Chance is more than just a beloved family pet. He’s a specially trained service dog for nine-year-old Ashton, who has autism. Ashton has a tendency to run away from a situation when he’s feeling overwhelmed, which puts him at risk of getting lost. But 100-pound Chance has been trained to stop Ashton from running and keep him safe. But Chance can’t do his job if he’s the one who’s gone missing. Chance went missing on September 11, and Ashton’s mother, Debi Zamora, is desperate for anyone with any information to come forward—no questions asked. The family was in the process of moving to new neighborhood in Clarksville, Tennessee, and someone left the fence open at their new home. To read more on this story, click here:Chance The Service Dog Kept Boy With Autism Safe, Until Dog Suspiciously Disappeared.
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A zookeeper was killed this morning in the alligator enclosure of the Naples Zoo, while he was attempting to sexually assault a 12-foot long reptile. According to Captain Henri White, spokesman of the Naples Police Department, 24-year old Jimmy Olsen was engaged in full sexual intercourse with one of the younger reptiles, when he was surprised by one of the larger animals which attacked from behind. The young man was caught by the throat by the alligator who dragged him underwater and drowned him. Jimmy Olsen’s death took place around 6:00 AM this morning, but his disappearance was noticed only an hour later by other employees. They finally discovered his dismembered body floating in the pool of the alligator enclosure around 8:30. “The images captured by the security cameras show that Mr. Olsen had clearly placed himself in a very vulnerable position,” Captain White told reporters. “He had his pants around his knees and was lying down on top of one the animals, with his back to the others. The poor guy didn’t stand a chance! We can see him being dragged into the water, then he disappears from sight. He was probably dead within thirty seconds of the attack.” To read more on this story, click here:Florida: Zoo Employee Killed While Attempting to Rape an Alligator
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A couple of scientists have taken MDMA out of the clubs and into the aquarium by giving ecstasy to octopuses. Gül Dölen, a neuroscientist at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, has been studying the effects of MDMA for “a long time,” she told NPR. In the process, she says she and her colleagues “have worked out a lot of neural mechanisms that enable MDMA to have these really, really profound pro-social effects.” Humans and octopuses both have a gene for a protein that binds serotonin to brain cells. Since MDMA also targets this protein, Dölen wanted to see how the drug would affect the octopus, a notoriously shy, solitary animal. She wasn’t sure how it would go since octopus brains are built completely different from humans. “It’s organized much more like a snail’s brain than ours,” Dölen told The Atlantic. She wondered, then, if that would mean the octopus would respond unpredictably to being dosed with Molly. To read more on this story, click here:Scientists Give Ecstasy To Octopuses And Are Astounded By What Happened Next
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Chile's annual military parade took place on Thursday, capturing the crowd's attention with adorable golden retriever puppies. Indeed, a row of golden retriever puppies, tucked into neon green bags and carried by the country's national police force canine unit, became a highlight of the parade. A line of adult retrievers wearing boots followed suit. The Great Military Parade in Santiago was held in honor of Chile's 208th Independence Day anniversary and featured more than 9,500 troops. It had millions of viewers nationwide, The Evening Standard reported.
Homeowners in southeastern North Carolina, especially those living in low-lying areas, may be faced with additional insect problems if their property has been flooded. Severe summer thunderstorms and excessive rainfall from hurricanes and tropical depressions often create flooding conditions that create ideal environments for certain insects. The following problems are those most often encountered. MOSQUITOES Residents can expect to encounter more severe mosquito problems about 7 to 10 days following flooding conditions. The Asian tiger mosquito is the major species encountered, since they take advantage of opportunities to breed in standing and stagnating water that has been trapped in poorly drained, low-lying areas; ditches that are clogged with silt and debris; clogged rain gutters; and carelessly discarded containers. Although spraying with an insecticide may give temporary relief, homeowners should first consider a little "R&R": To read more on this story, click here:Insect Problems Following Flooding Conditions
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(AP) -- About 3.4 million chickens and turkeys and 5,500 hogs have been killed in flooding from Florence as rising North Carolina rivers swamped dozens of farm buildings where the animals were being raised for market, according to state officials. The N.C. Department of Agriculture issued the livestock mortality totals Tuesday, as major flooding is continuing after the slow-moving storm's drenching rains. Sixteen North Carolina rivers were at major flood stage Tuesday, with an additional three forecasted to peak by Thursday. The Department of Environmental Quality said the earthen dam at one hog lagoon in Duplin County had breached, spilling its contents. Another 25 of the pits containing animal feces and urine have either suffered structural damage, had wastewater levels go over their tops from heavy rains or had been swamped by floodwaters. Large mounds of manure are also typically stored at poultry farms. To read more on this story, click here:Florence's Flooding Kills 3.4 Million Poultry, 5,500 Hogs
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Zoos exist to display exotic animals for all the world to see. But what's going on at zoos away from the public's view? Few destinations conjure up as idyllic an image as an afternoon at the zoo. Strolling about on a nice day with some lighthearted animal-themed ice cream treat and checking out monkeys, bears, and a few sleeping reptiles is as wholesome as apple pie on the Fourth of July. But certainly, some secrets must be hidden in the shadows of those cages and fake rock formations. For those who have ever wondered about what’s really going on at your local zoo behind the locked gates and after closing time, allow us to drops some zoo truths on you. To read more on this story, click here:8 Secrets Zoos Keep Under Wraps
A little boy named Hernán and a female yellow lab called Himalaya have been melting hearts around the web with a viral video of the moment the two became friends. Hernán, of Buenos Aires, has Down Syndrome, which causes him to shy away from physical contact, according to his mother Ana. In a comment on YouTube she wrote, "He does not like be touched, but Himalaya insisted so patiently, and she was so soft that's why it is so moving, she is left to do anything." In the video, which now has over 10 million views, Hernán sits on a patio, with a persistent Himalaya inching closer to him. Himalaya makes several attempts to touch Hernán with her paw, but he keeps pushing her away. She rolls onto her back in a playful fashion, while little Hernán presses closer to the wall behind him. Finally Hernán begins to play with Himalaya's feet and nose, and by the end of the video, what began as an attempt to move away from the dog has turned into something of a game. Dogs are often used by those with special needs, like Hernán. On its website, Assistance Dogs for Achieving Independence (ADAI) writes: "There are times when the simple presence and loving nature of a dog can help persons with special needs to open up to the world around them. Special needs therapy dogs have been particularly beneficial for persons with Autism, developmental disabilities, Down's Syndrome and those who have suffered a stroke. With the presence of these dogs, persons can work on therapies that help improve speech, coordination, and social skills." According to Assistance Dogs International, Golden Retrievers and Labs in particular have good characteristics for service to special needs individuals, including confidence and sociability. They are also easy to care for, and not overly protective. Watch the video of Hernán and Himalaya below, then jump into the comments and share your favorite stories of loving and amazing pets.
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