An Animal Control Officer’s Lesson in Empathy
The call was fairly routine, as animal neglect complaints go. The dog in question, a loyal companion to an elderly woman living alone, was in pretty rough shape. Rough enough that it was a pretty clear-cut case of neglect. The woman, who obviously loved her pet, seemed to be facing multiple struggles. She may never have intended to cause harm, yet her circumstances had led to a situation that, legally, could not be ignored. In my early career as a cruelty investigator for the City of Dallas, I was driven by a sense of duty to protect the...
Animals Suffer in Silence Behind the Scenes of ‘Sloth King’ Exotic Petting Zoo Nightmare
Larry Wallach, dubbed “The Sloth King” of Long Island, has caught public attention not for his exotic pet collection, but for the alleged mistreatment of animals under his care. Wallach, who owns Sloth Encounters, a hybrid exotic pet store and petting zoo, has been at the center of a storm of animal welfare violations, drawing comparisons to the infamous Joe Exotic. Photo: PexelsLarry Wallach, known as “The Sloth King,” is under scrutiny for animal mistreatment at Sloth Encounters. Allegations of Abuse Nicole Rice, a...
Senior German Shepherd With “Saddest Eyes” Needs Home ASAP
Humane Society of Central Texas put out a desperate plea a few days ago to find a senior German shepherd a loving home. Tank Velero arrived at the shelter underweight and suffering from a skin infection. He needs a quiet place to rest and a home to spend his golden years. The staff were told he was about eight years old, but they believe he is closer to twelve. “The saddest eyes… This sweet, sweet old man needs a savior. That’s all there is to say. Tank Velero (A111033) was once a majestic dog. He still carries himself as...
Search Laboratory Selects APA! As Their Charity of the Year
Apr 10, 2024 Austin Pets Alive! is honored and grateful to be considered one of Austin’s favorite nonprofits and beyond that, to receive outreach from companies in Austin who want to turn their love and appreciation of APA!’s work into a service-oriented gift. Search Laboratory is just such a company. In early 2023, the company reached out to our Marketing team sharing that APA! was voted as Search Laboratory’s “charity of the year,” meaning our organization would become their “pet” nonprofit to...
Brave Little Hunter The Orca Calf Battles for Survival in Canadian Waters
In a remote corner of Vancouver Island, Canada, a tale of survival, empathy, and ecological awareness unfolds around a stranded orca calf named Brave Little Hunter in the language of the First Nation. This young whale’s predicament has sparked a massive, collaborative rescue effort, highlighting a dramatic transformation in human attitudes towards these majestic marine creatures. Photo: PexelsA young orca calf is stranded in a lagoon on Vancouver Island, Canada. A Community’s Effort to Save an Orphan Brave Little Hunter found...
From Myth to Reality — The Unbelievable Return of the Javan Tiger
In a world where tales of extinction often end with irrevocable loss, the recent rediscovery of the Javan tiger, long thought extinct, brings a glimmer of hope amidst the gloom of environmental degradation. A single strand of hair, found on the densely populated island of Java, Indonesia, has reignited the conversation about conservation, resilience, and the mysterious ways of nature. Photo: PexelsA strand of hair reignited hope for the Javan tiger, thought extinct. Unraveling the Mystery For decades, the Javan tiger (Panthera tigris...
From Sunny California to Snowy Michigan — Mishka’s Unbelievable Journey Home
In an event that reads like a script from a heartwarming movie, a dog from California, missing since last summer, was discovered over 2,000 miles away in Michigan. This extraordinary tale involves a small terrier mix, a dedicated family, and a community of animal lovers that helped bridge the vast distance between loss and reunion. Photo: PexelsMishka, a terrier mix, went missing in California last summer. A Sudden Disappearance Mishka, a 3-year-old terrier mix, vanished from her owner Mehrad Houman’s auto garage in California in July....
Shelter Rabbit Survives Often Fatal Disease But Needs Your Support To Heal
Meet Gigi. The six-year-old English Lop was transferred from a Maryland shelter to Eastern Shore Rabbit Rescue in September. The large rabbit with long ears instantly won the hearts of staff and volunteers. Photo: Eastern Shore Rabbit Rescue Sadly, she is one of countless rabbits who are surrendered to shelters when their owner loses interest. The sweet and friendly rabbit was a favorite at adoption events and staff thought she would quickly find a home. A few months later, she was still at the rescue and her health started to decline. She...
Learn the Secret Signs of Dental Problems in Dogs
Bad breath. Plaque. Tartar. Most pet parents know the regular things to look out for regarding canine oral hygiene. But what about the other signs of dental problems in dogs and additional reasons to brush their teeth regularly? Let’s talk about it! Regular brushing prevents gum disease and other problems, but did you know there are other reasons to brush your dog’s teeth regularly? Talk of oral health for dogs usually centers around bad breath, plaque, and tartar, but there are other types of dental problems you need to look out...
Abandoned, Matted Persian Cat Rescued on Rainy Night, Spruces Up After Visit to the Groomer
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 was leaving my restaurant job at a hotel in Colorado Springs on a rainy night in June. At my car, I heard meows. I looked down and there was an obviously homeless cat looking up at me. He had been waiting out in the rain under my car. CAT. PHOTO: PIXABAY / PVELSEN I picked him up and he was so happy and grateful to be held. He was a long-haired Persian, his fur all matted to one side....
