Family Adopts Skittish, Defensive Cat and Spends Years Getting Him to Open Up
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! Twelve years ago, my husband and I decided to adopt our first cat together. We headed down to the local shelter to adopt a rescue because our town has a seven-day policy on euthanizing animals. CAT. PHOTO: PIXABAY / JUAN FERNANDO MAYA MARIN My husband pointed to this 5-month-old cat sleeping in his litter box (who was on his sixth day)… and I didn’t want him. I wanted a...
Dog Abandoned at an Auto Shop Built So Much Anxiety, But Rescuers Never Gave Up on Her
Trauma in dogs is rooted in various causes, and symptoms show in different ways. It usually starts with exposure to stress, neglect, and abuse. As anxiety builds up, their response to their surroundings becomes distorted. For this reason, a dog will act defensively when approached by a human. They’ll start getting violent, as they deem everyone a threat. Dogs will guard themselves to the point that they opt for isolation. It’s saddening to witness a fur of sunshine turn into the saddest creature. The weight of the trauma is...
This Paris Hilton Doesn’t Care About Bling, Just Home & Family
A sweet mama dog who deserves to live the good life is searching for her forever home. One that will accept her, be kind and patient with her, and perhaps even help her on her weight-loss journey as she sheds her post-baby pregnancy pounds. A girl’s got to get her figure back somehow! Currently, at the Pima Animal Care Center in Tucson, Arizona, this is what shelter staff are able to relate about their “celebrity” resident: Photo: Pima Animal Care Center Our Paris Hilton has never seen a single episode of The Simple Life,...
Alternatives to Public Dog Parks May Be in the Works in Your Area via SniffSpot
Not everyone has a yard for their dog(s) to play in. Some do but prefer to socialize their pets by taking them to public dog parks where they can frolic with their fellow canines. Other people, however, worry about the health and safety of their pets in these environments and long for something different. There are even those whose doggos have been ejected from dog parks for any number of reasons. Photo: Pixabay/Alexas_Fotos A business known as Sniffspot is looking to provide dog owners with more options by offering private alternatives to...
Adopting Retired Police K9s and Military Working Dogs is a Great Way to Honor their Service
All dogs deserve a loving home. Those that are retiring from a life of public service are no different. Military and police canines ending their careers are highly trained and incredibly loyal animals. If you’ve ever wondered what happens to them once they leave the ranks, there are a number of scenarios. Oftentimes, they are adopted by their handlers, but just as frequently they can end up needing forever homes provided by members of the public.If you’d like to adopt one of them, there are a few things you should be aware of...
Family’s Black Labrador Surprised Everyone When A Small White Spot Appeared On His Ears
Most people are probably aware that there are albino animals. Albino animals are rare in the wild. Sadly, both in the wild and in the pet trade, albinos are easy targets for both natural predators and people. They’re often captured and sold for a huge price, they get displayed and they don’t get their needed care. The same goes for animals with vitiligo. Yes, they exist, they’re just not often talked about like their albino friends. Looks like we found another member of the Insane Clown Posse! pic.twitter.com/V3DyFgEtnj...
How I Lost My Cat, and Found My Community (and Found My Cat)
Chappy got out of the house. It was a freak accident, on a Sunday morning in February. The wind blew the door open, while my husband Ray brought an Instacart order in from the front stoop. The noise scared our cat, our shy, happy, spoiled, fluffy, black-and-white prince, and he jumped through the open door. Chappy, who hadn’t spent a moment outdoors since he was picked up by a cat rescue group as a baby kitten, and hadn’t shown the slightest inclination to make a break for it in the six years we’d had him, tried...
Can Dogs Eat Sesame Seeds?
The answer is yes! Dogs can eat sesame seeds, and they provide fiber, calcium and vitamin E, among other nutrients says Dr. Jessica Taylor, vice president of veterinary medicine at Petfolk. Just be sure your dog isn’t getting too much of these nutrients from his daily food and his treat of sesame. Too many sesame seeds can cause vomiting or diarrhea in dogs, she warns. To see if your dog likes and tolerates sesame seeds, Dr. Taylor suggests feeding a small amount and then waiting 48 hours to see how your dog’s body reacts. For...
Young Girl was Saved from a Rattlesnake’s Venomous Bite by a Brave Rescue Dog
Dogs never stopped being heroes whether they are trained K9s or family pets. Even stray dogs are capable of saving a human being from a dangerous situation. Heroism just comes naturally from them — making them admirable creatures that deserve all the pets and good treats in the world. They have checked all the green flags — proving that they are worthy to be adopted. With a dog in the house, you’ll have an instant friend, sibling, guardian, companion, and protector. Any human close to them is part of their pack, and their...
A Man and a Whale Shared a Surreal Moment with Kisses and Pets
The ocean is such a magical and mysterious environment that many people want to explore. One of the creatures that make the deep sea majestic is the whale. They come in different species, but every one of them possesses undeniable charms. Cruise ship passengers always anticipate a whale coming up for air so they could get a glimpse of the magnificent underwater mammal. People would capture the moment to remember the encounter that rarely happens. Close interaction is also possible either in ocean parks or while scuba diving. During that...
Kitten Rescued From Vending Machine in Multi-Person Effort
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 work as a lifeguard, and over the summer, I work between three different outdoor pools. CAT. PHOTO: PIXABAY / JOSEPH CHAE One day when I got to work, my boss informed me that there was a kitten stuck in a vending machine in the men’s bathroom. Being the crazy cat lover that I am, all I heard was that I was going to go home with a cat. SHARE YOUR OWN RESCUE STORY When I tell this...
Ginger Boy and Tuxedo Girl Cat Fall in Love at First Sight
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 spring and my roommate was in love. I was alone in the apartment most days and feeling the strain of too much work and not enough play. So we decided to adopt a cat. I’ve had cats all my life and had spent some time fostering, but it was time for a long-term kitty. CAT. PHOTO: PIXABAY / ORSI OLETICS HERCZOG I went to the shelter, looking for a short-haired, probably black...
Dogs with Dementia Experience Same Sleep Disturbances As Human Dementia Patients, Study Finds
Sleep disturbances are known to be common among dementia patients… human ones, anyway. However, dementia also impacts dogs, and a new study aimed to see if dogs living with the disease experienced similar issues. Researchers at North Carolina State University have been conducting a clinical trial on canine aging and cognition, and a portion of this work focused on whether brain activity during sleep was linked with cognitive decline. The findings, published in Frontiers in Veterinary Science, show that dogs with dementia do suffer from...
Citizens Worked Hand in Hand to Rescue a Dog Trapped Inside a Car Engine
An animal’s lack of knowledge about modern civilization made it difficult for them to determine dangerous places. Authorities and rescue teams handle such cases almost every day. You’ll find cats and dogs stuck inside manholes, animals that can’t go down from cable lines, and more. As a citizen, you’ll encounter those animals several times in your life. Unfortunately, others do not survive the situation, especially when the animal has been trapped for too long. Survival also isn’t assured if they were involved in...
Rescue Kittens Reeces and Snickers are Sweet as Candy but Better for Your Waistline
Whether you’re searching for one adorable kitten or two, a small volunteer-based rescue in southern Arizona has got the sweetest little love nuggets you could ever hope to meet. Their names are Snickers and Reeces, and they can be adopted together or separately. Both of these little Tortoiseshell ladies are just 2 months old and ready for adoption today! Photo: S. Arizona Cat Rescue Snickers First up is Snickers. She was a bottle-fed kitten, meaning she is extra sweet and loves her humans that much more. She also enjoys exploring and is...
GusGus, the Handsomest Chocolate Lab You’ll Ever Meet, is Too Young to Be Homeless
They say good things come in small packages, but we’re here to remind you that sometimes great things come in large packages, too! That’s the case with a gorgeous chocolate lab being fostered in Scottsdale, Arizona. His name is GusGus, and here’s his story as he relates it… Hello, my name is GusGus, and I’m a 5-year-old chocolate hunk of love! I am a tall, big-boned boy weighing 113 pounds. My foster mom says I’m THE best boy ever. I get along well with my foster siblings, which include a 3-month-old...
Long-Stay Shelter Dog Spoiled With Donated Toys & Treats While He Waits For A Forever Home
Lance, a 2-year-old Labrador retriever mix, was surrendered by his owner on September 16, 2022. He is still waiting for someone to adopt him at Humane Society of the Ohio Valley. The handsome pup has a lot of energy and is looking for an active partner who will take him along on adventures. He is still learning to walk nicely on a leash but improves every day. Lance will need a home without cats or children but is always up for a game of fetch or tug. The shelter shared, “He is a muscular young boy who is surprisingly very strong on a...
Ohio Shelter Puppies Are Tuckered Out After Playing With Donated Toys
Puppies have endless energy and a good way to entertain them is with toys, however, most animal shelters are unable to afford luxuries like toys and treats. That is where Greater Good Charities’ GOODS program steps in. The cost of pet food alone can consume a shelter’s minimal budget. The GOODS program provides nutritious dog and cat food, essential supplies, toys, and treats to shelters across the country. Shelter life is stressful and takes a toll on the homeless dogs and cats as well as the staff and volunteers who care for...
Therapy Dogs Help a Community Heal After School Tragedy
A Kansas high school made national headlines after a 2022 school shooting shook the community. A place of positive experiences, such as football games, school plays and prom, turned into a crime scene. Therapy dogs in schools were part of the response team. Friendly furry faces, supportive counselors, staff and parents all joined together to greet students and begin the healing process within the school community. Trained to use their therapeutic nature to deescalate emotions in a difficult situation, therapy dogs bring joy to students and...
3 Things to Do if a Dog or Cat Dies at Home
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...
