Man Leaves $5 Million for the Care of His Beloved Pet

A Nashville dog named Lulu is a newly minted millionaire. Yep, you read that right.

Her owner's last will and testament has made the 8-year-old border collie one wildly pampered pooch.

"She's a good girl," Martha Burton, Lulu's now caretaker, told CNN affiliate WTVF.

Lulu has been under the watchful eye of Burton, 88, for years already. Burton says she's kept Lulu during the frequent travels of the dog's owner. "Well, he always left the dog for me to take care of," said Burton.

Lulu's owner, 83-year-old Bill Dorris, was Burton's friend and an unmarried, successful businessman. He died late last year and left $5 million for the care of his beloved pet. "I don't really know what to think about it to tell you the truth. He just really loved the dog," Burton said.

The will specifies: "This trust is to provide for all the needs of Lulu. The dog will remain in possession of Martha Burton."

According to WTVF, the estate is currently in probate and it's not yet clear how much it's worth. The will does state, however, that Burton will simply be reimbursed for reasonable monthly expenses to care for Lulu.

It's not clear what will happen to any money left in the trust when 8-year-old Lulu someday passes away.

Burton knows there's no way she could ever spend $5 million on the canine. Not even a lifetime supply of treats and toys for Lulu could make a dent in the incredible inheritance.

She said with a smile, "Well, I'd like to try."

Lulu's late owner Dorris had a piece of property along Interstate 65 that is the site of a controversial statue of Nathan Bedford Forrest. Forrest was a Confederate general and an early leader of the Ku Klux Klan.

The statue of Forrest is widely visible from I-65. According to CNN affiliate WZTV, the contentious statue has been vandalized several times over the years. Pink paint was thrown on it in 2017 and the word "monster" was painted on the figure in October of last year. Dorris never had any of it cleaned off.

The Tennessee Department of Transportation has denied previous requests to block the view of the statue. The future of that statue will also be determined in probate court.

                                              Lulu and her now caretaker Martha Burton.

                                          Lulu plays watchdog outside of her Nashville home.

Statue of Confederate General and leader of the Ku Klux Klan, Nathan Bedford Forrest, on the property of the late Bill Dorris.

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When Humans Are Victims of Violence, Their Animals Become Victims Too

Here at the shelter we are very versed in handling pets that have been the victims of abuse and neglect. Through the years we’ve seen animals that have suffered everything from cruel abandonment to outright torture.

At this moment, we are dealing with some dogs that are victims of a different sort. They are the pets of people whose lives have been snuffed out or horribly altered by violence. A drive by shooting, a murder/suicide, a domestic altercation resulting in serious injury; all leaving innocent pets homeless in their wake. It’s rather scary. It feels as though we are a facility located in some big city where these things occur with deeply disturbing regularity.

To read more on this story, click here: When Humans Are Victims of Violence, Their Animals Become Victims Too

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A Mink in Utah is the First Known Case of the Coronavirus in a wild Animal

 

There is no evidence of widespread transmission among wild animals

A wild American mink in Utah has tested positive for the coronavirus — the first wild animal found to be infected with the virus, researchers say.  

The wild mink was infected with a variant of the coronavirus that was “indistinguishable” from viruses taken from nearby farmed minks, researchers with the U.S. Department of Agriculture wrote in a Dec. 13 report. That suggests that the wild mink acquired the infection from farmed animals. It’s not clear if the animal was alive or dead at the time of testing.

To read more on this story, click here: A Mink in Utah is the First Known Case of the Coronavirus in a wild Animal

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The Oldest Living Panda in Human Care Just Had the Most Adorable Birthday Party

Courtesy of Ocean Park Hong Kong To celebrate An An becoming the world’s longest-living male giant panda under human care in history, the animal caretakers sent birthday wishes to him. He first sat down to enjoy his favorite bamboo shoot, yet the playful panda soon smashed and devoured the delectable cake!

A very special panda reached a milestone birthday this year.

An An, a giant panda living at Hong Kong Ocean Park in China, just turned 35 years old, making him the longest living panda currently living in captivity and the oldest male panda under human care, CNN reported.

To read more on this story, click here: The Oldest Living Panda in Human Care Just Had the Most Adorable Birthday Party

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Postnatal Care of a Mother Cat and Her Newborn Kittens

While you've been an attentive cat owner, meeting the needs of your pregnant cat, after she has the kittens, you need to know your next steps. During this delicate time, your observational skills are essential. Take a look at some guidance on how to handle the mother cat and her kittens as well as warning signs of health issues and kitten developmental milestones.

Veterinarian Check

If you haven't already done so, after one week, take the mother cat and kittens to your veterinarian for a well-check. If the mother cat was not vaccinated, this would be a good time to do it. Also, she might get treatment for roundworms, to protect both her and her kittens.

To read more on this story, click here: Postnatal Care of a Mother Cat and Her Newborn Kittens

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Exotic Pets: How to Care for Some of the Most Unique Pets

Exotic animals seem like fun, interesting pets. Many people have considered becoming an exotic pet owner, but don’t know much about how to care for these unique creatures. GCVS wants potential pet owners to know what they are signing up for before bringing home an exotic pet!

RODENT AND SMALL MAMMAL CARE

Rodents and small mammals can make great pets if they are properly cared for. Common exotic rodents and small mammals include hedgehogs, sugar gliders, ferrets, and chinchillas. Specifically designed habitats are available for many of these animals that will keep them safe and secure in your home. Owners will need to make sure that these habitats stay secure and clean. Most rodents need nesting materials, which can be purchased at reputable stores.  Nesting material that separates easily into thin strands (cotton, wool, fluffy bedding products, etc.) should not be used. Rodents often enjoy having things to climb on and through for entertainment as well. Note that some of these animals are nocturnal, so diligent research on the right rodent or small mammal for your lifestyle is necessary!

It is important that owners of small mammals and rodents understand the proper diet for your specific pet. Many of these animals require a special diet that contains all of the nutrients needed to keep the animal healthy. Improper diet can lead to numerous health issues, so a consultation with an exotic animal specialist should be considered for anyone who owns an exotic pet.

To read more on this story, click here: Exotic Pets: How to Care for Some of the Most Unique Pets

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Wildlife Photographer Pang Way Captures Amazing Photos of Beautiful Mantises

 

Although many refer to a member of this group as a 'praying mantis,' mantis refers to the genus Mantis. Only some praying mantids belong to the genus Mantis. Mantid refers to the entire group. Mantids are very efficient and deadly predators that capture and eat a wide variety of insects and other small prey.

Mantises are an order of insects that contains over 2,400 species in about 460 genera in 33 families. The largest family is the Mantidae. Mantises are distributed worldwide in temperate and tropical habitats. They have triangular heads with bulging eyes supported on flexible necks.

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Iguana: Species Profile

 

Native to Central and South America, iguanas are one of the most popular pet lizards. However, they are a major commitment and need a high level of care. Iguanas have strict feeding and housing requirements, can grow quite large, live a long time, and can be very strong. They also can be difficult to tame and might become aggressive if not regularly handled. This isn't to say iguanas can't make good pets, but they need an owner who understands the commitment right from the start.

Iguana Behavior and Temperament

Pet iguanas will never be truly domesticated animals, and many of them will try to escape their enclosures and even your home. Captive iguanas need to be picked up and held routinely for taming purposes, so they can learn to trust you and be comfortable in their environment. However, this can be a challenge because they often find human contact unnatural and might resist it. So it’s important to handle your iguana with care and patience.

To read more on this story, click here: Iguana: Species Profile

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