Learn the updated Guidelines for Standards of Care in Animal Shelters
In 2010 the Association of Shelter Veterinarians (ASV) published the first Guidelines for Standards of Care in Animal Shelters, which quickly became the gold standard in how to care for animals shelters and foster homes alike. In December 2022, the revised “Guidelines” were introduced. The Guidelines is understandably a comprehensive and lengthy document, yet many who can get value from it don’t have the time to read it in it entirety. That’s why you’re invited to the free ASV Shelter Guidelines Re-Boot Camp! The...
A Deaf French Bulldog Communicates Through Adorable Silent Gobbles
Special needs dogs need to be surrounded by genuinely caring humans. News about neglect and abandonment just because humans deem them less adorable than normal canines are immensely saddening. Blind, deaf, paralyzed, and those with birth defects never wished for their condition. People’s attitudes towards dogs should not be based on their looks. Every fur baby deserves tender loving care. Thankfully, those abandoned and could not find homes are taken to sanctuaries, rescue centers, and foster care. Various organizations are making...
Redditors Find This Turtle’s Smile Both Adorable and Questionable
Exotic pets might not be as soft and furry as dogs and cats, but they surely are adorable on their own. Reptiles, amphibians, insects, fish, and others can easily win hearts. Your house will always be filled with joy due to their presence. Those pets don’t only become your friends because they can also be your source of knowledge. Since humans don’t get to interact with exotic animals daily, there is little information about their personalities. Do snakes love pets, or do capybaras also ask for cuddles? Although you could search...
Would-Be Adopter Had a Specific Type of Dog in Mind, Fate Had Other Plans
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 knew I wanted to rescue and looked into rescuing an Italian Greyhound since I had owned one before. I wanted a young male, well-adjusted and not skittish, due to my very busy, hectic lifestyle. DOG. PHOTO: PIXABAY / SIMONNE DRAPER Instead I got a phone call asking if I could foster a young male that was tossed out of a moving car and found running along a highway. No other details were...
‘Ghost Dog’ Spends Months Hiding, Until Her Foster Slowly Helps Her Out of Her Shell
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! Rescue – that has never been a choice with me. It is who I am. Been involved since I was little. One day, I saw a post about a dog needing a new foster with a group I foster with (Angels Among Us). She needed a calm home. Well, I had two laidback dogs and no kids, so volunteer I did! DOG. PHOTO: PIXABAY / CHRISTIANE When I picked her up, she peed all over the foster’s husband...
Pauly Wants a Biscuit & a Forever Home, Not a Cracker & a Shoulder to Perch On
Pauly may want a biscuit but he’s no parrot. He is actually a super cute puppy — well, practically a puppy at under two years old, anyway. He’s currently residing at the Pima Animal Care Center’s shelter facility in Tucson, Arizona, where he’s a volunteer favorite. Here’s what some of his biggest fans have to say about this sweet boy: Photo: Pima Animal Care Center “First time walking Pauly. He was very enthusiastic in his kennel with bright eyes and a wiggly body (puppy behavior). I leashed him up...
Why Dogs Prefer The Taste of Freshpet Recipes
If you’re considering making the switch to refrigerated food for dogs, you may be wondering exactly why dogs like the taste of Freshpet so much more than kibble. Read on to learn more about four of the biggest reasons why the taste of fresh recipes will always be superior. Reason #1 why dogs like the taste of Freshpet: Recognizable flavors One of the biggest reasons why picky eaters turn their noses up at kibble is the flavor. After being cooked to a crisp, artificial colors and flavors are added to kibble in an attempt to bring back...
Dog Massage for Arthritis
If you’ve been lucky enough to love a dog, you know that many develop some level of arthritis. Arthritis, or joint inflammation, most commonly appears in senior dogs; however, young dogs are also susceptible. Managing dog arthritis involves pharmaceutical and nutraceutical intervention, as well as lifestyle and environmental adaptations. Include massage therapy in this list as it creates a rewarding experience for both you and your dog. While most dogs respond positively to massage therapy, dogs with arthritis find it particularly...
Saving Lives One Pet Portrait at a Time
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...
Maddie’s Weekly Roundup: ASV Guidelines Re-Boot Camp, Domains Model and more!
Happy Monday! Below is a brief roundup of resources added over the past week. Register now for Maddie’s Insights: 5 Domains of Animal CareJoin Dr. Kat Littlewood for the “Five Domains of Animal Care.” The Five Domains Model is a holistic and structured framework for gathering together well-being indicators and assessing animal well-being. Maddie’s Fund® Director of Outreach and Research, Sheila Segurson, DVM, DACVB will host this 60-minute webcast on Thursday, May 11 at 12:00PM PT/ 3:00PM ET.… Learn More...
Ignorant And Impulsive Couple Decided To Adopt A Cat Despite Previous Agreement with Roommate
Simple roommate disputes can easily be solved with a little bit of talking. Living in a shared space should be relatively peaceful as long as those involved are open to communicating. Boundaries should always be respected, and that respect also extends to any pet that lives in the same space as you. PHOTO: Pixabay/Noël Milena One Redditor shared her situation with her roommate, who had an old cat living with them already. The problem started when she and her partner decided to adopt a kitten. We’ve seen our fair share of siblings...
Rescuers Save Terrified Dog Left At A Donation Bin With Her Stuffed Cow
A Houston, Texas animal rescuer named Samantha knows the heartbreaking truth about pet abandonment. It’s a huge issue in Houston and other areas of Texas and she’s doing everything in her power to help. Animal abandonment is a heartbreaking reality that can have devastating consequences for the animals involved. Abandoned animals are often left without food, water, or shelter, and are forced to fend for themselves in dangerous and unfamiliar environments. Photo: Flickr/Thank You (23 Millions+) views License: CC BY 2.0 The physical...
Rescue Dog Born With “Stretched” Face Gains Fans Around The World
A sweet rescue dog with a unique, “stretched” face is making quite a splash on social media. Lieschen O’Neill adopted Belle as a tiny puppy and had no idea how much joy the dog would bring to her life. Photo: YouTube/GeoBeats Animals According to GeoBeats Animals, Lieschen rescued Belle from a shelter when the puppy was around 12 weeks old. The shelter didn’t have any backstory on Belle, but it was obvious that she was a special dog. If you look at her, you can see right away that’s got somewhat of a...
England Bans Electric Shock Collars In Historic Animal Welfare Ruling
Shock collars have long been a topic of debate, with many animal welfare activists campaigning against them. When used, a shock collar can remotely deliver an electric shock to a dog’s neck, typically as a form of punishment or negative reinforcement for unwanted behavior. Photo: Pexels/Courtney Sargent While some trainers and pet owners use shock collars as a training tool, they have been the subject of controversy and debate due to concerns over their potential to cause pain and distress to animals. Several countries and jurisdictions...
Jojo Siwa Opens Up About The Devastating Loss Of Her New Puppy
19-year-old Jojo Siwa is known for her upbeat personality and happy-go-lucky charm, but she recently opened up about an incredibly serious and sad matter: the death of her new puppy. Siwa became famous after appearing on two seasons of Dance Moms along with her mother, dance instructor Jessalynn Siwa. Photo: TikTok/@itsjojosiwa Since then, she’s risen to stardom and become known in the dance, music, and influencer spaces! While generally full of smiles and positivity, Siwa recently revealed the heartbreaking news on TikTok. Photo:...
Friendly Pony Befriends Farm Cat
If there is one language that we all can speak, it’s love. Love doesn’t necessarily mean just romantic feelings. Oftentimes, some of our great love stories include platonic ones, such as friendships. That love that you have for your bestie is the same in the human world as it is in the animal kingdom. While we might not always notice, animals are quite capable of forming meaningful relationships with one another – including with animals of a completely different species. Photo: TikTok/@shar.willow.buddy There is no better...
Tiny French Bulldog Refuses To Go To Bed
Loving dogs is one of the most beautiful and rewarding experiences that a person can have. These furry, four-legged creatures have a way of touching our hearts and souls like nothing else. However, caring for them can be quite a lot of work. Taking care of a puppy, especially, can be a fun and rewarding experience, but it also requires a lot of responsibility and commitment. However, it’s all worth it in the end. From wagging their tails when we come home to snuggling up beside us on the couch, dogs bring us so much joy and happiness....
Dug Up at Dogster: May 2023 Dog Events and Dog Holidays
Three May dog holidays stick out for me: National Dog Mom’s Day (for obvious reasons), International Chihuahua Appreciation Day (see my Chiweenie, Lucy, in the photo!) and National Rescue Dog Day. Even though both my girls, Emmy and Lucy, now comfortably lounge around my house on their oversized beds, they once had no homes. During the height of the Covid pandemic, Emmy was abandoned at a school about an hour from my house. One of the teachers (my friend’s aunt) noticed a white, scruffy, furry dog around campus at all hours....
Kibble Dog Food: What It Is and What’s New
Simply put: Kibble consists of crunchy, little pieces made in a high-heat process that dog parents spill into bowls for their dogs to devour. No mess. No fuss. Look around today, however, and you encounter kibble undergoing a tasty revolution. Companies now tout kibble as: made from sustainable and alternative proteins like insects, such as the dried black soldier fly larvae (Yum or yuck, depending on your viewpoint.) gently air-dried to maintain more nutrients with each bite for your canine pal made from all-natural human-grade ingredients...
Advances in Microbiome Science Lead to High-Potency Probiotic for 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...