Inside This Issue:
- Eleven-Year-Old Who Saved Animals from Burning Store Receives Award
- Dog Dumping a Growing Problem
- New Ancient Egyptian Exhibit Demonstrates Ancient Human-Animal Bond
- Cats Seized from Animal Sanctuary after Reports from Volunteers
- Whatever Works! Hatchling Wrapped in Warm Tortilla Until Rescuer Arrives
Eleven-Year-Old Who Saved Animals from Burning Store Receives Award
Guinea pig and cat.
Last June, an 11-year-old boy, Cole Lechuga, selflessly rescued several animals out of a Pennsylvania pet store that had caught fire. Perhaps too young to understand the danger, or maybe just too buzzed on adrenaline, Cole could think of nothing more important than getting the animals out of the building safely. Risking his own safety, he jumped into action, saving several cats and other animals in the process. Thankfully, he wasn't hurt during his heroics. This week, he received a reward for his quick response and bravery. Now that is something this kid can always be proud of!
Dog Dumping a Growing Problem
Dog on the street.
Sadness and frustration are spilling over in Connecticut as dog dumping is becoming a more serious issue. In just the last week, five dogs have been abandoned. One dog that had been dumped along a highway while in a crate managed to escape his confinement… only to be struck by traffic shortly after. He was seriously injured and had to have an eye surgically removed but should fully recover. If there is a “bright side,” to this, it’s hard to imagine people not lining up to adopt him after this. But what a horrible ordeal to go through.
While the story of the four other dogs is not as immediately visceral, they are all heartbreaking. There is an investigation seeking the identities of the dog dumpers, but it isn’t hard to guess the reasons: the rising cost of owning a pet. Whether it’s tied to housing, food, or vet bills, as it becomes more difficult to afford keeping a dog, more people are making the cruel and illegal choice of dumping their dogs. We all understand that owning a dog can be very difficult, but it is also a wonderful gift – and more importantly, a very serious commitment. Sadly, life events that are out of our control can make it impossible to keep our pets. But be sure there is always a better choice – family, friends, co-owning or temporary fostering, shelters – than abandoning your pet.
New Ancient Egyptian Exhibit Demonstrates Ancient Human-Animal Bond
The Egyptian goddess Isis is instantly recognizable when depicted with outstretched wings.
Ancient Egypt is one of the best-known civilizations in all of human history. Just as striking as their feats of engineering, knowledge of the stars, and written language, was their relationship with animals.
The human-animal bond in ancient Egypt went beyond an appreciation for livestock and working animals. Animals were included in afterlife ceremonies, and some animal characteristics were so revered, even gods themselves were modeled in the image of animals.
A new exhibit at the University of Liverpool entitled Creatures of the Nile showcases 250 objects from every era of Ancient Egypt outlining the inseparable relationship of the people and animals that appeared – and disappeared – during those times. The exhibition delves into animals of all types, and the significance of each: domesticated agricultural animals, pets, wildlife, and even some mythological creatures. The interplay of changing customs, climates, populations, and resources is profound and fascinating. It sheds light not only on people's views and the value of animals in ancient Egyptian culture, but perhaps today’s societies, as well.
Cats Seized from Animal Sanctuary After Reports From Volunteers
Elderly cat with beautiful eyes and a nasty upper respiratory infection.
An Ohio animal sanctuary, Our Farm Sanctuary, was searched by authorities this week due to complaints from current and former volunteers. During the search, more than 100 cats were found in all-too-familiar “filthy and overcrowded” conditions, many of them suffering from severe respiratory infections. After the search, 43 cats were taken to a local shelter, where they are recovering. They are currently isolated from the rest of the animals.
While this speaks to awful conditions that need to be fixed immediately, it is important to acknowledge that numerous past adopters have good things to say about Our Farm Sanctuary. It was also voted “Best Adoption Center” only a year ago, and even the shelter director – now burdened with 43 additional sick cats – feels that the owner is well-intentioned (though charges are pending). On the surface, this appears to be one of those cases where someone who felt they had to “save them all” grew too fast, despite clearly being unable to properly care for their animals.
It is good that volunteers, when unable to fix the situation, spoke up, rather than covering up the problems. Going from award-winning to having animals seized in a year’s time really speaks to how quickly an operation can go downhill – and for the need to regularly inspect and provide guidance to larger animal operations (even well-meaning non-profits).
Whatever Works! Hatchling Wrapped in Warm Tortilla Until Rescuer Arrives
Last weekend, a family barbeque in Texas was interrupted by the discovery of what looked like a fluffy owl hatchling laying on the ground. Hatchlings are very young and can’t survive outside of their homes or without their parents. And unfortunately, there was no sign of a nest or the bird’s parents. The family called a wildlife rehabilitation center for instruction and wrapped the baby bird up in a warmed flour tortilla until a rescuer could retrieve it. Talk about working with what you have on hand! While unorthodox, the wildlife rehabbers who received the bird were delighted with the results.
This is definitely a barbecue that everyone will remember, and for all the right reasons: family fun, swimming, great food… and it was all topped off with a kind deed. Also, note that the bird was a hatchling (not a fledging) and the family received advice from experts before the bird was taken to a new location. This part is important. We don't want to become paralyzed with too many options or by fear we won't do something perfectly, but when it comes to wildlife, it's important to know when, and how, to intervene (usually, it's best to leave those supposedly "abandoned" babies alone and appreciate them from a distance).
The bird, which turned out to be a Mississippi kite, is growing up safe and sound at a rehab center. It is expected to be there for about two months and has been dubbed “Taquito.” Now, what are you doing with your summer?
Also in the News...
★ 'Supermodel granny' drug extends life in animals (Better – Or Longer – Living Through Science)
★ What’s the difference between an emotional support animal and service animal? (ADA; Once Again, so Everybody Knows)
★ Cat's Habit of Bringing Owner Live Animals Takes Wild Turn (Or: Outdoor Cat Wants to Share Love of Tormenting Local Wildlife With Owner)
★ Sentencing postponed for Aussie zoologist facing 249 years’ jail for bestiality, other offences (Horrific Zoologist Story Extended)
★ Why Animals Living on Islands Are at Greater Risk of Extinction (Island Life & Death; Usual Suspects & Unexpected Culprits)
★ The Mystery of How Big Animal Brains Should Grow May Finally Be Solved (Who Decides Should?; The Word of the Day Is Curvilinear)
★ Ten animals more likely to kill you than a shark (Fishy Lists; Did We Miss Shark Week?)
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