MSC Cruises Creates Training Program in Conjunction with ORCA to Reduce Whale Collisions
MSC Cruises just announced that it’s partnered up with the U.K.-based marine conservation group ORCA to reduce the likelihood of collisions with whales, dolphins, and porpoises in oceans around the world via an online training program they’re rolling out. This is great news, as large ships are thought to be responsible for numerous injuries and deaths among whales and other aquatic creatures. As just one example, a lone whale known as “Moon” swam thousands of miles across the Pacific Ocean with a broken spine after...
Cat Labeled ‘Feral’ Meows Up a Storm Until Someone Pets Him
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! One August, I was volunteering for Spay Day. There were over 100 kitties there that day and a lot of meowing was heard. The feral kitties were separate from the adoptables, and one tiny “feral” kitty was meowing so loud he was heard above all the others. I stopped a few times to try and calm him down, and finally, I put my fingers in the cage (a no no with the ferals) and the...
Is Online Shopping Contributing to Whale Deaths?
The latest theory on whale deaths is that the creatures are being driven further into open waters due to climate change and that they’re inadvertently ending up in the path of cargo ships carrying merchandise for online shoppers. Since December 2022, nearly two dozen whales have washed up along the east coast of the U.S., as reported by The New York Times. A sharp increase in online shopping has resulted in more cargo ships churning through shipping lanes around the world. According to NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric...
CVS and Other Merchants in NYC Turn to Dogs to Stop Shoplifters
Dogs are a part of so many aspects of our lives, including taking on jobs once performed by humans. Now, in New York City, businesses like CVS are starting to think outside the box when it comes to shoplifting deterrents. Shoplifting has become a major issue across the country for many years now, reportedly costing U.S. retailers an estimated $94.5 billion last year. An initiative launched in the heart of the Big Apple in February saw CVS, located at Eighth Avenue and West 34th Street in the heart of the shopping district, take proactive...
Maine Sheriff’s Office Saves Senior Dog Nearly Frozen To Death And Reunites Her With Owner
A senior dog was let outside by her elderly owner on the night of February 24th to go to the bathroom, but never returned. The concerned owner waited up all night hoping her beloved dog would come home. Early in the morning of February 25th, Sagadahoc County Sheriff’s Office received a call about a dog lying in the road and immediately responded. The temperature was in the single digits when Deputy Mark Anderson spotted the female dog in the ditch which appeared “almost frozen to death”. Photo: Pixabay The department posted,...
9 Reasons To Adopt A Cat
International Rescue Cat Day is celebrated every year on March 2nd to raise awareness about the thousands of homeless cats and to encourage people to adopt. We thought we would celebrate by sharing 9 reasons (although there are dozens more) why you should adopt a cat. They ask for so little and enhance our lives in so many ways. Read on and be sure to share this with your friends and family! Endless Entertainment Photo: Pixabay You will find yourself watching less television because you will be busy watching your new feline play and run...
How to Trim Dog Paw Hair
Is your dog sliding across the floor? Or coming inside with ice balls stuck between his toes? Sounds like he’s overdue for a paw hair trim! Head to the groomers for a professional job, or try your hand at trimming dog paw hair yourself. How to trim dog hair between paws yourself Kathy McFall, certified professional pet groomer and owner of Kathy’s Pet Salon, recommends starting with ballpoint scissors (or a small electric razor) and a slicker brush. Here are Kathy’s paw hair-trimming tips: Step 1. Lay small dogs on your lap...
Visiting a Cat Café in the Happiest Country in the World
For the past five years, Finland has ranked number one in world happiness reports. Are the country’s cats as happy as their human counterparts? I wanted to find out, so on a visit to Finland last summer, I dropped into the Helkatti Cat Café in downtown Helsinki. There are three cat cafés in Finland – that may not seem like much, but it’s not bad for a small country with a population of only 5.6 million, along with strict laws concerning animals and food prep. All three of Finland’s cat cafés are...
Pangolins: Shy, Unique, Toothless Mammals Facing Extinction Due to Illegal Trade
Pangolins, the shy and elusive mammals with reptilian appearances, have existed on Earth for about 60 million years. These unique, toothless creatures feed on ants and termites, using their sticky tongues to pick up food, A-Z Animals reports. They are nocturnal animals that lead solitary lives, coming together only during mating season. Their bodies are covered in scales, which serve as a natural shield from predators. When threatened, they have the ability to quickly roll into a tight ball and use their sharp-scaled tails to defend...
Netizens Applauded the Firefighters Who Rescued an Elk That Fell in an Ice Pond
People who continue to serve the community with courage and dedication to ensure everyone’s safety are modern day heroes. It’s only right to applaud them, especially when they rescue others amidst a perilous situation. Firefighters are one of those heroes that need to be recognized. Even though they say it’s just part of their job, it’s still inspiring how they chose a line of work that could harm them. They have saved countless people from fires, transported citizens to the hospital, and rescued those trapped in...
Register now for the free Spring 2023 Shelter Summit!
If you’re looking to create change at your shelter, but unsure on where to begin, Maddie’s® Million Pet Challenge Learniverse Spring 2023 Shelter Summit and Fast Tracks may be the opportunity you’re looking for. The half-day, live online summit on March 14, 2023 from 9AM PT – 12:30PM PT, will focus on five topics: Coordinated Care, Capacity for Care, Shelter Software & Data, Barrier Busting and Outcome Decisions. After the Summit, you can choose one or more of the five topics to continue learning and start...
3-Year-Old English Setter Has World’s Longest Dog Tongue
A dog’s tongue can impact the sound of his bark, help him groom, and help him cool down on a hot day with some panting. One dog’s tongue has also earned him a place in the record books. Three-year-old English Setter Bisbee’s tongue was recently named the longest on a living dog, measuring in at 9.49 centimeters, or 3.74 inches. The measurement starts at the tip of the snout, going out to the tip of the tongue, and a qualified vet must perform the measurement to count. Bisbee’s humans, Jay and Ericka Johnson, had...
Two Senior Cats Become Smitten with Each Other
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! Carmen was found dumped in a culvert with her five siblings by a nice medic who worked with my husband. We brought her into our home to help take away some of the stress of bottle feeding five kittens who hadn’t even opened their eyes yet. CATS. PHOTO: PIXABAY / PETER JUNG We like to say that Carmen was raised by my King Shepherd, who simply adored her. As Carmen grew, her pure...
A Sweet, Chunky Moo Cow Named Spot Would Like You to Consider Adopting Him to Share Fun and Adventures With
Meet Spot. A sweet cow of a boy that is still searching for his forever home while he waits at Pima Animal Care Center in Tucson. It’s been a while now, and the staff there are all pretty stumped as to why this big meatball hasn’t been scooped up and adopted yet. Who doesn’t want a magnificent house hippo who resembles a dairy cow to share their life with? It just doesn’t make sense. Spot has been waiting for a home for a long time now, but he’s a patient kind of guy and remains optimistic that there is a family...
Dug Up at Dogster: March 2023 Dog Events and Dog Holidays
March is full of dog events and pet expos that your whole family can enjoy! This month, one organization I’d like to highlight is Vet Set Go, which is holding an essay contest for middle school students to win a scholarship prize package for Auburn University Junior Veterinary Camp in Alabama over the summer. The deadline to enter is March 31. This program is part of a larger effort to bring a younger generation into the veterinary workplace to meet the demand of the growing number of pet parents and need for...
Shelter Dog Smiles Every Time Someone Calls Her Pretty
Girls of all ages (and species) like to be called pretty. However, the way one New York shelter dog responds will melt your heart. Ivory is a one-year-old pit bull mix that is looking for a loving home with older children or with her being the only child. She is as sweet as she looks and has been patiently waiting for someone to adopt her at Animal Care Centers of NYC. Photo: Animal Care Centers of NYC According to her bio, she loves to go for walks but will need slow introductions to new places and people. “This is my favorite little...
Capital of Indonesia, Jakarta, Finally Bans Dog Meat Trade
Dogs are man’s best friend and are viewed as members of the family by many countries. Sadly, there are still some countries which allow these loyal companions to be slaughtered for meat. Dog Meat Free Indonesia (DMFI), a group of animal rights organizations, has been working for years to end the cruel dog meat trade in Indonesia. They shared, “Every year, an estimated 1 million dogs are brutally captured and transported throughout Indonesia, crammed into sacks and cages, their mouths bound shut so tightly they can hardly...
Case Management: Make It Your Animal Shelter’s Superpower!
“Case management” for pets housed in your shelter may sound new—but don’t worry, your organization is already doing it! Strengthened awareness helps you practice this care model more skillfully. What is it? Case management is the umbrella term for work done to recognize and serve individual pets in institutional settings, meet their unique needs, and match them with good homes. When you take a shelter dog on a walk, snap a flattering photo of them, or craft their online biography, you fulfill responsibilities as that...
Should I Shave My Dog?
What groomers refer to as “clipping” (and pet parents call “shaving”) a dog’s hair, can keep your dog cooler, but up to a certain length. Taking the coat right down to the skin has the opposite effect as the coat helps to regulate body temperature. It also protects your dog’s sensitive skin from the sunburns and pests. Which dog breeds should not be shaved According to Nicole Kalish, education manager at Andis, most double-coated, shedding dogs should not be shaved. These dog breeds include: “Often,...
Tiny Bulldog Puppy Throws Massive Tantrum For Mom
It’s not just human moms who deal with attitudes and tantrums. Some animals have to go through that as well, including a mama dog named Patches. You see, her puppy, Elvis, has quite an attitude and he’s not afraid to show it. He even breaks out in massive tantrums from time to time! Photo: YouTube/Mary Ellen Brixey One of those tantrums happened to be filmed by Mary Ellen Brixey and her husband, Rob, who were quick to share the hilarious clip on YouTube. In the video description, Mary said, “Elvis gives Patches a few choice...
