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.
Here’s some good news you might have missed, weird pets being funny, trendy new pet gear, seasonal safety tips…you know, all the poop fit to scoop.
1. Abandoned dog gets adopted minutes after her story goes viral
When the Green Bay Wisconsin Humane Society (WHS) first caught sight of Baby Girl, she was tied to a fire hydrant alongside a backpack of supplies from her previous owner. Moved by the scene, WHS took the dog and addressed Baby Girl’s original caretaker in a compassionate open letter posted to their Facebook page.
We reached out to WHS for an update on Baby Girl. We are thrilled to report the organization says she was adopted “after being available for just 24 minutes!” Congrats, Baby Girl, on finding your furever home!
Courtesy Wisconsin Humane Society
2. Rover (and other organizations) come together to aid displaced pets in Ukraine
Rover recently pledged $50,000 to aid the efforts of the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW), a global animal welfare agency working to help Ukrainian refugees fleeing war with their pets.
Other groups are helping, too. The Rover blog’s Jen Reeder reported on another organization dedicated to helping dogs, cats, and other animals who have lost their home in Ukraine. Read the full story about the work of Harmony Fund here.
3. The Internet is obsessed with this cat begging for treats (and so are we)
What good is the world of Reddit if not to find a viral video of a cat begging for treats? This feline gained social media popularity for an adorable begging dance.
4. From Nick Jonas to Emilia Clarke, celebrities are just as obsessed with their pets as we are
Some of the biggest stars in Hollywood are just like us: totally obsessed with their dog or cat. Prepare yourself; we’ve rounded up some of the sweetest celebrity pets on social media and it’s pretty much cuteness overload.
5. Great Dane Zeus becomes the world’s tallest dog
Good boy Zeus is more than just a sweet face. Standing at an impressive seven feet tall when on his hind legs, the two-year-old Great Dane has made it into the Guinness World Records as the tallest living dog on Earth! Zeus lives in Fort Worth, Texas, and is a regular fixture at the Dallas Farmer’s Market.
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6. There’s a new “dogcast”
Canine cognition expert and best-selling dog author Alexandra Horowitz launches a new podcast, “Off Leash,” that explores the relationship between humans and dogs on walks with the likes of celebrities and influencers such as Isabella Rosselini.
7. Doug the Instafamous Pug earns double digits
Your favorite InstaPug, @itsdougthepug, turned ten last month—that’s 10 whole years’ worth of Doug’s loveable mug living large on the internet—may there be 10 more. Happy birthday, Doug!
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8. A new trend claims that hugging one unique animal may improve your mental health…
Any guesses? Hint: It’s not your typical household pet. Click here to see which farm animal might work wonders for your well-being.
9. New study claims breed type does not necessarily shape a dog’s temperament
In other words, “pedigree is not destiny,” according to the study that sent shockwaves through the dog community. “When you adopt a dog based on its breed, you’re getting a dog that looks a certain way, but as far as behavior goes, it’s kind of luck of the draw.” What do you think? Stay tuned for a future feature that will explore this finding with vets and other dog experts.
10. The Dash Dog Treat Maker is just what your kitchen is missing
The Dog People contributor Kelsey Graham reviews this stylish DIY treat-maker reminiscent of a waffle maker. Your kitchen can fit one more gadget, right?
11. Dog Days of Summer
From soothing a nervous dog during Fourth of July fireworks to preparing your pet for travel, our Summer Safety Guide provides tips for keeping your best friend safe during the warmer months.
iStock/Ирина Мещерякова
12. BBQ and Barkuterie
It’s cookout season! Check out The Ultimate Guide to BBQ for Dogs and Their Owners for grilling safety tips, insight into what human foods you should avoid feeding your pet, and a few fun dog-friendly recipes and tips, like how to style a barkuterie board.
13. What is a Kong without peanut butter?
While dog-friendly peanut butter might seem identical to its human counterpart, there are a few key differences. Before you let your dog lick the spoon (again), check out these safe products that can be used as a peanut butter alternative.
14. Please don’t go
With a resurgence of employees returning to the office, how are pet parents dealing with leaving their animals at home—and btw, how are the pets doing? Spoiler: The article is called “Your Dog Is Not Ready for You to Return to the Office,” in the New York Times.
15. Watch this adorable surfing Corgi catch some waves
Jojo the “Super Corgi” lives in sunny San Diego and can probably surf better than you. Follow Jojo’s wave-chasing adventures on Instagram.
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