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Associated Press
a day ago
- General
- Associated Press
HILL'S PET NUTRITION AND KITTEN LADY HANNAH SHAW TEAM UP TO HELP SAVE MORE KITTENS AND SUPPORT SHELTERS DURING BUSY KITTEN SEASON
Initiative aims to reduce fostering barriers and support shelters facing an uptick in tiny felines during this critical time OVERLAND PARK, Kan., June 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Every spring and summer, animal shelters across the country face a surge of vulnerable kittens in need of care—a time known as 'kitten season.' According to Shelter Animals Count, kittens under five months made up 57% of all feline shelter intakes last year, with neonates (kittens under four weeks old) requiring intensive, around-the-clock care. This overwhelming demand often strains already-stretched shelter resources, leaving many kittens at risk without community support. To address this critical issue, Hill's Pet Nutrition —backed by a 22-year commitment to shelter pets through its Food, Shelter & Love program —has teamed up with award-winning kitten rescuer and educator Hannah Shaw (aka Kitten Lady) to rally support for kittens and shelters on the frontlines. The collaboration aims to inspire more people to foster by equipping them with valuable resources that instill confidence while highlighting the critical role of nutrition in every kitten's journey. How Fostering Works – and How Easy It Can Be Despite the lifesaving impact of fostering, only 1 in 10 Americans have ever fostered pets, according to findings from the upcoming Hill's 2025 State of Shelter Pet Adoption Report. Fostering is a rewarding way to make a difference in the lives of vulnerable kittens while addressing a great need for shelters and rescues. Most shelters typically provide everything a foster needs from food and supplies to veterinary care, removing any financial barriers so fosters only need to provide the love and care. 'Having fostered over 1,000 animals, I've seen firsthand how impactful fostering can be,' said Shaw. 'By opening your home to a kitten in need, you're not only giving them a better life but also helping shelters focus their resources where they're needed most. Fostering doesn't require any special experience—just a loving heart and a willingness to help. I'm proud to partner with Hill's to show how accessible and rewarding it can be to foster.' How Hill's Supports Shelters and Fosters For more than 20 years, Hill's has been a partner to shelters, providing vital, high-quality nutrition to more than 1,000 shelters in North America and helping more than 15 million pets find new homes. Many Hill's-supported shelters offer complimentary Hill's Science Diet Kitten foods to foster families, ensuring that kittens receive the specialized nutrition they need to grow and thrive. Once kittens are ready for adoption, Hill's continues to support their healthy start by offering New Pet Parent Kits, which include a starter bag of Hill's Science Diet food and helpful resources for new pet parents. 'Nutrition plays a vital role in a kitten's early development, and early exposure to a variety of food textures and flavors is key,' said Lisa Restine, DVM, DABVP (feline), feline professional veterinary affairs manager at Hill's Pet Nutrition. 'Hill's Science Diet Kitten foods are carefully formulated with balanced minerals to support growing bones and teeth and an antioxidant blend of Vitamins C & E to support developing immune systems. Science Diet Kitten is available in dry, wet and stew, and with different protein options to help fosters and new adopters introduce their kittens to different forms of food, setting them up for long-term success.' Join Us to Help Save More Kittens Whether you're ready to foster or looking for other ways to support, there's never been a more crucial time to open your home to kittens in need or support your local shelter. Here's how you can help: About Hill's Pet Nutrition Founded more than 75 years ago with an unwavering commitment to science-led pet nutrition, Hill's Pet Nutrition is on a mission to help enrich and lengthen the special relationships between people and their pets. Hill's is dedicated to pioneering research for dogs and cats using a scientific understanding of their specific needs. As a leading veterinarian recommended pet food brand, knowledge is our first ingredient with nearly 200 veterinarians, PhD nutritionists and food scientists working to develop breakthrough innovations in pet health. Hill's Prescription Diet therapeutic nutrition plus our everyday wellness product line, Hill's Science Diet, are sold at vet clinics and pet specialty retailers worldwide. For more information about our products and nutritional philosophy, visit Media Contact Ariana Brancato, [email protected] View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Hill's Pet Nutrition
Newsweek
4 days ago
- Health
- Newsweek
Anger As 4-Week-Old Husky Puppy Found in Trash Can 'Barely Hanging On'
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. When a kind stranger heard faint cries coming from a trash can in Austin, Texas, they stopped to investigate. Inside, they found a tiny, four-week-old husky puppy—"cold, weak", and "barely hanging on". Without hesitation, the good Samaritan rushed the puppy to a local emergency veterinary clinic where the dog, now named Kiss, was in a critical condition. His blood sugar was too low to read and he was too weak to eat, but veterinary staff worked through the night to stabilize him, warming his tiny body, administering fluids, and doing everything they could to give him a fighting chance. Despite being so fragile he could barely lift his head, staff could tell Kiss wanted to hold on, and by the next morning he was transferred to Austin Animal Center to finish his treatment, but when he still needed more help, Austin Pets Alive! (APA) stepped in. Pictures of husky puppy Kiss who is now in the care of Austin Pets Alive! (APA!). Pictures of husky puppy Kiss who is now in the care of Austin Pets Alive! (APA!). Austin Pets Alive! APA! At APA!, Kiss received more urgent medical intervention. The team worked quickly to regulate his blood glucose, rehydrate him, and start him on antibiotics—just in time. "Care like this would cost over $1,000 at a private clinic," APA! told Newsweek. "We do everything we can to keep that cost lower for pets like Kiss—but it's still a heavy lift." In 2024, approximately 7 million animals entered U.S. shelters and rescues, according to Shelter Animals Count—an increase of nearly 3 percent from 2023. By the end of the year, 103,000 more pets had entered shelters than had exited. Stray dog and cat intakes decreased slightly in 2024 compared to 2023, but strays still made up 60 percent of all community intakes. Now he is on the mend, Kiss's story was shared on APA!'s Instagram account, @austinpetsalive, last week, where his little face has captured hearts, racking up nearly 2,000 likes. "Precious baby! Thank you to all who helped save this pup!" said one viewer on Instagram. While another wrote: "Prayers for this sweet puppy." "That tiny baby," said @modernalchemytx. "Who is throwing an angel like that out like garbage." Now, Kiss is searching for a foster home where he can continue to heal and grow. Anyone interested in Kiss should contact Austin Pets Alive! directly for more information. "This little pup would be lucky to have you and you would be lucky to have him," APA! said. Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? Send them to life@ with some details about your best friend, and they could appear in our Pet of the Week lineup.
Newsweek
22-05-2025
- General
- Newsweek
Tears at Reason Dog Started Carrying Her Puppies To Neighbor's House—'Safe'
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. When a dog in Tennessee began dropping off her puppies outside a neighbor's door, there was initially some confusion. It was only later that the heartbreaking reason for her actions was discovered. Animal shelters across America have witnessed an increase in the number of puppies entering the system. Earlier this year, Shelter Animals Count, one of the main sources for national data on animal sheltering organizations, revealed 841,000 puppies under 5 months old entered shelters and rescues in 2024. That amounts to 29 percent of all dogs taken in last year and represents an increase of 29,000 puppies compared to 2023. Merrill Fortier and the other staff at Shultz's Guest House dog rescue shelter located in Dedham, Massachusetts, have witnessed this trend firsthand. A few weeks ago, they welcomed a litter of seven adorable white puppies into the facility. One by one, they young pups had been abandoned by their mom on the doorstep of a homeowner in Tennessee for reasons that would later become apparent. "A kindhearted person had been feeding the mother dog, as her owner was not providing her with care and likely hadn't been for quite some time," Fortier told Newsweek. "The mother began bringing her puppies to this person's house as well, knowing they would also find food." Evidently desperate to ensure her puppies' safety, the mom dog must have hoped her human friend would help. In taking such drastic steps, she ultimately saved her litter's lives. Initially, it looked like the puppies would end up in the shelter system. "The first three of the puppies she brought were taken to a local county shelter in Tennessee," Fortier said. However, their luck changed for the better when a couple called Dawn and Brett agreed to foster the three puppies, kick-starting a fortuitous chain of events. "Dawn and Brett realized they actually knew the person who had been feeding the mother dog, as they were former neighbors," Fortier said. At the same time, the mother dog was continuing to bring more puppies to the neighbor's home. The decision to keep returning to the same spot with different puppies was one born out of pure survival instincts. "The mother dog had been finding food at that house and instinctively knew it was a safe place for her puppies to be fed and cared for," Fortier said. There was something different about when the puppies were left at this location now also: they had somewhere to go. "When the mother continued showing up with more puppies, those pups were brought directly to Dawn and Brett's home, where their siblings were already being lovingly cared for." The mom dog's actions coupled with the kindness of Dawn and Brett helped pave the way for the puppies to enjoy the happiest of endings: all seven have now been adopted to forever homes of their own. Sadly, though, their mom remains back in Tennessee with her original owner, and her situation is showing no signs of improvement. "Both the mother and the father of the litter are still in the same situation," Fortier said. "Their owner provides no care, so the dogs continue to rely on the kindness of the neighbor who's been feeding them." Any rescue or adoption looks unlikely. In fact, the mom may end up facing the same scenario all over again. "At this point, they are quite feral and may never be suited to life as typical family pets," Fortier said. "It's very possible that the mother may become pregnant again in the future." Those seven puppies may never know how close they came to a very different life.
Newsweek
22-05-2025
- General
- Newsweek
Security Cam Shows Cat's Heartbreaking Reaction After Being Left at Shelter
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. Footage of a heartbreaking animal abandonment has been shared online after a person left a cat uncaged on a front porch before quickly walking away. The incident occurred on Monday, May 19, 2025 at approximately 12:15 p.m., according to Josh Reyes, director of operations at Plainfield Area Humane Society (PAHS), New Jersey. Just five minutes later, the cat was spotted by the Shelter Manager, who happened to be checking for donations at the front entrance. "She was beginning to move toward the busy street when we found her," Reyes told Newsweek. "Thankfully, we were able to safely secure her in time." In the footage, a person in a hood walked toward the porch of the rescue, letting the cat out of a cage and leaving her there, with a busy road nearby. As they walk away, the feline looks back but thankfully did not move before being discovered by the rescue. Pictures from the security footage of the moment the cat was abandoned on the front porch. Pictures from the security footage of the moment the cat was abandoned on the front porch. Plainfield Area Humane Society PAHS Initial evaluations by the shelter's staff revealed that the cat is young, friendly, and appears to be in good health. Notably, she has expressed mammary glands, which suggests she may be pregnant or recently gave birth. Per New Jersey state law, the cat will be held at PAHS for seven days, after which she will become available for adoption. "We are committed to finding her a loving and permanent home," Reyes said. "She deserves a life where she never has to experience abandonment again." Animal shelters continue to navigate large intake numbers in 2025. Recent data from Shelter Animals Count shows that 1,944 animals were surrendered as of April 25, 2025, an increase of around 11 percent compared to the same time in 2024. "Shocked cat didn't run thank gosh," said Rachel, while Laura added: "So sad, broke my heart when the cat was watching her walk away." While there is currently no information about the person who abandoned the cat, Reyes and his team are hoping that the public can help identify them. Abandoning an animal is a criminal offense in New Jersey under State Statute. PAHS shared the surveillance footage on its Facebook page, hoping to crowdsource leads and raise awareness. In response, members of the community have shared their outrage and concern for the pet. "Our goal is to understand what led to this situation," Reyes said. "A simple phone call to our organization could have changed everything for this cat. Shelters like ours are overwhelmed, but we will always do our best to help—no animal should be left behind like this." PAHS urges anyone with information about the individual in the video to come forward by contacting the shelter directly.
Newsweek
01-05-2025
- Newsweek
Pup Being 'Mauled' Overnight in Shelter by Large Dog Frustrates Viewers
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 heartbreaking video showing the aftermath of a puppy being "mauled" at an animal shelter left people frustrated and demanding accountability. A New York-based animal rescue organization, Rescue Dogs Rock NYC, recently posted to Facebook a horrific video that showed how a puppy named Barrett was found one morning at an animal shelter. Along with the video was a message from the intake shelter where the incident occurred, which stated the shelter staff found Barrett with his mouth torn apart, exposing his teeth and gums, when they came in one morning. The staff suspects that the incident came from a large dog in the kennel next to him. The dog could have reached him through an opening at the bottom. However, their suspicions have not been confirmed, the post stated. Since this unfortunate event, Rescue Dogs Rock NYC took him into its care. A representative told Newsweek via Facebook that Barrett is with a veterinarian getting much-needed care. In an update, the rescue said that his wound is being cleaned daily to avoid infection. He will also see a specialist who will assess regenerating the tissue that is no longer there. Despite the attack, the rescue shared that Barrett is "still all smiles." His youthfulness shines as he enjoys eating, drinking and playing. Newsweek reached out to the rescue to identify the shelter where the attack occurred, as well as to the cofounder of Rescue Dogs Rock NYC via text for additional information. A puppy is receiving treatment from a vet after being "mauled" in an animal shelter. Staffers believe another dog attacked him through a hole in the kennel. A puppy is receiving treatment from a vet after being "mauled" in an animal shelter. Staffers believe another dog attacked him through a hole in the kennel. RescueDogsRockNyc/Facebook The rescue organization called the attack a result of shelter overcrowding. About 5.8 million cats and dogs entered U.S. shelters in 2024, according to Shelter Animals Count. This is about a 1 percent decrease from a year earlier. Despite the slight dip in pets entering shelters, many are still feeling the effects of overcrowding, lack of resources or funding and pleading for foster homes or adopters. Facebook Reacts Even with Barrett transferred to a rescue and receiving medical care, Facebook viewers were immediately up in arms about the attack. The post amassed over 12,000 likes and 2,400 shares. "Shelter needs to take accountability for this, as it was their irresponsible behavior that caused it. So sick of this. Poor animals have no chance," said one person. A second wrote: "Everyone needs a better plan going forward at this place so this never happens again. This puppy is suffering now. I know all of you have good intentions but better planning and safety measures are needed." Another added: "So sad. Still wagging its tail after all the trauma. Please save this pup."
