Here’s How Your Shelter Can Get Help With Basically Anything, for Free
We are so excited to highlight more of the Human Animal Support Services team this year, including who they are, what they do, and how their work can help you save lives and keep people and pets together! For this very first installment, we’re speaking with National Shelter Support Director Jordana Moerbe—whose role is to work with any shelter in the country to “help them figure out what they need and how we help them.” Jordana with a dog who was in the kennel area of a shelter, where dogs weren’t...
Dug Up at Dogster: February 2023 Dog Events and Dog Holidays
Dogs make the best Valentines, don’t they? The cuddles, the kisses, the unconditional love. Show your pup some ❤️ this month with one of these unique (and easy) gifts — a sure way to lock in some extra cuddle time and licks. Speaking of kisses (and fresh doggie breath), February is also Pet Dental Health Month. Taking care of your dog’s teeth is up there for showing your dog how much you care about her. Good dental health prevents chronic pain and inflammation, and periodontal disease associated with heart,...
How to Use Artificial Grass for Dogs
If you have dogs, an artificial lawn is a maintenance-free, water-saving option that guarantees a perennially green garden with no yellow doggie pee spots. It can also be used outside in the yard, on patios, balconies and even indoors as a clean and hygienic portable toilet. Apart from an outdoor play area, there are many reasons to use artificial turf on a patio, balcony or as an indoor option. It’s ideal for older dogs with mobility issues who struggle to go on walks or access a backyard. Excellent option for dogs with special needs....
Stray Cat Sneaks Out After Giving Birth to Litter, But Ultimately Finds a Home
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 October 2014, I started working as an esthetician at a salon in downtown Denver. One day, I heard my name being called to come see “the cat”. I rushed out to the private parking lot for employees and saw a very small, very pretty, little kitty. She wouldn’t let anyone near her, but I rushed to the convenience store on the corner. I bought her some packaged salmon and...
Whatever Happened to Darla the Movie Dog After Her Role in “The Silence of the Lambs”?
If you’ve ever seen the psychological thriller The Silence of the Lambs, chances are you remember the sweet little Bichon Frise with the fluffy white coat belonging to the film’s maniacal killer, Buffalo Bill. In real life, Precious, as she was known in the movie, was called Darla, and she had a career beyond the horror movie genre. Photo: Pixabay/Kasman Darla the Dog Born in 1975, Darla lived until 1992 before passing away at roughly 17 years of age. She began her film career in the 1985 comedy Pee-wee’s Big Adventure in...
Rescue Pups Misha and Masha Had 3 Hidden Neighbors! More to the Story…
Not long ago, we brought you a rescue story from Ukraine about two absolutely adorable puppies that were given the names Misha and Masha by their rescuers @lovefurryfriends. The rescue group provided a follow-up story recently concerning the pair and their concern that there could be other members of the litter out there still. Their hunch proved generally correct, and they soon discovered three more pups living in a hole they’d dug not far from where Misha and Masha were found. Photo: YouTube/@lovefurryfriends Rescue Animals The three...
Canine Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome
Canine Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome (CDS) is estimated to affect 14% to 35% of all dogs, although it’s difficult to pinpoint the exact prevalence due to the difficulty in diagnosing and lack of centralized reporting. In a recent report published by the University of Washington’s Dog Aging Project, about 3% of 11,574 dogs had diagnostic scores above the clinical threshold for CDS. Most veterinarians agree that about a third of all dogs will develop some degree of cognitive decline as they age, with perhaps 10% to 20% progressing...
Arctic Wolves Fare Better Due to Extreme Isolation
While there is safety in numbers and wolves are pack animals, it’s the virtual isolation of the arctic or polar wolf that has kept its numbers strong. Living near the arctic circle and Greenland, Canis lupus arctos is one of the few wolf populations with stable numbers, leaving it off any lists pertaining to endangered species. In fact, it’s estimated their numbers are as high as 200,000 in their natural habitat. Photo: Pixabay/clhovious Natural Predators Living their whole lives above the northern tree line in the Arctic tundra...
Surrendered Dog Waits By Shelter Door For Family To Return
Dogs only know one way to love and that is unconditionally. They also would never leave their family – if it was up to them. Sadly, many dogs are abandoned by their families due to no fault of their own. A sweet Australian shepherd named Cubby was surrendered to Noah Project, a no-kill animal shelter in Michigan, when his family could no longer care for him. His heartbreaking reaction was captured on video and shared on the shelter’s TikTok page. Cubby never took his eyes off the door and patiently waited for his family to come...
Study Finds Mammals Living in Groups Have Longer Lifespans
It should probably come as no surprise. As humans, we’ve found safety in numbers and managed to flourish in communities. Going it alone can be tough. In fact, people that find themselves in difficult situations where rescue is imminent are advised to stay with the group rather than strike off alone. To some extent, the same is true for all mammals. At least that’s what recent data suggests. Photo: Pixabay/4931604 Safety in Numbers According to research performed by scientists from China and Australia, mammals that live in groups...
Wooly Animal Hides in Plain Sight In Joshua Tree National Park, Can You Spot It?
National parks are home to thousands of wild animals, but what most visitors may not realize is that most are hiding in plain sight. They are able to watch for predators or hunt prey without being detected thanks to camouflage. The pattern or color of their fur or skin blends in perfectly with their surroundings. While it is difficult to spot them, it is not impossible if you look closely. Joshua Tree National Park shared an image of an elusive animal hiding among the sand-colored rocky landscape. Roughly 100-200 of these wooly animals live...
Watch This Baby Otter Receive Warm Cuddles from a Mama Cat and Her Kittens
There is always that one animal that can instantly soften your heart when you look at them. Whether in person or on the screen, you’d want to give them the coziest hug ever. Baby animals often make humans feel that way, especially pets at home. They know how to win hearts effortlessly — one look is already enough happiness. If one animal can do that, what more are two different species with equal adorable qualities. Social media has a collection of such content, from images to videos. Most of which are animals with their babies....
Keeping the Geriatric Dog’s Brain and Body Fit with Exercise
From improving memory and cognition to strengthening muscles and enhancing quality of life, regular exercise is beneficial to the health and well-being of your geriatric dog. by Laurie McCauley, DVM, DACVSMR, CCRT, CVA, CVC, and Evelyn Orenbuch, DVM, DACVSMR, CCRT, CAVCA We’ve all seen it. The 80-year-old ladies lifting weights, doing Tai chi, going for power walks, staying healthy and mobile. These active octogenarians are striving for not only a long lifespan, but a long healthspan as well. Likewise, our older canine dogs need...
Support more pets and people in your community with this toolkit
One of the main goals of Human Animal Support Services (HASS) is to help keep pets with their people, even during tough times. And since some of the most common reasons animals are surrendered to shelters include issues with housing, lack of access to affordable veterinary care, and the need for behavioral support, HASS has created a Pet Support Services Toolkit to help achieve this goal. Support may include, but is not limited to: telephone response and advice, medical support for owned pets, food and supplies, fence building and pet shelter...
Help! My Dog is Turning Our Family’s Backyard into an Archaeological Site
Remember Monty? The dog who discovered Bronze age artifacts near the Czech village of Kostelecké Horky in 2018? His owner, Mr. Frankota, was deeply astonished when his dog suddenly started digging in a spot along the field where they were out on a walk. Running over where Monty was busy pawing the ground, he found a cache containing 13 sickle blades, two spear heads, three axe heads, and a number of bracelets made of bronze which archaeologists later declared to be around 3,000 years old. Photo: YouTube/Dog Carely The discovery caused...
Endangered Fox Found Outside its Known Range, Shows It’s More Widely Distributed Than Thought
The Sierra Nevada red fox is a rare species facing threats from wildfire, drought, decreasing prey populations, and hybridization with non-native foxes. The southern portion of its population, believed to number between 18 and 39, was listed as endangered in 2021. Recent sightings on survey cameras, though, show its current range is broader than believed. PHOTO: CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND WILDLIFE The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) recently shared that the species has been detected in the southern Sierra Nevada, near...
Channing The Fancy Show Dog Has A Date At The Groomers
We could all use some pampering from time to time. There’s nothing quite like going in for a spa day and allowing others to care for our every need. Being pampered is not only something that we enjoy as humans, but dogs also appreciate the opportunity to get pampered. In fact, they will take that pampering anytime it comes their way. Photo: YouTube/Girl With The Dogs In the following video, you see Channing enjoying pampering at the groomers. Channing is a rather interesting dog and is a breed that many people are not familiar with. Not...
Jax The Staffy Finally Goes Home After After Spending Two Days Stuck In A Cave
We would do anything to ensure that our family’s dogs are well cared for. At times, however, they could get into some mischief, or something unexpected happens that makes us stop and think about all they mean to us. Photo: Facebook/Jake Cassar Official That is what happened with one woman who lost her dog in a most frightening way. According to the Daily Mail, she went on Facebook to ask for help after her dog had become trapped in a cave. She knew she couldn’t get the dog out on her own because heavy machinery would be needed to...
Family Puts Child Lock On Microwave To Prevent Rescue Cat From Stealing Food
When you have a cat in your family, you want them to be happy and healthy. We do our best to give the cat everything they could need, and at times, this may even mean doing something that is “for their own good.” Having a cat means you sometimes must take the good with the bad. Some cats can be cranky, and others can do things that run against the grain. Photo: YouTube/ViralHog One thing is sure, cats have a mind of their own, and they don’t mind walking down the wrong path. That is what happened with Bentley. According to...
Husky Born With Rare “Flipper Feet” Searches For A Forever Family
If there is one thing that every dog has, it’s a lot of love in its heart. They may show it differently, but any family with a dog knows they will get back much more love than they could ever hope to give. There are also times when the dog needs some extra love because they have a special need. That is the case with Ziggy, and she needs just the right family to care for her. Ziggy was dropped off at the National Mill Dog Rescue in 2022, and the rescue quickly shared photos of the sweet pup on Facebook: She was tiny at the time and had a...
