Fate turned in their favor when a man, lost and mistakenly taking a wrong turn, spotted a white Terrier sprawled atop a trash heap near the tire. Aware of the dire conditions, he promptly contacted Faith Easdale, a seasoned rescuer with Dream Fetchers: Project Rescue. Faith was familiar with the grim reality of abandoned pets in such desolate areas. “It’s an everyday occurrence,” she remarked, reflecting on the frequent abandonment sites scattered across underpasses and remote fields. 

Responding swiftly, Faith reached out to Cassandra Aldridge, a local rescuer, to investigate. Arriving on the scene, Cassandra discovered not one but three dogs peering out from the tire. Weak and dehydrated, they lacked the strength to leave their makeshift shelter. With no time to spare, Cassandra carefully loaded the tire with the dogs inside of it into her car, seeking relief from the heat. As the air conditioning soothed the pups, Faith joined Cassandra, and together, they coaxed the timid dogs from their refuge. Wrapping them in a blanket, Faith tenderly offered water, which they eagerly drank. 

“They just were so lethargic that they didn’t even want to run,” Faith told The Dodo, relieved as the dogs settled into a crate, comforted by each other’s presence. The trio, a poignant symbol of neglect turned to hope, was then taken to a veterinary hospital. Given their ordeal, the rescuers whimsically named them after tire brands—Michelin, Pirelli, and Kumho—marking their new journey towards recovery. Despite their flea and tick infestations and the skin damage they suffered, the dogs reveled in their safety, their spirits uplifted by the care they received. The sight of the white dog protectively placing her paw over another pup melted the hearts of their saviors. 

Nursed back to health and safety, the dogs now awaited a future far removed from the harshness of a tire under an overpass.

 
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The saga began when Dawn and her husband heard a helpless fawn in their yard bleating – and it was clear he needed help. In fact, the baby deer, who’d lost his mother, even stood on top of Dawn’s husband’s feet. Understanding the critical balance between nurturing a wild animal and respecting its innate nature, Dawn and her husband were adamant: Thor would not be a pet. They embarked on a mission to raise him with one goal in mind—to reintegrate him back into the wild. 

Their commitment to his well-being was profound, extending to sleeping outside near his enclosure to safeguard him through the night and adhering to a rigorous feeding schedule that demanded attention every three hours. Thor’s dietary needs were a paramount concern, necessitating a departure from conventional choices like cow’s milk. Goat’s milk became his lifeline, carefully selected to ensure his growth and development on the path to independence. 

This meticulous attention to his nutritional needs underscored the family’s dedication to Thor’s survival and future autonomy in the wild. As Thor grew, he gradually learned to navigate the complexities of his natural environment, though the bond with his human family remained unbroken. 

Remarkably, Thor would respond to their calls, returning from the depths of the wilderness for his bottle of milk. This routine continued, even as Thor matured and adapted to life beyond the confines of human care. Watch their heartwarming story in the video below!

 
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Thankfully, seal monitor Ayanda Cimani was up to the challenge. Two Oceans Aquarium in Cape Town, South Africa, shared some incredible footage of the rescue on social media! In the clip, a group of seals were lounging on the seal platform, a wooden deck just above the water. One of these creatures seemed to be troubled by a piece of plastic wrapped around their neck. 

No matter how much they wriggled around, they couldn’t extricate themselves from the predicament. What this seal needed was a diver with a cutting tool to save them!

@2oceansaquarium Watch Seal Monitor Ayanda Cimani disentangle a Cape fur seal! 🦭🩵 #twooceansaquarium #sealrescue #fyp #capetown #ocean ♬ original sound - Two Oceans Aquarium

Ayanda Cimani donned his diving gear and slipped into the water underneath the deck. Then, he cautiously waited for the animal to calm down. Once the creature was laying on the ground, Ayanda swam up beneath them and snipped the plastic right off. 

Although the seal was startled at first, they were relieved to find that the diver had saved them from being strangled. This seal rescue reminds us to be more environmentally conscientious. The heartwarming animal rescue video ended with a warning for all of us. “Remember to be mindful of your plastic usage — it could save a life!” wrote Two Oceans in their caption. According to the Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation website, their Marine Wildlife Management Programme members are always on the lookout for seals in situations like this one. They have “disentangled thousands of seals.” Seal monitors like Ayanda not only protect these animals from plastic, but are also responsible for making sure they use the seal platforms. This keeps local humans from getting too close! 

We’re so glad that this diver was able to save the poor seal caught in a piece of plastic. Now, the creature can go back to hanging out with their friends!
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According to Costa Rican newspaper The Tico Times, the Costa Rica government announced last week that it will close the two state zoos and not renew a contract with the Fundazoo Foundation. The plan was first announced back in 2013. 

“We are getting rid of the cages and reinforcing the idea of interacting with biodiversity in botanical parks in a natural way,” Environment Minister René Castro said at a press conference at the time. “We don’t want animals in captivity or enclosed in any way unless it is to rescue or save them.” While the idea to go cage-free was cheered by animal activists, it also proved to be controversial, as some questioned the practicality of releasing animals that have long lived in captivity. 

“If they close it down, none of the animals here could be released. Most have permanent injuries. Even though they have been treated, these injuries prevent them from flying or seeing well,” Randall Arguedas, a veterinarian at the Simon Bolivar Zoo, said in 2013, per CNN. 

“Some have simply lost their natural instincts. In other words, they will always have to live in captivity.” There was also concern about the logistics of moving the animals to already-overcrowded wildlife rescues. “We have received so many animals this year that we have been forced to turn away animals,” Maria Pia Martin, wildlife veterinarian at rescue center, Kids Saving the Rainforest, told National Geographic. 

But the government said that closing the zoos was in the animals’ best interest, and according to CNN environmental activists accused the zoos of having cramped cages and unsanitary conditions, which zoo officials denied. Due to legal hurdles and a contract with Fundazoo, the plan to close the zoos was delayed a whole decade, but is now going into effect. According to The Tico Times, 300 animals — including crocodiles, spider monkeys, a sloth and a jaguar — were loaded onto trucks and transferred out of the Simón Bolívar Zoo in San José, and relocated to a local refuge. Official José Pablo Vázquez of the Ministry of Environment said that the various animals were examined before the transfer. 

“We have become a country without state zoos and with a vision towards sanctuaries and rescue centers only,” said Franz Tattenbach, Minister of Environment. While the two state zoos have now closed, the law does not affect the 18 private zoos in Costa Rica. What do you think of this idea? Should more countries close their state zoos? Please share this story with your thoughts.
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  “She walked up to me and a friend while we were fishing,” explained the man who believed she was trying to cross a two-lane highway so she could reach them on the other side. 

Soon after, they spotted another tiny kitten who appeared to be her sibling. He thought that the two of them must have been abandoned. It was obvious that this brother and sister were far too young to be separated from their mother. The little grey kitten had taken a liking to this man and followed him around like a duckling. He soon decided that he would take her home to be part of his family and he found another family that would take in her sibling. Once at home it didn’t take her long to settle in. This tiny kitten was loving all the attention and especially loved having a cuddle – safe at last. Then it was time for that all important bath. She was so thankful to finally have someone to care for her that she didn’t complain one little bit. 

“She’s doing great now, eating like a champ, already doing well with cat litter, and we’ve de-flea’d her as best we can because she’s so young and tiny there aren’t any anti flea meds we can safely use.” They always look so cute after a bath when they’re wrapped up in a towel. It’s kitten burrito time!. This tiny kitten is now a permanent member of this family – she has surely found her forever home. He didn’t catch many fish that day but he came home with something a lot cuter!
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His fortune took a turn for the better when the dedicated team at Bosley’s Place (BP) decided to help him. Once under their care, Flipflop quickly began to thrive. He took to bottle-feeding immediately and began gaining weight. The rescue group said that other than his front leg deformity, he seems healthy with a good appetite and a zest for life! The staff closely monitored his development, and within weeks, the little puppy had transformed into a vibrant and joyful pup. He began socializing with other puppies at the rescue, quickly becoming a favorite due to his irresistibly charming personality. 

Despite his malformed leg, he played and enjoyed life alongside his new friends. However, there remained concerns about his deformed leg and whether it might require amputation to prevent potential infection. 

As Flipflop grew, the situation became clearer. A veterinarian assessed him and concluded that the little Toy Poodle did not need surgery. Soon after, he was cleared for adoption, and that’s when Nikki and her family decided to step up and give him a forever home! The BP team was overjoyed to see Flipflop, now renamed Butters, begin a new chapter in his life. They were relieved and happy knowing he was going to a loving home with Nikki. The story didn’t end there. Nikki’s family also adopted two other special-needs dogs from BP, Griff and Henry, now known as Hank. 

“He has an amazing family, truly incredible… Not only did they adopt Flipflop, now Butters, but they also adopted TWO of our other special-needs puppies, Griff and Henry, now Hank,” Bosley’s Place updated. 

Today, Butters is enjoying life in his new home, surrounded by the siblings and humans he adores. After a challenging beginning, he is finally in a place where he belongs!

 
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Despite the staff’s efforts to help her, nobody seemed interested in adopting her. Angel Cox, CEO of the Spartanburg Humane Society, explained to The Dodo, “Chauncey is very shy until she gets to know you. So, with all the barking and constant activity at the shelter, she kind of watched the world go by.” The compassionate staff was heartbroken for her, so they gave her extra attention. They took her outside for playtime and walks, sat inside her kennel so she felt less alone, and gave her extra pets and treats. 

Soon, the shelter got word that a family was interested in Chauncey. They were elated! Chauncey was officially adopted and taken to her new home, but bad luck seemed to follow Chauncey. The family changed their minds, said it didn’t work out, and brought her back to Spartanburg Humane Society. The staff, devastated all over again, put up a post on Facebook with the photo of Chauncey poking her head out of her kennel, hoping to garnish attention. 

Moments later, a family saw her sweet face and felt an instant connection. They came in to meet her and it was love at first sight! 

Cox said, “She sold herself right away. She is a very loving dog and won them over with her sweetness.” Everyone at the shelter was thrilled that Chauncey finally found her happily ever after!
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  It was eight years ago when GNN first reported on it, and ever since it has become a mainstay of the training program at St. Joseph High School in Santa Maria, California. It became so much more, however, after a simple video of the kids running with the dogs went viral, causing athletic directors around the country to phone St. Joseph and ask how they organized the program. 

Steinbrenner High School in Lutz, Florida, was the second school that picked up on the shelter dog runs, and others followed suit like Rock Island High School in Rock Island, Illinois; all because of the viral video that occasionally resurfaces on social media to the delight of thousands. 

“It was 60 seconds of genuine, organic kindness,” St. Joseph cross country coach Luis Escobar, who filmed the video, told the Washington Post. “The world needs kindness.” “The dogs want to go out and run; the kids love dogs, and they love running. It was a perfect marriage,” said Escobar. For the original program, Escobar contacted a Santa Barbara animal shelter, which was totally on board. They ended up pairing athletes with dogs that needed to go running and giving them instructions on what to do. 

Most of the dogs weren’t in great shape, and so the running was capped at a mile. In the video, this led to an iconic moment when a high schooler comes walking by the camera with a small dog named Fred, and remarks “Fred’s had it.” As it turned out, the young man and his family decided to adopt Fred; the first of many such unions since the program’s launch, something which Escobar says is what he is most proud of. On the other end of the country, the Humane Society of Tampa Bay has been working with Steinbrenner High for 7 years on their shelter dog run. 

“Our three pillars of our cross-country team [are] gentleman, scholar, and athlete, and this really satisfies that gentleman area of caring for something that cannot care for itself,” Allison Szponar, the head coach of the team, told Fox 13 Tampa. For the dogs, says staff member Glen Hatchel at the Society, the runs allow them to burn off loads of nervous energy, leaving them calmer and more adoptable when they get back to the shelter. 

 WATCH the original video below…

 
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Most dogs, after being wronged by humans, will go on to love people and thrive in a new home. Their forgiveness is inspirational! While this story begins tragically, the dog is now safe because a Good Samaritan went out of their way to help another creature in need. On a typical workday in Philadelphia, a Good Samaritan was performing routine tasks on a property when something unexpected caught his attention. He noticed a trash bag that seemed to be moving. Urgently, he tore open the bag and discovered a white and tan Pit Bull in dire condition. The dog was completely rigid, unable to move his head or feet. 

The worker gently extracted him from the bag, placed him on cardboard, and covered him with a blanket to keep him warm. After making the dog comfortable, he immediately contacted local authorities to report the situation. While waiting for help, he offered the dog some food, hoping it would entice him to eat. 

The Pennsylvania SPCA responded promptly, arriving on the scene to transport the dog, who was later named Codi, to their facility. At the SPCA, the vets were initially puzzled by Codi’s condition. They pondered, “What had happened to this poor soul? Why had he been discarded like trash?” as noted in a Facebook post by the Pennsylvania SPCA. It soon became clear that Codi was unable to stand on his own. The veterinary team performed numerous tests, ensured he was well-fed, and provided plenty of fresh water. They began to gently stretch and massage his limbs, taking care not to frighten him. 

Over time, Codi managed to stand and eventually took his first cautious steps. This progress moved his rescuers to tears, hopeful that he would one day lead a normal life. The Pennsylvania SPCA was diligent in publicizing Codi’s need for a home. They featured him on social media and local news, which caught the attention of a family who instantly fell in love with him. Just one month after being found paralyzed in a trash bag, Codi was adopted. 

“The odds may have seemed against him, but he never gave up and last week, it all paid off when he found his forever home!” the Pennsylvania SPCA celebrated in a Facebook post. The staff was thrilled by his quick turnaround and his ability to overcome his harsh beginnings. Codi’s resilience and bravery left a lasting impression on them. He now lives a dream life with a family that loves him for who he is, having completely moved past his traumatic experiences. 

Play the video below to see Codi take his first steps. His new human friends cheer him on and he’s so proud of himself. Thank you to the SPCA, the Good Samaritan, and Codi’s new family.

 
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  Bruce’s vet classifies him as a Minuet, a hybrid mix of Persian and Munchkin breeds. His unique look includes a mostly black head with white markings and a striped torso like a tabby. Some of his feet are black, others white. 

It almost looks like they were out of matching parts when Bruce was made. His odd looks aside, Bruce is handsome and loved by his family.

He is real
byu/No_Secretary8854 incats

Bruce isn’t the first odd-looking cat and won’t be the last. Many people follow the exploits of Monty and Molly, as well as their little brother Jamie, the Picasso cat. 

A quick search of available memes on any social media platform will net you tons of images of mismatched cats. The poor little guy below didn’t even get matching eyes! Another beautiful, mismatched kitty seems to have the facial structure and angry stare of a Siamese cat but none of the standard coloration of that breed. Maybe that’s why he seems grumpy. They say that beauty is in the eye of the beholder — in this instance, the cat owner. While cats may look like fake cats to us, their owners love them unconditionally. 

In the end, is there anything else that matters? I have been a cat lover for much of my adult life. My current clowder includes two defective black cats (each with three stray white hairs). But I love them!
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In late March, meteorologist Katarzyna Kudłacz was making breakfast at her research station on the tiny island of Spitsbergen, when she realized that she had a small group of visitors watching her from outside the window. When she turned to look at them, she realized that her nosy visitors were polar bears. Kudłacz and her fellow researchers at the Polish Polar Station Hornsund are no strangers to these creatures, as there are many just like them living in the area. Since they are wild animals, however, the researchers are careful to keep their distance. It is much more rare for the bears to come up to the windows of their station, which caused some surprise on the part of Kudłacz and her peers. Thankfully, they were able to peacefully drive the bears—a mother and two of her cubs—away from their station using noisemakers. 

The research station posted photos and a video from their encounter on Facebook with the caption, “We didn’t need coffee to wake us up this morning.” As for Kudłacz, she isn't likely to forget her interaction with the curious bears anytime soon. “It was wonderful experience,” the meteorologist says. “But also a bit stressful.” 

Polish Polar Station Hornsund: Website | Facebook
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  Ollie’s tale is not just one of a pet and owner but of a unique kinship that defies the norm and challenges our perception of interspecies relationships. From the moment Ollie entered the lives of his human family, he displayed an innate curiosity and zest for life that set him apart. On a particularly scorching day, his love for the water manifested unexpectedly, leading to an unforgettable scene. 

As his human dad took to the water, Ollie, driven by an adventurous streak, leaped in, swimming out to him with a determination that left everyone in awe. This pivotal moment marked the beginning of Ollie’s aquatic adventures. Exhibiting a calm and collected demeanor that belied his youth, Ollie proved to be a natural in the water. 

His affinity for swimming was not just a display of physical prowess; it symbolized a profound connection with his human family, sharing moments of joy and relaxation that transcended species. Ollie’s explorations were not limited to the water. His forays onto a boat with his family further highlighted his adaptability and eagerness to be part of every family activity. 

Ollie’s presence on the boat, gazing at the horizon, feeling the wind in his fur, encapsulated a sense of freedom and belonging that is rarely witnessed in a farm animal. His interactions with his canine siblings, Huck and Chewy, further illustrated his sociable and playful nature. 

Ollie’s ability to seamlessly integrate into this unconventional family unit showcased not only his adaptability but also the inclusive nature of his human family, who welcomed him without reservations. Perhaps the most striking aspect of Ollie’s story is how naturally he assumed his place in the family, participating in activities typically reserved for pets of a different kind. 

His willingness to embrace these experiences, coupled with his family’s encouragement, serves as powerful proof of the limitless potential of interspecies friendships. Ollie’s journey is a heartwarming reminder of the boundless love and unexpected adventures that come with embracing an animal as part of the family. 

His story transcends the ordinary, offering a glimpse into a world where love knows no boundaries, and where a baby cow can be as much a part of a family as any human or traditional pet. 

To watch Ollie with his family and some other extraordinary pets watch the video below.

 
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  Luckily, kind-hearted teachers from a nearby village spotted Kadife and knew they had to help. They reached out to Mert Akkök, a local man known for his big heart when it came to rescuing vulnerable animals. Mert immediately welcomed the orphaned donkey into his home. 

Under Mert’s care, Kadife found herself in an unusual situation – her new family was a rambunctious pack of dogs! But the friendly foal took it all in stride. She quickly bonded with her canine siblings, especially a handsome blonde dog named Ben. 

Kadife and Ben became attached at the hip, spending their days romping and playing together. The donkey started acting more like a puppy, chasing after the dogs, trying to steal bites of their food, and constantly seeking out cuddles and kisses. She even learned to playfully tug on their collars! 

Now three years old, Kadife has blossomed into the unquestioned leader of her doggy crew. Spoiled with love and attention, her signature move is running up to Mert and demanding hugs, even when he’s busy. In her mind, she’s the boss and affection is mandatory.

  Watching Kadife flourish, it’s clear that family has nothing to do with species. This lucky girl found her place in the world thanks to the unexpected love of some dogs and one very special human. 

Her story is proof that with an open heart, beautiful bonds can form.
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According to a Facebook post, the seal was lethargic and injured, and in a desperate plea for help crawled across the beach and up a flight of stairs. 

Thankfully, members of the public found the poor seal and became concerned. The crowd contacted Seal Rescue Ireland.

  The rescuers found Tralee to be underweight for a seal of her age, had parasites and multiple wounds across her back flippers. They treated her wounds and provided pain relief and antibiotics. Tralee has made a recovery, and the rescue says that her personality has begun to shine through. 

“She has responded well to treatment, and now that we see her personality shining through, it’s no surprise she draws a crowd,” Seal Rescue Ireland wrote. “She certainly has star quality and leaves a little sparkle wherever she goes.” 

Tralee is now “up for adoption,” as people can make a donation to support her recovery and receive updates about her progress. What a beautiful seal — she crawled up those steps looking for help and thankfully she found it. We wish her the best in her recovery ❤️
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Despite being the oldest zoo in Florida, this is actually the first time that the zoological park has had meerkats born within its walls. Back in February 2012, a female meerkat named Yam Yam was transferred from Busch Gardens to Zoo Miami. In June 2018, Yam Yam finally had company when the zoo took in 3 male meerkats from the Brevard Zoo. 

Altogether, the 4 meerkats live in a single enclosure where they live as one family. And on the 18th of January this year, Yam Yam gave birth to two lovely baby meerkats. One of the three male meerkats could be the father and only DNA tests could verify which one is the biological father. Amazingly, Yam Yam and the other three male meerkats are working cooperatively to raise the newborn pups. Just like any other newborn animals, baby meerkats solely rely on their parents because they are born blind and helpless. Meerkats have a reputation of being a good guardian to their young. In the wild, meerkats live in groups where every member has specific role to perform. 

Some of the basic tasks include hunting for food, digging tunnels for home, taking care of infants, and serving as lookouts to guard their tunnel homes. But they don’t just stick to one role. They typically go on rotation so everyone gets to experience all these tasks. Their natural instinct of taking care of their pups can be passed on even to those that are not living in the wild. Meerkats living in the zoo, for example, are deprived to exercise their instincts. They won’t need to forage for food because the staff feeds them. 

They can’t dig their own tunnels either because they are provided with a comfortable home to begin with. But all these things don’t completely eradicate their innate behaviors. And their wild instincts still manifest from time to time.
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