The February Weekly Community Conversations grant giveaway winners are…
On Monday, Maddie’s Fund® gave four organizations a $2,500 grant for attending the February Weekly Community Conversations! A total of $10,000 in grants was given to four people chosen at random. These four people won a grant for their organization: Tracy Sator, Wags & Whiskers, (Innsbrook, MO) Shana McCawley, Freed Spirits Animal Rescue (Phoenix, AZ) Alicia Mason, Animal Advocates of the Ozarks (Branson, MO) Laramie Smovir, City of Great Falls Animal Shelter (Great Falls, MT) Want a chance to win a grant for your organization?...
This Greyhound Was Anxious for Days, But His New Family Never Gave Up on Making Him Smile
Dogs are carriers of happiness and one of the friendliest animals in the world. Expressing excitement is natural to them, especially when they see their favorite humans. Dogs bark for joy and wag their tails out of delight — actions both completely contagious, and you’ll find yourself smiling at the sight. However, like humans, bubbliness disappears when anxiety occurs. Even the happiest creature on Earth can lose its smile. It can happen when the dog is gravely traumatized before adoption. They might avoid contact as much as...
Lion Joins Humans on a Bus and Gives the Warmest Welcome Hugs to His Visitors
Lions are famously known as predatory cats that rule over grassy lands. Every creature they preyed on trembled in their presence — the huge feline is a hunter no one should ever underestimate. Back in 1932 to 1947, there were records of humans from Tanzania who were eaten by lions. The predator became a threat to humanity as the killings went on for generations. But as time went on, and cities progressed, animals and humans lived separately, which capped the lion hunt. However terrifying, people must remember that not all wild cats...
TSA’s Instagram Shares ‘Cat-astrophe’ After Another Traveler Puts Pet Through X-Ray Screening
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) recently reminded flyers not to put their pets through x-ray screening as they go through security. Another person apparently didn’t get the memo, as the government agency has used social media to highlight the latest occurrence. TSA’s Instagram page recently shared an image from another such incident, calling it “the latest cat-astrophe at ORF Airport.” That’s in Norfolk, Virginia, where a traveler had neglected to take their cat out of their carrier ahead of the...
Benji Respectfully Wants to Know What the Hold Up is With His Adoption
“There was a foster that had a dog and Benji was his name, oh, B-E-N-J-I, B-E-N-J-I, B-E-N-J-I- and Benji was his name, oh!” Hi, my name is Benji, in case you didn’t catch that. I am a full-blooded Chocolate Lab who is 1.5 years old and comes in at a very healthy and fit weight of 85 pounds. I was surrendered to Desert Labrador Retriever Rescue in central Arizona due to my previous family not having the time to provide me with the proper exercise and socialization that I needed to be a very well-balanced boy. Photo: Desert...
New Cat Moms Share Mothering Duties with Their Two Litters
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! In January 2014, I lost my beloved cat, Scully, at the age of 17. I was completely devastated but knew that, when the time was right, I wanted to rescue two cats together to be part of my family. Then I heard the story of Maya and Luna. CATS. PHOTO: PIXABAY / GUNDULA VOGEL On February 25, 2014 (ironically World Spay Day), the Langley shelter received a call from someone saying that they...
Nonprofit, “My Grandfather’s Cat,” Celebrates 100th Adoption!
A 28-year-old Canadian woman who helps seniors rehome their pets has celebrated her 100th animal adoption! Angela Rafuse was inspired to create a charity benefitting seniors and their pets after her 85-year-old grandpa passed away before he could find a home for his cat, Mackenzie. None of his surviving relations had the ability to take the frightened calico in, so Angela made the decision to adopt the kitty herself. Photo: Pixabay/JosepMonter Seniors Living with Pets Angela moved back home to live with her parents in Halifax, Nova Scotia,...
Good News: Project Studying Endangered Creatures in Australia Tallied 29 Recovered Species!
Australia and the rest of the world have cause for celebration after it was announced that 29 species formerly listed as “endangered” Down Under have rebounded enough to be removed from the worrisome classification. This is excellent news proving that with proper conservation efforts animals heading toward extinction can make a comeback. Australia’s Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act lists 446 species of animals considered in genuine need of protection. The 29 that were removed from the list include 15...
Saving the Philippine Eagle: Immediate Action Needed to Protect Nesting Sites
The Philippine Eagle, also known as the monkey-eating eagle, is one of the largest and most majestic raptors in the world. With a wingspan of up to 7 feet and a weight of up to 14 pounds, it is a formidable predator that commands respect and admiration, One Earth reports. Endemic to the Philippines, this eagle is a symbol of national pride and an important part of the country’s cultural heritage, The Vulture Trip reports. However, despite its iconic status, the Philippine Eagle is in grave danger of extinction. Photo: Adobe Stock /...
Dog Flea, Tick and Mosquito Prevention
The most famous of all canine pests is the flea. Fleas are tiny insects that live on the blood of mammal hosts. The dog flea and the cat flea are the two most commonly seen on dogs, with the cat flea being much more prevalent. Fleas cause harm to dogs in a number of ways: Their bites often cause a strong reaction on the dog’s skin, resulting in irritation and itching. Fleas can spread diseases like tapeworm, typhus and even the plague. Transmission occurs by either their bite or by being ingested. Fleas can cause anemia, in severe...
Maddie’s Weekly Roundup: 2023 Shelter Summit, shelter programs survey and more!
Happy Monday! Below is a brief roundup of resources added over the past week. 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… Learn More Register now for My Dog is My...
A Reddit Video Gains the Attention of the Internet Due to the Hilarious Copycat Behavior of This Dog
In every generation, language evolves, and people keep adding various terms to the dictionary. New words are coined and eventually become widely used and can be easily understood by the masses. One of the most interesting words ever invented is copycat. The term means one who engages in the act of imitation — copying someone’s work or actions. Cat was said to be an insulting word back in medieval times. Then in 1887, the first record of the word copycat was written by Constance Cary Harrison in her memoir. It was used in the...
Pet Parents Woke Up Witnessing Their Mischievous Cat Having Fun with the Light Switch
Having a cat gives you a reason to smile, laugh, and get up in the morning every day. Although aloof at times, they can show their adorable side to their favorite humans. They can get clingy, demanding, or talkative when you capture their heart and trust. One of their fascinating traits is their curiosity about any object they encounter indoors or outdoors. Living with a cat is like watching an interactive adventure show, which is entertainment with comedic flair. You’ll see them chasing robot vacuum cleaners, climbing on curtains, or...
Young Girl Diagnosed with Huntington’s Disease Goes Through Therapy Accompanied by Horses
Getting diagnosed with a disease at such a young age is truly devastating, more so when it’s a rare disease. Permanent cures for most of those illnesses are not yet available, which means the child’s youth will be spent mostly on getting treatments. One of the most severe medical conditions a young person can acquire is juvenile Huntington’s disease. As the illness progresses, nerve cells malfunction, which results in loss of physical abilities. The condition can be inherited, and data from Cleveland Clinic reports that only...
What To Do About Resource Guarding In Dogs
Resource guarding is when dogs become defensive to keep others away from something of value. It’s perfectly normal for dogs to want to protect their supply of food, their toys or stake claim to where they sleep. Some dogs even guard their humans. After all, they’re all valuable resources they want and need. But if dogs think access to those resources is threatened, they could become overprotective. Some contributing factors to resource guarding may include: issues with early socialization deprivation of resources at any stage...
Is your Lawn Care company using pet-friendly products?
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...
Can Dogs Laugh?
Although we could swear our dogs have a good belly laugh while at tug-o-war, actual dog laughs have not been specifically identified by animal behaviorists as other vocalizations like growls and whines have, according to vet behaviorist Dr. Sally J. Foote. Dogs can make short panting “huh, huh” sounds and grunting as they play with toys or with other dogs while enjoying themselves. “They are having fun. So, you could think of this as a laugh in this situation. Otherwise, it may be that they need to pant and have...
Reddit Video Shows the Other Side of Wild Animals, Which was Unbelievably Adorable
Wild animals are truly magnificent creatures that are greatly admired, but also feared by humans. One look from them can weaken your knees — close encounters with them can easily make your heart race. Such creatures are also fierce hunters, which makes all possible prey tremble at their sight. However, people must keep in mind that lions, tigers, wolves, foxes, and more won’t quickly attack them. They’ll be defensive only when threatened and they have a preference when it comes to their diet. That’s why humans should...
March is Adopt a Guinea Pig Month, Learn Some Fun Facts About These Sociable Pets
During March, we celebrate the first day of spring, St. Patrick’s Day, the beginning of later daylight hours, and, most importantly, Adopt a Guinea Pig Month. These family favorite pets are believed to have been first domesticated by the Incas more than 3,000 years ago. Today, there are 13 different breeds, and they have a broad range of coats, from white or red to chocolate brown or black. Regardless of the breed, they’re fun furry additions to the home. They’re even in many shelters, so you could adopt one there. Read on...
Brown Bears And Polar Bears In Siberia Might Soon Start Creating Hybrids Called The ‘Brolar Bear’
If you think about hybrids, what’s the first species that comes to mind? Some of the more popular ones you’ve probably heard of are ligers, tigons, coywolves, or even mules! To be honest, I didn’t know that the mule is a hybrid between a donkey and a horse until just recently. But another species that’s half polar bear is part of our ever-growing list of hybrids. PHOTO: Unsplash/Hans-Jurgen Mager This terrifyingly cute but deadly species is one of the many victims of climate change. They’re the poster child for...
