Blue German Shepherd Dog Breed: Info, Pictures, History & More
Click to Skip Ahead German Shepherds have been a long-standing favorite among dog lovers for years! It’s really no wonder. They have proven to be extremely useful for service-related tasks as well as general companionship. You might be familiar with the standard tan and black coloration, and possibly even black or sable. What you might be less familiar with is the gorgeous blue coloration. But is this color accepted by kennel clubs? Is it something that is easy to find? In this article, we’re going to go over a little history on...
Children Hunt Hundreds of Cats in New Zealand’s Cruel Contest
In the rural regions of North Canterbury, New Zealand, a controversial event has ignited heated debate both locally and internationally. The North Canterbury Hunting Competition, an annual event, involves participants hunting a variety of animals, including feral cats. This year, the event saw nearly 400 cats killed, drawing significant backlash and raising ethical questions about animal welfare and conservation. Photo: PexelsNew Zealand’s North Canterbury hosts a controversial annual hunting competition. Origins and Purpose The North...
Michigan’s Rare Mitchell’s Satyr Butterfly Teeters on the Brink of Extinction
The Mitchell’s Satyr butterfly, a rare and beautiful species, is on the verge of extinction. Found primarily in the fen wetlands of southern Michigan, this medium-sized butterfly is distinguished by its chocolate brown wings adorned with yellow-ringed black eyespots. Despite its striking appearance, the Mitchell’s Satyr is among the world’s rarest butterflies and is legally protected as an endangered species. Photo: Wikimedia Commons / USGS Bee Inventory and Monitoring Lab, License: Public DomainThe Mitchell’s Satyr...
What Is Telehealth for Dogs? Vet-Verified Facts & Info
VET APPROVED The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research. Learn more » Click to Skip Ahead Many people became familiar with telehealth during the COVID-19 pandemic. Of course, telehealth existed before that, but it wasn’t used nearly as often. What exactly is telehealth? It is simply a term that encompasses all the ways technology can be used to deliver healthcare, information, and education remotely. You might have used telehealth in the past, but did you know you can also use it...
Can Dogs Have Onion Rings? Vet-Verified Facts & FAQ
VET APPROVED The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research. Learn more » Click to Skip Ahead You love giving your dog a bite of your food every now and then as a special treat, and most of the time, that’s fine. Many human foods are safe (though unhealthy) for canines to consume in moderation. But this doesn’t apply to all the food you might have on your plate. Take onion rings. Your pup might give you those wide begging eyes when they see that crispy deliciousness in your...
New Mexico Wildfires Displace Thousands of People & Pets, They Need Our Help
Two fast-spreading wildfires destroyed thousands of acres in southern New Mexico and forced people to evacuate with little notice. The South Fork Fire and the Salt Fire both ignited on Monday, June 17, and the following day the Village of Ruidoso posted a mandatory evacuation. Photo: Helping Paws Across Borders The message posted on X read, “GO!” Status – Please do not try to gather belongings or protect your home – GO NOW!!” More than 8,000 people heeded the warning and left as smoke and flames filled the sky....
Can Dogs Eat Turkey Necks? Vet-Verified Nutrition Facts & FAQ
Click to Skip Ahead Unless you’re using the turkey neck in a tasty gravy, stock, or soup, many of us can’t think of anywhere else to put them besides the trash. It might seem wasteful, but if giblets aren’t your specialty, what’s the point in keeping them? Well, when you have a dog in the house, you may not have to scrap your scraps just yet. Turkey necks can be offered to your dog. However, feeding your dog bones is controversial and does come with some risks you should be aware of. If you do not need the giblets...
Why Do Dogs Kick After They Pee? 4 Possible Reasons Explained
Click to Skip Ahead So, you’ve been going out to the bathroom with your dog since they were just a wee puppy. You have been watching their antics and their habits from the beginning. As they’ve been growing up, you realize they have a funky habit. Every time they go to the bathroom, they have to kick behind them when they’re done for the grand finale. If it had not registered on your radar at first, you might wonder what this peculiar behavior is and why your dog is doing it. Here are some possible reasons that your dog...
Starving Mama Dogs Only Fed Oatmeal Rescued Along With Their Puppies
It is National Feed a Rescue Pet Week! The Animal Rescue Site along with our partner, Greater Good Charities, dedicates a week to raise as much funds as possible – with your support – to feed hungry dogs and cats in shelters around the country. Shelters are overcrowded and in desperate need of food donations. Adoptions are down and intakes are up. There are so many mouths to feed. Help us provide 3 million meals to feed shelter pets around the country, like Lola & Ziggy. Photo: Fur Ever Friends Rescue These sweet mama dogs...
Can Dogs Have Persimmons? Vet-Verified Nutrition Facts & FAQ
VET APPROVED The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research. Learn more » Disclaimer: As with any new foods and treats, it’s always advisable to consult with your veterinarian before giving persimmons to your dog. Whether a particular food is suitable for your dog will depend on many factors including their age, activity level, health status and whether they are on a special diet. Click to Skip Ahead Persimmons make a versatile addition to the kitchen and infuse foods with a...
How Jelly Became a Velcro Dog in Her Old Age
Hi, I’m Allison! Read my introduction to learn more about me and my three mixed-breed dogs from Thailand, Jelly, Lorraina, and Manic. Are Velcro dogs born with the uncontrollable desire to be with their owners every waking moment, or is it something they grow into? I thought a Velcro dog was something they inherently are based on their breed. Chihuahuas and Golden Retrievers come to mind when I think about a Velcro dog breed. But do dogs grow into being Velcro dogs? I guess some do. Jelly turned into a Velcro dog after our...
Lumps and Bumps in Dogs and Cats: What They Mean and What to Do
You find a strange lump on your beloved fur baby during a cuddle session. Yikes – what do you do?! First: DO NOT PANIC! Second: Read on for some of the kinds of lumps and bumps in companion animals, when to worry (spoiler alert: you don’t – let your vet do the worrying for you), and what to do about them. Lumps and bumps in dogs and cats are not uncommon, and there are multiple kinds of them – many of which are benign. So: Understanding the common kinds of lumps and bumps, knowing when to seek veterinary care, and...
Emaciated Kitten Dumped At Overcrowded Shelter Transforms Into Affectionate Cat, Thanks to Your Support
It is National Feed A Rescue Pet Week! The Animal Rescue Site along with our partner, Greater Good Charities, dedicates a week to raise as much funds as possible – with your support – to feed hungry dogs and cats in shelters around the country. Shelters are overcrowded and in desperate need of food donations. Adoptions are down and intakes are up. There are so many mouths to feed. Mary Katherine is just one of countless pets you helped save. Photo: Watonga Community Cat Foundation The malnourished kitten was dumped along with her...
Can Dogs Have Cumin? Vet-Reviewed Nutrition Facts & FAQ
VET APPROVED The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research. Learn more » Click to Skip Ahead When you think about giving your dog a bite of your food as a treat, you probably don’t think about what spices the food contains. You should, though, as some spices are toxic to our canine companions, so even a small amount found on a piece of meat could prove deadly for your pet. Cumin is one of the more popular spices around and is used in a plethora of dishes, so you may wonder if dogs...
Can Dogs Eat Capers? Vet-Reviewed Nutrition Facts & FAQ
VET APPROVED The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research. Learn more » Click to Skip Ahead You love your dog, so you want to give them treats every now and again, and sometimes those treats are your own food. A lot of the time, depending on the food, this is (mostly) fine for your pet. But if you don’t do your research before giving people food to your dog, you could wind up giving them food that makes them ill or is even deadly. If you’re a fan of Mediterranean cuisine and...
Unplanned Bodega Visit Leads Woman to Rescue Seriously Ill Kitten
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! There’s an X-Files episode where actor Peter Boyle plays a psychic and gives a monologue about all the strange cosmic choreography that has to happen for people to be in certain places at certain points in time and for lives to be saved or lost. I often think of that episode when I think of finding little Peaches. PHOTO: PIXABAY / NATALIA LOZANO In October, my boy kitty vomited...
‘Vagabond’ Cat Makes Friends with Animals and People Throughout His Neighborhood
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 were headed out to meet a friend for dinner when a neighbor and her daughter came down the street walking their dog. She asked, “Do you know this black cat who follows us all the time? We’ve been calling him Shadow.” I bent down and put my hand out to the small kitty, and he came to me. PHOTO: JUDITH LINDEN I patted him and said, “Are you looking for a home? You...
4 Pet Safe Insecticides to Use at Home: Safety & Facts
Click to Skip Ahead Striking a balance between effectiveness and safety is rarely easy in pest control. Unsurprisingly, the aggressive chemicals that efficiently kill pests can often have toxic effects on the user and their family, including their vulnerable pets. Even with proper use, the risk that comes with many pesticides is almost impossible to avoid. Does that mean you have to accept pests when you have pets? Not at all! If you’re looking for practical pest control without the poisoning threat, we’ll show you the best...
Can Dogs Get Cold Sores? Vet-Verified Facts & FAQ
VET APPROVED The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research. Learn more » Click to Skip Ahead Many people have experienced a cold sore or fever blister sometime during their life. For humans, it’s often a painful condition that may come on suddenly. It may also accompany a cold or fever, usually occurring around the mouth. Cold sores result from a viral infection, most often herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1). However, it’s a different story with dogs. First, canines...
Can Dogs Eat Jelly Beans? Vet-Verified Nutrition Facts & FAQ
VET APPROVED The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research. Learn more » Click to Skip Ahead If you have kids, I’m sure you’ve encountered your fair share of jelly beans. Maybe you’ve even eaten a handful or two (or more) in your lifetime. These colorful, small candies are practically a right of passage for childhood. But are they okay for you to share with your dog? What happens if your dog gets into your child’s jelly bean stash (or your stash—we won’t...
