Welcome to the Rover Roundup, your one-stop tour of all the weird, wonderful, must-read pet news that crossed our social feeds and made the headlines recently. What’s better than all this heartwarming pet-centric content in one handy place? We can think of literally nothing.
Meet a cat who reunited with her family after spending three weeks solo at the airport, a Border Collie “bark ranger,” a sweet dog who found his forever family after 700 days in a shelter, and other inspiring pets.
1. Meet Ruth, America’s Favorite Office Dog
When Rover first set out to find America’s Favorite Office Dog, we had no idea we would find a canine as special as Ruth! This gorgeous girl is part of The Farmer’s Dog team along with her mom, Alex, who works as a product designer. Ruth was one of eight paw-fect contestants who took part in Rover’s bracket to determine that nation’s top office dog. The five-year-old Samoyed received the highest number of votes and was officially crowned the winner in June.
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Since her triumphant victory, we checked in with Alex for an update on Ruth. This reigning queen has a schedule full of belly rubs and chasing pigeons (her favorite activity) and looks forward to weekends when she and Alex can spend extra time at the park after a walk. Ruth and her coworkers, human and dog alike, get to look forward to a Ben and Jerry’s-sponsored ice cream party in August to celebrate Ruth’s win.
2. A Great Cat Escape—and Reunion
Rowdy the cat made a break from her kennel after landing at Boston’s Logan International Airport and immediately went missing. After three weeks roaming the terminals, Rowdy was reunited with her family. What if they had just named her, “Serenity?”
3. Cool Down With DIY PB and Banana Ice Cream
These dog days of summer, cool down with this simple ice cream recipe that calls for peanut butter, banana, and plain yogurt. It’s a healthy alternative to sugar-loaded store-bought ice cream and is dog- and human-friendly so that the whole family can enjoy a refreshing treat.
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4. Yes, Dogs Get Sunburned, Too
A new study has found that approximately 46% of pet parents don’t know that their dog can be sunburned. Sunscreen is especially important for dogs with healing wounds, thin coats, and chronic skin conditions. Check out Rover’s guide to keeping your dog’s skin safe when playing outside.
5. Forget the Stairs, Senior Dog Has His Own Elevator
A viral video on TikTok shows a 15-year-old Labrador using an elevator in his house to help him stay mobile. Judging by the ball he’s bringing along for the ride, it seems like he is enjoying the ride.
@loganmend624 Best boy🐶. #labrador #doggo #PlutoTVIsFree #elevator ♬ Funny Song – Cavendish Music
6. Sardine Juice Popsicles Exist
Dogs aren’t the only pets who deserve a special treat. This weird recipe is just as whacky as your cat, combining canned sardine water, dried minnows, and silvervine sticks to create a frozen popsicle snack. While this combo may sound wildly unappetizing to humans, your cat will go bonkers for it.
7. N/M Blue or Red: Do You Live in a Dog or Cat State?
A recent survey found that 25 states in the U.S. prefer owning dogs, while the other 25 states prefer owning cats. This article in The Philadelphia Inquirer breaks down each state by pet preference.
8. “Bark Rangers” Are on the Job
Working dogs like Gracie help keep wildlife at a safe distance from visitors who are enjoying natural preserves like parks and campgrounds. The Border Collie’s herding skills are put to use at Glacier National Park in Montana, where she works alongside Natural Resources Program Manager Mark Biel. Read Gracie’s full story and learn more about the bark rangers here.
Photo credit: National Park Service/Alice W. Biel
9. PlayStation’s New Game, Stray, Hits the Streets
New video game Stray chronicles the adventures of a stray cat wandering around a mysterious, futuristic-looking city. According to PlayStation, the main character was inspired by a real feline called Murtaugh, who looks similar to his video game counterpart! Murtaugh was indeed a stray but has since found his forever home with the game’s cofounders. You can read about it here.
10. Careful, It’s Hot Out There
Extreme heat can be dangerous to humans and our pets. In addition to knowing the signs of overheating, it’s good to be mindful of tangible ways you can help your pet avoid heat exhaustion. This video from the Rover team shares quick tips on keeping your dog cool.
11. How to Know When Your Pet Wants Pets
Cuddling our cats and dogs is a precious form of self-care, but it’s crucial to know when a pet isn’t feeling it. According to UK-based dog trainer Julia Jenkins, consent is a vital component of human-pet relationships. “By being aware of their body language and letting them initiate physical contact, we can show our pets that we respect their space and their right to say no,” Jenkins says. Read our article and pets and consent here.
12. TikTok Dog Loves His Bathtub Ramp
In a world full of heavy headlines, here’s one that sparks joy! One hilarious dog realized that the armrest of his owner’s bathtub could double as a ramp for his tennis balls, and he’s found himself a new hobby!
@gma We could watch this dog all day 😍 #puppylove #cutedog ♬ original sound – Good Morning America
13. Shinobi Goes Home
The Lynchburg Humane Society (LHS) in Virginia is celebrating the departure of Shinobi, a dog who set the record for his longest stay in their care—700 days. According to a post by the LHS, Shinobi has been settling in with his new family and enjoys tug-of-war and snoozing on the couch.
14. Cat Dads Storm the Silver Screen
Man’s best friend isn’t always a dog. Documentary Cat Daddies shatters toxic stereotypes of men and cats, as it explores the unique stories of a variety of cat dads. This documentary is playing in select theaters and film festivals throughout the U.S.
