Category: pets

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Lil Bub, the Cat That Became an Internet Sensation, Has Died

In some very sad news, Internet-famous cat Lil Bub has passed away at the age of 8. The adorable cat with the goofy face had 2.4 million followers on Instagram and was a social media star.

Lil Bub’s owner, Mike Bridavsky, said on social media, “On the morning of Sunday, December 1st 2019 we lost the purest, kindest and most magical living force on our planet,”

View this post on Instagram

This is my first photo with BUB next our last photo together. On the morning of Sunday, December 1st 2019 we lost the purest, kindest and most magical living force on our planet. BUB was cheerful and full of love laying in our bed with us Saturday night, but unexpectedly passed away peacefully in her sleep.. I have always been fully transparent about BUB's health, and it was no secret that she was battling a persistent and aggressive bone infection. Even knowing this, we weren't expecting her to pass so soon or so abruptly without warning. I truly believe that she willingly made the decision to leave her failing body so that our family would not have to make that difficult decision ourselves. It is impossible to put into words the profound effect that BUB has had on my life, on the lives of thousands of homeless pets, and on the lives of those of you that have cared for her as if she were your own family. She taught me everything that I know about unconditional love, she brought my wife Stacy and I together, she's the reason we have our beautiful children Rosco and Lula, and she has been a constant source of warmth and love in our lives for the past 8 years. To say that our family is devastated would be an understatement. But most importantly, BUB has made a huge difference in the world of animal welfare, and in the lives of millions of people worldwide. She has literally saved thousands of lives (both pets and humans), she started the first national fund for special needs pets, she was the subject of groundbreaking genetic and biological research, she's helped raise over $700,000 for animals in need, and has spread a message of determination, positivity, and perseverance to people all over the world. And even though my heart is absolutely crushed by her graceful departure from planet Earth, I know that her sprit, magic, and overwhelming energy are still with us, reminding us every day to be better. Dearest BUB, I will never forget your generosity, your limitless supply of love, or your uncanny ability to bring so much magic and joy to the world. I am forever honored and humbled that you chose me as your caretaker. Please visit all of us in our dreams o

A post shared by Lil BUB (@iamlilbub) on

Lil Bub rose to prominence in 2011 when Bridavsky posted a photo of the cat on Tumblr.

https://bublog.tumblr.com/post/12524777484/sup-bub

Lil Bub became a sensation due to her appearance, which was the result of several genetic deformities. The little kitty had medical problems throughout her life and became the first cat ever diagnosed with osteopetrosis when she was only a year old. Even though Lil Bub had so many health issues, Bridavsky said that her death was a shock, and the day before she passed away she was “cheerful and full of love laying in our bed with us but unexpectedly passed away peacefully in her sleep.”

He added, “I have always been fully transparent about BUB’s health, and it was no secret that she was battling a persistent and aggressive bone infection. Even knowing this, we weren’t expecting her to pass so soon or so abruptly without warning.”

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BUB in my lap.

A post shared by Lil BUB (@iamlilbub) on

Lil Bub is the second famous cat to die in 2019, after Grumpy Cat passed in May. Here is a photo of the two social media darlings together.

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Friends forever

A post shared by Grumpy Cat (@realgrumpycat) on

Bridavsky said, “I am forever honored and humbled that you chose me as your caretaker.”

RIP Lil Bub. You will be missed.

The post Lil Bub, the Cat That Became an Internet Sensation, Has Died appeared first on UberFacts.

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These Good Dogs All Use Wheelchairs to Run and Play!

Maybe you’d be tempted to feel bad for these exceptional pooches, but don’t worry about them. Yes, they have to use wheelchairs for one reason or another, but they’re living their best lives, and they’re clearly very happy to have a new lease on life.

Enjoy these beautiful pics and videos of these pups zipping around.

1. I’m a huge fan of Moby!

2. Look at them go!

3. All those fall colors.

4. Awwwww. My heart is melting.

5. Atlas is doing great!

6. Let’s go for a stroll.

7. He even has a cool license plate.

8. A dynamic duo!

9. Don’t slow me down!

10. Gone, but not forgotten.

Wonderful, aren’t they? I think so.

If you have any pets that use devices like these, share some photos and stories with us in the comments!

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There’s Now a Real Formula to Calculate ‘Dog Years’

If you’ve ever had a dog, you know that your pup has two “ages” — their actual age, and their age in so-called “dog years.” To calculate dog years, you simply multiply the dog’s age by seven. But is there any actual scientific evidence behind this formula?

The short answer is no — but scientists have come with a more accurate way to calculate it.

Researchers at the University of California, San Diego, examined dog DNA to see how quickly dogs age. They looked at 104 Labrador retrievers from 1 month to 16 years old, comparing their rates of DNA methylation – which usually speeds up as living beings age – to those of humans.

Photo Credit: Pixabay

The researchers found that the rates of methylation were similar between dogs and humans; however, adolescent and mature dogs experienced more accelerated aging.

Based on this data, they came up with a new formula for calculating dog years.

Take the natural logarithm of a dog’s age, multiply it by 16, and then add 31.

By this measure, a 2-year-old dog would be 42 human years old – way older than 14!

However, methylation slows later in life, so the dog’s age in human years doesn’t increase as quickly. A 5-year-old dog would only be 57 years old, while a 6-year-old dog would be 60. A 10-year-old dog would equate to a 70-year-old human.

Photo Credit: Pixabay

This formula might not be completely accurate for every dog breed, as different dogs age at different rates, while the formula was determined based on data from Labs. Still, it’s a very interesting and informative contrast to the old unscientific 7-year rule!

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Over 100,000 Dogs Are Killed Each Year Riding in Truck Beds

Country songs are known for their sense of Americana—distant train whistles, love for family, broken hearts and a dog in the back of a pick-up.

Romantic imagery for sure, but unfortunately, our bubble has to burst.

The pick-up is not the best place for the dogs to ride.

Photo Credit: Pexels

Since the cabs of pick-up trucks might only be a front bench seat, dogs are often shown the bed of the truck for a trip.

But though it seems convenient, American Humane strongly cautions against letting dogs hang out in the back of pickups, stating that an estimated 100,000 dogs die in accidents yearly riding in truck beds.

100,000 dogs! That’s so many!

One obvious reason is that dogs jump, especially if they are curious or scared. Even if they are trained or have calm personalities, if there’s an accident, they can fall or jump out of the bed and get seriously injured or cause other collisions.

Photo Credit: Flickr

The bed of a truck can be much colder or hotter than the cab, where the temperature is controlled. Since there’s no protection back there, wind can also blow debris around getting into dogs’ ears, noses, eyes and mouths. In the heat of summer, metal beds can burn paws.

Even leashing or crating the dog while they are in the bed can causes more problems than protection. Dogs can be strangled if they are thrown from a truck while leashed. If a dog is confined in a crate, it could prevent them from escaping in case of an accident.

Photo Credit: Pixabay

Some dogs love being back there. Other dogs may get anxious at the noises and confusion of the road.

It turns out, there are really a lot of reasons to keep them out of the bed of the truck. And your dog is your best friend, right? So keep them safe – and in the truck next to you.

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These Huge Dogs Clearly Think They’re Still Little Puppies

I love big dogs. They’re cuddly, snuggly, and they make great companions.

Buuuuut, sometimes, these gentle giants don’t understand how massive they are and for some reason, they think they’re lap dogs.

And that’s definitely the case with these giant puppers.

1. No, you really aren’t.

I’m a lap dog! from aww

2. Big dog in the house.

She insists on being a lap dog from aww

3. Might be a polar bear.

He may look like a bear but he identifies as a lap dog from aww

4. Missing out.

5. That dog is HUGE.

My dog thinks he’s a lap dog when my grandma stops by from aww

6. He’ll never understand…

My friends retriever will never understand he’s too big to be a lap dog. from aww

7. He has no idea.

My gf volunteers at a rescue, this guy thinks he’s a lap dog from aww

8. Your legs will fall asleep.

9. It’s working out…for him…

He decided that he identifies as a lap dog. from aww

10. Awwwwww, look at that.

Two years to the day from aww

11. Don’t tell him that.

This is Otis. He thinks he’s a lap dog. I don’t have the heart to tell him otherwise from aww

12. A gentle giant.

This puppy still thinks he’s a lap dog. Otis the 90 lb 7 month old Newf pup! from aww

13. A human chair.

14. A massive guy.

170 pound lap dog from aww

15. Not a baby anymore.

She isn’t a baby anymore, but she’s still my lap dog…I’m 6 1/2 feet tall from aww

Do you have a huge dog that thinks they’re a little, itty bitty thing?

If so, share some pics in the comments!

The post These Huge Dogs Clearly Think They’re Still Little Puppies appeared first on UberFacts.

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These Huge Dogs Clearly Think They’re Still Little Puppies

I love big dogs. They’re cuddly, snuggly, and they make great companions.

Buuuuut, sometimes, these gentle giants don’t understand how massive they are and for some reason, they think they’re lap dogs.

And that’s definitely the case with these giant puppers.

1. No, you really aren’t.

I’m a lap dog! from aww

2. Big dog in the house.

She insists on being a lap dog from aww

3. Might be a polar bear.

He may look like a bear but he identifies as a lap dog from aww

4. Missing out.

5. That dog is HUGE.

My dog thinks he’s a lap dog when my grandma stops by from aww

6. He’ll never understand…

My friends retriever will never understand he’s too big to be a lap dog. from aww

7. He has no idea.

My gf volunteers at a rescue, this guy thinks he’s a lap dog from aww

8. Your legs will fall asleep.

9. It’s working out…for him…

He decided that he identifies as a lap dog. from aww

10. Awwwwww, look at that.

Two years to the day from aww

11. Don’t tell him that.

This is Otis. He thinks he’s a lap dog. I don’t have the heart to tell him otherwise from aww

12. A gentle giant.

This puppy still thinks he’s a lap dog. Otis the 90 lb 7 month old Newf pup! from aww

13. A human chair.

14. A massive guy.

170 pound lap dog from aww

15. Not a baby anymore.

She isn’t a baby anymore, but she’s still my lap dog…I’m 6 1/2 feet tall from aww

Do you have a huge dog that thinks they’re a little, itty bitty thing?

If so, share some pics in the comments!

The post These Huge Dogs Clearly Think They’re Still Little Puppies appeared first on UberFacts.

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This Hero Cat Saved a Human Baby from Falling down the Stairs

Hero cat!

When you think of pets saving children from harm, your mind undoubtedly goes toward a dog. Maybe it’s because of Lassie and her ilk (though you would think those types of pop culture references would be disappearing), but listen up – this video proves beyond the shadow of a doubt that a cat can also be a loyal, protective pet.

The baby was crawling on the living room floor while the cat observed from the sofa, but when the little one took off for an open staircase, the cat raced over and pounced.

Whether the cat was actually trying to save the kiddo or not, his intervention did just that.

And it seems like the kiddo has a good and loyal playmate, if nothing else.

Some people (of course) took the opportunity to judge – the parents, the cat, whatever – but I think we should all just take a minute to be thankful that nothing terrible was caught on video for once.

You may not want to hire you cat as a nanny, but it is nice to know they bond with their humans enough to keep a close eye on those who can’t always take care of themselves.

The post This Hero Cat Saved a Human Baby from Falling down the Stairs appeared first on UberFacts.

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This Funny Looking Christmas Tree Will Keep Your Pets Away from Your Ornaments

Christmas trees add a nice touch to the holiday season — until your cat or dog gets their hands on it. Pets are naturally curious about Christmas trees, and for good reason! What animal could resist a brand new tree in the middle of your living room with a bunch of bright, shiny, dangling objects that very much resemble toys?!

But you don’t have to be cursed to forever pick up ornaments off of the floor, or come home to a tree that is fully knocked over. There’s now a half-sized Christmas tree that’s perfectly designed to keep curious paws away from it. It’s called the Parasol Christmas Tree. It’s six feet tall, but only has branches at the top, so the branches and ornaments are out of most pets’ reach.

Photo Credit: Argos

The Parasol Christmas Tree is also useful for other purposes. It’s great for families who have young kids who tend to mess with the tree. It’s also helpful for people who don’t want to crowd up a small apartment with a full-sized tree, but still want a tree with some height to it.

Yes, this tree looks… unconventional. But with the addition of a pile of presents underneath, it still manages to retain the traditional Christmas charm of a full-sized tree. Plus, it comes in multiple colors, including a snowy version.

Photo Credit: Argos

Unfortunately, the Parasol Christmas Tree is only available in the U.K. at the moment. Our friends across the pond definitely aren’t the only ones with naughty pets, though. It’s only a matter of time before a U.S.-based company follows the trend!

In the meantime, you could always make a DIY version or buy a Christmas palm tree instead.

The post This Funny Looking Christmas Tree Will Keep Your Pets Away from Your Ornaments appeared first on UberFacts.

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This Is How Your Cat’s Purr Can Literally Help Heal You

This won’t surprise cat owners in the slightest. Your cat’s purr has a real therapeutic effect, and it can even help heal you.

Cats purr for a variety of reasons. Most often, they purr out of contentment and happiness — this is the most obvious reason, easy to observe in any cat who’s happily curled up on the lap of their favorite person. But cats also purr when they are injured, frightened or hungry.

Nobody knows exactly why cats purr when they do. But given that they do so in stressful situations, it’s likely that the purring has a calming and healing effect. According to Wired, some veterinarians have even observed cats lying alongside other injured cats and purring.

It’s called “purr therapy.” (Awesome)

Photo Credit: Pixabay

It seems that the healing power of purring could also extend to humans. Purring is relaxing for humans — it calms our nerves and lowers blood pressure.

Purring may even have literal, physical healing benefits. Domestic cats purr at a frequency of 26 Hz, which is within a range that promotes tissue regeneration. In humans, vibrations at this frequency can help soft tissues like muscles and tendons, and they can also heal bones and keep them strong.

All this isn’t quite as woo-woo as it sounds. Some scientists believe that cats purr to stimulate their bones so they don’t become weak while they lay around all day waiting to hunt. Similarly, vibrating plates have even been proposed to help maintain astronauts’ bone density in space.

Photo Credit: Pixabay

So the next time your cat purrs on your lap, snuggle a little closer. It may be doing your body good!

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15 Very Good Dogs That You Should Meet Today

I love these good doggos!

Having a tough day? Go pet a dog!

Short on cash? Look at some pics of dogs!

Girlfriend kicked you out, slashed your tires, and drained your bank account? Call a lawyer! And then go to the dog park and play with some dogs.

You get the point. Enjoy these good boys and girls!

1. Adorable.

2. Good job Toshi!

3. Language lessons.

4. I got plenty of time.

5. Just a little off the top.

6. I think you scared them.

7. Really feeling it.

8. She’ll get the hang of it.

9. All tuckered out.

10. I’m waiting…

11. Can we try this again?

12. That looks like fun.

13. Follow the leader.

14. What did I do?

15. Best friends makin’ some noise.

Good dogs! All of ’em!

Share a pic of your pooch in the comments and tell us a little bit about them!

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