Imagine how boring life would be if only humans lived on planet earth… Luckily we get to share our air, land and sea with so many other creatures. Around 2,16 million different animal species to be exact. That’s according to the IUCN Red List. And we haven’t even discovered all of them yet. Researchers are finding over 14 thousand new animal species every year.
Facebook page We Love Animal News has 109 thousand followers, and is dedicated to “cherishing all creatures, big and small”. They share wholesome and uplifting animal stories and photos. Some of which might melt your heart. Keep scrolling for our favorites, and don’t miss the chat Yapper Buzz had with animal rescue expert, Clare Travers. She’s the Canine Manager at Animal Welfare Helderberg.
#1
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“So I’m driving down the road this morning and the cars in front of me are driving over a black thing in the road. It’s going between their tires so I’m guessing it’s a box. It’s a kitten just sitting upright shaking like a leaf. And some idio* had spread glue on its paws and stuck it to the road. I thought maybe it walked through glue somewhere but after looking at it, that was totally spread into her paws. She was wet and freezing and literally glued to the road. And NO ONE STOPPED. What the f$&k people??? I slammed on my brakes and stopped all the traffic and put my hazards on and got out and pealed her off the road. People were honking and all pissy….really??? It’s a kitten glued to the road!! So after a goo gone bath and some food and cream we have a new kitten. Luckiest kitten in the world!”
#2
My girlfriend told me she’d end our relationship if I took in a dog that was found a few blocks from our house. A year has passed, and now I’m single but have a perfectly healthy pup.
#3
“This kind woman walked into our shelter and asked who the oldest, hardest to adopt dog was. So we introduced her to Jake.
All I can say is God Bless this woman. Jake has been with us for a long time, is a senior, and has cancer in addition to skin problems. He was getting passed up time and time again.
But Melani came to the shelter not just to find a great dog, but to save a life and give unconditional love to a dog in need. As you can see, it’s a match made in heaven. Please help us thank Melani. People like her are our heroes.
“The inspector handed her over to me and she put her little head on my shoulder and put her front paw on my chest. I named her Cindy. They say animals can’t speak but that day she told me she was so grateful that we saved her, and that she was going to fight her way back to a healthy life,” says Clare Travers during our interview. She’s seen a lot in her 14 years working at an animal shelter, but this is one of the memories seared in her heart and mind.
“It was two months ago,” she goes on to tell Yapper Buzz. “A member of the public called us about a puppy that was living on a rubbish dump. Our inspector went out and collected her, and brought her back to the kennels. She was around 3 months old and had been on the dump from about 6 weeks of age, withstanding the elements and struggling to survive. She was in horrific condition and severely neglected and emaciated. One of her legs was only half a leg and terribly infected. She was so sad and depressed on arrival.”
#4
In 2012, a stray cat randomly entered a home in Wales where a blind dog was living and, after sensing the dog’s disability, became its personal guide. The cat learnt to direct and nudge the dog away from obstacles, and would protect it while out on walks.
#5
After being missing for 4 days, this dog was found protecting these orphaned kitties
#6
Brazilian priest Juan Pablo takes abandoned dogs off the streets, and feeds and bathes them. Then he introduces a dog to each Mass and to find each one a home. Dozens of stray dogs have families because of this man. We hope this idea catches on. God bless you father.
Travers dedicates her days to saving abandoned, abused, neglected and surrendered dogs. She still thinks of all the dogs she helped, including Cindy. “Our medical staff took a look at her and suggested euthanasia, because of the bad shape that she was in. But Cindy and I had made a pact – I would do everything I could to restore her health and find her a loving home, and she would be very brave and fight for her health.”
Thankfully, Cindy’s story had a happy ending. “With the help of the public we raised enough money to cover all her medical costs as well as her leg amputation,” Travers told us. “A foster home came forward, her adoption fee was sponsored, and as soon as she was ready for adoption the most wonderful family came forward to adopt her and give her a loving home. It wasn’t easy for Cindy and she went through a lot but we both kept our promises to each other. Today she is living her best life and in the most beautiful family home.”
#7
His house was burned but he saved the most precious thing
#8
Animal rescuers paid around $8,000 to buy all the dogs that were already in a truck on its way to the slaughterhouse. This is a picture taken after they are brought to the rescue center
#9
In Argentina, there’s a restaurant called Restobar Dickens, with a sign saying:
“We ask all our customers with all our hearts not to be upset by the number of stray dogs that may be in the restaurant.
We are a pet friendly place and we give water, food and lots of love to these sweet angels. I’m sorry if it bothers you, but they’re not doing anything wrong, they’re just looking for food or shelter.”
It’s stories like those that keep Clare going. Many times, her work is heartbreaking. “Every single day, there is sadness. There are dogs arriving that are so ill because the people have not done anything to help their sick animals and come to our shelter for help when it is too late,” she told us.
“Many animals suffer and don’t get the help that they need. Many dogs are brought to our shelter for medical treatment. It’s very hard to see their owners and how they are treated, because often you can tell that the dogs don’t belong in a good home but there’s nothing you can do about it. It’s also incredibly sad when stray animals are picked up on the streets and they are in the most neglected and sad condition and you think about the tough life they have lived.”
#10
OMG. My wife and I found these three on a hiking trip tied up to a pole with wire so short, they couldn’t lay down and with no food or water, not that they could reach it even if there was. We knocked on the door, but there was no answer, so we took them. The white one collapsed on the way to the car, so I had to carry her the rest of the way. Animal cruelty should be a Class C Felony with a mandatory 10-year prison term.
#11
The owner of this shop welcomes stray dogs at night, offering them a safe haven. He even places blankets on the cold tiles to ensure every dog has a cozy bed.
#12
Today I found this kid tied up with a bag next to him that had his things. I didn’t think if I have space, if I have a job, what my husband will say or come on baby let someone else do it. I just took him, I told him it’s okay that he is scared, that I understand and that everything will be fine. I am sharing the photo so everyone can see the look of terror, sadness and shock in his eyes. The animal is in shock just like a human child would be.
Today we will become a family. I hope our hug heals this traumatic experience.
It takes a special kind of person to be able to work in this kind of environment. Being an animal lover is not enough. Travers says for her, it’s a passion. Not a job. She’s been at Animal Welfare Helderberg in South Africa since 2010. “You never know what the day is going to hold,” she told Yapper Buzz.
“My average day would involve taking in strays, taking in surrenders, dealing with adoptions, doing home checks, making sure all the kennel animals are healthy, assisting the public that are coming to view the animals, taking dogs into theater for sterilization and other operations, getting all vaccinations and deworming up to date. Lots of admin work.” Travers is a Jill of all trades, doing a little bit of a lot every single day. All in the name of dogs.
“Getting any ill dogs checked out by the vet, networking, advertising and posting animals on our social media pages, dealing with a huge amount of phone calls, emails and WhatsApps from the public that need help with rehoming their dogs or helping their sick animals, and the list goes on,” she explained.
#13
“My grandma passed away last week, and every day, without fail, she used to feed the foxes that visited her garden. Today, when we went over, the baby fox was sitting outside, waiting for her to come out. Seeing his little face broke my heart”
#14
George, the valiant Jack Russell Terrier, heroically saved five children from a ferocious attack by two pit bulls in Manaia, New Zealand. Despite his small size compared to the attacking dogs, George bravely defended the children by barking and charging at the pit bulls to shield them. His courageous actions resulted in severe injuries, leading a veterinarian to put him down due to the severity of the mauling. George’s heroism did not go unrecognized. The New Zealand Society for the Protection of Animals honored him with a bravery medal, and he was also awarded the PDSA Gold Medal by the People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals. This medal is considered the animal counterpart to the George Cross, underscoring George’s exceptional bravery. Additionally, a monument was erected in his honor.
#15
After the loss of his parents, Roscoe, a 3-year-old orangutan, became so depressed that he refused to eat and didn’t respond to medical treatments. The vets feared he might die of sadness.
Meanwhile, the zookeepers discovered an old, sick dog wandering the zoo grounds where Roscoe resided and brought him to the animal treatment center. Coincidentally, the dog arrived just as Roscoe was receiving care.
From the moment they met, the two forlorn creatures became inseparable companions. Roscoe found a newfound purpose in life, and both strive to be the best of friends to each other.
They spend all their time together, enjoying various activities in Northern California, where swimming is a particular favorite. Although Roscoe is somewhat afraid of the water, his canine friend helps him overcome his fears. Together, they have rediscovered the joy and laughter in life, cherishing the value of their friendship.
Her work is taxing but Travers says she wouldn’t change it for the world. “I love everything about my job but there are two things that are particularly wonderful. Firstly, it’s when our kennel dogs are adopted and find loving homes. There’s nothing more beautiful than watching an orphaned shelter dog go home with a loving family, and you know they are going to be so happy and spoiled,” she said, beaming from the inside out.
“The second thing that I find very rewarding is when abused dogs arrive at the kennels that are petrified of the human race and after a few days of working gently with them they transform into happy, loving and confident dogs. It’s incredibly rewarding to see that transformation.” It’s why Travers finds it hard to part with the dogs that do get adopted.
#16
John Unger adopted his dog Schoep when he was a puppy. Today Schoep is 19 years old and has Arthritis. He’s in pain and can’t sleep. His owner John, trying to find a solution to his pain, discovered that the water from the lake helps relax Schoep, so every night he takes him for a swim in the lake so he can get some sleep. The photo was captured by Hannah Stonehouse Hudson, who wanted to portray the unlimited love this owner has for his dog.
#17
My husband and his colleague were traveling on a remote road in South Australia. About thirty kilometers from the nearest town, they encountered a dog walking along the roadside in the darkness.
The dog was old and visibly exhausted, but he gladly hopped into their work vehicle. The men decided to turn around and head back to Coober Pedy. Upon arriving, they found the local Police Station closed. Turning to Facebook, they came across a post about a missing dog and contacted the owner. It turned out that the 13-year-old dog had been missing for six days, and the owner had nearly lost hope.
The men reunited Max with his owner before heading back out on their journey.
#18
Every afternoon, when his small business closes for the day, the kind-hearted owner leaves food and water for the stray dogs in his town. I don’t know him personally, but he has my utmost respect.
Travers bonds with each and every dog that comes through the shelter doors. “I grow to love the dogs so much and they’re so special to me. They’re all so unique. I spend so much time with them and give so much of myself to them. I love them almost like they’re my own,” she told us.
Her aim is to find forever homes for all the dogs. But she says it’s bittersweet each time an adoption happens. “It’s so wonderful to see them go off to loving homes. It’s really beautiful. But when they get adopted, it’s so hard to see them go and to say goodbye. Knowing that you’ve invested so much of yourself into the dog and the dog just gets taken away, it’s a very hard thing to deal with. It’s really hard to let go,” said Travers and we could hear the sadness in her voice.
#19
The groom getting his best man ready for the wedding … One of the best wedding photos ever!
#20
In 2007, a US Marine in Iraq befriended a stray desert dog called Nubs. After someone stabbed the dog with a screwdriver the marine nursed him back to health, developing such a bond that when the unit left Nubs picked up the scent and walked 70 miles through Iraqi desert warzone to be with him..
Bonus 🥹
Actual photo of service dogs watching Billy Elliot The Musical as part of their behaving in a theater training. My heart can’t take it🥹