News and Recalls…

In China, a recent trend has emerged where fluffy dogs, typically Chow Chows, are being groomed and dyed to look like pandas. While it's certainly an eye-catching and cute trend, it’s sparked a bit of debate over whether it’s harmless fun or unnecessary for the dogs. Either way, these "panda dogs" are definitely turning heads! (09/30/2024)

Amidst the wild rumors in Springfield, OH, about people eating cats and dogs, poor Haitian neighbors were unfairly accused. But in a twist, Miss Sassy, the missing cat at the center of it all, was found safe and sound—hiding in her own basement the whole time! Seems she just needed a break from the drama. (09/30/2024)

Hush Hush Sweet Charlotte: Pregnant Stingray

A stingray named Charlotte, residing in a tank at a North Carolina aquarium, suddenly finds herself in the spotlight when she's discovered to be pregnant—with no male ray in sight! But wait, there's more drama! Charlotte was found covered in shark bites, hinting at some wild underwater escapades, possibly involving a shark romance! As her baffled caretakers scratch their heads, the burning question remains: Who's the daddy of Charlotte's babies? Stay tuned for the underwater paternity reveal of the century!

Sharks circling in the background saying, I told you,! I’m not the daddy!

January 6, 2024 Orcas trapped in ice. I guess they figured out that help was not coming. So, they found their own way out.

South Korea's parliament on Tuesday, January 9, 2023, passed a landmark ban on production and sales of dog meat, as public calls for a prohibition have grown sharply over concerns about animal rights and the country's international image.

The push for the ban has gained momentum during President Yoon Suk Yeol's tenure, as he, an avid animal lover along with first lady Kim Keon Hee, who is also a vocal critic of dog meat consumption, owns a total of six dogs and eight cats.

The surge in pet ownership is evident in the statistics, with one in four Korean households having a pet dog in 2022, a substantial increase from the 16% reported in 2010, according to government data.
The act of breeding and slaughtering dogs with the intent of producing meat for human consumption will now be subject to penalties, including up to three years of imprisonment or fines of up to 30 million won ($22,800). Notably, the bill does not outline specific penalties for individuals consuming dog meat itself. —According to Reuters

Explore the critical issue of pet food recalls and the severity of their impact on our beloved pets' health. Learn about the importance of staying informed to ensure the well-being of your furry companions.

Recalls involve removing potentially hazardous pet products from the market, addressing issues like toxic ingredients, contamination, or safety concerns. They can be initiated by the pet brand, requested by the FDA, or mandated by the FDA under statutory authority.

String of Deaths at the Pittsburgh Zoo and Aquarium!

Over the span of three weeks, the Pittsburgh Zoo mourns the loss of a sea lion, an elephant, and a gorilla. The most recent tragedy occurred on Wednesday with the passing of Hawk, the beloved sea lion, during a routine sedation procedure. These losses add to a string of tragedies, raising concerns and scrutiny over animal welfare practices at the zoo.

Recent losses include an 18-year-old sea lion named Hawk, an elephant calf named Tsuni, a Lowlands gorilla name Mrithi, a red panda, and a lion. The sea lion passed away just over a week ago, while Tsuni succumbed to a sudden illness. These losses highlight the challenges faced by the zoo in maintaining animal welfare.

The Association of Zoos and Aquariums Accreditation is viewed as the gold standard for zoos across the world - ensuring that animals and visitors are safe and treated well….to be continued

Frozen: An Ice Age Infant

A baby woolly mammoth was discovered in the permafrost of northwestern Canada. The mummified Ice Age mammoth is believed to be over 30,000 years old. Gold miners found the baby mammoth in Yukon's Klondike region on June 21, 2022. This discovery is the best-preserved specimen in North America to date and only the second full calf ever found, with the first being unearthed in Siberia in 2007.

Elders of the First Nation Trʼondëk Hwëchʼin named the calf "Nun cho ga," meaning "big baby animal" in the Hän language. The stunningly preserved mammoth calf still has its trunk, hair, skin, toenails, and intestines intact. Researchers from the Yukon Geological Survey and the University of Calgary believe the female baby likely died and became entombed in permafrost more than 30,000 years ago during the last Ice Age.

Pittsburgh Zoo and Aquarium Name New Mascot

In May, the zoo decided that a red panda would be the perfect critter to represent them. Naturally, they turned to the internet for help, sparking a naming contest that had fans tossing in their wildest suggestions.

After a flood of creative ideas, the winning name turned out to be "Ruby." Simple, sweet, and not a bad gem to have around!

To join in the fun, participants had to chip in at least $1. But don't worry, their money didn't go to waste—it all went to the Association of Zoo and Aquarium’s SAFE Red Panda program. So, not only did they get to be part of Ruby's naming journey, but they also helped her cousins in the wild. Talk about a win-win!

Dog Eats $4000 in Cash

In Pennsylvania, Clayton and Carrie Law found themselves in an unexpected situation involving their dog, Cecil. The couple had withdrawn $4,000 in cash for a home improvement project and left the envelope on the countertop. To their astonishment, Cecil, their 7-year-old doodle, decided it was time for an expensive snack and promptly devoured the entire sum!

Initially, the Laws couldn't believe their eyes as Cecil had never shown any interest in the countertop before. However, faced with the reality of the situation, they embarked on the unenviable task of sifting through their dog's waste to recover the half-eaten bills. Remarkably, they managed to salvage over $3,500 from the ordeal, carefully piecing together more than 50% of each bill.

Their bank informed them that such incidents are not uncommon, as money often picks up scents, especially those associated with the food industry. With their keen sense of smell, dogs like Cecil simply can't resist! (6/11/2024)