But at home, it appears that the former California governor has a soft spot for animals. According to Celebrity Pets, Arnold Schwarzenegger currently has a total of six pets, including several rather unique choices! Back in 1997, Arnold and his family adopted their first unusual pet. In an interview with the Columbus Dispatch, Arnold explained that he wanted a miniature pig after working with George Clooney on the movie, “Batman and Robin.” 

After a breeder said that their new pet, Bacon, would not grow very large, the pig grew to be an enormous 300-pound behemoth.

 

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Arnold’s animals are truly members of the household, and happily parade around inside. Lulu, the mini donkey, and Schnelly, the mini pig, are also learning chess. 

The current list of Schwarzenegger pets includes three dogs, a mini horse, a mini pig (a real mini one this time), and Lulu, the mini donkey. Let’s meet the members of the mini zoo! Arnold has three dogs named Schnitzel, Dutch, and Cherry. Schnitzel is a Leonberger breed and is named after Arnold’s favorite Austrian dish. Dutch is possibly a malamute, or malamute mix. 

He is named after Arnold’s character in the “Predator” movie. Finally, Cherry is an adorable little Yorkshire terrier. She is the smallest of the bunch. Arnold’s mini pig, Schnelly, was adopted in April of 2023. She is slightly larger than cute little Cherry. Arnold is attempting to teach Schnelly to play chess, but we don’t think the lessons are sticking. The last two members of Arnold’s little farmstead are Whiskey, the mini horse, and Lulu, the mini donkey. Both animals roam freely inside his expansive home and participate in the daily routine. 

When perusing Arnold’s social media, you might catch Lulu supervising a workout in the gym. It is clear that, regardless of his on-film persona, Arnold is an animal lover. 

The videos and articles we read in researching this tell us that these pets are truly members of his household. Watch the drill sergeant supervising a workout!

@arnoldschnitzel

Lulu pumps up.

♬ Hard Work - U.S. Drill Sergeant Field Recordings

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  One day, Scott decided to go on a drive to clear his head. He was driving through a small farming town in Payette, Idaho when he saw a sign that said, “German Shepherd puppies.” He had recently lost his German Shepherd and was in need of some puppy love. 

While Scott had no intention of adopting another dog at that time, he took one look at Biggie and fell in love instantly. Biggie had several issues, including a hernia, which is why he was one of the last puppies to be adopted. However, Scott didn’t mind these issues. Scott took him home that same day. “I want to give him the best life that I can,” Scott told GeoBeats Animals. 

And what a wonderful life Biggie currently has. Scott says that the mountains are Biggie’s happy place. They go hiking, swimming, and snowboarding together. They also skateboard and Biggie loves to run in wide open fields. You can see Biggie happily jumping around the snow while Scott snowboards in front of him. When they go hiking and end up in a deserted area, Scott lets Biggie run around freely. 

Biggie is also an excellent listener. His large ears are usually alert so he can listen to the things around him. One ear is soaking in all the surrounding sounds, while the other ear is reserved for listening for any commands Scott might give him. Although he’s a big dog, Biggie is still a puppy at heart. He loves playing with a small ball and Scott says Biggie always has a ball with him and treats it like a pacifier. 

“If you give your dog the best life you can, in turn, you can have the best life you can have as well,” Scott shared. Scott also said that having Biggie helps him overcome depression. “It gives me the will to get out there and see things and do things.” Of course, their relationship isn’t perfect. 

Scott says that caring for Biggie can be challenging. This includes Scott exercising Biggie for at least two hours every day, which helps keep Biggie’s energy levels manageable. A few weeks ago, Biggie was hospitalized for fluid in his lungs. He spent three days in the ICU before he got better. Thankfully, Biggie made a full recovery. Scott says that incident taught him never to take things for granted. Their bond is truly unique. Scott says, “I feel like I can go out and do anything, as long as he is with me.” 

We’re so happy Scott and Biggie have each other. From being a dog that no one wanted to someone’s best friend and family member, Biggie has come full circle. While not everyone can have a bond as special and as strong as Scott and Biggie, getting a dog will change your life for the better. Consider adopting, or fostering, one from a shelter and see how you can help improve each other’s lives. 

Watch the video below to see the special bond between a previously unwanted puppy and his new owner!

 
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  Image/Story Source Credit: GeoBeats Animals via YouTube Video
A guy went to the shelter to look at a dog, but the line was long and people were waiting with adoption applications. A tiny dog with no one waiting to apply was next to him. 

Nobody wanted the grumpy, old man, so nobody wanted him. But this individual decided to treat him like a king! Image/Story Source Credit: GeoBeats Animals via YouTube Video
After that, he brought home Rocky and discovered the dog was a little misunderstood. The dog had just gotten his teeth pulled but still had a lot of life left in him! 

He’s otherwise very healthy and has his distinct personality that Dad wouldn’t change for the world. See below for Rocky’s tale! 🙂

 
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Doug told TODAY: 'I've never quite had the feeling that I had when that owl just nuzzled her neck against mine. 'I've worked with a lot of birds of prey that come in, but the connection I have with them is nothing like this owl giving me a hug.' 

He had helped to nurse the owl back to health alongside Missy Dubuisson - the founder and director of the rescue - when she was brought in in late May. She was found to have suffered head injuries - believed to be from a car crash - and a fungal infection in her lungs. 

Photos capturing the moment have gone viral since the rescue posted them on their Facebook page, writing: 'Nothing these birds of prey do any more surprises me. 'I have learned to accept the fact that it's just going to happen, and to have the camera ready at all times~These moments must be captured and frozen in time.' The post says that the winged animal 'threw both wings around him and gave him an owl hug' when he approached. It adds that she was calmed by Doug's presence, eventually laying her head on his shoulders in a state of 'pure contentment'. VIDEO
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For this reason, when they see someone who is defenseless, they do not hesitate to give them a hand. This has been the experience that she has been able to see with her own eyes, the rescuer of a litter of puppies. Who introduced the puppies to their monkeys and they had an excellent attitude towards the puppies. So much so, that one of the monkeys hugged the recently collected puppies. Through a video that was shared on the YouTube platform, you can see the sensitive moment where the woman presents the monkeys with the puppies. Those who had just been rescued from being abandoned, and they were moved by this situation. 

However, the meeting was not mere improvisation. Since the woman did not know how her monkeys would react with the arrival of these puppies. So she was encouraged to put together a meeting plan between them. 

First, she set up a room and brought the primates to sit on a blanket. At that moment, she released the puppies to make sure that everyone was comfortable in that first meeting. 

Although she knew that nothing bad would happen, she was surprised when one of the monkeys picked up one of the puppies and placed it in her arms. After her, like a protective mother, she brought him close to her chest in a very subtle way to give him an affectionate hug to show him that she was already safe. The woman, who is an animal rescuer of all kinds, was totally captivated by the behavior of her hand, although she remained to monitor the meeting in case of any emergency. 

A moment that social networks enjoy, as they demonstrate the innate sensitivity of animals.

 
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  Upon arrival, Pani was understandably cautious and scared. She had been living on the streets in Iran and had to always be aware of her surroundings. 

Since she’s paralyzed, she couldn’t protect herself properly. The poor pup was never fully able to relax. In her new home with foster mom Tedi, even when Pani was exhausted, she fought sleep and kept one eye open to stay alert. 

Pani also exhibited destructive behaviors, chewing on things and stealing items not meant for dogs. Tedi understood it would take Pani time to learn how to behave and trust her environment enough to sleep. However, everything changed when Pani received her wheelchair. The once destructive and anxious dog transformed into a playful and happy pup, running around New York City with her new set of wheels. 

The wheelchair allowed Pani to play for hours on end, and her destructive behaviors disappeared. Pani’s eating habits also improved. Initially, she would bark frantically while her food was being prepared and would steal food from Tedi’s pet bunnies. 

Now, she calmly eats alongside her bunny friends without any issues. Over time, Pani began to trust her new family and feel safe in her foster home. After three months, she started sleeping comfortably on her back– a sign of her newfound sense of security. The bond between Pani and Tedi grew stronger, and the thought of saying goodbye to Pani when she was eventually adopted became increasingly difficult. 

Tedi couldn’t imagine being without Pani now that the two of them had enriched one another’s lives as much as they had. Does Pani become a foster fail? Does she find a better home elsewhere, and Tedi has no other choice than to say goodbye? To find out, watch the video below!

 
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  Born on March 25, 1923, Hyde. He is well recognized as a writer and conservationist in addition to his love of horses. Even before becoming a cowboy, Hyde started out as a rodeo photographer. 

When he went to Nevada in 1987 to acquire cattle, the beginning of his quest to conserve the wild Mustangs. When Hyde arrived, he was horrified to find wild horses that the federal government had imprisoned. A wild horse being taken from its freedom and habitat and put in a corral was simply too harsh, according to Hyde. Hyde, who has always loved horses from a young age, was resolved to assist these wild Mustangs. He set out to establish a refuge where these lovely animals may live in freedom. 

Hyde had to put up a good fight to get there, though, since it was not a simple trek. After hearing about Hyde’s concept, South Dakota Governor George Mickelson volunteered to show him some acreage there that may be utilized as a refuge. 

The property was situated alongside the Cheyenne River in the Chilson Canyon in the Southern Black Hills. Hyde and Mickelson chose to collaborate and establish a partnership despite significant resistance from the neighborhood and the local authorities. In the 2013 documentary Running Wild: The Life of Dayton O. Hyde, Hyde remarked, “If you’re telling me it couldn’t be done, then that’s the wrong thing to say to a cowboy.” Watch the trailer down below. Hyde began to realize his idea when he established The Institute of Range and the American Mustang (IRAM) in 1988. 

America’s wild horses are preserved and protected by the IRAM, a nonprofit organization. Horses started to arrive at the Black Hills Wild Horse Sanctuary in the fall of that year. Prairie Lark, a gorgeous two-year-old blue roan filly, was one of the first Mustangs to arrive. 

Hyde and Prairie Lark teamed together to explore the expansive refuge and release hundreds of horses. Hyde then committed the rest of his life to these horses. Every day, he would put forth endless effort to make sure that the horses could gallop free in safety, protecting the wild horses from unknowable futures. Hyde also stated that the sanctuary was run “seven days a week; without pay or vacations.” Hyde lived a rich life before passing away on December 22, 2018, at the age of 93. He has received the monikers “the most deadly man in American conservation,” “the cowboy,” and “the warrior.” 

At the Black Hills Wild Horse Sanctuary, Hyde’s legacy is still there today. On 11,000 acres in South Dakota’s stunning plains, hundreds of Mustangs still wander freely. trivia on Tuesday! 

The conclusion of this series on the last day of the year feels appropriate, and this young girl is just… Spanish, Choctaw Indian, Curly, and American Mustangs are just a few of the endangered lineages and bands that the IRAM is still fighting to rescue.
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Zip, a 5-year-old Australian Cattle Dog, immediately sensed Tye’s distress and took it upon himself to become the foal’s protector and friend. Tye’s owner, Karla Swindle, was heartbroken when she discovered the mare had passed away. She knew that Tye would need extra care and attention to survive without his mother. Karla owns S & K Quarter Horses in Fayette, Alabama, where she raises horses and other animals. 

She has always been passionate about her animals and their well-being. She was determined to do everything she could to help Tye through this difficult time. Little did Karla know that her dog Zip would step up and play a crucial role in Tye’s recovery. 

Zip had never shown any particular interest in the horses on the farm before, but something about Tye’s situation seemed to touch the dog’s heart. Zip began spending time with Tye, comforting the young horse and providing a sense of security. Karla was amazed by the bond that quickly formed between Zip and Tye. She noticed that Zip would often lie down beside Tye, keeping a watchful eye on the foal as he slept. When Tye was awake, Zip would play with him, running around the pasture and encouraging the young horse to exercise and explore his surroundings. 

The friendship between Zip and Tye has not only helped the foal cope with the loss of his mother but has also had a positive impact on Zip. The Australian Cattle Dog had been struggling with the recent loss of his canine companion, a 16-year-old dog named Tinkerbell. 

His newfound friendship with Tye seemed to lift his spirits and give him a renewed sense of purpose. Karla believes that Zip’s companionship has been instrumental in Tye’s recovery. The foal has been gaining weight and growing stronger every day, thanks in part to the support and encouragement he receives from his canine friend. Karla is grateful for the special bond between Zip and Tye and is confident that their friendship will continue to flourish as Tye grows into a healthy, happy horse. 

This heartwarming story of an unlikely friendship between a dog and a horse serves as a reminder of the incredible capacity animals have for empathy and compassion. 

Zip’s instinct to comfort and protect Tye in his time of need demonstrates the powerful bonds that can form between different species when unexpected circumstances bring them together.

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The man felt like something wasn’t right, so he followed along as the dog led the way to a garbage dump. Once they arrived, the canine ran over to a tiny pile. Upon closer inspection, Junrell realized the pup had just saved a life! In the pile was a newborn baby who had been abandoned. The dog had stumbled across the infant and took it upon himself to track down a human in order to save the little boy’s life! 

Junrell was obviously shocked, but he jumped into action and brought the baby boy to a police station, where they determined the infant was in good health and will be OK. 

However, it’s not lost on anyone that the reason for his safety is a sweet, heroic dog, whom they decided to call Blacky. It’s no surprise that Blacky’s story quickly made its way across the internet, and now he’s a worldwide hero! His selfless actions were of particular interest to a nonprofit animal shelter called Hope for Strays because they felt he deserved more recognition for his heroism. 

So they partnered with Pawssion Project to do just that! The two organizations came together to celebrate Blacky and his human family. They gifted them with groceries and rice, as well as pet supplies, toys, and treats for the legendary pup. “This is a reminder to everyone that dogs are like family,” they wrote on Instagram. “Please treasure them too, they too can save lives.” There are so many good boys and girls out there, and Blacky is one of the best! His lifesaving rescue is further proof of the incredible love that animals can have for us.
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  Bill Ballato, a disabled veteran who lost his Bosco after he was hit by a car in San Antonio, months of searching for him through missing posters and personal inquiries having failed to result in any sightings. 

When Bill had to relocate to Lafayette, Colorado, he feared that he would never see his dog again. Some Rhode Island residents recognized Bosco from the missing posters after nearly two years had passed since his initial disappearance. 

Bosco was living on the streets, but he had become very skittish of people. Sheilah Graham, a Department of Homeland Security employee who frequently serves as a “pet detective,” was contacted by locals regarding Bosco. 

Bill was informed and provided more information on Bosco. She successfully snared Bosco with a trap containing all of his favorite foods shortly thereafter! Sheilah knew that Bill’s inability to travel made it impossible for him to get Bosco. As a seasoned dog-like Bosco wouldn’t be allowed on planes, Sheilah happily offered to drive 2000 miles in 36 hours to bring Bosco back and reconnect them. 

The thoughtful lady drove through two snowstorms over the course of her self-funded journey, ensuring that Bosco was well cared for. However, when Bill’s senior dog finally spotted him after 764 days, he was flummoxed. The poor dad was concerned that his old buddy wouldn’t recognize him anymore. 

But when Bill had the bravery to call out “Dude,” Bosco realized that he was back in the arms of his beloved father. Bosco was overjoyed to see his old toys and puppy brother again! We’d like to thank Sheilah for making this reunion a reality! This is one of the most touching reunions we’ve ever seen. 

You’ll love watching them reunite in the video below – ENJOY!

 

Image/Story Source Credit: Bosco’s Journey Home – Posted on Facebook
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Unfortunately, dragons as we imagine them do not exist, but nature surprises us with a genus of animals that are closest to dragons. The Draco genus, also known as “flying dragons”, belongs to the Agamidae family of lizards. These lizards live in the trees of the tropical forests of Southeast Asia. These wonderful animals are 8 to 10 inches long. They have membranes on the side of their trunk which allows them to glide from tree to tree, reaching up to 60 meters in distance, losing only 10 meters in altitude. The diet of the reptiles of this genus is based mainly on insects, especially tree ants. The only time these animals come down from the trees is when it is time to reproduce. The male flying dragon uses its folding membranes to get the female’s attention and thus initiate the courtship process. After copulation, the female makes a small hole in the ground where she lays about 4 to 5 eggs, covers them with soil and leaves. 

The mother only stays with her eggs for 24 hours, after which she abandons the surveillance and returns to the heights. The colors and characteristics of each flying dragon vary depending on the species, but they all have peculiarities that make them unique. These animals are undoubtedly a beauty of nature that seem out of a fairy tale.
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