Why Play Is So Important for Dogs
Play is vital to your dog’s well-being, both physically and mentally, and choosing the right toys makes it even more beneficial. In today’s busy world, we don’t give play a very high priority. Yet, it’s important to physical, mental and emotional health — not just for us, but for our dogs too. Playing with your dog is not only fun, it’s also good for both of you, and choosing the right toys makes it even better. Benefits of Play “Play keeps us young at heart and healthy in our bodies, and it does the...
You’ll Love Doggy Parton, Dolly Parton’s New Dog Product Line
Annie Butler Shirreffs Annie Butler Shirreffs has worked in the pet industry for 20 years and is currently the senior editor of Catster and Dogster magazines. A cat lover since she was a little girl, she has always had feline friends in her life. She and her husband share their Southern California home with their four cats, Agatha, Alastair, Jack and Mathilda, and an ever-changing clowder of foster kittens, all of whom enjoy being testers for cool, new products. Source:...
Take Your Dog to Work Day: What You Must Know
Some days, you may feel that you work like a dog at your job. But imagine getting to work with your dog in your cubicle, your office or business. In 1999, Patti Moran, founder of Pet Sitters International, created the annual event Take Your Dog to Work Day. This year, it is being celebrated on June 23, and it has now expanded to Take Your Pet to Work Week and, yes, even Take Your Cat to Work Day. “I wanted to find a way for PSI to give back to the pet community from which our members earn their living and find a unique way to celebrate...
Nearly 250 Neglected Rabbits Rescued From One Property
This story was submitted by Lindsey Heaney from our shelter friend, the Humane Society for Tacoma & Pierce County, which saves pets’ lives in the Tacoma, Washington area. The Animal Rescue Site is proud to share their stories. You can learn more about their work here! In mid-February, 246 rabbits were confiscated from a Puyallup, Washington, property by Pierce County Animal Control and were brought to the Humane Society for Tacoma & Pierce County. The rabbits varied in age and physical condition. The shelter’s veterinary...
Sweet, Smart, & Fun Chocolate Lab with Personality Described as “Delightful” in Need of Rescuing
I’m Ruby, but I go by the name Remi. I am a sweet, smart, and fun 8-year-old chocolate Lab girl. My former mom has described my personality as “delightful” and that I’m a devoted and loyal companion to my human. I’m looking for a home with no dogs, cats, or other creatures. Honestly, I’m all you’ll need cuz I’m that special. I have basic training and obedience skills perfected. I’m very loving, affectionate, and silly. I’m also playful and enjoy cuddling with you. Attention is the...
An 8-Foot Gator Was Discovered in the Attic of a North Carolina Home by a Code Enforcement Officer
Here’s your wild news for the week. A code enforcement official inspecting a three-story home in Wilmington, North Carolina, was in for the surprise of his life when he entered the attic of a home he was there to inspect. The routine inspection for potential structural issues or code violations left Dean Brown in disbelief after he initially thought the gargantuan creature was a large stuffed replica of some sort. It wasn’t until he saw its eyes open and realized it was breathing that he knew he’d made a monumental...
Foster Pet Caregivers are Needed Now More Than Ever
Fosters and volunteers are desperately needed across the country for rescues and shelters bursting at the seams with surrendered or stray animals. The sentiment is shared by the Connecticut-based rescue organization Where the Love Is, which seconded the notion. “We are constantly asking for fosters. It’s just really wonderful when a dog could get out of the kennel and into a home,” volunteer Janice Murphy Wallace said. Photo: Pixabay/Cparks Overflowing Kennels Animal welfare organizations are unable to bring in newly...
Rising Costs of Pet Ownership Could Lead to Animal Welfare Crisis, Warns Cats Protection
The rising cost of living has created a challenging situation for pet owners, with many struggling to keep up with the expenses associated with owning a cat. According to a pet charity, Cats Protection, the cost-of-living crisis could lead to an animal welfare crisis, as owners are cutting back on essential services such as veterinarian care, vaccinations, and insurance. A survey of over 3,000 cat owners revealed that one in three felt “greatly impacted” by soaring costs, Yahoo! News reports, with one in five admitting to spending...
Man Blown Away When Scam “Bully Puppy” Turns Out to Be a Hyena
A TikToker going by the user name @infared_savage recently posted about an unusual experience he had while trying to buy a bully-breed puppy online. For starters, it would be really great if people would head to rescues or shelters before buying a bully. In case you’ve never been to one or even scoped them out online, most of the dogs at most of the animal shelters across the nation are, in fact, bully breeds ranging from pups to senior dogs. All of them would be grateful for a good home. But that’s not necessarily germane to the...
Forever Chemicals Found in Baby Supplies and Pet Food
Dangerous chemicals known as forever chemicals, or PFAS, have become a pervasive threat to our health and the environment. As the Associated Press reports, these highly toxic chemicals, linked to cancer and other serious health problems, do not break down in the environment and build up in our bodies and those of our pets over time. A study by the Environmental Working Group found PFAS in everything from baby supplies to pet food. The testing revealed that these harmful chemicals were present in baby bedding, clothes, and toys, as well as the...
Does Your Dog Have Separation Anxiety?
Do you avoid going out because you worry about your dog being home alone? If he barks, whines or howls when you leave, he may be suffering from separation anxiety. Research shows that about 17% of dogs in the U.S. have issues with separation anxiety when their humans leave them alone. Some dogs are genetically predisposed to separation anxiety, while the rest acquire it for reasons not always easy to understand. Your dog may communicate his distress in several ways, including excessive vocalization, destroying property or belongings,...
4 Stages of Grief After Losing a Pet
Saying goodbye to our sweet pets is truly one of the most heartbreaking experiences we ever endure and should not face alone. Animals carry such unconditional love, no judgment and powerful lessons of forgiveness and resilience. Recognizing common stages of grief after pet loss is a part of the healing journey. Stages of grief after losing a pet: Emotional and physical pain after pet loss Grief affects everyone differently through both emotional turmoil and physical exhaustion. It is normal to feel frequent waves of shock, agony, anger,...
Play and Organize: The Life of the Intelligent Beaver, Nibi
Each animal has a purpose on Earth because every skill they have sustains the environment. A great example of that are beavers and their ability to build dams. They are called nature’s engineers because they don’t just randomly build — each one is a carefully devised impoundment. Beavers can figure out what branches they could safely use and how to properly cut it. The dam also consists of grass, rocks, and mud for a better foundation. With their admirable construction skills, they weren’t only able to build a safe...
An Allergy Won’t Ever Come Between This Pet Parent and an Adorable Cat Named Floyd
People often share that they instantly felt a connection with their pets. That no matter what happens, they must adopt the animal as it’ll be a great addition to their family. If not, they’ll know that they’ll regret the decision because other families might adopt the pet first. Sometimes that connection randomly happens — you can find it on the streets, at school, or even in your very own backyard. It’s like the animal was meant to find you, or you are destined to rescue them from a dangerous situation. You two...
“Dolphin Dave” Cited for Harassing Humpback Whale and Dolphins in Hawaii
With a moniker like Dolphin Dave, you’d think the individual bearing it would be a marine life conservationist or even a cetacean activist. You know, one who takes the health and safety of aquatic animals to heart and does everything they can to protect them from harm or stress. Apparently, that’s not necessarily the case for Maui resident David Jiménez, aka Dolphin Dave. So, just what did he do to get cited recently by Hawaiian officials who said he was harassing a humpback whale and a pod of...
Three-Month-Old Rescue Kitten Named Brie Would Like to Be Your New Fur Baby
A sweet three-month-old chocolate-brown rescue kitten by the name of Brie is searching for a forever home filled with lots of love. After all, those are the best kind of forever homes! According to the Southern Arizona Cat Rescue, she’s a little shy at first when exposed to new surroundings. Once she warms up, though, she’s such a purr muffin you won’t be able to get enough of! She loves to play, whether it’s with little toys or kitty friends. She’s really a sweet girl that just needs a patient adopter to help...
Blind Puppy is Re-Homed Due to Being Too Boisterous, Finds a Loving New Forever Family
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! We live in the UK, and I came across a person online looking for a last resort home for a young puppy; the post was on a forum and was asking for help or a home for a Pyrenean Mountain dog/Welsh Collie puppy. Her name is Elsa and she was born blind and deaf. She was a bit too boisterous for the young child in the house and obviously did not understand that her play-biting was a bit too...
A 55-Foot Fin Whale with a Severe Case of “Scoliosis” was Spotted Off the Coast of Spain
An enormous fin whale spotted struggling to swim through the cool waters off the coast of Spain has purportedly been diagnosed with a severe case of scoliosis. Veterinarians and biologists with the Valencia oceanarium were alerted to the presence of the 55-foot-long, 40-ton whale off the coast of the city of Cullera, which prompted them to attempt an inspection of the creature at close range. The first thought was that the whale had become entangled in a fishing net due to its listing in shallow waters and moving with difficulty close...
Sheep are Helping Archaeologists Preserve the Ancient Ruins of Pompeii
In AD 79, the Roman city of Pompeii was buried under tons of pumice and volcanic ash when Mount Vesuvius blew its top. Since its location was identified in 1748, archaeologists have uncovered roughly two-thirds of the 163-acre site. Much of what has been unearthed has left the world stunned at its magnificence and examples of advanced living, like its complex water systems. Among the recent discoveries are vibrant frescoes, eateries known as thermopoliums, a cart or carriage labeled the Lamborghini of its time, and the skeletal remains of...
Shelter Puts Out Plea To Find The Perfect Forever Home For Two Bonded German Shepherds
The Island Safe Harbor Animal Sanctuary in Port Clinton, Ohio has put out a plea to find the perfect forever home for two bonded German Shepherd brothers. The 5-year-old dogs were sadly left without a home when their owner passed away, and now there’s a mission to find them a great replacement home. The only catch? The two dogs have to go to the same home. Photo: Pexels/Jozef Fehér Speaking with WTOL, local radio host and shelter friend Keith Hodkinson said: “It’s just important that we find the right person for these...