A tiny male deer fawn weighing just 1lb (450g) and measuring 6 by 6 in (15.24 x 15.24cm) was born on May 12 at Queens Zoo, NYC. Pudu are the world’s smallest deer species and the Zoo now has 3 on display. The tiny creature is still nursing but will soon be eating leaves, grain, kale, carrots, and hay. Pudu are a subspecies of the South American deer and are generally solitary animals. They bark when frightened, shiver when angered, and do not interact socially other than to mate. Pudu are so small that they count the horned owl as one of their predators, and there is a popular rumor that the deer can die from fear-induced cardiac complications.
Even the biggest animal lovers are somewhat disconnected from the rampant abuse happening to animals around the world. Powerful images and videos allow us a glimpse into some of the heartbreaking situations animals have to deal with around the world, but activists, conservationists, photojournalists, and videographers get a first-hand look and have the chance to interact with those affected. These people are in sub-Saharan Africa witnessing poachers sneak onto parks to kill African lions. They are there to see baby orangutans stand on the ashes of their formerly lush forest home that has been cleared out for palm oil. And in Sumatra, they are watching elephants in the area dwindle as more and more of these animals are pushed off their lands, killed when they step back onto it, and kidnapped in the flurry of it all. To read more on this story, click here:The Promise This Photographer Made to Endangered Elephants Will Give You Chills
Pit Bulls have such a bad reputation that some communities and cities (like Montreal) are banning their breed all together. Protect Pit Bulls from BSL online (BSL stands for Breed Selection Legislation) is working to stop the ban and change the way people think about Pit Bulls. Police departments like the Chattahoochee Hills, Georgia Police Department, and the Poughkeepsie Police Department in New York are helping in a big way. Instead of spending $10,000 to $15,000 on pure breed German Shepherds or Belgian Malinois, they are going to their local shelters and finding abandoned Pit Bulls. Without their intervention, these dogs would have been euthanized. Police departments all over the country are now working with programs like Animal Farm Foundation, Austin Pets Alive! and Universal K9 to train Pit Bulls to be official police canines. They are finding that rescued Pit Bulls can be obedient and hard-working police and military assets. They can learn everything from narcotics, explosives, cadaver and arson detection and criminal apprehension. “Any dog that has the drive, confidence, and desire to work can do it! Breed does not dictate a dog’s ability to work,” explained Universal K9 founder Brad Croft. If this trend continues, Pit Bulls may no longer be the villains of the dog world but a great help in catching villains in the real world!
With the holidays quickly approaching, the Humane Rescue Alliance would like to share with you a great opportunity to help two charities at the same time! Friendship Animal Hospital will be matching the funds we raise up to $15,000 worth of medial services to support HRA animals in need! HRA relies on Friendship Hospital to provide critical 24-hour care for many of our animals. So, when you buy a pie, you are helping both Food & Friends and the Humane Rescue Alliance! To see the pie choices, and buy, click here:
Visit Food and Friends Website:FOOD/FRIENDS PIE SALE ENDS NOVEMBER 17 Sign up for the event on Facebook, HERE!
It’s Halloween time, and black cats have always been associated with this spooky time of year. Ancient folklore depicts black cats as the familiars of witches, or even shape-shifting demons! (We have a black cat and we associate him with a cuddly bed, but I digress.) Black cats are considered unlucky in many cultures, as the harbingers of misfortune. In some magic circles black cats are used IN spells, wah!! So when the time of trickery comes around, it’s important to keep black cats safe from harm! I’m not suggesting there is definitely a satanic cult in your neighborhood, but there is always mischief afoot on Halloween, whether it’s young people, drunk people, or young drunk people. Some revelers might even want a black cat as a prop for their costume, or party. Get the word out: Cats are not decorations! To read more on this story, click here:Protect Black Cats This Halloween Please Share!
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Forget about witches and zombies; a seemingly innocuous bag of candy can be one of the scariest things that enters a dog owner’s home on Halloween. Calls to the Pet Poison Hotline increase twelve percent during the week of Halloween, making it the center’s busiest time of the year. We all know that chocolate can be deadly to dogs and other ingredients in candy – such as high amounts of sugar and fat – can also cause severe issues for our pup’s system. If a candy is sugar free, it may contain Xylitol which is extremely toxic and deadly to dogs, even in small amounts. To read more on this story, click here:What To Do If Your Dog Eats Halloween Candy Please share!
The cat/kitten adoption event scheduled for tomorrow and Sunday, has been cancelled at the Humane Rescue Alliance’s two locations. Due to several confirmed cases of Feline panleukopenia virus, we are temporarily suspending cat adoptions at both adoption centers. “Out of an abundance of caution, we are taking steps to contain potential exposure to panleukopenia in our shelters,” said Dr. Elysia Branson, DVM, Humane Rescue Alliance veterinarian. “These precautions include suspending adoptions temporarily and quarantining our cat population. This is a dangerous disease for cats, especially those who are very young, and we want to make every effort to contain the virus. Panleukopenia is something that we—and most animal shelters—have experience with and our team is taking every precaution to keep our animals safe.” Learn more about panleukopenia and the importance of proper immunization: www.humanerescuealliance.org/panleukopenia-faq
Washington, DC - Saturday, October 29th is National Cat Day and the Humane Rescue Alliance is celebrating all weekend by reducing adoption fees for all cats Saturday and Sunday. All cats are available to adopters for only $5. Standard adoption procedures apply. WHAT: National Cat Day at Humane Rescue Alliance – Reduced Adoption Fees for Cats WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 29 and Sunday, Oct. 30.
WHERE: We have two convenient adoption centers featuring adoptable cats looking for new forever homes:
71 Oglethorpe Street, NW 1201 New York Avenue, NE Washington, DC Washington, DC
We also have many cats available in foster homes. Please visit our website: www.humanerescuealliance.org to see all of our available cats, at both adoption centers and in foster care.
Click here: CATS/KITTENS to take a look at cats/kittens available for adoption! Adoption Fees for Cats Reduced to $5 This Weekend Only Three ways you can celebrate National Cat Day! Adopt! Humane Rescue Alliance has great cats available for adoption at two convenient adoption centers at the very low adoption fee of $5. All animals available for adoption at the Humane Rescue Alliance have been spayed/neutered, microchipped and are up to date on vaccinations.
Donate toys, blankets, towels or pet food! If you are not looking to add a new cat to your family, the Humane Rescue Alliance 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 cat! National Cat Day is a great day to spoil your cat with extra attention and affection, a healthy treat, a new cat toy and some quality play time.
Take a look at some cats available for adoption this weekend! My model, is Theodore, an adorable senior looking for a loving home. He is currently in foster care.
Theodore Animal ID: 25208218 Species: Cat Age:9 years 1 month 5 days Sex:Male Color: Grey/White Declawed: No Site: Humane Rescue Alliance Theodore is the biggest lover you could ever meet! Although he has been diagnosed with kitty kidney failure (say that 5 times fast), he is all snuggles and cuddles and just likes to be near his human. As a newly senior gentleman at just 9 years old, he has plenty of love to still give and life to live! The advantages of being in the senior club is that he doesn't mess around with tearing things up or running around anymore - just needs a comfy blanket and a lap to snuggle with. He absolutely loves tummy rubs and has a purr machine that never quits! To learn more about Theodore and his diagnosis, please contact his foster mom at Fortner.laura@gmail.com or check out his Instagram @whs_theodore. To learn more about Theodore, click HERE!
Rose Animal ID: 32224012 Species: Cat Age: 2 years 3 months 7 days Sex:Female Color: White Declawed: No Site: Oglethorpe Street Hi there! I'm Rose! I am a 2 year old, short haired female. I came to WHS/WARL when my owner became overwhelmed with the number of cats living in her home. I shared a house with over FIFTY other cats previously, so I'm used to having feline friends. However, since my last owner had so many cats, it was difficult for her to spend time with all of us, so I'm still working on getting used to being petted and held. I'm shy in new situations and will need a patient owner that is willing to take some time earning my trust. Once I open up, I'm a very sweet cat, but new environments and noises easily startle me, so I would love to go to a quiet home where I can settle in slowly. Do you have a loving heart and room for another cat in your life? Come visit with me at Oglethorpe and see if I'd be a good match for you. To learn more about Rose, click HERE!
Mattie Animal ID: 33066823 Species: Cat Age: 8 months 27 days Sex:Female Color: Black Declawed: No Site:Oglethorpe Street Who says black cats are bad luck?! Harrumph! Well I'm Mattie, and I'd like to think that I'm somewhat of a good luck charm. I was found with a leg injury a few weeks back and luckily enough I ended up here safely at WHS/WARL! Now I'm looking for a new home. I am pretty shy since I'm still new to the shelter, so please go slow with me. I'd like to be friends, but if you pet me too quickly, I tend to get startled. If you're willing to be a little patient with you, I think we could be buddies in no time. Sound good? Get down here and meet me! I'd love to go home soon! To read more on Mattie, click HERE!
Mourek Animal ID: 33741237 Species: Cat Age: 2 years 9 months 22 days Sex:Male Color: Grey Declawed: No Site:Humane Rescue Alliance Mourek here! I'm sorry to say that I've bounced around quite a bit in my life. I originally was adopted out from a shelter in Virginia, but was recently brought here to the Humane Rescue Alliance when my previous owner could no longer care for me. I was previously living with a large family that included children and 2 other cats, and I just don't think that was a good fit for me. I think I would prefer to go to a quieter home. Maybe a family that doesn't have young children or other cats? I'm a very friendly, sociable guy, but it's easy to get overwhelmed in a chaotic household, so I'd like some peace for once. If that sounds like your home, maybe I'd be a good fit for you! Stop by the shelter and see me! To learn more about Mourek, click HERE!
Moorey Animal ID: 33749583 Species: Cat Age:5 years 6 months 6 days Sex:Male Color: Orange Declawed: No Site:Humane Rescue Alliance If you're a fan of large, long-haired cats, you MUST come in and meet me! I'm Moorey! Just one look at my picture and it's not hard to tell that I'm incredibly handsome. I was a much-beloved pet but my previous owner could no longer afford to take care of me and decided that it was best that I find another home. It's really sad, because I know they cared about me a lot, but I need to find a home that has the resources to care for me the way that I deserve. I'm really looking forward to going to my new home soon, so I'd love it if you would come in to meet me! Or if you have friends that are interested in adopting, share my story!To learn more about Moorey, click HERE! About the Humane Rescue Alliance: The Humane Rescue Alliance (formerly the Washington Humane Society-Washington Animal Rescue League) has protected and served the animals of the community for more than 145 years and serves 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 and control, behavior and training, spay-neuter services, humane education, and many others. The organization is dedicated to ensuring the safety and welfare of all animals, bringing people and animals together, and working with all communities to support these relationships. HRA is based in Washington, DC, the only major urban area in the country that has all of its animal protection programs and services unified in one organization, making the Humane Rescue Alliance a model for the nation. Please Share!
The Humane Rescue Alliance needs your help! If you have any information about the person or persons responsible for leaving a senior female Yorkie-type dog in a trashcan in an alley of the 4200 block of Mead Street and Lane Place NE on October 20, please contact our Humane Law Enforcement Department at 202-723-5730 (ext. 132). We are offering at $2,000 reward to any person who provides information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for this horrific act of animal cruelty.
Dear Friends, It is with great pride and excitement that I write to you today. Six months ago, the Washington Humane Society and the Washington Animal Rescue League began our historic journey together, merging into one organization to become the driving force in animal welfare, providing care and protection for more than 60,000 animals each year. Our two 100-year-old organizations began combined operations in February and have continued a very smooth operational transition since that time. Monday, in an historic announcement, the Washington Humane Society and the Washington Animal Rescue League combined organization became the Humane Rescue Alliance.
The name Humane Rescue Alliance is the culmination of a six month process of thoughtful and diligent work to discover and determine our brand and to define our identity as an organization. We believe the name Humane Rescue Alliance honors the two predecessor organizations by using the strongest word from each legacy name and represents the strength of the new organization as a bridge from our past to the future. With the Humane Rescue Alliance serving the animals and people of the nation’s capital, we now become a model for other animal welfare organizations and municipalities around the country. With the Humane Rescue Alliance serving the animals of the national capital region, Washington, DC, becomes the only major urban area in the country that has all of its animal protection programs and services - from medical services and adoptions to animal control and humane law enforcement - unified in one organization. As a supporter of our organization, I want you to know that we will continue to tenaciously protect and advocate for the animals in our community and support and celebrate people’s love and compassion for them. On behalf of our Board, staff and volunteers, I thank you for your support of our mission. We look forward to an exciting future, as we will constantly evolve - striving to excel at bringing new ideas forward that improve the lives of the animals and communities we work with. Sincerely,
Lisa LaFontaine President and CEO Humane Rescue Alliance
Brad Croft, director of operations for Universal K9, has trained hundreds of dogs for police work. But if you ask him who stands out most to him, without hesitation he replies, “Kiah is one of the top three dogs I’ve ever placed.” Kiah is a pit bull who was rescued from a shelter after she was found as a stray in a grocery market parking lot with a serious wound on her head. Now she’s New York state’s first K9 pit bull officer. She is part of the City of Poughkeepie Police Department’s K9 force and her partner is Officer Justin Bruzgul. Kiah is Bruzgul’s first K9 partner, and together they’re patrolling the streets of Poughkeepsie, making it a safer place to be. K9 police dog, Kiah, with her partner Officer Justin Bruzgul of the City of Poughkeepsie Police Department, New York Kiah’s adoption to the city was made possible by a grant from Animal Farm Foundation (AFF), associated with the Dutchess County SPCA (DCSPCA) in Hyde Park, New York. To read more on this story, click here:New York’s First K9 Pit Bull Is Top Dog
Coppabella, Australia - An Australian man summoned to his neighbor's kitchen to "see something cool" captured footage of a massive spider carrying its next meal, an adult mouse. Jason Womas of Coppabella, Queensland, posted a video to Facebook of the gigantic huntsman spider carrying the apparently dead mouse up the side of his neighbor's refrigerator. "So I am just about to leave for work... and me neighbor says 'You want to see something cool' and I say 'Hell yeah.' So we proceed to his place and he shows me this. Huntsman trying to eat a mouse," Womas wrote. He said in a follow-up post that he and his neighbor decided to let the spider go about its business unharmed and they gave it a name, Hermie. "OK guys so just letting you all know that the spider is fine. We have named him Hermie, we have adopted him and he is now running his own extermination business out of our town Coppabella. Oh and he is now paying rent," Womas posted.
We Are Humane Rescue Alliance! Washington Humane Society-Washington Animal Rescue League – Renamed in Historic Moment in Animal Welfare for Washington, DC The Nation’s Capital becomes the only major urban area in the country with all animal protection programs and services unified in one organization.
For the first time in more than 145 years, Washington, DC’s animal welfare organizations will serve the nation’s capital under a new name: Humane Rescue Alliance. The new name was unveiled Monday, October 24, at an event at the organization’s Oglethorpe Street location in Washington, DC. The new name is the culmination of the merger between the Washington Humane Society and Washington Animal Rescue League, which combined operations in February. “Over the past several months we have been engaged in a methodical and thoughtful process, developing a new name and brand,” said Lisa LaFontaine, President and CEO of the Humane Rescue Alliance. “We believe the name Humane Rescue Alliance honors the two predecessor organizations by using the strongest word from each legacy name and represents the strength of the new organization as a bridge from our past to the future.” With the Humane Rescue Alliance serving the animals and people of the nation’s capital, Washington, DC, becomes the only major urban area in the country that has all of its animal protection programs and services—from medical services and adoptions to animal control and humane law enforcement—unified in one organization. The Humane Rescue Alliance, which serves more than 60,000 animals each year, has now become a model for other animal welfare organizations and municipalities around the country. In the months since the combination was announced, animal welfare organizations across the country have reached out for advice on how to more effectively collaborate with partners and serve their own communities.
“We’re combining our proficiency and knowledge in all aspects of animal care, from providing quality, affordable medical services to creating families with each adoption,” continued LaFontaine. “Most importantly, we will continue to tenaciously protect and advocate for the animals in our community and support and celebrate people’s love and compassion for them.” The new Humane Rescue Alliance brand was developed by the Washington, DC office of Ogilvy Public Relations, who provided their services pro bono and led the organization through a six month process of brand discovery, definition and expression. The Humane Rescue Alliance operates two animal care and adoption centers in Washington, DC: one on Oglethorpe Street in Northwest and another on New York Avenue in Northeast. The Humane Rescue Alliance provides a comprehensive set of animal care and protection programs that touch the lives of animals and the people who love them, including:
Rescue and Adoption – With a 90 percent save rate for animals, Humane Rescue Alliance has built a nationally recognized program for effective rescue and adoption. The Humane Rescue Alliance also transports and places adoptable animals from overcrowded shelters and from rescue operations outside the region.
Humane Law Enforcement – Under its 145-year-old congressional charter, the Humane Rescue Alliance serves as DC’s “animal cops,” protecting the District’s animals from cruelty and harm.
Low-Cost Veterinary Services – The Humane Rescue Alliance’s full-service medical center provides veterinary care to all families, regardless of their ability to pay.
Animal Control – The Humane Rescue Alliance serves as the District of Columbia’s animal control agency, responding to nearly 1,500 calls per month for animal emergencies ranging from lost and injured companion animals to injured wildlife.
Behavior and Learning – The Humane Rescue Alliance offers a wide range of education programs and training classes for pet owners to strengthen their bond with their pets and address common animal behavior issues.
Spay/Neuter Services – The Humane Rescue Alliance runs the region’s only high-volume, low-cost spay and neuter center, helping address the root cause of pet overpopulation.
Help Out, Partner, and Educate (HOPE) – The HOPE program is our community-based initiative, providing people in traditionally underserved areas of DC with a variety of free pet services, such as spay/neuter surgeries, vaccinations, food, and supplies at periodic community events. This program provides a critical lifeline that helps keep thousands of pets in loving homes – and out of shelters.
Other Programs – Humane Rescue Alliance also offers programs ranging from education programs in DC schools to a “Safe Haven” program for the pets of victims of domestic violence and a pet food bank for families facing difficult financial times
About the Humane Rescue Alliance: The Humane Rescue Alliance (formerly the Washington Humane Society-Washington Animal Rescue League) has protected and served the people of the community for more than 145 years and serves 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 and control, behavior and training, spay-neuter services, humane education, and many others. The organization is dedicated to ensuring the safety and welfare of all animals, bringing people and animals together, and working with all communities to support these relationships. HRA is based in Washington, DC, the only major urban area in the country that has all of its animal protection programs and services unified in one organization, making the Humane Rescue Alliance a model for the nation.
The heartbreaking photo of a lonely dog left on the sidewalk next to trash, reportedly left by his family, was taken by a Michigan neighbor who said they never returned for the pit bull named "Boo." A neighbor told Mike Diesel, who eventually rescued the dog, that he witnessed the family move out and leave the dog. “A neighbor that witnessed the family move out a while ago said they came back once for belongings and not Boo unfortunately,” Diesel, founder of the Detroit Youth and Dog Rescue, told InsideEdition.com. Diesel initially saw the sad photo on Facebook page for dogs, which garnerned more than 20k likes. The neighbor reportedly said he’d been feeding Boo for a week and had contacted every dog rescue in the area, but no one would take the homeless dog. That’s when Diesel decided to take action. He drove to where the abandoned pup was and took time to get acquainted with him, not wanting to frighten Boo. “As far as building up the trust that started Sunday the 16th at 2:30 p.m. when I arrived and I stayed that night until 1 a.m. talking and getting acquainted with Boo and feeding him different food items,” said Diesel. The next day Diesel said he decided to show up with two sausage McMuffins and two hash browns to eat with Boo but ended up giving the dog both, he said. “It took another 4-5 hours that day before I ended up getting a leash around his neck and then we just sat on the ground and talked for 45 minutes before I had enough trust for him to allow me to pick him up and we went directly to the vet,” said Diesel. It turned up that Boo has heartworms and as of Saturday he is still at the Groesbeck Animal Hospital getting the help he needs.
"Boo has warmed up to me in an amazing way already and truly shows and proves the Love of the pit bull and Trust they have in humans,” said Diesel.
