Stray Dog Becomes First Therapy Dog For Delaware County Sheriff’s Office
A stray Bernese mountain dog found wandering the streets has just joined the Delaware County Sheriff’s Office as their first therapy dog. The six-month-old puppy is in training but was chosen for his sweet demeanor and love of people. Franklin County Animal Care and Control recommended the dog to the department after picking him up in January. On March 1st, the new addition was introduced to the public and his name, which has a special meaning, was also announced. “Meet Therapy K9 Otto, the newest member of the Sheriff’s...
Discarded Flip-Flops Used To Create One-Of-A-Kind Art That Cleans Up Oceans and Gives Back
Billions of flip-flops end up in landfills or on coastlines around the world, but one social enterprise has found a way to turn the discarded shoes into stunning works of art. Ocean Sole takes washed-up flip-flops from the shores of Kenya and works with the locals to turn them into beautiful handmade sculptures. You may be wondering how so many flip-flops are tossed out, but according to Ocean Sole, “Over 3 billion people wear flip-flops as their only pair of ‘shoes’ in emerging warm-climate countries.” The art pieces...
Dog Trainer Gave His Life to Save His Pets from Their Burning Home
“Ohana” means “family.” “Family” means “no one gets left behind.” Everybody will remember this line from the Disney film Lilo and Stitch. The whole world came to love the characters for these words and for living up to what they believed a family should be. In the real world, all his dogs were a family to Gary Majors who was a well-known and good-hearted dog trainer. And Gary’s heart sincerely felt that none of his family members should be left behind when tragedy unexpectedly struck his...
Pit Bull Abandoned At Fast-Food Restaurant Covers Her Rescuers With Kisses
A scared pit bull abandoned by her owner transforms into the sweetest girl once she realizes she is safe. Hope for Paws, an animal rescue in California, was contacted about a pit bull abandoned at a fast-food restaurant. Most of the calls they receive are about abandoned pets and they work day and night to help as many as possible. They immediately sent JoAnn Wiltz and Alex Babcock to rescue the dog. Screenshot: YouTube/Hope For Paws The girls pulled into the parking lot of the restaurant and immediately spotted the pit bull resting in the...
Can dogs recognize their person by voice alone?
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...
The Alpha Dog: Training Myths & Facts
There are many different opinions when it comes to how to train dogs, and these differences have caused a definite split in the dog training world. There is a saying that if you put three dog trainers in a room together, the only thing they will agree on is that the other two are wrong. There is some truth to this, but as the debate rages on, science is revolutionizing our understanding of domestic dog behavior and tipping the scales toward a more positive, humane approach that I call “positive training.” When I became a dog...
Enhancing your pet’s kibble-based diet
While many pet kibbles are improving in quality, it’s never a bad idea to add some extra nutritional value and variety to these foods. If your dog or cat eats a kibble-based diet, here are some foods and meal toppers that will enhance its nutritional impact. Not long ago, most kibble-based diets were regarded as the least favorable way to feed your dog or cat. They were lacking in whole meat ingredients, and were full of grains, empty fillers, preservatives, and other less-than-ideal ingredients. The cheaper brands haven’t changed...
Puppy Rescued After Being Thrown Over Bridge
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! I deliver packages during the winter. One Friday, I passed this soaking wet little puppy beside the river that one of my roads follows. I knew I could get fired if I picked it up, despite it being winter, and I just prayed that he’d be safe. PUPPY. PHOTO: PIXABAY / LAURENLIEBHABER After my packages were delivered and I was headed home, I couldn’t rest without knowing that that...
As Floods Devastate Australia, Heroes Rise, Rescuing Dozens of People and Pets
Heroes are people who rise to the occasion and then slip quietly away. This is exactly what the world has seen of Lismore and the spirit of its locals after the recent deluge caused by a catastrophic weather system. Situated at the junction of the Wilsons River and Leycester Creek, Lismore is prone to flooding due to rainwater coming down from surrounding hills into rivers and creeks which meet at Lismore. Photo: Youtube/TODAY Lismore recorded its worst flooding in February of 1954, when flood levels reached 12.26 meters. This was followed by...
Worried About Ukraine? Here’s How You Can Help People & Pets Fleeing Putin’s War
On February 24, Russia launched a brutal invasion of its neighbor, Ukraine, in a brazen display of unchecked military power. The bloody invasion–which has left terrified residents hiding in basements and subways to escape relentless shelling and bombs–has already killed hundreds of innocent civilians and caused 1 million people to flee. Sadly, this is only the tip of the iceberg. The European Union predicts 7 million Ukrainians will be displaced by the time Putin’s war is through. Photo: World Central Kitchen The crisis is...
Two new audiobooks for animal lovers!
Looking for some new books to add to your “listening list” this spring? Here are two that every animal lover will enjoy. Audiobooks are the new paperbacks – especially if you’re a busy pet parent. There’s nothing more enjoyable that throwing in earbuds and heading out to walk your pup while listening to a good book. Sure, curling up next to the fireplace with a hardcover is wonderful, but audiobooks are the ultimate way to multi-task when time is short. Here are two new books to add to your must-listen list! As...
How do pet parents differ from generation to generation?
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...
Dug Up at Dogster: March 2022 Dog Events and Dog Holidays
Leave the snow behind for Spring rains and enjoy these March 2022 dog events and holidays with your favorite furry buddy. Don’t see your dog event on Dogster’s dog event list? Email us at dogstermag@belvoir.com and we will include your dog event. March 2022 All-Month Long Dog Holidays Pet Poison Prevention Month National Pet Dental Health Month Responsible Pet Owners Month March 2022 Dog Events Listing March 5, 2022:32nd Annual VCA Walk for the Animals Benefits the Humane Society of Broward County. Registration opens at 8 am...
Ukrainians Fleeing With Their Pets Are Welcomed With Open Arms In Several Bordering Countries Who Waived Vet Papers
After the Russian invasion last week, hundreds of thousands of Ukrainians are fleeing the war-torn country and seeking a safe haven for their families and pets. Images of devoted pet parents holding their animals close as they take cover in a bomb shelter or navigate the dangerous streets have gone viral on social media. The heartbreaking images show just how much they love their pets. The next time you hear someone say “I’m moving and can’t take my pet with me”, show them these photos.Ukrainians fleeing with their...
Your Dog Grieves Like You When Its Dog Companion Passes Away, Study Shows
Grief over the loss of a pet dog can be so deep and long-lasting. You can feel your heart really breaking, the tears flowing, and a painful emptiness haunting you as you move around the house—as you live another day in unfamiliar but stabbing pain. Photo: Max Pixel You may try to drown your heartache by taking a long nap. Your appetite feels gone, and you are not in the mood for physical activities most of the time. There are occasions, too, that you turn to emotional eating or other bad habits when the guilt, unhappiness, and all other...
Apply now for the We Foster Challenge!
You saved the date and now it’s here! Registration for the We Foster Challenge is now open and will close on Monday, March 7! By participating in the Challenge this May, you’ll grow your foster base to help keep pets with people and out of the shelter and have a chance at $210,000 in grant prizes. By fostering pets, we also foster community, foster inclusivity and foster love. The We Foster Challenge is meant to help shelter and rescue organizations create or expand community-based foster programs that will get your...
Cat Who Lost 2 Left Legs in Accident Now Runs to His Favorite Boy, Gives Hope in a Hard Time
It was just about a year and a half ago that Suzanne Buffington, her then-12-year-old son Gracen, and their pet cat Shade, showed up at Cabot Animal Support Services in Cabot, Arkansas, in a desperate state. Shade had been in an accident, and it was bad. When Gracen found his cat outside that morning, one leg—the front left—was broken, with the bone poking out through his skin. Shade’s left hind paw and leg had what Suzanne describes as “holes” going through them. “He had holes in places there should not be...
As Strong Floods Hit Australia, Rescued Kittens Fill Shelter
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! Total chaos sums up the last couple of days. The relentless weather has also made it rain kittens for Best Friends Felines. PHOTO: NIKKI CHAPPLE / BEST FRIENDS FELINES There are 17 kittens in total that we took on over the last few days, all found in the rain and subsequent floods. Many of these would be babies that mum cats were moving to higher ground when they have been found and taken...
7 Ways To Celebrate World Wildlife Day On March 3
Thursday, March 3, is more than just a prelude to spring. It’s also World Wildlife Day, and the perfect time to celebrate all the incredible animals who call this planet home. But unless we do something to help, many wild species won’t be around to celebrate for much longer. Polar bears, pandas, rhinos, tigers, and koalas are just a few of the thousands of species pushed to the brink of extinction by poaching, pollution, habitat loss, and climate change. Photo: Pixabay This urgent dilemma has also inspired this year’s theme,...
From Rescued to Rescuer: A Rescue Dog Did CPR on His Owner and Saved His Life
Chewie, the Yorkshire terrier who saved his owner’s life by performing CPR on him, has been nominated for the prestigious Crufts Award. He is a finalist under the Rescue Dog Hero category and the only one from the northwest. Chewie was rescued by Loretta and Ray Whiteley in 2017. Photo: YouTube/Crufts He was just a 12-week-old puppy at that time, abandoned inside a black trash bag in someone’s yard. The couple found him half-buried with his littermates, tiny paws tied up and mouth cruelly taped to stop the poor puppies from making...
