Spread Animal Kindness: adorable

Showing posts with label adorable. Show all posts

Wednesday, July 15, 2015

5 Funny Things We Have Said To Our Dogs -

As you dog lovers out there already know, dogs are pretty much a bunch of furry little geniuses. Did you know that dogs can often pick up more than 200 spoken words all on their own, without being taught? It’s true! But every now and then, there are moments when we all wish doggies spoke our language, for realz. Here are 5 things we keep trying to tell our dogs:

Read more: http://www.peta2.com/blog/things-dogs-think-facts/#ixzz3g1g5D2fw

1. Crazy—I was just thinking about how these shoes would look better chewed!

2. I know you think that every time I close the door to the bathroom, a portal to another dimension opens up and I am at risk of disappearing forever. That’d be cool, but I promise it’s not gonna happen.

3. I love you, but you are NOT gettin’ any chocolate! (If it weren’t a risk to your health, I’d have caved by now, OK?!)

4. That’s just the mail carrier. He’s not going to hurt you. Remember him from yesterday and the day before and the hundreds of days before that? Same ol’ dude, different day.

5. This bath is full of soapy water—NOT flesh-dissolving acid, k? CHILL PILL.

Sadly, not all dogs are lucky enough to have an awesome human companion who will always try to listen to what they have to say. Every day, dogs are abused, neglected, left trapped in hot cars, and chained up and forgotten outside 24/7 without adequate shelter. You can be a hero for these dogs by pledging to be a dog defender and by clicking the button below:

Tuesday, July 14, 2015

How To Tell Another Human Their Dog May Be Dangerously Obese

Claire Beaudreault

11 hours ago

It’s totally pawssible to be a healthy and happy fat human. I try to practice body positivity, with regard to myself and others. There are different reasons for humans to be overweight, and it’s important to accept and love your body at any size. If you want to change it, I support that, too. You do you!

But then you see an overweight or obese dog…

While fat may sometimes be a choice for a human, it’s not one for a dog. Wild dogs are lean survival machines, and Nature didn’t intend for our dogs to be fat. (Or too skinny, for that matter.) Although a roly-poly pup might seem adorable, the reality is much more dangerous.

There are several reasons for a dog’s obesity: eating people food, too many carbohydrates, insufficient exercise, to name a few. Some humans use food as a reward or to show affection for their pets. Allowing a dog to become obese might be considered animal abuse. It could also result from a lack of information, education, or access to healthy dog food.

Like humans, dogs may have medical conditions that make them overweight. If you suspect this is the case, please see a vet for more information. Obesity may shorten lifespan, damage the organs, and affect bones and joints.

So, how do you tell a friend, family member, or stranger that their dog’s health may be in danger? Is it even our place to do so? Maybe it’s not appropriate to say these things to a stranger, or acquaintance. If you decide to go ahead, it helps if you start these “I” statements with “I love your dog.” Never accuse anyone of bad pawrenting! They might not know that what they are doing isn’t best for their pup. Here are a few approaches, ranging from direct to silly to roundabout to anonymous…

1. Be direct but kind.

“I’m not a vet but it looks like your dog might be overweight. Have you considered having him checked out?” (Unless you ARE a vet, in which case say whatever your professional opinion dictates.)

Source: Critical Care DVM

2. Take a subtle approach.

Offer to walk their dog, or accompany them on a dog walk.

Source: DOGSARETHECOOLEST

3. Try humor.

(While lifting or petting the pup) “Little hefty there, what does the vet say?” or, “Your dog reminds me of someone famous…Oh I know, Jabba the Hut!”

Source: The Meta Picture

4. Anonymously…

…mail them printouts of articles about pet obesity and its risks. Or success stories!

Source: The Concourse

5. Pawsonal anecdote.

“My dog was overweight, and the vet said she was facing a lot of health risks.”

Source: Biggest Loser Doxie Edition

6. Talk about food!

“What do you feed him?”

Source: Barks and Blooms

7. All love.

“I love your dog, and it’s obvious that you love her too. I’m sure you want to keep her healthy and happy for as long as possible. I’m concerned that she might be at risk for health issues due to her size….”

Vet-holding-overweight-bulldog-Daisy-551193

Source: Daily Express

Know that your friend might be offended by your insinuation that they’re doing pup parenting wrong. Gauge each situation and consider your relationship with the person. It might be difficult, but it will be more difficult for your friend to potentially lose their dog as a result of weight-related health problems.

Source: Gudog

Sunday, July 12, 2015

10 Surprising Facts About Animal Shelters -

Everyone is a sucker for an adorable puppy-face or playful kitten, but adopting animals from shelters not only scores you a new BFF but also has tons of other cool perks, too!

Read on for the ridiculously cute truth about animal shelters.

1. Twenty-five percent of dogs in animal shelters are purebreds!

If you have your heart set on a certain breed, chances are that you can find that breed at your local animal shelter!

2. You can adopt more than dogs and cats!

Many animal shelters have rabbits, hamsters, rats, mice, and guinea pigs—and some even have turtles, chickens, and reptiles—all waiting for their forever home.

3. They’re on the cutting edge!

peta2 staffer Diana's rescued shelter mutt Tina

Labradoodles and cockapoos are sooo 2011. Looking for the coolest combos out there? Your local animal shelter is flooded with loads of adorable mixed-breed dogs and cats who are hoping for the chance to be your BFF. Mutts rule!

4. You can save $$—and your shoes!

Puppies and kittens are adorbs, but they’re a LOT of work–not to mention expensive. We love shopping but if you want to save your shoes (and your homework and your little bro’s toys) from becoming chew toys and your dad’s favorite armchair from becoming a scratching post, opt for an equally cute and lovable adult dog or cat who’s outgrown that awkward stage.

5. Someone else has done all the work!

Many dogs and cats in animal shelters are turned in by guardians who simply can’t take care of them anymore, so it’s easy to find plenty of sweet animals who are already house-trained and friendly and who may even know a few tricks!

6. Helping animals in shelters = FREE HUGS!

Got the love but not the time to play with cats all day? Just volunteer or foster! Not only will you be able to meet loads of adorable animals, you’ll also play a role in finding them forever homes. The time you spend socializing them will help make them more adoptable, and you will get lots of love in the process. WIN-WIN!

7. Animals from shelters won’t break your ♥!

All animals in shelters get a full vet check so you’ll know exactly what’s up with your new furry friend. No heartbreaking hidden diseases, such as parvovirus, which often affects animals from puppy mills.

8. Animal shelters help more than you think!

homeless animal number how many stray dog cat spay neuter

It’s common practice for animal shelters to spay or neuter animals as part of the adoption process. So you’re not just saving one animal—you’re saving the hundreds of animals one unfixed cat or dog can produce in his or her lifetime.

9. Animal shelters provide a built-in support network!

Workers and volunteers at animal shelters know the animals well, and they’ll help you find your perfect match. They know each animal’s history, what games are his or her fave to play, and what cuddles he or she likes best. Some animal shelters even offer classes to get to know your new furry friend!

10. Animals from shelters have bigger ♥s!

Ever had a crummy day until a friend did something nice for you? Think about how grateful you were to have that person in your life. Now imagine that you’ve spent your whole life in crummy situations, like some of the animals in shelters have. YOU can be that ray of sunshine by giving an animal in a shelter a loving home. He or she will pay you back in love tenfold!

In short, animal shelters RULE! When it comes to adding animals to your life, the message is clear: Adopt, don’t buy!

SHARE THIS WITH ALL YOUR FRIENDS
AND HELP SPREAD THE WORD!

Saturday, July 11, 2015

Harry Styles has a message for Seaworld -

Here are four reasons why you should listen to Harry and stay away from SeaWorld:

Dolphins in the wild swim vast distances every day with their extended families, playing and exploring new territory together. However, at SeaWorld they’re confined to cramped, barren concrete tanks. This is especially traumatic for them because they’re highly social animals who communicate through vocalizations and navigate by echolocation. In pools such as those at SeaWorld, the reverberations from these sounds bounce off the walls around them.

SeaWorld, San Diego (300443) | Robert Linsdell | CC by 2.0

2. Captive dolphins are sometimes housed in incompatible groups, and because of the cramped conditions, they’re unable to escape conflicts.

3. Many dolphins develop painful ailments, such as stomach ulcers, and some die prematurely from the stressful conditions of captivity. Sixty-two bottlenose dolphins have DIED at SeaWorld parks in just ten years. Sixteen of those dolphins were stillborn babies.

255-8 | Sompop S | CC by 2.0

4. Cheap tricks can hurt dolphins. In 2008, Sharky, a captive dolphin at SeaWorld’s Discovery Cove in Orlando, Florida, was fatally injured while performing an aerial trick. He collided in mid-air with another dolphin and subsequently died. And in 2012 at SeaWorld’s San Antonio facility, two dolphins crashed in mid-air, and one was ejected onto the concrete walkway below. The dolphin lay bleeding and helpless as guests looked on.

Friday, July 10, 2015

What about this Laughing Parrot?

Hilarious, right??

Monday, July 6, 2015

A Bulldog Conquers His Fear Of Roombas In Most Adorable Way

"Oslo the Bulldog once considered the dastardly robot vacuum his most terrifying and hated enemy, but today he gathers his courage and hops right back on the horse… literally."

Click here to watch the adorable video!

Featured Image via Sidus Lucida Bulldogs and Chronicarly
Article by: Samantha Erb

Image result for A Bulldog Conquers His Fear Of Roombas In Most Adorable Way

Sunday, July 5, 2015

These Household Dogs Gave Up Everything To Serve Their Country In WWII

"The bond between dogs and humans is at least 30,000 years old. Dogs have helped humans with everything from hunting to herding, and most importantly, companionship. Although dogs have long since served in armies dating back to ancient times, the U.S. military didn’t start actively using dog soldiers until the early 1940s. The military realized that dogs could do things that humans could not, like sniff out land mines.

Source: Wikimedia

When the U.S. was attacked at Pearl Harbor in 1941, the US military only had a few soldier dogs, which were Huskies stationed in Alaska.

Source: Northlight Media

Because the military realized how helpful pups could be right around the time that the US was attacked, the American military was in a bit of a pickle to find and train some canine soldiers. To get the 125,000 canine soldiers the war effort needed, the military sent out a call to Americans to loan their dogs to serve beside American troops.

Source: This American Life

This was a time when Americans did everything they possibly could to help the military. Rationing food, donating scrap metal, growing victory gardens– and loaning the family pet for service.

Source: PetMD

These household pups were trained to be sentries, scouts, messengers, or mine detectives. The military also taught them things like perfect obedience and to attack when ordered and grab a trigger arm if a gun was around. When people volunteered their pups, the military warned folks that their dogs might come home with a different personality– they said to not be surprised if their dog came home “a killer.”

Source: This American Life

Throughout the dogs’ tours of duty, some handlers and trainers sent letters home to their owners for Christmas and to inform them of their dog’s performance throughout the war.

Source: This American Life

The above reads:

“Rex, a scout dog, gave warning of the presence of Japanese near a Marine position during the night of the seventh day of the operation. At daybreak the Japanese attacked our position. As a result of ‘Rex’s’ warning, the Marines were prepared for the attack of the Japanese and were successful in repelling it. ‘Rex’s’ action was undoubtedly instrumental in saving the lives of many Marines.”

Sadly, like many human soldiers, some dog soldiers didn’t come home.

Source: This American Life

But many did. Newspapers at the time publicized that war-trained dogs would be “deprogrammed” before being discharged with lots of petting and cuddling.

Source: This American Life

Even though the dogs didn’t know what the war was for, they did what they’d been asked to do. As always.

Source: This American Life

These four-legged civilians helped end a global and deadly war. They came from the back yards of small towns and big cities and exhibited the blind loyalty, courage, and intelligence that only a dog can possess– forever deepening the intricate bond between our two species.

For more info on this story, listen to the incredible podcast on This American Life.

Featured image from The Telegraph. Article by: Stacie Grissom

12 Ways Your Dog Saves Your Butt From Awkward Social Situations

This is adorable!

Here are 12 ways you can totally use your dog as an excuse to…well, as an excuse.

1. To explain to all your friends that keep posting on FB about their weddings/engagements/babies that you DO have an S.O. and your relationship doesn’t have a 50% chance of ending in divorce..