August and September 2025 giveaway: Spotlight on online learning
The 30th anniversary celebration of Maddie’s Fund® continues! We’re giving away $1,000 in unrestricted funding every other month, for engaging on a special anniversary-related post on Maddie’s® Pet Forum beginning August 1, 2025. We want to thank Cuddly for supporting our previous monthly giveaways with amazing prize packs. We’re grateful for their partnership in celebrating the important work you all do. For August and September we’re celebrating the role that online learning has played in helping...
The science behind animal communication
Investigate the intriguing science behind intuitive animal communication. See how dogs, cats, and other species might connect with humans on a deeper level. Animal communication is growing in popularity. But does it really work? Is it possible for us to communicate intuitively with dogs, cats and other species? Researchers have done few studies on the topic, but the results to date indicate there may be something to it. Here’s a closer look at the science behind animal communication. What the research reveals about animal...
Enrich Your Senior Dog’s Golden Years
Every senior dog deserves a life filled with joy, stimulation, and connection. As dogs age, their needs change, but their spirits remain eager for adventure. Understanding senior dog enrichment can transform their golden years into a vibrant chapter filled with happiness and health. Tailored Activities Engaging senior dogs requires tailoring activities to their unique personalities. Some may thrive on calm moments, soaking up sunlight and enjoying quiet companionship. Others, the more spirited ones, crave stimulation and interaction....
Maddie’s Weekly Roundup: Last chance Fall Instructor-Led Courses, Shelter Animals Count report and more!
Happy Monday! Below is a brief roundup of resources added over the past week. LAST DAY: Apply now for fall Instructor-Led Courses by 2pm PT today!The application period of Instructor-Led Courses is closing today! Subjects include fostering, shelter consultations, marketing and more. The length and number of Zoom classes are course-dependent, and can range from 4 to 6 classes, at 60, 75, or 90-minutes each. All courses are free and begin in September. The application window closes on August 18,… Learn More Shelter Animals Count...
Helping dogs recover from natural disaster trauma
When natural disasters strike, dogs can suffer a lot of emotional trauma. Get expert advice on recognizing the signs and helping your dog recover. From floods to wildfires, natural disasters are becoming more frequent. They claim lives – human and animal — and cause untold damage. Even after the emergency ends and cleanup begins, the trauma of living through a disaster lingers — for our dogs as well as for us. Humans have access to resources that help them through the emotional stress of a natural disaster. But what...
Why do cats like to climb?
Cats are hard-wired to climb. Explore the reasons behind your cat’s love for high places and how to keep him safe while satisfying this natural urge. We’ve heard of cats being stuck up trees or poles and needing rescue. They may have been scared by predators, but also, cats just love to climb. Even a kitten will try to scale your curtains or furniture. Why do cats like to climb? Let’s find out, and how you can satisfy this instinct while keeping your kitty safe. Climbing is in your cat’s DNA Firstly, your cat...
Are Your Dog’s Gums Pale? It’s a Health Warning
Your dog’s gums should appear a healthy salmon pink. Pale gums in dogs signal potential health issues. Regular checks can identify problems early. Familiarize yourself with your dog’s normal gum color. This simple habit empowers you to act swiftly if something seems off. If your furry companion resists, don’t force the issue. Instead, consult a veterinarian for guidance. Checking for Hydration and Circulation Assess hydration by feeling the gums. They should feel moist and slightly damp. Dry or sticky gums indicate...
Thinking of buying a pet cam?
A pet cam is a great way to keep tabs on your dog or cat when you’re away from home. Here are some tips to keep in mind when buying a pet cam. If you’re like most dog and cat parents, you don’t like leaving your animal companion home alone when you have to go out. What does your canine or feline friend get up to while you’re away? Is she safe and well? Pet cams are an increasingly popular way to keep an eye on our dogs and cats when we can’t be at home with them. This article takes a look at what to...
Break-In at APA!’s Town Lake Animal Center Leads to Dog Injuries, a Beloved Dog’s Death, and a Search for Missing Pets
Aug 14, 2025 Thursday afternoon update: The dogs missing at the time of our original message have been found. We’re grateful that most are okay and are heartbroken that this happened and that sadly one dog has passed. Our dogs, staff and volunteers are going to need time to recover and heal. We’ve been asked what people can do to help now(thank you). The answer to that is fostering. Please come in person or email [email protected]. We’d love help with both the dogs directly affected that could use a quieter place...
Common Drugs That Can Harm Cats and Dogs
Every caring guardian wants to relieve their cat or dog’s pain or illness swiftly. Yet, even the most seemingly harmless human medications hold dangers for these animals. For instance, acetaminophen, aspirin, and ibuprofen inflict severe toxicity in cats and dogs. Their bodies process drugs differently than humans, making many common medicines poison instead of cure. Cats especially lack the enzymes to break down certain drugs, causing rapid and often irreversible damage. Accidental ingestion can trigger symptoms like vomiting,...
