Animal Rescue
The latest on animal rescue. A staple of social media, stories involving animals and animal rescue often go viral, capturing the attention of the internet.
Each year 6.3 million pets are surrendered to U.S. shelters, which is an average of 17,260 a day, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. The number of dogs and cats taken in by pet shelters hit 46,807 during January 2023, an increase of 1,744 compared with January 2022, the 24Pet 'Shelter Watch Report' found. Around 920,000 surrendered animals are euthanized every year. Shelters are striving to minimize euthanasia rates by promoting adoption campaigns, spaying and neutering programs, and behavior rehabilitation.
Dog found paralyzed in trash with 6 broken bones looking for new home
"He is so eager to work and gain strength and all the doctors and physios are amazed by his fast improvement and good spirits," a shelter said of the pup.
Woman reveals the heartbreaking question owner asked when surrendering dog
April the dog, aged 6, previously enjoyed a quiet life with her elderly owner. Soon everything would change, apart from one important thing.
Adopted cat steals hearts online over his "huge cheeks"
"His cheeks are just so amazing," one viewer commented, while another added: "Awesome. More surface area for kisses."
Couple try to guess rescue dog's breed—unprepared for what DNA test reveals
Michaela Hyle decided to have her dog Zira tested after people kept suggesting he was part coyote.
63 Chihuahuas found in 'deplorable conditions'—then the internet stepped in
"This makes me so happy to know these animals are in a much better place now and are being taken care of properly," said one Facebook user.
Stray dog runs for days, then stuns rescuers with a final desperate act
"Ariel was out there all alone in stormy weather, exposed to the elements," the shelter's director told Newsweek.
Man rescues dog, 8 years later X-ray reveals the truth—"Made my jaw drop"
Beauford was shocked to discover his dog had been hiding something, but that then led to another, more profound, realization.
Shelter dares people to adopt "chaos gremlin" kitten—Internet delivers
"The naughtiest always have the cutest dang faces, she's like 'who, me?!" one Facebook user commented.
Woman falls in love with shelter's "most terrified puppy," rest is history
The viral video sparked conversation among dog owners, who discussed how their own shy pets transformed in their care.
Puppy left "heartbroken" after being adopted then returned two days later
Dixon was returned to the shelter in devastating circumstances with his former adopters saying he had "too much energy."
Volunteer's kind gesture to struggling shelter dog has internet in tears
Noble had only recently discovered the joy of "zoomies" but was struggling to find somewhere to practice them properly.
Tears as 14-year-old dog adopted from shelter: Personality totally changes
"Aww. You can tell he feels loved and safe now. He's aging backward," one user commented on the video.
Senior dog cruelly abandoned still in shelter 4 years later—"She is so sad"
The shelter says she is sometimes so dejected at her situation that she "does not even want to walk."
Woman travels over 850 miles to rescue three-legged shelter cat
A Newsweek reader's "heart broke" when she read about the senior cat, leaving her with no choice but to travel from Arizona to California to adopt him.
Dog born eyeless due to "reckless backyard breeding" hopes for forever home
Ladybug "only knows love when she hears kind words and safety when held close," the shelter said.
Hearts melt as dog missing for days is finally found in the woods
Social media users were moved by the moment captured in the viral clip, with one saying, "I'm literally crying my eyes out."
Special needs puppy surrendered by family unable to cope as home burns down
Manzanita had already gone through the heartbreak of losing her family and home when shelter staff made an alarming discovery.
Shelter dog returned after just three days in new home breaks hearts
"Poor baby u can see the sadness in her eyes sweet baby I hope u get the loving home u deserve," one user commented.
Shelter puppy "sad" after siblings all get adopted, then everything changes
The shelter had attempted to keep Sawyer's spirits up by pairing him with other dogs but his new friends kept getting adopted too.
Woman goes to animal shelter, rescues "unadoptable" cat from kill list
"He has healed so much and has learned that humans aren't here to hurt him anymore," the cat's owner told Newsweek.
Woman finds her "perfect match" after saving rescue dog
"Bless him. So many scars poor dog. Good on [you]," one user said. Another added: "This is so pure, you saved that dog."
Puppy breaks "rules of physics" climbing out of kennel to escape euthanasia
Madeline was walking through the shelter when she spotted Mason the puppy in the most unexpected of places.
Man nurses wild animal back to health, it returns every night to thank him
After nursing an owl back to health, a retired military engineer didn't expect to see him again—then he checked his cameras.
Foster dog who never had a home finally experiences comfort at nana's house
The dog's first owner abandoned her when she was about eight weeks old.
Woman adopts senior dog, 3 years later X-ray reveals chilling discovery
After a routine visit to the vet to treat a cough, the beagle's owner was left shaken by what X-rays showed.
Face of dog adopted after 5 years in shelter melts hearts: "Going home"
"I am incredibly happy, and these are the moments we know why we do this," shelter cofounder Petra Brouwer told Newsweek.
Man adopts "barely alive" stray senior dog so it lives last years in peace
Grits was "on the brink of death" before being discovered.
Shelter puppy left "sad, alone" after watching all his siblings get adopted
The shelter has housed Sawyer with other puppies, but unfortunately they "keep getting adopted" too.
Vet reveals how to keep your dog safe in the cold and snow
"Just like humans, dogs can get cold in the cold weather," veterinarian Jessie Miller said.
Dog adopted as puppy returned a year later through "no fault of his own"
Koda was adopted as a puppy but the recent hurricanes forced his family to make a heartbreaking decision.
