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Bono and The Edge perform in Kyiv bomb shelter

<p dir="ltr">U2 musicians Bono and The Edge has performed a secret show in a bomb shelter in Kyiv, after being personally invited by Ukrainian president Zelenskyy. </p> <p dir="ltr">The members of the Irish rock band shared photos of their performance on Twitter, as they were joined by Ukrainian band Antytila's lead singer Tomos Topelia.</p> <p dir="ltr">From a station platform, the duo performed U2 hits such as <em>Sunday Bloody Sunday</em>, <em>Desire</em> and <em>With or Without You</em>.</p> <p dir="ltr">“The people in Ukraine are not just fighting for your own freedom, you are fighting for all of us who love freedom,” said Bono during a break between songs. </p> <p dir="ltr">“We pray that you will enjoy some of that peace soon.”</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">President <a href="https://twitter.com/ZelenskyyUa?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ZelenskyyUa</a> invited us to perform in Kyiv as a show of solidarity with the Ukrainian people and so that’s what we’ve come to do. -- Bono and The Edge <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/StandWithUkraine?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#StandWithUkraine</a></p> <p>— U2 (@U2) <a href="https://twitter.com/U2/status/1523264383065141250?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 8, 2022</a></p></blockquote> <p dir="ltr">The performance had an emotional impact on Ukrainians, with members of the small underground crowd taking to Twitter to express their gratitude. </p> <p dir="ltr">One person said, “Thank you Bono and Edge for the music and for making the world a better place through art, Ukraine will win this war with the world's support.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Bono and The Edge were later seen in the Ukrainian towns of Irpin and Bucha, which are the sites of alleged Russian war crimes in the first weeks of the invasion. </p> <p dir="ltr">The pair were shown greeting locals amongst the ruins of buildings, and outside St. Andrew Pervozvannoho All Saints church - where a mass grave was found in April.</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image credits: Twitter</em></p>

Music

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Banksy the dog recreates paintings of his namesake

<p dir="ltr">A rescue dog named after the elusive street artist Banksy has recreated his famous works to raise $1,000 for charity. </p><p dir="ltr">Seven works were created by Banksy the dog, who uses his nose and paws to recreate the iconic pieces. </p><p dir="ltr">The money raised is going to the Bristol Animal Rescue Centre, which Banksy has called home since August 2021. </p><p dir="ltr">Spokeswoman Gina Jones said, "We're absolutely thrilled. The money will make a big difference to the lives of vulnerable animals in our care."</p><p dir="ltr">As well as helping to raise money for the rescue centre, Banksy’s art has been part of an appeal to find his forever home.</p><p dir="ltr">The seven artworks were auctioned off on the centre’s Facebook page, with the dog’s recreation of <em>Good Panda</em> drawing in the biggest bid of $230.</p><p><img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/02/banksy-dog-1.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /></p><p dir="ltr"><em>Image credit: Bristol Animal Rescue Centre</em></p><p dir="ltr">Ms Jones said that even though Banksy the dog’s works have been auctioned off, he just keeps painting. </p><p dir="ltr">"He just keeps going and going, he loves spreading the paint around," she said.</p><p dir="ltr">"I think he secretly really enjoys the attention," she said. </p><p dir="ltr">"When we had some cameras in, he's like 'yes, you may film me'. He's really come out of his shell."</p><p dir="ltr">Staff at the rescue centre said that with all the attention his art is getting, they hope he will be able to find a new home after being at the centre for an “unusually long amount of time”.</p><p dir="ltr">"We've had a few expressions of interests and we are still going through the adoption process with everybody," Ms Jones said. </p><p dir="ltr">"Obviously we do check for everyone who applies that it is a suitable home for him... and we are really hopefully we will find somebody great and get him that forever home."</p><p dir="ltr"><em>Image credits: Bristol Animal Rescue Centre</em></p>

Art

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“Odiously absurd”: Animal shelter euthanises dogs over COVID-19 fears

<p>An animal shelter in north-west New South Wales has come under fire for euthanising several rescue dogs. </p> <p>Authorities at the Bourke Shire Council put down the animals to further enforce COVID-19 travel restrictions in the area .</p> <p>A shelter in Cobar, in there state's central west, was supposed to come and collect the animals, but the Bourke Shire Council didn't want breaching state-wide travel restrictions. </p> <p><span>Residents in regional New South Wales are currently subject to lockdown measures, containing them to their local government area unless leaving for essential reasons.</span></p> <p>The town of Cobar has a population of under 4,000 and has remained <span>largely untouched by COVID-19, with fragments detected in wastewater samples but no cases reported.</span></p> <p>The Office of Local Government has launched an investigation to the killings, after receiving nation-wide backlash. </p> <p><span>Animal Justice Party MP Emma Hurst said she was told 16 dogs were killed, including a “mother dog and her puppies”.</span></p> <p><span>The MP took to Facebook to express her anger and sadness at the cruel act.</span><span></span></p> <p class="css-1316j2p-StyledParagraph e4e0a020">“While there are reports the dogs were shot, our contacts have told us they were euthanised,” she wrote.</p> <p class="css-1316j2p-StyledParagraph e4e0a020">“I’m sharing this to make it clear there is NO health order for pounds to kill all the animals - please share this so it doesn’t happen again.”</p> <p class="css-1316j2p-StyledParagraph e4e0a020">News of the mass-killings have reached an international audience online, with many condemning the barbarity of the council's decision. </p> <p class="css-1316j2p-StyledParagraph e4e0a020"><span>British comedian and animal right activist Ricky Gervais described the council as “stupid c****” while English football legend Gary Lineker said it was “odiously absurd”.</span></p> <p class="css-1316j2p-StyledParagraph e4e0a020"><em>Image credit: FILE PHOTO - Shutterstock</em></p>

Family & Pets

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Man who sheltered cyclone Debbie victims wins Cash Cow jackpot

<p>John Wade won $90,000 in Sunrise’s Cash Cow giveaway after entering the competition every day for four years.</p> <p>Described as a worthy winner and good Samaritan, John opened his homes to victims of cyclone Debbie.</p> <p>The retired teacher from Kingscliff, New South Wales, rushed to answer the phone call on Tuesday morning despite a dodgy knee as he knew it would be a profitable call.</p> <p>John said to <em>Sunrise</em> hours after being announced as the winner, “It's still very hard to believe actually, but it's fantastic.”</p> <p>Despite John’s excitement over the winnings he explained the condition his extended family were in due to the aftermath of cyclone Debbie.</p> <p>“My brother and sister-in-law are down at Tindarra which really copped it a lot,” John said.</p> <p>“And my sister-in-law's mother actually lost the house - it will really need to almost be rebuilt.”</p> <p>The win has been a long time coming for John after he entered the draw every day for four years and would not leave the house until a winner had been drawn in the morning.</p> <p>“These things don't happen to us,” his wife Colleen said after admitting she would stop teasing John about being obsessed with the competition.</p> <p>After winning the money, the couple have decided that Colleen will now join her husband in retirement. </p> <p><em>Image credit: Sunrise</em></p>

News

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Shelter dogs become best friends with adopted miniature cow

<p>There’s nothing sweeter than an <a href="/news/news/2017/03/cat-helps-injured-dog/" target="_blank"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">unexpected friendship</span></strong></a>, and this one has to be up there with the most adorable. When Janice Wolf, founder of the Rocky Ridge Refuge animal shelter in Arkansas, adopted a miniature cow named Moonpie, she had no idea how quickly the shelter’s dogs would fall for the tiny cow.</p> <p>Two dogs in particular, bull terriers Baby Cadbury and Spackle, who is deaf, took to Moonpie faster than Wolf could have hoped for. “[They] claimed Moonpie right off and are never far from her side,” Wolf told <a href="http://www.today.com/pets/rescued-mini-cow-living-paradise-her-best-friends-dogs-t109869" target="_blank"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">TODAY</span></strong></a>. “They won't let the others have too much time with her! The others sneak in kisses.”</p> <p>The unlikely trio of furry friends have won themselves thousands of fans since Wolf began sharing photos of them together on the shelter’s <a href="https://www.facebook.com/rockyridgerefuge/" target="_blank"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Facebook page</span></strong></a>. One clever commenter proposed the four-legged pals were “brudders from anudder mudder.”</p> <p>It’s not the first time the shelter has played host to some adorable interspecies friendships, with chickens and capybaras, tortoises and puppies, emus and donkeys all proving friends can be found in the unlikeliest of places.</p> <p>See the animals’ enviously harmonious lives in the gallery above and tell us in the comments, what’s the most unlikely friendship you’ve ever encountered?</p> <p><em>Image credit: Rocky Ridge Refuge/Facebook.</em></p>

News

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Plans to convert luxury cruise liner to homeless shelter

<p>A group of businessmen in New Zealand have floated a unique idea to deal with the nation’s growing homelessness problem by housing them on a cruise ship.</p> <p>Christchurch businessman Garry House and a number of colleagues started investigating the possibility of purchasing a 400-bed cruise liner to dock in Auckland.</p> <p>House told The Guardian, “Living on a cruise ship is not a long-term solution but things are so bad for so many families now it could help ease the pressure for two or three years while longer-term strategies are put into place.”</p> <p>House believes he could get the ship ready from Europe to New Zealand in a month.</p> <p>Homelessness is a huge problem in Auckland where property prices have increased 77.5 per cent over the past five years to make the housing market one of the most expensive in the world.</p> <p>House hopes to relieve the strain, but his enthusiasm has received a mixed response.  </p> <p>Campbell Roberts from the Salvation Army told The Guardian, “What New Zealand needs to face up too is finding long-term, permanent solutions. A cruise ship is fine for a month but to live on it for any longer would be a strange experience for the inhabitants and it would have no sense of normality about it. I am fully supportive of a creative solution to this problem but I don’t think a cruise ship is the answer.”</p> <p>But House remains unperturbed, saying, “People would not be on the ship 24/7. They’d be getting off, going to work, living normal lives. But at least, at night, they could return to a bed and not a park in the middle of winter.”</p> <p>What do you make of House’s idea? Should we be considering creative solutions like this one? Or do you think people should try to be more practical?</p> <p>Share your thoughts in the comments. </p> <p><em>Image credit: Shutterstock / ATGImages</em></p> <p><strong>Related links:</strong></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="/travel/cruising/2016/06/things-not-to-pack-on-a-cruise/"><strong><em>5 things NOT to pack on a cruise</em></strong></a></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="/travel/cruising/2016/06/this-man-has-been-living-on-cruise-ships-for-20-years/"><em><strong>This man has been living on cruise ships for 20 years</strong></em></a></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong><a href="/travel/cruising/2016/06/family-band-together-to-give-grandmother-trip-of-a-lifetime/">Family band together to give grandmother trip of a lifetime</a></strong></em></span></p>

Cruising

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Dad reunites with 5-year-old daughter after finding her at homeless shelter

<p>Two years after his ex-girlfriend disappeared with their child, a father has been reunited with his daughter after finding her at a homeless shelter.</p> <p>Bryan Thouvenel, from Oregon, was devastated when his ex-partner took off with their daughter, Harmony Rain Thouvenel, who was two at the time.</p> <p>The father-of-three spent years trying to track them down but to no avail. But when he filed for custody, he finally had a lead.</p> <p>A friend called him to say he thought he had seen Harmony at a Salvation Army homeless shelter in Washington. Bryan and his mother immediately jumped into the car and drove the hundreds of kilometres to the shelter from their home in Myrtle Creek, Oregon. </p> <p><img width="404" height="293" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/18711/father-daughter_404x293.jpg" alt="Father Daughter" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/></p> <p>“I sat there and the next thing you know I've got my daughter coming out, walking by herself,” he said.</p> <p>“She's kind of looking around, and I said her name once. She kind of looked at me funny and I said 'Harmony, it's daddy.' Her eyes just kind of lit up.”</p> <p>“It made it all worth it, you know?” he said.</p> <p>“It was two years I fought through hell just to be a part of my daughter's life and she was back in my life.”</p> <p>After securing a court order, a judge gave Bryan custody of his daughter. While Harmony’s mother has contact with her daughter and can have supervised visits, Bryan now has full custody.</p> <p><strong>Related links: </strong></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/lifestyle/family-pets/2015/12/life-lessons-from-grandparents/"><em>Top 10 life lessons kids learn from grandparents</em></a></strong></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/lifestyle/family-pets/2016/01/5-types-of-grandparents/"><em>There are 5 different types of grandparents – which one are you?</em></a></strong></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/lifestyle/family-pets/2016/01/parents-and-kids-who-look-identical/"><em>10 pics of parents and kids who look identical</em></a></strong></span></p>

News

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Partially paralysed kitten on road to recovery

<p>In this video we meet Dasha, a four-month-old kitten paralysed from the waist down.</p> <p>Dasha has a resilient spirit and pulls herself wherever she needs to go.</p> <p>From this she has earned her nickname “Mermaid Kitty”.</p> <p>As we can see in the video above, Dasha is nothing short of incredible. </p> <p><strong>Related links:</strong></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><a href="/news/news/2016/03/couple-give-60-million-lottery-away/"><strong>Couple gives $60 million lottery win away</strong></a></em></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><a href="/news/news/2016/03/find-letter-t-image-puzzle/"><strong>Can you find the letter “T” in this image?</strong></a></em></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><a href="/news/news/2016/03/stunning-images-antarctica-remote-beauty/"><strong>Stunning images of Antarctica’s remote beauty</strong></a></em></span></p>

News

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Kids read to abandoned shelter dogs

<p>The Humane Society of Missouri has started a delightful initiative that sees children reading to their shelter dogs as a means of forcing physical interaction.</p> <p>This program provides two main benefits.</p> <p>Not only does it help these young children provide their reading skills, it helps these abandoned dogs get used to human contact and improves their chances of adoption.</p> <p>Watch the program in action in the video above.</p> <p><strong>Related links:</strong></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><a href="/news/news/2016/02/foul-mouthed-cockatoo-cage/"><strong>Foul-mouthed cockatoo doesn’t want to go back to her cage</strong></a></em></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><a href="/news/news/2016/02/amazing-photos-of-aurora-borealis-resembling-a-phoenix/"><strong>Amazing photos of Aurora Borealis resembling a phoenix</strong></a></em></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><a href="/news/news/2016/02/90-year-old-skips-cancer-treatment-to-travel/"><strong>90-year-old forgoes cancer treatment to travel</strong></a></em></span></p>

News

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Vet comforts rescue dog by eating breakfast together in cage

<p>Meet Dr Andy Mathis, a veterinarian who works at rescue shelter Granite Hills Animal Care in the US. A stray dog by the name of Graycie was recently brought to the shelter in terrible shape. The pup was emaciated, dehydrated, hypothermic, anaemic and had a vaginal prolapse.</p> <p>The situation for Graycie was looking dire, she was in a lot of pain, so Mathis was forced to make a decision: euthanise the animal or help her make a recovery.</p> <p>"Practical me says I should put her to sleep, but veterinarian me wants to try and give her a chance," Mathis wrote.</p> <p>Thankfully, Mathis with the vets at the University of Georgia Veterinary School were able to stabilise Graycie and she was back at Granite Hills Animal to begin her recovery. However, eating was still an issue, and Graycie needed to get her weight back.</p> <p>Although he had no idea of Graycie’s past, Mathis knew that Graycie needed to feel comfortable and at east. The solution, he decided, would be to eat with her. </p> <p>"She's been eating for the past 2 days, but not so comfortably, unless I leave the room," Mathis wrote. "So today I decided to sit in the cage with her."</p> <p>The pair’s breakfast date was captured on camera and the video has since gone viral, with many praising Mathis for his compassion.</p> <p>According to Granite Hills Animal Care, Graycie is still up for adoption or foster, however, Mathis says that, "she has a little ways to go before she is ready to start looking for her family."</p> <p><img width="454" height="347" src="https://img.buzzfeed.com/buzzfeed-static/static/2016-02/16/16/enhanced/webdr13/edit-2438-1455659128-4.jpg" alt="Since the video has gone viral, Granite Hills Animal Care's Facebook page has posted regular updates documenting Graycie's weight gain and strengthening health." class="bf_dom" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/></p> <p><strong>Related links: </strong></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><em><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/lifestyle/family-pets/2015/11/sacrifices-grandparents-make-study/">The many things grandparents sacrifice for their family</a></em></strong></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><em><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/lifestyle/family-pets/2015/11/life-advice-from-over60-community/">20 crucial pieces of advice from you, the Over60 Community</a></em></strong></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><em><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/lifestyle/family-pets/2016/01/best-advice-ever-received-video/">People aged 5 to 105 reveal the best advice they’ve ever received</a></em></strong></span></p>

News

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Police officer adopts abandoned pup found on job

<p>A police officer in the US has found his new best friend – a tiny puppy named Kylo – while on a recent call out.</p> <p>Patrol officer Marcus Montgomery first encountered the pup when he was sent to deal with an issue with a former employee at the Panhandle Animal Welfare Society in Fort Walton Beach, Florida. It was at the shelter he was introduced to the puppy, who had been abandoned outside the rescue centre in a basket.</p> <p>It was love at first sight, as is clear by the adorable picture of the pair cuddling.</p> <div id="fb-root"></div> <div class="fb-post" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/PanhandleAnimalWelfareSociety/posts/10153925553078708:0" data-width="500"> <div class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"> <blockquote> <p>Officer Montgomery giving his new potential family member some lovin'. Thank you for all you do for our community and for adopting from PAWS!</p> Posted by <a href="https://www.facebook.com/PanhandleAnimalWelfareSociety/">Panhandle Animal Welfare Society</a> on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/PanhandleAnimalWelfareSociety/posts/10153925553078708:0">Thursday, 28 January 2016</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <p>“Officer Montgomery giving his new potential family member some lovin',” the shelter captioned the image.</p> <p>“Thank you for all you do for our community and for adopting from PAWS!”</p> <p>Dee Thompson from the shelter told the Huffington Post Montgomery immediately asked to hold Kylo after spotting the tyke.</p> <p>"I thought that grown man was going to turn into a puddle," Ms Thompson said.</p> <p>"He said, 'I can't! I can't!'"</p> <p>After a quick call to his girlfriend, Montgomery caved into those big brown puppy eyes and took her home to be adopted.</p> <p><strong>Related links: </strong></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><em><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/lifestyle/family-pets/2016/01/photos-of-animals-hitchhiking/">Hilarious photos of animals hitchhiking</a></em></strong></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><em><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/lifestyle/family-pets/2016/01/kids-crying-over-funniest-reasons/">Gallery: Kids crying over the funniest reasons ever</a></em></strong></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><em><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/lifestyle/family-pets/2016/01/cat-and-dog-friends/">These cats and dogs prove that love conquers all</a></em></strong></span></p>

News

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Shy shelter dog’s joyful reaction to being adopted

<p>If you ever needed convincing as to why to adopt a pet rather than buy, this video shows how much adopting changes an animal’s life.</p> <p>Benny the pup was left at Carson Animal Care Centre, a kill shelter, in Gardena, California. Benny sat for weeks and weeks not knowing what the future would hold – a fact that we’re sure he knew as evidenced by his heartbreakingly shy and timid nature when first approached in the video.</p> <p>But everything changed for Benny when a family decided to take him to a loving home. Luckily, the beautiful moment was captured on video so we can all enjoy the emotional rollercoaster with Benny and the family!</p> <p>While initially apprehensive and confused, once Benny walks out of the shelter to his freedom you can see the slow realisation dawn on him that he’s life is only going to get much better from this point. His tail start wagging and he jumps around with utter joy.</p> <p>We wish you a wonderful life, Benny!</p> <p><strong>Related links:</strong></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><a href="/lifestyle/family-pets/2016/01/dogs-with-no-concept-of-personal-space/"><strong>These dogs have no concept of personal space</strong></a></em></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><a href="/lifestyle/family-pets/2016/01/inside-a-1950s-tea-factory/"><strong>Inside a tea factory from the 50s</strong></a></em></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><a href="/lifestyle/family-pets/2016/01/30-common-plants-that-are-harmful-to-pets/"><strong>30 common plants that are harmful to pets</strong></a></em></span></p>

Family & Pets

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Meet Quasimodo, the adorable “hunchback” German Shepherd

<p>An abandoned four-year-old German Shepherd who has a rare spinal condition has captured the hearts of the internet.</p> <p>Quasimodo (nickname Quasi) was caught by animal control in December after being on the loose for five days. He was taken to Secondhand Hounds animal shelter in Kentucky in the United States, where a vet diagnosed him with short spine syndrome.</p> <p>An X-ray reveals the dog has a full-size head and legs, but a crooked spine, missing vertebrae, a shrunken stomach and a corkscrew tail.</p> <p>There is only 13 other known dogs in the world with this condition.</p> <p>The shelter workers affectionately name Quasi after the main character in the Disney film <em>The Hunchback of Notre Dame</em>. A Facebook page has been set up for him, called “Quasi the Great”, and has been flooded with request to adopt him.</p> <p>Quasi will be adopted out after he undergoes surgery to make his condition more comfortable.</p> <p>“He's a great dog,” Rachel Mairose, founder and executive director of Secondhand Hounds, said.</p> <p>“He'll have a lot of trials and tribulations, but he's a lover and he's going to find a home, I'm sure.”</p> <p><strong>Related links: </strong></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><em><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/lifestyle/family-pets/2015/11/cats-are-like-psychopaths-gallery/">11 ways cats are like “psychopaths”</a></em></strong></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/lifestyle/family-pets/2016/01/dogs-with-no-concept-of-personal-space/"><em>Dogs with no concept of perosnal space</em></a></strong></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><em><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/lifestyle/family-pets/2016/01/photos-of-animals-hitchhiking/">Hilarious photos of animals hitchhiking</a></em></strong></span></p>

News

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Lonely shelter dog finally meets new owners

<p>We hope you’ve got your Kleenex ready, this one’s a tear jerker.</p> <p>In this video we meet Suzie, a beagle who has been put up for adoption.</p> <p>She sits in isolation for what seems like an eternity, before she meets a potential owner and the moment they make a connection will definitely move you to tears.</p> <p>This video was made as part of a campaign called Save A Hound, to spread awareness of the millions of animals worldwide currently residing in shelters. Last year along, the RSPCA received over 100,000 animals in their shelters and adoption centres.</p> <p>Make sure you watch the video the whole way through. It really makes you wonder why someone would abandon such a beautiful dog, but it’s nice that Suzie got her happy ending.</p> <p><em>Video credit: YouTube / Save A Hound </em></p> <p><strong>Related links:</strong></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong><a href="/news/news/2016/01/never-carry-your-phone-in-your-pocket/">You should never carry your phone in your pocket</a></strong></em></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong><a href="/news/news/2016/01/bear-cub-performing-tai-chi/">Cute bear cub masters the art of tai chi</a></strong></em></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong><a href="/news/news/2016/01/things-you-didnt-know-your-dishwasher-could-do/">5 things you didn’t know your dishwasher could do</a></strong></em></span></p>

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Rescued kitten turns into world’s fluffiest cat

<p>Silas the kitten wasn’t doing too well when a Floridian family noticed him by the roadside.</p> <p>Thankfully, the family adopted Silas and have since nursed him back to full health.</p> <p>But much to their surprise he’s since turned into a huge ball of fur!</p> <p>Silas’ purr-fect transformation has been documented on Instagram.</p> <p>It’s amazing, he just seems to be getting furrier! Check out the gallery above for more adorable images of this little fur-bag.</p> <p><strong>Before:</strong></p> <p><img width="500" height="269" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/11644/silas-before_500x269.jpg" alt="Silas Before" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/></p> <p><strong>After:</strong></p> <p><img width="500" height="500" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/11645/silas-after_500x500.jpg" alt="Silas After" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/></p> <p><em>Image credit: Instagram / sir_silas_kitty</em></p> <p><strong>Related links:</strong></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><em><a href="/news/news/2015/12/the-oldest-cat-in-the-world/">Meet 121-year-old Corduroy, the world’s oldest cat</a></em></strong></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><em><a href="/news/news/2015/12/circus-elephants-finally-free/">Abused circus elephants finally free</a></em></strong></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><em><a href="/news/news/2015/12/five-foot-goanna-nsw-backyard/">Five-foot goanna found in Australian backyard</a></em></strong></span></p>

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6 reasons to adopt a senior pet

<p>It’s undeniable: puppies and kittens are adorable. But amongst all the cooing give a thought to the older animals. The sad truth is senior animals are routinely overlooked and often spend the rest of their lives in a shelter waiting for someone to love them. So if you’re looking for a new furry friend why not consider adopting an “over-60” pet? They make great companions for a number of reasons.</p><p><strong>Adopting a senior pet can save its life</strong></p><p>Most people adopt puppies and kittens, or younger pets. The sad reality is most people won’t even consider adopting a senior pet and when shelters are overcrowded (as unfortunately they so often are), it’s the older animals that are the first to be euthanised. So when you’re adopting a senior pet, you are truly saving their life.</p><p><strong>Senior pets are most in need of homes</strong></p><p>Many older pets in shelters were once owned and loved by someone. For whatever reasons, they were given up and abandoned at shelters. They are the most in need of a better life and a loving companion.</p><p><em><strong><a href="/lifestyle/pets/2014/09/the-benefits-of-having-a-pet/" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Related link: Why having a pet is SO good for you</span></a></strong></em></p><p><strong>Older pets are not necessarily “problem animals”</strong></p><p>Many people tend to think that senior animals are in shelters because there is something wrong with them. But that’s not true – people often give up their pets that have nothing to do with behaviour or temperament. It’s usually lifestyle choices that leave pets abandoned: owners realise the responsibility, allergies, death, or moving overseas.</p><p><strong>Seniors pets make instant companions</strong>&nbsp;</p><p>Senior animals tend to be house trained and have years of experience under their belt. They need little time to settle in. Dogs are ready to go for walks (no leash training required) and cats are ready to be your snuggle buddy. They’ve had a family before so they’re ready to embrace a new one again with devotion and love.</p><p><strong>What you see is what you get</strong></p><p>Older animals are open books – they’ve developed their personality and temperament so you will know if they’ll fit into your family or not. This makes it easier to find the right pet for you.</p><p><strong>You won’t bite off more than you can chew</strong></p><p>Many over-60s have lost their pets and may yearn for another furry friend but hold back in worry about what will happen in the years to come. Adopting a senior pet isn’t a less serious commitment but it can be a shorter one. Plus, who’s better to accompany you in your golden years than a senior pet?</p><p><strong>Related links:</strong></p><p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong><a href="/lifestyle/pets/2015/04/benefits-of-adopting-animals/" target="_blank">Adopting a dog cured my depression</a></strong></em></span></p><p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong><a href="/lifestyle/pets/2014/06/fostering-a-pet-everything-you-need-to-know/" target="_blank">Fostering a pet: everything you need to know</a></strong></em></span></p><p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong><a href="/lifestyle/pets/2014/10/how-to-become-a-pet-minder/" target="_blank">I’ve rented out my home and become a pet minder</a></strong></em></span></p>

Family & Pets

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Blind shelter kitty has own “blind cat” companion

<p>Blinkin' and Hefty, two cats living at a rescue shelter in South Carolina, are the very best of friends. They follow each other around everywhere, not just because they’re pals but also because Hefty actually helps Blinkin' get around.</p> <p>Blinkin’, a stray brought into the SPCA Albrecht Center, is blind and Hefty, the black fuzzy cat, was paired up with him to see if they would get along. As you can see, it was a match made in heaven.</p> <p>“We paired them up together and they've been together ever since,” the SPCA's Sarah Neikam told The Dodo. “It's really sweet to see them together.”</p> <p>Hefty acts as Blinkin’ eyes, guiding him to wherever he wants to go, so the pair clearly can’t be separated.</p> <p>"These two have just stuck around with us," Neikam said. "We're still looking for the right home for them."</p> <p>We’re hoping these two bosom buddies find their forever home soon!</p> <p><img width="509" height="341" src="https://assets.rbl.ms/1715963/980x.jpg" class="rm-shortcode" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" id="7519d"/></p> <p><img width="507" height="336" src="https://assets.rbl.ms/1716016/980x.jpg" class="rm-shortcode" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" id="0a975"/></p> <p><img width="513" height="451" src="https://assets.rbl.ms/1716017/980x.jpg" class="rm-shortcode" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" id="0fcb7"/></p> <p><strong>Related links: </strong></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><em><a href="/news/news/2015/08/dying-man-holds-own-wake/">Dying man holds his own wake (before he dies)</a></em></strong></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><em><a href="/news/news/2015/08/who-is-most-stylish-royal/">Who’s the most stylish royal in the world?</a></em></strong></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><em><a href="/news/news/2015/08/coffee-machine-germs-study/">Coffee machines harbour alarming germs</a></em></strong></span></p>

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Woman reads to shelter dogs to comfort them

<p>Every Tuesday, shelter volunteer Sandy Barbabella visits the Western Pennsylvania Humane Society in Pittsburgh with a book tucked under her arm. She sits with the dogs and reads to them, hoping that her small act comforts them and helps them feel less lonely.</p> <p>According to the Huffington Post, Sandy first started volunteering over a year ago, after her own furry friend of 14 years, a Pembroke Welsh corgi called Angus, passed away.</p> <p>“I enjoy it and probably get as much out of it as the dogs,” she said.</p> <p>In the photo, Sandy is reading <em>The Pup and the Biscuit</em> to a pit bull named Jade. But Sandy plays no favourites, loving all the shelter dogs equally.</p> <p>“They are all my favourites. Sometimes I just stand with the dogs in holding, and tears run down my face thinking about how people can do such things to an animal,” she said. </p> <p><img width="464" height="516" src="https://metrouk2.files.wordpress.com/2015/08/amy-crawford.jpg?w=620&amp;h=690&amp;crop=1" alt="Amy Crawford" class="img-align-none wp-image-5335391 size-full" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/></p> <p><strong>Related links: </strong></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><em><a href="/news/news/2015/08/sea-slug-photos/">Photographer captures photos of cutest underwater creature ever</a></em></strong></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><em><a href="/news/news/2015/08/stop-batter-splatter/">The easy trick to stop making a mess when making a cake</a></em></strong></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><em><a href="/news/news/2015/08/dog-does-housework/">Watch this dog doing the housework</a></em></strong></span></p>

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This picture of shelter dogs hugging saved them from death

<p>It’s a sad reality that every pet lover knows and dreads: animals at the shelter get put down.</p> <p>It was the fate for these two dogs but hours out the pair were thankfully saved.</p> <p>Staff at the Angels Among Us Pet Rescue centre in Georgia made a desperate plea on social media, uploading the picture of a terrified Kala and Keira hugging while they awaited the seemingly inevitable.  </p> <p>“We’re so scared in here,” the post said, taking the perspective of Kala, who is seen clinging to Keira, a boxer mix. “The people working in the shelters see how scared we are but just told each other that today is our deadline. We have to have someone rescue us or we’ll be ‘next.’”</p> <p>Two hours and six minutes later the furry friends were saved, taken to a loving new home where they’ll stay together forever.</p> <p> <img width="415" height="331" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpt1/t31.0-8/p180x540/11703474_10153190881532912_3851450057886040302_o.jpg" class="_1p6f _1p6g img" style="max-width: 500px; max-height: 399px; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/></p> <p>Shelter staff took to social media again to thank the thousands who had shared and commented on the image, saying “You are AMAZING people and we are grateful beyond words for your support.”</p> <p><strong>Related links: </strong></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong><a href="/news/news/2015/07/puppy-pool-party/">What happens at a puppy pool party?</a></strong></em></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong><a href="/news/news/2015/07/man-has-formal-dinner-with-cats/">This man has formal dinners with his cats when his wife is away</a></strong></em></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong><a href="/news/news/2015/07/wizard-of-oz-ruby-slipper-reward/">Wizard of Oz super-fan offers $US1 million for safe return of Dorothy’s slippers</a></strong></em></span></p>

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