NYC’s Beach Drones Under Attack as Birds Fight Back to Protect Nests
New York City’s beaches have recently become a battleground. A fleet of drones, deployed to patrol for sharks and struggling swimmers, has found unexpected adversaries: local shorebirds. These birds, fiercely protective of their nesting grounds, have been attacking the drones since their introduction in May. Veronica Welsh, a wildlife coordinator at the Parks Department, noted the birds’ aggressive behavior. “They will fly at it, they’ll swoop at it, they’ll be vocalizing,” Welsh told Fortune. “They...
Dozens of Dogs & Cats at Overcrowded Southern Shelters Get One-Way Ticket to Freedom
Animal shelters are overcrowded, especially in southern states, and highly adoptable animals are at risk of euthanasia due to lack of space and adopters. The Animal Rescue Site is helping save lives by sponsoring a Good Flight (called Flight to Freedom) every month. This month’s flight will save over 70 dogs and cats from Louisiana and Alabama shelters and fly them to Idaho and Oregon to find loving homes. These life-saving flights are possible thanks to your continued support. Meet some of the precious pets on this flight below and...
Why Does My Dog Rub His Face on Me? 5 Possible Reasons Explained
Our dogs do all sorts of cute things that make us go, “Aww.” If you have noticed your dog rubbing their cute little nose all over you, what gives? In this article, we’re going to try to decode that doggy behavior so you can understand it once and for all. It’s likely a combination of all of these reasons, so just take that into consideration as you’re reading. The 5 Reasons Why Your Dog Rubs His Face on You 1. Marking Dogs have scent glands all over. They use them to mark different things in their environment,...
Feral Cat Disappears From Neighborhood for Six Months, But Then Returns to Her Favorite Person
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! Jack first came to my house about six years ago. She was scared and hungry and wouldn’t let me near her. PHOTO: PIXABAY / EUGEN PROSKOURIAKOV I started feeding her, and after several months, she was brave enough to show me her five 4-week-old kittens in the backyard. She still wouldn’t let me touch her, though. SHARE YOUR OWN RESCUE STORY I live-trapped her and the kittens and...
New Research Shows How Nocturnal Ants in Australia Rely on the Moon to Navigate
When the moon hits your eye like a big pizza pie, you might be a night foraging ant. Well, new research implies that. A new study conducted by researchers at Macquarie University in Sydney, Australia, investigated how nocturnal bull ants navigate within darker conditions at night. They leave their nests to forage at twilight and tend to be back home before the sun comes out. Researchers say ants that are active during the day rely on the sun’s polarization patterns for navigation. That consists of polarized light that provides...
It’s Time We Demand More Effective Lifesaving in Austin
Jul 17, 2024 Today, the Austin Animal Services Office launched a community survey to gather feedback on what we, as Austinites, prioritize for our animals. Our city must PRIORITIZE lifesaving programs, not deprioritize lives and go backward. Your participation in this survey is URGENT. Our city is at high risk of implementing programming that kills because it’s easier and cheaper. Austin, we demand better. My input and your input don’t matter alone, but if enough of us give input, it will matter. Please demand more effective...
16 Weird Things Dogs Do When They Love You: Info & Facts
Weird is the word when it comes to our pups! It seems that they’re always doing something to entertain us that’s either extremely cute, hilarious, or even questionable. Each dog has their own love language, so they will express themselves very differently because of that. We have made a list of all the kinds of crazy things our pups do to get our attention and show us affection. The 16 Weird Things Dogs Do When They Love You 1. Dogs Might Give You Gifts Image Credit: Jesper Brouwers, Unsplash Some dogs like to bring gifts to their...
Traumatized Llama Gets Fresh Start at Sanctuary & Case of Zoomies with New Friends
A terrified llama named Shakira is slowly starting to trust again after being mistreated for years. Shakira and three other abused llamas were rescued by Pasado’s Safe Haven from a terrible neglect case. The 85-acre sanctuary located in the foothills of the Cascade Mountains in Washington is home to roughly 200 animals -dogs, cats, and farm animals- rescued from cruelty and neglect situations. @pasados Replying to @user7847277955681 We brought Shakira in from a neglect case along with 3 other #llamas. They were all extremely nervous and...
Prioritizing Both Ends of the Leash
How Shelters Can Triage Support for People AND Pets Today If a person is struggling to care for a pet, they likely need support themselves. Last month we released a blog highlighting the importance of animal welfare professionals embracing a conversational approach when speaking with individuals who come into the shelter to identify the root causes of WHY pets are walking through the doors. Now, we want to take it a step further–providing coordinated support for people and pets. While the shelter will always provide a support service to...
Save a Pet, Risk a Lawsuit: Iowa’s Missing Good Samaritan Law
Iowa’s pet laws cover many aspects of pet ownership, from leash requirements to rabies vaccinations. However, one critical piece is missing: a Good Samaritan law for rescuing pets from hot cars. Without such a law, well-meaning citizens face potential legal consequences for saving pets in distress. This absence leaves pets vulnerable during Iowa’s hot summers. Photo: PexelsIowa lacks a Good Samaritan law for rescuing pets from hot cars. The Dangers of Hot Cars On a hot day, temperatures inside a car can rise to deadly levels...
Severely Injured Dog Found on Side of Road Needs Our Help to Walk Again
Meet Effie. This one-year-old pup was found unable to move on the side of the road in Romania. A kind person spotted the dog and reached out to SACHE Foundation for help. Photo: SACHE Foundation The poor dog was in excruciating pain when she arrived at the animal hospital. X-rays revealed that two of her legs are badly fractured and she has an injury to her bladder. Photo: SACHE Foundation “Despite the overwhelming odds stacked against her, Effie’s spirit remained unbroken. Her eyes, filled with a mix of pain and hope, conveyed...
Would I Be Friends With My Dogs If They Were People? Probably Not
Hi, I’m Allison! Read my introduction to learn more about me and my three mixed-breed dogs from Thailand, Jelly, Lorraina, and Manic. Dogs have always been seen as the ideal companions for people. While some breeds are mainly used as working dogs, their loyalty and dedication remain unmatched. People who have dogs as pets consider them family members and believe that if they were people, they would be best friends. However, when I think about my dogs and their individual personalities, I really struggle to believe we would be...
The Hidden Danger Women Endure on Morning Dog Walks
Walking a dog should be a peaceful, enjoyable activity. Yet, for many women, it can turn into a frightening experience. This became glaringly apparent when TikToker Peyton Johnson shared her harrowing story. On a seemingly ordinary morning, Peyton was walking a dog she was pet-sitting when she was approached and assaulted by a stranger. Photo: PexelsWomen often face harassment while walking their dogs alone. Peyton’s Scary Encounter Peyton’s TikTok video, which quickly went viral, details the unsettling incident. It was 7 a.m....
Why Hugging Sloths Could Be Dangerous and Devastating to the Species
Tempted to cuddle a sloth? Not so fast. Despite how huggable these mammals appear, animal experts warn against touching them. Sloths are not only fragile but also capable of causing serious harm if stressed. Here’s why you should appreciate these creatures from a distance. Photo: PexelsSloths are not safe to hug despite their cute appearance. Sloths: Fascinating Yet Fragile Sloths are unique and captivating creatures, having evolved over millions of years to become some of the most unusual animals on Earth. The two main species,...
Do Owls Attack Dogs? Tips to Protect Your Pup
Click to Skip Ahead Owls are fearsome creatures and incredible flyers. They are capable of being unmatched predators. If you have noticed an owl in your area or you’re concerned about your dog being outside at night, you might have a good reason! Owls not only can attack and carry off smaller dogs, but they sometimes do. However, a dog is not an owl’s first choice of prey as most dogs are often too difficult for owls to catch. In this article, we aim to educate you about owls’ capabilities and how you can protect your pet...
One-Eyed Kitten That Rides Around on Shoulders Struggles to Find Home
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! Iris was born under an abandoned trailer in Stuarts Draft, Virginia in the late summer. The trailer was removed, leaving no shelter. PHOTO: PIXABAY / DANY Her feral mother was killed by some kids who shot her with BBs. A kind soul found Iris and her brother, only about 3 weeks old, and brought them to the local vet. Both suffered from sunburn. Iris’s brother seemed fine, but he died...
Though They May Steal a Human Snack or Two, Research Shows Seagulls Prefer Fish
Seagulls may be known to scavenge a bit of food at the beach, or even steal something you’re snacking on if you’re not looking, but when it comes down to it, do they prefer human food or fish? A new study finds it may be the latter, at least for young birds. Researchers at the University of Exeter recently investigated whether young herring gulls preferred urban food, like discarded human meals found in or near bins, or marine food. The question came about because past research has indicated that when adult gulls have hatchlings,...
Teacup Dachshund: Do They Exist? Facts & FAQ
Click to Skip Ahead “Teacup” is a buzzword you probably won’t hear in the circles of reputable breeders. That’s because it’s not formally defined. A general rule is that any dog deemed a “teacup” weighs under 5 pounds. The question of whether Teacup Dachshunds exist is a moot point. Undoubtedly, some people selectively breed them to fit this size category. However, the real concern is whether they should be bred this way. The real answer is that these dogs shouldn’t exist because of how the...
Why Are Police Dogs Called K9? History & Facts
Click to Skip Ahead The history of using canines for police and military work goes back to the Romans using Neapolitan Mastiffs on the battlefield as “dogs of war.” However, police dogs are now an integral part of law enforcement, taking on the duties that they outperform humans in. Canines originally became our guardians and livestock herders through the ages. But when necessity required it, they acted as police dogs to ensure law and order while assisting in apprehending those lawbreakers. The term “K-9” is a...
Can Dogs Have Matcha? Vet-Verified Dangers & FAQ
VET APPROVED The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research. Learn more » Click to Skip Ahead Matcha can be found in a plethora of food and drink items, from lattes to ice cream. If you’re a fan of occasionally giving your canine companion a treat in the form of human food, you may be wondering if food containing matcha is something safe for them to consume. You might also wonder if the health benefits of matcha transfer to canines and if matcha is safe to add to your dog’s...
