What’s Making Global Cat and Dog News Today?
The Best Pet Daily Round-up of News, Research, Opinion or Fun published about Dogs and Cats from around the world:
United States (Californian Dept of Corrections & Rehabilitation) Five dogs complete training at Corcoran
In Brief: At California State Prison, Corcoran, five dogs recently graduated from an eight-week training program designed to provide them and their incarcerated trainers with a second chance. The program, a collaboration between Paws Estate Rescue and Shelter and CSP-Corcoran, trains shelter dogs in essential skills while giving the inmates a sense of purpose and responsibility. The graduation ceremony showcased the dogs' new skills and highlighted the personal growth and positive changes among the trainers. This initiative not only aids in rehabilitating the dogs but also in transforming the lives of the incarcerated individuals involved.
United States (Fox News) Veterans with PTSD get 'significant' benefits from service dogs, first NIH-funded study finds
In Brief: The first NIH-funded clinical trial has shown significant mental health benefits for military veterans with PTSD who are paired with service dogs. Conducted by the University of Arizona College of Veterinary Medicine and K9s For Warriors, the study evaluated 156 veterans, finding those with service dogs had 66% lower odds of maintaining a PTSD diagnosis compared to those without dogs. Veterans also reported decreased anxiety and depression, showcasing the profound impact service dogs have on improving veterans' emotional and social well-being. This groundbreaking evidence supports broader adoption of service dogs in assisting veterans facing mental health challenges.
Spain & Portgual (BBC) One of world’s rarest cats no longer endangered
In Brief: The Iberian lynx, once among the world's rarest cats, has been reclassified from "endangered" to "vulnerable" by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). This positive shift comes after the species' population increased from 62 mature individuals in 2001 to 648 in 2022, with a combined count of over 2,000 lynxes now. Successful conservation efforts in Spain and Portugal, including habitat restoration and the reintroduction of captive lynxes, have played a key role in this recovery. However, the IUCN cautions against complacency due to ongoing threats like disease, poaching, and road accidents.
United States (The Daily Beast) Any ‘Cats’ Haters Will Be Instantly Cured by ‘Cats: The Jellicle Ball’
In Brief: The new adaptation of Andrew Lloyd Webber's musical "Cats," titled "Cats: The Jellicle Ball," infuses the classic with a vibrant queer and Ballroom twist, which has resonated positively with audiences. This version is set not in a junkyard but in a festive celebration of queer Ballroom culture, enhancing the musical with a contemporary relevance that honors the roots of both "Cats" and the underground Ballroom scene depicted in the TV series "Pose." The adaptation features dazzling costumes, dynamic choreography, and maintains the musical's core while innovatively integrating Ballroom culture, effectively bridging themes of legacy, chosen family, and resilience. The production, running at PAC NYC until July 28, has transformed "Cats" into a meaningful celebration of queer identity and community, potentially changing the minds of those previously critical of the original musical.
United States (BBC) Columbus tree climber turns cat rescues into massive TikTok following
In Brief: On Halloween 2010, Duane Hook from West Jefferson had his first experience rescuing a cat stuck in a tree. The event, witnessed by a group of costumed children, sparked his passion for rescuing cats. Since then, Hook has rescued approximately 700 cats, sharing his adventures on TikTok under the handle @getmeowttahere. His videos, which began in 2022, have gained him a substantial following of 450,000 and over 7.4 million likes. Hook's journey into TikTok fame began after posting a rescue video from 2013, which quickly amassed 50,000 views, surprising him and marking the start of his popular online presence.
