ANIMALS

Lost Dog Roams Neighborhood in Search of His Family for Days

Recently, people in a neighborhood in Southern California spotted a large dog wandering around the area, often seen near the highway and nearby streets. Concerned for the dog’s well-being, they quickly contacted Suzette Hall, the founder of Logan’s Legacy dog rescue. Observing the dog’s behavior, Suzette could tell that he didn’t belong to anyone and was in need of assistance.

“He definitely did have a home before,” Hall told The Dodo. “He would circle the same three streets over and over again, and that’s what they do when they’ve been dumped — they stay in the area where they were left.”

Image source: Suzette Hall

Despite the determined efforts of everyone involved, the dog managed to elude their attempts to rescue him. On several occasions, he would dart down neighboring streets, seeking refuge from the kind-hearted individuals who were trying to catch him. At times, he would even venture onto the highway, causing a halt in traffic as people waited patiently for him to move out of harm’s way.

“He would go up the entrance ramp and make a U-turn,” Hall said. “I was so scared that he was gonna go back on the freeway, but, luckily, he came back down.”

Image source: Suzette Hall

When Hall arrived, she chose to take a different approach: instead of attempting to corner and catch the dog, she opted to give him the space he required while observing his behavior. By identifying his hiding spots, Hall could determine the optimal location to set up a humane trap. Her intention was to create a situation where the dog would feel more comfortable and willing to enter the trap on his own terms.

Hall felt a profound sadness knowing that the dog had been alone for such a long time. As she observed him roaming the neighborhood, her heart shattered even further.

“He was so hungry,” Hall said. “He would go into the yards where they had cats and eat the cat food, then go over and drink gutter water. He was hungry, but he was also so scared.”

Image source: Suzette Hall

Hall quickly discovered the dog’s preferred sleeping spot at night, and she strategically positioned her trap there, filled with tempting treats and filled with optimism. With bated breath, she observed as the dog cautiously approached the trap. However, her heart sank moments later when he merely sniffed the food and nonchalantly walked away.

In their subsequent effort, Hall and her team of rescuers opted to relocate the trap to another yard. It was the dead of night, and despite the dog’s wary disposition, they believed he might feel secure enough to cautiously explore the trap.

“We threw little pieces of hot dog in his direction then went and hid,” Hall said. “He went into that trap so fast after that. It was quiet, so he didn’t feel threatened.”

Image source: Suzette Hall

With the dog safely caught in her trap, Hall felt a wave of relief wash over her. After days of searching, the dog was finally out of harm’s way and in a secure place.

As they traveled to the veterinarian, Hall glanced back at the dog, now named Vader, and noticed him sleeping peacefully.

“He fell asleep like there was no tomorrow. He hadn’t had any sleep that whole week,” Hall said. “That’s my favorite part: when they close both eyes because they’re safe.”

Image source: Suzette Hall

After a brief rest, Vader entered Camino Pet Hospital. Initially cautious of his new companions, he quickly warmed up to their affection and found comfort in their presence. Once the doctor confirmed his good health, Vader made himself comfortable in his dedicated room at the clinic, where he could finally enjoy some well-deserved rest.

“The vet let him stay there a couple of nights so he could decompress,” Hall said. “Then he went with my trainer who fosters and trains at the same time.”

Despite having spent a significant amount of time on his own prior to being rescued, Vader flourished in his foster home, where he was embraced by a loving canine community. Before long, he fully emerged from his shell and proudly became an integral part of the dog pack.

Image source: Suzette Hall

Nowadays, you can often spot Vader engaging in playful activities or enjoying leisurely strolls alongside his furry companions. However, his true bliss lies in cozying up and cuddling with anyone who’s willing to share their warmth with him.

“He’d cuddle somebody all day if he could,” Hall said. “He cuddles with all of his foster brothers, including a new puppy the trainer just got. He and that puppy just lay together on the couch all day.”

Image source: Suzette Hall

It hasn’t been very long since Hall saved Vader, but with the incredible care provided by her team, his life has undergone a remarkable transformation. Although the affectionate pup is still waiting to find his forever home, he continues to cherish each day spent with his newfound companions, relishing the company of his beloved friends.

“He’s like a whole new dog now,” Hall said. “He’s a total miracle.”

ANIMALS

Amazing Video of Unseen Ocean Creatures in the Ningaloo Canyons

The Schmidt Ocean Institute recently explored the Ningaloo Canyons on the western coast of Australia using a robotic underwater vehicle called the ROV Sebastian. Check out the amazing video of what they discovered in the deep parts of the Indian Ocean.

More info: Youtube

ANIMALS

These Pics Are Art and the Artists Are Insects

Flying insects move so quickly that they are hard to follow, but new technology and some smart ideas have helped Spanish photographer Xavi Bou do just that. After spending 10 years focusing on birds in flight for his Ornithographies project, he turned his attention to insects.

For Entomographies, he uses high-speed video footage taken by Adrian Smith, an insect expert at North Carolina State University, to study and record how insects move. Bou then picks multiple frames and combines them into single images that show the fast movements of one or more insects through space and time.

With Smith’s help, Bou has captured the aerial tricks of wasps, the jumps of leafhoppers, and the fluttering of butterflies in amazing detail. He hopes that by doing this, he can make people more aware of the decline in important insect populations around the world.

1. Zebra longwing

This butterfly, which is common in many areas of the Americas, really fits its name. It can fly very high with just a few flaps of its large wings.