7 Nonfiction Books About Rescue Animals (That Aren’t Dogs)

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Dog-loving readers have probably read at least a few books about rescue dogs. Their wonderful tales can be both heartbreaking and heart-warming. What you might not have realized is that there are lots of books with true stories about other types of rescue animals as well. Here’s a list with reading recommendations for some great books about rescue animals and the humans who help save and care for them. Spoiler Alert: the animals ends up rescuing their humans as well.

We hope you enjoy and are inspired to read and share these stories with friends & family!

Saving Simon: How a Rescue Donkey Taught Me the Meaning of Compassion
In the spring of 2011, the book’s author Jon Katz received a phone call that would challenge every idea he ever had about mercy and compassion. An animal control officer had found a neglected donkey on a farm in upstate New York, and she hoped that Jon and his wife, Maria, would be willing to adopt him.

Jon wasn’t planning to add another animal to his home on Bedlam Farm, certainly not a very sick donkey. But the moment he saw the wrenching sight of Simon, he felt a powerful connection. Simon touched something very deep inside of him. Jon and Maria decided to take him in. [Read more…]

Goats of Anarchy: One Woman’s Quest to Save the World One Goat At A Time
Probably the most famous goats on Instagram, Goats of Anarchy takes you on a tour of animal rescue guru and full-time goat mama Leanne Lauricella’s goat rescue farm. This is a place where special-needs goats can heal, grow, and butt heads to their hearts’ content. [Read more…]

A Street Cat Named Bob: And How He Saved My Life
When street musician James Bowen found an injured cat curled up in the hallway of his apartment building, he had no idea how much his life was about to change. James was living hand to mouth on the streets of London, barely making enough money to feed himself, and the last thing he needed was a pet. Yet James couldn’t resist helping the strikingly intelligent but very sick animal, whom he named Bob. He slowly nursed Bob back to health and then sent the cat on his way, imagining that he would never see him again. But Bob had other ideas. [Read more…]

Joey: How a Blind Rescue Horse Helped Others Learn to See
At the height of his show career, this beautiful Appaloosa’s majestic stature, strength, and willingness to work made him the perfect partner. But when an injury cost Joey his show career, he moved from one owner to the next, ultimately experiencing severe abuse and neglect. A rescue group found Joey nearly dead from starvation―and blind. Then he came to Hope Reins―a ranch dedicated to helping hurting kids who had been abused. [Read more…]

Soul of a Lion: One Woman’s Quest to Rescue Africa’s Wildlife Refugees
For animal lovers, nature enthusiasts, and the vast readership for gripping true-life stories, this African saga is a must-read adventure. It chronicles the unique Harnas Wildlife Foundation in Namibia, where Marieta van der Merwe and her family, former wealthy cattle farmers, have sold land to buy and care for embattled wildlife. We meet Sam, the “AIDS” lion infected by mistake at a vet clinic. Boerjke, a baboon with epilepsy and Down syndrome. Savanna, the one-eyed lioness. And Marieta van der Merwe herself, the inspiring proprietor of Harnas who shares her home with needy wild animals. Survivor of an early life fraught with personal tragedy in the African Bush, she now devotes herself as care-giver and ambassador for wildlife and wildland. [Read more…]

Elephant Journey: The True Story of Three Zoo Elephants and their Rescue from Captivity
In 2013, people across North America were riveted by the story of Toka, Thika, and Iringa, the last three elephants at the zoo in Toronto, Ontario. Lonely for a larger herd, sick from the cold climate, and weak from standing for long days in a too-small concrete enclosure, the elephants desperately needed a change. The zoo and animal activists agreed that they should be moved to a healthier home, but the best option―the Performing Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) sanctuary in distant California―seemed like an impossible dream. [Read more…]

My Gentle Barn: Creating a Sanctuary Where Animals Heal and Children Learn to Hope
Ellie Laks started The Gentle Barn after adopting a sick goat from a run-down petting zoo in 1999. Some two hundred animals later (including chickens, horses, pigs, cows, rabbits, emus, and more), The Gentle Barn has become an extraordinary nonprofit that brings together a volunteer staff of community members and at-risk teens to rehabilitate abandoned and/or abused animals. As Ellie teaches the volunteers to care for the animals, they learn a new language of healing that works wonders on the humans as well. [Read more…]

Creative Last-Minute Father’s Day Gifts You Can Still Get In Time

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If you’ve been putting off shopping or just run out of ideas for your hubby, dad or grandpa for Father’s Day, we’ve got some last-minute gift ideas that might save the day! Whatever your budget, here are a few creative, last-minute Father’s Day gifts you can still get in time if you act quickly.

Car Wash Gift Card ($15-$250)

Stop by your local car wash today or tomorrow and grab a prepaid car wash for your favorite dad. If he’s anything like Woof Woof Papa, it’s been a while, and he’ll really appreciate it. If your budget permits, you can get an unlimited wash plan for a month, interior cleaning, or a premium car detailing package, but you can also just buy a simple car wash. If you aren’t sure where to go, check out the reviews on yelp.com to find the best place near your dad.

Audible Gift Subscription ($45-$150)

If your guy or dad loves podcasts and audiobooks, get him a 3-, 6-, or 12-month gift subscription to Audible. Not only will he get to choose his own audiobooks, but the membership also includes lots of extras and original content. Works with any device, phone, table or computer and it’s a great last-minute gift since you can order anytime and get it delivered instantly!

Healthy Snack Pack for Dad ($35 as shown)

A great way to treat a loved one is with a box of healthy snacks he can keep at work, home and in his car. Amazon has several gift box ideas for Dad that can be delivered the next day. This one is $35 for 40 items, and includes Free Prime One Day Shipping. If you run out of time for one day delivery, hit Target.com where you can order online and then pick up in-store within a couple hours. Many locations even have parking lot pick up where they bring your order out to you!

Beer, Wine, Liquor or Grocery Delivery ($10 OFF with our link)

Surprise your favorite dad or grandad with cocktail or meal supplies delivered straight to his door! You order online through Instacart choosing from several local grocery and liquor stores, and a local shopper fills your order and delivers it for you. This is great if you live out of town, just make sure to put in the address of the recipient, not yours. Also be sure someone 21+ is going to be home to receive the order if you send beer, wine or spirits. Use this link to get $10 OFF your first Instacart order. And don’t forget to tip your shopper in the app when you order.

Gift Subscription to BarkBox ($35-$249)

If your favorite dad is also a dog dad, we recommend BarkBox. It’s a monthly gift box of dog goodies, treats, toys and surprises. You can order an e-card gift subscription for 1-12 months of BarkBox or start a subscription for them. If you start a subscription for them you can use BarkBox coupon code: WOOFWOOFMAMA to get a free month added to any plan.

Visit our BarkBox Reviews Page to learn more and see photos of past BarkBoxes.

Secret Restaurant Menus for Dogs + More Pet Stories from Around the Web

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Stuck indoors this weekend, or just looking for some quick and easy reads? Catch up on the latest animal news, pet advice and fun dog facts with these great stories from around the web.

ICYMI, news broke just before the holidays that Ikea launched a new Pet Furniture Collection, and we want it ALL! The collection is currently being rolled out in stores across the US, Canada, France and Japan.

Dogs can’t speak human. Here’s the tech that could change that. Scientists are finally working on something we’ve always dreamed about but could never imagine becoming a reality — the ability to have a chat with our fur kids. Yes it’s true, scientists are working on a pet translator, and it could mean that you might finally be able to actually understand what your dog is trying to say.

If your dog could talk, they would tell you that Starbucks has a Puppuccino for dogs (this is one of Daisy’s favorite things), but did you know that some of your other favorite spots offer yummy, unpublicized treats just for four-legged patrons? Check out these Restaurants with Secret Menus for Dogs compiled by Modern Dog Magazine, and an even bigger list of businesses that cater to pets put together by our friends over at BarkPost.

Recent weather has been pretty crazy. Many pet owners are aware of the dangers to dogs and cats in extreme heat, but the risks can be even greater during a cold spell. The folks over at NPR ask pet experts How Cold Is Too Cold For Pets? According to Daisy, anything below 50 degrees fahrenheit is too cold for a Florida dog like her!

Weird animal question of the week: Why Dogs Pee in Their Bowls and and other odd pet behaviors explained by the animal experts over at National Geographic.

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This is the Top Seller in Pet Supplies on Amazon Right Now

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No surprise that Amazon has some great prices on pet products but I’m often amazed at their selection and at the huge number of customer reviews pet parents are posting. Just take a look at the Amazon Top 100 In Pet Supplies list and you’ll see what I mean!

The #1 best selling item in all of pet supplies is this Precious Cat Ultra Premium Clumping Cat Litter with 11,868 customer reviews and a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars. Cat people sure are passionate about their kitty litter!

“A clay litter uniquely formulated combining heavy non tracking granules with medium grain. The result is an excellent clumping litter that prevents moisture from reaching the bottom of the litter box, while providing a clump that will not break apart. Ultra is perfect for multi-cat families and cat owners with sifting or mechanical litter boxes and it controls odor naturally without perfume, deodorants or chemicals.”

Got questions? There are 341 Customer Questions and Answers to give you “the scoop” on anything you want to know about this cat litter. Go HERE to read customer reviews, see customer photos and read answers.

Wondering what else made the Top 100? Visit the bestsellers pet supplies list here to see the most popular pet products updated hourly.

Tired of Adulting? No Prob-LLAMA! Instant Happy Notes + More Fun Stuff to Beat the Winter Blues

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Being a grownup got you down? You’re never too old for a new lunchbox or a great set of colored pencils! In fact, when I spotted this Llama Lunchbox, I knew it would be perfect for holding all of my coloring and drawing supplies. It got me inspired, and since I figure I’m not alone in needing a little pick-me-up to help cure the winter blues, I put together a little list of fun and random stuff to make you smile.

Feeling happy can start with making other people smile, too! This book of 101 Instant Sticky Happy Notes can be used in your kiddos lunchbox, your spouses laptop bag, your co-workers cubicle or anywhere you and yours need a mini message of happiness. I got these in my January PopSugar Must Have Box and have been sticking them all over the place!

Winter is cold and flu season and that means lots of hand-washing to keep the germs away! Add some cuteness to your bathroom or kitchen counter with this adorable Bunny Ring Holder. It’s got a padded base and comes in other animal shapes and colors, too.

Feel like hybernating or catching an extra cat nap? This Cat Eye Sleep Mask is both fun AND functional. It’s purr-fect for helping you get more zzz’s and has gel inserts that can be chilled or warmed for added relaxation and rejuvenation anytime.

[Read more…]