The Story of Bessy’s Sad Search for a Forever Home
Hello, my name is Bessy. I am a very pretty spayed female that’s an interesting mix of yellow and white Australian Kelpie and American Staffordshire Terrier. If you’re unfamiliar with my breed mixture, a Kelpie is a medium-sized sheepdog capable of mustering and droving livestock — primarily sheep, cattle, and goats — with little or no guidance. That makes me pretty darn smart! Photo: Pinal County Animal Care & Control Looking for Love But as clever as I am, my heart is broken, and I’ve been left confused as...
Is Your Dog Panting Excessively?
All dogs pant, especially when it’s hot out, but excessive panting could be a danger sign. Here’s what you need to know. Summer’s here, and your dog is frolicking in the grass. His tongue is lolling and he’s panting up a storm. Most of the time, a panting dog is little cause for concern. After all, every canine pants and there are numerous reasons why, most of which are perfectly normal. Excessive panting, however, can sometimes signal a problem that requires veterinary assistance. As a dog parent, it’s important...
You’ll Be Surprised at This Owl that Acts Like a Cat — It’s Totally Adorable!
Though owls and cats are from different animal species, they share certain personality traits. Both animals are quite observant and independent, making them seem aloof and disinterested. They love their personal space and are often caught in their own little worlds. But despite the cold facade, owls and cats still crave affection and attention. There are many videos on the internet showing how clingy cats can get, but it’s more rare for owls. Photo: Reddit/KreiaSensei There are few videos and photos showing an owl’s affectionate...
Northern Long-Eared Bat Now Classified as Endangered Under the Endangered Species Act
Many bat species have dwindling populations due to white-nose syndrome, which involves a fungus that grows on bats while they’re vulnerable during hibernation. Another species has been hit so hard that it has new federal protections. This week, the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) announced a final rule that reclassifies the northern long-eared bat as endangered under the Endangered Species Act. This upgrades its status from threatened, the level at which it had been since 2015. The new classification takes effect January...
13 Dog Breeds with Webbed Feet
It’s recommended that from the time dogs and cats are puppies and kittens humans should begin getting them used to having their feet touched and inspected. This helps when they’re older and pet parents or veterinarians need to check them for stickers, thorns, ticks, and any number of other reasons an inspection might be necessary. You may never have noticed before, but several dog breeds actually have webbed feet. That’s because they were bred for water activities. There are 13 in total, and we’re going to cover them...
Redditor Claims That Sun Bears Are, In Fact, Not Actual Bears
A Reddit post claims that sun bears are just humans wearing bear suits. And the video evidence they presented might just convince you. Before I show you the video, let me tell you more about this rare bear species. PHOTO: Unsplash/Darren Welsh Sun bears, also known as honey bears for their love of honey, got their name from the white or yellowish patch on their chest that Southeast Asian legends see as a representation of the rising sun. They are also known as dog bears because of their rather cute appearance. They may be the smallest of all...
Kitten Hiding in Office Storm Drain Coaxed Out By Persistent Employee
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! In 2014, I was walking toward my car at our office when I saw a small ball of gray fur jump into a storm drain. After getting into my car, I drove past the drain, and to my surprise, there the gray ball sat on a brick, but still inside the drain. It was a long-haired gray kitten that looked to be around 5-weeks-old. CAT. PHOTO: PIXABAY / GUILLAUME VINCENT I immediately rushed to our vet,...
Spartacus and His Mighty . . . Dachshunds?
While it’s served a number of purposes in its lifetime, excavation and various research have been conducted at the Roman Colosseum since at least the early 1800s. Some years back, scientists even confirmed how the ancient elevators with their pulley systems were able to lift great numbers of gladiators to the arena above or scores of wild animals to thrill the eager crowds. This penchant for blood sports kept the traditions of the colosseum alive and well for close to 500 years. Photo: Pixabay/Ichigo121212 Colosseum Construction While...
The Adorable Pine Marten Is Making a Comeback in England
A cat-sized predator known as a pine marten has started to make a comeback in the south of England after teetering on the brink of extinction. It is hoped that doing so will help restore some balance to the forests between red squirrels and grey squirrels. The good news comes after scientists found evidence pine martens are breeding in the New Forest. A relative of stoats and otters, the animals were once widespread across the U.K. before hunting drove them to near extinction in the 1900s. Photo: Pixabay/PineMarten Conservation Efforts With...
Airman Has Emotional Reunion With Her Retired K9 Partner After Adopting Him
Thanks to the American Humane Society, retired military working dog Akim was not only able to reunite with his handler, Senior Airman Jenna Canada, but also found a forever home with her. While it isn’t always typical for military dogs to go home with their handlers, Jenna knew that she couldn’t be without her beloved Akim. Photo: YouTube/MilitaryKind “Leaving him was the last thing I wanted to do,” Jenna told MilitaryKind. “I love this dog, and I was very upset to have to leave him, and knowing that he was still...
Why Victims Stay With Their Abusers When Pets Are Involved, And How You Can Help
Studies show as many as 65% of pet owning women will delay leaving an abusive home due to fear for the lives of their pets, putting them further in harm’s way. Outside the situation, it can be hard to understand why someone would stay in a relationship that results in physical, emotional, and physiological harm, Psych Central reports. Photo: Adobe Stock / Diego Cervo65% of pet owning women will delay leaving an abusive home due to fear for the lives of their pets, putting them further in harm’s way. The truth is, walking away from...
Interacting with Dogs Increases Brain Activity, Study Finds
There are so many benefits to owning and being around dogs. Aside from relieving stress, encouraging exercise, and filling our hearts with joy, a recent study found that interacting with dogs increases brain activity. Researchers are intrigued by the mental and physical impacts dogs have on their humans. They are after all man’s (and woman’s) best friend. Countless studies have been done to see how dogs improve our health, ease anxiety and depression, and so much more. A study published in PLUS ONE examined how spending time with...
Be Ready for Higher Medical Bills with These Dog Breeds
Being a dog guardian costs money, and some breeds cost more than others. Knowing what breeds are more expensive can help you budget accordingly to keep your new dog healthy and happy. When it comes to vet bills, certain breeds tend to have higher medical costs than others. Forbes Advisor recently put together a list of dog breeds with the highest average medical costs, so if you’re looking at a specific breed, then you can use these numbers to help budget for being a dog guardian. It’s also important to remember that some breeds...
This Shelter Pays Pet Deposits and Pet Rent for Anyone Who Needs It
Across the country, pets are being given up to animal shelters by people who love them—but who are facing housing challenges that leave them making the choice between having a place to live, and keeping their pet. Lawrence Humane Society, a nonprofit, open-admission shelter in Lawrence, Kansas, reports that over the last year, over half of pets were surrendered due to housing issues—a full 51 percent. In the fall of 2020, LHS developed a comprehensive pet retention program—they call it their Crisis Pet Retention...
Watch the Behavior Track from the 2022 Shelter Medicine Conference
The 2022 ASPCA® Cornell Maddie’s® Shelter Medicine Conference features lectures on a variety of critical and engaging topics. The Behavior Track, specifically, is now available on Maddie’s® University! You’ll learn about what the science says about behavior assessments in shelters, a trauma-informed approach to behavioral care, review case studies, the effects of short-term foster care and more! The courses are a unique educational opportunity for veterinarians and other animal well-being professionals to...
Blind Rescued Pitbull Loves His New Little Dog Friends
Pitbulls sometimes have a difficult time getting rescued from pounds, but if you are a blind pitbull that is also a senior dog, you will likely spend a long time at the shelter. That is, unless Shira with The Animal Rescue Mission is there to help. Photo: YouTube/The Dodo When Petey, who is a pitbull that is blind and a senior dog, was at the pound for a long time, Shira came in and saved the day. She even took a video of them leaving the shelter and Petey going on his freedom walk. You might think that a senior blind pitbull would have a...
Dog Plagued With Allergies Gets Some Help And A New Home
Life can be difficult for a dog at the pound. Rhodie is one dog who knows this all too well. After arriving at the Humane Society of Pike’s Peak Region, they discovered that she had some problems and was in a lot of pain. According to their Facebook post, rescuers noticed that she was missing fur around her eyes, ears, and paws. She also suffered from poor skin and was bright red and sensitive when you touch her. That was when the rescuers realized that she needed some medical attention. The veterinary team that works along with the...
Neglected Husky Trapped In Backyard Is Finally Freed After Years Of Loneliness
Our hearts really go out to dogs that don’t have the companions they need or deserve in life. Those of us who have dogs by our side realize that they not only crave companionship, they are the best companions we could have. Perhaps that is why someone was so concerned when they noticed that their neighbor’s dog was being neglected. The dog was a husky, named Joey, and he was left outside 24 hours a day. Photo: YouTube/The Asher House According to The Asher House, that neighbor, who also turned out to be a Good Samaritan,...
Wildcats May Be Reintroduced to South West England After Being Extirpated From the Region
Once common across the United Kingdom, the European wildcat is now found only in Scotland, where it’s on the verge of extinction. Hunters extirpated the animal from most of Wales and England by the 18th century, but wildlife advocates are looking into bringing them back to one region in England. The Devon Wildlife Trust, a charity that manages 60 nature reserves in the county of Devon, has launched a project exploring the possibility of reintroducing wildcats to South West England. They hope to appoint a Wildcat Project Officer to lead...
Brave Cat “Kneads Dough” On Rottweiler’s Back
The relationship between cats and dogs is really something interesting. On one hand, they’re known for being enemies, but on the other hand, they can make the best of friends. In other cases, though, cats and dogs have a different relationship entirely. Sometimes, they form a love-hate relationship or feel indifferent toward one another. Photo: YouTube/kpettway1 It’s hard to tell what’s really going on in their heads but one thing is certain: We love our pets and think it’s super adorable when they get along! YouTuber...
