Pets are always in the news, whether for saving the day or just for being so gosh darn cute. But what about those stories that you actually have to read to believe? This week I decided to take a look at some of the craziest and downright weirdest news stories I could find.
1. Surf's up, brah!
The dog days are far from over. According to ABC News, a very special surfing competition was held in Huntington Beach, California, where an Olympic-style event featured some very talented canines. In the video below you’ll see Boxers, Labradors, French Bulldogs and even a little Chihuahua “hang 10” in the cutest way possible!
2. Shape grooming
Yes, this is a real thing now. Dog lovers in Japan have certainly stepped their grooming game up. According to Ryan Barrell of the Huffington Post UK, the new Japanese dog trend is shaving fur into perfect geometric shapes like circles and squares– think Minecraft. The video below shows a very talented groomer giving a pooch a circular hair style.
3. Blindness caused by cat licks?
Toldeo, Ohio woman, Janese Walters, was left blind in one eye after contracting an infection from her cat, reported Bianca Seidman of CBS News. Walters explains, “I woke up one day and I couldn’t see out of my left eye.” Doctors ran tests for about a month and traced the infection back to Bartonella, which causes the condition “catch scratch” disease. The common bacteria can be passed to humans from cats through bites, scratches and even licking.
4. Do you have your cat library card?
When you go to your local library you’re allowed to borrow books. When you go to your local cat library you’re allowed to borrow cats. Yup, you heard right. Reported by Alex Goldsmith of KRQE News, the Animal Care Center of Mesilla Valley in New Mexico has been working with the local Dona Ana County Government Center since 2012; together they have created a kitty adoption center in the government building.” The adoptable cats are occasionally “borrowed” by employees which allows them to be better socialized around people. County worker and Reddit user, Looclyooo (Tiffany Tillison), posted, work has a “cat library.” You can “check out” a cat to take back to your desk for an hour."
If you have any questions or concerns, you should always visit or call your veterinarian – they are your best resource to ensure the health and well-being of your pets.