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.
"Shut Down" shelter dog was so scared she'd hide, then her luck changed
Anyone watching the footage of Chilaquile the heeler cowering behind a bench at the shelter must have feared the worst.
Grieving woman pets stray kitten in park, life hasn't been the same since
The heartwarming video quickly went viral on Reddit, gathering an astounding 48,000 upvotes on the site.
Tears over what woman finds rescue dog doing on first night in new home
Annie Mondi told Newsweek she was sitting on her bed when she began to hear "thumping" from the next room, so she investigated.
No family claims dog found next to deceased owner—then everything changes
"And this is why my dog is in my will," commented one viewer.
Man warns driver of box underneath truck, no one prepared for what's inside
The person driving did not realize there was a box stuck underneath the truck.
New owner has message for person who "abused" golden retriever for 9 years
The senior dog called Bruce was used as a breeding dog and lived in a small, rundown shed in Indiana.
Rescue dog is told he's loved, tears at his immediate response—"that smile"
"That smile could fix the worst of day," one user said, while another added: "He knows he's spoiled rotten. stinking cutey."
Woman asks for oldest dog in shelter—her life hasn't been the same since
"It's just the way her personality just started to shine through," one user commented.
Heartwarming moment scared rescue dog finally leaves crate after 11 days
The dog cautiously tiptoed his way out of the crate and toward the person filming.
"Velcro" stray kitten climbs up woman's leg, the rest is history
"I think this is the quickest I've seen someone accept their fate with a stray," one commenter wrote.
Cat found abandoned at airport goes viral after vet shares story
The cat was "absolutely terrified" and "some travelers were very cruel and kicked him," the veterinarian who rescued him told Newsweek.
Woman adopts "not affectionate" shelter cat—realizes something once at home
The cat's previous owners said he was aloof, but his new owner told Newsweek she soon discovered they were wrong.
Dog dumped "covered in mange and open wounds" transformed by foster's love
Kayla Soots said Vinny's condition was so bad "you couldn't even touch or hold him without getting blood all over your clothes."
Dog finally adopted after spending five years in and out of animal shelter
Shelter director Christy Owens told Newsweek that Maddox wasn't overlooked—he just never found the right home.
Cat surrendered by family, X-rays reveal disturbing truth–"Never seen"
Xena was in an alarming state of neglect when she was first rescued, but a close examination revealed a rarely seen development.
Shelter's longest resident cat watches friends find homes—he keeps waiting
"Your hooman is somewhere looking for you I hope you get together soon!" one user commented.
Couple adopts puppy so 11-year-old dog has a companion: "his baby now"
"Puppy love is the best love," one viewer said, while another joked: "He is thinking you ruined my retirement."
Woman adopts puppy who is "just like" her dog—then DNA test reveals truth
Melissa Lohman told Newsweek how a DNA test revealed the truth about her two rescue dogs who looked eerily "similar".
Foster dog develops sweetest habit since leaving crowded shelter: "Freedom"
Chilli was found wandering the streets and his foster carer has a theory as to why she behaves the way she does in her home.
Cat left tied to a post in freezing cold with heartbreaking note
The cat had been found on a West Virginia pumpkin farm with a handwritten note that read, "I can't keep her anymore."
Senior shelter dog does same heartbreaking thing every time he passes car
Mateo was beginning to "lose hope" after 200 days in the shelter, but an overnight stay with a volunteer ended up having other consequences.
Hearts melt at how dog enjoys his senior years: "What a privilege"
"Throwing away my bed frame tomorrow," one viewer said, and another added: "Got rid of my bed frame for this exact reason."
New siblings welcome rescue dog who didn't know how to play
"You can see her processing. So we just bounce around the yard happily all day, every day? That's my life now?!" one user commented.
Couple wonder if shelter dog "chose" them, moment on drive home confirms it
In one magical moment, Fletcher found a way to let Brandon and Talia know that they would be his forever owners.
Senior dog expects final years in shelter—tears at what happens instead
"Not sure how to put this, but he looks like you and you look like him. You guys just complete each other so much," one user commented.
Abandoned dog found at supermarket finds new home within week of rescue
Dog found with note reading "Please help me, take me home" finds forever family as the shelter emphasizes resources for struggling owners.
Woman cries over why she had to return "sweetest dog" rescued from shelter
Megan Frayer recorded one of their "last moments together" as Beauty was taken back to the shelter in a decision seemingly beyond her control.
Sad face of senior dog in shelter nearly 5 years—now their longest resident
Carol was saved from a rural shelter that allegedly used tasers to control her and the other pups at the facility.
Woman adopts kitten, then gets call about sister—she knows what to do
Sabrina the cat started acting differently after Coco was adopted, so the woman found a solution that worked out for everyone.
Litter of 8 "tiny" Pug puppies found in a bag in dumpster behind Taco Bell
Tragically, one puppy did not survive, but the remaining seven thrived and are now up for adoption.
