Nature Knows

Nature Knows

Heroic Dog Takes Rattlesnake Bite To Save Owner

There is no greater love than that of a dog. They will definitely do anything for the people they love, include taking a snake bite. That is exactly what happened to Alex Loredo, who has his dog Marley to thank for saving him from a potentially lethal situation.

The 18-year-old who lives in the San Diego area of California was at his home when he encountered the reptile. He was busying himself doing laundry when he heard the dryer cycle end.

His family’s dryer was outside behind the home, so he had to go out to check on his laundry, and that is where he came face-to-face with the rattlesnake. That is when the seven-year-old Labrador, Marley, came to his rescue.

As Alex explained to NBC San Diego, “Before I could even turn, Marley had run out the door, pushed me out of the way, and gotten in between the snake and me.”

The rattlesnake ended up biting Marley. Alex was scared for his dog, thinking that he was going to die. As he stated, he was terrified that the bite meant that he was going to lose his “best friend.” As soon as the snake fled the site, he was able to jump into action.

Both Alex and his mother rushed to get Marley to their local vet’s office, but they were unable to treat him there according to a GoFundMe post. Instead, they told him to go to a veterinary hospital 25 minutes away!

The entire ride over to the vet, all Alex could worry about was that his dog was going to end up passing away before he even made it to the hospital to get a fighting chance. Luckily, they got him there just in the nick of time, and the vet was able to treat Marley for his injuries.

According to the GoFundMe, the vet told Alex that Marley was in critical condition and “they would do everything they can to save him, but they will need the ‘resources’ to continue his treatment first.”

They quoted him $9,000, which Alex didn’t have. After emptying his savings and opening a credit line with the vet’s office, he was able to get the life-saving treatment that Marley needed. The dog had ended up getting bitten on the tongue and neck.

Despite such a severe injury, after two days at the vet’s office, Marley was able to return home, though it wasn’t without some nerve damage.

Alex updated the GoFundMe, stating that Marley was healing well, though he’d need regular check-ups and months of B vitamins.

However, he was able to end his expensive therapy which they expected would need to last much longer for Marley’s recovery. The beautiful dog is now being honored as a hero, and we’re so glad he’s healing and getting back to himself.
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100-Yr-Old Tortoise Goes Safely Home After Very Long, Harrowing Adventure.

Few stories are more heartwarming than a lost pet being returned home — this holds true no matter the species! In a wonderful tale of determination and resilience, a lost tortoise in Ascension Parish recently embarked on an incredible journey that captivated the community.

This beloved African tortoise, affectionately named Biscuit, escaped from their home and found themselves in distress near the New River Canal.

Thanks to the quick response and dedication of local authorities and animal control officers, Biscuit’s story has a happy ending.

Biscuit’s big adventure started after a particularly strong rainstorm. Lamoine Howard, Biscuit’s owner, noticed that the storm had damaged the backyard gate. He briefly considered an immediate repair to the gate, but decided to postpone the fix until the weekend.

“It’s happened before with rainstorms,” Lamoine commented. “And he never gets out. He just doesn’t go anywhere, right? Sure enough, he got out.” With the gate cracked open slightly, the 80-lb tortoise bulldozed his way through and ventured out into the unknown. Sheriff’s deputies spotted Biscuit in distress along the New River Canal and promptly alerted the parish animal control team. Animal control officers Curt Trepagnier and Isreal Millet sprang into action, wading through the canal’s waters to reach the stranded tortoise.

“We don’t normally do these things.” Ascension animal control director Megan Choate said. “Normally we stick with cats and dogs, but he needed to get out that canal and our team got him out.”

Ascension Parish government officials and Cara’s House, the local animal shelter, posted pictures of the lost tortoise on social media, hoping to find its owner. Upon seeing the posts, a co-worker contacted Lamoine, who quickly recognized his beloved pet.

With Biscuit safely back with his family, the incredible journey of the lost tortoise came to a heartwarming conclusion. The quick response and collaboration between law enforcement, animal control officers, and the local community showcased the power of unity and compassion.

Biscuit’s escapade also serves as an important reminder to always make sure your pets — large and small, have a safe and secure place to stay while you’re away! In a world full of uncertainties, the story of Biscuit, the lost tortoise, serves as an inspiration.

It reminds us of the importance of community and the profound connection we share with our animal companions.
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93-Year-Old Woman Spends Her Time Crafting Dog Beds For Local Animal Shelters

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Cyclists decide to stop their journey to save a pit bull who was stuck on a bridge

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Black Canada Lynx Caught On Camera For First Time

The footage is shaky, the clip is only thirty seconds long, and the audio is entirely dominated by the barking of an overexcited dog, but none of that matters much. In the centre of the frame, sitting upright on a residential lawn is a pitch-black Canada lynx, the only one of its kind to have ever been captured on camera.

The clip was captured in Canada's Yukon about eight kilometres southeast of Whitehorse in 2020, but was only recently released in an article by Thomas Jung, a researcher at the University of Alberta. The dark-coated lynx was filmed on a cellphone from around 50 metres away, hence the shaky, pixellated video. Jung explained in the article, published in the journal Mammalia that the lynx seemed relatively unperturbed by the presence of humans, but "likely left the area due to the dog’s barking."

Several Canada lynx experts were consulted to help positively identify the animal and, despite the low-resolution video, they confirmed it was indeed a melanistic lynx. Screenshots from the clip show whitish, grey hairs across the cat's body that are more pronounced on its face and back.

Given the quality of the photos and video, a detailed examination of coat colour was not possible, Jung explains, but notes that the observation is still of "scientific value with respect to documenting coat colour aberrations in the genus Lynx." Canada lynx typically sport a silver-grey coat in winter which turns reddish brown in summer.

Although there are a handful of records of cats with a bluish grey pelage, Jung's discovery marks the first time a black lynx has been documented.

Elsewhere, dark-coloured wild cats are not unheard of. Around one third of all felids are reported to show signs of melanism, a genetic condition that gives rise to black coats.

In some cases, the inky colouration may help the cats blend into the dappled light of their forested habitats, but it's unclear if melanism would help or hinder a lynx.

If stalking on recently burned boreal forests, a darker coat could help the lynx blend in, but Jung theorises that it would affect the cat's ability to hunt on snow-covered landscapes.

"Melanistic individuals would be at a distinct disadvantage when hunting hares during winter. Indeed, with increased competition by coyotes (Canis latrans) a concern for Canada lynx encountering increasingly shallow snow as a result of climate change, the added disadvantage of lost camouflage to melanistic lynx hunting hares during winter would likely result in melanism being maladaptive."

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Rare Cat Found Living On The Tallest Mountain In The World

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3 Humpback whales treat man celebrating birthday on ocean outing to synchronized show

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Every One Was Told “Not To Touch” This Cat, One Man Didn’t Listen

“Everyone in the apartment complex I resided in was aware of Ugly,” claims a resident. “Ugly loved three things more than anything else in this world: fighting, eating, and garbage,” to quote one person.

The impact of all of these things, along with a life spent outside, had its effect on Ugly. To begin with, he only had one eye, and where the other should have been was a gaping hole.

He also lacks his left ear on that side; his left foot appears to have been severely fractured at some point. Meet Ugly, this is his story (we think he’s beautiful).

He had been turned the wrong way, with his tail now gone and leaving a small stump from which he would jerk and twist constantly. Ugly had scabs all over his tabby coat, making him less attractive.

There was always the same response when people encountered Ugly: “That’s one ugly cat!” The children were advised not to play with him. Adults hurled stones or attempted to blast him away using a hose.

However, Ugly always had the same response. He would stand there and not budge until the cruel stranger gave up on the hose and the rocks and left him alone. If you threw things at him, he would come running and rub his head against your feet in an attempt to obtain forgiveness.

When Ugly saw youngsters, he would come running excitedly and bang his head against their hands in an effort to be stroked. He immediately began drinking from your shirt or ears, whatever he could get his hands on if you picked him up. Ugly fell in love with the neighbor’s Huskies one day. They didn’t take kindly to his advances, and he was severely injured. I heard his screams from my apartment, and I rushed to his aid. He was already dead by the time I got there; he had been brutally murdered. I carried him home because touching him made me afraid it would be unpleasant for him. He gasped and struggled, but then something tense beneath my ear sent a familiar warmth up through my body. Ugly was sucking on my ear.

I pulled him closer to me, and he banged his head against my hand. Then he turned his one golden eye toward me and I could hear the distinct sound of purring. Even though he was in so much pain, covered in wounds, the battle-scarred cat was only asking for one thing: a little bit of affection.

At that moment, I thought Ugly was the most beautiful, loving creature I had ever seen. Never once did he try to bite or scratch me, or run away from me. Ugly just looked up at me, trusting me to relieve his pain.

Ugly died in my arms before I could bring him inside but I sat there and held him for a long time afterward, thinking about how one scarred, deformed little stray could alter my opinion about what it means to have pureness of spirit. To love so totally and truly. Ugly taught me more about giving and compassion than a thousand books, lectures or talk show specials ever could.

Although it’s preferable to be honest, there are many individuals who want to be richer, more prominent, popular, and attractive. For me, however, I will always endeavor to be ugly. Source

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Widow Couldn’t Function After Husband Passed, 17 Yr Old Dog Mends Her Heart

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Dog Leaps Into River, Emerges With Puppy Swept Away By Current

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Bison has a bad habit of getting stuck in this house.

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Angel was seen saving a stray dog on the way home from school

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Rare clouded leopard kitten born at Oklahoma City Zoo — welcome to the world

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Pig-casso And Friends: You’ll Never Guess How Well These Animals Can Paint!

When you think of an animal painting, you probably picture a painting of an animal, but did you know zoos work with an immense variety of species and teach them how to paint and create their own masterpieces?

By providing animals with the opportunity to explore and interact with paint, zoos allow the animals to tap into their innate curiosity and creativity.

Activities and objects that enhance an animal’s life or environment are called “enrichment.” You can see just how much fun they’re having:

@dailymail Such skill. Much art✨ Credit: Caters/FARM SANCTUARY SA #dailymail #pig #pigs #farmlife #cute #skills #love #MaxPlumpJump #TostitosUnspokenBonds ♬ Live Music Classic, Vivaldi, Fun(125601) - air music

Why exactly does painting improve an animal’s mental health and welfare? Whether you’re looking at a chimpanzee, elephant, bird, or dog, all animals possess an inherent desire to explore and interact with their environment.

Through painting, they can channel their curiosity and creativity into creating something new. This form of enrichment allows animals to express their individuality and provides them with a means of interaction that goes beyond their typical behaviors.

Engaging in painting activities also provides animals with physical exercise and helps improve their coordination. Painting requires animals to use their limbs and manipulate brushes or other tools.

For example, elephants can use their trunks to hold brushes and make deliberate strokes on canvas, which not only provides them with exercise but also stimulates their trunk muscles and enhances their dexterity.

So, what exactly is enrichment? Enrichment is an essential component of animal care that aims to enhance the quality of life for animals in captivity. It involves providing animals with stimulating environments, activities, and experiences that mimic their natural interactions and behaviors.

Some other types of enrichment include: Food-based enrichment:

Providing animals with puzzles, toys, or devices that encourage them to forage for their food, mimicking their natural hunting or foraging behaviors.

Sensory enrichment: Exposing animals to different sights, sounds, textures, and smells to stimulate their senses and provide a more diverse and interesting environment.

Environmental enrichment: Creating a dynamic and engaging habitat for animals by incorporating natural elements, such as trees, rocks, and water features, as well as providing opportunities for exploration and play.

Social enrichment: Facilitating social interactions between animals of the same species or compatible individuals to promote social bonds, communication, and natural behaviors.

Enrichment encourages animals to engage in different types of behaviors, promotes physical and mental exercise, and reduces boredom and stress.

Painting is just one of the many types of enrichment that can be implemented to improve the well-being of animals.

Zoo Atlanta provides a great explanation of all of the mental stimulation involved in the training and execution of creating a painting with their ground hornbills, Zazu and Gumby:

@zooatl Are Zazu and Gumby the very best and most talented birds in the world? No way to be sure we guess but seems like a strong possibility! #bird #birdsoftiktok #training #hornbill #animals #cuteanimals ♬ original sound - Zoo Atlanta

Animal painting as enrichment is a wonderful way to tap into the creative potential of animals and provide them with a stimulating and enriching experience.

By engaging in painting activities, animals can express themselves, engage in physical exercise, and improve their overall well-being.

You might even teach your pets to paint using water-based child paints… but it might be a good idea to try that outside if you value your carpets!
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Father praised for choosing to carry his large dog instead his small son

A heartwarming video that shows a man carrying his large dog in his arms with his small child walking next to him is capturing the hearts of puzzled but adoring cyber citizens. Luz Elena, of Mexico, captured a video of a father, with one arm reaching down to hold the hand of his small son, and the other arm used to carry a large gray pit bull, the dog’s tongue wagging as his head drapes over the man’s shoulder.

Sparking conversations about family priorities, Elena’s sweet and hilarious TikTok video, titled “When your priority is your dog, not the child,” shows the father, dog and son crossing the street and continuing down the sidewalk.

Once the trio reached the sidewalk, it appears they are joined by a woman who, trailing close behind, is pushing a child’s three-wheeled stroller or bike that’s holding a big-boxed item. One TikTok user suggested the kid had to walk because his transportation was poached by his mother.

“No one mentioned the mom in the back with the push trike. The kid is walking because mom put something in the trike. Maybe dog is sick?” Others said the sidewalk was too hot for the dog’s paws and that the child’s feet are protected by his shoes: “The puppy’s legs are burning, and the child is wearing shoes so it’s better to carry the puppy.” While another writes, “This is actually super sweet. The pavement is probably way too hot for the dogs paws so he is carrying him.”

The majority of users praised the dad for carrying the dog, providing evidence to the growing population of non-traditional, interspecies families, that today are oftentimes completed with the addition of a fur child. “He is (showing) a lot of empathy and responsibility for his pet and his son because he takes him by the hand. a thousand blessings.” Writes one person.

Another, relating to this father’s love for both the child and dog, adds: “Super dad. I would have done the same. Kid has shoes on and the doggy doesn’t. It looks hot too. Plus his mom was there maybe he wanted to walk,”

@lega819 #humor ♬ Televisa Presenta - soucitigrafix

It really is adorable how this dad is expressing love for his dog and child! We wish everyone treated animals with an equal kind of love.
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White deer nurses her newborn calf, but now look who else shows up

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Woman drives four hours to save dog from being euthanized and ends up with 3 dogs in her car

It’s challenging to keep going, but occasionally all it takes is a little kindness and optimism to turn what appears impossible into a reality.

A Virginia woman passionately enjoys pets. She especially enjoys helping individuals who seem to have no one to turn to or who no one wants to care for any longer.

Shelly Blount adores dogs, as evidenced by the fact that she already has three rescue dogs living in her house. After spotting an internet advertisement for a dog seeking an adoptive home, she decided to expand her current pack by one.

She made plans by calling the shelter after deciding to adopt the puppy online. She had originally intended to buy the puppy online and bring him home, giving him a second shot at life. Her warmth and sincerity are without dispute.

But when she arrived to the shelter, something even more extraordinary took place. Instead of adopting one rescue dog as originally planned, Bella, Caleb, and Charisma were adopted instead.

Although Shelly had no intention of saving all three canines, something happened during her discussion with the shelter that forced her to intercede and save the lives of more puppies. She almost had to put down the first dog she tried to save, but another person claimed the animal first.

Despite not being able to complete her original plan, Shelly was happy that the pup was saved because that is what she really wanted.

The first dog that she wanted to rescue was almost put down but someone else came before her to take the said dog. The pup was rescued and it was what Shelly wanted although she was not successful in doing what she initially planned to accomplish.

Although Shelly had no intention of saving all three canines, something happened during her discussion with the shelter that forced her to intercede and save the lives of more puppies. She almost had to put down the first dog she tried to save, but another person claimed the animal first.

Despite not being able to complete her original plan, Shelly was happy that the pup was saved because that is what she really wanted.

The woman’s heart broke when she learned that a dog was in risk of being put down. Shelly enquired about his background and current circumstances. She supports giving animals more chances at life since she loves animals, therefore she couldn’t help but worry about the dog. Shelly immediately drove to the shelter after finishing her phone call, and it took her four hours to get there. She set up the adoption of the dog because she wanted to see Caleb.

When Shelly finally caught a glimpse of Caleb, she instantly felt a need to protect him, but what occurred next was even better. She learned that two more dogs will also be put down along with Caleb. She could not help but feel sorry for Bella and Charisma when she saw them.

The staff said that there is no cap on the number of dogs that may be adopted by one person when the woman asked them about it without hesitation. She then made the decision to adopt all three of the pets. The woman asked the staff whether there was a cap on the number of dogs she could adopt without giving it much thought, and they said that there was none.

The decision to adopt all three of the dogs was made at that same time. This made Shelly’s choice even more worthwhile because the dogs were overjoyed to have a new home.

Caleb was “sooo excited,” according to Shelly, “kept blowing kisses from the back seat, and his tail was wagging so fast.” Bella sat in my friend’s lap and did not move at all since she was so happy to be held. My precious little angel Charisma was almost holding me the entire time.

She saved all three dogs from the shelter by adopting them, but she was unable to keep them all at home, so she sought for other pet lovers who were eager to adopt rescue puppies. Bella and Caleb ultimately got new everlasting homes since she fortunately discovered those family.

Charisma, who was left with her, had something special for Shelly. There was an excellent reason why Charisma was constantly drowsy. They discovered the pup’s pregnancy after taking it to the veterinarian. Shelly is ecstatic by the news that she ended up with more puppies than she anticipated. Wow! What a motivational tale, in fact!

We sincerely hope that more individuals are like Shelly, who are willing to contribute more in order to preserve the lives of animals in need.
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, by Back to Nature