Dog Lovers!

[samhexum]

Formerly-Abused Rescue Dog Has Hard Time Adjusting Until Mom Gets Him Foster Kitten to Love

 

When you welcome a foster or rescue animal into your home, you may not know what they have been through before coming to live with you. Some animals adjust quickly to their new environs. I’ve had foster dogs who were ready to join the family within a few hours. Others take a longer time to warm up. When we rescued our cats, it was a whole year before we were able to catch them snuggling with us while we slept.

All of which is to say, it very much depends on the animal how long it takes for them to open up and be their true selves. And sometimes they need a little help, like this formerly abused rescue dog whose heart opened when he got the opportunity to care for foster kittens of his very own.

A woman in Houston chose Chapo from the shelter when he was on the list to be euthanized. She described the pit bull mix as “the saddest dog in the shelter” and the many scars on his beautiful brown face were a testament to the terrible times he had been through before coming to live with her. But despite the fact that Chapo was now in a safe, loving home, he still seemed depressed.

“For months, progress was slow, and I was beginning to worry about him,” she writes in the captions. “Until I fostered a kitten.”

It seems like the key to making her rescue dog happy was letting him rescue kittens.

In the video, you can see how gentle and calm he is with these tiny creatures, allowing them to sleep pressed up next to his giant body, nuzzling them with his big snout, and softly mouthing them when they get rambunctious. A better foster dad you couldn’t hope to find.

Over the years, Chapo has helped him mom foster many kittens and the results have been rewarding for everyone involved.

Dogs and Cats

Though the stereotype says that dogs and cats don’t get along, situations like Chapo’s are more of the norm than otherwise, In truth, most dogs can get along just fine with the other animals in their house, whether they are other dogs, cats, birds or anything else. The process of having your dog bond with other animals will differ depending on your individual dog’s personality. Some dogs are instantly curious and happy about having another animal in the house—like this one. Other dogs need to be taught how to be gentle and respectful of fellow creature’s space and little bodies. When first introducing your dog to new pets, it pays to make sure you supervise and know what kind of interaction to expect.

Foster Animal Timelines

When a rescue animal first comes to a new home, it may take a while for them to adjust to their surroundings and relax. Many rescues advise thinking of the animals as being on a “3-3-3” timeline. According to this rule, it will normally take a foster or rescue dog three days to stop feeling terrorized, three weeks to let their real personality shine through, and three months to accept the place they are living in as their new home. During this time period, it’s important to be gentle with them, avoid throwing too many new experiences and people at them, and being patient as they test boundaries and try to figure out the rules of their new home.

And maybe, as Chapo proved, they just need a pet of their own to love.

Edited October 31, 2024 by samhexum
for shits and giggles

[samhexum]

On April 26, 1986, the Chernobyl Nuclear Reactor in northern Ukraine—then part of the Soviet Union—exploded, sending a massive plume of radiation into the sky. Nearly four decades later, the Chernobyl Power Plant and many parts of the surrounding area remain uninhabited—by humans, at least.

Animals of all kinds have thrived in humanity’s absence. Living among radiation-resistant fauna are thousands of feral dogs, many of whom are descendants of pets left behind in the speedy evacuation of the area so many years ago. As the world’s greatest nuclear disaster approaches its 40th anniversary, biologists are now taking a closer look at the animals located inside the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone (CEZ), which is about the size of Yosemite National Park, and investigating how decades of radiation exposure may have altered animals’ genomes—and even, possibly, sped up evolution.

Scientists from the University of South Carolina and the National Human Genome Research Institute have begun examining the DNA of 302 feral dogs found in or around the CEZ to better understand how radiation may have altered their genomes. Their results were published in the journal Science Advances.

“Do they have mutations that they’ve acquired that allow them to live and breed successfully in this region?” co-author Elaine Ostrander, a dog genomics expert at the National Human Genome Research Institute, told The New York Times. “What challenges do they face and how have they coped genetically?”

The idea of radiation speeding up natural evolution isn’t a new one. The practice of purposefully irradiating seeds in outer space to induce advantageous mutations, for example, is now a well-worn method for developing crops well-suited for a warming world.

 

Scientists have been analyzing certain animals living within the CEZ for years, including bacteria, rodents, and even birds. One study back in 2016 found that Eastern tree frogs (Hyla orientalis), which are usually a green color, were more commonly black within the CEZ. The biologists theorize that the frogs experienced a beneficial mutation in melanin—pigments responsible for skin color—that helped dissipate and neutralize some of the surrounding radiation.

This made scientists ponder: could something similar be happening to Chernobyl’s wild dogs?

The study uncovered that the feral dogs living near the Chernobyl Power Plant showed distinct genetic differences from dogs living only some 10 miles away in nearby Chernobyl City. While this may seem to heavily imply that these dogs have undergone some type of rapid mutation or evolution due to radiation exposure, this study is only a first step in proving that hypothesis.

One environmental scientist, speaking with Science News, says that these studies can be tricky business, largely due to the fact that sussing out radiation-induced mutations from other effects, like inbreeding, is incredibly difficult.

However, this study provides a template for further investigation into the effects of radiation on larger mammals, as the DNA of dogs roaming the Chernobyl Power Plant and nearby Chernobyl City can be compared to dogs living in non-irradiated areas. Despite a current lack of firm conclusions, the study has shown once again that an area that—by all rights—should be a wasteland has become an unparalleled scientific opportunity to understand radiation and its impact on natural evolution.

 

[samhexum]

More than 175 dogs across Britain have been dressed up as Nativity characters for a festive Instagram display.

After more than 60 dogs took part in the festive stunt last year, the team doubled their efforts again this year.

The Nativity display, which owners have posted throughout the day on Monday, is to help an animal rescue.

The group of dog owners banded together on Instagram to divvy up the main characters — including Jesus, Mary, Joseph and the Angel.

The stunt is in aid of Broken Biscuits, the UK’s leading disabled animal advocacy charity, which is based in Lincolnshire.

Characters were allocated to each of the original 150 dog owners involved in the plan on Instagram.

They all went away and bought, sourced or made their costumes before the big reveal.

Edited December 17, 2024 by samhexum
for shits and giggles

[samhexum]

It’s been ruff for the UK’s most unwanted dog — but she finally found her forever home.

When Mia the Dutch Shepherd was rescued by UK inspectors of the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) in October 2019, she was just nine days old.

The “sweet” pup, available for rehoming since November 2022, spent more than two years at Southridge Animal Center in Hertfordshire, England, as 1,500 of her furry friends at the facility found new homes.

But after waiting 800 days and spending her fifth birthday there, the longest-staying resident was finally able to say goodbye and move in with a loving family.

“Mia is a superb dog and a great companion — she brings a smile to my face every day,” her new owner Chris Greenwell told Southwest News Service. “She’s been with me for nearly a month, but it feels like she’s been here forever, she’s settled in so well.”

The staff at RSPCA Southridge are “thrilled” that the “one in a million” dog has been adopted.

“Mia had spent almost her entire life in kennels — 35 years in dog years — and we’re so happy she’s finally found her forever home,” Claire Hoffman, behavior and welfare advisor at RSPCA Southridge, said.

“Her long wait was completely heartbreaking — we think she was the RSPCA’s longest ‘available for rehoming’ pet and the country’s most unwanted dog, a title no animal deserves.”

Last month, Greenwell took Mia to her new home in North Yorkshire — 200 miles away.

“Considering she’s not spent much time in a home environment, she adapted incredibly well,” Greenwell shared, adding that the pup loves his 15-year-old daughter Seren and even looks for her, “which is very sweet.”

“She immediately adopted a sofa, and it’s been hard to get her out of it since,” he said. “If I sit down and put my feet up, she gives me an exasperated sigh and moves over to the armchair instead.”

Of course, it’s taken some time for Mia to fully adjust to living in a family home after spending her years with RSPCA.

“As time has gone on, she’s really come out of her shell — she’s very cheeky, creeping into my home office when I’m in meetings and turning my wicker bin into her new toy,” Greenwell shared. “She’s very playful and full of energy.”

Mia’s new pet parent said that every day after she finishes her breakfast, she runs to choose a toy. Her favorites are “anything with a squeak” — and she’s already lovingly destroyed three.

The pup also loves playing tug of war, as well as outdoor activities.

“Recently, she has started coming hiking with me and encountering rivers, moorland, rocky trails and waterfalls for the first time,” Greenwell said.

“She’s already discovered that though peat bogs look solid, they aren’t always, which leads to an introduction to the shower!” he quipped.

Even with a “challenging start” to life, Mia defied the odds for the “most unwanted dog.”

“She blossomed into such a pretty, friendly and very intelligent dog with so much love to give — she really is one in a million, and I’m so happy she’s thriving in her new home,” Hoffman said. “We’re all thrilled her story now has a happy ending.

“She’s exceeded expectations in every way; Mia really is the epitome of man’s best friend,” Greenwell added.

 

[samhexum]

From tragedy to triumph: Queens man launches Kickstarter for dog-saving leash

 By Jessica Militello

 

Jooni Dog is a safer retractable leash designed by Queens resident Peter Bae and Leadoff Studios.

 

An MTA bus driver from Queens is launching a Kickstarter to help introduce a new type of retractable leash that saves dogs’ lives, following the tragic loss of his own beloved pet due to a retractable leash failure.

Peter Bae and an NYC design firm based in Queens, Leadoff Studio, have collaborated to create Jooni Dog, a more efficient retractable leash featuring a durable, multi-mode design that gives owners control while keeping dogs safe and free to roam.

“It was basically focusing on the handle,” said Bae. “I wanted to inform others about the importance of holding the leash handle while walking to gain better control and using a handle grip along with a proper ball grip is a safer method for holding a dog’s leash.”

Bae personally experienced the tragic loss of his own dog, Jooni, while taking him for a walk. According to Bae, when Jooni saw another dog he was familiar with across the street, he got excited and gave a tense tug to run across the street, causing the handle to drop out of Bae’s hand, resulting in Jooni being struck by a vehicle.

After the heartbreaking loss of his pet, during his bus driver shift, he observed another pet owner with her golden retriever crossing the street in the city. Again, the dog’s powerful pull caused the owner to drop her leash, but this time, another pedestrian helped prevent another accident. After these experiences, Bae became determined to create an impactful change in the way retractable leashes are created and came up with his own design idea for a safer leash.

“I observed dog walkers of all abilities focusing on their leash control,” said Bae. “The variety of ways people held their leash was truly remarkable, and it was clear that handling the leash was difficult. I was determined to find a solution that would prevent anyone from enduring the same frustration I had faced- the accident’s aftermath still brings me to tears.”

Bae reached out to Leadoff Studio via a website submission form. When Jordan Diatlo, Leadoff’s founder, CEO and creative director, read Bae’s story along with his ideas and design concepts for the leash, he immediately became interested in learning more and helping Bae to design the product and finalize the design. The final product focuses on multiple walking modes so owners can shift from full control in high-traffic areas to hands-free walking in safe spaces, durability tested for real-life conditions including supporting dogs up to 60 pounds, and withstanding up to 240 pounds of pulling force, along with unique and efficient safety-focused details, including strong nylon rope, comfortable grip loops, a manual retract button and a carabiner tie-up clip.

The leash, named in honor of Bae’s pet, Jooni, also gives owners the ability to customize their leash handle by putting their name or their dog’s name on it, and the inside of the handle has a small imprint of a drawing of a dog, in honor of Jooni. 

“From the first conversation, Peter totally had me hooked,” said Diatlo. “We don’t do a ton of pet products, but I do like dogs, and when he went into the backstory, the fact that this is where Peter was coming from, we thought we’ve got to help him launch this thing. He told me pretty early on that he wanted to work towards doing a Kickstarter, and it will help put money towards the manufacturing and getting this product out there.”

The Kickstarter, which launched on Oct. 7, aims to raise $ 5,000, which will be used for the manufacturing of the leash. Bae intends to sell the product both online and through local pet shops in the community. According to Bae, as the product gets up and running, he would eventually like to be able to donate a portion of the proceeds to local charities as well. 

“To honor Jooni and other pets affected by near misses or tragedies, I’ve created a leash that prioritizes handle control while still using a semi-retractable mechanism to keep your dog nearby,” said Bae.

To learn more about Jooni Dog and the Kickstarter campaign or donate, visit the campaign’s website.

 

The Jooni Dog leash

 

Edited October 7 by samhexum
for reasons y'all will just have to guess at

[samhexum]

This dog’s hilarious thieving habit stumps even the experts
Duke, an 11-year-old golden retriever, has gained Instagram fame for the bizarre items he diligently gathers and hoards.

October 7, 2025.

Duke the golden retriever was getting settled in his new adopted home when one day he grabbed a pair of reading glasses and pranced off with them.

Then Duke moved on to fine china — picking up teapots, plates and cups in his mouth and gingerly placing them on his bed to cuddle with. After that, he began thieving books, magazines and electronics from around the house. He even nabbed a 12-pack of toilet paper and an entire lamp and dragged them to his bed.

“He wants these very odd items,” said Cathy Hoyt.

Hoyt and her husband, who live in Richmond, adopted Duke 18 months ago. They had been warned about his strange tendency to take and guard household items, but nothing prepared them for the reality of it.

“Every night and nap time, he will go get something to sleep with — something weird,” said Hoyt, who is semiretired and works at the front desk of a local veterinary clinic.

At first, Hoyt started taking videos of Duke’s curious behavior to show her vet. But the clips were so hilarious that friends and family urged her to make an Instagram account so they could keep up with Duke’s latest heists. The account took off and now has a loyal following, with some videos getting millions of views. The Dodo, an animal publication, recently featured Duke in a video.

“It’s all kind of taken me by surprise,” said Hoyt, whose calm voice is always in the background of the videos.

Fans comment that Hoyt’s reactions to Duke, whom she calls often “Dukie,” make the videos even funnier. She will sweetly call out to him, usually sounding taken aback, “Duke, honey, what are you doing?” as the dog saunters by, dragging a picture frame larger than his body.

Hoyt said she gives Duke different kinds of dog toys to keep him busy and entertained, and she makes sure he gets plenty of outdoor exercise to tire him out. Still, he will abscond with pretty much anything that is not nailed down when he goes to his bed.

Before Duke came into their lives, Hoyt and her husband had recently lost their golden retriever Charlie, who had been with them for 12 years. They have another senior golden named Gina, 12.

“Duke is our fourth senior,” said Hoyt, adding that they’ve adopted all four from Southeastern Virginia Golden Retriever Rescue, Education & Training (SEVA GRREAT). “We love taking in seniors because we know it’s harder for them to find loving homes.”

A picture of Duke, now 11, appeared on the rescue’s social media, “and I was like, ‘Oh, my gosh,’” Hoyt said.

She and her husband drove to Virginia Beach to meet Duke, and they brought Gina with them to make sure they’d get along.

“I fell in love with his face and his expression and his personality, and how loving he was toward Gina,” Hoyt said. “You get a feeling from a dog when you feel it’s right. … He just seemed to need us.”

Before Duke arrived at the Hoyts’ home, his life had been relatively unstable. He lived with a family that went through a divorce, and the owner who kept him died shortly after. He then went to an older member of the family, who could not manage his resource guarding behavior — which is when a dog becomes protective over items it values. From there, he went to a foster family and briefly to an adoptive home, but he snapped at a small child who tried to get an item back from him.

“It is very unusual; he is not like any other dog I’ve ever had,” said Susan Beckman, Duke’s former foster, who has taken in 12 pups. She is a volunteer and on the board of SEVA GRREAT. “He took my entire computer bag with the computer in it and carried it to the sofa and laid down with it.”

Despite warnings about Duke’s antics, the Hoyts decided to adopt him anyway.

“The behaviors were a bit startling because we had never had a dog like this,” Hoyt said. “He is also a ‘counter surfer,’ so you can’t have clutter on your counter.”

While they adjusted to Duke’s quirks, his repeated pilfering brought the Hoyts some humor at a time they needed it.

“It was almost like he was healing my heart because I was missing Charlie so much, and Duke was making us laugh,” Hoyt said. “We would never give up on him ever, never in a million years.”

In most instances of resource guarding, a dog is protective over items that directly benefit it in some way, like treats, bones and toys. But dogs can also be drawn to items that offer them comfort.

“I think he does it for security,” Hoyt said, explaining that since Duke switched homes so many times, perhaps he clings to things that make him feel he has marked his space.

Although Duke will sometimes growl when Hoyt tries to get an item back from him, she said, he is not overly aggressive. She will often trade him a treat for whatever item he has, or if she lets him have it for enough time, he will tire of guarding it.

“For the most part, we’re good, as long as we give him space,” she said, adding that he steals between three and seven items per day, and he is mostly gentle with human items — but destroys all dog toys.

“It’s just crazy,” Hoyt said. “He will have a room full of toys and find a teapot.”

Clive Wynne, a professor of psychology and director of the Canine Science Collaboratory at Arizona State University, said he is a bit perplexed by Duke’s behavior.

“It’s strange in this case because the object isn’t much of a resource to the animal; it’s just an arbitrary object,” he said. “Why a teapot should be of such importance to this dog, I don’t know.”

Wynne said it’s hard to rationalize why Duke’s behavior developed, and whether trading for treats is actually rewarding and reinforcing it.

“It’s just a part of the glorious mystery of living with dogs,” he said. “The idiosyncrasies are a part of the joy of having them in our lives.”

In any case, “as long as he’s not breaking things, it’s quite amusing,” Wynne added. “It’s delightful, it’s fun, and here’s an old dog and he’s found some people who can enjoy his eccentricities.”

Hoyt and her husband agree.

“He’s just a lovebug with interesting behaviors,” Hoyt said.

She said she hopes her Instagram account for Duke brightens people’s days.

“We’re spreading a little joy, especially now in these times that are so negative,” she said. “Every single night, I lay down with Duke on his bed, and I tell him: ‘Do you know how many people you made happy today?’”

He seems to get the message.

“He’ll just look at me and lick me,” Hoyt said.

Source: https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/2025/10/07/dog-duke-thief-rescue-golden-retriever/ [Limited access]

[+ Charlie]

Well, he is a RETRIEVER, after all. (All the items seem to have been things that have been touched by his owners, and he may be able to smell their scent on the items, even if we couldn't.)