New Study Shows How Tiny Invasive Insect is Preventing Lions From Hunting Zebras
Invasive insects can cause serious disruptions, including the extinction of native plants and animals, destruction of biodiversity, and permanent shifts in the ecosystems to which they spread. A new study shows how one tiny insect can have outsized impacts like these, even on predators thousands of times its size. Research recently published in the journal Science investigated how the invasive big-headed ant is shifting predator-prey dynamics in Kenya’s Ol Pejeta Conservancy. Over three decades, scientists have been using tracking...
An Update Regarding City Ordinance Changes
Jan 30, 2024 Austin, we can do better. Last week, we shared a promise to help our community better understand how Austin animal welfare is evolving because it is our duty to protect what is humane and right and advocate for progress. With that promise in mind, I am writing today to provide some recent updates about a resolution that will affect Austin animals. This resolution is on the agenda for the February 1 city council meeting. We have been on top of this since we first heard mutterings of it over the holidays and have been gratefully...
You’ve Helped Us Keep Thousands of Ukrainians Warm This Winter!
With the support of our customers, GreaterGood has been standing in solidarity with the people of Ukraine since the beginning of the Russian invasion in February of 2022. As many Ukrainians are displaced from their homes or go without power to heat their homes, we’ve been providing them with blankets, along with food and other basic necessities, to keep them safe and warm through harsh wartime winters. We’ve donated tens of thousands of blankets to people and pets in need in Ukraine so far, and we have you to thank for it! We...
Do Your Duty – Scoop the Poop
Jan 30, 2024 Austin loves dogs! Over 250,000 dogs live in the city. On average, dogs produce half a pound of waste a day. It adds up quickly: over 150,000 pounds daily, 54,750,000 pounds a year! Yuck! Pet waste poses a significant health risk to pets and people, especially children, encountering it while playing. Dog waste contains dangerous bacteria, like salmonella and E. Coli, and harmful parasites, like giardia and roundworms. These hazardous organisms persist in the pet waste for days or months after deposit. According to the CDC,...
K9 Mary Lu Finds Missing Florida Girl In Park Bathroom
Dogs have an incredible sense of smell, up to 10,000 times better than a human’s. An article posted on VCA Animal Hospitals by veterinarians shares why dogs have such powerful noses and how they use them. “Since dogs move their nostrils independently, they can determine the direction of an odor and use their sense of smell like a compass.” That is why K9 officers are vital in locating drugs, explosives, and missing people. Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office received a call on January 26 about a missing 11-year-old...
Chinese Woman Leaves Dog $2.8 Million — Her Children Were Left With Nothing
In a remarkable decision that has stirred debate across China, an elderly woman from Shanghai, identified by her surname Liu, has chosen to bequeath her substantial $2.8 million fortune to her beloved pets, leaving nothing for her three adult children. A Yahoo! News reports, Liu’s choice to favor her cats and dogs over her offspring stems from what she perceived as neglect and abandonment in her later years. Her story underscores the complexities of family dynamics, inheritance practices, and the legal limitations surrounding such...
Dog Surrendered To Shelter When Dad Was Deployed Finds His Way Back To Family Months Later
Dogs are surrendered to shelters for many reasons, including the owner is being deployed. This was the case for a sweet pit bull named Kano. When his dad was deployed, he tried to find a home for his pup with his family, but they were unable to care for him at that time. He was brought to DeKalb County Animal Services where he spent four months before being transferred to LifeLine Animal Project Community Animal Center. Shortly after he arrived, he was greeted by a familiar face – his grandma – and brought home. The heartwarming...
Over 100 Exotic Animals Rescued from the Brink in Basement Zoo Nightmare
Authorities seized over 100 exotic animals from a Long Island residence — a grave case of animal hoarding and involvement in the illegal wildlife trade. This incident sheds light on the darker aspects of wildlife possession and the urgent need for public vigilance and stricter enforcement of wildlife laws. Photo: PexelsThe homeowner admitted to buying some animals online, including an ostrich egg on eBay. The Discovery The case came to light following a tip-off, leading investigators to a North Bellmore home where they found a myriad of...
Join CARE for its 4th Annual American Black History Series
February is Black History Month and Companions and Animals for Reform and Equity (CARE) is back with its 4th Annual American Black History Series. CARE hosts this free series in order to raise awareness around the lack of Black veterinarians and to raise scholarship funds for Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) veterinarian students. Only two percent of the veterinary field are African American. All events are scheduled to take place on Thursdays at 3PM / 6PM ET in February unless otherwise noted. February 1: Bark About It! LiveJoin...
Timid, Affectionate Cat Needs Understanding Family to Help Him Come Out of His Shell
This story was submitted by our shelter friend The Cat House on the Kings. The Cat House on the Kings saves pets’ lives in the Fresno County, California area, and the Animal Rescue Site is proud to share their stories. You can learn more about their work here! Our dear Issac at only a year old seems to be an old soul that can remember he really is still a kitten at heart! PHOTO: THE CAT HOUSE ON THE KINGS He certainly inhabits a large adult body now, weighing in at 11 pounds something. Issac doesn’t realize that his trepidation to...
Animal Shelter Lets People Give Their Ex’s Name to a Feral Cat, Who Will Then Be Neutered
When Valentine’s Day comes along, past not-so-great loves may come to mind. Zoos and rescues often find ways to help you vent your frustration about an ex, like naming a cockroach after them (maybe not so fair to the cockroach) or naming a cat’s litter box after them. One rescue is taking it a bit further and making sure your ex never has children… well, at least a cat named for them won’t. Homeward Bound Pet Adoption Center in Camden County, New Jersey, is inviting supporters to give an ex’s name to a feral cat...
All About Scottish Folds and Their Adorably Unique Ears
It’s fun to have a pet with a unique characteristic, but it’s important to do your research before adopting a pet just because it looks cool or has some interesting characteristic that other pets don’t. It’s also important that, if you’re adopting an animal from a breeder rather than from a shelter, you select a reputable breeder who carefully breeds pets for good health and longevity, not for their looks alone. If you’re considering adopting a Scottish fold or if you already have, you may be interested to...
Salish Woolly Dog Comeback From Extinction Is A Beacon Of Hope For Indigenous Heritage
The Salish woolly dog, a distinct breed nurtured by the Coast Salish peoples of the Pacific Northwest, represents a unique intersection of cultural heritage and biodiversity. Once integral to the fabric of Indigenous life, these dogs were bred for their dense fur, suitable for weaving into textiles. However, the influx of European settlers and their colonial policies led to the breed’s extinction by the late 19th century, The Guardian reports. Recent discoveries and genetic studies have sparked hope and discussions about the potential...
Shelter Dog With Prolapsed Rectum And Protruding Eyelid Glands Needs Your Help To Heal
Meet Tonka Butters (Tonka for short). The first year of his life has not been easy, but with your support he could have a brighter future. The sweet one-year-old French bulldog mix arrived as a stray at an animal shelter in Norman, Oklahoma, in desperate need of medical care. Photo: Friends With Four Paws This poor boy had a severely prolapsed rectum, as well as the condition known as “cherry eye” — swollen and protruding eyelid glands. The shelter put out a plea for help in the rescue network and Friends With Four Paws...
Endangered Galápagos Penguins are Swallowing Death One Microplastic at a Time
Microplastics have been discovered accumulating in the bodies of Galápagos penguins, an endangered species. This alarming finding underscores the pervasive nature of plastic pollution, even in some of the world’s most remote and protected environments. Microplastics, tiny particles less than five millimeters in size, have been found from the deepest trenches of the oceans to the peaks of mountains, and now, disturbingly, inside Galápagos penguins. Photo: PexelsMicroplastics are found throughout the Galápagos...
Help Hungry Shelter Pets Score Nutritious Food During The Shelter Bowl
Football fans will spend an average of $115 celebrating this year’s big football game on February 11. That could provide more than 2,000 meals for shelter pets! That’s why Greater Good Charities created the Shelter Bowl, and we need your help to meet our goal of 3 million meals for pets in need. Animal shelters need our help now more than ever. Homeless pets arrive daily at the already overcrowded shelters. Adoptions have declined and the shelters are struggling. Your generous donations can help save lives by not only providing...
Why Dogs and Cats Need Magnesium
Learn what role magnesium plays in your dog’s or cat’s health and when your fur baby might need more of this mineral in their diet. Dogs and cats require many of the same vitamins and minerals as humans, including magnesium. They need this mineral for energy, bone and muscle health, protein synthesis, and more. As such, it’s good to understand how this mineral plays a role in the health of your dog or cat. Let’s explore why animals need magnesium and how you can sneak more into your pup’s or kitty’s diet...
Starving Dog Found On Streets Of Detroit Finally Has Full Belly, Thanks To You
Meet Bert. The 2-year-old dog overcame malnourishment and is living his best life thanks to your generous donations. He is also one of the spokes-dogs for Greater Good Charities’ 9th annual Shelter Bowl to feed hungry shelter pets. Bert was found severely underweight wandering the streets of Detroit looking for food and shelter. He arrived at Friends for Animals of Metro Detroit with a body condition score of 3 out of 9. Photo: Friends for Animals of Metro Detroit The shelter was able to provide nutritious food and constant care to help...
Maddie’s Weekly Roundup: Free HASS Playbook, Holiday Hero Awards and more!
Happy Monday! Below is a brief roundup of resources added over the past week. 5 exceptional animal well-being professionals honored with Holiday Hero Awards, thanks to Maddie Join us for the 2024 Open Arms Challenge! This Challenge is all about opening our hearts and minds to more accessible and The remarkable efforts of five individuals in the animal well-being (welfare) space were each recognized with a Maddie Holiday Hero Award in December. Five organizations each received a $5,000 grant from Maddie’s Fund in honor of these...
11 Times to Try Veterinary Telehealth
Veterinary telehealth is a way for pet parents to access medical care for dogs and cats without having to visit a clinic. While you will still have to take your fur baby to the clinic for some things, here are 11 instances when telehealth can replace an in-person visit. Veterinary telehealth enables veterinarians and clients to connect using phones, video chat, and email. Tele-triage is for people who need basic information or guidance but don’t have a previous relationship with the veterinarian. Telemedicine offers more services...
