Uncommon rescues, the Paraplegic Possum and others....

“Research suggests that the earliest flying reptiles swallowed small pieces of volcanic rock and could breathe out flammable gases like hydrogen produced in their own bodies. It is hypothesized that their ingenious “fire breath” was used as a defense against predatory reptiles. - Bats Sing, Mice Giggle: The Surprising Science of Animals' Inner Lives by Karen Shanor and Jagmeet Kanwal - Good Reads

- The authors show how animal 'friends' stay in touch, and how they warn and help each other in times of danger; how some animals problem-solve as or in some instances even more effectively than humans - and how they regulate, create, and entertain themselves and others. - Amazon


The following short film features two Humans who, often times, go to great lengths to improve the quality of life of their charges. Sometimes that results in a life span far beyond the typical prognosis. When we see what those great lengths are - it really isn't a surprise.

Respect, Medical Care, Security, Consistent routine, Novelty, Diet and Affection.

Marry the will to survive with an out-of-the-ordinary boost of creativity, imagination and care-taking - and animals (who might otherwise be written off as hopeless) in this tale - thrive beyond survival to enjoy an extraordinary life. Even so, death is the grounding constant. Treasured moments, quirky personalities and endearing charm.



"Pickle" is directed by Amy Nicholson and distributed by Oscilloscope Laboratories.
It is part of The Atlantic Selects, an online showcase of short documentaries from independent creators, curated by The Atlantic.

The Atlantic on YouTube: Subscribe

Link Surf -

• Adopted! A Two-fer. Blind Dachshund would be lost without BFF Pit Bull guide dog. MSN
• Is a High-Five Cat more adoptable? Can't hurt. Greater Good
• These pets are way richer than most everyone else on the planet - via inheritances. Everplans
• Find your lost pet with PawBoost. Also on Facebook
• That's all for now. Beanbag. MissCellania

Saving Riley - rescue and recovery

“Courage doesn’t happen when you have all the answers. It happens when you are ready to face the questions you have been avoiding your whole life.” - Shannon L. Alder


Unconditional is the opportunity to discover what comes next. The choice to invest or divest is personal. The reward? Self-revealing.


This is the story of Zak and Riley. Additional links show the story on Ellen and in a news feature promoting the book signing.

First, the introduction.



Zak Anderegg interviewed about rescuing Riley and the book he wrote telling the rest of the story on YouTube. Watching Riley through his recovery, Zak realized his efforts to help Riley heal reflected his own story. This new relationship had also changed him.

A brief set up from the book:
For much of Zak’s childhood, he was at the bottom of a veritable canyon himself—a canyon whose imprisoning depth and darkness was created by bullies who just wouldn’t quit and parents who weren’t capable of love. From the age of five, Zak was everyone’s favorite target.


Zak and Riley on Ellen
Zak's book: Rescuing Riley, Saving Myself: Amazon
Zak and Riley on Facebook.com/canyonpuppy


Another rescue story involves a depressed and distraught Donkey. Ronnie was severely traumatized, fading and retreating from life. A younger Donkey companion died after becoming entangled in barbed wire. Ronnie was injured in his desperate attempts trying to free his friend.

The story is part of the Dodo Party Animal series featured on Facebook. It's easy to fall in love with Ronnie. Find out more about Ronnie's new home and other stories at The Enchanted Farm Sanctuary/Facebook. Robin Birdsong's intro vid on YouTube.

Follow the Dodo on twitter.