Big Jake, Once Known As The World’s Tallest Horse, Dies In Wisconsin
A 20-year-old Belgian horse who held the Guinness World Record for world’s tallest horse in 2010 has died. Big Jake was a beloved horse who lived on Smokey Hollow Farm in Poynette, Wisconsin. He was 20 hands (6 feet 8 inches) and 2.75 inches tall from hoof to the top of his withers. Jerry Gilbert, owner of the farm, called the horse a “superstar” and said, “He was truly a magnificent animal. He was extremely talented.” He was born in March 2001 and weighed over 100 pounds more than a normal Belgian foal at birth....
Overcoming Obstacles – Lasagna’s Journey to Walk Again
Jul 06, 2021 “His determination to overcome a horrific past and his pure will to reject the aid of a wheelchair was the point that sealed the deal.” Sweet, friendly, and now full of energy, you’d never guess Lasagna had a traumatic, rough first year of life. As a young pup, Lasagna came to Austin Pets Alive! paralyzed, likely from a gunshot wound. He was unable to bring his back legs underneath him and could not bear weight. Stranger to houses, as he had never been in one, Lasagna simply wanted a home where he could live a...
Terrified Chihuahua Abandoned By Owners Learns To Trust Again After Being Rescued
Dogs love unconditionally and would never abandon you; they simply ask the same in return. Sadly, countless dogs are abandoned by their owners every day. A tiny chihuahua was left behind by her owners to fend for herself outside a California home with no food or water. Thankfully, she was found by kindhearted construction workers who provided food, water, and a makeshift shelter until help arrived. Screenshot: YouTube/Hope For Paws Hope for Paws, an animal rescue based in Los Angeles, heard about the abandoned chihuahua and rushed to rescue...
‘Are You Sure That’s Not a Chipmunk?’ Tiny Kitten Rescued by Determined RN
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 am an R.N. and lactation consultant and had experience with feeding premature babies. In late August 2013, I was outside trimming a shrub when I heard a peeping sound. It sounded like a baby bird, but I couldn’t find it. I located the sound in the planter behind the flowers and just as I saw something moving, I saw a tiny kitten waddle out and drop into my hand. CAT. PHOTO:...
Kaley Cuoco And Husband Adopt ‘Ginormous’ Senior Dog Named Larry
Earlier this year, actress Kaley Cuoco and husband Karl Cook experienced a devastating loss. Their beloved rescue pit bull, Norman, passed away and left a hole in their hearts. As anyone who has lost a beloved pet knows, one of the best ways to heal is to open your heart and home to another rescue. And that is exactly what the couple did. The longtime animal lovers recently fell in love with a senior rescue mutt named Larry. It was love at first sight. Cuoco took to Instagram to introduce the newest member of the family. “When you know...
Why Do Dogs Whine?
Dogs can’t speak, but they communicate plenty through non-verbal cues. A tail wag means “welcome home” and “I’ve missed you.” A slobbery lick on the face means “I love you so much.” Begging and puppy dog eyes are usually not-so-subtle requests for food. But some behaviors, like whining, are harder to interpret because dogs whine for many reasons. Dogs whine when they want something. Dogs also whine when they’re bored, anxious, excited, seeking attention, or in pain. But without knowing why...
Dog Finds Loving New Home After Being Thrown Out of a Truck By Backyard Breeder
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! She’d been thrown out the window of a fast moving truck. Her mate, as well, but he’d jumped clear of the road. She’d landed with a splat in the pavement, an unmoving pile of fur. The angel who saw it happen stopped to capture the boy and move her body off the road. As she bent over her, an eye fluttered open. DOG. PHOTO: PIXABAY/DANIEL ALBANY She was a mutt, but looked...
APA! will always keep Austin pets safe. We need Austin Animal Center to do their part.
Jul 03, 2021 More than a decade ago, Austin Pets Alive! stepped forward to provide support to the City of Austin in order to improve, and eventually fix, the Austin Animal Center, which at the time was killing more than 14,000 pets annually. Our goal was to teach AAC to implement best practices in No Kill sheltering and transfer animals to APA! that were at imminent risk of dying. We have since partnered with the city to advocate for policy changes and budget growth while offering free consultative and educational services. Then and now, this...
Woman Leaps From Car To Save Tiny Stray Kitten From Traffic
Life is tough on orphaned kittens, who face myriad risks without their mother’s protection. This became clear when an orphaned kitten wandered onto a busy street in Houston. As the tiny kitten’s black fur camouflaged into the night, it seemed all but certain the defenseless newborn would be killed by traffic. “Being so small and dark in color, it’s a miracle that this tiny kitten was not hit by a car,” rescuers told Greater Good Charities. “But on that fateful night, a driver saw him and swerved just in...
Shelter Support: How Austin Pets Alive! Helps Shelters in Need
Jul 02, 2021 Each year, we save thousands of lives of pets right here in Austin and Travis County, and in the counties immediately surrounding Austin. We also provide support, education, and animal transport guidance to shelters all over Texas and beyond. Our ultimate goal is to focus on animals who, without APA’s help, would die or face being killed in a shelter. For this reason, we ask shelters we support to do everything they can to keep as many pets as possible in their homes and communities, in order to reduce shelter intake. We...
Cat Who Saved Soldier’s Life in Afghanistan is Rescued in Return
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! Eleven years ago, my son Jesse was stationed in Afghanistan, and he rescued an injured kitten that he had seen around the base. It appeared the cat was being abused. He named the kitten Koshka (Russian for ‘cat’), nursed him back to health and took him into protective custody in his quarters to avoid further abuse. CAT. PHOTO: PIXABAY/GERHARD BOGNER Soldiers are not supposed...
85-Year-Old Man Rescues Kittens Dumped In Paper Bag On Side Of The Road
Chuck Campbell’s curiosity saved a litter of newborn kittens. The 85-year-old man was driving down a country road in North Carolina when he spotted a paper bag on the side of the road. He pulled over and unfolded the bag, and was shocked to find five newborn kittens inside. They were huddled together and gasping for air. Photo: Facebook/SPCA of Wake County He knew he needed to find help and fast, so he contacted the SPCA of Wake County. “The kittens were starving and dehydrated, and at only two weeks old, their outlook was...
Beloved Black Bear Who Traveled Hundreds Of Miles Across The Midwest Euthanized
A beloved black bear named Bruno was humanely euthanized by Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) after he was found suffering from severe injuries. Bruno was a much-needed distraction during the coronavirus lockdown in 2020. He was spotted traveling across multiple Midwestern states and acquired a devoted fan base that followed him on his journey. The nomadic bear went viral with hashtag #brunosjourney on Twitter. Thousands of people kept track of him as he made his way through Missouri and Illinois, including Illinois State...
Pledge to Keep Your Pets Safe During Fireworks and Summer Holidays
The Fourth of July stands for independence for all Americans, and there is no shortage of ways to celebrate. From small backyard cookouts, to neighborhood block parties, to fireworks at night, the Fourth is one of the biggest summer events in North America For pets, however, this holiday takes on a much different tone. As Purina reports, more pets run away on the Fourth of July than any other day of the year. More pets run away on the Fourth of July than any other day of the year. An estimated one-fifth of pet disappearances are due to very...
4 Ways To Make A Dog Memorial Garden
There are many ways to memorialize pets who pass on. Some people host a memorial service. Others plant a tree or write an obituary. Still more choose to create a memorial garden, which is a moving way to remember your pet — and honor the dog who loved to play outside. Follow these simple tips to create your own memorial garden for dogs who’ve crossed the Rainbow Bridge. 1. Mark The Perfect Spot Photo: The Animal Rescue Site Store The first step to making a memorial garden is to pick the perfect spot. Did your dog lounge in a sunny...
131 Pilot Whales Slaughtered In One Day During “Barbaric” Tradition On Faroe Islands
The sea around the Faroe Islands is stained red (once again) from the blood of hundreds of slaughtered whales as a tradition known as “Grindadrap” begins. The tradition dates back centuries when Viking ancestors killed whales as a way to feed the people, but that is not the case today. Many animal activists claim it is a barbaric tradition that has no place in our modern world. Photo: Pixabay Save The Reef said, ‘On average, 800 cetaceans are killed each year in the Faroe Islands in the name of “tradition”...
Why Are Dogs Afraid Of Fireworks? 5 Ways You Can Help Your Scared, Furry Friend
The fourth of July can be an exciting time in our country. Families gather for barbeques, beach days, and celebrations — typically capping off the night of fun with a fireworks show. However, if you’re a pet owner you may know the added level of fear associated with July 4th. The booming, sometimes unceasing noise of fireworks sends many pets into a panic, leaving them stressed and trembling. Unfortunately, as much as we may want to protect our pets, we can’t control or prevent others from setting off fireworks. So, in order...
People Are Riding And Feeding Friendly Dolphin Off Texas Coast, Putting Its Life At Risk
Thousands of dolphins are killed every year due to boat strikes, becoming entangled in fishing gear, and countless other human actions. The only way wild animals can stay “wild” is if humans keep their distance. When animals become reliant on people for food and are not afraid to approach them, it becomes dangerous for both the animal and people. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) biologists are concerned for the health and well-being of a friendly dolphin off the coast of North Padre Island in Texas. Photo:...
Human Animal Support Services in the news a year later
It’s been about a year since the Human Animal Support Services initiative officially launched. Based on the work of the amazing communities involved and the press that continues, we look forward to what the next year has in store! Below are just a handful of recent press articles from communities around the country, all working to reform the old animal sheltering model and to keep people and pets together. Animal Services achieves ‘top’ statusPasco County Animal Services (PCAS) has been recognized for...
Husky Reunited With Owner After Being Kidnapped Months Before
Snow is an adorable little husky pup living in Florida. Unfortunately, she spent two months away from her owner after she fell victim to a dognapping. It was a traumatic ordeal, but the moment that Snow saw her owner again, she was purely elated to be back home. It was as if she’d never been dognapped in the first place. Photo: Facebook/Miami-Dade Police Department As Sergeant Grisell Fernandez of the Miami-Dade Police Department shared with The Dodo, Snow’s disappearance is still under investigation. However, it was quite...
