Discover when, how and where to watch the smallest full moon of the year take center stage on April 12.
In a touching video, Bruno Yovich, the founder of Save the Dogs, introduces himself and his organization. His enthusiasm is evident as he talks about the mission behind Save the Dogs.
Save the Dogs was created with a clear goal: to rescue dogs from a city shelter in Bosnia. This shelter was built to house only 300 dogs, but now it holds around 1,200 dogs in very poor conditions. This overcrowding shows how badly help is needed.
One of the most emotional parts of the video is the story of Ambo.
Ambo was one of the first dogs rescued by Save the Dogs. His journey from neglect to receiving love and care demonstrates the powerful impact of the organization’s work.
Bruno shares a personal story about how he started rescuing dogs. He acknowledges that he had no previous experience with dogs before adopting Mia, a French Bulldog. This unexpected event led him to discover a deep passion for helping dogs, which inspired him to start Save the Dogs.
His story is relatable and inspiring, showing how a single act of kindness can grow into a larger mission.
Save the Dogs has grown a lot over the years. They have built a second ranch that can take care of 400-500 dogs and are currently looking after around 850 dogs from the city shelter. This growth shows their dedication to providing better lives for these animals.
The team at Save the Dogs focuses on rescuing dogs in the worst conditions, including those who have been involved in illegal dog fights.
This part of their work is very challenging because it means dealing with dogs who have been through a lot of trauma and abuse. Their commitment to helping these vulnerable dogs highlights their dedication to animal welfare and rehabilitation.
Bruno’s ultimate dream is to find permanent homes for rescued dogs in Bosnia. He imagines a place where dogs are not just kept but are given love, medical care, and the freedom to live happy lives. This dream reflects the main values of Save the Dogs, showing how important it is to give every dog a good life.
The video ends with a strong message about the organization’s ongoing efforts to rescue more dogs and improve their lives.
Despite the difficulties and sad situations they face, Bruno and his team are determined to keep going. Save the Dogs stands as a beacon of hope for the many dogs still in need, inspiring viewers to support and join their cause.
Costa Rica is known for its amazing and exotic wildlife: the country is home to diverse animals including sloths, jaguars, monkeys, toucans and parrots.
Recently, Costa Rica made an extraordinary and long-awaited move to protect its wildlife: they’re closing all their zoos. 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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When a man was out fishing by a lake, a tiny ball of grey fur scampered up to him, asking for help.
Who could resist that tiny kitten face?
“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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Bosley’s Place, a rescue group in Georgia, shared the inspiring tale of a small puppy named Flipflop. Born with a front leg deformity and rejected by his mother shortly after birth, this little puppy battled bravely for his life from the start. 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!
When a shelter dog finds a new family and a forever home, it’s something to celebrate. But it’s extraordinarily tough to see them struggle to get adopted. Chauncey, a shy but sweet and playful dog, spent her days at the Spartanburg Humane Society, watching as her friends left with new families through a hole at the bottom of her kennel door.
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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Many unique creatures call the Arctic home, but few humans have the luxury of ever getting face-to-face with these animals.
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.”
A meteorologist posted at a research station in the Arctic Ocean was startled to find a family of polar bears staring in through the window as they watched her make breakfast.
When it comes to being a cow no one breaks the mold as much as Ollie. In the realm of extraordinary animal companions, few stories capture the heart quite like that of Ollie, a baby cow with an adventurous spirit and a deep bond with his human family.
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.
When Kadife the donkey was born, tragedy struck – her mother passed away, leaving the helpless foal all alone on the side of a busy highway. For days, the frightened baby huddled next to her mom’s body, unsure where to turn.
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.
Her story is proof that with an open heart, beautiful bonds can form.
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Seal Rescue Ireland shared the story of Tralee, a 4-to-6-month-old female grey seal pup who was found in Kilkee Beach in County Clare on March 10. 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.
“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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The entire world fell in love with the adorable baby meerkat in a Tokyo zoo when photos of the shy pup circulated over the internet. But now you don’t have to go to Japan just to see baby meerkats in person. Zoo Miami, the largest zoo in Florida, is now a home to two cute baby meerkats. 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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In a heartwarming tale of reunion and love, a lost Siberian husky’s journey back to his family unfolds with emotional depth and a touching narrative.
This story, set 240 miles from the dog’s home, is not just about a lost pet but it serves as proof of the resilience and enduring spirit of animals and the people who love them.
The Siberian husky, known for their loyalty and affectionate nature, becomes the protagonist in this moving story.
It’s a story that resonates with anyone who has ever loved a pet, highlighting the incredible resilience and determination of animals.
It’s a story that touches the heart, reminding us of the profound connection we share with our animal companions.
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This particular video is a beautiful example of their mission, illustrating not only the beauty of wildlife but also the importance of wildlife rehabilitation, adoption, fostering, and rescue.
Beyond the emotional reunion, the video also sheds light on the broader issues of pet safety and the importance of responsible pet ownership.
When animals go missing, we can only hope and pray they will wind up back home! In this tale, we meet a dog named Kano, affectionately known as Skillet, who found himself under the care of DeKalb County Animal Services in Georgia.
After five months of waiting, despite his friendly and lovable nature, Kano was still without a forever home. Due to space constraints at the DeKalb County shelter, Kano was moved to LifeLine Animal Project’s adoption center in Atlanta, a decision that would serendipitously lead him back to his original family.
LifeLine Animal Project shared the joyful news on their Facebook page, announcing, “Kano, formerly known as Skillet to his shelter family, has found his way home! He found the best outcome; being reunited with his family!”
This reunion came about when Kano’s “grandmother,” the mother of his previous owner, discovered his photo on the shelter’s website after feeling compelled to search for their lost pet.
The woman recounted that her son had raised Kano in the Blue Ridge Mountains from puppyhood, describing him as the most loving dog.
However, when her son enlisted in the Army, family circumstances forced her to rehome Kano, but then he went missing. “But not long after, I just had an intuitive sense that I needed to look for him,” she shared with LifeLine Animal Project. Following her intuition led her to LifeLine’s website, where she joyously found Kano and quickly made arrangements to visit him.
Kano knew instantly that this woman was his family and whipped his head around when she called him by his real name. It brought tears of joy to the volunteers’ eyes. Everyone celebrated Kano and his grandma’s reunion.
The woman expressed her deep connection with Kano, regretting their separation but hoping he understands her love.
“I knew in my soul he needed me; it’s like he was calling me somehow. I know that sounds crazy. I tell him every day I’m sorry I was doing the best I could do at the time and I love him so much! I still feel the guilt, but I hope he knows and feels my love for him,” she explained in LifeLine Animal Project’s Facebook post.
With a happy resolution, the woman had recently acquired a house with a fenced backyard for Kano to enjoy.
Although her son, about to be deployed, hasn’t seen Kano in person again, their FaceTime interactions are filled with happiness. Kano’s journey demonstrates how, sometimes, the road to the right destination involves traversing many paths.
