Bumblebee Queens Defy Odds, Living Underwater for a Week
Scientists have recently uncovered an extraordinary ability of the common eastern bumblebee queens: surviving underwater for up to a week during their hibernation period. This finding not only broadens our understanding of bumblebee resilience but also hints at their potential adaptability to the increasing threats of climate change. Photo: PexelsResearchers discovered that hibernating queen bumblebees can survive underwater for up to a week. Accidental Discovery Leads to Significant Insights The discovery occurred unexpectedly when...
How a Dyed Pink Pigeon Found Hope and Redemption on the Streets
A pigeon has been rescued after he was used for entertainment and thrown onto the streets when no longer needed. A Good Samaritan, who just happened to be a bird lover, spotted the pink-colored pigeon wondering around Manhattan’s Madison Square Park. They brought the king pigeon, a domestic breed, to the Wild Bird Fund, a nonprofit wildlife rehabilitation and education center. Photo: Wikimedia Commons Staff named the pigeon Flamingo, and said he was in bad shape, showing signs of long-term malnutrition. They suspect someone had...
Endangered and Elusive Allegheny Woodrat Captured on Camera in Remarkable Sighting
The rarely seen Allegheny woodrat has made a surprising appearance in West Virginia’s Monongahela National Forest. This species, often mistaken for a large rat due to its size, is actually more akin to a mouse and has been classified as a “species of concern” by the National Parks Service (NPS). Photo: PexelsThe Allegheny woodrat was recently spotted in West Virginia’s Monongahela National Forest. Discovery in Natural Habitat The Allegheny woodrat, which measures approximately the size of a squirrel, is known to...
Tips From a Vet for Dealing with Minor Medical Emergencies at Home
No pet parent wants to think about their fur baby getting hurt, but it’s still important to be prepared and know what to do in an emergency. Here are some pro tips from a veterinarian to help you deal with minor medical emergencies at home. Pet parents should prepare for minor medical emergencies that may arise with their furry companions. While some situations require immediate veterinary attention, there are several steps you can take at home to address minor issues and provide comfort to both you and your companion animal before...
Over 40 Dogs At Overcrowded Louisiana Shelter Get One-Way Ticket To New Jersey For New Life
Homeless and surrendered animals arrive almost daily at Louisiana shelters who are over capacity. That is why with your help, we are flying over 40 dogs out of the overcrowded shelter to freedom in New Jersey. The Animal Rescue Site is sponsoring a Greater Good Charities’ Good Flight (called Flight to Freedom) on April 30th. The passengers on the flight will include dogs of all ages, sizes, and breeds. Photo: Iberville Parish Animal Shelter Sadly, animal shelters across the country are seeing an increase in animal intakes and a decrease...
Re-register now for Weekly Community Conversations!
The Weekly Community Conversations have become so popular that we have reached the maximum registrations allowed! Which means we need you to please re-register for the weekly Monday 11AM PT/2PM ET call now. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email from Zoom with the new link, which you can add to your calendar. These 50-minute calls are a collaborative space to share exciting new programs and research, discuss uncomfortable topics, connect with peers in the industry, and more, all while sharing a common goal of preserving the...
Can Dogs Eat Sausages? Vet-Verified Facts & FAQ
VET APPROVED The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research. Learn more » Dogs are masters of eating things they shouldn’t, whether it’s stealing food from our plates or tasting that new plant you bought. When it comes to human food, plenty of things are safe for them (though not necessarily healthy), but a few foods can be toxic. So, if your pet has just eaten something they shouldn’t, finding out how safe it was is vital. A food that dogs are particularly fond of is...
Heartbroken pleas for woman to dump boyfriend over video with dog
As pet owners, we will often pick a partner based on how they interact with our animals. We want to think that we’re picking someone warm and gentle who will love our pets as unconditionally as we do – even if they get frustrated with our pets. So, after sharing a video of her boyfriend playing outside with her dog, one TikTok user, @bricksmom, ended up getting her feed flooded with people encouraging her to dump her boyfriend. The video was posted with the caption, “camera’s are a woman’s best friend.” She...
Marineland Faces Outrage as Whale Deaths Surge, Public Demands Closure
Marineland, a popular Canadian tourist attraction located near Niagara Falls, faces mounting allegations and scrutiny over its treatment of captive animals. Reports from several sources reveal a concerning trend of animal deaths and allegations of poor conditions, prompting legal actions and public outcry against the park. Photo: PexelsMarineland faces accusations of animal cruelty. Recent Animal Deaths Raise Alarm In the past few years, Marineland has witnessed an alarming number of deaths among its captive marine mammals. Notably, the park...
A Celebration of Giving: The Enduring Power of Volunteers
Apr 22, 2024 In a world brimming with busy lives and personal goals, we take a momentto celebrate the incredible impact of volunteers. Their dedication embodies the very best of humanity: our interconnectedness, compassion, and unwavering commitment to building a better world together. This National Volunteer Appreciation Week, we’re shining a light on the profound power of volunteerism, not just for the good it does in the world, but for the enriching experiences it offers volunteers themselves. Volunteers are the threads that weave...
Thanks To Your Support, Over 400 Pets Were Spayed/Neutered In Alaska
Greater Good Charities’ Good Fix team arrived in the remote city of Moose Pass located in Kenai Peninsula Borough, Alaska. The shortage of veterinarians and the rising costs of vet care are impacting the citizens of Alaska as well. Thanks to your generous donations, the support of locals, and the devotion of the volunteers and staff, a free clinic took place in late March that resulted in 406 cats and dogs being spayed/neutered. Photo: Greater Good Charities It took a village, literally, to arrange and make the clinic a success. The...
Introducing the Dogsters: Savanna and Penny, Her Spunky Chihuahua Mix
Hi, I’m Savanna Stanfield, a former science teacher and now a writer and editor at Dogster. I’ll be sharing my life with Penny, a sassy and spunky Chihuahua mix, on a weekly basis. Penny is my first experience with dog ownership, and my husband, daughter, and I certainly have our hands full with her, but every day is something exciting and new because we truly never know what she’ll do next. I can’t wait to share Penny and my experiences with dog ownership with you! Penny’s favorite spot on the couch A Little...
What Is Lure-Reward Dog Training?
Lure-reward training is by far the quickest and easiest technique for teaching dogs the meaning of our verbal instructions and for regularly testing comprehension as proof of training. Dog training is almost entirely about communication, specifically teaching dogs our language, that is, ESL*…. Initially, food lures are used to teach the meaning of handsignals, and then food lures are phased out and handsignals are used to teach the meaning of verbal instructions. Dogs learn handsignals quickly because they are a language dogs...
Maddie’s Weekly Roundup: Re-register for Weekly Community Conversations, Camp Maddie recordings and more!
Happy Monday! Below is a brief roundup of resources added over the past week. Camp Maddie: Behavior Edition session recordings now available on-demand!Maddie’s Fund® recently hosted Camp Maddie, a two-day online event focusing on dog behavior. We’re happy to share that sessions are now available for you to learn at your leisure on Maddie’s® University! Whether you missed it the first time or just want a refresher, these informative sessions may be just what your organization needs it… Learn More Continue...
Food allergies in dogs — a plan for change
Getting to the bottom of food allergies in your dog requires a comprehensive plan for change that includes an elimination diet made from novel protein and carbohydrate sources. Some things never change. When it comes to food allergies in dogs, “no corn, no soy, no wheat, no yeast” (the first food mantra I learned) still comes to mind as people contact me about their dogs’ allergies. They’re still considered among the top food allergens in dogs — but many other foods can now be added to the list. For example, a...
5 Ways to Help Prevent Cancer in Dogs & Cats
Cancer is one of the most common and dreaded diseases affecting dogs and cats. Discover five ways to help lower your own companion’s cancer risk by addressing his nutrition, weight, toxin exposure, and more. Cancer is increasingly common in our dogs and cats. For some people, the fear of a cancer diagnosis in their beloved companions can be crippling, even if their dogs and cats are currently healthy. While some cancers may not be preventable, there are many steps you can take to improve your animal’s overall health and quality of...
How to Use Guillotine Dog Nail Clippers: Vet Approved Instructions
VET APPROVED The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research. Learn more » You’re probably most familiar with standard scissor-style dog nail clippers but may have heard about guillotine-style dog nail clippers before. If you’re unfamiliar with them or just bought a pair but don’t know where to start with using them, you’re not alone. The name is a little intimidating, but that’s just a reference to the clippers’ single blade. It’s a confusing topic...
Tucson Rodeo Faces Outcry Over Shocking Treatment of Horses
The Tucson Rodeo, an event steeped in tradition and spectacle, has recently faced serious allegations of animal abuse, specifically involving the use of electric shock devices on horses. These claims have sparked a heated debate on the ethics of rodeo practices and the treatment of animals in these events. Photo: PexelsThe Tucson Rodeo is accused of using electric shocks on horses. Rodeo Officials Respond to Abuse Claims The Tucson Rodeo has been a staple event for nearly a century, claiming to uphold the highest standards of animal care....
Labrador Retriever Saves Family During House Fire By “Banging On The Doors”
A Maryland family is safe thanks to their loyal Labrador retriever who alerted them that their house was on fire. An electrical fire started in the basement of the home and as soon as the family’s eight-year-old dog named Molly saw the smoke she started to alert everyone in the house. Molly’s dad, Charles Miller, shared with WUSA9 that his wife was taking care of their 14-month-old granddaughter upstairs when Molly started “banging on the doors”. “When Molly starts banging on the doors with her paws, you know...
Hays County Commissioners’ Court Approves Three Month Contract Extension with Austin Pets Alive!
Apr 19, 2024 Hays County Courthouse, San Marcos, TX – The Hays County Commissioners’ Court approved the Professional Services Agreement with Austin Pets Alive! (APA!) to be extended through June 30, 2024. Last year, Austin Pets Alive! entered an agreement with Hays County to manage the development of a new Pet Resource Center. The center would aim to provide programs focused on public safety, animal safety and lifesaving, pet owner resources for happy and healthier pets, and community education for safe and humane pet care. The...