Standing at 6’4” Tall, a Cow Named Blosom, is Officially Recognized as the Tallest Cow by Guinness World Records

Although she is no longer alive, the 2,000-lb cow was announced as the new record holder on June 25.

Blosom, who was named by Guinness as the world's tallest living cow last August, died on a farm in northern Illinois on May 26, after holding that record for less than a year.

Guinness World Records said that the 13-year-old female Holstein will “live on in the record books as the world's tallest cow eve”.

The average weight for a mature Holstein cow is 1,500 pounds and 'top producing Holsteins' have been known to produce more than 72,000-lb of milk in a year when milked three times a day, according to Holstein Association USA.

“The funny thing about Blosom was how unaffected she was by all the attention that seemed to surround her”, Blosom's owner, Patty Meads-Hanson, told Guinness World Records following the news of the animal's latest record.

“As long as she had her oats, daily chin rubs and ear scratches, life was good.” she said.

Hanson said she is not sure what was wrong with Blosom, but had to have her put down after two veterinarians said they could not save her.

On Facebook, at the time of Blosom's passing, Hanson later wrote that the animal had seemed to have slipped in the mud and damaged a ligament in her hip causing her to never be able to stand.

Hanson said Blosom was buried in her favorite pasture, with her head facing east toward the farm. 

Hanson, who had Blosom since she was eight weeks old, said she knew the animal was special when she was a calf. 

After learning the cow could not bear a calf, Hanson decided to keep her as a pet instead of sending Blosom to slaughter, RRStar.com reported.

Blosom was born to two normal sized cows and was at her tallest when she was eight years old, Hanson told Guinness World Records.

“Blosom is the pride of the farm,” Hanson said in an interview last year. “I love to share her with my guests and she loves to greet them. 

Many of my guests come from the city, and to have a cow officially greet them adds to the ambiance of the farm.”

Hanson said she sought the record after veterinarians, the cow's foot trimmer and her father constantly noted Blosom's large size.

At the end of May 2014, family and friends began documenting Blosom's large size through photos and videos. Her official measurements were taken by a vet from Orangeville Animal Health Service.

In October 2014, Patty and Blosom posed for their official Guinness World Records photo.

Blosom will appear in the 2016 edition of the Guinness World Records book which will be out in September.

Last week, Hanson also shared news on Facebook that PETA had extended condolences following Blosom's passing, and that a gold leaf would be added to their Tree of life memorial at its national headquarters in Richmond, Virginia.

Following the news Hanson wrote on Facebook: “I am very proud of Blosom, and thrilled that PETA views her worthy of this huge honor and recognition! Her memory lives on”.

Hanson said she cannot wait for its release and that she misses Blosom 'terribly'.

“I will cherish our memories forever,” she said. “I am excited for the world to meet Blosom in the 2016 edition, but I know it will be very bittersweet.” She said.

The previous title holder for the tallest cow ever was a 6-foot-2 Holstein-Durham cross called Mount Katahdin who held the title from 1906-1910.

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Cabell County, West Virginia: A Man Was Charged for Confining Two Deer in His Home for Over a Year

West Virginia Natural Resources Police received a complaint on July 4th of deer being kept in a home. When they arrived to the residence, they found two bucks and set them free.

A man now faces charges for illegally confining wildlife and his prosecution is pending.

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Caitlyn, The Pit Bull Who Was Found with Her Muzzle Taped Shut Will Be in Shirtless Firefighters Calendar

Is it getting hot in here, or is it just some shirtless firefighters cavorting on the beach, alongside a formerly abused pit bull?

Caitlyn the pit bull was discovered with her muzzle taped shut in late May, in North Charleston, South Carolina.

She was so badly injured at the time that staff from the Charleston Animal Society, which assumed Caitlyn's care, worried she might not make it.

But after a lot of medical treatment, and a whole lot of love, Caitlyn is doing great. (Her alleged abuser was arrested and charged with animal cruelty in early June.)

She's now recovering in a foster home, where she has a new best doggie friend.

And in her spare time, Caitlyn is starring with area firefighters in a really, really ridiculously good-looking calendar -- the proceeds of which will help other abused, abandoned and neglected animals also get medical care.

"I do have a fun job, don't I?" says Charleston Animal Society's Caroline Eller, who organized the calendar and took some of its especially memorable behind-the-scenes shots.

Eller says that on top of raising much-needed funds -- medical care costs the Charleston Animal Society some $500,000 per year -- she hopes that this calendar encourages folks to adopt their next pet.

"I'm a firm believer that an animal knows they have been rescued," she says. "I hope these images show the true bond between a rescue and their rescuer."

And hey, you don't need to commit arson to get these guys coming to your home.

The Charleston Animal Society has lots and lots of adoptable animals who'd love to be loved by you.

And if you're burning up for the 2016 Charleston Animal Society Firefighters, you can pre-order HERE.

You can read previous stories on Caitlyn here: Caitlyn the Dog Who Suffered Grotesque Injuries After HerSnout Was Taped Shut with Electrical Tape is on the Mend

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Dogs and Fireworks Don’t Mix: Did You Know that More Pets Go Missing During the Fourth of July Weekend than Any Other Time of the Year?

Washington, DC – Flashing lights and loud booms may be exciting for some during the Fourth of July weekend, but for pets, it can be a nightmare.

The unfamiliar noise, rush of bright lights, swarms of people, strange smells and sometimes firework debris falling, can prove to be too much for your beloved pet, sending them leaping over, through or under the fence.

More pets go missing during the Fourth of July weekend than any other time of the year, according to the American Society for thePrevention of Cruelty to Animals. 

“Every year we see several more pets get loose and run the neighborhoods during the Fourth of July weekend,” Scott Giacoppo, chief of field’s services for Washington Humane Society, told WJLA in an interview.

“We anticipate this will happen and thus, have extra personnel and patrol staffed.”

Giacoppo went on to say that this situation isn’t much different than the reaction you would see with pets and thunder, but with fireworks, it can be nonstop.

Sadly, when pets run away in fear, they cause not only a safety threat for themselves, but also for others. Sometimes, pets run in front of cars, causing major accidents, unexpectedly being struck and killed.

Giacoppo said it is important to keep your pets inside, in a safe and secure location this holiday weekend, but if they are otherwise anxious, it may be worth talking to your vet about alternative solutions.

David Wright, dog trainer in Los Angeles, lists some dos and don’ts to keep your pet(s) safe, and your sanity:

DO

• Get collar IDs and microchips.
• Use a crate or keep animals in a room where they can't flee.
• Crank up music or the television to mask the sound of fireworks.
• Provide water and food: Fear makes dogs pant, and unfamiliar food makes them anxious.
• Offer chewable toys or treats as a distraction.

DON'T

• Take a pooch to see fireworks unless it's a noise-trained police K-9 or guide dog.
• Leave them outside, where they jump or dig to escape the yard.
• Approach dogs who look scared because they can attack.

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Man Scales a Four Story Building to Rescue a Dog

A dog was rescued from the roof of a four-storey building in a dramatic video posted online.

The incident took place in Russia and was captured on camera by a local resident, who filmed the dog barking anxiously from a rooftop in Saratov.

In the clip, a man can be seen bravely scaling the building in an attempt to get to the dog and rescue it from the huge drop.

While it is unclear whether the man is attached to a harness, he does appear to receive help from an additional two men who stand on the roof with him.

After approaching the dog, the man attaches a lead to it and begins pulling it away from the edge of the roof and towards safety.

But despite his best efforts, the frightened animal fights against the man and makes it difficult for him to complete his rescue operation.

Eventually the man is able to maneuver the dog towards his two accomplices who pull it to safety.

The video concludes with the rescuer lying on the roof as the other two men continue to tend to the dog.

According to video maker, it is unclear who owns the dog and how it was able to gain access to the roof.

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Mutilated Animal Carcasses Found Around Sacramento, California

It started when someone left a 120-pound cow head in a park.

At first, investigators in Sacramento wondered if that someone was a hunter, one who had accidentally left something behind. Then another cow head appeared nearby not long after, followed over the next few months by a series of gruesome packages containing dead goats, chickens, rats, fish, lambs and even a tortoise, according to the Sacramento Bee.

In most cases, the carcasses being left around California’s capital city are headless, but strangely blood free, aside from one instance in which a package contained bowls of what was described as “bloody oatmeal,” the Bee reported.

Since the first cow head was discovered in December, authorities have logged at least a dozen instances of mutilated animals being found around the city, often near train tracks, according to NBC affiliate KCRA.

The killings almost always involve livestock, and never cats and dogs, investigators say.

In March, the Humane Society offered a reward of up to $5,000 for information leading to the arrest of those responsible for the mutilations.

“These animals were mutilated and killed for no apparent reason and discarded as though they were trash,” the Humane Society’s Eric Sakach said at the time. “We are hopeful that this reward will bring forward anyone with information about these disturbing crimes.”

But more than six months after the killings began, authorities say they still don’t know who, or what, they’re dealing with.

Gina Knepp, a spokeswoman for the Sacramento Department of Animal Control, told Reuters that some packages have included bloody dollar bills, oil and seeds that are known to be used in some Afro-Caribbean religions.

And yet, she admits, investigators are stumped.

“It’s bizarre,” Knepp said. “We don’t know if it’s religion; we don’t know if we have a sick individual in our community that simply likes to cut the heads off animals and dump them where people can see them.”

On Monday, the city released surveillance footage that appears to show a woman dropping off bags that included a beheaded goat carcass, as well as red hens, a rat and a catfish.

The woman, who struggled with the weight of the object, can be seen getting out of a white van and dropping off the packages before getting back into the vehicle less than a minute later and driving away.

  

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Some Facts to Consider Before Taking on the Responsibility of Being a Cat Owner

The only way to determine if a breed will be hard to manage is by looking at your own lifestyle and how much time you plan on training and playing with your cat. Certain cats need more attention and mental stimulation than others. Some breeds are more vocal than others and some breeds require a lot of maintenance. These are all factors to consider when taking on the responsibility of being a cat owner.

Abyssinians

This is an energetic cat that can get into trouble when unsupervised. They are very inquisitive and climb on just about everything. They require a lot of attention from their owners because of their playful nature. So, if you’re the type of person who likes to come home and relax at night and read a book, this rambunctious breed might be too high octane for your lifestyle.

Tonkinese

This man-made breed is as cross between the Siamese and the Burmese. While this breed can make a great pet, it requires a lot of patience. They have a lot of energy and need a lot of attention. They are adventurous and will jump onto things. If you own this cat it’s important that you inspect every part of your house to make it safe for your cat and it’s important not to have fragile objects that could easily be knocked down from a shelf or table. This cat will get into trouble if left alone or ignored for too long so unless you have time to play with your cat or have another cat to entertain them this might not be the best breed for you.

White Turkish Angora

This breed is one of the most vocal and while it may not be hard to groom it’s alpha male tendencies may make it hard to cuddle with. If you’re looking for a lap cat this is probably not the breed for you. They are rather independent but like to stay in the same room as humans. It might be hard to get them to be very affectionate as other breeds naturally are. This is a very old cat breed and many people do like to have this beautiful cat as a pet. In this instance, just keep in mind that they will probably not give you the affection that a dog would and you won’t be disappointed. They do shed in the summer months so brushing their coat is a necessary part of care to keep their coat from matting.

Turkish Van

This unique looking breed has a white body and a colored tail and forehead. They also have unique eyes, sometimes gold in color. They can be a difficult breed as they are one of the few who love water. They will play in water and try to turn on faucets. They love to jump up on things and attack like a wild cat. If you’re looking for a mellow and laid back pet, this is not the breed for you but if you can cat proof your home and want to be entertained, this ancient breed might just be suitable. They won’t shed too much beyond the seasonal shedding and will require some brushing with their longer coat.

Persian

This is a lovable cat but not the cat for you if you don’t have time for daily grooming. They have a lot of fur and if it’s not groomed it will develop painful mats. This is one of the most popular cat breeds but it is also one of the most high maintenance.

Siberian

This cat was bred in very cold weather so it has a triple-layered fur coat. They will shed more than other breeds and require brushing about 3 times per week and if you don’t like hair in the house this might not be the breed for you. They need regular teeth brushing, ear cleaning, and eye wiping as well. They are highly energetic and acrobatic so if you have lots of fragile items in your house as a part of your decor, you may want a cat that is less inclined to launch from one high place to the next.

Himalayan

The Himalayan cat breed is another breed with a very high-maintenance grooming schedule as it is one of the few breeds that require daily brushing. Their fur will mat if it’s not taken care of so it’s important to seriously consider the time commitment required for this breed. 

They are sensitive to a dirty litter box and if you don’t keep it very clean they are likely to find another place to use the bathroom. They also need their eyes cleaned a lot because they tear. Finally, they will need regular teeth brushing and a monthly bath. They are beautiful but if you are already very busy, they are not the breed for you.

Siamese

There are 2 reasons that this breed can be very difficult for pet owners: first, they are one of the most vocal breeds and require a lot of your attention. They are known to be demanding and will talk to you quite a bit; the second is that they are curious and adventurous so they will get into everything. They have so much energy and need to be played with so they don’t destroy the house. If you are enticed by their looks but not willing to commit to playing with your cat on a daily basis, this is not the breed for you.

Sphynx

This cat needs attention and even when you’re gone during the day they would like someone to play with. They can play with dogs well but will get into mischief if you ignore them. They also want to cuddle up with you while you sleep so they don’t get cold; so if you’re not wanting your cat to sleep in the bed, this is not a great breed for you.

Keep an open mind with these breeds and realize they can make great pets as long as you have time to give them. Some of these cat breeds make excellent therapy animals and companions so just take some time to consider what it is you’re looking for in a pet before choosing your breed. As always, to avoid health complications and expensive vet bills do your homework about the breeder before you take your kitty home.

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Madera Police Department: Pet Owner's Child Put Rubber Band Around Muzzle of Puppy

Harry is the adorable young puppy who was brought to Madera County Animal Control with rubber bands tightly wrapped around his muzzle. The band had cut through the fur and skin and into his mouth. It took surgery to repair the wound, and luckily, Harry is recovering now.

The woman who brought him, Ana Zarco, has stated that she found the dog in a park. The press release stated in part:

"Ana had fabricated a story about locating Harry at a local park. After conducting an investigation, it was discovered that Zarco was in possession of Harry for over two months and one of Zarco’s young children placed the rubber bands around Harry’s snout. The child is not of age to face criminal charges. It is unknown when the rubber bands were placed on Harry. Zarco stated she did not realize Harry’s snout was wrapped in rubber bands; Zarco said she took the dog to the shelter because she didn’t want it to die. The Madera Police department will be requesting animal abuse and neglect charges against Zarco."

Harry has recovered from his surgery. The staff at the veterinary clinic love him. He's sweet, friendly and like any puppy, he loves to play.

Incidents like this one should serve to remind everyone that leaving dogs alone with children is always a bad idea. It's not just what the dog might do to the child, but what the child might do to the dog. It's inconceivable that this woman didn't realize what her child had done to their puppy for days -- and that's probably how long it would have taken for this kind of damage to be done.

Supervise children and animals carefully. Little children don't always know that they are being cruel to animals. In this case, it's not clear how old the child was.

  

To read the initial story on Harry, click here: HeartbreakingStory - It Has Happened Again: Eight to Twelve-Week-Old Puppy Was Found with anEmbedded Rubber Band Around His Muzzle

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