Akira the Burmese cat falls from an eight-storey building and survives. Owner April Twyford paid a whopping $8000 veterinary bill and is happy to report Akira is well on her way to recovery. To read this story in full click here! 

There really is nothing worse than arriving at your chosen destination to find the airline has lost your luggage, but for Josiah Allen something a lot more precious was lost: his dog Paco.

A runaway dog that traveled Interstate 290 during morning rush hour for two days before finally being nabbed by police Thursday is being treated for exhaustion at a local clinic. The dog — now dubbed "Eisenhower" by the staff at Hillchester Animal Hospital — dodged traffic and police Wednesday morning before disappearing into a forest preserve. On Thursday, he was back, his escapades again broadcast by local traffic helicopters as the black pit bull led would-be rescuers on a two-hour chase east and west along the expressway. Eisenhower is now up for adoption after a week in recovery and is currently living with a foster family while he waits for his new forever home.

George the dog's spirits need a lift

For every pet living with a happy family, there is an animal in a shelter waiting to find a new home and for George this wait has been longer than most. His shyness often means he's overlooked and this is such a shame because all he wants is love which he so deserves.

George's Story: ''I am a two year old German Shepherd cross and I am typical of my breed - I am big, bouncy and full of fun! I can worry about things at times too so it is super important my new owners want to help me grow in confidence so I can be care- free and happy too! I love to play, especially with my toys, tug-o-war is my favourite! The staff at Dogs Trust are really looking after me at the moment but I can't wait to find my forever home''.

If you would like more information about me or any of my buddies please contact Dogs Trust on 01 879 1000 or check out www.dogstrust.ie

Lufthansa has announced that it will no longer transport dogs and cats to laboratories after PETA published photos of 50 caged beagles on their way to laboratories courtesy of the airline. Every year millions of animals- dogs, cats, primates, rats, mice, rabbits, sheep and many other species are tortured and killed in laboratories across the world. Thousands of dogs are poisoned yearly to test drugs, medical devices and vaccines. Beagles are used because of their size and gentle nature.

This is a significant result and with Lufthansa taking such a public stand it's hoped more will follow. Air Canada stopped shipping dogs to laboratories in 2007, while Cathay Pacific and Qantas also refuse to ship any animals for these purposes too. Less than one day after PETA posted the photos the airline changed its policy. It just goes to proves that change is possible and we all need to make sure our voices are heard. If you would like to know more about helping to put a stop to animal testing then please see StopAnimalTests.com.

I am a two year old German Shepherd cross and I am typical of my breed - I am big, bouncy and full of fun! I can worry about things at times too so it is super important my new owners want to help me grow in confidence so I can be care- free and happy too! I love to play, especially with my toys, tug-o-war is my favourite! The staff at Dogs Trust are really looking after me at the moment but I can't wait to find my forever home.

If you would like more information about me or any of my buddies please contact Dogs Trust on 01 879 1000 or check out www.dogstrust.ie
 

The Easter holidays are nearly over so if you are running out of things to do with the kids check out www.learnwithdogs.co.uk. There are fun online games and lots of ideas for activities that should keep them occupied for a wee while!

Gold medallist braves the cold for her pet causes. The US snowboarder shed her Burton snow gear for Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue; an outspoken vegetarian, she condemned the hunting of seals in Canada and is now the face of PETA 'Save the Seals' campaign.

The athlete is being accused of sexualising the Olympic event. Hannah Teter who explained to reporters that she will not pose full nude did say "I was really amped up to do that because I don't believe in the criminalisation of bodies and women having to be ashamed of their bodies," Teter told Reuters. "That's just so wrong." Hannah recently generously donated the prize winnings she won from her last tour to help victims of the Haitian earthquake. Hannah Teter, we think your Top Dog!

You've probably seen the ad's on TV for the newly opened Dogs Trust rehoming centre in Dublin. Lots of dogs in need of forever homes. Visit them from 12 noon - 4pm every day, including weekends. Closed on Turesdays. For contact information and directions go to the Dogs Trust website.

Hi everyone. Tonight is the season premiere of Lion Country, a look at the work of the African Lion Rehabilitation & Release into the Wild Program airing at 7.30pm on ITV1. The reviews are countless including many reader's choice, pick of the day or pick of the week accolades. Here are just three:

Hunting for a life in the wild - Herald Scotland
Lion Country review - Sky.com
Lion Country - Mirror.co.uk

The official ITV site for the series is: http://www.itv.com/lifestyle/lioncountry/

In episode one we meet 5 month old Jelani & Jabari as they begin to explore their natural surroundings. Meanwhile Dakhiya receives treatment for an abscess caused by her playful brother Damisi.

You'll meet David Youldon, ALERT Chief Operating Officer, Sibo Ncube, the Research Supervisor, Makeyi Ncube, Head Lion Handler, Natalie Post, a volunteer, Keith Dutlow and his assistant Ed Oelofse, the wildlife vets and Leigh Ann Marnoch, Antelope Park's Lions Manager.

Want to become a fan? Go to ALERT Facebook Page for updates on future episodes, photos and news.  

Minister for the Environment John Gormley with retriever Eggnog at
the Dublin SPCA yesterday. Photograph Brenda Fitzsimons

The day has finally arrived, a first step in seeing Irish animal welfare legislation up to international standards. Lack of legislation meant Ireland had become known as ''puppy breeding farm of Europe'' so it's a very happy result for everyone involved. Click here to read the full story as reported by Ronan McGreevy (irishtimes.com)

One of our members, Shirley has helped many unwanted animals find new forever homes. With rescue organisations at bursting point, foster volunteers are needed now more than ever. If you are interested and would like to know more about volunteering, then please email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it




Here she tells her story: Hi my name is Shirley and I am a volunteer for dogs in distress. Dogs in distress have no premises so they rely on other people to foster dogs and pups that are then are placed into homes. They are fed, loved and helped relax into beautiful happy dogs and then homed into forever homes. Dogs in distress have major vets bills because they often have that are sick or come in horrific conditions. They also vaccinate micro chip and neuter all dogs that are homed through dogs in distress. It is very important that people help them with donations which can be done by PayPal through the official dogs in distress site.


All my foster dogs have been beauties. My first foster was Jake a Yorkshire terrier found wandering by Ashton dog pound. He came to me over weight and no one reclaimed him so we helped him loose a few pounds. Kids and my partner all loved him and soon he was re-homed and has settled very well since. My second foster was Nellie/Abi, a paterdale terrier who was a cracker. So placid and pretty she was re-homed in Scotland and loving it. Then I had Brandy and Dora, 8 week old beagles crossed with jack Russell who were fantastic little babies and were re-homed very quickly to lovely families. Lastly are my cuties now whose mammy is a boxer and father a Labrador, mammy did not bond with the puppies so they were surrendered into the dog pound in Slane. Dogs in distress helped out and put them into homes I have 4. Three boys and one girl, all little angels. Two have homes now and the other two will have homes soon, but there have been many dogs that have not made it because someone cruelly treated them.

Last week alone a lovely Akita passed away she came in very bad condition. Her foster family loved her and she was doing great but then took a turn for the worse. A little puppy was in foster and she had problems digesting food. Dogs in distress raised money for her operation, at a cost of €2000 and another €2000 for after care but the poor little thing passed away while on operating table. All these dogs come through Ashton dog pound which is funded by dogs in distress and rely on donations. So this Christmas if you can buy a calendar ( great christmas pressie!), foster or adopt or help in any way you can that would be great. Also please support other great places like dogs aid and dogs trust. I wish everyone and all your wonderful family pets a happy Christmas and New Year. A special thanks to Barbara who is helping me with this from Petchums. Shirley xx

This is Zip who was rescued by Petchums.com member Lilyan and we wanted to share their story with you. His tale highlights the love and compassion felt by a complete stranger and includes a happy ending and a very happy dog. Great Job Lilyan!