Why one animal shelter lowered the volunteer age to 8-years-old
This guest post is the first in a two-part series by Erin Ellis, Community Engagement Director of Humane Society of Truckee-Tahoe (HSTT) about their youth volunteer program and the impact it’s had since its inception in 2008. At the Humane Society of Truckee-Tahoe (HSTT), we have always strived to have a very inclusive volunteer program. We know that we can find the perfect role for anyone interested in lending a hand to our organization. In 2008 we decided to lower the minimum age for volunteers to eight years old to...
Escaped Therapy Animal Manages To Jump Over Fence To Take Itself On A Stroll In England
Want to go on an adventure? Give me a sec while alpaca my bags! PHOTO: Unsplash/Gibbon FitzGibbon You’d probably guess from the pun (and the title, of course) that this article is about alpacas. Well, just one particular alpaca this time around. An alpaca has caused quite a commotion in the busy streets of Birmingham, England. The adventures of the alpaca have been documented by some people and one video went a bit viral on Instagram, they mislabeled the fluffy creature as a llama in their caption though. Alpacas and llamas are often...
Dog Missing Two Legs, and with a Damaged Third, Defies Expectations
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! Nubbins is my special needs rescue dog. She was born with two nubs where her front legs should have been, hence the name “Nubbins”. Although she has two back legs, one of them has no knee socket and is a mass of muscle. She was dumped at a California high kill shelter when she was 6-months-old and six pounds. She was rescued by a local rescue group, from whom I adopted her....
Paralyzed Kitten On Brink Of Death Has New Lease On Life Thanks To Woman Who Found Him
Wheels the kitten has a new lease on life after he was found almost lifeless in someone’s yard in Pen Argyl, Pennsylvania. Jennifer Spearmint, who has rescued many kittens in the past, spotted the poor little kitten and knew she couldn’t just walk away and leave him there. Without hesitation, she decided to help him. She brought him home and began giving him the TLC he so desperately needed. Photo: YouTube/69 News At first glance, she didn’t realize anything was wrong. But after a while, she noticed that he wasn’t...
Dear Mr. Muttley: If Dogs Wrote a Manners Column
©YinYang | Getty Images Dogs are very much like humans: Some have great manners; others have none. I don’t know about you, but I’ve known dogs whose looks of harsh judgment and superiority could make even the most poorly mannered people change their ways for the better. In my humble opinion, some types of dogs writing a manners column for wayward pups isn’t that far-fetched of a concept. I mean, not mine — mine would give advice on how to be a hooligan — but others could give “Dear Abby” a run...
Maddie’s Weekly Roundup: Why you should meditate, stipends for foster homes and more!
Happy Monday! Below is a brief roundup of resources added over the past week. How one rescue organization is using stipends to find foster homes for dogs who are harder to placeDogs and cats who need to be the only pet in the home can be difficult to find placement for in adoptive and foster homes. This can result in longer shelter stays while a home is sought that fits their needs. While finding home-based placement more quickly for these pets is a common conundrum among… Learn More In animal welfare, how can we respond more and...
Pup-friendly hot cross buns for the whole fam!
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...
Dog Can’t Curb His Enthusiasm When His Owner Started Filling Up His Paddling Pool
Another good boy has captured the attention of the internet, folks. Admittedly, I’m one of those people. This is Kai, and Kai doesn’t know how to handle himself when he is around water. He recently went viral on TikTok when his owner posted a video of him getting out of control when his owner started filling up his own paddling pool. The video has been crossposted in their other social media accounts and it even made Kai’s owner create a pet account on TikTok just for the hyper labradoodle. The viral video has gathered over...
Baby Cheetah Needs A New Friend So The Cincinnati Zoo Adopts A Puppy
Most people tend to separate themselves into two different groups: cat people or dog people. Although there may be plenty of room in the middle, there does tend to be a separation. After all, dogs and cats have been a matter of debate among humans for as long as we have all existed. In addition, most dogs seem to have a problem getting along with cats, at least in a stereotypical way. As you are about to see, however, it’s not only possible for dogs and cats to get together in unity, but they can also do so in a most adorable way....
Dog Doesn’t Like Dad’s Screen Time So He Does Something about It
We live in a world where electronic devices are the norm. It seems as if we all have them and we all use them. Sometimes, we may even use them too often. Unfortunately, we become so engrossed in the small screen that is in front of us that we can forget the big world that is around us. This includes some beautiful things that can be seen as well as some beautiful companionship that should not be ignored. Photo: YouTube/Rumble Viral At times, we all need a reminder to look up from the screen on occasion and see what is going on around us. We...
This Dog Does Everything Her Mom Does
When it comes to the love we have for dogs, I think we each have our own reason why they hold such a special place in our hearts. In many cases, it’s just the simple fact that they are there for us, day after day and they are among the most loyal creatures on the face of the earth. The loyalty that a dog shows extends far beyond the fact that they greet us when we come home and sit by us when we are having a hard day. They also aim to please, and that fact is seen in a beautiful way with Ali. Photo: YouTube/The Dodo Ali was adopted by...
Paralyzed Dog Abandoned By Owner When She Can No Longer Hunt
We sometimes hear about dogs that are abandoned and they go through such a difficult time that they almost lose hope. In many cases, if they are given the proper TLC from caring individuals, they may come to have a good, long, and happy life. One dog that was abandoned and certainly needed some TLC was Avellana. Like many dogs of her breed, she suffered at the hands of her owner, who was a hunter. Photo: YouTube/The Dodo When Avellana was no longer able to hunt any longer because she was paralyzed, she was abandoned by her owner in Spain....
Meet The World’s Most Expensive Pet Fish That’s Worth Up To $300,000
Fish are popular pets and they’re often viewed as easy, accessible pets with a low price tag. Some people get really into building out elaborate aquariums, but others are content with a small goldfish from the fair or a pet store. Even people who are really into fish and home aquariums would rightfully balk at the price tag of one of the world’s most expensive fish. With a price tag of up to $300,000, it’s no wonder that the Asian Arowana is a rare addition as a family pet! Photo: Wikimedia Commons According to IFLScience,...
Vet Issues Warning After Puppy Dies From A Kiddie Pool
A veterinarian has issued a grave warning to dog parents everywhere after an 18-month-old canine died from playing in a kiddie pool. With temperatures rising, many pet parents are looking for ways to keep their dogs cool and have fun in the sun and they’re turning to water to do so. Many people head to lakes, rivers, beaches, or pools to enjoy the summer months, and oftentimes, they’re accompanied by their furry canine friends. Allowing your pup to enjoy the water is great, but it’s important to know the warning signs of...
Rescue Dog ‘Mocks’ Owner With A Broken Ankle
Some dogs have a good sense of humor, like Rico the rescue pup. Rico joined Ashely Hall’s family as a foster puppy, but he quickly won over Ashley’s heart and it wasn’t long before she officially adopted him! That was back when he was a tiny puppy, nearly four years ago! Rico has been living his best life with Hall, and he’s grown quite comfortable with his adopted family. In fact, he even mocks his rescue mama from time to time! Recently, Ashley (@ash_laughs31) unfornatuely broke her ankle and had to start wearing a...
Guilty Dog Doesn’t Want To Come When Her Owner Calls
Much like humans, some dogs wear their hearts on their sleeves. They might struggle to hide their emotions and when they do something naughty or mischievous, it’s all too easy to tell. If you’ve ever walked in one a dog who tore apart the trash and watched its head hang and its tail fall between its legs, you know exactly what we mean. A woman in Barcelona has learned to recognize her pup’s tell-tale guilty look, but it’s not just the way her dog stands, it’s the way she walks that gives it away! Photo:...
How To Make A DIY ‘Thundershirt’ For Dogs During The Fourth Of July
With the fourth of July right around the corner, many pet parents are starting to plan for the event and think of ways to keep their canine friends calm and relaxed during the fireworks. Many dogs suffer anxiety when exposed to loud sounds like fireworks, gunshots, and thunderstorms, while other dogs suffer anxiety on a more regular basis like when their owners leave for work. Either way, pet parents want their furry friends to stay calm and stress-free, but it can be hard to know what will work without seeking a veterinarian’s advice...
47 Cats Are Rescued From Sweltering Hot Car At Rest Stop
47 cats were rescued from “extreme heat and unsanitary conditions” in a car that was parked at a rest stop in Harris, Minnesota. Agents from the Animal Humane Society quickly arrived on scene to remove the cats from the hot car after they were contacted by the Chisago County Sheriff’s Office and Minnesota State Patrol officers. Photo: YouTube/KHOU 11 Authorities were notified of the cats from concerned citizens who witnessed the situation at the Goose Creek rest stop. Temperatures soared to the high 90s, which meant the...
Dams On the Amazon Are Driving Freshwater Dolphins Extinct
More than 400 hydroelectric dams are in operation, being built, or planned for the Amazon river’s headwaters and basin, The Guardian reports. These tropical dams disrupt water flow and nutrient deposition, with negative consequences for aquatic animals, especially migratory species like dolphins. According to the World Wildlife Fund, as dams are constructed, the dynamite and noise can harm river dolphins. Once the dam is up, increased boat traffic can lead to more injuries and deaths from collisions. Two freshwater species: the Amazon...
Woman Wins a Cow’s Heart Through a Song
Music can influence people and animals effectively — it’s the right language to use when all else fails. Songs can touch and soften someone’s heart. For animals who have undergone trauma, you can use music to slowly put down their guard — a very powerful tool to break their wall of distrust and fear. A member of a nonprofit organization, Freedom Farm Sanctuary, used music to win over a tiny rescue cow. Shani Allouche was determined to build a relationship with Nir, but the cow prefers to stay away from humans. Photo:...
