A Nearly Decade-Old Mystery Involving Coyotes and a Canadian Hiker Who Died May Finally Be Solved
Coyotes have definitely gotten a lot bolder, and some even say more aggressive. But statistically, they aren’t commonly involved in attacks on humans — especially those leading to fatalities. But back in 2009, a 19-year-old hiker traversing Canada’s Cape Breton Highlands National Park was reportedly attacked by a pack of coyotes. Seemingly unprovoked, the strange and tragic incident left scientists baffled by Taylor Mitchell’s death. A first in Canada, the only other fatal attack in North America occurred in 1981 with...
Tiny Dachshund Loves Hopping Through Deep Snow
Dogs tend to have one of two reactions to snow: They either love it, or they hate it. My mom’s dog absolutely hates anything wet. If we plopped her little Yorkie mix into the white stuff, she’d be so mad and probably pout for the rest of the week! My dog, on the other hand, can’t get enough of the stuff. It’s unfortunate because we live in a temperate climate where snow is hard to come by, but when he gets a chance to frolic in it, he goes absolutely crazy. Photo: YouTube/Suzanne Flook Little Maddie can relate to him,...
More Than 40 Neglected Cats and Kittens Rescued From Washington Home
This story was submitted by Lindsey Heaney from our shelter friend, the Humane Society for Tacoma & Pierce County, which saves pets’ lives in the Tacoma, Washington area. The Animal Rescue Site is proud to share their stories. You can learn more about their work here! On November 30, Tacoma Animal Control began bringing cats and kittens to the Humane Society for Tacoma & Pierce County from an overwhelmed community member. Over 40 cats were found living in the same dwelling, with some cats living in the walls. PHOTO: HUMANE...
One-Plus Years and Counting: Rescue Dog Bessie Needs New Digs Stat!
The uncertainty of homelessness can bring on all sorts of feelings, especially if you don’t fully understand what’s going on. Imagine living in limbo for a year or more. As humans, it would obviously be stressful, but for the most part, we are the captain of our own ships with the ability to make certain decisions about our future. For pets, they’re just along for the ride and don’t understand being passed off from one situation to the next. That’s the issue facing long-term shelter animals that, for whatever...
What Happened To White Dog Poop From The 1970s?
If you’re a dog owner, or even if you’re not, you could probably identify a pile of dog poo. It’s generally brown and sprinkled throughout yards, parks, and the occasional sidewalk. However, dog poop wasn’t always the signature brown color it is today. In fact, back in the 1970s and 1980s, it was common to see chalky, white dog poop littering yards and sidewalks. Photo: Pixabay/Pezibear While dogs didn’t go anywhere, their distinct white feces started to disappear in the 1990s. Today, it’s basically...
Coping with Pet Loss at Christmas
When we lose our beloved pet (our beloved anyone), the house in which we live is not the same. We are not the same people. Our world has changed, and we are not who we were before the death. Coping with pet loss anytime is a profound struggle, but coping with pet loss during the holidays with all the triggers associated with our lost love is a wound to the heart. There is no dog running in crazy circles around the house. There is no cat batting ornaments and playing with colored ribbons. The Christmas tree, candles, lighted windows and shared...
Experts Urge Drivers To Check Under Their Vehicles Before Driving Away On Cold Mornings
Experts are warning drivers to check under their cars on cold mornings to avoid driving off with a cat hidden beneath. Because cars can provide a bit of shelter and even some heat, it’s a nice place for cats to snuggle up and stay out of the weather. However, it’s also a very dangerous place. Photo: Pexels/Aidan Jarrett Unknowing motorists might start a car and drive away without realizing there’s a feline tucked away under the car, behind a tire, or even between the engine and hood. According to The Mirror, motor experts...
Loggerhead Turtles Could Soon Gain Protection Under the Endangered Species Act
The loggerhead sea turtle has experienced an aggressive decline in the past decade — with an 80% decrease in the North Pacific and a 40% decline in the Northwest Atlantic, their most popular nesting spot, reports NOAA Fisheries. According to the Sea Turtle Conservancy, these turtles face many threats beyond the natural dangers of ocean life. When beaches are disrupted by the removal of vegetation and/or addition of lights, nesting females and their hatchlings struggle to return to the sea. Once there, illegal fishing practices not only...
How Cold is Too Cold for Walking Your Dog in Winter?
Regardless of temps, dogs need walking — especially if they’re an energetic breed that requires plenty of exercise. During warmer summer months, it’s important to be aware of not only the temperature but the heat emanating from the surface of the street. They may require booties to keep their pads from burning and plenty of water breaks. But winter comes with its own set of considerations. Ensuring pets are warm enough is equally as vital for their safety. Photo: Pixabay/StockSnap Walking Dogs in Winter For humans, 32...
Top 5 signs your dog needs ‘cooling’ food
Did you know that healthy dog food can be unhealthy for your dog if it’s not the right ‘temperature’? According to Eastern Food Therapy (EFT), some dogs need ‘warming’ food, others need ‘cooling’ food, and healthy dogs can eat ‘neutral’ food. ‘Temperature’ makes all the difference. Giving your dog the wrong ‘temperature’ food may lead to health and behavioral problems. Here are the top 5 signs your dog needs a ‘cooling’ diet: Excessive Panting Frequent...
Maddie’s Weekly Roundup: Online Instructor-Led Courses, pet support services database and more!
Happy Monday! Below is a brief roundup of resources added over the past week. Apply soon: Maddie’s® Online Instructor-Led CoursesApply starting Tuesday, December 13! Maddie’s Fund® Online Instructor-Led Courses provide an interactive educational opportunity for those who are looking to benefit from the wisdom of established innovative programs. They’re the catalyst you need to take your programs and learning to the next level! Class size is limited and the selection process is competitive. View courses Are you using...
Clever Dog Learns To Play Fetch By Herself
Having a dog is a lot of fun, but it’s also a lot of work! Dogs need countless hours of attention, care, and exercise. For someone who works a regular full-time job, meeting a dog’s needs can be hard. Unless the pet is sent to a petsitter every day, it’s nearly impossible to meet their exercise and attention needs while at work for 8 or so hours. Photo: TikTok/@@watkinsalex Alex Watkins was struggling to give his yellow labrador retriever, Ava, the attention and exercise she required. He was working long hours from his home...
Mountain Lion Enters Family Home And Drags Dog Outside
A bold mountain lion in Sonoma County, California has been euthanized following a close call with a Santa Rosa family. According to FOX2 KTVU, Rebecca Kracker was at home with her three dogs when she heard some commotion coming from the living room. Photo: Flickr/Mark Gunn License: Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 At first, she assumed that her 70lb border collie, Sherman, had fallen and hurt himself but when she walked into the living room, she was sickened by the sight. A large mountain lion had walked into her home and was dragging Sherman...
TSA Finds Dog Inside Carry-On Backpack At Wisconsin Airport
A dog was mistakenly sent through an X-ray scanner at an airport in Wisconsin and caught by TSA agents. TSA tweeted about the incident, showing the dog in a backpack on the security belt along with an X-ray image of the dog at the Madison, Wisconsin airport. Photo: Wikimedia Commons/Corey Coyle License: Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported They said: “A dog was accidentally sent through the X-ray @MSN_Airport this week. When traveling with any animal, notify your airline & know their rules. At the checkpoint, remove your pet...
Meet The World’s Cutest Rescue Dog, Gordon The Shiba Inu
Meet Gordon, the world’s cutest rescue dog! Gordon the Shibu Inu won PEOPLE’s annual “World’s Cutest Rescue Dog Contest” and it’s easy to see why. He’s quite adorable! According to PEOPLE, Gordon was hit by a car in Taiwan that left him paralyzed on the side of the road. Thankfully, a Good Samaritan stepped in to save the day and got Gordon transferred to a rescue for some medical care. Once Gordon was healed up, it was ready to find him a forever home. 47-year-old Wendy Wickersham was on Facebook...
Missing Dog Survives 7 Nights On Ledge After Falling From Cliff
When a pet goes missing, it can be heartbreaking to deal with. Most pet owners dive head-first into searching for their furry friend, but sometimes, they come up empty-handed and feeling defeated. That’s likely how Luna’s mom was feeling after the dog darted away to chase an animal and never returned home. Photo: YouTube/CTV News Days passed and Luna’s mom searched for her, calling on the help of many volunteers in the Highlands, British Columbia area. According to CTV News, everyone really began to grow concerned as the...
Insulin For Dogs
If your dog needs insulin, he or she most likely has Type 1 diabetes. Managing a diabetic dog comes with a steep learning curve that includes monitoring their blood sugar and giving them life-saving insulin. In almost all cases, once your dog needs insulin, he requires it every day for life. This can feel overwhelming for many dog parents. With the right knowledge, a little practice and a good veterinarian, you can manage your dog’s diabetes like a pro! Your veterinarian may recommend changes to diet, exercise and environment, but...
How to Keep Outdoor and Stray Cats Warm in the Winter
While many cats are snug and toasty indoors as winter falls, there are many that don’t have that luxury. They could be ferals, strays, or outdoor cats that just won’t become acclimated to life indoors. As temperatures dip, concern for these cats may go up for an animal lover. There are some things you can do, though, including putting together a safe, dry, and somewhat warm shelter. Where to Place a Cat Shelter PHOTO: ADOBE STOCK / IRYKDELTA Before you construct a shelter, you’ll need to pick an ideal location. Some things...
Stray Kitten Falls Into Lap of Woman Living Without Pets for the First Time in Years
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! Last Christmas, I was mourning the loss of not only my sweet dog that I had raised from the age of four weeks, but also one of my cats earlier in the year. Both were sudden and unexpected deaths. I had just moved into a new apartment, and being in the mountains, I was afraid that my other cat, who is indoor/outdoor, would get snatched by a predator. I asked my sister and brother-in-law to...
After a Year in Rescue Dear, Sweet Figgy Still Needs a Forever Home
Rescue pup Figgy is as cute as they come, but he’s just not having a good year. That’s because he’s just a few days shy of the one-year anniversary of his admission to an animal shelter in Pima County, Arizona. A pibble mix, he’s a beautiful neutered male with a distinctive blue and white coat that’s the envy of all of his shelter companions. Estimated to be 7 at this point, he weighs approximately 66 pounds. But what makes him so special is his stellar personality! Photo: Pima Animal Care Center Figgy Stardust...
