Chinese Zoo Disguises Dogs as Pandas in Deceptive Exhibit
In a bizarre case of mistaken identity, the Taizhou Zoo in Jiangsu Province, China, has come under scrutiny for presenting dogs dyed black and white as pandas. This revelation has sparked debates over ethical practices and the authenticity of zoo exhibits. Photo: PexelsA zoo in China dyed Chow Chow dogs to resemble pandas. Deception Unveiled Visitors to the Taizhou Zoo were expecting to see giant pandas, an iconic symbol of Chinese wildlife, only to discover that the animals on display were actually Chow Chow dogs, altered to resemble pandas,...
Illegal Night Hunts Expose Dark Underworld of Deer Poaching in Residential California
In a disturbing escalation of wildlife crimes, a group of seven individuals, led by Bradley Chilton, has been charged with systematic deer poaching in Nevada County, California. This case, characterized by its brazen nature and the number of deer killed, is being described by officials as one of the largest in the state’s history. Photo: PexelsA group was involved in systematic deer poaching in Nevada County, California. Night Hunts in Neighborhoods Over several months in 2023, the group engaged in illegal night hunting using car...
Blind Cat Scrounging For Scraps Behind Restaurant Is Finally Safe
Your donations are changing the lives of animals like George. Read his story below and see why he is the definition of resilient. Stray cats live a tough life as they struggle to find enough food and proper shelter – but imagine having to do it without your eyesight. Photo: Forever Friends Humane Society Meet George. The Siamese cat was born without eyes and found begging for scraps behind an Italian restaurant in Oklahoma. He was surviving on his own in a nearby briar bush. Kind staff members ensured that he was fed, but they knew he...
The Helicopter Tail, Vibrate & Growl, and Smack: How My Dogs Get My Attention
Hi, I’m Allison. Read my introduction to learn more about me and my three mixed-breed dogs from Thailand, Jelly, Lorraina, and Manic. If you had asked me when I was not a dog owner how dogs get a person’s attention, I would have thought back to the classic Lassie television show. With only a few barks, Lassie conveyed the troubling situation and ultimately saved the day. So, dogs bark to get someone’s attention. Now, do MY dogs bark to get my attention? No. Lassie lied to us all. However, they have their own unique...
Traffic Cones Become Hiding Spots for Illegal Catch as New York Battles Striped Bass Poaching
In the fight against wildlife crime, authorities on Long Island, New York, encountered a bizarre method of poaching striped bass. Recent incidents have highlighted the lengths to which poachers will go to evade law enforcement, including the use of traffic cones as makeshift storage for illegally caught fish. Photo: Morone saxatilis Baltimore Aquarium, Wikimedia Commons / Jarek Tuszyński, License: CC BY-SA 3.0 DEEDPoachers in New York used traffic cones to hide illegally caught striped bass. The Ingenious Method of Concealment On April...
Senior Cat Thought to Be On Death’s Door When Rescued, But He’s Still Living the Good Life
The following story is a finalist in the Rescue to Royalty Challenge. Three grand prize winners will receive a $250 shopping spree, while a shelter of their choosing will be awarded $2,000 in cash and needed supplies! You can vote for your favorite story here through May 8! In August 2023, a local family restaurant contacted White Oak Animal Safe Haven regarding a feral cat with a broken leg eating trash around the dumpster. The cat coordinator of WOASH immediately drove over to assess the situation. PHOTO: MACKENZIE DEMME This poor,...
To Help Feed Pollinators, Many Concerned Citizens Take Part in ‘No Mow May’
Pollinators are facing serious threats to their survival, including a loss of food sources due to decreases in native vegetation. An annual initiative aims to help, at least for a month. No Mow May, which began in the United Kingdom, has slowly been moving into other places, including the United States. In fact, residents in Appleton, Wisconsin, banded together to get their city council to set aside their weed ordinance in May 2020 as part of the effort. PHOTO: PIXABAY / JOE So what is No Mow May? The goal is to avoid mowing throughout the...
A New Model for Pet Intake
Understanding the true reasons for pets entering today’s shelter Roughly eight million cats and dogs entered animal shelters in the U.S. in 2023, according to Shelter Animals Count–and the numbers don’t show much sign of slowing. Since the inception of Human Animal Support Services (HASS), we’re aiming for a better understanding of the downstream effect human hardships have on overcrowded animal shelters. It’s no secret that people are struggling and when people struggle, so do their pets, which are found in 66%...
Resilient Dog Finds Loving Home After Being Abandoned for Being ‘Ugly’
Bjarni is a pup who has had a tough life. When he was spotted wandering the streets of Huntsville, he had only half a nose. A local animal control officer picked him up and brought him to a shelter, assuming he was a stray. The shelter soon realized Bjarni wasn’t a stray — he had a family. But when his family was notified that Bjarni had been picked up, they refused to come and get him. They no longer wanted him. Poor Bjarni had difficulty eating and breathing because of his nose, and the shelter was worried about his health. So a...
Malnourished Kittens Found Trapped In Wall During Remodel Are Flourishing, Thanks To Your Support
Cats, and especially kittens, are curious by nature which often leads them into dangerous areas. Read on to learn how your donations have helped two malnourished kittens found in an unusual place. The kittens were found trapped in a wall during a remodel and brought to a local shelter. The kittens arrived at El Reno Animal Shelter in Oklahoma starving and covered in parasites. Photo: El Reno Animal Shelter Staff immediately started to bottle feed the little felines, thanks to donated bottles and formula you helped provide. Screenshot: El Reno...
Neighborhood Kids Admit The Worst When Officers Find This Poor Dog Unresponsive and Near Death
Dogs are innocent loving animals that just want your love and attention. It is incomprehensible why someone would ever want to hurt an animal. An animal control officer sprung into action when he found a dog lying unresponsive on the sidewalk. He first tried to call to the dog, but there was no response. He slowly approached and noticed the dog was still breathing, but not responding to his touch. Then he learned the horrifying truth about what happened to the sweet dog named Peanut. Photo: American Web Media Neighborhood kids allegedly...
Heartbroken Cat’s Viral Reaction to Owner Leaving Tugs at Millions of Hearts
Cats, often viewed as solitary and independent creatures, have their unique ways of showing attachment and experiencing separation anxiety. A remarkable example of this emotional depth can be found in the story of Pawl, a cat whose reaction to his owner’s vacation went viral, illuminating the profound bonds felines can form with their humans. Photo: PexelsPawl the cat displayed signs of separation anxiety when his owner left for vacation. Pawl’s Viral Moment The saga began when Pawl’s owner, after setting out on a vacation,...
Florida Teens Caught on Camera, Spark Outrage by Trashing Ocean in Viral Video
In a shocking display of environmental disrespect, two teenagers were caught on video dumping large quantities of trash into the ocean during an outing in Boca Raton, Florida. This careless act, captured during the annual Boca Bash—an unofficial gathering signaling the start of the boating season—has sparked widespread outrage and a serious legal backlash, People reports. Photo: PexelsTwo teenagers were caught dumping trash into the ocean in Boca Raton, Florida. Legal Ramifications Upon the video’s viral spread, the Florida...
Check out these helpful posts on Maddie’s Pet Forum
Spring has sprung and the activity is blooming on Maddie’s® Pet Forum! We rounded up several recent posts that you may find useful or may want to contribute to. Happy reading! Trap-neuter-return (TNR) kitsOne organization shares that they’re putting together “TNR Kits” for their TNR applicants. Has your organization tried this and had success or advice? Can you think of anything else that might be essential for trapping in addition to their list? Add your advice From south to northAnother...
Stephens Cur Dog Breed: Pictures, Info, Origin & More
Click to Skip Ahead The Stephens Cur or the Stephens Stock Cur is a medium-sized scent hound. They were developed in Kentucky by the Stephens family to be agile hunters. They are highly intelligent and adaptable dogs that make great working dogs. However, they also make loyal canine companions for active families that can cater to the breed’s high energy levels. Despite the name “Cur” meaning mongrel, Stephens Curs are indeed purebred dogs. This article will discuss all the fascinating information, facts, and traits of...
Take Off! — APA! Transport Hub’s Inaugural Transport
May 06, 2024 Transporting pets from Texas to shelters across the country, even as far as Canada, isn’t a new process for APA!.. We’ve done it hundreds of times at this point, with our Transport Program beginning out of desperation to save pets across Texas during Winter Storm Uri in January of 2021. Whether by air or by road, our team has worked with many partner shelters both in Texas and throughout the U.S. to save dogs and cats who otherwise wouldn’t have made it out of the shelter system alive. The latest milestone for...
Do Dogs Dream? What I Imagine Penny Dreams About
Hi, I’m Savanna! Read my introduction to learn more about me and my spunky Chihuahua mix, Penny. The first time I saw Penny kicking her feet and making bark-like sounds in her sleep, I thought something was really wrong with her. After all, she is my first real experience with owning a dog. As you can imagine, I was a little concerned about this behavior. But she seemed otherwise fine, and after the wiggling and the noises stopped, she went right back into seemingly deep sleep. I thought to myself, “Maybe she’s...
Is Your Dog or Cat Missing Out on These 3 Superfoods?
Superfoods aren’t just for people! Your dog or cat could benefit from the key nutrients in ZIWI’s Z-BOOST Superfood blend! Kale, blueberries, green tea—you know the common superfoods that are healthy additions to your diet. But did you know some superfoods are great for dogs and cats as well? Our companion animals have unique dietary requirements, but some foods are so packed with micronutrients, macronutrients, and other good things that every dog and cat could benefit from them. Let’s look at the three unique...
Maddie’s Weekly Roundup: Kitten season resources, foster recruitment and more!
Happy Monday! Below is a brief roundup of resources added over the past week. Conquer kitten season with these valuable resourcesWe know kitten season is well underway and we have lots of resources to help! Did you know healthy neonatal kittens do not need to be fed every two hours? Learn about the latest guidelines for kitten feeding and other kitten care in this… Learn More Want to place 50% or more of your pets in foster homes? Take a comprehensive approach to foster recruitmentThis post originally ran in 2021. We are republishing...
10 Funny Dog Breeds Sure to Make You Giggle
Our pups can all be goofballs, which is one of the reasons they make our lives so fun… and possibly a little chaotic. There are certain breeds that are more apt to be silly, though. If you’re ready to amp up the laughter from your furry friends even higher, look no further than these funny breeds. Bichon Frise PHOTO: PIXABAY / MANFRED ANTRANIAS ZIMMER The Bichon Frise is fluffy and cute as a button, but that angelic look may mask some hijinks. This breed is known for being very playful, cheerful, and packed with energy. Their big...
