelters that are already over capacity. Many highly adoptable pets are at risk of euthanasia due to lack of space and adopters. That is why every month we sponsor a Flight to Freedom with Greater Good Charities’ Good Flights. This month’s flight will take roughly 50 dogs from overcrowded Alabama and Louisiana shelters and fly them to shelter in Wisconsin with open kennels and adopters waiting to meet them. Meet some of the good boys and girls waiting to board this month’s flight. Good News...
Pup with Anxiety Issues Calms Down When He Can Swim
The following story is a finalist in the Tales of Summer Tails Photo and Story contest. The top three finishers will receive $500 in cash, as well as $2,000 in cash and supplies for their favorite shelter. Voting runs through September 8. To read more stories and cast your vote, click here! Murphy is our “Baby Boy” rescue. He experiences extreme anxiety at times, which often gets mistaken for aggression. PHOTO: STEVE WOZNICKI One way we help him is with exercise. We have a boat and hoped that Murphy would enjoy it. At first he...
Dog Abandoned in the Woods Now Living It Up and Having Lots of Summer Fun in Her Forever Home
The following story is a finalist in the Tales of Summer Tails Photo and Story contest. The top three finishers will receive $500 in cash, as well as $2,000 in cash and supplies for their favorite shelter. Voting runs through September 8. To read more stories and cast your vote, click here! Willow was lost in the woods where I work. I was driving down the road and she came out onto the road. I thought she belonged to someone because she had a collar on, so I contacted the local shelter in order to find her parents. Long story short, no one...
The Truth About Flying with Pets: Safety Precautions to Consider
Flying with pets may seem like a dream come true for many pet owners. The idea of taking your furry companion on an adventure is undoubtedly tempting, but is it really worth the risk? Recent incidents and expert opinions suggest that flying with pets may not be as safe or enjoyable as it appears. Photo: PexelsFlying with pets can be stressful for animals. The Dark Side of Flying with Pets Stress and Tragedy in the Skies Air travel can be incredibly stressful for animals, reports Pets that Travel. Picture your innocent dog or cat crammed into...
Dog Abandoned Outside Texas Shelter With A Broken Leg Needs Your Help
Meet Arthur. The 6-month-old Great Pyrenees mix was abandoned by his family when he needed them most. Arthur was found next to a tree outside the Humane Society of North Texas in horrible shape. He was dehydrated, covered in fleas, and in immense pain from a broken leg. Despite all the pain he was in, he never stopped wagging his tail. Photo: Humane Society of North Texas Arthur was immediately examined by Dr. Misty Mendes, director of shelter medicine, who believes he was most likely hit by a car before being abandoned outside the shelter....
“Baby Yoda” Dog Gets a Second Chance After Being Rescued from a Meat Truck in China
Mork, adorable and lovable though he is, is a lesson in bad breeding practices. He was rescued from a meat truck in China, where he likely ended up after being abandoned by a breeder due to his health conditions. Luckily, Mork has been able to get good medical care and a second chance at life in the U.S., but his rescuers want to spread the word that nobody should be purposely breeding dogs like Mork. Nikki Carvey, the founder of Roadogs Rescue in southern California, first saw Mork in a picture sent to her in late 2019 by Harbin SHS, the...
Does Your Dog Have Separation Anxiety? Reiki May Help!
Separation anxiety is a common behavioral problem in dogs. Find out how Reiki can help calm your dog’s fear of being left alone. If your dog barks non-stop, destroys the furniture, or has accidents in the house when you’re out, he likely has separation anxiety. Alleviating the problem may involve positive training, behavior modification, and calming supplements. Adding Reiki to the protocol can further ease separation anxiety by helping to calm a fearful dog. What causes separation anxiety? Separation anxiety can occur in any dog,...
Hard-to-place cats and humane education are among the fall Online Instructor-Led Courses
Do you have hard-to-place cats in your organization? Would you like to spread the word of the work that your organization does? Look no further than Maddie’s Fund® Online Instructor-Led Courses! Registration for the fall 2023 courses closes on Wednesday, September 13, 2023. Courses range in subject matter from humane education, marketing, hard-to-place cats and transport. These courses require completion of: self-paced online materials, four to six Zoom classes that range in length from 60-90 minutes with your instructor and...
Dog Without Eyes Becomes Foster Fail and Seamlessly Fits Into the Pack at His Home
The following story is a finalist in the Tales of Summer Tails Photo and Story contest. The top three finishers will receive $500 in cash, as well as $2,000 in cash and supplies for their favorite shelter. Voting runs through September 8. To read more stories and cast your vote, click here! Before getting into why I like summer, here’s a little background about me. My name is Arvo Thomas Gardiner, but I’m mostly just called Arvo. If I get called all three of my names, I know Momma’s not very happy with me. I’m living...
