Kitten Stows Away on Fire Truck, Finds Forever Home that Same Day

Storm Topples Tree, Reveals 70 Dogs Trapped in Trailer

A severe storm that battered Northwest Indiana with fallen trees and power outages also uncovered a heartbreaking scene inside a Merrillville trailer, where dozens of dogs were found living in desperate conditions.Imagine this through the eyes of your own dog with a large tree crashing down onto your home during a rip-roaring storm. Scary yes, but that was just the start because the rescue process got even more harried for these four-legged survivors. You see, first-responders arrived on-scene expecting to rescue roughly 20 dogs. Instead, they were faced with having to secure and transport approximately 70 dogs in varying states of health. According to the Humane Indiana Shelter and Clinic, this turned into one of the largest animal rescues their town has ever seen.A Rescue That Kept GrowingFor now, Merrillville police are treating the situation as an alleged animal hoarding case. You see, as responders assessed the damaged trailer, the scope of the emergency became far clearer as the count of furry survivors climbed well beyond the initial estimate.Happily, the shelter was able to take in all 70 dogs, however photos shared by the organization showed them to be in varying states of health with some appearing severely underweight. According to Jessica Greer, senior director of Humane Indiana Shelter & Clinic, none of the dogs arrived in ideal condition with some facing more significant health concerns that may require a longer recovery period.Now they are receiving the care they need, it's a relief to learn that their legal and physical custody will continue to remain with the rescue as the investigation unfolds.A Shelter Already Stretched ThinAnd that leads us to what exactly it takes to operate a shelter when a sudden influx of dogs arrives in dire need. At the best of times, its staff, volunteers, space, and donations. At the worst of times, as when this storm knocked out power and forced the evacuation of the existing animals being held at the rescue, it's all of that and more. Including support from across the state and country.And that's exactly what happened.While Greer described the repeated challenges as feeling like gut punches, she said the response from supporters has helped the organization keep moving forward.A Community Steps UpAfter sharing the news of the rescue, the local community was quick to respond with dozens of volunteers offering their time to bathe the dogs and provide the care and kindness these distressed pooches desperately needed. In fact the turnout grew so strong that the shelter announced it had to turn away volunteers.But it takes a village, and other animal welfare organizations also stepped in and played an important role. Anti Cruelty, Angel's Wish, Noah's Project, and the Humane Society of Elkhart County all provided help and it's that assistance that created the space and flexibility needed for Humane Indiana to be able take in the trailer dogs rather than turn them away.The rescue also extends its thanks and offers full credit to the Merrillville Police Department and the Lake County Animal Control and Adoption team who immediately jumped in to assist with safely securing the many dogs involved in this rescue story.The Road AheadAnd for the dogs themselves, this event marks a beginning. Each will be evaluated with veterinary examinations, vaccinations, medications, grooming, and testing where necessary. Equally important, these pooches are now receiving regular meals, clean surroundings, and patient human attention as they adjust to life outside the trailer. I'm loving that what came out of such a tragic situation was many furry little lives being changed for the better.No surprise, recovery will be different for each dog as the team helps them rebuild their health, regain strength, and become ready for future adoption. Hey, with this shelter sitting at capacity as they await next steps from a legal standpoint, checking out their roster of ready-for-their-forever home pups, may be one way to help. C'mon, you know you want to!

What Is Your Dog's Vet Not Seeing Between Checkups?

A veterinary checkup gives you a useful snapshot of your dog's health but your dog spends most of its time at home, where subtle changes can develop gradually. You might notice that your dog is sleeping a little longer, drinking more water, scratching more often or taking less interest in a favorite activity, yet those small differences can be difficult to describe accurately from memory.The American Animal Hospital Association recommends routine veterinary care at least once each year, with senior pets or dogs managing chronic health issues often needing more frequent visits. Dogs Trust’s 2025 National Dog Survey found that 72% of dogs had seen a vet for a general check-up in the previous 12 months, showing how common routine veterinary care remains among dog owners. That makes the information you collect between appointments valuable, as it gives your veterinarian a broader view of your dog's normal routine. Maven Pet, which is a vet-co-created, clinically validated, preventative health monitoring system, can help you collect that information continuously, so you can arrive at the clinic with clearer observations and more useful questions.Turn everyday observations into useful dataA dog health tracker can turn everyday observations into useful records that you can discuss during your next appointment. Maven monitors activity, rest, sleep, resting respiratory rate, heart rate, itching behaviors and water intake, then compares those measurements with your dog's individual baseline.That baseline matters because your dog's normal pattern provides important context when something starts to change. Being able to track this is vital, as instead of relying on a vague recollection of your dog's breathing, you can bring a longer record that shows how those readings have developed over time.Build a health history your veterinarian can useA pet health tracker becomes more useful when you combine its measurements with your own observations, as numbers rarely explain what happened around them. You could record when a change first appeared, note a medication adjustment, describe an unusually long walk or mention a shift in appetite or mood, so your veterinarian can see the circumstances surrounding the data.Maven's research reports that dogs wore its monitoring system at home for at least 16 weeks, allowing researchers to compare wearable patterns with owner notes and veterinary observations.The research found that changes in activity, sleep or restlessness could appear before owners recognized that something was wrong, highlighting the value of tracking patterns over time.The information does not turn a tracker into a diagnostic tool; instead, it gives you a clearer timeline that your veterinarian can consider alongside the physical examination and your dog's medical history.Focus on trends, not isolated readingsTrends are usually more useful than isolated readings, so try to look for changes that continue across several days or repeatedly differ from your dog's usual baseline. Imagine that your dog normally settles comfortably overnight, but you notice increased restlessness for several nights in a row; that pattern gives you something specific to mention during the appointment.You can then show the relevant data if it is available, giving your veterinarian another piece of information to consider alongside what you have observed at home. The same approach can apply to activity, breathing, drinking, scratching or sleep, as repeated changes can provide more context than a single unusual measurement.Maven's research describes a monitoring model built around identifying meaningful departures from an individual baseline, so the focus stays on your dog's normal pattern. Your veterinarian can then decide whether a change deserves further examination, testing, treatment or continued observation.Add the context that numbers cannot captureNumbers can tell you that your dog's activity or sleep pattern changed, but they cannot explain everything that happened around that change, so your observations still matter. Perhaps your dog had an unusually long walk, experienced a stressful household change, started a new medication, recovered from a procedure or simply slept somewhere different for several nights.Those details can help your veterinarian understand why a particular pattern changed, especially when the timing lines up with the data from your tracker. Maven also includes recording and input functions that let you keep information connected to your dog's ongoing health history.One Maven customer, Johazel B., said she enjoys checking daily information about how her two dogs slept and how active they were, while she also appreciates being able to compare their individual patterns. She highlighted the app's recording functions for vet visits and weight changes too, showing how everyday observations can sit alongside tracked information in one ongoing record.Make the appointment a conversation about the bigger pictureYour next checkup can become more productive when you arrive ready to discuss patterns, questions and changes you have noticed over time, as that information gives your veterinarian more context from the start. You can begin with the concern that matters most to you, explain when you first noticed it, then show any relevant information from your dog's health records.So, here's a checklist of the information you should track and bring up to your veterinarian:Identify the main issue or difference you have observed.Make a note of when you first noticed the change.Include useful tracker information, such as activity levels, sleep, respiratory rate, water consumption or itching patterns.Mention any recent changes to medication, diet, exercise or daily routine.Prepare a list of questions or concerns you would like to raise with your veterinarian.Your veterinarian can interpret those details that you mentioned and asked about, alongside the physical examination, medical history, lifestyle information and other clinical findings, keeping the discussion grounded in the complete picture of your dog's health. AAHA guidance emphasizes the importance of routine veterinary visits, as pets can hide signs of pain or illness even when they appear healthy at home.Maven's published research adds another layer through continuous home monitoring of measures such as respiratory rate, activity, rest, sleep, itching, water intake and heart rate. When you bring those observations together, you give your veterinarian a clearer account of your dog's everyday life, helping to make your next checkup a more informed conversation.NOTE: This is sponsored content produced in partnership with Maven

These Baby Goats Are Seriously Excited for Feeding Time

These baby goats couldn’t be more ready for feeding time. In a video shared by Goat Daddy's Farm, the little kids get seriously excited when it’s time for their next meal.

Could Your Pet Be Ingesting Microplastics Without You Realizing?

Microplastics seem to be everywhere these days.They've been found in our oceans, drinking water, food, and even the air we breathe. But it's not just people being exposed. Your dog or cat could also be swallowing tiny plastic particles without you ever realizing it.While scientists are still learning exactly how microplastics affect pets, it's worth knowing where they come from and how you can reduce your pet's exposure.

Meet Elmer & Ernest, the Internet's Favorite Bassets

A nine-year-old grouch and his two-year-old shadow have become one of the most beloved basset hound duos online, and the woman behind their videos never planned any of it.Brittany Hudson, a digital marketing professional and content creator in Cincinnati, started sharing videos the way many of us dog people do — convinced her dog was the funniest creature on the internet. Her first star made a strong case.Elmer is a nine-year-old American Basset Hound Hudson says she brought home from Kentucky at seven weeks old, all ears, paws, and attitude. She describes him as having "the soul of a retired man who has seen too much, eaten too well, and would prefer a slower pace of life with few demands." And no suprrise for ths breed, Hudson confirms he is stubborn, suspicious of change, and endlessly expressive — the kind of dog who turns a simple walk into a "dramatic negotiation." Of course, you've never met my drama queen, Ruby.But what began as little moments shared with friends and family grew into a much larger community of people who understood the specific joy of a stubborn, deeply lovable basset.Then came Ernest, a two-year-old European Basset Hound, also from Kentucky, who Hudson says brought an entirely different energy into the house. Where Elmer is thoughtful and wary, Ernest is sweet, goofy, and always ready to turn a quiet moment into an incident. He is convinced Elmer exists primarily for his entertainment, which, Hudson notes, is touching to witness and "deeply unfortunate" from Elmer's perspective.Their contrasting personalities are what make the videos work. Hudson calls it "warm, silly, Cincinnati-based basset life," with Elmer as the beloved original character and Ernest as the lovable chaos that keeps everyone on their toes.A typical day, according to Hudson, is a mix of routine, negotiation, and theatrical suffering — sacred meals, exacting walk standards, and naps requiring the perfect location. Hudson says the pair also volunteer at local bookstores for children's story time, where their calm, gentle presence draws kids in. Awww, I love that! But the rest of the shenanigans? Well, such is life in a multi-pet household, right?Pet parents can follow along on Instagram and TikTok at @elmer_the_basset and on Facebook at @elmerthebassethound.

Tips for Helping Pets Who Are Afraid of Fireworks and Thunderstorms

Summertime comes with thunderstorms and fireworks, and many pets are easily startled by the loud and scary booms, so experts have shared tips that can help you keep them calmer. Read on to learn about a few things you can do to put your furry companions at ease.

Former President and First Lady Opt for Labrador Retrievers This Time

Sticking with their adopt not shop approach to pets, the Bidens have once again chosen a rescue dog. But not their favored German Shepherd, this time.

Petwealth & Kennel Connection Unite After Strong Response at SUPERZOO

Petwealth and Kennel Connection are pushing forward on a partnership that would put proactive pet health screening inside the boarding, daycare, grooming and training businesses where pets already spend their time.The two companies say a strong industry response at SuperZoo 2026 in Las Vegas has given them the confidence to advance a shared plan that connects Petwealth's diagnostic tools with Kennel Connection's technology and its longstanding relationships across the professional pet care community. Rather than treating at-home testing as the only option, the partners want to turn everyday pet care operators into another access point for health insights. Insights that pet parents can act on.A New Way to Check Up On Your Pet's HealthFor most pet parents, health screening happens either at the veterinary clinic or, increasingly, through kits used at home. This new collaboration, however, aims to add a third setting: the grooming salon, the daycare, the boarding facility. The idea is simple. The businesses already caring for pets on a regular basis could offer proactive health testing and, as a result, give operators a new way to deliver value to the families they serve.Angelo Palivos, Founder and CEO of Petwealth, framed the show as proof the concept resonates. "SuperZoo was an important validation point for what we believe is a much larger opportunity," Palivos said. "We weren't simply introducing Petwealth to the industry. We were having meaningful conversations about how diagnostics can fit into the environments where pets already spend their time and where pet parents already have trusted relationships. The response confirmed that there is real appetite for a more connected approach to pet health."Merging The Expertise of Two Pet-Care CompaniesKennel Connection has spent more than 30 years building business management technology for boarding, daycare, grooming and training operations, and the company positions itself as a standard-setter for professional pet care. Petwealth, in contrast, adds accessible molecular diagnostics and health insights. These are meant to help pet parents better understand their pets and, therefore, have more informed conversations with their veterinarians.Together, the companies describe an effort to bridge two parts of pet care that have traditionally stayed separate: the businesses that handle our pets on a day-to-day basis, and the health info providers that helps us as owners, make informed decisions.Jeff Brodsly, owner and CEO of Kennel Connection, tied the partnership to the company's usual approach. "Our goal at Kennel Connection has always been to give pet care businesses access to the technology, tools and opportunities they need to succeed," Brodsly said. "We continue to innovate by listening to our customers, understanding where the industry is heading and aligning with companies that can bring meaningful value to the businesses we serve. The response to Petwealth at SuperZoo reinforced the potential we saw in this partnership and the opportunity ahead."Next Steps to Bringing this Idea to LifeWith SuperZoo concluded, both companies say the work shifts. It moves from pitching the vision to acting on the interest the show generated. As a result, they plan to keep talking with operators and industry partners about how proactive screening could fit into professional pet care settings and how the arrangement can benefit businesses, pet parents and pets alike.Palivos said the reception in Las Vegas expanded how he sees the company's future. "We're building a connected pet health platform, and partnerships like Kennel Connection give us an opportunity to bring that platform into entirely new environments," he said. "SuperZoo gave the industry a first look at that vision. Now the focus is on what we build from it."

These Baby Goats Are the Cutest Morning Wake-Up Call

What could be more adorable than waking up to a kitchen full of sleepy baby goats?!In a sweet video shared by Make A Joyful Noise Homestead, the little goats have a later-than-usual morning, sleeping until 8:30 a.m. instead of their usual 7 a.m. start.

Why Is My Cat Suddenly Grumpy?

If your usually affectionate cat has suddenly become irritable, withdrawn, or quick to hiss or swat, there's often a reason behind their behavior. From health issues to changes at home, understanding what might be bothering your cat is the first step toward helping them feel like themselves again.

1 in 4 Pet Parents Now Use ChatGPT to Understand Their Pet's Health

If you’ve recently noticed your dog pacing your house anxiously or your cat grooming more than usual, you’ve likely found yourself wondering: Is this a physical health issue, or is my pet feeling stressed? You’re not alone! It’s a question that pet parents across the nation ask themselves every day. In fact, the growing concern about mental health in our pets is so common that it inspired a recent study conducted by MetLife Pet Insurance. The study brought together 1,000 American pet parents to better understand how we perceive and manage our animals' emotional health. It revealed that an overwhelming 89% of pet parents believe their pets have experienced anxiety, and nearly half (48%) have dealt with depression or persistent sadness. Perhaps most surprisingly, 77% of pet parents surveyed reported recognizing a “stress mirror” effect, noting that their pet’s mood often reflects their own mental health and stress levels. But the study didn’t stop there. Going deeper than just recognizing the presence of mental health struggles in pets, it also asked the participants questions related to the steps they take to understand and address these concerns. It comes as no surprise that, at a time when new technology emerges every day, the first stop for many pet parents is a digital one. The data shows that approximately 1 in 4 pet owners now turn to AI tools like ChatGPT to assess their pet’s mental health, including 23% of dog parents and 20% of cat parents. This form of “digital vetting” is particularly popular among Gen Z, with nearly three times as many turning to AI as baby boomers do. More specifically, pet parents are using AI tools to: Understand specific behavioral changes (26%)Decide if a vet visit is necessary (17%)Research potential treatment or calming strategies (16%)While 42% of respondents said that AI or online research prompted them to take action, there is still quite a bit of uncertainty. Only 21% of pet owners feel very confident in distinguishing between an emotional struggle and a physical illness. This confusion is leading to real-world consequences, with 35% of pet parents reporting mistaking emotional symptoms for physical ones, or vice versa. Of course, once a loving pet parent notices a change in their best friend’s mood, they will do whatever they can to support their well-being. Over half of the survey respondents (53%) reported changing their lifestyle or daily routine to support their pet’s emotional health.   This includes everything from adjusting work schedules to modifying their home to reduce potential triggers, like loud noises or isolation. With digital tools offering a quick way to assess behavior changes, we do need to remember that they are just a starting point, not a diagnosis. Whether you are using AI tools to gain clarity or to track patterns in a digital journal, the goal is the same: to provide your trusted vet with the best possible information to do their job. However, as technology continues to grow and evolve, it’s clear that integrating new tech into professional vet care is becoming the new standard for giving our pets the happiest, most balanced lives. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter  here. 

6 Critical Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Pet Sitter

Hiring a pet sitter is a big decision since you’re entrusting someone with both your pet and your home. Before you hand over the keys, a few smart questions can help you find someone reliable, experienced, and comfortable with your pet’s specific needs.

9 Things Dog Owners Should Always Keep in the Car

Whether you’re heading to the park, bringing your dog along to a cafe or taking a longer road trip, a few well-chosen supplies can make traveling with your dog safer and less stressful. Keep these essentials together in your car so they are easy to find whenever you need them.

5 BISSELL Cleaning Tools for a Guest-Ready Home (Even With Pets)

Disclosure: PetGuide may receive a small affiliate commission from purchases made via links in this article but at no cost to you.When guests are coming over, it’s not always the big cleaning jobs that cause the most stress. It’s the muddy paw prints that appear five minutes before they arrive, the pet hair collecting on the sofa, or the mystery spot you suddenly notice on the carpet.With Labor Day kicking off the unofficial start of fall hosting season, having a few reliable cleaning tools within easy reach can make those little emergencies much easier to handle.  BISSELL’s Labor Day sale includes five tools designed to tackle everything from everyday pet messes to deeper carpet cleaning, giving you a head start on getting the house guest-ready.👉  Ready to bag some great deals? Shop now

Inside the World's Only Fat Camp for Cats

Imagine hauling more than twice your ideal body weight through every ordinary moment of your day. Walking wears you out. Stairs feel impossible. Even grooming yourself slips out of reach. And if you happen to be a severely overweight cat, that can be your reality. But a rescue in Ottawa, Canada, is determined to turn all that around.Yes, you can think of the Big House Sanctuary & Rehab as a sort of fat camp for cats. Believed to be the only rescue of its kind in the world, it offers specialized care, weight-loss plans, rehabilitation, and a second chance to cats that traditional shelters are often not equipped to deal with.Intrigued? Here's how it works and why they emphasize that feline obesity is a medical emergency, not a punchline. And they're sharing three key tips on how you an intro some of their methods into your own feline's life.But let's start at the beginning.Like many rescue stories, this one began with a single animal. A cat named Biggie Smalls that arrived as a foster weighing in at a whoppping 43.2 pounds. More than any cat they had ever cared for.No surprise, mobility was their biggest concern with the obese feline able to walk just a few steps before needing to stop for a break. And yes, getting to the litter box was both difficult and tough on his overworked heart.Now, Biggie's biggest health issues turned out to be arthritis and rather significant dental disease but while the shelter's veterinary team listed his prognosis as guarded, day by day, as he lost weight, they saw improvement. And it was all shared on the shelter's social media feeds with an unexpectedly huge response!No surprise that as word spread, other shelters and rescues began reaching out, asking for help with obese cats they could not place. "I had no idea that there was this big of an issue with overweight cats and finding appropriate placements," shelter rep, Krisitne commented.In fact, Biggie's journey changed the direction of the shelter which would now refocus on caring for cats that had nowhere else to turn. Where most rescues respond to abandonment or neglect, this new initiative would tackle feline obesity as it's primary goal.Okay, it's easy to laugh at "chonky" cats online, but the shelter hopes more people will recognize the serious consequences of feline obesity. "I know they are loved," says Kristine, "but maybe not in the best way sometimes. Why not have them longer and get to continue that love and companionship?"And it's no surprise that similar to humans, excess weight affects nearly every part of the body. Arthritis, diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease, reduced mobility, and for cats, difficulty grooming are all common. Even routine veterinary care becomes riskier, since extra weight raises the danger tied to anesthesia, surgery, and recovery. In clinical terms, therefore, obesity brings joint strain, heart complications, and a shortened lifespan.Now, for anyone with a pet, we know that line into obesity is easy to cross. Overfeeding is simple, the weight creeps on gradually, and most owners don't see the problem until it's too late. That's why prevention matters so much and why Kristine believes it makes it far simpler and far kinder, than treating the damage later.Every cat that arrives at The Big House gets a customized plan built around its medical needs, mobility, and long-term goals. Despite what many people assume, however, there is no secret diet.This leads us to the first tip. The greatest kick-start to weight loss starts with portion control and the sanctuary feeding each cat the optimal number of calories.Next is mobility and creating ways for the felines to move to the best of their abilities. Sometimes that means puzzle feeders, wand toys, or scattering kibble along the stairs. Other times it is as simple as adding ramps so a cat can safely climb furniture again.And the third tip is professional support. For cats needing extra help, rehabilitation therapies are also available. Underwater treadmills, laser therapy, and massage all build strength and mobility while easing the pain of arthritis or surgery. Every program is developed with the sanctuary's veterinary team so that weight loss happens safely and gradually rather than all at once. The consistent monitoring, in turn, exists to make sure progress never comes at the cost of a cat's health.The physical changes are dramatic, but the shelter confirms the emotional ones are often their favorite part. According to rep Kristine, "When the cat is severely overweight, they are often subdued, with a really quiet, mild temperament. But once they can move more freely—watch out! We get divas, acrobats, and even sometimes little bullies.What looks like a physical transformation is really a restoration of independence. Many cats arrive barely able to move, jump, or groom, and over time that autonomy returns along with their confidence. But just like we humans, their fondness for food, does not vanish overnight. "The other funny thing about them is just how smart they are and creative at stealing food," Kristine laughs. "I've seen Biggie have three plates around him at once when he isn't supervised—plates he quietly stole from the others." Hey, I have a dog just like that!The Big House cares for between eight and fifteen cats at a time, but its reach goes well beyond its own walls. For instance, the team works with shelters, rescues, foster homes, and owners, sharing advice, equipment, and support so that overweight cats can get help before they reach a crisis. By posting each cat's journey online, the sanctuary also teaches owners about the realities of feline obesity and encourages the small lifestyle changes that add up over a lifetime.Beyond that, the team is also contributing to a broader understanding of the problem through collaboration and research, helping build data that can improve treatment beyond one facility. And they proudly report that the cats in their care have collectively lost more than 130 pounds in just a year and a half. In an ideal world, Kristine dreams of opening a dedicated sanctuary building to help even more cats than the current home-based setup allows.The takeaway for pet parents? A plain and doable plan. Feline obesity is a medical condition with real consequences, it develops quietly, and the strongest tools against it are portion control, safe movement, and veterinary guidance. So, by monitoring your cat's weight now (AKA treat intake), you can keep them happy, healthy, and curled up on your lap for years to come.

Is the Flesh-Eating Screwworm a Threat to Our Pets?

While we all breathed a little easier thinking that this recurrence appeared to be strictly a farming issue located hundreds of miles south, it’s not quite as remote as one might think.

Want to Intro a Dog-Friendly Culture to Your Workplace? Read On.

Here to stay, those workplace pooch-perks are turning once staid organizations into GenZ-savvy employers.

Why Your Cat Stands Guard Outside the Bathroom