How Pal, the First-Ever Lassie, Got His Start in Hollywood
According to Showbiz CheatSheet, the original Lassie, a rough border collie named Pal, had a number of behavioral issues and was a failure as a show dog. Described as bored and somewhat maladjusted, his owner wasn’t pleased and Pal found himself in the care of trainer Rudd Weatherwax, who was able to solve the problems by working with the animal. After Pal was returned to his owner, however, his incessant barking irritated them so much that Pal once again found himself in Weatherwax’s care. Lassie, Come Home Somewhere during all...
Talk About a True Life Feel Good Story Just in Time for the Holidays!
If you’re a regular Greater Good reader, chances are you’re looking for uplifting and cheerful content that provides some semblance of a happy ending. This sort of reading material seems harder and harder to come by with everything going on in the world, so you have to get it wherever you can. One additional source besides Greater Good is and always has been Reader’s Digest. While many people might be blown away to know they’re still around, the fact is they are, and they’re still providing content you can count...
2022 National Dog Show
Thanksgiving — family, friends, turkey and … the National Dog Show Presented by Purina on TV. We dog lovers know a good annual family tradition when we see one. Wondering about this year’s show? We’ve got all the facts, given to us by the lovely folks at the National Dog Show. So just like your Thanksgiving meal, dig right on in. The National Dog Show Presented by Purina premieres on Thanksgiving Day for its annual two-hour special from noon to 2pm (all time zones) on NBC. When does the actual live National Dog Show...
True Bromance: FIV+ Besties Firefly & Carson at Purrfect Pals Cat Sanctuary are Ready for Their Forever Home
Firefly and Carson’s story comes to us from our friend Crystal Chiechi, Outreach Manager at Purrfect Pals. When stray 3-year-old brown and white tabby Firefly first arrived at Purrfect Pals Cat Sanctuary in Arlington, Washington, in early 2021, he was safe at last! But something was missing… A good samaritan found Firefly living outside their home and fed him for over a year. They decided to take him to their veterinarian to get neutered in the hopes of making him part of their indoor cat family. While undergoing routine blood...
6 Common Holiday Foods Considered Safe for Dogs on Turkey Day
Turkey Day and the rest of the holidays are just around the corner. You’ve likely got your menu planned out already, and it just as likely includes turkey. You may have even planned on picking up some dog-friendly foods and treats so Fido and Buttercup will have their own spread to feast on. But did you know that there are actually several foods already on your list that are safe for them to eat? It’s true. Many of the staples that usually adorn holiday tables are actually okay for them to eat — in moderation, of course....
Live Export Industry Leads To Millions Of Needless Livestock Deaths Every Year
Billions of farm animals are forced into this agonizing system every day, traveling for days straight with with no food, no water, and no rest. Millions of the animals suffer and die in the process, Sentient Media reports. According to The Guardian, 5 million animals are in transit and exposed to poor conditions and inhumane slaughter upon arrival every single day, and 2 billion farm animals are loaded onto trucks and ships on journeys spanning weeks annually. Photo: Adobe Stock / AdwoLive export animal suffering has become a global issue....
3 Things You Need to Know About Senior Dogs and Exercise
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...
Easy Solutions to Brushing Dogs’ Teeth
Dental care is a big part of general health care for dogs — but it isn’t always an easy thing to accomplish for many pet parents. Some dogs really don’t like their mouths handled, and sticking a toothbrush in there is nearly impossible. But there are options, ranging from dental wipes, gels and water additives to treats, powders and sprays. Melissa Zangerle, VCA licensed veterinary technician and regional technician director, says it is very common for dogs to not like having their teeth brushed. She says common factors...
Parrot Hilariously Complains About a Cat During a Conversation with His Human Dad
All animals being able to speak is undoubtedly an exciting thought. Characters in films and television shows have helped people see that, and it looked fun. Pet parents might be able to start conversations with their babies — to talk like how best friends do. If you want to experience a talking pet, you might want to adopt birds that can actually learn to speak. You’ll probably enjoy conversing with parrots such as African Greys, Macaws, Eclectus, Cockatoos, Budgies, Quaker, and Amazon Parrots. Photo: Youtube/Mr. Max T.V. Those...
20 Interesting Tidbits You Might Not Know About Cats
Did you know… 1. House cats share 95.6 percent of the same DNA as tigers. 2. Cats are thought to be the only mammals that don’t taste sweetness. 3. Cats do have an extra organ that allows them to taste scents in the air. 4. Kittens are born with closed eyes but they are blue when they finally open. 5. Cats’ collarbones don’t connect to their other bones, as these bones are buried in their shoulder muscles. Photo: Pixabay/congerdesign 6. Cats have 230 bones, while human beings only have 206. 7. A cat’s average...
Xoloitzcuintli: the History of One of Nature’s Most Unusual Dog Breeds
Descended from hairless dogs prized by the Aztecs and Maya, and revered as guardians of the dead, the more than 3,000-year-old Xoloitzcuintli (pronounced sho-lo-eats-queent-lee) is recognized as one of the oldest and rarest dog breeds on the planet. Also known as Mexico’s national dog, the hairless Xolo has smooth, close-fitting skin that’s thick to the touch. Their hairlessness is the result of a genetic mutation. The unique animals come in three sizes, and there is even a coated variety with short, flat fur. Either type can be...
After Cat They’d Homed Five Years Earlier Ends Up in Shelter, Vet Tech Adopts 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! Tigger showed up outside my home, wounded from fighting with another cat and suffering from an upper respiratory infection. I’m a vet tech and took him to the clinic for treatment. While he was recovering, a coworker inquired about adopting him. I agreed happily, as I thought he would be going with someone who would give him a forever home. He was a sweet, older orange tabby who...
Golden Retriever Has “Fallen In Love” With Deer Who Comes To Visit Daily
Puppy love, also known as a crush, can occur between humans and even a dog and deer. Kenzie Keller is the proud mom of a golden retriever who has fallen in love with a deer. It sounds like something straight out of a Disney movie. The two met unexpectedly one day at the fence and the doe continues to return every day to greet her dog pal. The video posted by Keller on TikTok of their sweet relationship has gone viral with over 7 million views. No matter the weather, the golden and deer meet at the fence. @kapandchief Deer and dogs who knew?!...
Once Crammed in a Car with Multiple Other Birds, Sweet Cockatiel Now Has a Home, and a Girlfriend
Forrest the cockatiel is missing part of his beak and part of his toe. He also can’t fly. None of that matters to this resilient bird, though. He doesn’t need working wings when the presence of his fellow cockatiel Peanut sends his heart soaring… or when he can enjoy some head scratches. Saved from life in a packed car with multiple other birds, Forrest ended up in the care of Mickaboo Companion Bird Rescue nearly 12 years ago. He came into their care with multiple injuries, including some that may have been inflicted on...
Meet The Women Who Travel Through Greece To Feed And Rescue Stray Dogs
Greece is home to many stray animals and they’re often left to their own devices. Many struggle to find food, shelter, or the medical care that they need to survive. Living on the street is hard, and that’s something Ermioni Giannakou knows well. She, along with her two friends, founded Diasozo Animal Rescue (DAR) to help the street dogs throughout Greece. Photo: YouTube/The Dodo The three women travel the country and feed hundreds of stray dogs. Not only do the dogs need food, but they’re often lacking in veterinary care as...
For the Love of Fostering: Anna’s Story
Anna’s Story by Oana Stratman I’ve been fostering for a couple of years now. To date, I’ve fostered five dogs, but Anna was my first. As a registered nurse, I had changed to a non-bedside/non-hospital job just as the pandemic was ramping up. I felt extremely guilty about not being able to contribute to the community by taking care of patients, so I wanted to find a different way of giving back. Enter Anna. Photo: Oana Stratman Fostering Saves Lives Anna had been found in the parking lot of a grocery store after being hit by...
A Few Facts About the Dog that Played Eddie on “Frasier”
Did you know that Eddie the dog regularly received the most fan mail on the TV series Frasier? He was also the only member of the popular cast to appear on the cover of Entertainment Weekly. Eddie was originally portrayed by a Jack Russell terrier named Moose, whose family in Florida gave him up because of his extremely rambunctious and mischievous nature. He reportedly dug holes in the backyard, chased anything in his path, chewed furniture, and even climbed trees to escape his enclosure on multiple occasions. Basically, he was hell on...
5 Ways Your Animal Shelter Can Facilitate Mutual Aid to Keep Pets in Homes
In a previous blog, we got into the 101 of what animal mutual aid is and how it harnesses the will of your community to keep people and pets together. The short version, to save you a click: Mutual aid is when people get together to meet each other’s basic needs. Animal mutual aid is when people help each other with pet-related challenges—and in so doing, keep families together and pets from entering the sheltering system when they don’t have to. This can happen in any number of ways—think taking care of a...
Thanksgiving Foods for Dogs: What’s safe?
Kristina Lotz Kristina Lotz has been a writer on all-things animal for over a decade. A former CPDT-KA dog trainer, she has competed in agility, herding and rally with her dogs. Now, she clicker trains her horse! Follow life on her farm @MeridaTheBitless. Source:...
Ukrainian Soldier Builds “Cat Checkpoint” For Homeless Cats
The way a person treats an animal says a lot about their character. Ukrainian soldiers have proven they are not only brave but compassionate. Homeless dogs and cats roam the war-torn streets looking for a safe place to rest. Ukrainian soldiers are making sure they are protected by taking them into the barracks or getting them somewhere safe. One soldier built a “cat checkpoint” for numerous homeless cats in his trench. The construction of the checkpoint was shared on Reddit’s Ukraine War Video Report forum by u/w-a-l-e-s....
