If you haven’t seen Snowball the dancing Cockatoo, you’re missing out. He’s gained international fame for his ability to dance to the beat of any music–whether it be Backstreet Boys or Christmas carols.
In a recent study, scientists tested whether snowball really could follow the beat of the music. In this video on NPR, you’ll see that he can. Now we know that some animals really can dance!
The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) has announced that the now infamous swine flu presents but little risk to cats and dogs. Only humans have been infected by the swine flu virus to date. And despite its porcine nomenclature, researchers have yet to confirm that this strain of flu evolved from pigs.
According to Dr. Louise Murray, director of medicine at the ASPCA’s Bergh Memorial Hospital in New York City, “At this time there is no data demonstrating any risk of dogs and cats contracting this strain of the virus. However, [guardians] of pet pigs, as well as farmers, should monitor their animals’ health more closely during this outbreak. Steps to limit possible transmission from humans to pigs and vice versa are recommended.”
The next time you take your Chihuahua outside, make sure he is prepared for the elements. In Michigan, Tinker Bell, a 6-lb Chihuahua was standing on a table at a flea market and was actually swept away by a wind gust. Tinkerbell’s guardians went to a pet psychic who led them to some wood about a mile away, where they found the dog safe and sound.
Photo courtesy Flickr user *Kendall*
Hotel for Dogs is out on DVD and Blu-Ray today! And it’s loaded with special features, including behind-the-scenes featurettes, the making of Hotel for Dogs, deleted scenes, and more.
Wish your dog could be a movie star? Now he can at least be on the cover of a DVD with the Make Your Dog a Star online feature. Simply visit the website and upload a photo of your pet to create a printable Hotel for Dogs DVD cover or poster.
This rescue-friendly flick tells the tale of two orphans who create a haven for all the strays in the city. Check it out today!
“Day at the Beach” by flickr user AmandaIsACult.
Want your pet’s mug to be our pic of the day? Join our flickr photo group and upload your images.
Most recently known for choosing the top 10 Cat-Friendly cities, the CATalyst Council strives to raise the stature of cats. Cats are America’s most popular pet, outnumbering dogs by nearly 10 million.
The CATalyst Council looked at many different criterion to decide on the top 10 cities. Number of cats, number of American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP) members, number of American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) veterinarians, and percent of microchipped cats, are just a few of the criterion looked at to determine the winners. Extra points were given to cities with mayors who have cats.
The 10 cities chosen by the CATalyst Council include: Minneapolis, Atlanta, Seattle, San Diego, Denver, Boston, Portland, Phoenix, Tampa, and San Francisco.
According to the CATalyst Council website, “The CATalyst Purpose addresses our desire to change society’s image of cats as aloof and not needing human contact or care.”
For more information visit CATalystCouncil.org.
—Amanda Degard
Be sure to tune into Animal Planet at 10pm EST tonight. Animal Cops Philadelphia will take a look into the cruel commercial dog breeding business in “Puppy Mills: Exposed.” With many states proposing puppy mill legislation, it’s important to know the truth about what goes on inside these mass breeding facilities.
Pets on Canvas USA makes photos of your pet into beautiful works of art. But, canvases aren’t the only thing Pets on Canvas USA is concerned about. The San Diego based company has created a Charitable Donation Program, which helps nonprofit pet rescues.
When you purchase a canvas, 25% of that sale will go to the nonprofit pet rescue of your choice, as a tax-deductible donation. Canvases range in price from $42 to $112, and are available in a number of different sizes, widths, and framing options.
For more information, or to make your pet photo into a work of art, visit PetsOnCanvasUSA.com.
—Amanda Degard
Dogswell is offering a bailout to those pet parents who have lost their jobs due to the struggling economy. The Dogswell Bow-Wow Bailout, gives unemployed pet parents a free bag of dog food between April 15 and May 15.
The bags are limited to the first 10,000 applicants, and applications can be found on the Dogswell website. The bailout is in hopes that pet parents will not have to give up their furry friends in these tough economic times. For an application and more information, visit Dogswell.com.
—Amanda Degard
Ellen's clothes could be yours!
Want to help the animals and get your hands on the outfit Ellen wore when she won an Emmy? You can do both with Ellen DeGeneres’ online charity auction, which benefits the Humane Society of the United States. The talk show host and Tails coverstar will be listing her own clothes worn on her show, as well as other items donated by celebrity guests.
The auction runs until May 8. Bid now before it’s too late!
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