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.
See how well you followed pets in the news as we review last month’s biggest blips about pets, people, and how we live together today.
1. What About Bob?
One resident of the Badass Animal Rescue in New York City gained popularity after a TikTok went viral showcasing him sitting alone at an adoption event. Today, Bob Parr (or “Mr. Incredible”) is still awaiting his forever home.
“Bob is a special dog,” the rescue’s executive director, Krista Almqvist, tells Rover. “He is a bit shy, takes time to open up, and does well with a dog buddy to help him feel confident. Once he opens up, he is playful and affectionate.”
While Bob has ongoing medical needs, Almqvist says the pup would thrive in the right family: “Bob’s ideal match would be a patient human who can help his confidence blossom.”
Currently, the rescue is “still reading through applications” as they search to place Bob in his forever home. Check out other Badass pups awaiting adoption at Badass Animal Rescue.
@badassanimalrescue Replying to @dani_d37 Thank you for all the love and support! Check out the link in our bio to learn about the responsible rescue work happening at Badass. @petartbyandrea
2. Sometimes, Pets Speak Louder Than Words
Research suggests that dogs can benefit our health, even on an emotional level. Experts say that some of the hardest seasons of life, such as grieving the loss of a loved one, require care that can’t be put into words—the perfect role for our canine friends.
3. Before You Toss That Table Scrap…
With the holidays just around the corner, you might be tempted to sneak your pup a tasty table scrap or two. We urge you to keep your pet safe and healthy and brush up on our holiday food safety guide.
4. Memoir Tells Tale of a Couple That Rescued Thousands of Dogs
Can you imagine having dozens of dogs at one time? For one couple, this is a reality. Ron Danta and Danny Robertshaw share their story of running a rescue together in a new book, Forever Home: How We Turned Our House into a Haven for Abandoned, Abused and Misunderstood Dogs—and Each Other.
5. It’s Benjamin. Hi. He’s the Problem, It’s Him.
Taylor Swift’s cat, Benjamin Button, got his very own spotlight in the artist’s “Anti-Hero” social media challenge asking fans to show off their unique traits. Turns out, he might just be the cutest anti-hero out there.
6. Pets Improve Quality of Life for Adults With Autism
A recent study shows that adults with autism who have pets experience reduced anxiety and loneliness, less stress, a more structured routine, and plenty of other benefits.
7. Part of the Family
These days, pet parents are more inclined to spend money on their furry family members. Things like investing in a major surgery for your cat, or daycare for your dog, make one overarching statement: pets aren’t just pets. They’re part of the family.
8. Sexiest Man Alive Loves Being a Dog Dad
In an interview with People magazine, Chris Evans (voted the “sexiest man alive”) says he “hit the lottery” rescuing Dodger, his 7-year-old Boxer mix. He even has Dodger’s name tattooed on his chest! There is simply no cuter dynamic duo.
9. “Dogs Are These Weird Equalizers”
Life can get pretty stressful on Capitol Hill, which is why many members of Congress and their staff have taken to bringing their dogs to work. The “pawlicy officers” have important roles to play, from being conversation icebreakers to providing stress relief as therapy dogs.
10. Here, Kitty Kitty
Researchers found, according to an article in the Seattle Times, that “not only do cats react to what scientists call cat-directed speech—a high-pitched voice similar to how we talk to babies—they react to who is doing the talking.” The researchers concluded that the attachment cats feel towards their humans is a lot stronger than many people think.
11. Marine’s Best Friend
Service dogs like Murph and Zeus have played a critical role in the healing journey of Marine Sergeant Davey Lind. The veteran recounted his inspiring story and the dogs who helped him along the way in this feature in People magazine.
12. Saying Goodbye
Losing a pet is one of the most difficult aspects of pet parenthood. As our relationship with our pets deepens and we learn more about the importance of the human-animal bond, services such as pet funeral homes and end-of-life pet care are on the rise. Read about it here.
13. ‘Tis the Season
Ensure that the holidays are a time of cheer even for your furriest friend. From festive pet-friendly treats to tips for keeping your dog or cat calm during family gatherings, Rover’s Guide to the Holidays has you covered.
14. World’s Oldest Cat Crowned
Flossie, a cat living in the U.K., has earned recognition for being the oldest living cat! According to Guinness World Records, the nearly 27-year-old kitty, Flossie, has a “gentle disposition” and “loves cuddles and food.”
15. Equal rights for all breeds!
On Nov. 18, a model law was passed by the National Council of Insurance Legislators to protect home-owning or renting dog parents from being denied a place to live or a mortgage based on the breed of their pet. A model law like this makes it easier for similar laws to pass in individual states and join the likes of New York, Nevada, and Arizona that already have similar rules on the books. It’s encouraging news that has the potential to keep dogs out of shelters: “Housing/insurance is the number one reason why dogs are relinquished to animal shelters,” cited Best Friends Animal Society, the pet rescue that is leading the effort for widespread breed-inclusive insurance legislation.
Photo Credit: Best Friends Animal Society
