Let freedom ring video: Dog no longer left behind after owner only reclaimed one pet

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On Friday morning, Mia’s story garnered the attention of dog lovers, rescue advocates and volunteers across the country. The tiny Yorkie blend’s plight was so sad; just watching her former owner play with her for a moment and then abruptly leave couldn’t have been more tragic to a loyal dog. The story of her eventual freedom developed here:

“I met Mia’s previous owner at the shelter; he had returned for her best friend Pepper. Mia watched and cried as her previous owner walked out of the shelter without her. He told me a family member surrendered her because she worked long hours and could not care for her. He said she gets along with dogs and cats, and is a little protective of her food.”

And so Mia’s questionable fate became everyone’s concern; her short video detailed the dog’s sadness and desperation.

“My name is Mia, and I’m an approximately 6 year old female Yorkshire terr.  I am already spayed.  I have been at the Lancaster Animal Care Center since May 17, 2017.  I am available on May 17, 2017.  You can visit me at my temporary home at L335. The staff/volunteers here at the animal care center have found that I spend most of my time indoors.  I seem to be good with small children.  I am house trained and I am good on a leash. I seem to get along well with dogs and cats.”

Just hours later, one of Mia’s advocates, Sal Valdepena made the happy announcement concerning the little one’s freedom roll:

“Ever see a dog leave the shelter ??? Pretty incredible….. Friends of Lancaster Shelter Dogs CA 2 networking page has done an OUTSTANDING job at getting the dogs seen. Thank u ladies… soooo thankful to you and the tireless work you do… Mia is free because u shared her story.”

Mia has been rescued by Big Bones Canine Rescue.

Have you ever seen a happier freedom run? Don’t miss it!

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(Photos and video courtesy of Friends of Lancaster Shelter Dogs CA and Sal Valdepena)

 

Rare male tortoiseshell kitten garners hundreds of adoption applications

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Meet Burrito – indeed a very cute kitten as are most of the cuddly little felines, but this tortoiseshell is different. Burrito is a boy! The six-week-old kitten is considered rare due to the gene that controls his orange and black fur color. 

In a press release from the Animal Welfare Association, Dr. Erin Henry was more than slightly surprised as she turned the little cutie over to reveal the kitten’s sex; probably being the only male tortoiseshell the veterinarian has ever seen. Dr. Henry explained:

“Females have two X chromosomes, while males have an XY combination,” the Animal Welfare Association said in a press release. “This means that only female cats can have orange and black fur. To be a male tortoiseshell cat, he must have three sex chromosomes: two XXs and one Y.”

Burrito arrived with his two litter mates, Empanada and Tortilla at the Vorhees, New Jersey rescue the second week in April. So far there have been nearly 400 adoption offers from around the country including Canada. According to the organization’s Facebook page, Burrito will be ready for adoption when he is eight-weeks old and this weekend, the cuddly, curious and adorable little boy kitten will be a guest at the AWA’s Paws and Feet 5K Race and Doggie Fun Day. And a special message from Burrito for everyone and for those kind people wanting to adopt him:

“He is asking that everyone donate $15 towards kitten care today for all the kittens like him that are coming in and need round the clock care because they are too young to fend for themselves. We have over 100 kittens in foster care right now. Please donate now and help homeless pets like Burrito. https://app.mobilecause.com/vf/PF5K“

(Photos via Facebook AWA)

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Baby ducks and their families get ramp at Capitol reflecting pool

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In Washington, D.C. it’s the mallard duck families with their tiny quacks waddling towards the Capitol Reflecting Pool who have traditionally made the pool their home. Soon the baby ducks will add to their families. According to the Architect of the Capitol, the popular attraction’s sloped limestone coping has made it difficult for tiny ducklings trying to climb out of the pool or trying to follow their parents back into the pool after their daily adventures.

On Monday, the Architect of the Capitol helped to save the adorable fluffy baby ducks, and installed duck ramps as they worked with  animal rescue service City Wildlife on designs that led to the new ramps.

“The ducks have an uncanny ability to locate a way out of the water, if one is provided,” Anne Lewis of City Wildlife said in the AOC’s blog post. “We can never truly predict their behavior, but our goal is to provide them the means to get in and out of the water, which is what they need to do in the wild to protect their duckling from becoming waterlogged or cold. The rest is up to them, but they do have a strong survival instinct especially when there are ducklings involved.”

So far there are four broods of mallard ducks currently calling the Capitol reflecting pool home. At least something going on in Washington can bring a smile to our faces this morning.

Photo via Twitter

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Good Samaritan and police officer rescue stray German shepherd in labor

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In Southfield, Michigan, it was a bittersweet Mother’s Day for a German shepherd dumped in the city and in active labor. All alone on Saturday, the dog began to deliver her puppies. Two dead newborns laid beside her when a Good Samaritan found the dogs; she called and brought the dog to the Southfield Police Department. According to WxyzNews, it was the kindness and compassion of Southfield Police Officer Bob White, who rushed the mother dog to the veterinarian while she was still in labor.

When the veterinarian called Almost Home-NO KILL Shelter, the mother dog had one surviving puppy, however she had been so distraught, the newborn was unable to nurse. Named Nevie with her tiny puppy Nolan, both dogs needed rescue:

“We searched for a foster. Poor beautiful Nevie only had one living puppy left. She needs the warmth and love as only a loving home could provide. Beth our loving foster came through. Nevie appears to be in shock. She is displaying a sense of depression we have never experienced. She will need a lot of support,” reported the organization on their Facebook update. 

Maybe the mystical powers of “Mother’s Day” motivated the beautiful shepherd to bond with her puppy. On Sunday, the happy announcement came:

“Our sweet Mommy Nevie is now bonding with her little baby. She is feeding Noland who is actually Natalie. Foster mom Beth did everything she could to comfort Nevie and give her confidence. She is now nursing her baby!”

The new family will be scheduled for a complete physical on Monday; both will have all that they need including vaccines, testing and well-care until the puppy is ready to be weaned, spayed and made available for adoption. For now on it’s a “happily ever story” for Nevie and Natalie.

To donate, please go to: www.almosthomeanimals.org and make a donation on PayPal at almosthome1965@gmail.com)  If you would like to send a check to Almost Home, PO Box 250692, West Bloomfield, Michigan 48325 Please specify donation is for Nevie and Natalie.

(Photos of Nevie and Natalie via Facebook)

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Montana rescue dog sadly whimpers while watching animal cruelty ad on television

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It was an emotional moment for a Montana rescue dog as he sat in front of the family’s television and sadly whimpered and cried when an advertisement from the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty appeared showing abused and neglected animals accompanied by the touching background music. According to the dog’s owner, Happy became extremely agitated when the commercial came on – perhaps he remembers the theme music?

Natalie LaTurno, who is Happy’s human companion stated:

“I adopted my rescue dog, Happy, from C.A.R.E animal shelter in Springfield, Missouri about 9 years ago (he is 10 years old now),”

As to her dog’s reaction, Natalie did admit this isn’t the first time he reacted this way:

“I’m not sure if the commercial played often at the shelter he was at or if he truly just has an emotional connection to the song or animals on the screen. I guess that would be a question only he would know the answer to,” she admitted.

Everyday we learn a little bit more about the wonderful life of dogs. Give your dog a kiss and tell him he’s a “good boy.” (or girl)

(Photos and video of Montana rescue dog ‘Happy’ via Natalie LaTurno Facebook)

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Watch Happy’s video here:

 

Former Raven Torrey Smith and his wife cover BARCS adoption fees for 46 pets

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It was a star studded pet event on Saturday night at BARCS (Baltimore Animal Rescue and Care Shelter) animal shelter in Baltimore for homeless, neglected and abused animals. It was the organization’s annual “Pawject Runway” pet fashion show to support the shelter and the Show Your Soft Side Campaign.

By the conclusion of the event, former Raven Torrey Smith and his wife, Chanel had a special present which included cover adoption fees for 46 dogs and cats. On the BARCS Facebook page, the generosity of the couple was shared with supporters:

“This year, Torrey surprised us all with a special announcement. He explained that before the show, he and his wife Chanel were discussing what more they could do for all the homeless animals they spent time with backstage. They wanted to make sure that every single one of them had an adoption application by the end of the night. Torrey and Chanel decided that they would cover the adoption fees for every single cat and dog at Pawject Runway—46 animals, wow!”

In response to seeing the news, sports agent Drew Rosenhaus tweeted that he would be matching Smith’s donation to BARCS:

“

we also have a soft spot in our hearts for dogs so we have matched your donation to BARCS – Baltimore Animal Rescue Shelter”

Hoping this serves as a reminder that there are still wonderful people out here supporting our lost, displaced, neglected and homeless pets. Thank you Torrey, Chanel and the Rosenhaus family for being heroes to those who cannot speak.

(Photo via BARC Facebook page and Lee Howard Lubow photographer)

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Read about the former soldier accused of killing her emotional support dog found dead in her home.

 

Man risked his life to save desperate dog who fell 80 feet into well

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A desperate dog was found swimming frantically in the bottom of an 80 feet well and whimpering in the northern India village of Ajaysar in Rajasthan. Unfortunately, uncovered deep wells have been a major problem in the area with not only dogs falling in, but children also. According to the Daily Mail,  an animal rescue worker risked his own life to save the life of the frantic pooch.

When Nandu, a local volunteer for the animal rescue A Tree of Life for Animals (Tolfa), offered to help, villagers worried. No one knew the dog and how she would react to a stranger being lowered into the well. And in a desert area, very few of the local residents even knew how to swim, and the complications of the rescue effort could be dangerous for all involved. Nandu, however wasn’t deterred. With a make-shift harness he was slowly lowered into the 80 feet deep well. After a two hour rescue struggle, the dog was brought up in Nandu’s lap.

“When we come across dogs in these situations we never know how the dog is going to react, it’s a difficult situation. But thankfully this dog was a friendly sweetheart,” the organization posted on their Facebook page.

Luckily the dog suffered no injuries and has since been spayed and vaccinated.

To help this organization, donations to TOLFA, please visit: www.tolfa.org.uk/donate

Photos via A Tree of Life for Animals

Check out her video … loving life and loving her rescuer:

Last dog in ‘Empty the Shelter’ adopted into amazing new home

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It was Eastwood’s sad face that circulated through social media this weekend when an “Empty the Shelter” event in Harbor Springs, Michigan found homes for all their pets – that is except for  Eastwood, a red-coated Labrador retriever mix with a birth defect. One by one all of  Eastwood’s friends left the Little Traverse Bay Humane Society:

‘Poor Eastwood is so lonely now that all of his pals have been adopted”, the shelter wrote on their Facebook page over the weekend.

But alas, Eastwood’s sad face garnered thousands of shares on Facebook and by Tuesday, the shelter stated they were no longer taking adoption applications “due to the sheer number that we’ve received.” Later in the day the following Facebook post announced the good news:

“EASTWOOD UPDATE: Eastwood has been adopted!! After careful thought and consideration, we are thrilled to announce that Eastwood now has a forever home! This was a VERY difficult decision. We received over 80 adoption applications today, and while there were countless families who would have given Eastwood an amazing home, one stood out above the rest…”

So why was Eastwood the only dog not adopted over the weekend? The dog was born with leg deformities and although surgery has not been recommended at this time, he may need operations which could cost upward of $4,000. Found as a stray, the poor guy was nearly blind when he arrived at the shelter this past winter, but his eyesight has since improved.

Good news however for a dog who seemed to have run low on luck before he was rescued – Stan Van Gundy, the Pistons coach adopted him. The Van Gundy family heard about Eastwood’s heartbreaking plight and knew he was destined to become part of their family. The good-natured pooch will be living with four children and will get to swim and play, and never be lonely again.

“Empty the Shelter” is a state-wide free adoption day sponsored by BISSELL Pet Foundation; 2500 pets found homes – that is except for Eastwood, but that story is just history now. The Van Gundy family have adopted dogs in the past and encourage everyone to save a life and visit your nearest shelter. Even if you can’t adopt, volunteer or donate. Show your kindness; it’s what our world needs.

Little Traverse Bay Humane Society had this to say on their Facebook encouraging more adoptions:

“Thank you again to everyone for the outpouring of love and support for sweet Eastwood! We are so happy that this boy now has a loving forever home! We encourage everyone who was interested in adopting Eastwood to consider opening your heart and home to another shelter animal in need-there are so many out there just looking for a family to love them. They may not all have celebrity-status, but they have a lot of love and affection to give, which is the most important thing!”

(Photo of Empty the Shelter dog Eastwood via Facebook)

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Read about the dog left to die by her previous owners just because she was different.

 

George and Amal Clooney donate $10,000 to help backyard breeder rescued dogs

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Described as shelter volunteers doing a “happy dance” at Camp Cocker Rescue, after George and Amal Clooney donated $10,000 to help  the California rescue organization care for nine severely neglected dogs recently rescued from a backyard breeder, the celebrity couple continue to prove the huge hearts they have when it comes to our four-legged best friends.

According to the organization’s Facebook page, the announcement came with a bit of mystery at first concerning the generous donors:

“Well, you can imagine how blown away we were when we heard that a $10,000 donation was pledged to our doggies. Our generous donors would like to see their donation doubled by all of you, so for the month of May, every dollar you donate will be matched (up until we reach $10,000).”

And the post continued with the drum roll and identification of the Clooneys’ generosity:

“After we all did happy dances and cried with happiness for this unbelievable matching donation offer – we then asked the donors if (and only if they gave us their permission) …if we could reveal their names to our supporters in order to help us reach our big goal this month. They were so very gracious to give us permission to reveal their names.  We want to thank  George and Amal Clooney for their unbelievable donation and now it’s time to turn to all of YOU to see if you can match it!!!”

The video below is quite self explanatory of the life these dogs endured. Bred over and over again with minimal care; their owners had only been concerned with profits. Sadly that is the plight of the innocent victims of puppy mills and backyard breeders. Forced to live outdoors in the filth, the puppies had never had human interaction, veterinarian care or love. And now their lives have changed.

(Photos of George and Amal Clooney and the spaniels via Facebook)

Camp Cocker has set up a special donate link right here:

https://donorbox.org/matching-donations-for-may

Ready . . . set . . . go!

Let’s do this everyone! Spread the word far and wide!

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Veterinarian melts our hearts as he croons Elvis song to frightened dog

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And now for a veterinarian who will melt your heart with his kindness this Saturday morning. Meet Ross Henderson, a veterinarian at Fox Hollow Animal Hospital in Lakewood, Colorado. Not only does Dr. Henderson fix broken bones, remove kidney stones and all those lousy things that happen to our dogs, he is also a part time singer who carries his guitar to the office and croons Elvis songs – just for some needed stress relief and relaxation.

The handsome veterinarian takes his patients’ emotional well-being very seriously. Often when the dogs are stressed, Dr. Henderson , who is 6’5″ tall will crawl into the biggest kennel he can find in the office and just sit with the dogs to help release their stress. Then there’s his other method of soothing the nervous pooches – yep; you’re right; he strums his guitar and sings them songs. When Ruby, one of the patient’s at the clinic seemed very nervous, Dr. Henderson sang an Elvis song. And as he sang “Can’t help falling in love,” Ruby relaxed, cuddled up on the good doctor’s lap and peacefully closed her eyes for a well deserved stress free snooze.

Don’t fret – there are plenty more songs; even original ones applicable to “doggy love.” What could be more perfect?

Go to Fox Hollow Animal Hospital’s Facebook page and follow some of the comments; guaranteed to make your heart smile too!

(Photos via  Fox Hollow Animal Hospital Facebook)

Katie Schwenger Lucky little girl …hope she feels better
Like · Reply · 2 · April 27 at 11:18pm

Debi Grant Henderson
Debi Grant Henderson So so sweet, ” The Music Vet”. Great healing remedy. 
Like · Reply · 1 · April 27 at 11:46pm

Julie Walker King
Julie Walker King Wow, just wow. Dr. Ross is my dog Wendy’s vet. Like this sweet dog, she’s lucky. I’m gunna let her listen to this!
Michele Zollo Omg they r both so cute love a man who is kind to animals

Video: Check out Dr. Henderson and Ruby: