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Animals

Border Collie Saves Flock Of Sheep From Raging Australian Bushfire

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The Australian bushfire emergency has produced a lot of devastation and some unlikely heroes. One is the plucky border collie named Patsy, who helped save her family’s sheep farm.

Border collies are renowned for their intelligence and herding abilities. Those qualities were crucial in the early hours of December 31, when Patsy and her owner woke to see a raging fire headed for their farm in Corryong.

Border Collie Saves Flock Of Sheep From Raging Australian Bushfire

Instagram / @patsythecorryongwonderdog

 

No Time to Paws

Patsy didn’t wait to be told what to do. She quickly took off for the field, where she rounded up the sheep and led them to a safe area of the farm. Meanwhile, her owner used a water tank to douse the flames.

Border Collie Saves Flock Of Sheep From Raging Australian Bushfire

Instagram / @patsythecorryongwonderdog

On January 7, Cath Hill, the sister of Patsy’s owner, posted a video of a proud, tired Patsy gazing at her sheep. She said Patsy’s quick work saved most of the family’s sheep, a shearing shed, two farmhouses and dozens of hay bales.

A Living Symbol of Strength

Now dubbed “Patsy the Corryong Wonder Dog,” Patsy has come to symbolize a community’s strength in the face of devastation.

Border Collie Saves Flock Of Sheep From Raging Australian Bushfire

Instagram / @patsythecorryongwonderdog

How Can You Help?

If you want to help Australia during this crisis, you can donate to Victoria Wildlife or the Australian Red Cross. There is also a GoFundMe account for the town of Corryong, where Patsy’s family is among the many affected by the fires.

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Pooper Scooper Robot Finds And Picks Up Backyard Dog Poop

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Picking up dog poop is probably the least enjoyable part of owning a dog. If you’re tired of doing it yourself, now you can let a robot do the job.

Pooper Scooper Robot

Beetl Robotics

Get the Scoop on High-Tech Poop Scooping

A company called Beetl Robotics has come up with a machine that any dog owner would prize. It’s called the Beetl, and it does the whole messy job for you.

How does it work? If you’ve ever seen a Roomba in action, you might have an idea of how the Beetl works. It’s a compact machine that looks like a small lawnmower.

The best part about the device is that it works on its own. Beetl uses real-time image analysis to detect piles of poop in the grass. It then goes toward the poop, stops and uses a mechanical claw to pick it up.

It’s Programmable and Automatic

You can program the Beetl to stay only in your yard. There’s no chance it will start running around and picking up your neighbor’s yard poop, unless you want it to.

Beetl puts the scooped poop inside a disposable container that you can lift out and toss in the trash.

Pooper Scooper Robot

Where Can You Get A Pooper Scooper Robot?

We know what you’re thinking. You’ve got to get a Beetl before you pick up any more stinky, icky dog poop or step in a forgotten pile of it. Unfortunately, the robot is still in development and not yet ready for the public. With luck, it will be available for all your Christmas gift-giving next year.

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Panda ‘Daycare’ Is Real And It’s The Most Adorable Place On Earth

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What could be cuter than a baby panda? How about dozens of baby pandas? That’s what you see at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding in Chengdu, China, where researchers care for baby pandas in a special daycare.

panda daycare

What Is A Panda Daycare?

Chengdu Research Base is a conservation organization, panda sanctuary, research site and tourist destination all rolled into one. When pandas became endangered, the Chinese government took action to protect these much-loved bears.

Since then, breeding programs at Chengdu and other panda centers have led to a steady increase in their population.

They’re Truly Precious

This has taken a lot of work. Pandas don’t have large families. Female pandas can only get pregnant a couple of times a year, and they typically only have one baby every other year.

As a result, every baby at the Chengdu Panda Base is a truly special jewel.

Pandas are native to China, which is the only country where they survive in the wild.

Enjoy All These Cute Critters

The Chengdu Research Base is also a sanctuary for red pandas and other native Chinese birds and animals. Those red pandas are pretty darn cute, too.

red panda daycare

Fortunately for us, the good people at the Chengdu Research Base have posted lots of adorable footage, and you can now watch a baby panda learning to walk or pandas being mischievous.

Enjoy them all!

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Family’s Heartfelt Gift To Policeman Who Lost His K-9 Brings Him To Tears

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Josh Madsen, a police officer in Pasco, Washington, got a gift that moved to him to tears from local resident Cassandra Berg.

Loving K-9 Lemon

It all began in December, when Madsen’s longtime K-9 partner Lemon died. Lemon and Madsen worked together for eight years and became inseparable companions.

Lemon had recently retired from the force and was looking forward to living with Madsen, but a serious medical condition put an end to those plans.

Cherished Memories

When she heard the news about Lemon, Berg recalled how Madsen and Lemon helped her family in a time of need. She recalled meeting Lemon, who helped her children cope with a difficult situation.

Berg contacted a company named Cuddle Clones. The company worked from photographs to create a stuffed-toy replica of Lemon.

Tears All Around

“It looked so realistic,” she told KMIZ News. “When I pulled it out of the box, I started crying.”

Madsen was also reduced to tears. Berg captured the moment in a poignant video.

She said it was “awesome” to be able to do something special for the officer after everything he and Lemon did for her family.

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Meet The Quokka – ‘The World’s Happiest Animal’

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You know about koalas and kangaroos, but do you know what a quokka is? This sweet-natured marsupial is also native to Australia. The quokka’s docile temperament, friendliness to humans and smiling face have earned it the nickname “the world’s happiest animal.”

 

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Cute as Cute Can Be

Quokkas are furry, gray-brown creatures about the size of cats. They carry their young in a pouch and live on native plants.

 

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While quokkas are endangered on the Australian mainland, they are flourishing on the sparsely populated Rottnest Island. The name comes from the German word for “rat’s nest.” Early German settlers on the island considered the quokkas no better than rats, and named the island after them.

There are more than 14,000 quokkas on the island.

 

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Social Media Stardom

Because quokkas are approachable and sociable, humans have quickly warmed to the little marsupials. Rottnest Island has seen a huge influx of tourists who want to spend time with the friendly fur balls. “Quokka selfies” are a popular pastime among travelers to the land down under.

In fact, conservation officials have expressed concern about letting too many tourists on the island because it could threaten the quokka population. A report from National Geographic Wild discussed the popularity of this cute critter and the Australian government’s efforts to protect it.

But a more recent report found that social media popularity has largely been good for quokkas. The report noted that under new laws, you can be charged a hefty fine for touching quokkas or giving them food meant for humans.

 

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Quokka Memes and More

Everyone who becomes internet famous can also become internet infamous with one poorly placed bad meme. It even happened to the quokka, who’s been unfairly maligned for being a bad parent.

None of this has dimmed the happiness people feel when looking at a sweet, smiling quokka. Here’s to a long, healthy life for these adorable critters.

 

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Dog Stays By His Brother’s Side After Being Hit By A Car And Left To Die

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A dog’s love and loyalty are extraordinary. That was proven true in the story of a dog who stayed by his brother’s side until they could be rescued after an accident.

Dog Stays By His Brother's Side After Being Hit By A Car And Left To Die

Maxx and Me Pet Rescue / Facebook

A Hit-and-Run

In late December, two dogs escaped from their yard in Dade City, Florida. As they walked down a road, a car hit six-year-old yellow lab Brennan. The driver did not stop, and Brennan was left to die by the side of the road.

He did not have to wait alone, however. His “brother” Dale, a chocolate lab, stayed by his side until help arrived.

Dog Stays By His Brother's Side After Being Hit By A Car And Left To Die

Maxx and Me Pet Rescue / Facebook

A Touching Tale

The touching story made headlines across the country and the world.

Brennan’s injuries were so severe that a veterinarian said he would need euthanasia. Luckily, the Florida rescue group Maxx and Me decided to help Brennan.

Dog Stays By His Brother's Side After Being Hit By A Car And Left To Die

Maxx and Me Pet Rescue / Facebook

Amazing Recovery

After surgery, Brennan made an amazing recovery.

Sadly, Brennan and Dale were separated when the dogs’ owner decided to keep Dale but not Brennan. It was another blow to Brennan, but as volunteer Mac Steinmeyer said, “The team behind this brave boy is confident that he is capable of living a long, happy, high quality of life after this. It’s all we wanted for him.”

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Maxx and Me Pet Rescue / Facebook

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Maxx and Me Pet Rescue / Facebook

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Adorable ‘Unicorn Puppy’ Has A Tail Growing Out Of His Forehead

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If you don’t think unicorns are real, you might want to revise your thinking. A puppy named Narwhal became an overnight celebrity because of the long, protruding tail that’s growing on his forehead.

 

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An Odd-Looking Unicorn Puppy

In November 2019, rescuers at Mac’s Mission in Jackson, Missouri, heard about a strange-looking abandoned puppy wandering the streets.

Mac’s Mission specializes in animals that need special care because of disabilities, chronic medical conditions or past abuse. They rescued the little horned dog and named him Narwhal the Magical Furry Unicorn.

 

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Yes, It’s Real

After pictures of Narwhal captured attention on social media, some people wondered if the pictures were real. It’s been confirmed that Narwhal really does have an extra tail on his head. According to Mac’s Mission, a veterinarian said the tail was probably a piece of fur-covered cartilage. He also said there was no need to remove it.

Rochelle Steffens, the founder of Mac’s Mission, said, “He’s 100% normal with just a bit of flair on his face.”

 

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He Has a Forever Home at the Rescue

Mac’s Mission received hundreds of adoption requests for Narwhal, but Steffens said her small rescue is unable to properly vet them all. She is concerned about whether he’ll get all the care he needs. For now, the adorable puppy will stay at the rescue.

 

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Watch: Alpaca Herd Peacefully Grazes Below A Spectacular Pink Sunset

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Every day, at every moment, nature is busy creating something exquisitely beautiful for us. Here’s more proof of that in this enchanting video of a group of alpacas turning pink as they play at sunset.

 

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The magical image has charmed viewers on social media and awakened interest in these animals that are native to the Andes Mountains.

alpacas sunset

Shamarra Alpacas

All About Alpacas

Although often confused with llamas, alpacas are smaller and slighter in build. They are known for their sweet temperament and round, fluffy faces.

 

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The ancient Incas revered them as a gift from the earth goddess. Their trade in alpaca wool was the basis of their wealth. When the Spanish conquered the Incas in the 1500s, they killed most of the alpacas.

Today, alpacas are once again an important part of life in many South American countries.

 

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Alpacas Down Under

Alpaca farming has grown in popularity over the past decade. There is a high demand in the fashion industry for alpaca wool, which is durable, luxurious and hypoallergenic.

The alpacas in this now-famous video come from the Shamarra Alpacas farm in New Zealand.

 

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Wild and Woolly

Despite being nearly wiped out at one time in their history, alpacas are here to stay. That means we can look forward to more beautiful cloth and more lovely images of these endearing animals.

 

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Penguin Swims 5000 Miles Each Year To Visit The Man Who Saved Him

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One day in 2011, Brazilian fisherman João Pereira de Souza came across a penguin abandoned on the beach near Joao’s home. The bird, a Magellanic penguin, was covered in oil and shaking with fear.

Magellanic penguins are native to Patagonia, but they occasionally migrate through warm waters on their way to breeding grounds.

A Timely Rescue

The 71-year-old cleaned the bird and fed him. He named him Jinjing, a variation of the Brazilian word for penguin. Since then, the two have become fast friends and nearly inseparable.

Jinjing still spends most of the year with João, but every few months, he takes off for several weeks. Biologists think he might go to a penguin colony that is over 5000 miles away. It’s possible that he has a mate and a family there.

A Lasting Friendship

Jinjing returns without fail to visit his friend and rescuer. The two swim in the surf, fish together and walk on the beach.

Their story has inspired press coverage from around the world. It has also inspired millions of people with its depiction of a friendship that transcends time, distance and even species.

‘Dad Bods And Rescue Dogs’ Calendar May Be The Perfect Christmas Gift

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A new fundraising calendar combines two things guaranteed to make your heart melt. The ‘Dad Bods And Rescue Dogs’ Calendar from Lucky Bulldogs Rescue showcases the most adorable rescued French Bulldogs, English Bulldogs, Boston Terriers and Pugs posing with some equally adorable men flaunting their sexy dad bods.

Strutting Their Stuff

The men are all volunteers who signed up to strut their stuff to help animals. Each month features high-quality, professional photos of cute guys and cute dogs. If you’re thinking this would be a great Christmas gift, we like the way you think.

Dad Bods for the Win

In an era of body positivity for women, it was inevitable that men would hop on the bandwagon to state that they, too, can be sexy at any size. In fact, some surveys have found that many women prefer a guy with a dad bod to one with a fit, muscular body.

The calendars sell for $20 each. All proceeds go to support Lucky Bulldogs Rescue, a nonprofit rescue group based in Omaha.