11 Celebrities Who Decided to Adopt, Not Shop

by Mary Simpson

Published: July 18th, 2016

11 celebrities who decided to adopt not shop

When it comes to setting an example, there are times when celebrities shine bright. Here are 11 Hollywood Stars who adopted dogs in need.

While we’re used to seeing celebrities decked out in their glam rags and strutting the red carpet with designer dogs in Vuitton totes, there is in fact a grittier, more altruistic side to LA-LA land that turns some stars into real life superheroes. Here are 12 than shine outside of the spotlight.

Top on any list has to be Sandra Bullock. The Oscar-winning star has adopted not only one, but three shelter dogs with seriously challenging physical ailments including a three-legged Chihuahua (Poppy), a two-legged Chihuahua (Ruby) and wee Bebe, a Chihuahua with a missing eye. Even with the obvious physical impediments I’m thinking Sandy considers herself better off with these dogs than the one she married!

Let’s move on to another celeb that got it right when she ditched the guy and kept the dog. When visiting Canada Selena Gomez famously adopted a young blue-eyed husky mix rescue named Baylor with then beau Justin Bieber. Baylor is in fact Gomez’s sixth rescue and methinks the seasoned pet parent chose wisely when picking her true soul mate (the dog!).

Okay, this one I did not see coming. Tough guy Simon Cowell absolutely melts when interacting with his two tiny Yorkie mixes Squiddly and Diddly. Adopted from a shelter back in 2013, the King of Zing acknowledges that yes they do sleep on his head at night and have changed his life.

Dream team George and Amal Clooney made news in 2014 when they added rescued Basset Hound, Millie to their family entourage. Millie joins fellow rescues Louie and spaniel Einstein who famously adopted Clooney back in 2010. Clooney told Esquire magazine at the time he adopted Einstein he was told by the shelter that they weren’t sure if the Cocker-Spaniel mix would even like Clooney, so to seal the deal he rubbed meatballs on his shoes. Needless to say, the dog stayed.

Mad for mutts Miley Cyrus has added another rescue to her family with the adoption of beagle Barbie from the Beagle Freedom Rescue. Cyrus is an avid animal rights activist and her other fur-kid rescues include Pit bulls Milky and Mary-Jane, Rottweiler and Beagle cross Happy, Sheepdog Emu, a Chihuahua cross called Bean and mongrel Penny. Rumour has it there is a pig in the mix as well!

Okay, so she’s People Magazine’s World’s Most Beautiful Woman of 2016. Wanna know what makes Jennifer Aniston so beautiful? It’s her love for rescues! Aniston rescued white German Shepherd Dolly in 2006 and more recently Pit Bull, Sophie. Clearly holding a soft spot in her heart for critters in need, the celeb says she was at the shelter crying for three hours because she found making the decision so tough. No surprise our Rachel bears the tattoo “Norman” in honor of her much loved pooch that passed in 2011 and that she’s decided to spread the love.

Former child-star and Rom-Com Queen Drew Barrymore added another pooch to her legendary household with the adoption of an eight week old rescue pup from Hollywood’s Bark n’ Bitches humane pet shop. The long-time animal rescue advocate explained her pet pooch – who has been christened Ollie – is like a “tiny little bear”, and so cute she “can’t even handle it”. Poor Ollie was dumped in a box with his brothers and sisters outside an East Valley Shelter and next thing you know he’s a topic on the Ellen show. Talk about life taking a turn!

With a nod to Harper Lee’s iconic “To Kill a Mockingbird,” Brokeback Mountain star Jake Gyllenhaal decided after filming the outdoor love story that he was ready to commit to a fur-baby. Hence his adoption of not one but two rescues named Boo Radley and Atticus. Don’t get the connection? Read the book – one is an underdog and the other a hero!

Actor Ryan Reynolds stumbled into his relationship with rescue pooch Baxter quite by accident. Out with a buddy who was looking to adopt from a rescue, Reynolds spotted a “big, dumb-looking Retriever” who made eye contact. The pooch stared; Reynolds stared back and whispered “Hey, let’s get the hell out of here.” Baxter was up for the escape and the rest is history. “He came with me, he jumped in the car, and we’ve been best buddies ever since.”

Perusing shelter sites, actor Bradley Cooper came upon a German Short-Haired Pointer on a kill-shelter site. Smitten at first site, Cooper immediately adopted Samson followed later by seven-year-old Charlotte at an adoption drive. The Sniper star considers himself to be a hybrid of both dogs. Samson is stoic and gives love cautiously while Charlotte loves him undyingly. “They’re my kids.”

Winner of the very first American Idol, singer Kelly Clarkson uses the proceeds of her fame to care for almost 30 rescue dogs (plus a menagerie of horses, pigs and other adopted animals) on her expansive ranch. Recently interviewed, the singer and mom says “It’s like a rescue ranch now. We have 30 dogs, 14 horses. We still only have three ponies and four minis, but we have goats now and two pigs we rescued called Miss Daisy and Boss Hog.”

Mary Simpson

Sharing space with three seriously judgy Schnoodles and a feline who prefers to be left alone. #LivingMyBestLife

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Singing Golden Retriever on America’s Got Talent Makes Simon Cowell

Often crotchety Simon Cowell had his heart melted, along with all of America, as he encountered a singing golden retriever on the hit show, America’s Got Talent. You know Simon Cowell best for often being the fuddy-duddy when it comes to talent he comes across, whether it was in American Idol, X-Factor or his latest gig, America’s Got Talent. Related: 11 Celebrities Who Decided to Adopt, Not Shop In fact, it’s basically known that if you impress Simon, you’re golden. Turns out maybe Golden Retriever, as in the case of Oscar the singing dog. Oscar’s owner Pam said that she recognized the three-year-old talent had a nice tone when he ‘joined her at the piano. Motivated to encourage his talent, she ‘taught him’ to sing.

Hotel Chain Partners With Petfinder to Rescue Adoptable Pets Nationwid

Pets are always welcome at Extended Stay America hotels – and now, the hotel chain is working with Petfinder Foundation to help shelters who rescue and place adoptable pets. A unique partnership sees pet-friendly Extended Stay America hotels (ESA) put their money where their mouth is as the brand steps up to work with independent non-profit, Petfinder Foundation to help shelters who rescue and place adoptable pets. The U.S. based hotel chain has always been committed to giving back to the communities where they operate and when you couple that with their welcoming approach to guests travelling with pets, well you can see how those dots just naturally connected. Erika Looney is ESA’s Senior Manager of Creative Services and she says they are absolutely thrilled to be helping find forever homes for some of the nearly 7.6 million animals who enter shelters each year. A mission made all the more meaningful to many of their guests who consider pets to be part of the family. Related: How to Bond with your Rescue Dog So how exactly does a successful hotel brand that operates more than 600 properties throughout North America create a brighter future for a small, homeless pooch? By donating their greatest asset – hotel rooms. You see, as part of the partnership, ESA is donating 200 free hotel rooms to volunteers who execute life-saving transport missions — recovering adoptable animals from disaster relief situations and high-capacity shelters. This generous donation helps ensure funds can continue to be directed to where they are needed most (medical treatment and pet placement) and represents Petfinder Foundation’s first-ever lodging partnership. Toni Morgan, the foundation’s Executive Director says, “Transporting animals from high-risk, high-capacity shelters and devastating natural disasters can put a strain on both volunteers and pets. Knowing these incredibly hard-working and deserving teams will have a safe, comfortable and welcoming place to stay during these life-saving trips makes a huge impact – to Petfinder Foundation, to the rescue groups and to the pets.” Related: 11 Celebrities Who Decided to Adopt Not Shop Those wanting to adopt a new family member can visit petfinder.com to view submissions from the over 13,500 rescue groups and shelters the organization supports. For more information on Extended Stay America’s partnership with Petfinder Foundation, including details surrounding the room donation and ways to get involved, please visit www.extendedstayamerica.com/petfinder.

PetSmart’s National Adoption Weekend Starts November 11

Mark your calendars! If a pet is at the top of your holiday gift list, next weekend will be the time to mark it off at PetSmart’s National Adoption Weekend. PetSmart Charities and PetSmart Charities of Canada are sponsoring National Adoption Weekend November 11 to 13 at their stores across the US and Canada, and they want to encourage anyone looking for a pet for the holidays to consider looking and adopting now. Often commercials and print ads will give warm fuzzies with adorable puppies or kittens crawling out from holiday trees, but what many don’t consider is that the season also brings with it lots of unusual circumstances–travel plans, extra family members, chaotic households–all of which could potentially traumatize a new family member. PetSmart Charities and PetSmart Charities of Canada recommends looking before all the hustle and bustle really hits and National Adoption Weekend is a great weekend to do so! Related: 11 Celebrities Who Decided To Adopt, Not Shop PetSmart stores across both countries will have several rescue/adoption organizations offering the most grateful pets for adoption. PetSmart Charities and PetSmart Charities of Canada team with local organizations in both grant-giving and opportunity to allow the widest and varied selection of adoptable pets, helping more than 20,000 pets find their furever homes each year. PetSmart Charities of Canada knows that a surprise furry family member under the tree may be a wonderful memory, they’ve offered five better reasons to adopt well before the holiday season: 1. You can get the best holiday gift for the family even before the holiday… leaving the rest of your shopping easy, peasy. 2. You will have plenty of time to allow your new pet to adapt to living in his or her new family before the holiday season gets too busy. 3. Your new pet will be able to be part of all of your family’s holiday traditions. Who doesn’t love watching Fido dig through his stocking on Christmas morning? 4. A new pet will encourage healthy habits for the family–playing with the new kitty or walking the new pup can create healthy family habits that will last a lifetime. 5. Most important–pets need homes now. Many in shelters simply don’t have the time to wait until you come across them as a cute holiday gift. Adopting a pet now could literally save his life. Related: Tips For Traveling With Your Dog Over The Holidays PetSmart Charities and PetSmart Charities of Canada wants you to share the love when you adopt by showing your new family member with the hashtags or on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram. And, as an added ‘Thank You” for saving a pet, PetSmart will offer free adoption kits to anyone who adopts. The kits include over $400 in product and services coupons, and are sure to help give your new pet a great start in your family! So, if you were considering finally giving in and adopting a family pet, but were waiting for the holidays, reconsider and visit the National Adoption Weekend at a PetSmart near you. Trust us, you’ll still get the big impact of the best gift ever, and you’ll be saving the life of a pet in need now.

Sandra Bullock Donates $100,000 To Help Animals Affected By California

Sandra Bullock knows the heartache that comes with losing pets, and she’s donated $100,000 to a California Humane Society to help families affected by the devastating wildfires. California is facing the deadliest wildfire the state has ever seen, with 42 being the count of those who’ve died at the time of this writing. Families are losing their homes, their belongings and sadly, their furry family members as rescue organizations work tirelessly to help local pets and farm animals. Related: Hot Australian Firefighters Heat Up International Scene For Animal Charities [Video] The devastation brought well-known animal lover Sandra Bullock to donate $100,000 to the Humane Society of Ventura County, California (HSVC). Bullock recently suffered the loss of her own dogs and wanted to do what she could to help those in the trenches. The Humane Society of Ventura County was deeply humbled today by a $100,000 donation from Sandra Bullock and family. Our… Posted by Humane Society of Ventura County on Sunday, November 11, 2018 Bullock has often reached out to nonprofit organizations in other situations to help and has always shared how much pets are members of the family. As so many Californians are escaping with just the clothes (or fur) on their back, it’s a welcome and needed donation to help protect every animal that the HSVC can. @jilliandempsey The loss of lives and homes in the California fires has left me heartbroken. I am deeply… Posted by Patrick Dempsey on Sunday, November 11, 2018 Related: 11 Celebrities Who Decided to Adopt, Not Shop Bullock is not the only star associated with the efforts. The HSVC shared that they’d helped to relocate actor Patrick Dempsey’s farm animals after his home burned, and Miley Cyrus shared that her home too had been burned but her fiance and her dogs were safe and the only thing that mattered. Completely devestated by the fires affecting my community. I am one of the lucky ones. My animals and LOVE OF MY LIFE made it out safely & that’s all that matters right now. My house no longer stands but the memories shared with family & friends stand strong. I am grateful for — Miley Ray Cyrus (@MileyCyrus) November 12, 2018 The HSVC says that Bullock’s generous donation will help them to continue to care for the hundreds of farm and companion animals who have been evacuated from the fires until their owners feel it’s safe to reunite with them. They can still use your help, if you are so inclined. You can visit the HSVC website to donate for supplies and rescue efforts as long as needed.

Watch As Adorable Shelter Dogs Pick Their Own Christmas Toys

The holiday season is associated with traditions and festivities as we gather with family, put up festive decorations, and exchange holiday gifts. For pet parents, these traditions often carry over to spoiling our furry companions. But what about the thousands of pets sitting in shelters and rescues around the world, waiting for their forever home?One rescue based in Ireland has embraced a heartwarming tradition since 2017. Each year, Dogs Trust Ireland collects donations from the public. Hundreds of donated toys are placed in a room, and the pets are brought in one at a time to select their perfect holiday gift. They record the selection process, sharing the adorable footage on their YouTube channel for animal lovers worldwide to enjoy. “The reason we love making the video so much is that it’s so special to witness each dog’s individual reaction. Some burst in the door and scatter toys everywhere in an excited frenzy, and when they choose ‘the’ toy, they do excited zoomies,” explained Corina Fitzsimons, Public Relations and Communications Manager. “For dog lovers, it doesn’t get much better than seeing dogs doing Zoomies! Others prefer people and, after a sniff, will come over for cuddles. Then there are those who test every toy three or four times before picking, and many of the Collies who find a plain ball, throw it at our feet, and look at us as if to say, ‘Please throw human,’ which we are happy to oblige with.” This year, a total of 54 dogs were recorded as they carefully made their selection. While some dogs quickly found that perfect holiday toy, others took as long as 20 minutes to settle on a favorite. The organization promises that every one of the 264 dogs in their care will receive at least one toy during the holiday season, thanks to the generous donations they received.

Homeless Man Rescues a Litter of Orphaned Puppies During a Storm

An anonymous homeless man has become an internet sensation after rescuing a litter of puppies and taking them to the shelter during a storm. In the wake of a recent storm, the Fayetteville Animal Protection Society in North Carolina discovered that a nameless man had dropped off a litter of five puppies at the shelter’s door. The puppies, estimated to be less than two months old, were left with a touching note. “The note was from a kind soul, a homeless man who, despite his own hardships, took it upon himself to rescue these innocent lives after their mother, a local stray he cared for, tragically passed away,” share the shelter in a Facebook post. The shelter also posted pictures of the note left by the homeless man, who apologized for not being able to care for the puppies himself. “Please help,” he wrote. “I found these puppies sadly after noticing a local stray dog that I would often feed when I could, dead by the road. She had been hit by a car.” The man added that he knew she had a litter of puppies nearby and that he searched the area for them, so they wouldn’t starve and freeze to death waiting for their mom to return. “I’m sorry for leaving them like this, but I myself am homeless and cannot afford to care for them,” the man explained. “My heart shatters for them and their mother. I just want them to be given the chance their mother, like myself, was never given.”“Please do not think poorly of me, but it felt wrong leaving them alone in the cold waiting on a mother that would not be coming home. Sincerely, the nameless man.” Touched by this selfless act of kindness, the shelter thanked the nameless man, saying that his good deed hadn’t gone unnoticed. The shelter promised to honor this selfless gesture by ensuring these puppies get all the love and care they deserve. “Your empathy in the face of adversity gives us hope and inspiration,” the shelter wrote. The staff invited the man to come by the shelter to visit the puppies and get a proper thank you. So far, the Fayetteville Animal Protection Society has not heard from the man but noted that many people have offered to help him get back on his feet if he comes forward. To acknowledge the lucky circumstances of their rescue, the shelter named the puppies Chance, Kismet, Serendipity, Fortun, and Fate. The puppies were extremely malnourished and small when they were rescued, so the shelter couldn’t yet determine their breed.“We are guessing they are lab mixes and will grow to be about 30 to 40 pounds, but again that’s a guess,” said the shelter. According to the shelter, the applications to adopt these cute puppies will open on February 1. The organization explained that they will only consider applicants from Cumberland County, North Carolina because the puppies are going home on a foster-to-adopt basis until they are old enough to be spayed or neutered. In the meantime, the organization is accepting donations and has a wish list available for anyone willing to assist in caring for these puppies. “Unfortunately, we still don’t have any updates about the kind man who brought these puppies to us. While the puppies have names now, their rescuer remains unknown. We continue to hope he’ll come forward,” the shelter wrote. “Thank you for your continued support and love for these animals. Together we’re making a difference in their lives one puppy at a time.”Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Dog Bears It Out for Three Days in Cave

A curious hound killed time with a black bear while waiting for rescue.

New Study Searches for the Secret Connection Between ‘Gifted’ Dogs

As dog parents, we all want to believe that our dog is the smartest, most incredible, most amazing dog out there. Right? But there is a select group of dogs whose talent and intelligence stand out above the rest. What makes these dogs so bright? That’s what a new study hopes to understand… Known as “Gifted Word Learner” (GWL) Dogs, these dogs display an impressive vocabulary by learning the names of dozens of their toys, with some learning as many as 125 toys by name! Interested in better understanding this phenomenon and what makes these dogs so naturally gifted, researchers at Eötvös Loránd University in Hungary set out to identify any commonalities between these pups. Their recent study, published in Scientific Reports on December 14, included 41 GWL dogs from nine countries: the US, the UK, Canada, Brazil, Norway, Netherlands, Spain, Portugal, and Hungary. They put out a call for ‘gifted’ dogs, asking owners to complete and submit a self-assessment following their detailed instructions and send the results in a video. Dogs that passed that phase were then given an online vocabulary assessment test to better assess their language skills. The owners were also given a questionnaire to provide a better understanding of each dog’s life experience. “In the questionnaire, we asked the owners about their dog’s life experience, their own experience in raising and training dogs, and about the process by which the dog came to learn the names of his/her toys,” explained Dr. Andrea Sommese, study co-author. Researchers discovered some interesting connections between the GWL dogs using all this information.

Here Are the 10 Rarest Dog Breeds in America

Dogs are the most popular pets in America – deservingly, they are the most loved and affectionate furry friends, and their popularity as family companions never wanes. We all know what are the most popular dog breeds – and which evergreen breeds have been stealing hearts for decades back, but how about those lesser-known breeds? Which in particular are the rarest among them? Even if touting great qualities, some of these super rare breeds are simply hard to come by, and they are seldom seen. Thanks to a survey conducted by the American Kennel Club ( AKC), we can now find out which dog breeds are as obscure as can be. Out of a list of 199 registered and accepted breeds, the AKC revealed the 10 rarest dog breeds in America. 10.  Pyrenean Shepherd9.  Cesky Terrier8.  Sussex Spaniel7.  Harrier6.  Azawakh5.  Belgian Laekenois4.  American Foxhound3.  Sloughi2.  Norwegian Lundehund1.  English FoxhoundDon’t be surprised if you have never heard of some of these unique breeds. They are rare for a reason! On the other side of the spectrum, looking at the most recent trends, the French Bulldog holds the number one spot as the most popular pet dog breed in America, with the Labrador and Golden Retrievers following close by. That’s a bit of a change, as the Golden Retriever long held the number one spot. Generally speaking, most people tend to go for more known and traditional dog breeds when looking for a purebred dog, but the world of canines is much more diverse, with plenty of unusual and amazing breeds to choose from.Ultimately, the popularity of a certain breed should not be connected with their suitability as pets. After all, many factors contribute to that – a great deal of pet parents, myself included, are proud to share their lives with a mixed breed pooch and the fact that they’re not a certain breed doesn’t make them any less perfect. Your four-legged bestie might be a more popular dog breed, a rare purebred, a hybrid designer dog breed, or a cute mutt – they’ll steal your heart either way!

Can Stress or Anxiety Cause Diarrhea in Dogs?

Dogs are no strangers to stress and anxiety. While most pooches are the picture of the tail-wagging, carefree dog whose only stress is that they have to wait for their next meal, some have it a bit more ruff. Anxiety in dogs can vary from mild to severe, triggered by specific and occasional stressors (such as  fireworks, for example) or present on a daily level. Naturally, your pet’s state of mind has a big impact on their overall health, so it doesn’t surprise that dogs with anxiety often have tummy issues. But does that mean that a stressful situation or anxiety can directly cause diarrhea in dogs? Having in mind that, in a way, your pet’s mental health is connected to their digestion, it sounds highly probable.How Stress and Anxiety Can Cause DiarrheaSo how does it work? The connection between the brain and the gut, often referred to as the gut-brain axis, plays a crucial role in the overall health and well-being of dogs. When dogs experience stress or anxiety, it can trigger a cascade of physiological responses, including changes in gut motility, secretion of digestive enzymes, and alterations in the composition of gut microbiota. These disruptions can lead to gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea.When stress or anxiety takes hold, it's not just a matter of frazzled nerves. These emotional states can set off a domino effect within your dog's digestive system. Rather than a simple list of effects, think of it as a cascade of events:Picture your dog feeling anxious during a  thunderstorm or while being left alone. This emotional response triggers a surge of adrenaline, part of the body's "fight or flight" response. Blood flow shifts away from the digestive organs and toward the muscles, heart, and lungs, hastening gut motility.Meanwhile, the delicate balance of beneficial bacteria in the gut, known as the microbiome, is disrupted by stress. This dysbiosis can lead to inflammation, changes in gut permeability, and an upset stomach.Furthermore, chronic stress weakens the immune system, leaving your dog more susceptible to infections and inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract.Beyond these physiological effects, stress-related behaviors like excessive chewing,  licking, or ingesting non-food items can irritate the digestive tract, exacerbating diarrhea.How To Deal With Stress-Related Diarrhea in DogsIf your dog is experiencing stress-related diarrhea, there are several things you can do to alleviate their discomfort and ensure a speedier recovery.Before anything else, it’s essential to identify and address stressors. Determine the underlying causes of your dog's stress or anxiety and take steps to minimize or eliminate them where possible. This may involve providing a calm, predictable environment, addressing separation anxiety, or using  desensitization techniques for noise phobias.Next, support their digestion with a mild, nurturing diet and the right supplements. Your pet’s tummy is upset, so you shouldn’t neglect the importance of rebalancing their gut biome and helping their digestion. Instead of their usual kibble, offer them a bit of broth, some cooked rice, or boiled chicken breast. Additionally, a digestive supplement such as  Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets FortiFlora Powder can work wonders in managing symptoms of diarrhea. With a combination of special probiotics and antioxidants, this powdered supplement will quickly restore your pet’s GI tract and help their stool get back to its normal consistency. And since it’s packed with live microorganisms to benefit beneficial intestinal microflora, it can also help treat excessive gas and other digestion-related troubles, so it’s good to keep stocked in your pet’s first aid kit, especially if they have a sensitive stomach. 

Hypothermia in Dogs: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments

When a dog gets too cold, they’re at risk of hypothermia. But what is hypothermia, what are its symptoms, and what can be done to treat it? Below is a brief guide to dog hypothermia so you can have a better understanding of this condition and why it’s so important to prevent it.What Is Hypothermia in Dogs?Hypothermia develops when a dog’s body temperature drops to 99°F (37.2°C) or lower. A dog’s normal body temperature range is 99.5-102.5°F (37.5-39.2°C).There are three levels of hypothermia: mild, moderate, and severe.Mild hypothermia occurs when a dog’s body temperature is between 90-99°F (32.2-37.2°C).Moderate hypothermia develops when the dog’s body temperature falls even more, to 82-90°F (27.8-32.2°C).Severe hypothermia develops when the dog’s body temperature falls below 82°F (27.8°C).Giving a dog the right treatment to bring their temperature back up is critical, as hypothermia can cause damage to organs, and it could be fatal.  Some dogs may be at greater risk of hypothermia. Puppies, seniors, and dogs who are thin or small are a few examples. Dogs who are ill, including those with chronic conditions, can also be more susceptible. Also, hairless dogs and those with short coats are other examples.What Causes Hypothermia in Dogs?Dogs who are in the cold for too long are at risk of hypothermia. And if they get wet, their body temperature can drop more rapidly. Never leave a dog outside when it’s too cold or windy, or when it’s raining or snowing.It doesn’t have to be extremely cold for dogs to feel the effects either, as a temperature less than 45°F (7.2°C) could put some dogs at risk. Before going outside with your dog, check the wind chill, too, as this will give you a better idea of what it actually feels like out there, and what the risk of frostbite and hypothermia really is.    Also, certain medical conditions, such as hypothyroidism and shock, could increase a dog’s risk of hypothermia.Symptoms of Hypothermia in DogsAs a dog starts to feel cold, they’ll exhibit changes in behavior. Warming them up right away can prevent them from getting even colder. If hypothermia continues to set in, the situation will become more dire as the symptoms progress.Here are some of the symptoms to watch out for:Mild hypothermia may cause a dog to shiver and experience weakness. They may also be less alert, and may try to find ways to stay warm, such as curling in a ball. If you were to feel the dog’s skin, ears, paws, legs, and tail, they may be cold to the touch.Moderate hypothermia may cause the breathing to become shallow and slow, and the muscles may become stiff, resulting in difficulty moving. The blood pressure may drop, and the dog may be even more lethargic and confused. If you were to check the gums, they may be pale.  Severe hypothermia may cause the pupils to become fixed and dilated, and a dog may have trouble breathing. They may not be as responsive, or they may become unresponsive. Also, they may not be shivering anymore. Collapse and coma may occur.How to Help a Hypothermic DogThe symptoms of hypothermia must be taken seriously. Contact your veterinarian even if you think your dog might only have mild hypothermia, as they can provide guidance on what to do, and they might advise bringing your dog in to be examined and treated.In cases of severe hypothermia, a veterinarian will need to treat your dog, so don’t try to fix this problem yourself.Here are a few steps you can take if your dog has mild hypothermia (again, talk to your vet first to be sure you’re taking the right steps and you can treat this at home):Dry your dog if they’re wet. Bring them to a warm area of your home, such as near a heat source. Wrap them in a blanket—you could even warm it up in the dryer first. Use products like the PetFusion Microplush Quilted Pet Blanket, which is super soft and has a light fill that provides more warmth.

Blue Ridge Beef Recalls Kitten and Puppy Food Due to Bacteria

Blue Ridge Beef, one of the foremost pet food companies in North Carolina, decided to recall their 2-pound kitten and puppy food because of a serious potential threat of listeria and salmonella in their kibble. The pet food in question was distributed to locations in Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maryland, North Carolina, New York, Pennsylvania, and Virginia.Unfortunately, North Carolina Department of Agriculture discovered a serious issue when analyzing their product, realizing that one lot of each of the food products was positive for salmonella and listeria, on December 15th. This included kitten food lots “N24 1114-N24 1224”, of 2-lb logs of “Kitten Grind” (UPC 8 54298 00101 6), and “Kitten Mix” (UPC UPC 8 54298 00143 6). Also included was the “Puppy Mix” (UPC 8 54298 00169 6).The action was swift to pull these products from the shelves, as both listeria and salmonella can be very dangerous to pets who consume the contaminated food. It can also be harmful to humans who touch the food as well, especially pregnant women and children. Pets who get infected can suffer from vomiting, fever, bloody diarrhea, lethargy, and loss of appetite, so if you notice any of these symptoms and your pet has been eating the food that is now recalled, make sure to take them to a vet for treatment ASAP.Luckily, the Blue Ridge Beef company announced that so far it has not received any reports of illnesses that are connected to this recall of food. Likewise, the company is not facing any legal action because of the recall. Pet owners who purchased this food are encouraged to contact Blue Ridge Beef company at  blueridgebeefnc@yahoo.com for a full refund. Consumers can also get in touch with Steven Lea, from 8 am. to 5:30 pm. ET Monday-Friday at (704) 880-4500. 

Golden Retriever Survives 65 Days Alone in the Alaskan Wilderness

It’s always tragic when a beloved pet dog goes missing, but this was particularly hard for the Mahoskey family, whose senior golden retriever vanished in the Alaskan wilderness. The family was unsure that they would ever see Stella again. Luckily for them, Stella is one tough cookie. Stella’s adventure began in early July when she was enjoying a quiet evening with her family on the back deck of their Sitka home. According to local news outlet KCAW, an unexpected burst of fireworks startled a 13-year-old Stella and sent her dashing into the wilderness. Sarah and Jerrom Mahoskey and their two kids, Kai and Quinn, searched until nightfall but had yet to locate Stella. The next morning, the family grew even more concerned when they realized that their pooch hadn’t returned. Their worries increased even further when the neighbor told them about the bear attack that happened the previous night. “They said, ‘Did you hear there was a bear that attacked a dog last night? We had the windows open in the back of the house, and my wife heard this altercation that sent chills up her spine. And basically, I don’t think your dog could be alive,’” Sarah recalled to KCAW. However, Stella’s family still had hope that she was alive, somewhere, in the woods. The Mahoskeys spent the summer checking out trails near where Stella went missing and followed up on any lead or potential Stella sightings reported by their friends and neighbors. After two months and many investigated reports, Sarah told a friend, “I feel like there’s a 1% chance that she’s out there, and so I cannot let go.”Then, in early September, more than two months after Stella disappeared, the family received a phone call from Tim Eddy, a friend of Jerrom, who was working at the quarry that day.“He said ‘Do you have a golden retriever?’ And Jerrome said, ‘Well, we did have a golden retriever.’ And he says, ‘Well, I think this is your golden retriever,’” Sara shared. Jerome hopped in his four-wheeler and drove to the quarry, where he spotted Stella.“She was on the cliffside, and it was basically this ash and rock that was the same exact color as her,” said Sarah. “She totally blended in. The fact that Tim saw her -  I just kept saying to him, ‘How did you see her?’”Considering the lack of food and water at the quarry, the Mahoskeys don’t believe Stella was there long. The family suspects the quarry looked like a familiar ground to Stella, who grew up around Jerrome’s excavation business. After more than two months in the wilderness, Stella weighed only 30 pounds - that’s nearly half of her regular body weight. Sarah believes that Stella likely foraged to survive. “She has always picked her own berries when we are out hiking,” Sarah explained. “And she loves dandelion roots.”In addition to being underfed, the golden retriever also had a large gash on her left side, possibly from the encounter with the bear. “We think she probably hunkered down for quite a while, and just probably wasn’t able to move a lot and knew that it needed to heal,” said Sarah. “She obviously found a safe space, because the fact that she was bleeding and wasn’t found by that bear or another bear again is quite a miracle.”Upon her safe return home, Stella was examined by her vet, who placed her on a strict diet for the first 10 days. Now, she’s eating well and has already gained 11 pounds.Although Stella can’t share everything that happened during the time she was lost in the wilderness, she hasn’t changed much. According to Sarah, the only difference is that Stella is now definitely hungrier than before. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

What Age Should You Start Clicker Training?

Clicker training is a popular form of positive reinforcement dog training that uses a small handheld device called a clicker to mark and reinforce desired behaviors. The clicker makes a distinct and consistent sound that signals to the dog that they have performed the desired behavior, followed by a reward such as a treat or praise. The idea is to associate the sound of the clicker with the reward, making it a powerful tool for communication between the owner and the dog.Now, if you want to try clicker training with your dog, you could be wondering at what age should you start. Very early on? Or as your puppy grows a bit older? Let’s find out.What Age Should You Start Clicker Training?Clicker training is versatile and can be used for teaching  basic commands, tricks, and even addressing behavioral issues. It is a humane and positive approach to training that fosters a strong bond between the owner and the dog. Clicker training can be started with dogs at a relatively young age, typically when they are around 8 weeks old. Puppies are capable of learning basic commands and behaviors from a young age, and clicker training can be a positive and effective method for teaching them.However, it's important to keep in mind that very young puppies have shorter attention spans, so training sessions should be kept short and fun. Focus on simple commands and behaviors, and use positive reinforcement, such as treats or praise, in conjunction with the clicker.Consistency and patience are key when training puppies, and it's important to make the training sessions enjoyable for them. Stay consistent and maintain your composure and command. Even if the early training sessions last just a few minutes, keep it up. Of course, if you're unsure about how to start clicker training or have concerns about your puppy's readiness, consulting with a professional dog trainer or attending puppy training classes can be helpful. Always use positive reinforcement methods to create a positive and trusting relationship between you and your dog.Remember that clicker training requires patience and hard work to be successful. The idea is to associate the sound of the clicker with positive reinforcement, making it a powerful tool for communication between the owner and the dog.4 Things to Know About Clicker TrainingTo ensure your training sessions with a clicker are successful no matter when you start implementing them in your pet’s routine, you need to know the basics. These tips will help you optimize your process for maximum efficiency:Timing is KeyClicker training relies on precise timing. The click should occur at the exact moment your dog exhibits the desired behavior. This helps your dog make the connection between the behavior and the reward.Positive Reinforcement

Holiday Gifts for Your Cats: Tips and Recommendations

Your cat is a member of your family, so why not include them in the gift giving tradition of the holidays by getting them something special? With a wide range of pet products on the market, you can find an item that your kitty is sure to love, and you can make sweet memories in the process. Whether you have a stocking for your furbaby or you plan on wrapping a little gift for them, here are some holiday gift ideas for cats to help you get started.

Dog Finds A Forever Home After Spending 1,007 Days at Delaware Shelter

Tessy, now a 5-year-old black Labrador retriever mix, spent 1,007 days at a Delaware animal shelter before being adopted into a forever home. This cute pooch arrived at Humane Animal Partners (formerly Delaware Humane Association and Delaware SPCA) on January 17, 2021, hoping to be adopted in no time.Unfortunately, finding her people proved challenging for Tessy. Days, weeks, months, and years went by, and Tessy was still living at the shelter with no prospective adopters in sight. “Tessy is loyal, goofy, snuggly, and remarkably smart,” said Leigh McKinley, a director at the Humane Animal Partners, according to PEOPLE. Like many other shelter dogs, Tessy had some trust issues and was wary of new people and experiences. These problems were the reasons for Tessy’s longer stay at the Humane Animal Partners shelter. “Tessy exhibited fear-reactive behaviors in the form of lunging, barking, and growling towards unfamiliar stimuli. Our goal was to help her overcome those fears and learn to trust humans and her surrounding environment, essentially changing her emotional response from a negative to a positive,” McKinley explained.The shelter used a behavioral modification plan, which consisted of positive reinforcement training techniques to help Tessy overcome her fears. Fixing a problematic behavior takes a lot of time, patience, and effort, but the shelter’s staff didn’t give up on Tessy.“Changing an involuntary physiological behavior takes dedication and consistency to be successful, and while we were determined to see this through, the nature of being in a shelter, with different staff members working with her on any given day, and for varying amounts of time, means the change would take time,” said McKinley. “We also needed to make sure her adopters were the right fit for her. We took a very thoughtful and careful approach to introducing her to people, and it took time for the right family to find her.”Then, almost three years later, all of Tessy’s hard work paid off! After 1,007 days at the shelter, this cute pooch has finally found her forever home. The family who adopted Tessy, met her several times to help her feel at ease. For the adopters, it was love at first sight, and Tessy instantly felt safe around them. “When her adopters Jeanine and Jeff first met her, we all tried to keep a level head about it, not getting our hopes up too high. After their third meeting, though, we could tell Tessy had already established a level of trust with them that we had never seen so quickly before,” said McKinley. Jeff and Jeanine adopted the pooch shortly after the third visit, and the shelter’s staff was ecstatic that Tessy had found a loving home.“It was a rollercoaster of emotions leading up to the adoption day, everything from celebrations to disbelief to sadness, excitement, a bit of anxiety, and everything in between. Mostly, though, we felt proud. Proud of her, proud of everyone who helped get her to this point, and proud of the results,” McKinley shared.  “We all know she’d do okay, we are also quite aware that going from three years in the shelter into a loving home is a big adjustment, and it will take her a while to fully acclimate. We tried to instill in her adopters to be confident and patient but never to be complacent.” the shelter’s director added.It’s important to know that not every visit to an animal shelter ends with ‘love at first sight.’ A lot of adoptable dogs have experienced some level of trauma and neglect, and are generally more anxious inside the shelter. Keep an open mind when visiting your local shelter and remember that each of these pups deserves a loving family and a forever home. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Cat Chattering: What Is It and What Does It Mean?

Cats communicate with each other and their humans in a variety of ways through vocalizations and body language. While you may be able to figure out what your cat is saying when they meow or hiss, you might be at a loss for an explanation when you see them chatter for the first time, especially if you’ve never seen cats do this before.What does it mean when cats chatter? Check out the information below to learn all about it so you’ll be able to figure out what your kitty is thinking and feeling the next time you see them exhibit this odd behavior.What Is Chattering in Cats?Chattering usually happens when a kitty sees something that they want to get their paws on. Many times, they’ll be looking out the window when a prey animal, like a chipmunk or bird, comes into view. Or, if your kitty spends time in a catio or outdoor enclosure, they might start chattering when they see small wildlife. As soon as your cat sees their intended prey, they may be ready to go on the hunt, and might express this feeling by chattering.This behavior doesn’t only happen when your kitty sees wildlife, though. It can also happen when you’re using a toy to play with them. The movement of the toy can get them excited and ready to pounce on their “prey,” and they might chatter as a result.Once you know what cat chattering looks like, you’ll be able to recognize it right away. But if you’ve never seen it before, it can be described simply as your cat making quick movements with their jaw, showing their teeth while staring intently at their target. Sometimes, no sounds will come out, but other times, they’ll make chirping sounds or even little meows. Some people even describe chattering as “ekekek”.To see what it looks like, here’s a compilation of cats chattering:

How Do I Help A Dog Afraid of Car Rides?

Do you dream of travelling the world with your best friend by your side, but your dog turns into a nervous wreck every time you approach the car? If so, you’re not alone! Many dogs experience car anxiety to some degree, ranging from those who are slightly unsure of the vehicle to those who experience severe levels of stress. Luckily, there are options to manage your dog’s anxiety and even prevent it from happening in the future. In this article, we’ll explore various ways to improve your dog’s relationship with the car, from gradual desensitization to the use of calming treats and other products to make your next road trip easier for everyone! Is Driving Stressful for Dogs? Whether your dog finds car rides to be stressful will vary from dog to dog. Many pups are excited by simply hearing the phrase “car ride” and love sharing that experience with their human family members. However, for some dogs, the idea of getting into a vehicle instantly triggers feelings of stress and anxiety. As dog parents, the best thing we can do is pay careful attention to our dog's nonverbal communication and body language. Although dogs may not be able to speak English, they do a pretty good job of communicating how they are feeling if we know how to listen. How Do I Know if My Dog is Scared in the Car? Interpreting your dog’s body language often involves noting several different behaviors, as fear and anxiety can easily mimic excitement in many ways. For example, fearful dogs may whine when approaching a vehicle because they are afraid of getting into the car. However, approaching the same way with an excited dog may trigger a whine as they anticipate the fun ahead. Other aspects of their behavior, like their stance (standing tall and confident versus hunched low to the ground with their tail tucked), can help you better translate what your dog is trying to tell you.Some of the common signs that a dog is feeling afraid or anxious include: Excessive panting or yawning Licking the lips Whale eyes (showing the whites of the eyes)Large, dilated pupilsEars pressed forward or back against the headCowering or attempting to hideTail tucked between the legs or up and stuffShaking or tremblingSubmissive urinationStaring intently at the trigger Displacement behaviors like sneezing or itchingRefusal to take treats (even if they are typically food-driven)The most important thing to remember is that every dog is different. Your dog may display any combination of the symptoms listed above. No one knows your dog better than you. Trust your gut if you feel that something is off, even if it doesn’t fit the stereotypical fear response.

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