Latest news with #BestFriendsAnimalSociety
CNN
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- CNN
Increase in pet adoption searches following ‘Superman' movie
Increase in pet adoption searches following 'Superman' movie According to data from the dog training app Woofz, Google searches for 'adopt a dog near me' increased 513% after the 'Superman' movie release. Krypto, the "Superdog" star in the film, was inspired by the director's rescue dog, Ozu. Warner Bros. Discovery, which is also CNN's parent company, partnered with Best Friends Animal Society for the film and covered adoption fees at select shelters ahead of its premiere. 01:15 - Source: CNN Vertical Trending Now 17 videos Increase in pet adoption searches following 'Superman' movie According to data from the dog training app Woofz, Google searches for 'adopt a dog near me' increased 513% after the 'Superman' movie release. Krypto, the "Superdog" star in the film, was inspired by the director's rescue dog, Ozu. Warner Bros. Discovery, which is also CNN's parent company, partnered with Best Friends Animal Society for the film and covered adoption fees at select shelters ahead of its premiere. 01:15 - Source: CNN Media mogul's 'one big fear' growing up made 'other fears disappear' Billionaire media mogul and IAC Chairman Barry Diller speaks to CNN's Christiane Amanpour about his new memoir, "Who Knew," and details how he had a "higher tolerance for risk" throughout his career. 02:13 - Source: CNN Meet the K-pop stars from North Korea Hyuk and Seok fled North Korea separately as teenagers. Now, after intense K-pop training, they are making their debut as members of the boy band 1VERSE. Speaking to CNN at a cafe in Seoul, they share their excitement and their dreams. 02:51 - Source: CNN Singer and actress Connie Francis dies at 87 Connie Francis, a pop singer and actress whose hits such as 'Lipstick on Your Collar' and 'Who's Sorry Now' became a soundtrack for a generation of teens in the 1960s, has died, according to a post from her publicist and friend, Ron Roberts. 01:57 - Source: CNN Lightning bolt strikes near delivery man Video shows a lightning strike nearly hitting a delivery man in Wayne, New Jersey, as storms took place across the Mid-Atlantic. 00:36 - Source: CNN Hikers confront man allegedly setting a tree on fire in LA Video shows a tense moment where hikers confronted a man for allegedly starting a fire near Runyon Canyon Park in Los Angeles on Sunday and prevented him from leaving the scene. Andrew Ocalliham was arrested and charged with one count of arson of forest land, court records show. 01:23 - Source: CNN Walt Disney comes to life on stage Seven years in the making, Walt Disney himself comes to life in a new, groundbreaking attraction at Disneyland. As an animatronic, the founder moves and speaks to the audience, all with a special twinkle in his eye. 01:39 - Source: CNN Prince Harry recreates his mother's historic landmine walk Following in his mother's footsteps, Prince Harry visited Angola's minefields just as Princess Diana did 28 years ago. The Duke of Sussex was in Angola with The Halo Trust as part of the group's efforts to clear landmines. 00:39 - Source: CNN Joaquin Phoenix apologizes for awkward Letterman appearance On Tuesday's episode of 'The Late Show With Stephen Colbert,' actor Joaquin Phoenix talked about his awkward interview with David Letterman in 2009, in which he appeared in-character as himself from his mockumentary, 'I'm Still Here.' 01:08 - Source: CNN 'Love Island USA' star Amaya on standing up for herself "Love Island USA" season 7 winner Amaya Espinal, or "Amaya Papaya", joined Alex Cooper's "Call Her Daddy" podcast after returning from Fiji to discuss her rise in popularity for being a "sensitive gangster" and her relationship with her fellow islanders. 01:25 - Source: CNN The Obamas address divorce rumors on Michelle's podcast Former President Barack Obama joined his wife, former first lady Michelle Obama, on her latest podcast episode with her brother Craig Robinson to address divorce rumors. In recent months, speculation about their marriage has run rampant after several public appearances where Michelle Obama did not join her husband, including at President Donald Trump's inauguration in January. 01:52 - Source: CNN Massive fire destroys Tomorrowland's main stage Tomorrowland's main stage went up in flames just days ahead of the festival's opening in Boom, Belgium. 00:38 - Source: CNN Why Turkish gulets are the way to sail the Aegean Traditionally used as fishing vessels, the flat-bottomed, wooden hulled gulets have become the ultimate coastal leisure craft. Offering a perfect blend of traditional charm and modern comfort, they are ideal for exploring the stunning coastline and hidden coves of the Aegean, making them a firm favorite for leisurely 'blue cruises.' 01:29 - Source: CNN Robot soccer kicks off China's humanoid sports boom Less Messi, more messy – regardless, China is investing heavily in robot sports as a way of testing how much one can achieve. 01:30 - Source: CNN Unreleased Beyoncé music stolen from choreographer's rental car in Atlanta Two laptops and hard drives containing watermarked and unreleased music by Beyoncé were stolen from her choreographer's rental car in Atlanta, according to police. 00:55 - Source: CNN Pandemonium in Japan's 'Panda Town' Pandas, and those who adore them, have been central to the culture and economy in Shirahama, Japan for years. But the four pandas at the town's local zoo really belong to China, and China wants them back, leaving town residents in emotional turmoil. 01:18 - Source: CNN
Newsweek
5 days ago
- General
- Newsweek
Rescue Dog Returned, Becomes Terminally Ill — Foster Carer Knows What To Do
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. A rescue dog was left facing the bleakest of futures after being returned to the shelter and subsequently diagnosed with terminal cancer. Then something truly remarkable happened. When Macchiato the 75-pound pit bull terrier mix first came to Best Friends Animal Society in New York City in November 2024, she was in bad shape, emaciated and beaten up, roaming the streets as a stray. It was clear to everyone at Best Friends that Macchiato would benefit from a foster stay, and they knew exactly who to ask. Mo Hussain is a seasoned volunteer and foster with the national animal welfare organization. He also has a track record for helping pit-bull terriers find loving homes. "I've been told by Leah Cohn, foster manager at Best Friends in Soho, that she sees certain dogs and thinks to herself, 'That's a Mo dog,'" Hussain told Newsweek. "I suspect that I have become a reliable foster for larger dogs, perhaps breeds that have misconceptions like Staffordshire and pit-bull terriers. Macchiato was probably my fourth foster that year. They have all found homes, and it's such a great feeling." A foster carer can make a huge difference to a shelter dog. A 2018 study published in the journal Applied Animal Behavior Science found just 15 minutes of one-on-one petting was enough to boost the well-being of a shelter dog. A foster stay serves as an extension of that idea, giving shelter dogs a chance to decompress, grow used to a domestic setting, and, in time, let their true personality emerge. Hussain saw that personality emerge early on with Macchiato. "I was completely impressed with how mild-mannered, elegant and ladylike she was," he said. "Macchiato had an unofficial nickname after a few days in my house. I started calling her Lady. She was emaciated and a bit battered, but carried herself with an Audrey Hepburn-like grace." Mo Hussain and Macchiato stop for a photo while out walking together in the streets. Mo Hussain and Macchiato stop for a photo while out walking together in the streets. Mo Hussain/Best Friends Animal Society Hussain got the sense Macchiato was "appreciative" of being in a home. "She would willingly go in her crate without being asked to and sit with her legs crossed," he said. "Her eyes are also very soft, and clearly she has a warm soul." Macchiato's size and breed sometimes made Hussain feel "self-conscious" when out and about in New York. However, he instead found himself being stopped by people taken by her eyes and how she seemed "so demure and clearly a gentle, loving creature." Hussain can still recall the conflicting emotions he had when he informed Macchiato had been adopted. "I was overcome with a bittersweet sadness that she was adopted so quickly and my time with her was brief. But I was obviously happy that such a sweet dog would have her permanent home," he said. Macchiato spent six months with her new family, but sadly it did not last. She was returned, with her adopters citing a busy work schedule as the chief reason for her return. There would be more heartbreaking news to come. Soon after her return, Best Friends staff noticed a mass on Macchiato's neck. A biopsy revealed devastating news: Macchiato had aggressive, inoperable cancer that had already spread to multiple lymph nodes. Despite the diagnosis, everyone at Best Friends felt Macchiato still had more life to live—and they were determined to make every day as special for her as she was to them. That was when Hussain stepped back in. "When I learned that she was back at Best Friends and in need of help, I was doubly sad for her. How could such a sweet dog be 'returned?'" he said. "Then, in the next breath, I heard that she was terminally ill and that the team would hate to have her spend any more time in the shelter than absolutely necessary, so I didn't hesitate to jump into service," he said. Hussain agreed to provide "fospice" care for Macchiato. "Part of me was just happy to have an opportunity to see her again," he said. "Another part of me was happy to help her have more comfort and dignity in her life, even if only briefly." It has been five weeks since Hussain agreed to take Macchiato home and she is living her best-possible life. She still enjoys daily walks in the park, playtime with her canine friends, and countless cozy moments with her foster dad. Together, they are making memories to last a lifetime. "She has higher energy days and lower energy days. It's always nice to see a gleam in her eye and a tail emphatically and excessively wagging. Some days, she lays around a bit more," Hussain said. "However, when we get her into off-leash hours at Fort Greene Park in the mornings, she comes to life, chasing a ball and running around with other dogs. But it takes a bit out of her, and she needs to rest up." From left: Macchiato plays with Mo Hussain; and relaxes in a park. From left: Macchiato plays with Mo Hussain; and relaxes in a park. Mo Hussain/Best Friends Animal Society Hussain said he hopes Macchiato's story encourages others to foster and also provide care to those dogs entering the final stages of their lives. "Sharing some time and space with a dog and providing palliative care can be deeply rewarding," he said. "I'd like to think that my dog, who went to doggy heaven 15 years ago, is looking down on me with approving eyes and is proud of what I am doing. "I hope people take away that fostering is a great way to help shelter pets and I hope that, by them reading this, I can inspire more people to foster."
CNN
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- CNN
Increase in pet adoption searches following ‘Superman' movie
Increase in pet adoption searches following 'Superman' movie According to data from the dog training app Woofz, Google searches for 'adopt a dog near me' increased 513% after the 'Superman' movie release. Krypto, the "Superdog" star in the film, was inspired by the director's rescue dog, Ozu. Warner Bros. Discovery, which is also CNN's parent company, partnered with Best Friends Animal Society for the film and covered adoption fees at select shelters ahead of its premiere. 01:15 - Source: CNN Vertical Trending Now 16 videos Increase in pet adoption searches following 'Superman' movie According to data from the dog training app Woofz, Google searches for 'adopt a dog near me' increased 513% after the 'Superman' movie release. Krypto, the "Superdog" star in the film, was inspired by the director's rescue dog, Ozu. Warner Bros. Discovery, which is also CNN's parent company, partnered with Best Friends Animal Society for the film and covered adoption fees at select shelters ahead of its premiere. 01:15 - Source: CNN Lightning bolt strikes near delivery man Video shows a lightning strike nearly hitting a delivery man in Wayne, New Jersey, as storms took place across the Mid-Atlantic. 00:36 - Source: CNN Hikers confront man allegedly setting a tree on fire in LA Video shows a tense moment where hikers confronted a man for allegedly starting a fire near Runyon Canyon Park in Los Angeles on Sunday and prevented him from leaving the scene. Andrew Ocalliham was arrested and charged with one count of arson of forest land, court records show. 01:23 - Source: CNN Walt Disney comes to life on stage Seven years in the making, Walt Disney himself comes to life in a new, groundbreaking attraction at Disneyland. As an animatronic, the founder moves and speaks to the audience, all with a special twinkle in his eye. 01:39 - Source: CNN Prince Harry recreates his mother's historic landmine walk Following in his mother's footsteps, Prince Harry visited Angola's minefields just as Princess Diana did 28 years ago. The Duke of Sussex was in Angola with The Halo Trust as part of the group's efforts to clear landmines. 00:39 - Source: CNN Joaquin Phoenix apologizes for awkward Letterman appearance On Tuesday's episode of 'The Late Show With Stephen Colbert,' actor Joaquin Phoenix talked about his awkward interview with David Letterman in 2009, in which he appeared in-character as himself from his mockumentary, 'I'm Still Here.' 01:08 - Source: CNN 'Love Island USA' star Amaya on standing up for herself "Love Island USA" season 7 winner Amaya Espinal, or "Amaya Papaya", joined Alex Cooper's "Call Her Daddy" podcast after returning from Fiji to discuss her rise in popularity for being a "sensitive gangster" and her relationship with her fellow islanders. 01:25 - Source: CNN The Obamas address divorce rumors on Michelle's podcast Former President Barack Obama joined his wife, former first lady Michelle Obama, on her latest podcast episode with her brother Craig Robinson to address divorce rumors. In recent months, speculation about their marriage has run rampant after several public appearances where Michelle Obama did not join her husband, including at President Donald Trump's inauguration in January. 01:52 - Source: CNN Massive fire destroys Tomorrowland's main stage Tomorrowland's main stage went up in flames just days ahead of the festival's opening in Boom, Belgium. 00:38 - Source: CNN Why Turkish gulets are the way to sail the Aegean Traditionally used as fishing vessels, the flat-bottomed, wooden hulled gulets have become the ultimate coastal leisure craft. Offering a perfect blend of traditional charm and modern comfort, they are ideal for exploring the stunning coastline and hidden coves of the Aegean, making them a firm favorite for leisurely 'blue cruises.' 01:29 - Source: CNN Robot soccer kicks off China's humanoid sports boom Less Messi, more messy – regardless, China is investing heavily in robot sports as a way of testing how much one can achieve. 01:30 - Source: CNN Unreleased Beyoncé music stolen from choreographer's rental car in Atlanta Two laptops and hard drives containing watermarked and unreleased music by Beyoncé were stolen from her choreographer's rental car in Atlanta, according to police. 00:55 - Source: CNN Pandemonium in Japan's 'Panda Town' Pandas, and those who adore them, have been central to the culture and economy in Shirahama, Japan for years. But the four pandas at the town's local zoo really belong to China, and China wants them back, leaving town residents in emotional turmoil. 01:18 - Source: CNN Canadian kindness breaks the internet A viral ad campaign from the Eastern Townships Tourism Association has a message for American travelers hoping to come to Canada. 01:16 - Source: CNN Tijuana sets record for largest margarita Tijuana, Mexico, sets a new Guinness World Record for the largest margarita at a massive 34,419 liters. This record-breaking event was part of Tijuana's 136th-anniversary celebrations. 01:02 - Source: CNN
The Guardian
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Guardian
Puppy power: canine in new Superman movie spurs pet adoption interest
Superman's dog Krypto is not the best-mannered canine in the new James Gunn-helmed blockbuster about the Man of Steel – but he does prove himself to be a capable sidekick and he has driven a real-world surge in pet adoption interest, if online search trends are any indication. Searches by Google users for 'adopt a dog near me' increased by 513% after Gunn's Superman was released in US theaters during the weekend of 11 July, according to the Woofz dog training app, which cited its own analysis of the trends on the search engine. Searches for 'rescue dog adoption near me' and 'adopt a puppy', meanwhile, respectively jumped by 163% and 31%. Furthermore, Google searches for 'adopt a schnauzer' rose by 299%, Woofz said on its website. That is revealing because – as the app noted – the CGI-created, red-caped Krypto which stars alongside David Corenswet's Superman in Gunn's flick evidently is a Schnauzer and terrier mutt mix. Pet lovers in the US, where nearly 6 million dogs and cats were placed into shelters and rescue centers nationwide in 2024 alone, generally met Woofz's findings alongside Krypto's scene-stealing turn with enthusiasm. More than 450 pets were adopted across the US during the first 10 days of July, when Warner Bros – the studio which released Superman – collaborated with Best Friends Animal Society to cover animal adoption fees. Nonetheless, in a statement first reported by the Wrap, Woofz chief executive officer, Natalia Shahmetova, made it a point to tell those seeking out their own Krypto that 'adoption is a real commitment'. 'The hype will fade, but your dog will stay, so make sure you're ready to give them the time, care, and training they need and deserve,' Shahmetova's statement said. Gunn has spoken publicly about how he based Krypto's likeness and behavior off his own rescue dog, Ozu, whom the Superman director called 'the world's worst dog'. When rescued from an owner who had hoarded about 60 dogs, Ozu wouldn't let Gunn and his wife 'pet him because he had never known human beings', Gunn had said. 'And he was biting my feet until they bled, ate my new $10,000 laptop, chewed up all my shoes and our furniture – and I was like, 'Thank God he doesn't have superpowers.'' That gratitude over his dog's lack of superpowers then gave the film-maker the idea to have Ozu '3D scanned and then digitally altered to resemble' Krypto – who is overly excitable, easily distracted and benevolently disobedient, but fearlessly goes into battle alongside Gunn's version of Superman, according to the Internet Movie Database (IMDb). During one particularly poignant scene, Corenswet's Superman laments how Krypto is 'not even a very good' dog at a time when the pair are apart. 'But he's out there alone, and he's probably scared,' the Last Son of Krypton says, before leaving to try to reunite with him and grapple with various enemies.
Time of India
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
When Superman's dog becomes the real hero: Krypto boosts shelter adoptions by 500%
It wasn't Superman's soaring punches or laser eyes that sparked an unexpected trend following 's reboot of the franchise. It was the dog. Yes, the dog. Krypto, the chaotic but lovable mutt who tags along in the film, has quietly emerged as the most influential character in the real world. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now He's scrappy and wild. Disobedient to the point of comic disaster. Krypto destroys anything put in front of him gear, gadgets, sometimes the plan itself. And when he does help save the day, it's usually unclear whether it's out of courage or pure dumb luck. But whatever be its mannerism, he has come out as a great character and a trendsetter too. According to data from dog training app Woofz, there's been an explosion in interest around adopting dogs since Superman hit theaters. "Adopt a dog near me" saw a staggering 513% spike in Google searches after opening weekend. The phrase 'rescue dog adoption near me' climbed by 163%. And that's not even the best part. Krypto is chaos, loyalty, and a Schnauzer mix Krypto may be animated, but his origins are deeply personal. James Gunn modeled the character after his own rescue dog, Ozu, adopted while the filmmaker was writing the script. 'I was struggling to train him and just thought, what if this little maniac had superpowers?' Gunn shared during a behind-the-scenes interview. The idea stuck, and Ozu's quirky energy was digitally brought to our screens. He looks like a Terrier-Schnauzer mix, which might explain why searches for 'adopt a schnauzer' rose by 299%, as per Woofz's report. Even more remarkably, Warner Bros. partnered with Best Friends Animal Society to waive pet adoption fees between July 1 and 10 in honor of the movie's release. That effort led to 454 adoptions across the United States. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The shelter group released a reel of families picking up their pups in Los Angeles, calling the collaboration a "surprise gift to hundreds of rescue dogs." 'Your dog won't fade like a box office bump' While the adoption boom is something to cheer for, Woofz CEO Natalia Shahmetova issued a gentle reality check. 'Adoption is a real commitment. The hype will fade, but your dog will stay, so make sure you're ready to give them the time, care, and training they need and deserve,' she said in an official statement. This isn't Gunn's first time stirring conversation about animal welfare through his films. In 2023, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 was praised by PETA for its portrayal of animal testing's horrors. 'It was surprisingly emotional,' the group said at the time, calling it 'the most powerful anti-testing statement Hollywood's ever made.'
