Nutrient Deficiencies in Dogs
Picture the loyal gaze of a dog waiting at your feet, trusting you for every meal. Behind that wagging tail, a silent battle might be brewing—one that starts with a missing nutrient and ends with a life less vibrant. Nutrient deficiencies are more common than most realize, and their effects can quietly erode a dog’s health, energy, and joy. Spotting Trouble: Subtle Signs That Speak Volumes A shiny coat and boundless energy speak of wellness, but dull fur, flaky skin, or sluggishness signal trouble. Deficiencies in B vitamins,...
Part Two: Triage that Transforms Intake
[embedded content] Part one left us on a cliffhanger! Ready for part 2? Let’s explore Intake Triage strategies that help manage lost pet intake and streamline your intake process as a whole! Amanda Foster, HASS Programs Director, and Nichole Hazard, HASS Associate Director of Marketing & Communications, will discuss easy ways to better understand the “why” behind animals entering the shelter and the best practices for communicating effectively with your community. Resources included here. You can also watch part one...
HASS Launches NEW Partner Program to Continue Movement Momentum
Human and animal welfare organizations are invited to join nearly 400 partners committed to implementing HASS in their communities (AUSTIN, TX) May 1, 2025–Human Animal Support Services (HASS), an international project bridging the gap between human and animal welfare, is proudly launching the HASS Partner Program. The program provides partnership incentives to HASS Partner Organizations and exclusive project participation opportunities using their industry expertise to improve upon the welfare system as a whole. “Since its...
We Don’t Just Play with Puppies and Kittens All Day
May 01, 2025 May is Mental Health Month—a time to raise awareness, share stories, and shed light on the many facets of mental well-being. For those of us working in animal welfare, this month hits close to home. From the outside, our jobs may look like an endless stream of tail wags, purring, and adorable adoption photos. While there is no lack of those perks, there’s another side to our reality that is far more complex, emotionally taxing, and deeply human. Let’s be honest: animal welfare work is often misunderstood. While...
Join the Foster 50 to increase pet fostering
A strong foster network program can make all the difference for shelters and rescues who want to reduce length of stay and bolster the social, emotional and mental wellbeing of their pets. Join the Foster 50, which is designed to increase pet fostering across the United States. The program has been developed by a coalition of animal well-being specialists, including PEDIGREE Foundation, Maddie’s Fund, Adopt-a-pet, Petco Love, The Association of Animal Welfare Advancement, Mutual Rescue and Outcomes for Pets...
Feline Dyspnea: When Every Breath Counts
A cat’s breath is a silent rhythm in the home—until it’s not. Dyspnea, or difficulty breathing, transforms that quiet comfort into a moment of fear. Recognizing the signs early can make all the difference. Watch for labored or rapid breathing, open-mouth panting, flared nostrils, blue or pale gums, and a cat crouched low with neck extended. These are urgent signals—and you should know what to do. Why Is Your Cat Struggling to Breathe? Feline dyspnea rarely appears without a serious underlying reason. The most frequent...
What Can Hamper a Thriving Microbiome in Your Dog’s Gut
The gut microbiome is a bustling community of trillions of microorganisms living in your dog’s digestive tract. This invisible ecosystem plays a starring role in digestion, immune defense, and even mood regulation. When this delicate balance is disturbed, a condition called gut dysbiosis arises, leading to a cascade of health problems from digestive upset to behavioral changes. Understanding what disrupts this harmony is key to nurturing your dog’s wellbeing. Dangers Lurking in Diet Choices Feeding low-quality food loaded with...
Webcast: Exploring factors that influence public engagement of adoptable pets on social media
Join us on Thursday, May 8, 2025 at 12PM ET/3PM ET for the next installment of “Maddie’s® Insights: Exploring Factors That Influence Public Engagement of Adoptable Pets on Social Media,” presented by Rachel Morrison, PhD, Associate Professor in the Psychology Department at the University of North Carolina at Pembroke. This webcast explores how social media content influences engagement with posts about adoptable animals. It highlights findings from a study analyzing Facebook posts from rural shelters, examining how...
When Movement Stops: Understanding Different Types of Paralysis in Dogs
Few moments feel as heart-wrenching as watching a beloved companion struggle to stand or walk. Paralysis in dogs often arrives without warning—one day, a joyful sprint, the next, a silent struggle to move. Recognizing the early signs, such as dragging legs, knuckling, or sudden weakness, can make all the difference in seeking urgent care. Types of Paralysis in Dogs Paralysis in dogs isn’t one-size-fits-all. The condition is classified by which limbs are affected and the degree of movement loss: Tetraplegia: All four limbs lose...
Maddie’s Weekly Roundup: Lost dog prevention, Maddie’s birthday and more!
Happy Monday! Below is a brief roundup of resources added over the past week. Happy birthday, Maddie!Today, we’re celebrating a very special birthday – Maddie, the little dog who sparked a big revolution (her actual birthday is April 26). She was spunky, full of heart and the inspiration behind everything we do. And this year, her birthday feels extra meaningful as we also mark the 30th anniversary of Maddie’s Fund®! When… Learn More “Lost Dog Prevention” course will help keep dogs safeDogs go...
