I Visited 3 Animal Shelters — Here’s What I Saw and What We Did
Insights from the HASS Modern Adoption Process (MAP) Project Implementation Through my role as the Senior Education & Program Specialist for HASS, I recently had the opportunity to visit three animal shelters — different cities, different staff, different sizes — but one thing was the same everywhere: the people were doing everything they could for the animals. They were passionate, determined, and deeply committed to their communities. But they were also exhausted. The shelters were full. Staff were stretched thin....
What Your Dog Wishes You Knew
When you truly understand your dog, the barks, wags, and nuzzles becomes a bridge to their inner worlds. Dogs communicate feelings through subtle signals—licking, turning away, or soft eye expressions. Interacting with them with empathy, not judgment, strengthens trust and makes them feel safe. That safety is the foundation for happiness and well-being. Read Their Language to Strengthen Your Bond Dogs don’t misbehave out of stubbornness—they express discomfort or ask for space. Growling signals fear or unease, not defiance....
Apply tomorrow for an Instructor-Led Course!
Head back-to-school with one of our 10 Instructor-Led Courses! 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 period opens tomorrow, August 8 and closes on August 18, 2025. This fall marks the debut of one new class about developing your own kitten college! And for the first time, three popular courses will have two sections....
How to find a holistic cat groomer
Find a holistic cat groomer who values your kitty’s comfort and well-being. Get tips on what to look for, questions to ask, and how to ensure a stress-free grooming experience. Cats groom themselves well, but professional grooming can still help in some situations. This is particularly true for cats with long coats or older cats that struggle to reach certain areas. You might envision cat grooming as a howling kitty covered in shampoo and hesitate to visit a groomer. However, this is rarely the case. A holistic cat groomer can provide a...
What Every Cat Parent Should Know about Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency
A once-vibrant feline companion slowly loses weight despite eating vigorously, leaving you puzzled and heartbroken. This subtle yet serious condition might be exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI), where the pancreas falters in producing essential digestive enzymes. Without these enzymes, your cat’s body cannot properly break down food, leading to malnutrition and discomfort. EPI often hides behind vague symptoms Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency in cats shows symptoms such as persistent weight loss, large-volume, greasy stools, a...
Flea and Tick Prevention 101: The Role of “Natural” or Essential Oils and Pesticides
Fleas and ticks are more than just a nuisance—they pose serious health risks to dogs, cats, and even humans, such as Lyme disease and flea allergy dermatitis. While many pet parents love the idea of natural solutions instead of harsh chemicals, it’s important to understand both the benefits and limitations of these methods for flea & tick prevention. Let’s look at what essential oils can repel pests and what else is needed for a comprehensive approach to eliminate the threat. Essential Oils Repel Fleas and Ticks Many...
Most Lost Dogs Are Just Around the Corner – Literally
GPS-collar company Fi recently found that 95% of dogs who wander beyond their designated safe zones travel at most 1.8 miles (≈ 2 km) away from home—a distance many could cover on foot in about 30 minutes. Even more compelling: on average, lost dogs are recovered just 0.13 miles from home. That’s about 700 feet, or a little over two city blocks. What does that mean? Most lost dogs are within walking distance and could be reunited in under 3 minutes. These findings align closely with data from the Human...
The Rule of 7s for a Puppy’s First 7 Weeks
The earliest weeks of a puppy’s life are more than just adorable—they become the foundation for a lifetime of confidence and adaptability. By the time a pup reaches seven weeks old, she should have been exposed to a kaleidoscope of experiences based on the rule of 7s designed to build puppy socialization and resilience. Exploring seven different locations Picture this: your puppy exploring seven different locations—from the backyard to the neighbor’s yard—each new setting expanding her sense of the world. This...
Join us to discuss the impacts of adoption discrimination on the next Maddie’s Insights
Maddie’s® Insights are back! Join us on September 11th as Sloane Hawes and Celeste Morales with Companions and Animals for Reform and Equity (CAREawo.org) present their recent research on racial equity – or the lack thereof – in pet adoption as well as offer solutions for increasing access to pet ownership for BIPOC families. This one-hour call is titled Gatekeeping pet ownership: the impacts of adoption discrimination and will take place at 12pm PT/3pm ET on September 11. The animal well-being field has...
Flood by the Numbers
Aug 04, 2025 On July 4th, the Central Texas floods swept across our state, becoming one of the most devastating natural disasters in the state’s recent history. Austin Pets Alive! immediately engaged in ensuring that the pets of Central Texas were looked after, looked for and kept safe. Now on August 4th, we look back and are immensely grateful for our community and proud of the selfless and tireless efforts our staff and volunteers gave. The numbers speak for themselves; but they were only achievable because people came out to help us...
Cancer is a Word, Not a Sentence
Cancer diagnosis does not define fate; it always has a door for hope, resilience, and informed choices. John Diamond, a British journalist and broadcaster born in 1953, left a legacy with his powerful statement: “Cancer is a word, not a sentence.” In 1997 he was diagnosed with throat cancer, a subject he wrote about in his weekly column at The Times, as well as in two books. John’s words remind us that while cancer’s shadow is formidable, yet it need not eclipse hope or quality of life. First Step is Understanding When...
Maddie’s Weekly Roundup: The return of Community Conversations, Fall Instructor-Led Courses and more!
Happy Monday! Below is a brief roundup of resources added over the past week. Coming today! The return of Weekly Community Conversations!After a brief summer break, Weekly Community Conversations will return on Monday, August 4 with How Public-Private Partnerships Expand Access to Care. Jessica Lopez (Executive Director/Founder, The Paw Mission) and Kristine Watson, MPA (Director, City of San Bernardino Animal Services) will lead the conversation. They join us from San Bernardino County where they are joining efforts to address...
TCVM for skin allergies in dogs and cats
From acupuncture to food therapy, TCVM treats skin allergies in dogs and cats by addressing root causes and improving overall well-being. Allergies are among the most challenging problems in dogs and cats. When an allergen triggers an animal’s immune system, it can cause a skin allergy or allergic dermatitis. This uncomfortable and frustrating condition leads to intense itching and scratching, redness and irritation, hot spots, and more. This article explores how TCVM for skin allergies in dogs and cats alleviates symptoms...
Why Your Dog Should Stay Far, Far Away From Blue-Green Algae
During summer, many dog parents enjoy outdoor activities with their furry friends. However, summer brings hidden dangers, especially blue-green algae. Understanding the risks associated with this toxic organism can save your dog’s life. The Dangers of Blue-Green Algae Blue-green algae, or cyanobacteria, often thrive in warm, stagnant water. These harmful microorganisms produce toxins that can cause serious health issues in dogs. When ingested, even small amounts can lead to severe reactions. Symptoms may include vomiting, diarrhea,...
Facts about Canine Obesity
Canine obesity is a pressing issue affecting millions of dogs across the country. Recent research from Texas A&M University reveals startling facts about dog breeds, environments, and food motivation. Understanding these factors empowers caregivers to take proactive steps for their furry companions’ health. The Breed Factor: More Than Just Looks Some breeds face higher risks of obesity due to their natural tendencies. Sporting breeds, like Labrador and Golden retrievers, exhibit heightened food motivation. These beloved companions...
Coming this Monday: The return of Weekly Community Conversations!
After a brief summer break, Weekly Community Conversations will return on Monday, August 4 with How Public-Private Partnerships Expand Access to Care. Jessica Lopez (Executive Director/Founder, The Paw Mission) and Kristine Watson, MPA (Director, City of San Bernardino Animal Services) will lead the conversation. They join us from San Bernardino County where they are joining efforts to address the access to care challenges experienced county-wide. San Bernardino is the largest county in the U.S., and faces inequities that...
Understanding Fibrocartilaginous Embolism: A Matter of Your Dog’s Spinal Health
Fibrocartilaginous embolism (FCE) poses a significant risk to the spinal health of dogs, especially large breeds aged three to seven years. This condition arises when a fragment of fibrous cartilage breaks off from an intervertebral disc and enters the bloodstream. This blockage deprives the spinal cord of essential blood flow, leading to sudden neurological deficits. Signs of FCE include weakness, difficulty walking, and loss of bladder control. Recognizing these symptoms early can play a crucial role in your dog’s recovery. Immediate...
Why Is My Dog Sneezing?
Sneezing in dogs is a phenomenon that needs attention. While those cute occasional sneezes are benign, persistent sneezing can be a sign of underlying issues. Understanding the reasons behind this behavior helps ensure your furry friend stays healthy. The Causes Behind the Sneeze Many factors trigger sneezing. Environmental irritants like dust or pollen can cause brief episodes. Some breeds, such as French bulldogs and pugs, are more susceptible due to their unique facial structures. This predisposition can lead to more frequent sneezing as...
Crunchy Vs. Chewy Dog Treats: How to TREAT Your Dog Right!
Dog treats come in a variety of textures and styles, but is one better than the other? In the battle between crunchy and chewy dog treats, there’s only one true winner: your dog! Let’s explore the benefits of each and why your pup might love both. Treats aren’t just for spoiling your dog—they’re also valuable tools for training, reinforcing good behavior, and even adding some extra nutrients to your dog’s diet. The best treats are high in quality, packed with real food ingredients, and enticing enough to...
Elevate your dog body language knowledge with August’s Maddie’s Monthly Foster Connection
If you’re looking to bring new ideas to your organizations’ foster program, look no further than Maddie’s® Monthly Foster Connection. This monthly webcast held on the first Thursday of the month at 12PM PT/3PM ET is an opportunity to discuss successful foster innovations and programs, collaborate with others in the field, answer questions and talk through complex foster-related issues. The next webcast takes place on August 7, 2025 where speaker Devan Amundsen, CPDT-KA CBCC-KA, Principal, Animal Welfare United, will...
