Free online courses for all things foster care at your animal organization
When it comes to successful foster care programs at animal shelter or rescue organizations, there are many areas to consider. What does an organization that successfully integrates foster into the whole organization look like? How do organizations with robust foster programs onboard their new foster caregivers? What does successful foster training and support look like? All of these questions and more are answered in free, online self-paced courses on Maddie’s® University. To make it easier for you, your staff and volunteers,...
Bait Dog Discarded On The Side Of The Road Overcomes All Odds And Survives
It’s hard to fathom that dog fighting still exists, but it’s tragically prevalent today. Pitbulls are especially common victims of the “sport” and it’s not uncommon for weak pitbulls to be used as “bait dogs” and then left to die. One pittie found herself in that exact situation, but help arrived right in time to save her life. Photo: YouTube/We Love Animals As shared by We Love Animals, the pitbull was spotted by the side of the road in an area where dogs are often dumped. It’s near a busy...
Man Straps Action Camera To Cat’s Collar And Sees The World Through His Eyes
If you’ve had a cat in your life, you probably know how adventurous they can be. It’s one of the reasons people love them as pets! People love cats as pets for a variety of reasons, from their playfulness to their entertaining antics. One thing that really stands out, though, is their independent yet affectionate nature. Photo: Pexels/Luiza-Maria Scurtu Many cats like to come and go as they please, demanding pets and snuggles when they feel like it and wandering the streets when they need some space. If you have an indoor-outdoor...
Walmart to Offer Pet Telehealth Plan to Its “Plus” Subscribers via Pawp
If you’re a Walmart shopper and a pet owner, you’re in for some good news if you carry a Plus subscription with the mega-retailer. According to recent reports, beginning Tuesday, May 22, 2023, Walmart — which is partnering with veterinary telehealth provider Pawp — will be offering Walmart+ subscribers free access to virtual veterinarians for a whole year. Walmart’s surge into veterinary telehealth comes as the business attempts to more readily compete with Amazon while holding onto its higher-end customers by...
Newly Adopted Dog Bolts During Walk But Somehow Finds Her Way Back to Her New Home
The following story is a finalist in the Pawsitively Picture Perfect photo 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 June 1. To read more stories and cast your vote, click here! We had her only a month, 30 days to be exact. She had been a stray that someone decided not to keep. She was a couple of years old. She was scared, but sweet. We named her Kona. It was a Monday afternoon. My three dogs and I were taking our daily walk on a major...
Adoptable Tony, the Special Needs Rescue Pup, is a Veritable Iron Man
Tony Stark. Tony Hawk. Tony Robbins. With the name Tony, this sweet special-needs guy has some big shoes to fill, but the folks at Pima Animal Care Center in Tucson know this lovable fella is up for the task! You see, Tony is a survivor. This plucky pup came to PACC unable to use his hind legs. Sadly, he had been found by the side of the road with a severe spinal fracture. Since his rescue, he’s gotten a wheelchair of his very own, and you can see him popping wheelies all around the shelter with his volunteer friends! Here’s the...
My Dog Ate Weed! Here’s What to Do
With the increase in states legalizing marijuana, weed is not only more accessible to humans, but also increases instances of a dog ingesting it. Dog ate weed? First, don’t lie about it. Dr. Anna Robinson, a small animal veterinarian in New Braunfels, Texas, stresses that you need to be completely honest with everyone when speaking about the issue. “No veterinary professional worth anything cares if you are illegally (or legally) in possession [of marijuana],” she says. “It’s against our code of ethics and AVMA...
Air Shepherd: Using Drones to Protect Elephants & Rhinos in Africa
Their motto is reversing the march of extinction, and boy, do they have their work cut out for them. We’re talking about Air Shepherd. With a website full of sobering statistics, it’s hard not to be alarmed when you read that since 2007, rhino poaching has increased by 9,000 percent in South Africa alone. Or that across Africa, every 9-11 hours, a rhino is slaughtered, and every 14 minutes an elephant is killed. At this rate, elephants and rhinos could be extinct in as little as 10 years. Why is that not upsetting for so many...
“Dapper Older Gentleman” Max Wants To Be Your One And Only
Senior dogs are the best, and in case you need proof – meet Max. He’s described as a “dapper older gentleman” by Animal Care Centers of NYC who is showing him with love after his previous owner surrendered him. Max has the best leash manners and can teach his new family how to enjoy the little things in life. He loves to curl up with his humans and go for strolls in the park. The shelter shared that we would be the “perfect picnic partner” who would gladly clean up the crumbs afterwards. He still has so...
Fuel Your Dog’s Energy and Activity with Cordyceps!
Cordyceps are a functional mushroom that can help your pup be more active, give them more energy, and help them feel younger! It’s almost summertime, and that means it’s time to get back to hiking with your pooch, frisbee sessions at the park, games of fetch by the lake, and other fun warm weather activities! For some dogs, it also means training for agility trials, dock jumping, search and rescue, and more. Whether your dog is a competitive athlete or just loves recreational activities any time of year, they need energy, stamina,...
Maddie’s Weekly Roundup: Winning Return to Home program, Solutions Summit and more!
Happy Monday! Below is a brief roundup of resources added over the past week. Peoria County Animal Protection Service shares its winning Return to Home programLooking to improve your return to home rates at your animal organization? Return to Home Challenge Overall Winner, Peoria County Animal Protection Services (PCAPS) in Peoria, IL, shares insights, most effective practices and more from its winning program. See what you can apply in your community! “We have a great culture of Return to Home (RTH)… Learn...
A Mother Bear and Her Two Cubs Went Out for a Thrilling Seaside Adventure
Young animals carry childhood stories from their early adventures with their mothers and siblings. Those adventures are needed to teach them survival skills and to familiarize themselves with the environment. Mothers take them to different areas where they can hunt for food. They’ll show the young ones the ropes and at the same time enjoy a fun outing. Although the babies have the freedom to roam outdoors, it is still vital to be close to their mothers. If not, they might put themselves in danger, especially when traversing an...
How Do Dogs Get Mange?
Mange in dogs is caused from mites, which are parasites that result in hair loss and skin inflammation. Two different types of mites cause mange in dogs— Demodex species and Sarcoptes scabiei. Puppies are born with Demodex mites, while Sarcoptes mites are contracted from exposure to other dogs, wildlife or contaminated bedding. Sarcoptic mange is contagious to other dogs and humans, but demodectic mange is not. Is dog mange contagious? Sarcoptic mange is; demodectic mange is not Sarcoptic mange is caused by the mite named Sarcoptes...
Discover the Magic of Molecular Iodine
What is molecular iodine, and why are so many veterinarians recommending it for their canine and feline patients? Whether in real life or on your favorite medical drama, you’ve probably seen iodine. This amber-colored liquid has been used for decades in hospitals, veterinary clinics and households to reverse and prevent infection. What you may not know is that this popular antiseptic contains a substance called “molecular iodine” that, while present in only trace amounts, works to combat microorganisms that can harm your...
Researchers Paid Homage To The ‘Lord Of The Rings’ Villain In The Name Of A Group Of Butterflies
Butterflies are majestic creatures. They’re often associated with good things, dreamlike fantasies or fairytales. Fantasies are understandable, but what about an epic fantasy that deals with world-threatening forces? Sauron is the villain of J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings. In fiction, he’s seen as wholly evil. Now, in reality, he’s become a beautiful butterfly. the iconic Eye of Sauron from the LOTR films is an original idea and didnt come from the book. in the LOTR book, the Eye of Sauron is an insignia worn...
Our Guide to Navigating the Veterinary Shortage
If you’re having difficulty securing a veterinary appointment for your dog or cat, you’re not alone. Here’s how to find your way through the current veterinary shortage, and ensure your companion is getting the care he needs. Getting an appointment to see a veterinarian has become increasingly difficult for many dog and cat parents. You may be faced with a significant wait to see a veterinary specialist, and even your regular vet. Emergency clinics are frequently experiencing long wait times or are closing altogether due to...
Dramatic Golden Retriever Doesn’t Realize Mom Is Watching
If you’ve ever had a golden retriever in your life, you already know they are one of the most adorable and lovable dogs out there. They love being around people but if you aren’t around, they might not be quite as happy. Some dogs just have a difficult time being alone and they might even suffer from separation anxiety. That seems to be the case with Cooper. Photo: TikTok/@amber.023 When his human mom, Amber, heard Cooper howling at the front door, she wondered what was happening. She quietly went to the railing at the top of the...
Curious Dog Uses A Tree To Spy On Her Neighbors
A curious dog in Mexico figured out a clever way to “spy” on her neighbors over the fence. A video of the dog’s antics were shared on YouTube and you can see how she tactfully wedges herself between a tree and a fence to slowly work her way up. Photo: YouTube/VITALY PETRUKHIN The fence was far too tall for the dog to see over on her own and at first glance, it seems like peeking over the fence would be an impossible feat. But as they say, where there’s a will, there’s a way. The clever pooch positioned her back...
Firefighters Save One-Week-Old Puppy Trapped Under A House
When you work as a firefighter, you never know what challenges you might be called to. Beyond fighting fires, firefighters act as everyday first responders and are called to a variety of jobs, from car accidents to helping pedestrians. They’re even know to help rescue animals! There’s a good chance you’ve heard the stereotype of a firefighter helping a kitten down from a tree. It’s a story that’s often portrayed, though I don’t know how common it really is. As it turns, though, firefighters don’t just...
Playful Dog Interrupts Intense Chile Soccer Match
It’s no secret that a lot of dogs like to play ball. It’s almost part of their DNA! Growing up, we had a dog that loved to play soccer. She would chase just about any ball, but when other people started kicking a soccer ball around, she’d have to jump in and play. Photo: YouTube/9Honey It seems our dog wasn’t alone in that, as other dogs love soccer too! One dog in Chile recently showed just how much she loves soccer, or fútbol, when she interrupted an intense match between Chile’s Professional Football...
