St. Petersburg, Florida - Fort Desoto Park - Suncoast sea life seems to love the warm Gulf waters this time of year, and they're giving onlookers a show while they play. A group of dolphins in the water near Fort Desoto swam ahead of Michael McCarthy's see through canoe, and luckily he had his GoPro camera rolling. The group of six dolphins seemed casual as they led McCarthy's canoe forward, spraying water in the air with their blowholes. In the center of the pack, a dolphin's spray perfectly presented a rainbow, seeming as if the dolphin created the rainbow. McCarthy's camera also captured leaping dolphins, seeming to compete for which could jump highest above the water. Finally, three dolphins swam side-by-side, swaying back and forth, before crossing perfectly under the front of McCarthy's canoe. With the see though bottom, he was able to capture the moment seamlessly. The dolphins certainly seemed happy for an audience and McCarthy said he was glad to provide one.
The 2016 election has become one of the most heated and divisive primaries in American history.
But no matter which party you align with, all animal-loving voters should be aware of the stances their candidates take in regards to animal rights and humane policies that protect pets.
So how do the presidential and vice presidential candidates stack up when it comes to historical pet-friendliness and all-around animal activism? Here are some of the major things to know:
Hillary Rodham Clinton:
The Democratic presidential nominee has an entire page on her website about how she plans to "promote animal welfare and protect animals from cruelty and abuse."
One of the bullet points of Clinton's promises says that, as President, she would "Protect pets and domesticated animals by making sure facilities like animal breeders, zoos, and research institutions create plans to protect the animals in their care during disasters; strengthen regulations of 'puppy mills' and other harmful commercial breeding facilities; and support the Preventing Animal Cruelty and Torture (PACT) Act." During her time in the Senate, Clinton co-sponsored the Animal Fighting Prohibition Enforcement Act of 2007, as well as a bill to amend the Horse Protection Act.
Clinton, a pet parent to three dogs (Seamus, Maisie, and Tally), has previously recieved a perfect score from the Humane Society's Legislative Fund. In a press release in 2007 for the HSLF, Clinton said, "Our policies should reflect the important role that animals play in our lives and our environment. I believe we should treat animals humanely and that is why I support anti-cruelty laws."
In addition to allergies, there are other diseases which can cause your cat to scratch, lick, or pull on her hair. A short description of these conditions such as mange, cancer, behavioral problems, and infections, along with their diagnosis and treatment, are shown in the table below. Many of the more uncommon conditions are included as well. This large number of conditions helps you understand why a quick diagnosis may be difficult to make and various diagnostic tests may need to be performed. The most common conditions are color-coded gray in the table (some may be more common in certain geographical areas). To read more on this story, click here:Causes of Scratching & Licking in Cats
Reverse sneezing is a condition that affects all types of dogs, but more commonly smaller dogs such as miniatures, Terriers, and brachycephalic breeds. It is a "paroxysmal" respiratory response, meaning that it comes in spasm-like episodes. What Is Reverse Sneezing in Dogs? Reverse sneezing is a fairly common respiratory event in dogs, but is rarely seen in cats. It is suspected to be caused by irritation or inflammation of the nasal, pharyngeal, or sinus passages. It may be a way for the dog to attempt to remove foreign particles such as dust, powder or other irritants or allergens from its upper airways. It is also seen after periods of over-excitement. Reverse sneezing is characterized by sudden, rapid and repeated inhalations through the nose, followed by snorting or gagging sounds. It can be alarming to an owner, but is not known to be harmful to dogs without any underlying conditions (such as heart disease), and most dogs are completely normal before and after a reverse sneezing episode. In dogs that exhibit reverse sneezing, it is not uncommon for them to have repeat episodes of reverse sneezing throughout their lives. What Happens When A Dog Reverse Sneezes? During a reverse sneeze, the dog will suddenly stand still, extend its head and neck, and produce a loud snorting sound. This condition should be differentiated from a tracheal collapse (often seen in toy breeds), which is characterized by a loud "honking" sound. A tracheal collapse is of a more serious nature than a reverse sneeze. What Should I Do If My Dog Reverse Sneezes? A common remedy is to hold the dog's nostrils closed for a second and lightly massage its throat to calm him. Lightly blowing in his face may also help. This should cause the dog to swallow a couple of times, which will usually stop the spasm of the reverse sneeze. Getting the dog in a cool area or outside with fresh air while trying to verbally calm him can also be useful. Most dogs do not require medication, however, some veterinarians recommend antihistamines if the problem is serious, chronic, and allergy-related. An evaluation of the environment would also be helpful in determining possible causes of these events. Perfumes, carpet cleaners, etc. are often cited in these dogs' histories.
Maggie the Kelpie, an Australian dog that was thought to be the oldest in the world, died in April, 2016, at the age of 30 leaving her owner devastated. She was the best friend of Victorian dairy farmer Brian McLaren who confirmed the news, saying that Maggie passed away peacefully on Sunday night. The beloved dog was still wandering around the dairy in Woolsthorpe, west of Melbourne, and growling at cats in the weeks before her death. But Mr. McLaren said that the Kelpie, who was more than 200 in dog years, went downhill in her last two days. “She was 30 years old, she was still going along nicely last week, she was walking from the dairy to the office and growling at the cats and all that sort of thing,” Mr. McLaren told the Weekly Times. “She just went downhill in two days and I said yesterday morning when I went home for lunch ... 'She hasn't got long now”. “I'm sad, but I'm pleased she went the way she went.” Maggie has already been buried beside the McLaren's other dog in a marked grave under a pine tree. “We were great mates, it is a bit sad,'” he said. Maggie was a contender for the oldest dog in the world, but Mr. McLaren lost the original paperwork for the dog, meaning that her age could not be independently verified. The Western District owner previously spoke about the fact that his youngest son, Liam, was four years old when they bought Kelpie Maggie as a young pup. Liam is now 34. Officially, the title of the oldest dog in the world still belongs to Bluey, an Australian cattle-dog from Rochester in Victoria, which reached 29 years and five months. According to the Guinness Book of Records his owner bought him as a puppy in 1910 and he grew up to work among the sheep and cattle until he was put down in November 1939.
Maggie the Kelpie, an Australian dog that was thought to be the oldest in the world, has died at the age of 30 leaving her owner devastated.
Maggie the Kelpie, an Australian dog that was thought to be the oldest in the world, has died at the age of 30 leaving her owner Brian McLaren (pictured) devastated.
Mr. McLaren said that the Kelpie, who was approaching her third century in human years, went downhill in her last two days.
The beloved dog was still wandering around the dairy in Woolsthorpe, west of Melbourne, and growling at cats in the weeks before her death.
Salisbury, Maryland - There's a brand new ocelot kitten at the Salisbury Zoo. The zoo announced on Friday it recently received a year-old ocelot named Anahi from the Greenville Zoo in South Carolina. She was one of two female ocelot kittens born on Aug. 15, 2015. The kittens were the first offspring for parents Evita and Oz. The Greenville Zoo was one of two Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) institutions to breed ocelots in 2015. The Salisbury Zoo lost its male ocelot, Ozzie, last winter. He was almost 17 years old, which the zoo says is old for an ocelot in captivity. Ozzie came to Salisbury from the Beardsley Zoo in Connecticut in 2009. The Salisbury Zoo is part of the ocelot Species Survival Program, which strives to ensure the sustainability of a healthy, genetically diverse and demographically varied population through breeding programs with the AZA-accredited institutions. Working with the AZA and the Ocelot Species Survival Program, the zoo hopes to obtain a male in the near future to pair with Anahi.
National Dog Day is celebrated August 26th annually and was founded in 2004 by Pet & Family Lifestyle Expert and Animal Advocate, Colleen Paige, also the founder of National Puppy Day, National Mutt Day and National Cat Day and many more philanthropic days to bring attention to the plight of animals and encourage adoption. The date of August 26th is significant, as it's the date that Colleen's family adopted her first dog "Sheltie" when Colleen was 10 years old. National Dog Day celebrates all dogs, mixed breed and pure. Our mission is to help galvanize the public to recognize the number of dogs that need to be rescued each year and acknowledges family dogs and dogs that work selflessly each day to save lives, keep us safe and bring comfort. Dogs put their lives on the line every day...for personal protection, for law enforcement, for the disabled, for our freedom and safety by detecting bombs and drugs and pulling victims of tragedy from wreckage, now they're detecting cancer and seizures...things even humans cannot do. National Dog Day is against any kind of "breed ban". Dogs should not have to lose their lives because of the atrocities they have been forced to endure at the hands of man. And while we feel that American's have the constitutional right to purchase a pure breed dog, we strongly discourage buying dogs from pet stores supplied by puppy mills, backyard breeders, the internet and newspaper ads. Rather, we encourage those seeking new canine companions, to consider choosing adoption first. If you'd like a pure breed dog, look into a pure breed rescue in your city, to see if they might have some little furry soul just waiting to make your life complete. Another great place to find a new best friend is at large chain pet stores that host adoption drives for local shelters and rescues. To read more on this story, click here:National Dog Day
Washington, DC — Friday, August 26th is National Dog Day and the Washington Humane Society-Washington Animal Rescue League (WHS-WARL) is encouraging everyone to celebrate Man’s Best Friend. WHAT: National Dog Day! WHEN: Friday, August 26th
WHERE: Throughout the United States, dog lovers will be celebrating National Dog Day. Here, in our Nation’s Capital, we have three great ways for people to celebrate:
Adopt! WHS-WARL has great dogs available for adoption at two convenient adoption centers:
Washington Animal Rescue League 71 Oglethorpe Street, NW Washington, DC
All animals available for adoption at WHS-WARL have been spayed/neutered, microchipped and are up to date on vaccinations.
Donate toys, blankets, towels or pet food! WHS-WARL accepts donations of toys, blankets and towels for our shelter animals. In addition, you can donate unopened pet food for use in our Pet Food Bank for families that may need assistance feeding their pets. Donations are accepted at both of our adoption centers
Spend some quality time with your dog! National Dog Day is a great day to spoil your dog with extra attention and affection, a healthy treat, a new pet toy and some quality play time.
Senior dogs available for adoption As an animal advocate/lover, there is a special spot in my heart for senior animals. They are the ones that are over-looked at adoption events. Most people want a puppy, and have no idea what great love senior animals can bring into their lives.
I want to spotlight three senior dogs, Marzipan, Bailey and BB, who are looking for loving homes to spend their senior years. If you have room in your home and in your heart, please consider adopting either, Marzipan, Bailey or BB, or any of the other animals available at the Washington Humane Society-Washington Rescue League! Marzipan Animal ID: 33080511 Species: Dog Age: 10 years 24 days Sex: Female Color: Tan/White Declawed: No SiteOglethorpe Street Hey there! I'm Marzipan and I'm just as sweet as my name would suggest. I lived with the same family for over 9 years, but they couldn't take care of me anymore, so I ended up here at the shelter. That's OK though! I'm really enjoying all the walks and attention that I'm getting here while I wait for my forever home. I have previously lived in a home with small children and other dogs, so I may be a good dog for a family that's looking to add to their home. At 10 years old, I'm well past all the puppy nonsense, and while I still have a lot of life left to give, I'm definitely more of a mellow companion than a running buddy. I do really like going on walks and getting out of the house, but I don't need the kind of exercise that a younger dog would require. I can't hear very well, but don't worry - I have quite a talented nose, and if I smell some cheese in your hand I will pay very close attention to you, I swear. If you think I could be a good fit for your family, please come see me! I'd love to go to my new home soon! To learn more about Marzipan, clickHERE!
BB
Animal ID: 16174059 Species: Dog Age: 8 years 3 months 14 days Sex: Male Color: Brown/White Declawed: No Site: Washington Humane Society-Washington Animal Rescue League Hi, I'm BB! I recently lost my home because of hard times after being with them for 8 years, but I'm trying to not let it get me down! Right now I'm staying with a nice family, who keep telling me that I'm a good boy and are taking care of me. My foster mom even told me I'm one of the easiest fosters she's ever had. Since I'm a bit older, I know my manners and am well behaved- no chewing shoes or peeing in the house from me! I mostly spend my days napping or keeping an eye out the window for everyone to come home; I would love a home where I can snooze on a big fluffy bed next to my humans. I get along with other pups too, right now I have a foster sister who I get along with great! If you're interested in learning more about me or would like to meet me, email my foster mom at jacqueline.baudouin@gmail.com To learn more about BB, clickHERE!
Bailey
Animal ID: 31103508 Species: Dog Age: 9 years 6 months 1 day Sex: Male Color: White/Brown Declawed: No Site: Washington Humane Society-Washington Animal Rescue League *** I am in foster care!!! If you would like to meet with me please contact my foster parent at Yeager.kathryn@gmail.com*** Bailey is a 9 year old Shepherd mix, he was a wonderful family dog for 9 years, before circumstances changed and they were no longer able to keep him. He loves other dogs, and would be most successful in a home where he can have another canine companion. He does have a prey drive, so he needs a home without small animals (cats). He's been good with kids and doing well with his training manners. He just loves to be outside and lay in the sun. If you would like to meet Bailey, come visit him at Oglethorpe shelter today! To learn more about Bailey, click HERE! To learn more about senior pets, please read my posts: Adopting The Senior Dog November is Adopt a Senior Pet Month in MD, VA, DC and the World
About Washington Animal Rescue League/Washington Humane Society (WARL-WHS) The Washington Humane Society -Washington Animal Rescue League combined organization cares for more than 60,000 animals annually. The broad range of programs offered include: rescue and adoption, humane law enforcement, low-cost veterinary services, animal care & control, behavior and training, spay-neuter services, humane education, and many others. Operating four animal-care facilities in Washington, D.C., the organization occupies a significant footprint in the District, and serves as a resource to current pet guardians and prospective adopters across the region.
Washington, DC — On Tuesday, August 23, from 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., Chipotle Mexican Grill will host a Washington Humane Society-Washington Animal Rescue League (WHS-WARL) fundraiser across all downtown D.C., Bethesda, Rockville and Silver Spring Chipotle locations. When customers dining at any of these locations mention the fundraiser at the register, Chipotle will donate 50 percent of the proceeds to the Washington Humane Society-Washington Animal Rescue League. Chipotle Mexican Grill to donate 50% of proceeds tomorrow to Washington Humane Society-Washington Animal Rescue League programs supporting homeless animals. Tuesday, Aug. 23rd, at Chipotle Mexican Grill Locations in D.C., Bethesda, Rockville and Silver Spring WHAT: Chipotle Mexican Grill Fundraiser for WHS-WARL 50% of all proceeds donated to rescue and care for 60,000 homeless animals annually CUSTOMERS MUST MENTION THE FUNDRAISER WHERE: Chipotle Mexican Grill locations in D.C., Bethesda, Rockville and Silver Spring
WHEN: Tuesday, August 23, 2016, from 11:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
About Washington Animal Rescue League/Washington Humane Society (WARL-WHS): The Washington Humane Society -Washington Animal Rescue League combined organization cares for more than 60,000 animals annually. The broad range of programs offered include: rescue and adoption, humane law enforcement, low-cost veterinary services, animal care & control, behavior and training, spay-neuter services, humane education, and many others. Operating four animal-care facilities in Washington, D.C., the organization occupies a significant footprint in the District, and serves as a resource to current pet guardians and prospective adopters across the region.
Can't do lunch? You can always do dinner...Don't forget to mention the Fundraiser! Please Share!
Your kitty may have a lovely tail, but it probably can’t compare to the tail of a Maine Coon kitten named Cygnus. According to his human, the tail measures about 18.4 inches, breaking the world record by about 2 inches. Though the measurement isn’t yet officially documented by Guinness World Records, the pictures speak for themselves. The current record is held by Stewie, another Maine Coon who also holds the record for World’s Longest Cat. His tail is 16.34 inches long. Cygnus’s incredible tail shatters that record if the measurements are accurate. Cygnus hasn’t let his enormous anatomy make him cocky. He’s happy to share the fluff while cuddling with his two cat brothers, Arcturus and Sirius. You can follow the cat sibling on Instagram if you just can’t get enough of that luxurious tail. Hopefully, you’ll be seeing it in the record books soon!
The black feline with a rarely seen genetic mutation was cared for by the Humane Society in Western Pennsylvania for a month before his new owner adopted him. The three-year-old cat with an extra set of ears is not the first of its kind. The genetic mutation has been documented as far back as 1938 in Ashtabula, Ohio, with a four-eared cat named Toots. “The mutation has been studied and is argued to be a recessive gene mutation needed from both parents in order to produce four ears,” the charity said. Batman was unavailable for adoption when he first came into the shelter because he was being treated for an upper respiratory infection. But on Tuesday, the shelter posted a video advert of him on Facebook. “Batman would do well in a house with or without animals as he came from a house with several animals. He is a very friendly and love cheek rubs,” Hala Nuemah, managing director of the Western PA Humane Society, wrote. Shelter veterinarian Dr Todd Blauvelt told CBS News: “He's a really cool cat. He's really nice. Really affectionate. He has a very rare congenital defect. It doesn't really affect his hearing. He can hear just fine,” he explained. Within a few hours he was snapped up by a young girl and her mother who gave him a permanent home. “It was perfect because the little girl liked superheroes,” Caitlin Lasky, marketing communications manager for the Humane Society, told ABC News.
Three-year-old cat Batman has an extra set of ears due to a rare genetic mutation. Shelter veterinarian, Dr. Todd Blauvelt commented “it doesn't really affect his hearing.”
Batman was adopted after he was brought into the Humane Society by an owner who had several cats. Dr Todd Blauvelt said the cat (pictured) has “two little ear tufts behind his ears.”
Washington, DC — The transport of 20 homeless dogs to the Washington Humane Society-Washington Animal Rescue League (WHS-WARL) has been cancelled due to mechanical problems with the HSUS transport vehicle. The dogs that were scheduled to arrive at WHS-WARL will stay in Roanoke, Virginia at the Angels of Assisi Adoptions Center there. To read the initial story, click here:WHS-WARL to Receive 20 Dogs from Flood-Stricken Louisiana: Scheduled to Arrive in DC on Sunday Afternoon, August 21st About Washington Animal Rescue League/Washington Humane Society (WARL-WHS) The Washington Humane Society -Washington Animal Rescue League combined organization cares for more than 60,000 animals annually. The broad range of programs offered include: rescue and adoption, humane law enforcement, low-cost veterinary services, animal care & control, behavior and training, spay-neuter services, humane education, and many others. Operating four animal-care facilities in Washington, D.C., the organization occupies a significant footprint in the District, and serves as a resource to current pet guardians and prospective adopters across the region.
Washington, DC - Bei Bei, the National Zoo’s youngest giant panda cub, celebrated his first birthday on Saturday with a giant frozen cake—as all pandas do. The colorful cake—made of frozen apple, carrot and beet juice by the zoo’s nutrition department—took two weeks to create and weighs about 150 pounds. It was adorned with a giant number one. Bei Bei will officially turn 1 on Monday. Saturday’s birthday celebration also included Bei Bei’s older sister, Bao Bao, who turns 3 on Tuesday, and Tian Tian, the cubs’ father, who turns 19 on Aug. 27, the Washington Post reported. Early into the zoo’s Facebook Live broadcast on Saturday, Bei Bei had yet to approach his birthday cake, though his mother, Mei Xiang, was enjoying the frozen treat. To see what the rest of the pandas are up to, check out the giant panda cam livestream.
Washington, DC - The Washington Humane Society – Washington Animal Rescue League will receive 20 homeless dogs being transferred from flood-ravaged Louisiana. The Louisiana SPCA along with the Humane Society of the United States are transferring dogs from shelters at or near capacity in Louisiana to make room for dogs displaced during the flooding. Dogs Transported to D.C. from Louisiana Shelters to Make Room for Flood Victims
WHAT: Transfer of 20 dogs from Louisiana WHERE: The Washington Humane Society/Washington Animal Rescue League 71 Oglethorpe Street, NW Washington, DC
WHEN: Arrival of transport: Sunday, August 21 Exact time TBD. Arrival will be Sunday afternoon. We will update you on better ETA Sunday morning. Contact Matt Williams, WHS-WARL for detailed arrival information
WHO: Homeless dogs from Louisiana TBD: (To be determined) WHS-WARL: Intake Team
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: The Louisiana SPCA in partnership with The Humane Society of the United States contacted WHS-WARL to assist in relieving crowded conditions at shelters in the flood-stricken areas of Louisiana. WHS-WARL will receive current shelter residents from the Louisiana shelters to make room for pets made homeless by the flooding situations in the area.
About Washington Animal Rescue League/Washington Humane Society (WARL-WHS) The Washington Humane Society -Washington Animal Rescue League combined organization cares for more than 60,000 animals annually. The broad range of programs offered include: rescue and adoption, humane law enforcement, low-cost veterinary services, animal care & control, behavior and training, spay-neuter services, humane education, and many others. Operating four animal-care facilities in Washington, D.C., the organization occupies a significant footprint in the District, and serves as a resource to current pet guardians and prospective adopters across the region.
