An Autumn of Saving Lives.
Please watch and share this mini-doc of ARC's work in October and November 2015. Four rescues with more than 200 lives saved. This video documents the life-saving work by ARC's volunteers and addresses some of the common issues faced by animals in our society: hoarding, puppy mills, and rescues that become overwhelmed in their mission to help. If you would like to support Animal Rescue Corps' life-saving mission please visit www.animalrescuecorps.org to learn more and donate
Volunteering - Great Plains SPCA.
An overview of what it's like to be a part of Great Plains SPCA's incredible volunteer support team.
Dogs That Got Into Some Mighty Trouble With a Porcupine Make an Amazing Recovery.
Porcupines are solitary creatures that like to keep to themselves. They never attack unless they’re feeling threatened, so they’re of very little threat to us humans. Dogs, on the other hand, are equal parts inquisitive and bold, and these two positive attributes can easily get a dog in a prickly situation.
Dennis Mazur, a youth worker from Saskatchewan, Canada, was out walking his three dogs Solijah, Mahalo, and Nestah when they came across a porcupine. When the dogs went up to the porcupine to investigate, they were met with a barrage of painful quills.
Solijah got the least amount of spines. As you can see he was feeling pretty good about his battle scars!
Nestah’s injuries were more severe. She has hundreds of quills embedded in her muzzle. If any of them snapped off or migrated deeper it could cause necrosis in her most sensitive tissues.
Mahalo’s injuries were by far the worst despite the fact that they’re nowhere near her face or eyes. The spines have punctured so deep that they’re prodding at her heart, lungs, and other vital organs.
Quills may not appear all that dangerous to the naked eye. But they’re actually covered in very small barbs that make them slide deeper. The veterinary procedure to remove them requires a delicate touch and a great deal of skill.
The medical bills for the procedure to remove the quills totaled over $8,000, but it couldn’t be postponed. That is a very large sum to pay out of nowhere, so Dennis and his friend Mike Gerrand made a crowdfunding campaign to help offset the cost.
But the campaign did way more than just “offset the cost.” Thanks to hundreds of anonymous donations they were able to raise over $12,000! This means that not only was the operation paid for, but any follow-up visits or medications were covered as well! Dennis was even able to stay home for a while with his dogs while they recuperated.
The operation to remove the quills was pretty serious. Dennis said that “Mahalo had quills that migrated up into her lungs and into her heart, and the fact that she’s alive right now is a full miracle.”
Mahalo’s looking great now though. She pulled through like a champ!
We’re glad to see that these beautiful dogs are making a smooth recovery thanks to the kind donations of people from all over the world!
For any other dog parents who find themselves in a similar situation, here are a few tips on how to proceed:
If you want me to “moove” over, don’t even think about it!
The cow, named Goliath, lives on Shaylee’s family ranch and thinks he is a dog. No … seriously.
Goliath was extremely sick when he was a small calf so Shaylee rescued him and raised him alongside her pet Great Dane. The two became fast friends and now they’re near indistinguishable!
This might seem like a strange situation, but in reality, cows make fantastic companions just like dogs and cats. The only problem is that they are very large and need to eat a lot. But hey, in Shaylee’s case, the same is true for a Great Dane!
Most of us don’t have the space or the know how it takes to keep a cow healthy, so we’ll have to settle for cute videos and pictures on the Internet. Luckily, we have a lot of that here for you cow enthusiasts! Here’s a sweet video of another cow rescue and here’s one featuring a bundle of cow snuggles!
Of course if that isn’t enough, you could visit a sanctuary for rescued farm animals to experience these beautiful creatures firsthand. Image source: Shaylee Hubbs/Twitter.
Fisherman Rescues Exhausted Bald Eagle.
While fishing off Nanoose Bay, BC, I happened upon a fledgling Bald Eagle "floundering" in the water. The video documents his welcome aboard...aborted mutiny, and transport back to dry land
***Update – September 26, 2014.......Upon reaching land, He was picked up by Lorinne Anderson of Wild A.I.D. and it was discovered that this guy was seriously underweight and in need of medical attention. He is presently in the care of the good people at O.W.L. Orphaned Wildlife Rehabilitation Society in Delta, B.C. and we are all hopeful for a successful recovery and release back to the wild. He…(14-368 as they call him).. will be taken back to the area he was discovered, near Nanoose Bay for release when he is ready. If you feel you would like to donate to O.W.L. to help my little buddy and assist them in their good work you can find their contact information on their website at http://www.owlcanada.org/
***Update – September 27, 2014.....Went to see 14-368 and he's been eating well for 4-5 days and things are looking better day by day. Hats off to the good people at O.W.L for their great work.
***Update - October 20, 2014....according to the people at O.W.L., "Nanoose" is getting pretty feisty and snapping at his handlers quite a bit....sounds like a good sign for a "wild" eagle...!!
***Update - October 30, 2014....."Nanoose" is now over 4 kilos and off all meds.... but a bit of a discerning eater. According to the good people at O.W.L. today fresh duck is the entree du jour, and she has developed a penchant for soaking her bedding in her water dish and playing in the water.....go figure.... ;-)
***Update - November 3, 2014.....I spoke to Mindy Dick at O.W.L. and got the OK to go over and video some of Nanoose's "rehab" fairly soon......so keep an eye out here for a link to that video.....
***Update - November 13, 2014.....Just checked in with Nanoose's caretakers at O.W.L. and there have been a couple of hiccups over the last week or so, but still looking to let her loose in the flight area in the near future....at which time I hope be able to get some video to share.............
***Update - November 26, 2014.....O.W.L. reports that Nanoose has graduated to a larger cage with a couple of older birds who they hope will teach her a bit about the ins and outs of "eagling".............looking good.....!!!
***Update - December 4, 2014.....O.W.L. has posted a bit of video of "Nanoose" getting in some flying time on their facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/pages/OWL-Or... planning on a visit soon to shoot a little more to post here
***Update - December 18, 2014 - According to the good people at O.W.L. Nanoose had a bit of a digestive problem, but they're hoping it was just a transient issue, and he/she (still up in the air....)...is on the road to recovery.
***Update - January 15, 2015 - Not much change according to Mindy at O.W.L. Still monitoring Nanoose's eating habits and keeping fingers crossed. Word is he/she is still feisty and protective of food, but a little ambivalent about actually eating it at times.
***Update - February 6, 2015 - As of today, Nanoose is back on medication for a gastric infection that seems to be a bit persistent. O.W.L is hoping to get on top of it and get things back on track for recovery and release. Fingers crossed......!!!
***Update - February 10, 2015 - Stopped by O.W.L. to see Nanoose today and she was looking a little "disheveled". As O.W.L. manager Mindy explained it, this is due to her being quite enamored with splashing around in her water dish.....to the point they've hung her with the pet name "Swimmer". One would think that with her previous history she might be a little averse to the water, but good to see there hasn't been any lasting psychological impact. O.W.L. has her on a new antibiotic regimen in hopes of getting on top of the persistent bug she's been battling and are keeping a close eye on things. Keep up the good work guys.....!!!
***Update - March 5, 2015 - Got the sad news this morning that yesterday "Nanoose" had succumbed to whatever the ailment was she was suffering from. Mindy, Martina, Dina and all the staff at O.W.L. did their utmost to heal her during the 6 months she was with them, and they should be proud of the work they did....and continue to do. Also, many thanks to Lorinne and Norm of Wild Aid for facilitating her transport to O.W.L. .......RIP Nanoose....fly free....!!! .....if you feel inclined to help out O.W.L. with the good work they do, their contact information is on their website at www.owlcanada.org/
Brave Man Saving a Drowning 400-lb Black Bear Is Possibly one of the Greatest Rescue Stories Ever!
Fishermen risk lives to rescue shark.
As some West Australians call for a cull to reduce the number of man-eating sharks off our coast, these anglers put their lives in danger to save the beast.
At one stage one of the fishermen sits on the 3m shark as it thrashes on the beach at Maud's Landing in Coral Bay and pries its mouth as his friend attempts to unhook it from a fishing line.
The video was shot on Wednesday, according to locals.
A red towel is placed on the shark's head as the group use pliers to release it as onlookers filming the rescue.
After almost three minutes the shark is eventually freed and the group pull it into the sea by its tail.
The creature struggles in the shallows for another minute before it eventually returns to the deep, to the delight of the applauding crowd.
The 4 minutes and 53 seconds clip - called "400kg Tiger Shark caught in Western Australia" - was posted on YouTube on Thursday.
A description of the video says: "A 4m 400kg Tiger Shark was accidentally caught off the coast of Western Australia in popular fishing area in the late afternoon.
"The local experienced fishermen came together ensuring the safe and humane release of this beautiful animal.
"The community cheered as the Tiger was successfully released back into the water."
A Coral Bay businesswoman, who didn't want to be named, said the shark had been caught accidentally and probably weighed under 200kg.
ASPCA Happy Tails: After Being Crushed by a Car, K.C. Recovers with a Little TLC
One of the “occupational hazards” of working at the ASPCA is that it’s difficult not to fall for each and every pet we meet. From kittens to canines, these animals consistently move and inspire us with their strength, resilience and loving spirits—but sometimes, we connect with one so completely that they become part of our lives forever. Such was the case with ASPCA Vet Tech Jennifer Doyle and her newly-adopted Chihuahua Mix, K.C. Here is their Happy Tail.
At the age of four months, K.C. was hit by a car and severely injured. Sadly, her owners were unable to afford the tiny puppy’s necessary medical care, so they surrendered her to the local city shelter. The shelter realized that she needed considerable medical treatment and sent K.C. to the ASPCA.
At the ASPCA Animal Hospital, Director of Surgery Dr. J’mai Gayle examined K.C. and noted that she had severe pelvic and leg fractures, along with neurological deficits associated with her injuries. “She was in significant discomfort,” Dr. Gayle said. At the time, K.C. weighed less than five pounds.
During K.C.’s two-week stay in the hospital, Dr. Gayle surgically repaired her fractured bones using plates, screws and wires. The petite pup also received medication to help ease her pain. “Despite all of her injuries, this little dog never offered to bite and was willing to accept all treatments without any hassle,” Dr. Gayle said. But K.C.’s stay in the hospital included more than medical treatment—it also led to her very first meeting with Jennifer.
ASPCA Happy Tails: After Being Crushed by a Car, K.C. Recovers with a Little TLCASPCA Happy Tails: After Being Crushed by a Car, K.C. Recovers with a Little TLC
As a Veterinary Technician at the ASPCA, Jennifer had daily contact with K.C. during her treatment and recovery. When it became clear that K.C. would need ample physical therapy, Jennifer offered to bring her home as a foster. “It’s a miracle this dog survived,” she recalls. “She could not stand or really walk when I brought her home."
K.C. spent the next two-and-a-half months in Jennifer’s home, where ongoing physical therapy enabled her to make an almost complete recovery. “With a lot of TLC and care, she was standing and attempting to walk a week later,” Jennifer said proudly. But when it came time for K.C. to be placed up for adoption, Jennifer found that the sweet dog had stolen her heart. “At the end of her foster, I could not bring myself to return her. I had fallen in love, and so had Maggie, my Puggle.”
Jennifer changed K.C.’s name to Bonnie, and says she is thriving in her new home. And although Jennifer is her permanent mom, Bonnie will always hold a special place in Dr. Gayle’s heart, too. During Bonnie’s recent visit to the ASPCA Hospital, Dr. Gayle was thrilled to see how far she had come. “This little girl is now a very happy dog!” she beamed.
Congratulations to Bonnie—we wish you a lifetime of happiness!
A Milestone for Animals: The ASPCA Has Treated 1,000 Animal Cruelty Victims since Launching Partnership with NYPD.
We are pleased to announce that the ASPCA has now treated 1,000 animals through our partnership with the New York City Police Department (NYPD), which launched citywide in January 2014. Through this partnership, the NYPD took the lead role in responding to all animal cruelty complaints in New York City, and the ASPCA expanded its direct care support for cruelty victims. ASPCA experts also offer training, veterinary forensic and legal support for the NYPD.
“The heroic efforts of NYPD officers and ASPCA medical and behavioral staff are clearly giving more victimized animals the opportunity to recover and transition into safe and loving homes,” said ASPCA President and CEO Matt Bershadker. “Reaching this milestone so quickly confirms the effectiveness of the ASPCA/NYPD Partnership in fighting animal cruelty and upholding New York City’s commitment to protecting its most vulnerable residents.”
A Milestone for Animals: The ASPCA Has Treated 1,000 Animal Cruelty Victims since Launching Partnership with NYPDAmong the cruelty victims rescued and treated are Charlotte, a puppy thrown on the side of the road, King, a cat who was viciously kicked, and Fraggle, a dog who was stuffed in a suitcase and left to die. To meet the needs of the increasing number of canine cruelty victims being rescued through the partnership, the ASPCA recently completed construction on the Gloria Gurney Canine Annex for Recovery and Enrichment (CARE), a rehabilitation center dedicated to providing specialized behavioral treatment for dogs that were victims of abuse and neglect. Earlier this year, the ASPCA and the New York City Police Foundation also announced the expansion of the Foundation’s Crime Stoppers program to allow the public to easily and anonymously provide information about animal cruelty in New York City.
We look forward to caring for countless more animals as this successful partnership continues.
Dog Cries Out When She Realizes Her Family Is Gone ... Again.
Saying goodbye to someone you love is never easy, but it can be even harder for rescue dogs — for whom "goodbye" often means a ride to the shelter and an uncertain future.
On Sunday, Astra's foster parents returned her to NYC-based Red Hook Dog Rescue (RHDR), and the experience was absolutely devastating.
Astra watched from inside the RHDR volunteer's car as her foster parent walked away after saying goodbye.
Volunteering - Great Plains SPCA.
Dogs That Got Into Some Mighty Trouble With a Porcupine Make an Amazing Recovery.
Porcupines are solitary creatures that like to keep to themselves. They never attack unless they’re feeling threatened, so they’re of very little threat to us humans. Dogs, on the other hand, are equal parts inquisitive and bold, and these two positive attributes can easily get a dog in a prickly situation.
Dennis Mazur, a youth worker from Saskatchewan, Canada, was out walking his three dogs Solijah, Mahalo, and Nestah when they came across a porcupine. When the dogs went up to the porcupine to investigate, they were met with a barrage of painful quills.
Solijah got the least amount of spines. As you can see he was feeling pretty good about his battle scars!
But the campaign did way more than just “offset the cost.” Thanks to hundreds of anonymous donations they were able to raise over $12,000! This means that not only was the operation paid for, but any follow-up visits or medications were covered as well! Dennis was even able to stay home for a while with his dogs while they recuperated.
The operation to remove the quills was pretty serious. Dennis said that “Mahalo had quills that migrated up into her lungs and into her heart, and the fact that she’s alive right now is a full miracle.”
For any other dog parents who find themselves in a similar situation, here are a few tips on how to proceed:
- Porcupines are nocturnal. If you live in an area that is known porcupine territory, be very wary after sundown.
- If your dog is quilled, keep them still. Movement makes the quills bury deeper.
- Don’t try to yank quills out, either. It’s painful for the dog and nearby quills may be pushed deeper.
- Go to the vet IMMEDIATELY, even if it doesn’t look that bad. All it takes is one missed quill to burrow into the wrong organ to cause a whole host of issues.
Rescued Cow Thinks He’s a Dog … And You Probably Will Too! Nothing takes the edge off of a hard day at work faster than the joyful face of your furry BFF. But what happens when the face that greets you at the door isn’t the animal you were expecting? Well, this is what happened for Shaylee Hubbs.
When she entered her house, she was welcomed by this sight:
Goliath was extremely sick when he was a small calf so Shaylee rescued him and raised him alongside her pet Great Dane. The two became fast friends and now they’re near indistinguishable!
This might seem like a strange situation, but in reality, cows make fantastic companions just like dogs and cats. The only problem is that they are very large and need to eat a lot. But hey, in Shaylee’s case, the same is true for a Great Dane!
Most of us don’t have the space or the know how it takes to keep a cow healthy, so we’ll have to settle for cute videos and pictures on the Internet. Luckily, we have a lot of that here for you cow enthusiasts! Here’s a sweet video of another cow rescue and here’s one featuring a bundle of cow snuggles!
Of course if that isn’t enough, you could visit a sanctuary for rescued farm animals to experience these beautiful creatures firsthand. Image source: Shaylee Hubbs/Twitter.
Fisherman Rescues Exhausted Bald Eagle.
***Update – September 26, 2014.......Upon reaching land, He was picked up by Lorinne Anderson of Wild A.I.D. and it was discovered that this guy was seriously underweight and in need of medical attention. He is presently in the care of the good people at O.W.L. Orphaned Wildlife Rehabilitation Society in Delta, B.C. and we are all hopeful for a successful recovery and release back to the wild. He…(14-368 as they call him).. will be taken back to the area he was discovered, near Nanoose Bay for release when he is ready. If you feel you would like to donate to O.W.L. to help my little buddy and assist them in their good work you can find their contact information on their website at http://www.owlcanada.org/
***Update – September 27, 2014.....Went to see 14-368 and he's been eating well for 4-5 days and things are looking better day by day. Hats off to the good people at O.W.L for their great work.
***Update - October 20, 2014....according to the people at O.W.L., "Nanoose" is getting pretty feisty and snapping at his handlers quite a bit....sounds like a good sign for a "wild" eagle...!!
***Update - October 30, 2014....."Nanoose" is now over 4 kilos and off all meds.... but a bit of a discerning eater. According to the good people at O.W.L. today fresh duck is the entree du jour, and she has developed a penchant for soaking her bedding in her water dish and playing in the water.....go figure.... ;-)
***Update - November 3, 2014.....I spoke to Mindy Dick at O.W.L. and got the OK to go over and video some of Nanoose's "rehab" fairly soon......so keep an eye out here for a link to that video.....
***Update - November 13, 2014.....Just checked in with Nanoose's caretakers at O.W.L. and there have been a couple of hiccups over the last week or so, but still looking to let her loose in the flight area in the near future....at which time I hope be able to get some video to share.............
***Update - November 26, 2014.....O.W.L. reports that Nanoose has graduated to a larger cage with a couple of older birds who they hope will teach her a bit about the ins and outs of "eagling".............looking good.....!!!
***Update - December 4, 2014.....O.W.L. has posted a bit of video of "Nanoose" getting in some flying time on their facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/pages/OWL-Or... planning on a visit soon to shoot a little more to post here
***Update - December 18, 2014 - According to the good people at O.W.L. Nanoose had a bit of a digestive problem, but they're hoping it was just a transient issue, and he/she (still up in the air....)...is on the road to recovery.
***Update - January 15, 2015 - Not much change according to Mindy at O.W.L. Still monitoring Nanoose's eating habits and keeping fingers crossed. Word is he/she is still feisty and protective of food, but a little ambivalent about actually eating it at times.
***Update - February 6, 2015 - As of today, Nanoose is back on medication for a gastric infection that seems to be a bit persistent. O.W.L is hoping to get on top of it and get things back on track for recovery and release. Fingers crossed......!!!
***Update - February 10, 2015 - Stopped by O.W.L. to see Nanoose today and she was looking a little "disheveled". As O.W.L. manager Mindy explained it, this is due to her being quite enamored with splashing around in her water dish.....to the point they've hung her with the pet name "Swimmer". One would think that with her previous history she might be a little averse to the water, but good to see there hasn't been any lasting psychological impact. O.W.L. has her on a new antibiotic regimen in hopes of getting on top of the persistent bug she's been battling and are keeping a close eye on things. Keep up the good work guys.....!!!
***Update - March 5, 2015 - Got the sad news this morning that yesterday "Nanoose" had succumbed to whatever the ailment was she was suffering from. Mindy, Martina, Dina and all the staff at O.W.L. did their utmost to heal her during the 6 months she was with them, and they should be proud of the work they did....and continue to do. Also, many thanks to Lorinne and Norm of Wild Aid for facilitating her transport to O.W.L. .......RIP Nanoose....fly free....!!! .....if you feel inclined to help out O.W.L. with the good work they do, their contact information is on their website at www.owlcanada.org/
Brave Man Saving a Drowning 400-lb Black Bear Is Possibly one of the Greatest Rescue Stories Ever!
Bears have an incredible sense of smell, and when they’re hungry bears will go to some pretty crazy extremes to get their paws on a snack. Bears are also very intelligent, so once they learn that humans provide a seemingly endless supply of snacks, by way of garbage or half-eaten candy bars that get left behind, they will search out residential areas to find something tasty to eat.
In this particular story, a 400-pound black bear set out to follow his nose and wandered all the way from his home in Osceola National Forest to a residential area in Alligator Point, Florida.When he was discovered shuffling through one of the residents garbage, wildlife authorities set out to capture and return the bear back to his forest home…this is when things started to go horribly wrong.
Once the bear was located authorities attempted to sedate the bear–as a 400-pound, claw-weilding black bear is not exactly the most cooperative animal–this would be the safest way they could transport him back to his home. But the bear had other plans…
After being hit with a tranquilizer dart, the bear took off towards the ocean and hopped into the water.
As he was swimming out into the Gulf, the tranquilizers began to kick in and he became drowsy and started to drown.
Luckily, Adam Warwick, a biologist with the Wildlife Commission was nearby…
Without even flinching at the size and strength of the bear, Warwick grabbed a hold of the floundering animal.
The bear was beginning to lose feeling in his legs and struggled to crawl onto Warwick to stay afloat.
Knowing he would need to act quickly and stay as calm as possible, Warwick began to drag the bear to shore.
The bear was having trouble keeping his head above the water, losing more and more mobility. 
But the brave biologist just kept swimming, despite the growing weight of the 400-pound bear. 
Warwick managed to tow the bear the entire 25 yards to land. 
Finally on shore, the groggy bear and exhausted Warwick were hoisted onto land.
The bear weighed too much for the crew to handle, so they used a tractor bucket to move the sedated bear.
Warwick made sure the sleepy bear made it safely onto the transport vehicle. Surely, if the bear hadn’t been so groggy he would have given Warwick a big bear hug. 
Back at Osceola National Forest, the bear is looking MUCH happier…it’s going to be a long time before this guy goes rummaging through human garbage again! 
All image source: Becky Bickerstaff and Adam Warwick of The Nature Conservancy
Once the bear was located authorities attempted to sedate the bear–as a 400-pound, claw-weilding black bear is not exactly the most cooperative animal–this would be the safest way they could transport him back to his home. But the bear had other plans…After being hit with a tranquilizer dart, the bear took off towards the ocean and hopped into the water.
As he was swimming out into the Gulf, the tranquilizers began to kick in and he became drowsy and started to drown.Luckily, Adam Warwick, a biologist with the Wildlife Commission was nearby…Without even flinching at the size and strength of the bear, Warwick grabbed a hold of the floundering animal.The bear was beginning to lose feeling in his legs and struggled to crawl onto Warwick to stay afloat.Knowing he would need to act quickly and stay as calm as possible, Warwick began to drag the bear to shore.The bear was having trouble keeping his head above the water, losing more and more mobility. But the brave biologist just kept swimming, despite the growing weight of the 400-pound bear. Warwick managed to tow the bear the entire 25 yards to land. Finally on shore, the groggy bear and exhausted Warwick were hoisted onto land.The bear weighed too much for the crew to handle, so they used a tractor bucket to move the sedated bear.Warwick made sure the sleepy bear made it safely onto the transport vehicle. Surely, if the bear hadn’t been so groggy he would have given Warwick a big bear hug. Back at Osceola National Forest, the bear is looking MUCH happier…it’s going to be a long time before this guy goes rummaging through human garbage again! All image source: Becky Bickerstaff and Adam Warwick of The Nature ConservancyAt one stage one of the fishermen sits on the 3m shark as it thrashes on the beach at Maud's Landing in Coral Bay and pries its mouth as his friend attempts to unhook it from a fishing line.
The video was shot on Wednesday, according to locals.
A red towel is placed on the shark's head as the group use pliers to release it as onlookers filming the rescue.
After almost three minutes the shark is eventually freed and the group pull it into the sea by its tail.
The creature struggles in the shallows for another minute before it eventually returns to the deep, to the delight of the applauding crowd.
The 4 minutes and 53 seconds clip - called "400kg Tiger Shark caught in Western Australia" - was posted on YouTube on Thursday.
A description of the video says: "A 4m 400kg Tiger Shark was accidentally caught off the coast of Western Australia in popular fishing area in the late afternoon.
"The local experienced fishermen came together ensuring the safe and humane release of this beautiful animal.
"The community cheered as the Tiger was successfully released back into the water."
A Coral Bay businesswoman, who didn't want to be named, said the shark had been caught accidentally and probably weighed under 200kg.
| Gull
impaled on skewer |
WARNING - Graphic Images
We see a lot of horrible injuries at our wildlife hospital and unfortunately most of the time we never know the cause of them. However in the case of this gull, the cause seemed very obvious - a wooden skewer impaled in his chest! It was a strange injury because the thicker part of the skewer was inside and the thinner part outside... so how it managed to get impaled on it was a mystery! The gull was very feisty and full of energy, and on examination the skewer was found not to have damaged any internal organs. Sadly though, the examination did reveal a nasty open fracture on the bird’s wing which we were not able to fix, so the bird had to be put quietly to sleep.
We always try to save every animal, but sadly sometimes it just isn’t possible.. The good news is that 70% of the patients admitted make a successful recovery and go back to the wild, it just wasn’t meant to be for this particular bird.
One of the “occupational hazards” of working at the ASPCA is that it’s difficult not to fall for each and every pet we meet. From kittens to canines, these animals consistently move and inspire us with their strength, resilience and loving spirits—but sometimes, we connect with one so completely that they become part of our lives forever. Such was the case with ASPCA Vet Tech Jennifer Doyle and her newly-adopted Chihuahua Mix, K.C. Here is their Happy Tail.
At the ASPCA Animal Hospital, Director of Surgery Dr. J’mai Gayle examined K.C. and noted that she had severe pelvic and leg fractures, along with neurological deficits associated with her injuries. “She was in significant discomfort,” Dr. Gayle said. At the time, K.C. weighed less than five pounds.
During K.C.’s two-week stay in the hospital, Dr. Gayle surgically repaired her fractured bones using plates, screws and wires. The petite pup also received medication to help ease her pain. “Despite all of her injuries, this little dog never offered to bite and was willing to accept all treatments without any hassle,” Dr. Gayle said. But K.C.’s stay in the hospital included more than medical treatment—it also led to her very first meeting with Jennifer.
As a Veterinary Technician at the ASPCA, Jennifer had daily contact with K.C. during her treatment and recovery. When it became clear that K.C. would need ample physical therapy, Jennifer offered to bring her home as a foster. “It’s a miracle this dog survived,” she recalls. “She could not stand or really walk when I brought her home."
K.C. spent the next two-and-a-half months in Jennifer’s home, where ongoing physical therapy enabled her to make an almost complete recovery. “With a lot of TLC and care, she was standing and attempting to walk a week later,” Jennifer said proudly. But when it came time for K.C. to be placed up for adoption, Jennifer found that the sweet dog had stolen her heart. “At the end of her foster, I could not bring myself to return her. I had fallen in love, and so had Maggie, my Puggle.”
Jennifer changed K.C.’s name to Bonnie, and says she is thriving in her new home. And although Jennifer is her permanent mom, Bonnie will always hold a special place in Dr. Gayle’s heart, too. During Bonnie’s recent visit to the ASPCA Hospital, Dr. Gayle was thrilled to see how far she had come. “This little girl is now a very happy dog!” she beamed.
“The heroic efforts of NYPD officers and ASPCA medical and behavioral staff are clearly giving more victimized animals the opportunity to recover and transition into safe and loving homes,” said ASPCA President and CEO Matt Bershadker. “Reaching this milestone so quickly confirms the effectiveness of the ASPCA/NYPD Partnership in fighting animal cruelty and upholding New York City’s commitment to protecting its most vulnerable residents.”
We look forward to caring for countless more animals as this successful partnership continues.
Dog Cries Out When She Realizes Her Family Is Gone ... Again.
Saying goodbye to someone you love is never easy, but it can be even harder for rescue dogs — for whom "goodbye" often means a ride to the shelter and an uncertain future.
On Sunday, Astra's foster parents returned her to NYC-based Red Hook Dog Rescue (RHDR), and the experience was absolutely devastating.
Astra watched from inside the RHDR volunteer's car as her foster parent walked away after saying goodbye.
A volunteer from RHDR was there to pick up Astra. She photographed the heartbreaking moment Astra said goodbye to her foster. In the caption of the photo, she wrote that for the 2-year-old pit bull mix, "her world has crumbled and her beautiful spirit is crushed."
"As we drove to the vets office where she will be once again boarded, she saw a person that resembled her foster and her tail began to wag until she realized it wasn't her beloved person and she laid down to sulk," she continued. 
"I took this photo right after Astra realized she would no longer see her beloved foster," reads the photo's caption.
"I took this photo right after Astra realized she would no longer see her beloved foster," reads the photo's caption.
"We understand it was difficult for the foster," a RHDR volunteer told The Dodo. The family lives on the 18th floor of a rise-up building, and Astra would be fine when encountering 9 out of 10 dogs in the elevator. But on occasion, she couldn't handle the stress of being in such a closed space with a dog who made her uncomfortable.
"We keep in touch with the foster and [are] grateful they have given her a relief from boarding for two months," the volunteer continued. "We, as a rescue, strongly believe in suitability, and they were just not the right family for her."
Looking into Astra's eyes in the above photo, it's difficult to not see the world of hurt and sadness going on inside her heart. Sadly, this recent misfortune is just the latest chapter in Astra's continuing story of finding a forever home.
Although RHDR describes her as a " super mellow" dog who also happens to be the "queen of cuddles and snuggling," Astra has shuffled between three foster homes in the past nine months; when not with a family, she's been boarded at a vet's office.
Here's a video from when RHDR tried to get Astra adopted in snowy February.
Since RHDR posted the most recent photos of Astra, applications have been pouring in to foster and adopt the sweet dog. But the groups still has many other dogs, such as Sally, who need homes. Sally, below, has been in and out of shelters and foster homes for the past three years.It's time to get Astra and the other dogs of RHDR into their forever homes. If you or someone you know lives in the NYC area and have a place in your home for a dog in need of a loving human, check out RHDR's adoption application.
California rescuers free entangled whale in 2-day operation. Rescuers on Saturday managed to free a humpback whale entangled in hundreds of feet of fishing line, and it swam away southwards.
"We hope we gave this whale a second chance at life," said Kelly Terry, a spokeswoman for SeaWorld in San Diego, which sent a rescue team to free the huge mammal.
The adult humpback, estimated to be 35 to 50 feet long, was spotted Friday off the Orange County coast about 45 miles south of Los Angeles. It was entangled from its mouth to its tail and what appeared to be nylon rope streamed behind it.
A team with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration was able to cut away up to 100 feet of rope and buoys — possibly from a lobster trap — but the whale became agitated and dove deep, eluding rescuers for the rest of the day.
It moved about 60 miles south and was spotted again Saturday off La Jolla Cove in San Diego.
In a three-hour operation, the Sea World team was able to cut away more than 230 feet of remaining line, leaving only some line in its mouth, Terry said.
The whale is believed to be the same creature that was seen struggling with ropes several days ago off Santa Barbara, about 75 miles northwest of Los Angeles, said Justin Viezbicke, a NOAA program specialist who was part of Friday's rescue effort.
NOAA's whale rescue team has responded to about 50 entangled whales since January — a spike that could be attributed to warmer waters bringing the giant animals closer to shore, where they encounter fishing gear, Viezbicke said.
Experts are trying to understand how the whales are getting entangled in the lines, he said.
In this case, the rescue team was able to cut away some buoys that contained identifying information that will allow scientists to figure out where the whale became entangled.
"Our response network is really just a Band-Aid," Viezbicke said. "We're looking for ways to be proactive and minimize these situations in the future."
Drowning Dog Lets Her Rescuers Know How Happy She Is To Be Saved. When an unsuspecting street dog fell into a well, she likely thought she wouldn't survive — until a few kind humans did everything they could to help her out. Animal Aid Unlimited, a rescue organization in India, was informed of a dog who had fallen into a well, and was perched on the tiniest ledge to try and keep from drowning.
When rescuers arrived, they quickly made arrangements to have someone lowered into the well to retrieve the scared pup.
As soon as she saw the man coming down to save her, the trapped dog began wagging her tail.
Rescuers pulled the man back up the well as he carried the dog ...
and finally, both of them made it out OK.
The pup was carried to safety and taken in by Animal Aid Unlimited ...
where she was able to make a full recovery.
If this dog hadn't been rescued, she likely would have drowned in that well, and she will be forever grateful for the people who came to get her.
Check out the full video of this dog's incredible rescue below:
When rescuers arrived, they quickly made arrangements to have someone lowered into the well to retrieve the scared pup.As soon as she saw the man coming down to save her, the trapped dog began wagging her tail.Rescuers pulled the man back up the well as he carried the dog ...and finally, both of them made it out OK.The pup was carried to safety and taken in by Animal Aid Unlimited ...where she was able to make a full recovery.If this dog hadn't been rescued, she likely would have drowned in that well, and she will be forever grateful for the people who came to get her.Check out the full video of this dog's incredible rescue below:
This Is What Freedom Tastes Like for Five Lions Abandoned At A Zoo.
Finally, after years of waiting and suffering, and an 8,000 mile journey, the lions are free.
Petrica, Lidia, Lavinia, and her cubs Tarhon Big and Maron, have known no other life than a cramped, concrete prison. Bred for the Romanian State Circus, these lions were beaten and forced to perform for large crowds daily, with inadequate veterinary care and living conditions.
After Petrica lashed out at one of her trainers, the lions were transferred to the Baia Mare zoo in Romania, where the living conditions were somehow worse than before. In their concrete prison, these five lions lived for years until fate eventually stepped in.
In 2013, the Baia Mare zoo was shut down for failing to meet EU quality standards, and the lions were left behind and forgotten. Thankfully, animal protection charity FOUR PAWS was determined to get these lions the life they deserved after their years of neglect and misery, moving them from the tragic Romanian zoo to a lion sanctuary in South Africa where they will receive the vet care they so desperately need, and live out their days in freedom and happiness.Finally, after years of waiting and suffering, and an 8,000 mile journey, the lions are free.
Rescue Fox Goes Wild For Cuddles From Her Favorite Man. Dawn the fox has a pretty unusual story — she was rescued as a baby by someone who thought she was a dog, and taken to a shelter. By the time everyone realized she was actually a fox, she was too tame to be taught to live in the wild.
It's clear she's picked up some doggie behaviors from the way she greets Geoff, the security manager at the sanctuary where she lives. He's also Dawn's favorite person ever.
Dawn is now one of only a few permanent fox residents at the Nuneaton and Warwickshire Wildlife Sanctuary in the U.K. She's super lovable. It's pretty clear why she couldn't live in the wild ... she would be going up to everyone to ask for belly rubs.
Dawn absolutely melts when she sees Geoff — she turns into a total puppy. She even wants to smell his head ... or something?
This video was filmed back in 2013, but we hope Dawn is still getting to see Geoff whenever she wants some epic snuggling. For more info about the animals at the sanctuary, check them out on the website.
It's clear she's picked up some doggie behaviors from the way she greets Geoff, the security manager at the sanctuary where she lives. He's also Dawn's favorite person ever.Dawn is now one of only a few permanent fox residents at the Nuneaton and Warwickshire Wildlife Sanctuary in the U.K. She's super lovable. It's pretty clear why she couldn't live in the wild ... she would be going up to everyone to ask for belly rubs.Dawn absolutely melts when she sees Geoff — she turns into a total puppy. She even wants to smell his head ... or something?This video was filmed back in 2013, but we hope Dawn is still getting to see Geoff whenever she wants some epic snuggling. For more info about the animals at the sanctuary, check them out on the website.
When These People Went Sailing, They Didn’t Expect To See A Puppy In The Middle Of The Sea. The RYCC Savoia is a sports club in Italy where its members can enjoy sailing in the Gulf of Naples. When the sailing members went boating one day, they saw something that caught them by surprise. In the middle of the open sea, around a mile from the shore, they saw a puppy, swimming and struggling to stay afloat. The puppy looked tired, it looks like the poor thing has been swimming for a while. They called out to the pup, and the pup paddled towards them. The poor thing looked at them; he was begging to be rescued.
So as soon as the pup got near their boat, one of them leaned down to grabbed him. Watch the video of the rescue below!
When the pup was aboard, they immediately comforted him and kept him warm. The poor thing was terrified and shivering. The sailors still had no idea where the pup came from. They called a rescue boat so the pup can be brought back to dry land.
Later on, they found out that the puppy’s name is Noodle and that she belonged to a man named Mario Di Meglio. De Meglio was gonna bring Noodle home but she slipped out of her leash and fell overboard the ferry they were riding. He immediately notified the ferry’s crew but they didn’t bother to stop, saying that the dog may possibly be already dead.
Thankfully, the group of sailors found Noodle and rescued her. She has been swimming in the chilly water for thirty minutes. Imagine just how tired she was! The poor thing!
Noodles is now reunited with her owner. And the ferry responsible for leaving her has apologized. They have also launched an investigation regarding the incident.
Noodles is very lucky that some kindhearted sailors came her way. If it wasn’t for them, Noodles would’ve died at sea.
You can read more of this story at The Dodo and at Zee News India.
3 Rescued Elephant Calves Get a New Lease on Life Thanks to Amazing Team in India. Two male elephant calves, both under three months old, were admitted to the International Fund for Animal Welfare/Wildlife Trust of India-run Wildlife Rescue Centre within 72 hours of each other. A few days prior, a female calf was admitted when efforts to reunite her with her herd were unsuccessful.
A two-and-a-half month old male elephant calf was rescued by the forest staff assigned to the areas of Majuli and Nimati near the river Brahmaputra. The severely stressed calf was saved from drowning by fishermen on one of the tributaries of the Brahmaputra.The forest staff took the calf to Major Chapori Island, the nearest island connected to the tributary, to attempt to reunite the calf with his natal herd.
However, despite waiting for some time, the herd did not turn up.
Seeing the condition of the calf, the forest officials kept him in a safe place overnight and shifted him the next morning to the other end of the river bank.
The Road to Recovery
“The calf weighed 140 kg (just under 300 pounds) and though no visible external injury was to be found he was under severe stress. To minimize the stress, he has been kept with another calf in the large animal nursery,” said Dr Panjit Basumatary.
Meanwhile within seventy two hours of this calf being admitted, another two-month-old male elephant calf was found in Majuli Island with injuries by the Jorhat Forest Division and was taken from the custody of the religious head of Dakhinpat Satra, one of the major institutions of Vaishnavaite culture of Assam.
The calf was reluctant to stand up. The wounded areas were visibly swollen and he was limping at every step.
Noodles is very lucky that some kindhearted sailors came her way. If it wasn’t for them, Noodles would’ve died at sea.
You can read more of this story at The Dodo and at Zee News India.
3 Rescued Elephant Calves Get a New Lease on Life Thanks to Amazing Team in India. Two male elephant calves, both under three months old, were admitted to the International Fund for Animal Welfare/Wildlife Trust of India-run Wildlife Rescue Centre within 72 hours of each other. A few days prior, a female calf was admitted when efforts to reunite her with her herd were unsuccessful.
A two-and-a-half month old male elephant calf was rescued by the forest staff assigned to the areas of Majuli and Nimati near the river Brahmaputra. The severely stressed calf was saved from drowning by fishermen on one of the tributaries of the Brahmaputra.The forest staff took the calf to Major Chapori Island, the nearest island connected to the tributary, to attempt to reunite the calf with his natal herd.
However, despite waiting for some time, the herd did not turn up.
Seeing the condition of the calf, the forest officials kept him in a safe place overnight and shifted him the next morning to the other end of the river bank.
The Road to Recovery
The rescue centre team was informed about the calf and asked for support. Dr. Panjit Basumatary, the centre’s veterinarian, took stock of the calf and kept him in the large animal nursery for overnight observation.
Meanwhile within seventy two hours of this calf being admitted, another two-month-old male elephant calf was found in Majuli Island with injuries by the Jorhat Forest Division and was taken from the custody of the religious head of Dakhinpat Satra, one of the major institutions of Vaishnavaite culture of Assam.
The calf was reluctant to stand up. The wounded areas were visibly swollen and he was limping at every step.
The religious head wanted to keep the calf to himself. Finally, after a long discussion and informing him about the strict Wildlife (Protection) Act of 1972 regarding a Schedule I species like the elephant, he agreed to hand over the calf for its better care.
The Jorhat Forest Division, in turn, informed the rescue centre team and requested support.
“The calf was dehydrated. There were four prominent puncture wounds over the right and left lateral part of the right carpal joint as well as on the left elbow joint of the fore limb. Another puncture wound was observed over the left buttock. The calf was reluctant to stand up. The wounded areas were visibly swollen and he was limping at every step,” according to Dr Biswajit Boruah, the veterinarian who attended the case.
The calf weighs 300 pounds and has been kept in the large animal nursery.
A female elephant calf had been separated from its mother when it fell into a tea garden trench about one and a half miles from the Kalapahar Daigurung elephant corridor. The forest staff managed to rescue the calf and bring it to the nearest forest beat to stay clear of crowds.
Unfortunately the calf was deserted once again but found by the forest staff in the same tea garden the very next morning.
The IFAW-WTI MVS team of Karbi Anglong, led by Dr. Daoharu Baro, and an animal keeper with the forest team tried to reunite the calf with the herd the same evening. To everyone’s excitement, the calf was taken away into the forest by an elephant but to ensure the reunion was successful, the team decided to keep watch for the next 48 hours.
The calf was deserted once again but found by the forest staff in the same tea garden the very next morning. The CWRC MVS team was informed and Dr. Panjit Basumatary and animal keepers rushed to the spot to support the baby for survival.
“The calf was in severe stress. We took utmost care for her betterment and shifted to CWRC. The animal was kept in the nursery with an animal keeper overnight. No abnormality was shown by the calf except stress,” said Dr. Panjit Basumatary.
With the admission of these three new elephant calves, CWRC now has a total of ten calves, of which three are male and seven are female. These calves are being hand raised to be rehabilitated back to the wild.
Rescued baby orangutan Gito receives physiotherapy.
This video update shows volunteer vet Sara helping Gito with some physiotherapy. When Gito arrived at our centre he was so weak and dehydrated that his hands and feet were stiff and he was unable to sit up, the vets therefore have been helping Gito to gain more movement and from this video you can see that he has become a lot more mobile. Read Gitos full story: www.internationalanimalrescue.org/gito
Orthopaedic Surgery for Beautiful Red Kite
This year, we had a few very special patients at Wildlife Aid. For the first time in 34 years, we had Red Kites at the hospital; five to be precise. One sadly died, three were returned to the wild and the fifth was recently released after going through orthopaedic surgery for a broken leg. Vet, Angus Anderson, from Anderson Abercromby Orthopaedic Veterinary Referrals, kindly operated on the bird, free of charge! Thanks to Angus, the bird was able to go back to the wild, where the species is definitely making a new home! Watch the kite's journey through the hospital and meet the vet who saved its life! PLEASE DONATE - Just £3 from every viewer can help us save many more animals! http://bit.ly/wafdonate - Thank you for your support.
We Step Up for Animals.
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Saddest Dog in the World Finds a Foster Home. You Won’t Believe How Happy She Is Now! Shelters can be a really scary place for a rescue dog. Being surrounded by other frightened and panicky pups who you don’t know, and having to listen to them bark and scratch at their doors makes it really hard to settle in and feel safe – no matter how nice the people around you are. I was lucky to be rescued as a puppy and I don’t remember the shelter too much anymore, but for older dogs who have spent a long time there, it isn’t so easy.
Lana was rescued as a puppy and brought to Mighty Mutts Shelter when she was only five months old. The kind people who took her in have worked really hard to help her learn to trust people but was quickly returned to the kennel after she was adopted once. After this experience, poor Lana was still so sad and would only come out of her kennel to play with TWO people.
Doesn’t this just break your heart!
After Lana’s carepeople posted this picture of her with an urgent appeal for foster parents. Within a few days, they were able to find a nice family to take her in and in no time at all, Lana went from the sad, scared pup above … to THIS!
Now that’s more like it!
If you’re thinking about adopting or fostering a dog, do your research before deciding to dive in. Dogs want a loving forever home, and there’s nothing more painful than being taken in just to get abandoned again if the people aren’t sure. Us dogs just want to be loved and we will give you all of ours the second we meet ya – hey, that’s just how we are!
So, if you’re ready to give all that love right back to a furry friend, I highly encourage you to adopt or foster! You’ll be saving a life and making big smiles like Lana’s possible! All image source: Mighty Mutts/Facebook
Blind dog left on a park bench learns what love feels like.
A blind dog was left abandoned and too terrified to move from a park bench after being dumped by her owners after she had puppies. But rescue workers are helping her start a new life. Sean Dowling (@seandowlingtv) has more.
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S. Korea Dog Meat Farm Demolished, Puppies Heading to the US.
Humane Society International has assisted in the demolition of a dog meat farm in Chungcheongnamdo, outside Seoul. HSI closed the farm in September and successfully transported the dogs to shelters in San Francisco area.
Orphaned by poachers - Murphy now has a place to play.
Murphy lost his mother as a cub and was sold by the hunter who killed her – and was destined to fall victim to the live animal trade until he was rescued by Vietnam’s Forest Protection Department.
He arrived whimpering, sad and lost. At six weeks old when he arrived, Murphy became the youngest bear at Animals Asia’s Vietnam sanctuary – the youngest sun bear the team would ever raise.
Now, after working with our bear workers and vet team for the past three months, Murphy is starting to become ready to face the world again.
And what could be more exciting than to have his own personal playroom? That it’s in the great outdoors is almost besides the point. The big draws for Murphy are the toys to play with, the structures to climb – and lots of space for twirls and tumbles.
If you'd like sponsor a bear like Murphy - rescued from the bear bile trade and being rehabilitated at our sanctuaries in China or Vietnam - you can do so here: http://bit.ly/1ax6j6I
MUSIC: "Mellow Yellow"
by Martijn de Boer (NiGiD)
Rescued From Slaughter, a Horse Gives Birth to a Foal Who Will Never Know the Cruelty She Endured. The horse slaughter industry is a blight on humanity. Every year, thousands of horses are shipped to slaughter plants in Mexico and Canada for human consumption. All breeds, ages, and condition of horses can find themselves being loaded onto a crowded transport truck heading for slaughter – it seems as though no horse is safe.
Despite the sheer number of horses that experience this horror every year, most people are unaware of just how prominent this cruel industry is or just how far it reaches. Statistics show that nearly 80,000 horses are killed for meat every year, this includes foals as well as pregnant mares.
Horses bound for slaughter often begin their journey in auction houses. Many unwanted horses are sent to auction by their owners with hopes that their animals will find a new home. Unfortunately, most will end up entering the slaughter pipeline regardless of where they once came from or their past lives; a once well-loved companion horse is just as likely to be slaughtered as an ex-racehorse.
Once purchased by a kill buyer, horses are typically loaded onto a trailer, crammed in with other frightened horses and forced to endure a horrifying journey. It is not unusual for horses to be transported for up to 36 hours without food or water and often in extreme weather conditions. The journey will likely end at one of several slaughter plants operating in Mexico or Canada. The amount of stress these animals are put through is beyond cruel and unnecessary; all in the name of monetary gain. Pregnant horses are included in these statistics on a regular basis. There is no rule preventing the slaughter of a pregnant horse unless she is at risk of foaling during transport. Thus, mares well into their pregnancies can find themselves in the kill pens awaiting a horrific fate.
This is the story of how one mother-to-be was saved in time and the miracle foal that should not have been.
A Mother-to-Be
Lady, the horse, found herself standing in a kill pen, owned by a local kill buyer. The buyer’s intent was to ship her to slaughter in order to make a profit. Her past unknown, she had been sent to auction by her previous owners only to end up in the hands of the “meat man.” She was elderly, neglected and in need of compassion. Lady was also pregnant and beside her stood a six-month-old foal that was rescued; Lady was left behind. For most in this situation, this is where their story ends, however, thanks to a number of kind individuals, Lady was rescued just in the nick of time. It was not long before she found a permanent safe place to land and joined the herd at Penny Lane Farm Sanctuary.
When Lady came to live at our sanctuary, we quickly surmised that she had been used as broodmare, likely producing many foals over her life time. She was in her mid-twenties when she first arrived, and her health was failing her as she suffered from severe heaves (a respiratory illness) and arthritis, conditions that are hard on any horse let alone a pregnant one. Already quite advanced in her pregnancy, she was provided with the care and comfort she needed. Given her turbulent past, it took her awhile to settle in and realize that she was safe. At the time, she seemed unable to fathom a life where she would never be forced to produce more offspring and only know peace and understanding. But this was what the future held for this sweet horse.
In late August of 2013, Lady finally gave birth to a foal – a miracle foal that once had very little chance of seeing the light of day or feeling the grass beneath his hooves. Blue, as the foal was named, was brought into this world completely healthy and full of life. His innocence was intact, unaware of the cruelties in the world. It was not long before Lady’s demeanor began to change – she was happier, more comfortable with her surroundings and her health improved drastically.
Today, both remain together (Blue was adopted by a volunteer at the sanctuary) and are able to continue building their strong relationship. Lady, now 26 years old, spends her days in the company of her companions – horses and humans. Her quality of life is monitored on a daily basis, and she is kept comfortable. Neither will ever have to know the suffering felt by some many of their counterparts. They are free – a fact denied to far too many horses.
How You Can Help
Lady and Blue’s story is just one example of how people can take a stand against the horse slaughter industry. Once considered as mere disposable objects, exploited for human greed, these two horses were given a second chance at life thanks to kindness. Thousands more just like them are not so fortunate.
Know that you know the facts about horse slaughter, share this post and educate others around you. By raising awareness, the greater the chance becomes to make a difference in their lives. Contact your local government officials and tell them the end horse slaughter once and for all. You can also make a huge difference in the lives of rescued horses in supporting equine rescues and sanctuaries by volunteering or donating.
“All beings seek for happiness; so let your compassion extend itself to all.”
-Mahavamsa
9 Chickens Left Anonymously at the Gates of a Farm Sanctuary Get a Second Chance at a Happy Life.
Chickens are some of the most misunderstood and mistreated animals in the agriculture industry. Although many companies claim to raise their chickens used for meat in a “better” or ”more humane” environment, adhering to cage-free or free-range standards, in reality, life for these animals is hardly an improvement. In free-range and cage-free facilities, tens of thousands of chickens are forced to live in small sheds where they will likely never get to see grass or fresh air in their lifetimes. They may “technically” have access to the outdoors, by way of a small window or door, but the sheer volume of birds makes it near impossible for any to enjoy this marginal freedom.
While most people overlook the suffering that these animals experience in their short lives, there are some who are actively working to change this. This video shows the incredible story of nine broiler chicks who were rescued from the sad fate of becoming a meal and given a second chance at a happy life at Edgar’s Mission.
It seems perfectly fitting that the kind person who surrendered these chicks to Edgar’s left a note saying that the birds were “friends not food,” as this is the exact idea that the sanctuary works so diligently to get across. In the expert care of their new guardians, these chicks will have the chance to learn what it means to be a chicken and grow up without the fear or harm or abuse.
If you would like to learn more about Edgar’s Mission, check out their website here.
Beautiful Pictures of Rescued Piglets in Their New Sanctuary Home Will Make Your Heart Smile. It is a great tragedy that pigs – like many other animals raised to satisfy human tastes and desires – are treated as little more than insentient commodities by the meat industry. Whenever pigs have been allowed to live in peace, they are renowned for their empathy, cleanliness, outstanding intellectual prowess, and ability to form close friendships with other animals and humans.
Sadly, pigs are rarely given the chance to express just what wonderful, complex beings they truly are. Opponents of the cruel factory farming system sometimes recommend “humanely” farmed meat, produced on small farms, as a kinder alternative. However, the tragic story of a family of pigs rescued from a small backyard slaughterhouse in NY last month demonstrates that these small farms are, all too often, not nearly as “humane” as they purport to be.
The rescue effort was carried out by a team of volunteers from Woodstock Farm Sanctuary, Farm Sanctuary, Catskill Animal Sanctuary, the Hudson Valley SPCA, and Skylands Animal Sanctuary & Rescue. The team was horrified by the gruesome sight that met their eyes in the nightmarish yard, where rotting corpses littered the ground and “the living were made to live among the dead.” Two hundred animals were saved. Woodstock Farm Sanctuary took in nine goats, five sheep, and one mother pig nursing her five baby piglets.
Luckily, the mama pig and her five babies are now doing very well in their new home! Woodstock recently posted a series of pictures to their Facebook page, showing just how well the babies have been doing since their arrival.
This photo, taken just one week after the family was rescued, shows just what a difference a bit of TLC made in their lives.
The orange and black baby is named Michael, the pink and black one is called Mr. Drinky, and the three pink piglets are Cinnamon, Nutmeg and Ginger. Their mother has simply been named “Momma” – Woodstock have admitted that they “weren’t super creative with that one!”
Visitors are enthralled by them.
Have you ever seen a cuter line-up?
The piglets love fooling around…
… rooting for tasty tidbits…
… and spending some quality time with Momma!
Their carers find it hard to believe that these sweet animals were once “living in filth and fear and doomed to be killed by a backyard butcher.”
However, they now get to live out the rest of their days in peace.
Seeing how these piggies are living now, it is hard to believe that any other life would have been possible for them. These creatures are incredibly intelligent and emotional beings that deserve the chance to enjoy their days without the threat of abuse or fear of pain. Let’s hope that these sweet piggies have many years of joy ahead of them! All image source: Woodstock Farm Sanctuary/Facebook.
Don’t Punish Woman Who Rescued Neglected Dog.
Target: Joel Fitzgerald, Fort Worth Chief of Police
Petition: Click Here To Sign!
Goal: Don’t charge woman for rescuing a severely neglected dog from her allegedly abusive owner.
Shelby Corker was arrested by the Fort Worth Police Department on the 22nd of October for rescuing an underweight dog with no tag, collar or microchip found wandering in the street. The 25-year-old woman took the female Saint-Bernard to her family veterinarian and paid for the dog’s vaccination and medical care, which included treating her for malnutrition, yeast infections in both ears, a polyp near her eye and a skin infection.
The dog’s owner tracked down Ms. Corker on social media and requested she return his dog, but she refused to do so as the dog had been badly neglected. This was confirmed by a letter from her veterinarian, Dr. Kelly Bruner, addressed to Fort Worth police stating that the dog was 30 pounds underweight and “did not appear to have been receiving a good standard of care.” The man filed a report with the police claiming Ms. Corker had stolen his dog. She was arrested and the severely emaciated Saint-Bernard was handed back to her owner.
Instead of being rewarded for her charitable act of rescuing a dog in need and for paying for her veterinary care, Ms. Corker was instead taken into custody. Meanwhile, Fort Worth Animal Care and Control, to whom the dog was taken following the arrest, turned the Saint-Bernard back to the person who was allegedly responsible for her not receiving proper nutrition and medical care.
Sign the petition below to urge the Fort Worth Police Department to drop theft charges against Shelby Corker and fully investigate the dog’s condition. The allegedly neglectful owner needs to be charged with animal abuse for malnourishing his dog and not affording her much-needed veterinary care.
Dear Police Chief Fitzgerald,
Shelby Corker was unjustly arrested by the Fort Worth Police Department after rescuing an emaciated Saint-Bernard female who was found with no tag, collar or microchip. The dog was 30 pounds underweight and suffered from a host of medical issues including a polyp near her eye, yeast infections in both ears and a skin infection causing hair loss.
In a letter addressed to your police department, Ms. Corker’s veterinarian, Dr. Kelly Bruner, clearly expressed that the dog “did not appear to have been receiving a good standard of care” in her owner’s custody. This important information was however ignored and the malnourished dog was returned to a person allegedly guilty of not giving her the nutrition and medical care he is legally required to.
I urge you to drop theft charges against Ms. Corker — a young woman who was simply trying to help an animal in need — and fully investigate the Saint-Bernard’s owner for allegedly failing to provide his animal with proper nutrition and veterinary care.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Photo credit: Frances N. Finley
Husky Adopts Rescued Kitten and Becomes the World’s Proudest Mama. Introducing a new family member can require a little time and patience. Especially when, two of those family members are of different species! But despite what the cartoons would have you believe, dogs and cats can be excellent friends. This is especially the case when new kittens are added to a grown up dog family. Perhaps they too get caught up in all of that kitty cat cuteness, like the rest of us!
These photos from Imgur user INDIG0MONKEY, show the budding love story between a small rescued kitten and the husky who adopted her. Prepare yourself for the ultimate cute overload.
This husky is clearly smitten with her little kitty cat companion.
“You’re all mine now little kitteh!”
This smart kitty has found the most comfortable spot in the house to sleep in.
“Oh good, stay there. Now I can always keep an eye on you.”
Is this not the glowing face of an incredibly proud parent? You can almost hear the kitten thinking “I got it from my mama!”
Four fuzzy faces and bushy tails, now this is one beautiful family photo! Who says they’re any different from one another?
This cuteness overload was brought to you by the good animals of the world, who prove to us everyday that love is always possible if you are open to it, despite difference in species. If only people could learn this lesson, the world would be a much happier place! All image source: INDIG0MONKEY/Imgur
Pixie the Rescued Bowlegged Calf Is One Step Closer to Prancing Around Like a Pro!
When Pixie the calf first arrived at Edgar’s Mission, she was severely malnourished and could barely walk due to a leg deformity. Thankfully, the people at Edgar’s Mission have done everything in their power to help Pixie. She’s shown dramatic improvement over the short month that she’s been with them.
In this video update, Edgar’s Founder, Pam Ahern explains that Pixie recently underwent surgery to loosen her tight leg tendons. They didn’t want to have to resort to surgery due to the risk of complications, but they’re glad to report that everything went smoothly and Pixie is now much steadier on her feet.
It seems that Pixie grows a little stronger with every update and we are confident that this sweet calf will be running and jumping in no time!
To learn more about Edgar’s Mission and what they do or to send a donation, please visit their website here.
Kind Man Takes in 5 Motherless Kittens and Completely Changes Their Lives.
As the spring and summer months roll around, animal shelters see a huge influx of orphaned kittens and puppies. While you might think that being surrounded by hundreds of kittens and puppies sounds like a dream, for these shelters – many of which are already at maximum capacity – providing the special care and attention needed to help these babies thrive can be extremely overwhelming. Thankfully, this is where foster pet parents come in!
The kittens in this video came into the Sante Fe Animal Shelter in desperate need of a foster parent. Kittens their age need to be fed every few hours so the shelter’s coordinator had to find a willing foster ASAP.
Luckily, a kind man named Peter volunteered to help out and happily took in the five needy kitties. Although caring for kittens is a lot of work, this kind man was willing to do whatever it takes to give them a fighting shot at life and a future forever home!
If you want to help animals in need, but aren’t ready to adopt a pet, consider becoming a foster parent! Click here to learn more.
Rescuing a dog from the bed of a submerged truck.
In Winthrop, WA a rescue crew rafts out into the rapids to save a dog stranded in a truck bed.
To use this video in a commercial player, advertising or in broadcasts, please email Viral Spiral: contact@viralspiralgroup.com
Here’s How a Blind Cat That No One Wanted Changed This Man’s Life. Anyone who has adopted a cat knows that once you adopt one of these four-legged felines, your life will change forever. Cats are very independent animals, but they are also endlessly loyal and loving. These animals are the second most popular pet (sorry, dogs are still winning that one), however, despite their popularity, there are still an estimated 70 million homeless cats right here in the U.S.!
Sure, some of these cats belong to feral communities, but many are waiting to be adopted in animal shelters. And this is hardly a U.S. specific reality. There are around 600 million cats across the world and they need us just as much as we need them. Don’t believe us? Just look at Patrick Corr and his cat, Stevie.
When Patrick met Stevie, she was living at the Animal Care Society of Cork in Ireland. She was a blind senior cat having trouble finding a home, so Patrick stepped in.
Although he needed to make a few adjustments in his life to help Stevie navigate his house, she was certainly worth it.
Stevie can’t see, but she is an incredibly fast learner and is not afraid to face all the fun life has to offer. She is certainly an inspiration to us all.
Patrick writes on Imgur, “She changed my life. I wasn’t really a cat person before I met her.”
There are millions of Stevies in the world who are still looking for their Patrick. Check out this video and let’s help some more cats in need find amazing homes! All image source: Imgur
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