#Pet Rescue Blog

[defilerwyrm]

There’s this guy in town who owns this little house, and a while back he rescued a street dog that was going to get put down. Turned out she was pregnant.

Problem is, he has mental health & drug issues and couldn’t afford to get them all spayed & neutered, so now there are 6 grown bitches with 15 puppies total, and they’ve dug under his fence in multiple places but he can’t afford to fix it so they go roaming all around town. (When I say can’t afford it, I mean his house is currently running on a generator because he can’t afford his electric bill.) He’s also a day laborer so he cannot take multiple full days off work to take them to the vet an hour away. He’s in a really rough spot.

He’s not a bad person. He’s just overwhelmed.

And this little conservative town with 6 churches for 300 people, have they tried to help their neighbor? Have they adopted the puppies he’s been trying to give away? Have they offered resources?

NOPE! All they wanna do is talk shit about him and complain about the dogs but never lift a finger of their own. And they come to his house to yell at him and cuss him out about the dogs, which does not exactly engender in him a cooperative attitude, as you might imagine.

So after a while of this going on, my mom gets fed up with all the NIMBY bullshit and starts talking to the guy, because she’s done animal rescue for 20-odd years and has Connections. He’s resistant at first, but when he realizes she’s not being an asshole to him on account of his addiction or the dogs, he decides to let her help.

She gets to work organizing and networking. Finds a non-profit that will cover vaccinations, spay/neuter, and flea treatments for all the dogs. Talks the next-door neighbor into paying for materials to fix the fence, since this guy can do the work of it himself. Gets him in touch with another non-profit that will adopt out the adult dogs.

Less than 2 weeks after she decided to do something, all puppies have been to the vet, 10 puppies and 4 adult dogs have been adopted out, and the second non-profit is coming by next week to pick up the remaining 7 dogs to ship them out for adoption.

I’ve learned a lot of things from my mom—some good, some bad—but I think the most important positive message she lives as an example of is this: sometimes, when something needs done and no one else is willing, you gotta stand up and say “I’ll do it.”

[fynnthefeline]

Greetings, my fabulous fur-friends! 🐾

Today, I’m embracing my inner royalty. I’ve claimed the kitchen table as my throne, elegantly stretched out with my front paws crossed—because, you know, a cat’s gotta keep it classy. 😸

I’ve been doing a lot of deep thinking while lounging here. What’s next on my agenda? Should I go for a stroll, perhaps a little game with my blue mouse, or maybe keep an eye on the garden visitors? So many important choices for a fabulous cat like me.

But for now, I’ll just keep lounging here, looking cute and letting the day unfold. Sometimes, the best action plan is… no plan at all. 😉 Stay fabulous, friends!

Fynn 🐾 #FynnsTales

[meraki24601]

OMG omg is it too soon to ask for a part 2 to the last Drabble you wrote?? (Sibling caretaker and whumpee) the cliffhanger was crazy

LOL definitely not too soon friend. I wanted to write a second part anyway, but I wanted to make sure people liked the first part before I did. Enjoy! (Also I'm not good at tagging people but here @tettlod!)

Part 1

-----------*-***-*-----------

A New Pet Part 2

Whumper’s fingers twisted sweetly but securely into my hair as I clung to the trashcan pressed against my chest. Any stray strands were caught before they could drop into my face. “It’s alright, Caretaker, don’t try to fight it. I should have known this surprise would be too much. Trauma isn’t something to mess with. I’m sorry.”

Another wave of nausea rushed over me as I made eye contact with my younger sibling. Their eyes darted away from mine the instant they met, but not before I could see the recognition behind them. 

“You kidnapped Whumpee.” My voice ground from my throat. All I could do was keep the disgust out of my tone. This was dangerous ground. The way Whumper’s fist tightened in my hair was evidence enough. 

“I rescued them. Caretaker, Whumpee isn’t human anymore. Your parents took that from them. Do you think it was bad during your childhood?” Whumper released my hair, their hand dragged down my face instead and curled under my chin to force my gaze on them. “I asked them, Caretaker. I asked them what it was like after you left. Before I broke them of their bad habits, I needed to understand them. You taught me that.”

A shiver ran down my spine as Whumper shifted to sit on the floor beside me. Their chest pressed against my back, and one hand rubbed my still churning stomach. Their free hand dipped into my pocket and pulled out my phone. My lock screen was me and Whumper holding my two rescue cats. “A feral animal is only dangerous when it feels it is in danger. If an animal has been hurt by its owners, it will bite you when you try to show it love. 

“When you left, your family hurt Whumpee. Look at the scars on their skin. There’s a surprising beauty in the savage pattern. I hope one day you’ll show me yours. They’re older and cleaner, aren’t they? Whumpee told me how the beatings changed. Rough, more often. They took away their food. Locked them in the tiny closet where I found them. They’re dead, by the way. Your parents? It was quick. You don’t have to worry anymore.”

The world around me spun as Whumper lifted me to my feet. “You don’t need to be afraid of Whumpee either. I can feel you shaking. It’s okay. I’m here. Their training isn’t fully complete yet, but I promise I would never put you in a situation where you were in danger. You mean too much to me.” Whumper’s steady support was the only thing keeping me upright as we walked to the elegant cage. “I was lost without you, Caretaker. Before I found you, my business was on the brink of failure. My old pet had to be put down, and the new one refused to take my training. The mansion was drowning in chaos, and the staff was uncoordinated.”

“I gave you advice.” The ringing in my ears was getting worse. “I taught you new consequences for your rescue pet’s bad behavior.”

“A breakthrough!” Whumper’s grip disappeared as they danced around me. The cage rang as I gripped it desperately, trying to stay upright. Whumper didn’t even notice as they ran their hands over a shelf of black boxes. “The other rehabilitators were shocked when I showed them what you taught me. Your technique is now used worldwide to help people with disobedient or stressed pets.”

My heart pounded in my chest. Whumper was insane. This was beyond just one kidnapping. I’ve been a personal assistant to a high-ranking member of a human trafficking ring. Not only that, my name had been spread worldwide. 

Whumper wasn’t stupid. They might have been turning their back on me for a moment, but when I looked everywhere they moved, their eyes followed me in the reflections around the room. If they decided they didn’t like my response, I could be the next person in a cage. I had to keep them talking until I could compose myself. A whole childhood of hiding emotions and pain was about to come in handy. Add on the past years of practice I had managing people and learning to connect, and there was a chance both Whumpee and I could make it out of this alive.

“How did you find my parents? They were off the grid. I couldn’t even find them.” It wasn’t a strong start but, it was enough to get Whumper talking.

They rambled as I fully took in Whumpee’s state. Some of their wounds were open and bleeding lightly. They didn’t move except for a small shiver against the cold air in the room. If I didn’t know them, I would have said they were completely empty where they knelt. Dissociating or somehow absent from the terrible conversation surrounding them. 

It was a lie. They were there. They were fighting. 

I could see the tension leaving Whumper’s shoulders as they talked and moved around the clean, newly renovated basement, seemingly pleased with my continued questions. They gathered boxes onto a cart and set up a medical table in the corner of the room. It took them nearly 15 minutes before they seemed satisfied with their preparations and moved back to the cage. 

The cage door opened. Whumper was cautious, failing to hide the knife in their hand as they allowed me to pass into the cage. “I meant it when I said I wanted us to train our new pet together. This is a new start for all of us, and there’s no one I trust more to handle this. Do you want to greet them?”

Silence but the sound of my footsteps took control of the room. As I walked into the cage, listening carefully for the sound of hinges closing behind me, Whumpee deepened their kneeling position until their head touched the floor, tilted slightly where their neck was exposed. A thin scar barely touching their neck and leading down their collarbones stole my breath away. 

The scar was the sister to the one on my own shoulder. A three-year-old scar that reminded me every day of when I finally had enough. Father had been drunk. Mother was gone. Father threw his bottle at Whumpee, cutting them. I jumped between them. He didn’t like it. Whumpee simply stood there as he used the glass shards to carve deep into my shoulder. When he finished, Whumpee yelled at me for not stopping him before they got hurt. That it was my fault.

We argued. I left.

Now was my chance to make up for that. First, I had to buy myself time to prepare. 

I didn’t have to make my voice cold as I spoke to Whumpee for the first time in three years. “Look at me.”

Whumpee didn’t move. My hand wrapped around the back of their neck, scruffing them like a cat as best I could while pressing my thumb into their matching scar. “I said, look at me.”

Their face stayed blank, but I could see hope build behind Whumpee’s eyes as they followed my order. They heard the truth in my words as I spoke, “You’re safe now, Whumpee. We’re going to take good care of you.” I would always take care of my sibling, and they knew it. It was just like before. Once I could take control, I would get them to safety, no matter the cost.

“Whumper,” I asked, “Those were medical supplies you were setting up, right? I hate to ask you to leave our new pet so soon, but I would appreciate it if I could have a moment alone with them. Would you help me get them on the table? I’ll be done by the time their wounds are bandaged.”

A grin broke out on Whumper’s face as they joined us in the cage. Whumpee tried to flinch away, but I kept my grip sturdy on their neck. I had to take control. 

“You’re sure, Caretaker? This must be a lot for you at once. I don’t want you to overwhelm yourself. Some of their wounds are deep.” Whumper questioned as they helped me. They honestly seemed to be worried about my PTSD. 

I pulled the neck of my shirt aside, showing Whumper the scar on my shoulder that now gave me courage. “I have plenty of experience caring for injuries. I need a moment to figure out what I want from our pet. I’m sure you have ideas, but I’m new to this. Some time to process would be great, and then we can start writing up a plan for the future.”

Whumpee whimpered as Whumper chained them to the medical table they had set up. A tear rolled down Whumper’s cheek as they looked down on my younger sibling. “You really are amazing, you know that Caretaker. To think, I was worried you would run from me.” 

Blood smeared across my cheek as Whumper brushed my hair out of my face. They leaned in slowly and kissed my forehead. “I’ll be waiting for you upstairs. There are cameras in here. If you need anything, anything at all, just call. I’ll be here.” They walked away, closing and locking the door behind them.

Part 3

[lovingcare-1210pro]

[dogdaz]

Wonderful Wednesday: The Vacation

[healthydoghabits]

Dogs are our best friends in sickness and in health!

Learn just how dogs can contribute to our physical and emotional well-being.

Dogs, often hailed as humans’ best friends, have been the topic of many scientific studies looking into how they might boost our well-being. In this Spotlight, we’ll explain how your friendly pup can benefit your health across the board.

According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), an estimated 78 million dogs are owned as pets in the United States. It is unclear when dogs were first domesticated, but a study Trusted Source published last year claims that, at least in Europe, dogs were tamed 20,000–40,000 years ago. It is likely that humans and dogs have shared a special bond of friendship and mutual support ever since at least the Neolithic period — but why has this bond been so long-lasting?

Of course, these cousins of the wolves have historically been great at keeping us and our dwellings safe, guarding our houses, our cattle, and our various material goods. Throughout history, humans have also trained dogs to assist them with hunting, or they have bred numerous quirky-looking species for their cuteness or elegance.

However, dogs are also — and might have always been — truly valued companions, famed for their loyalty and seemingly constant willingness to put a smile on their owners’ faces.

In this Spotlight, we outline the research that shows how our dogs make us happier, more resilient when facing stress, and physically healthier, to name but a few ways in which these much-loved quadrupeds support our well-being.

How dogs keep you in good health.

Many studies have suggested that having dogs as pets is associated with better physical health, as reviews Trusted Source of the existing literature show. These findings persist. Just last year, Medical News Today reported on a study that showed that owning a dog reduces a person’s risk of premature death by up to a third. Also, researchers at the University of Harvard in Cambridge, MA, suggest that dog owners have a lower risk of heart disease. Why is that? It is difficult to establish a causal relationship between owning a dog and enjoying better health.

However, the benefits may appear thanks to a series of factors related to lifestyle adjustments that people tend to make after they decide to adopt a canine friend.

The most prominent such lifestyle factor is physical activity. There is no way around it: if you own a dog, you have to commit to twice daily walks — and sometimes even more.

According to a paper Trusted Source published in The Journal of Physical Activity and Health, dog owners are more likely to walk for leisure purposes than both non-pet owners and people who own pet cats.

The results were based on studying a cohort of 41,514 participants from California, some of whom owned dogs, some of whom owned cats, and some of whom did not have any pet

Moreover, several recent studies — including one from the University of Missouri in Columbia and another from Glasgow Caledonian University in the United Kingdom — found that adults aged 60 and over enjoy better health thanks to the “enforced” exercise they get by walking their dogs.

Dogs can strengthen our health not just as we grow older, but also much, much earlier than that: before we are even born. Research published last year suggests that children who were exposed to dogs while still in the womb — as their mothers spent time around dogs during pregnancy — had a lower risk of developing eczema in early childhood.

Also, children exposed to certain bacteria carried by dogs also experienced a reduction of asthma symptoms, the researchers noted.

‘Dogs make people feel good’

Perhaps the most intuitive benefit of sharing your life and home with a canine friend is that dogs give you “feel-good vibes” almost instantly.

Dogs are often used as therapy animals because they have a calming effect on people.

It is really difficult not to cheer up, even after a hard day’s work, when you are greeted with — often vocal — enthusiasm by a friendly dog.

This, researchers explain, is due to the effect of the “love hormone” oxytocin.

“During the last decades,” write the authors of a review that featured in Frontiers in Psychology, “animal assistance in therapy, education, and care has greatly increased.”

When we interact with dogs, our oxytocin levels shoot up. Since this is the hormone largely responsible for social bonding, this hormonal “love injection” boosts our psychological well-being.

Previous studies analyzed in the review have revealed that dog owners have more positive social interactions, and that the presence of canine friends makes people more trusting…and also more deserving of trust. Moreover, dogs appear to reduce symptoms of depression and render people more resilient to stress. That is why dogs are often used as therapy animals.

As researcher Brian Hare, of Duke University in Durham, NC, noted in an interview for The Washington Post:

“Dogs make people feel good, and their only job is to help people in stressful situations feel better.”

Researchers hypothesize that therapy dogs can improve the psychological well-being of children going through cancer therapy, as well as help individuals diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) deal with disruptive symptom Trusted Source or even prevent the onset of PTSD episodes.

What clinical research in dogs can teach us. Our canine companions could also give us clues and open new avenues of research when it comes to clinical research concerning our own health problems.

Dogs share many diseases with humans; by learning more about them, we can also learn more about ourselves. A study that MNT covered earlier this year reveals that dogs share certain metabolic conditions — such as obesity — with their human owners.

Thus, learning more about dogs’ gut microbiota and how they are affected by diet could help us understand how best to tackle our own eating habits.

Like humans, dogs can also develop some forms of cancer. Much like us, dogs can get brain tumors to similarly destructive effect, so learning which genes predispose our canine companions to gliomas may also be translated into cancer research for human patients.

Moreover, a contagious form of canine cancer could shed light into how forms of cancer found in humans have come to develop. Dogs can also experience certain features characteristic of dementia, such as impaired problem-solving abilities.

Dr. Rosalind Arden, of the London School of Economics and Political Science in the U.K., “are one of the few animals that reproduce many of the key features of dementia.”

Researchers explain that by understanding how cognitive tasks are affected in these quadrupeds, we may become better equipped to solve the riddle of dementia in the case of humans, too “Dogs,” notes

“[S]o,” she goes on to add, “understanding their cognitive abilities could be valuable in helping us to understand the causes of this disorder in humans and possibly test treatments for it.”

Dogs are not just incredibly loveable and often very funny friends whose antics fuel the Internet’s store of memes continuously; their company also keeps us in good physical shape. Also, their health problems — sadly but endearingly — often mirror our own.

Most of all, however, we welcome them into our lives — and have done so since time immemorial — because they instantly bring us the sort of joy and calm that we would otherwise have to work hard to obtain.

Author Dean Koontz summarized this perfectly in his memoir of his own much-loved dog:

“One of the greatest gifts we receive from dogs is the tenderness they evoke in us."

By their delight in being with us, the reliable sunniness of their disposition, the joy they bring to playtime, the curiosity with which they embrace each new experience, dogs can melt cynicism, and sweeten the bitter heart..

[jumpstartfactoftheday]

The JumpStart Blog once posted these images showing the process of creating box art for a game, in this case for JumpStart Pet Rescue for the Wii. The final version of the box art is displayed in the lower right.

[lastmurianwarrior]

((Been the wildest couple of weeks. The animals I mentioned in the last ooc post have all either found forever homes or been taken in by a rescue.))

[collectingtoday]

[riddlefromthemiddle]

40 things for Friday #110 (Five months, the cat distribution system, and my personal version of needlepoint.)

Nothing screams Friday like a little melodrama. #40Things #FridayBlogging #weekend #humor #cats #CatDistributionSystem #RFTM

[101now]

After the wildfires, Maui Humane Society continues massive effort to rescue pets, reunite them with families

Ever since the tragic wildfires erupted in Maui in early August, a large-scale effort has been underway to assist pet-owning families with locating their beloved animals and reuniting those animals with their families, bringing perhaps some comfort at a very tough time for many people.  The Maui Humane Society, on Aug. 9, launched the “Maui Fires Pets Help Group,” a mutual-aid Facebook group, the…

[fynnthefeline]

Hey there, fabulous fur-friends! 🐾

Can you believe it’s been two whole months since I found my forever home?! 🏡 Time flies when you’re living the good life! 😸

Let me tell you, these past two months have been purrfectly amazing. My human showers me with love, snuggles, and more head scratches than I could ever dream of. 💕 Every day, she tells me how much she loves me, how much joy and laughter I bring into her life and how grateful she is to have found me. I mean, can you blame her? Look at me! 😼

In return, I’ve made it my mission to fill her days with as much feline awesomeness as possible—whether I’m zooming around with my favorite mouse, snoozing in the sun, or just giving her that *special* blink-kiss. 😽

Here’s to many more cuddles, headbumps, and adventures ahead. Happy two months, me! 🎉

So, fur-friends, if you’re thinking about expanding your family, remember that there are so many amazing souls waiting for their forever homes in shelters all over the world. 💕 Please #adoptdontshop and make your own pawsome memories.

Love,  

Fynn 🐾💖 #FynnsTales

[magz]

TLDR; Difficult situations, and very broke. Need money support.

Urgent Goal: $40usd (RD$2400) Other Bigger Goal: $520usd (RD$31.200)

Ko-Fi. Pay Pal (accepts card). Wishlist. [About Donations] Accepting art commissions ($45+usd) on Ko-fi and Direct Message. Art blog: @magzanilla

Summary; Magz is a black nonbinary autistic adult in "third world", with speech disability (considered "nonverbal") and other disabilities. Trying find accessible job may be able do and improve life with help, but there some big obstacles at this phase.

Complicated also, even family broke from medical expenses and moving for child health.

Fund is for food, pet supplies (cats rescued), general supplies, medical stuff, needs related to daily electric outages, and buffer until hopefully have more money flow in.

Consider donating, commissioning, boosting, and/or buying from wishlist.

Will turn off reblogs when get all. Update in replies. (Date: August 28, 2024)

[dogdaz]

Wonderful Wednesday: Splooting

The other day, V took a picture of a squirrel splooting on our deck. What is SPLOOTING you may ask?  Splooting is when a four-legged animal kicks out one or both back legs behind its body. In general, there is no cause for alarm. It could be just a stretch for the hips. But because of the terrible heat caused by climate change, many squirrels are splooting all over the place. This usually means…