We’ve made it! Another year around the sun. For most, it’s not been easy, given so much hardship in the world, but we’re saying goodbye to 2022 and welcoming a clean slate in the new year.
The news often feels pretty dismal, but there were many uplifting stories about pets in 2022: a Labrador Retriever who graduated alongside her human (with honors!), clowders of quirky, lovable cats, and a non-profit that builds fences for dogs in need are just a few.
May these stories remind us of the good that still remains in this world, and the extraordinary joy that pets can bring into our lives.
2022 Year in Review: Hilarious, Heartwarming, and Inspiring Stories About Pets
Zoe is one of three therapy dogs with the Seattle Fire Department. Photo courtesy of Lt. Mike Dulas
This year, we met some inspiring pets who reminded us of the good in the world…
- Dutiful Therapy Doodles Give Cuddles and Comfort to Seattle Firefighters
- School District Has Its Own Pack of Therapy Dogs Because Dogs Make Everything Better
- ‘Bark Rangers’ Model Pet Behavior, Protect Wildlife, and Delight Visitors at National Parks
- Faithful Guide Dog Helps Mom Complete College Degree, Graduates With Honors
- Who Can Lift Up Congress? Maybe Dogs
Since 2009, Fences For Fido volunteers have helped unchain nearly 3,000 dogs. Photo Courtesy of FFF
We met some inspiring humans making the world a better place for animals, too…
- Fences for Fido Frees Dogs From Chains, One Fence at a Time
- Drone Pilot Travels the Globe to Rescue Animal Victims of War and Disaster
- Coalition of Animal Shelters Work Together to Help Ukraine’s Displaced Pets
- Volunteer Foster Helps Cats Get Adopted by Teaching Them to ‘Talk’
- Teen Race Car Driver Puts the Pedal to the Metal to Help Homeless Pets
Spud and his ball. Photo courtesy of Laura Korus
As we navigated challenging times, our pets continued to be a source of joy…
- Spud the Bull Is Obsessed With Balls Like a Playful (One-Ton) Puppy
- 5 Amazing Adventure Cats You’d Love to Meet Out on a Hike
- Peggy the Staffordshire Bull Terrier and Molly the Magpie Make the Cutest, Unlikely BFFs
- Chowder the Skateboarding Bulldog Has a Need For Speed
- Esther the Wonder Pig and Her Dog Brother Phil Are Besties for Life
Photo Courtesy of Danielle Crull
We witnessed the power of the human-animal bond in inspiring ways…
- Truffles the Cat Conquers Her Colorblindness With Special Glasses
- Disabled Dog Adapts to Life After Accident by Walking Upright Like a Human
- ‘Googly Eyed’ Kitty Maya Teaches Kids (and the Internet) to Celebrate Differences
- Incarcerated Men Help Shelter Cats Prepare for Adoption Day in Innovative Program
- Superhero Rescue Dog Saves Entire Neighborhood From Fire
iStock/Adene Sanchez
Just when we thought we understood our furry family members, we learned something new…
- Pets and Consent: How to Know If Your Pet Wants Pets
- Pets May Be the New Babies But Should You Treat Them Like People?
- Buzzy Dog Breed Study Stirs Nature vs. Nurture Debate
- Dogs Can Smell When Human Are Stressed Out
- Dogs Might Cry Tears of Joy When They See Their Human
iStock/Orbon Alija
We followed the most record-breaking, moving-and-shaking pets of the year…
- Equal Rights for Pets, the World’s Oldest Kitty, and the World’s Sexiest Man (Talks About Dogs)
- A Kitty Convention, a PSL for Cats, and the World’s Tallest Domestic Cat
- Dogs Getting Married, the Afterlife of a Royal Corgi, and Dolly Parton’s Wigs for Dogs
- A Bandit-Nabbing Cat (Named Bandit), the Dog Days of Summer, and Fancy Feast’s Restaurant for Humans
- America’s Favorite Office Dog Crowned, Doggie Sunscreen, and Sardine Popsicles for Cats
- Babbling Bobbie the Persian, Vets Vetoing Bulldogs, and Employees (and Pets) Return to the Office
- The World’s Tallest Dog, a Corgi Goes Surfing, and Doug the Pug Turns 10
Goodbye, 2022!
Wishing our Rover readers and their pets a healthy and happy new year! We look forward to sharing new stories with you in 2023.
