A cat owner from Arizona went viral after sharing her kitty’s reaction to moving home, and internet users can’t cope with the emotional footage.
The TikTokclip shared in December by @donutsforbreakfast, shows the cat, Sauvignon Blanc, also known as Sauvi, wandering around her new home, crying, as if feeling out of place and overwhelmed by the move.
“My heart,” reads layover text in the clip. “We just moved and she won’t stop wandering the house and crying. She’s been doing this the last 24 hours.” The caption adds: “She’s thinks we are both lost.”
The poster, Justine Ramos, told Newsweek that Sauvi had a really hard time with their recent move, but she has now finally adjusted to her new home.
“The first day we set her up in a bedroom, and she hid. Then the next day she wanted to explore, and that’s when I took this video,” she said.
“She kept wandering around the garage and house and crying (I think we had a lot of her items still boxed up, so maybe the smell was triggering for her). But she did cry like that for about four days, and now she is settled and very VERY happy!”
Ramos explained that Sauvi is a very sensitive cat, so they already knew the move would be really tough for her.
“I was shocked that this video went viral, and I was grateful for all the supportive comments. Many people shared their moving tips, and I hope that it helps someone else who has a sensitive cat going through a move!” she said.
Moving home with a cat can be overwhelming for them at first, but there are ways to make the move easier on our furbabies.
If they’re an outdoor cat it’s important that you keep them inside for about three to four weeks at the start to avoid confusion or running away.
Once this time has passed you can let them out just before their meal time, to ensure they come back motivated by hunger.
Go outside first and show them that it’s safe. Do not force them if they hesitate. Leave the door open, even if they’ve always used a cat flap. Start with small periods and build up.
The video quickly went viral on social media and it has so far received over 523,200 views and 50,200 likes on the platform.
One user, Cardboard_Cult, commented: “My cat was doing the same after we got our house. it just means they are stressed.”
Mismysaniti said: “Imagine your old apartment was her whole planet. She is now an earthling on Krypton.”
Malij_777 wrote: “This might sound silly but did you explain to her what’s happening?”
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After getting into a chalk paint roller, a toddler decided to paint the entire house blue, including their ginger cat—and pictures of the accident have left internet users in stitches.
The viral images shared on Reddit in November, under the username u/Jozee_hog, show the unimpressed ginger cat sitting near his food bowl, with his face and front paws entirely painted blue, looking more like an Avatar than a housecat.
“EMERGENCY PLEASE HELP,” the poster wrote in the post, concerned about any possible effects of the chalk paint on the feline.
“I don’t where else I can post this if you do please let me know. This morning before I woke up my toddler got into chalk paint and got it all over my walls carpets and floors and CAT it’s all been cleaned except my cat I’ve tried dry brushing, a bath, and damp brushing but he still looks like this.
“I don’t know what else I can try ChatGPT is suggesting coconut or olive oil as a last resort does anyone have any suggestions before I try this?”
When a user on JustAnswer veterinary platform asked a similar situation with their cat, Dr. Bruce, a veterinarian with over 15 years of experience, explained that this scenario is unlikely to pose any danger.
In his answer, he explained that the amount of chalk on the cat’s fur should not be problematic if they groom it off, although it could lead to complications such as gastrointestinal upset or diarrhea if the kitty were to consume a significant amount of the actual chalk pastel.
In this case, he suggested bathing the kitty to remove as much as possible, and keeping an eye out for vomiting, as it could suggest an upset stomach.
“If she has a more sensitive stomach, this might occur, and your vet can provide medication to help settle it. I wouldn’t be too concerned if it happens,” he said.
The post quickly went viral on social media and it has so far received over 40,000 upvotes and 1,400 comments on the platform.
One user, Western-Telephone-94, commented: “All I can think is how sweet and tolerant this cat is that your toddler was able to do this!”
Due-Investment764 said: “I can’t help here but I’m so sorry I’ve never laughed so hard because what an orange cat thing to do.”
Pylo84 added: “I really hope the cat is fine but my god this is funny and it’s such an orange cat issue to have. Seems the toddler and cat are well matched!”
Newsweek reached out to u/Jozee_hog for comment. We could not verify the details of the case.
Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? Send them to life@newsweek.com with some details about your best friend and they could appear in our Pet of the Week lineup.
After losing her two cats within months, a woman from New York wasn’t ready to welcome a new pet in her life—until a tabby showed up to her door and forced her to adopt him.
In a viralRedditpost shared on Tuesday under the username u/danooli, she shares pictures of the feline making himself comfortable in her home, trying all the furniture and window sills, acting like he has been living with her all his life.
“I wasn’t ready for a new cat after we lost one in June ’24 and another this past March. This tabby decided we were ready when he marched in and made himself at home,” the woman says in the caption.
“We’ve named him Albert after the character from Little House on the Prairie. The vet cleared him healthwise and did not find a chip so he’s staying I guess.”
The poster, Dani, told Newsweek that, one morning, she was in her backyard, feeding the feral cat who has been visiting her and her husband for over a year, when she suddenly noticed another feline watching from his hiding place on a cypress tree.
“I made the pss-pss-pss noise and got their attention and I was meowed at in return. It was a feeble, small mew, more than a full-throated meow, so I made up a bowl of food for them as well. When I brought it over, I saw he was a boy, and I was even allowed to briefly pet his head. The other cat—we call her Miss Cici—would never allow us to pet her, so I felt special.
“That evening, as I was bringing dinner for Miss Cici, this new cat was also waiting. After he ate, he found a catnip plant we have in our yard, and he went bonkers on it. Seeing how happy he was, my husband brought out a long nylon string to see if we could entice him to play. Immediately, he showed interest and played for a while.”
Then, when the family opened the door to their home, the boy cat—now Albert—immediately ran inside and sat down in the kitchen, refusing to leave the house.
“My husband is actually allergic to cats, so we weren’t planning on allowing him to stay, but he really didn’t want to leave. So we opened the flap to the cat door we had installed years earlier for our departed cats—who were both Siberian forest cats, which are hypoallergenic—so he could leave when he felt like it, but he ended up falling asleep under a table so we left him and let him stay.”
In the following days, the cat kept coming and going through the flap, and once the family realized he was there to stay, they took him to the veterinarian to check for a microchip and for a checkup. Now he is an official member of the household.
“Miss Cici and Albert get along very well, and she seems a lot more open to us after we brought him in, so we are hoping she will eventually allow us to love her properly soon!” the poster added.
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The post quickly went viral on social media and has so far received over 12,000 upvotes and 213 comments on the platform.
One user, Wendigos_and_witches, commented: “As someone that felt this same way when I lost my familiar … Albert understood the assignment! I just imagine your two going through a CDS catalog. ”Yup! He’s the one. Send him in!’”
Illustrious_Lion7671 said: “Who can blame Albert? He found an excellent home with a comfy sofa, warm lap and premium entertainment (live squirrel TV)!”
EnleeJones wrote: “I love how cats will just waltz into a house and be like ‘I live here now’ and we go ‘Okay.”
Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? Send them to life@newsweek.com with some details about your best friend, and they could appear in our Pet of the Week lineup.
Squirrels: Are they just rats with better PR? Be advised that this is not safe reading material for squirrel lovers, or even squirrel apologists. In my opinion, squirrels are worse than rats—smarter, more devious, more destructive. I’ve had them nest in my chimney, chew holes in my eaves to get into my walls, and destroy multiple bird feeders. I even had one chew through an entire 4-by-2 pergola rafter to get at a suet block.
With the popularity of smart bird feeders, it’s even more important to learn ways to keep them out of your yard, lest they turn your investment into a pile of chewed-up plastic bits. To make matters worse, if you live on the West Coast like I do, you’re likely to be dealing with the Eastern gray squirrel, which is a nonnative, invasive species that competes for resources with native species like Western gray squirrels. What’s a backyard bird enthusiast to do?
Lucky for you, I’ve been feeding birds for almost 25 years across three different states, and have been testing smart feeders for the past year, fighting near-daily battles with these furry neighborhood foes. I’ve tried it all and found out what works—and what doesn’t—so you can keep your sanity intact.
First off, there is a tried-and-true method of foiling squirrels, and it’s both free and harmless. Experts refer to it as the 5-7-9 Rule: Keep your feeder at least 5 feet off the ground, 7 feet away from structures like houses, trees, or fences; and 9 feet away from anything overhead that they could jump from, such as a tree branch or roof. This usually means putting your feeder on a pole with a baffle (I use the set above), or hanging it from a tall shepherd’s hook.
If you’re in the market for a bird feeder, especially a smart feeder, it’s imperative that it have the option to hang or be pole-mounted, because if you can only mount it on a fence or a tree, you’re essentially rolling out the welcome mat for squirrels. (All the smart feeders I recommend, including Birdfy and Bird Buddy, include pole mounts.) If you want to go the extra mile, you can also grease your pole with Crisco, which doesn’t last long but is good for an entertaining day or two.
Note that if your smart feeder doesn’t have an attached solar panel to charge the battery, you likely won’t be able to mount it on the pole with the feeder without some jury-rigging, so I recommend going for a model with a built-in solar roof or no solar panel at all.
After following a woman at the park for over a week, a stray cat finally managed to get her to adopt him—now he has a warm home and a mom who loves him.
In a viralRedditpost shared on Saturday under the username u/Evanessa_r the poster says that the tabby tuxedo stalked her on her evening walks for over a week trying to befriend her. “I often go for walks in the park in the evenings, and this stray cat started coming to me every day at exactly 8 p.m.” she wrote in the caption.
“Our friendship lasted for over a week until one evening the weather was bad and raining, but I decided to go check on my friend anyway, and this sweet little bundle of joy was sitting all wet under the bench, waiting for me.
“From that day on, she became family. As Dominic Toretto said, ‘I don’t have friends, I got family,’” she added.
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The post also features some pictures of the poster holding the kitty while sitting on a bench in the park, with the feline leaning his head on her chest, as if he knows that he is safe around her.
“The journey of a stray cat who came to me in the park and walked with me for over a week to a domestic cat surrounded by love,” the poster said.
We all know that it is cats who choose their owners, and not the other way around. But what makes felines pick one person over another?
Experts say that cats choose their favorite human based on who invests the most effort in understanding and communicating with them.
According to Union Lake Veterinary Hospital, felines prefer those who pay attention to their cues, motives, and needs.
Their choice is also influenced by personality and breed. Calm cats often favor quiet people, while energetic ones usually seek playful companions.
Building a stronger bond with your feline involves time, attention, and communication. Spending time together, matching their interests, talking to them, and offering regular affection through petting or play helps strengthen the relationship.
The video quickly went viral on social media and has so far received over 9,000 upvotes and 143 comments on the platform.
One user, Minsc_NBoo, commented: “I think I’ve got something in my eye. She was so desperate to find her person, and now she has a forever home. The last picture really shows pure love in her eyes.”
Cabitaa posted: “The fact that she was waiting for you in the rain. You guys are so lucky you found each other!”
Xtunamilk added: “Poor little thing looks like a lost or abandoned pet and must’ve been so cold and lonely out there. I’m glad you found each other and you took the little one in!”
Newsweek reached out to u/Evanessa_r for comment via Reddit. We could not verify the details of the case.
Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? Send them to life@newsweek.com with some details about your best friend, and they could appear in our Pet of the Week lineup.
Petkit Eversweet Max for $90: This techy automatic fountain can be either cordless or battery-powered (lasting up to 83 days), and the drinking bowl is made of stainless steel, but the reservoir is plastic. Because of the shape of the basin with the chunky battery and reservoir bowl, it’s a little awkward to clean. The app logs every time a pet drinks and compares it over time to determine whether your cat’s drinking habits have changed. The app also keeps track of when the filter needs replacing and when you last added water. However, it doesn’t monitor or show you how much water is left in the basin; you have to check manually. The design also made it a bit difficult to clean and refill easily.
Enabot Rola Smart Pet Water Fountain for $50: This automatic fountain is cordless and runs on a rechargeable battery that lasts up to 60 days (although it can stay plugged in too). It has a wireless pump that uses magnetic induction—this pump was one of the easiest and most hassle-free to clean of all I tested. The fountain has a stainless steel top that holds a decent amount of water even when not running. Although the tank is plastic, and I’m wary of plastic now because of its propensity to harbor bacteria (plus it doesn’t keep water as cold). The app gives reminders of when the water’s low, the fountain needs cleaning, or the filter needs replacing, plus it automatically stops dispensing water and sends you a reminder to refill via app. It also logs the number of times your pet drank and for how long, monitoring hydration patterns over time and comparing the stats to average time used. A complaint I had is that this fountain wouldn’t stay on Continuous stream mode, even when plugged in, instead automatically switching to the Sensing stream.
Homerunpet Wireless Pet Fountain for $60: This cordless fountain can be used as a traditional fountain plugged in on its base, or can be detached and moved around the house with 30 days of battery life. I don’t love that this fountain is all plastic, but it’s easy to see water levels from the outside, the top and filter layers are super easy to remove, clean, and replace, and the wireless (basically silent) pump makes it a whole lot easier to clean. Plastic doesn’t keep the water as cold or clean as stainless steel, so you’ll have to clean it a lot more often. The fountain only begins bubbling when a cat (or human) approaches to save battery power, and there’s no option to control the flow (and no connected app). I like the wireless pump, but I’m really over plastic at this point.
Photograph: Kat Merck
Wonder Creature Cat Fountain for $20: My two cats have cycled through several water fountains over the past few years, but this no-nonsense version has been a stalwart. The inside is lit by a blue LED (bright enough to glow in the dark), and a clear viewing window on the side makes it easy to monitor the water level from afar. I also like the dishwasher-safe metal bowl and the fact you can remove parts of the yellow and white “flower” to create a fountain configuration your cat likes (waterfall, low bubble-up, tall bubble-up). The only major downsides are the fact it requires very frequent cleaning and filter changes due to the plastic body, and that there is no reservoir to hold water in case of power outage or pump malfunction. When I go on vacation I have to swap it out for an old-school gravity dispenser. —Kat Merck
Happy & Polly Gothic Cat Drinking Fountain for $60: If you prefer gothic decor to neutral blandness, this ghostly ceramic cat fountain from Happy & Polly may tempt you to bite. The water bubbles up out of the top of the ghost and pools on the ceramic top. It’s fairly quiet at around 35 decibels, but it gets loud when the water is running low, and I worry about the motor burning out, as the 1.5-liter capacity can run dry fast. While the ceramic finish is easy to clean, it is fiddly to take apart. You will want to clean it once a week to prevent it from becoming slimy, and you must change the filter once a month. —Simon Hill
Petkit Eversweet Solo 2 for $45: I love three key features of this fountain: The bowl sits on top of a wireless charging base, so you don’t have to fiddle with cables, it is super easy to clean, and it’s very quiet at around 25 decibels. A flashing light warns you when the water is running low, and you can check when the filter needs to be changed in the app. There’s an optional smart mode that pumps intermittently and a night mode to turn the light off. Pleasingly, all three of our cats drink from this fountain, though that does mean I have to refill it often, as it only holds 2 liters. —Simon Hill
Photograph: Simon Hill
Oneisall Stainless Steel Pet Fountain for $50: This drinking fountain is about as simple as they come. As it’s designed for cats or small dogs, it has a large bowl, but some cats will prefer that. I love the mostly stainless steel construction, as it’s easy to keep clean and less prone to dirt and bacteria buildup. You can even stick parts into the dishwasher to clean. This fountain can also hold up to 7 liters of water, so you don’t have to refill as often. It’s fairly quiet at around 35 decibels, but it gets louder when the water is running low (a red light warns you when it needs a refill). You should clean once a week and rinse the filter. The filter packs are relatively affordable at $15 for a pack of eight, and you need to swap them once a month. —Simon Hill
Petlipo Cordless Cat Water Fountain for $57: This all-plastic pet fountain sits on dock for easier tank cleaning and is rechargeable for up to 60 days of cordless power, has a wire-free pump, a large 2.6 liter capacity, and three customizable water flow modes (induction, timer, and continuous flow). The heavy duty filter is encased in a plastic cage and only needs to be replaced every 4 to 5 weeks. I had no issues while using this fountain, but at nearly $60, thats egregiously expensive for being made out of cheap (and bacteria-harboring) plastic. Although it’s a solid fountain, I’d spend less and grab one of stainless steel picks.
Not Recommended
Photograph: Molly Higgins
Petcube Ceramic Pet Water Fountain for $90: I really wanted to love this fountain; although its basin is plastic, it had a ceramic top, which is more hygienic than plastic (and I had never tested a ceramic model before), and the brand makes some of my favorite pet cameras. However, setup was a bit confusing, it took a long time to get the base charged to power the fountain’s water flow, and the sensor to begin water flow is only triggered from one side, making placement awkward. After a few days, it would only run while plugged in, soon its stream was barely strong enough to reach the top, and after just over a week it stopped working altogether. Also, it’s egregiously expensive for a pet fountain.
Photograph: Molly Higgins
Cat Mate 3-Level Pet Fountain for $28: This tall automatic Cat Mate fountain sets itself apart with three tiers for cats who like to drink at every level. Cleaning the motor requires disassembly using tools and extended soaking. Because of the long distance the water has to travel, evaporation caused the water to need to be refilled about every other day. Plastic also harbors bacteria, and previous plastic models I’ve owned have had mold issues. The basin is quite large and sits flat. Because of this, some debris would sit in the bottom and front of the large basin rather than moving back to the filter system behind. The plastic material and lack of ergonomic gravity design caused this fountain to be dirtier than others.
Whisker City Free Fall Cat Fountain for $30: This huge fountain is better suited for dogs—with a large 150-fluid-ounce bowl and a waterfall design. Although the basin has a small splash pad to help offset the waterfall noise, this was one of the loudest fountains I tested. The evaporation from the waterfall-like system also caused me to refill it every other day. Because of the structure of the fountain, my cats had to bend their head at an awkward angle. They tended to avoid drinking from the basin because of that, and their heads got slightly wet from the splatter of the waterfall. The basin is also not angled so crumbs and debris sit at the bottom of the bowl.
Petkit EverSweet Solo SE for $26: This very simple, straightforward fountain has a square-shaped body, is translucent to easily see water levels from he outside, and has a nearly silent 25-decibel cordless pump to circulate water from the basin to the top level, where 60 milliliters of water is always available for drinking, even in case of power failure. The basin sits on a base and all parts easily detach, making it easier to clean. This fountain doesn’t have multiple modes or an associated app—you’ll have to check water levels manually. I noticed this fountain wasn’t as cold as some of the others, and because of the design of the top, debris often pooled in the dipped areas, which made me clean it often.
I used each of these for a week as my cats’ main source of water. As mentioned, I noted the ease of setting up, evaluated parts and filters, and generally compared the various types of water fountains—spigot, bubbling, or waterfall. Some flows were continuous and some were intermittent (my cats didn’t prefer intermittent). Cats may also be intrigued and want to play with the machine rather than drink, so be sure to give them time and keep another water source around until they are fully adjusted to the new gadget.
Cats sometimes struggle to consume enough water, which can lead to potentially lethal UTIs and blockages in male cats especially. This is one of the reasons vets are moving more toward encouraging owners to give their cat at least a partially wet food diet, as this helps them consume more moisture, especially since cats don’t naturally consume as much water as dogs. Unlike dogs, cats are generally quite particular in their likes and dislikes, and cats can see stagnant water as potentially harmful. (If the cat was in the wild, stagnant water has more potential for harmful bacteria). Cats are more drawn to moving water in nature, and these fountains help encourage them to drink more by emulating what they’re naturally drawn to.
While automatic water fountains are better for your cats’ overall water consumption, they do require a bit more work and money. Rather than refilling a bowl, these take a little more elbow grease—but it’s worth it for your cat’s health. Along with routine refilling and cleaning, you’ll need to disassemble the fountain to clean all parts, including using a brush for the bowl and tubes. You may also have to disassemble the motor to deep-clean because of mineral buildup. These also have different types of filtration cartridges in specific shapes for the brand’s fountains, which require you to buy and change out filters, usually monthly but sometimes more often.
Let’s be honest, a lot of these fountains are pretty much the same. I looked especially for the overall design—I am a fiend for stainless steel because of the potential of porous plastic harboring harmful bacteria. I also favor a wide reservoir without high sides to help reduce the chance for whisker fatigue. I prefer fountains that have a small basin reservoir of water available at all times, in case of low water levels or power failure. I took into account ease of setting up, refilling, and cleaning, as well as overall design. And of course, there were some that my cats took to straight away, and some they didn’t seem to favor as much.
After prolonged testing, I now look for these three things and encourage you too as well: a cordless pump for easier (and safer) cleaning, constructed from stainless steel so it’s more hygienic, and a window to monitor water levels (especially if it’s not connected to an app).
Perhaps you live in the kind of household that likes to divide up the chores. You take the dishes, while someone else does the trash. If so, you are not so far off from the habits of a naked mole-rat, according to a new study.
The findings, published Wednesday in the journal Science Advances, show that individual naked mole-rats perform specific duties for their colony, including digging, transporting garbage, and cleaning the “toilets.” The study reveals that the rats undertake a form of task allocation that helps the colony function more efficiently, according to the researchers.
“Overall, our findings reveal the distinct roles of breeders and the remarkable behavioral diversity among nonbreeders, underscoring the complexity of naked mole-rat social organization,” they write.
An elusive social system
Naked mole-rats (Heterocephalus glaber) are small, nearly hairless rodents that live underground in large colonies. These colonies can be made up of several hundred individuals and stretch across miles of tunnels.
These colonies are eusocial, meaning they exhibit the highest level of organization in animal social behavior. In eusocial systems, a single female and a few males produce all the offspring, while most other individuals are put to work. Bee colonies are another common example of an eusocial system. Remarkably, naked mole-rats are one of only two known mammal species to exhibit this social structure.
Much like bees, scientists have found that naked mole-rats perform a variety of tasks, but it was unclear whether individuals consistently stick to specific jobs or are more flexible. The answer to this question has long eluded researchers due to the challenges of monitoring an entire underground colony over long periods of time, but a team led by Masanori Yamakawa of Kumamoto University in Japan found a way.
Tracking an underground workforce
Yamakawa and his colleagues developed an automated radio-frequency identification (RFID) tracking system to monitor 102 naked mole-rats across five captive colonies for 30 days.
Each colony assigned specific functions to different “chambers,” typically including a nest, a toilet, a garbage, and six additional chambers. The nest was where individuals huddled and rested, the garbage was where they deposited waste such as excess food or dried feces, and the toilet—well, you get the picture.
The researchers implanted microchips in the mole-rats and installed detectors throughout their colony boxes, allowing them to track everywhere they went and which individuals they interacted with. While the breeding cohort stuck together, non-breeding individuals could be divided into six “clusters” based on their behavior.
Based on which chambers they spent long periods of time in, the researchers inferred that these groups were carrying out different, specific tasks. For example, cluster 1 individuals exhibited high mobility and significant garbage chamber occupancy, suggesting they may serve as garbage men. Meanwhile, cluster 5 individuals—which spent a lot of time in toilet chambers—may be responsible for cleaning the latrine.
The researchers found that the body weight and age of individuals had a significant effect on their cluster assignment, suggesting that naked mole-rats’ jobs may change as they grow. But most individuals (95%) stuck with their assigned roles for the study’s full 30-day period, suggesting they don’t swap tasks often. Sad times for the toilet mole-rats, perhaps.
This work offers a detailed look at the complex social structure of this elusive species. Future studies could build on these insights by manipulating variables to trigger behavioral changes or incorporating other observation methods, according to the researchers. This could help “uncover underlying mechanisms driving cooperative society,” they wrote.
Anyone proposing to offer a master class on changing the world for the better, without becoming negative, cynical, angry, or narrow-minded in the process, could model their advice on the life and work of pioneering animal behavior scholar Jane Goodall.
Goodall’s life journey stretches from marveling at the somewhat unremarkable creatures—though she would never call them that—in her English backyard as a wide-eyed little girl in the 1930s to challenging the very definition of what it means to be human through her research on chimpanzees in Tanzania. From there, she went on to become a global icon and a United Nations Messenger of Peace.
Until her death at age 91, Goodall retained a charm, open-mindedness, optimism, and wide-eyed wonder that are more typical of children. I know this because I have been fortunate to spend time with her and to share insights from my own scientific career. To the public, she was a world-renowned scientist and icon. To me, she was Jane—my inspiring mentor and friend.
Despite the massive changes Goodall wrought in the world of science, upending the study of animal behavior, she was always cheerful, encouraging, and inspiring. I think of her as a gentle disrupter. One of her greatest gifts was her ability to make everyone, at any age, feel that they have the power to change the world.
Jane Goodall documented that chimpanzees not only used tools but also made them—an insight that altered thinking about animals and humans.
Discovering tool use in animals
In her pioneering studies in the lush rainforest of Tanzania’s Gombe Stream Game Reserve, now a national park, Goodall noted that the most successful chimp leaders were gentle, caring, and familial. Males that tried to rule by asserting their dominance through violence, tyranny, and threats did not last.
I also am a primatologist, and Goodall’s groundbreaking observations of chimpanzees at Gombe were part of my preliminary studies. She famously recorded chimps taking long pieces of grass and inserting them into termite nests to “fish” for the insects to eat, something no one else had previously observed.
It was the first time an animal had been seen using a tool, a discovery that altered how scientists differentiated between humanity and the rest of the animal kingdom.
Renowned anthropologist Louis Leakey chose Goodall to do this work precisely because she was not formally trained. When she turned up in Leakey’s office in Tanzania in 1957, at age 23, Leakey initially hired her as his secretary, but he soon spotted her potential and encouraged her to study chimpanzees. Leakey wanted someone with a completely open mind, something he believed most scientists lost over the course of their formal training.
Because chimps are humans’ closest living relatives, Leakey hoped that understanding the animals would provide insights into early humans. In a predominantly male field, he also thought a woman would be more patient and insightful than a male observer. He wasn’t wrong.
Six months in, when Goodall wrote up her observations of chimps using tools, Leakey wrote, “Now we must redefine tool, redefine Man, or accept chimpanzees as human.”
Goodall spoke of animals as having emotions and cultures, and in the case of chimps, communities that were almost tribal. She also named the chimps she observed, an unheard-of practice at the time, garnering ridicule from scientists who had traditionally numbered their research subjects.
One of her most remarkable observations became known as the Gombe Chimp War. It was a four-year-long conflict in which eight adult males from one community killed all six males of another community, taking over their territory, only to lose it to another, bigger community with even more males.
Confidence in her path
Goodall was persuasive, powerful, and determined, and she often advised me not to succumb to people’s criticisms. Her path to groundbreaking discoveries did not involve stepping on people or elbowing competitors aside.
Rather, her journey to Africa was motivated by her wonder, her love of animals, and a powerful imagination. As a little girl, she was entranced by Edgar Rice Burroughs’ 1912 story “Tarzan of the Apes,” and she loved to joke that Tarzan married the wrong Jane.
When I was a 23-year-old former NFL cheerleader, with no scientific background at that time, and looked at Goodall’s work, I imagined that I, too, could be like her. In large part because of her, I became a primatologist, co-discovered a new species of lemur in Madagascar and have had an amazing life and career, in science and on TV, as a National Geographic explorer. When it came time to write my own story, I asked Goodall to contribute the introduction. She wrote:
“Mireya Mayor reminds me a little of myself. Like me she loved being with animals when she was a child. And like me she followed her dream until it became a reality.”
In a 2023 interview, Jane Goodall answers TV host Jimmy Kimmel’s questions about chimpanzee behavior.
Storyteller and teacher
Goodall was an incredible storyteller and saw it as the most successful way to help people understand the true nature of animals. With compelling imagery, she shared extraordinary stories about the intelligence of animals, from apes and dolphins to rats and birds, and, of course, the octopus. She inspired me to become a wildlife correspondent for National Geographic so that I could share the stories and plights of endangered animals around the world.
Goodall inspired and advised world leaders, celebrities, scientists, and conservationists. She also touched the lives of millions of children.
Jane Goodall and primatologist Mireya Mayor with Mayor’s book ‘Just Wild Enough,’ a memoir aimed at young readers. Mireya Mayor, CC BY-ND
Through the Jane Goodall Institute, which works to engage people around the world in conservation, she launched Roots & Shoots, a global youth program that operates in more than 60 countries. The program teaches children about connections between people, animals, and the environment, and ways to engage locally to help all three.
Along with Goodall’s warmth, friendship, and wonderful stories, I treasure this comment from her: “The greatest danger to our future is our apathy. Each one of us must take responsibility for our own lives, and above all, show respect and love for living things around us, especially each other.”
It’s a radical notion from a one-of-a-kind scientist.
Worried that their cat felt lonely, a couple decided to get a kitten to keep her company, but it didn’t exactly go as they planned.
In a viral TikTok video shared in August by @toothlessandfeather, the tabby tuxedo observes the new black kitten from a short distance away, with nothing but disdain in her eyes. “Thinking our cat was lonely and deciding to get a kitten. She hates him,” reads layover text in the clip.
The poster reassures their followers in the caption: “Jokes jokes. They get along great now. But yeah, Feather misses the days of being the baby of the family.”
While some cats love being only pets and aren’t very open to sharing their space, others thrive in the company of another feline.
But how do you know which one applies to your fur-baby? If your cat needs a companion, they will show signs, according to Pet MD experts.
These signs include excessive clinginess, changes in their eating and sleeping habits, unusually destructive behavior, litter-box issues, and a shift in overall energy.
If you do decide to ultimately get your cat a kitten, ensure that you introduce them the right way. Their introduction needs to be slow and gradual, starting with scent exposure before going on to supervised meetings.
Keep interactions short and positive, letting the older cat set the pace. Provide duplicate resources (litter boxes, beds, food bowls) throughout the home to reduce competition and territorial tension.
It is very important that you don’t force contact and you do allow the cats to approach or retreat as they wish. You can read more about introducing kittens to cats here.
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The video quickly went viral on social media and has so far received over 707,000 views and more than 149,000 likes on the platform.
One user, Jes, commented: “We thought our cat was lonely, so we got another. she barely tolerated her, at best. the second cat was desperate for affection from the first cat and was definitely lonely. so, of course, we had to get a third cat for the second and now they’re best friends.”
Zenna said: “Even hate is enrichment. I swear some of these cats enjoy having beef, but it will probably get better!”
Allison wrote: “She might come around! It took my girl cat a minute but now they lovingly tolerate each other all these years later.”
Newsweek reached out to @toothlessandfeather for comment via email. We could not verify the details of the case.
Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? Send them to life@newsweek.com with some details about your best friend, and they could appear in our Pet of the Week lineup.
After testing dozens of automatic litter boxes, I can say it’s been difficult to determine which is the best cat litter (or rather, if there is one). Most people will want to look for a low-tracking, clumping cat litter that’s compatible with their litter box. But there are other factors to consider, like allergens, material, the litter box itself, and how you’ll deal with the waste.
In recent years, there have been leaps and bounds in the pet tech sphere as a whole—including where our cats go potty and what litter they go potty in. In the past, the choices were an absorbent clay whose main compound was calcium bentonite, sawdust, or sand. Now, we have high-tech crystal litter, which aims to show health issues through changing color; eco-friendly tofu litter; and all types of clumping clay litter between. After a year of testing litter boxes and scooping tons of cat litter, let me sift through (get it?) the options so you can determine the best type of cat litter for you and your furry friend.
Table of Contents
Should You Change Up Your Litter?
There are many reasons why you may want to change your litter. Your cat may be like mine, with sensitivities to strong odors or smells that can cause allergies or allergy-like symptoms like red eyes or itching. Or maybe your cat is long-haired, like mine, and you’re tired of litter sticking to their fur.
If you want to be more eco- (and budget-) friendly, a biodegradable tofu or wood pellet litter may be better, but for these, you’ll need to introduce the change slowly and oftentimes, you’ll have to change the box you’re using. (More on that below.)
As a helicopter pet parent who brushes their cats’ teeth and shaves their butts, I honestly just want to make sure I have a litter that keeps my cat (and me) comfortable, giving them a safe space to potty and an easier time to clean it for me.
I look for, and recommend folks do trial-and-error to find, a litter that has all of these elements:
Clumping: Many brands claim to clump effectively, but you’ll need to monitor while scooping to see if they actually are, or if they’re leaving smaller bits that sneak through grates while cleaning.
Scent-free or low scent: Cats can smell 14 times better than humans, and strong odors can irritate their respiratory system and lead to itching, watery eyes, and other symptoms, including not wanting to use the litter box at all because the scent is too overwhelming.
Low–tracking: Same as clumping litters above, many litters claim to be low tracking, but I’ve found that the best way to lessen litter tracking around the house is to have a great clumping litter and add as much space between the box and the floor. This means that in addition to clumping litter, add accessories like stairs (if your cat is mobile enough), a ramp, or a litter-trapping mat to increase the distance between the box and your floor, to reduce litter tracking. Litters that aim to be low-tracking are generally better at dust control, which also help with general cleanliness and lower irritants.
Boxiecat
Extra Strength Multi-Cat Clumping Clay Litter
Boxiecat
Air Probiotic Cat Litter
I’ve tested several types of cat litter from Boxiecat, and although pricey, they have all managed odor well, had low dust/tracking, and scooped easily in clumps (and worked well with my automatic litter box).
Compare the Most Popular Types of Litter
As said before, there used to be super-limited litter options, now there’s tofu, wood, silica crystals, recycled paper, and even nut shells. While something like wood pellets is more-eco friendly and cheaper, you’ll have to factor in your litter box and whether your cat takes to the new litter. (Although slow introduction is key.)
Clay cat litter: This is by far the most popular litter type, and most closely resembles what cats would be using in the wild. Clumping clay cat litter is what I recommend for most people, as it primarily uses a naturally absorbent bentonite clay. It expands when wet/soiled, making it “clump,” which is easier to scoop and generally more hygienic. However, it’s not as environmentally friendly because it’s not biodegradable and can contain carcinogenic silica dust.
Tofu cat litter: This relatively new litter is great because it’s environmentally friendly. It’s made out of soybean fiber, making it naturally biodegradable, nontoxic, and way less dusty than traditional choices. If bought in pellet form (the most popular option), they clump well and can even be flushed in the toilet, although it can be pricey and can grow mold if in humid conditions.
Crystal cat litter: This type of litter is made from silica mined from quartz sand and mixed with oxygen and water to make super absorbent pellets (akin to the absorbing powers of little silica gel packets found in many newly bought items). It’s lightweight and has great odor control. Crystal litter is pricey, not biodegradable or clumping (requires daily sifting), easily tracks, can be an uncomfortable texture for paws, and is difficult for some cats to get used to using. Popular brands like PrettyLitter actually use a special silica formula that aims to track health changes through changing colors based on urinary PH. Although I’m slightly cautious to use it because of reviews of the silica litter being ingested and harming cats and causing respiratory issues because of the particle dust.
Paper or Wood pellets: Paper and wood pellets are cheap, have low dust and tracking, and are eco-friendly because they’re biodegradable. (Paper pellets are also great for injured or post-operation pets because the litter is low-dust and there’s less chance for litter to get stuck in wounds.) However, this doesn’t control odor well, is non-clumping, and needs to be changed frequently (you’ll probably need a sifting litter box). Wood pellets are also often made of pine and can have an overwhelming scent.
Walnut shell cat litter: Made from crushed walnut shells, this is often used as a much lighter, more natural alternative to clay litter. It’s lightweight and has a similar texture to clay, and is biodegradable. Although it can track, spoil if in moist conditions, and requires frequent emptying/cleaning.
We don’t recommend corn cat litter, as corn is prone to a toxic mold called aflatoxin. This can cause health issues for cats and in humans who have asthma or COPD and are immunocompromised or elderly.
Vision loss presents unique challenges for dogs and cats. Understanding the signs and managing the transition can greatly enhance their quality of life. This guide offers practical strategies to support furry friends experiencing vision changes.
Recognizing Signs of Vision Loss
Many animals adapt remarkably well to gradual vision loss. Subtle signs are often overlooked. Look for behaviors like hesitation during walks, difficulty catching treats, or confusion in familiar spaces. Sudden changes often manifest as disorientation or fear. If a companion struggles to navigate their environment, it’s crucial to consult a veterinarian. Early detection leads to better management options.
Creating a Safe Environment
Making the home environment safe is essential. Maintain a consistent layout; avoid moving furniture frequently. Use tactile aids like carpet runners near stairs. These help create familiar pathways. Introduce scent cues in different rooms. This guides furry friends and enhances their confidence. Ensure any new scents do not cause adverse reactions; discontinue if necessary.
Supporting Daily Activities
Blind animals can still enjoy their favorite activities. Engage them in playtime using sound-based toys. Keep routines consistent to provide a sense of security. Make noise when approaching, especially if they are resting. This helps them feel secure and aware of surroundings. With patience and support, they can continue to thrive despite vision challenges.
Consulting a Veterinarian
Regular veterinary check-ups are vital. A veterinarian can identify underlying causes of vision loss. Treatment options may include medications or surgery, depending on the condition. Discussing these options ensures companions receive the best care possible. Staying informed about health changes allows for proactive management.
Consider nutritional supplements rich in antioxidants. These support overall health and may slow degeneration. Omega-3 fatty acids promote eye health and reduce inflammation. Regular exercise maintains physical and mental fitness, fostering a positive outlook.
Supporting vision-impaired companions requires understanding and action. Recognizing signs early, making environmental adjustments, and maintaining routines foster confidence and security. With veterinary guidance and holistic care, furry friends can live fulfilling lives despite vision challenges.
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Animal Wellness is North America’s top natural health and lifestyle magazine for dogs and cats, with a readership of over one million every year. AW features articles by some of the most renowned experts in the pet industry, with topics ranging from diet and health related issues, to articles on training, fitness and emotional well being.
While shopping for suits, a man from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, found a beige jacket he liked, but what was in its pocket has left internet users in hysterics.
The poster, Zach Carty, told Newsweek that he ended up not buying the suit because it was too small, and partly because he found a wedding speech in the jacket pocket.
In a viral post shared on Reddit on Sunday, under the username u/zachismyname89, Carty holds up the folded piece of paper that he found hidden inside the suit jacket pocket while searching for the tag.
The wedding toast is from two people named Val and Jack, which they wrote for their friend, Tony, and his wedding to his wife Ally.
The toast recounts the friends’ years at college, first jobs in New York, as well as ski trips, traveling and game nights within the friendship group.
A screenshot of the viral video shows the beige suit and the wedding toast hidden inside it. A screenshot of the viral video shows the beige suit and the wedding toast hidden inside it. u/zachismyname89
“Someone bought, used, then returned a suit from H&M, and left their wedding toast in the pocket”, the Reddit caption says.
“I get being tight on money, but an H&M suit is like $100, at least get it dry cleaned first”.
Carty told Newsweek: “I had no idea what it had been through that night at the wedding so I didn’t want to risk getting something used and abused.
“I only stumbled upon it because I was trying to find the size tag for the suit in the pockets since they are hidden in there sometimes.
“Just thought it was funny that someone would cheap out on an already affordable H&M suit just to use it for one day and return it.”
Newsweek reached out to H&M for comment.
The wedding toast was from named Val and Jack, which they wrote for their friend, Tony, and his wedding to his wife Ally. The wedding toast was from named Val and Jack, which they wrote for their friend, Tony, and his wedding to his wife Ally. u/zachismyname89
While used items may not appeal to all buyers, thrift stores and other second hand retailers are actually big in America. According to a report from Capital One Shopping, the U.S. secondhand market generated an estimated $53 billion in revenue in 2023 alone.
There are over 25,000 resale, consignment, and not-for-profit resale shops in the U.S., and about 16-18 percent of Americans shop at thrift stores each year. Buying from thrift stores saves shoppers an average of $1,760 per year, the report said.
The post quickly went viral on social media and it has so far received over 3,900 upvotes and 182 comments on the platform.
One user, Siempre_maria, said: “I’m pretty sure my husband left both of our wedding vows in the front pocket of his suit, but it was definitely rented.”
Lois_sanb0rn said: “Now I’m tempted to slip random terrible wedding speeches into formal wear pockets lol.”
While OkCopy4627 added: “Jack got all the good lines.”
Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? Send them to life@newsweek.com with some details about your best friend and they could appear in our Pet of the Week lineup.
Humans have been trying to talk to animals ever since we figured out how to form words. In modern times, we turn to technology for the solution—giving our dogs talking buttons to paw at, or trying to use artificial intelligence to help us understand whales.
The latest and perhaps most direct approach at human-animal communication is a voice-activated collar that gives your pet the power to talk back to you. Or at least, that’s the idea.
John McHale, a self-described “tech guy” based out of Austin, Texas, has a company called Personifi AI. The startup’s goal, as the name implies, is to create tech that will “personify everything,” as McHale puts it. The first step, for now, is pets.
The company’s collar has a speaker on it; talk to your pet (or, really, talk to the collar) and you’ll hear a prerecorded human voice responding to you, creating the illusion that your pet has a humanlike personality and the ability to speak English. The collar is just for cats and dogs now, but McHale hopes to get into wearable devices for other critters and, eventually, humans.
McHale got the idea for the talking collar after his dog, Roscoe, got bit by a rattlesnake. McHale didn’t realize what had happened at first, until hours later when Roscoe started seeming very unwell. Don’t worry, Roscoe lived and is doing just fine now, but he did have to spend 10 days in the animal hospital, a stay which presumably racked up a large veterinary bill. That harrowing close call stuck with McHale, and he wondered how things might have gone differently. Could he have helped Roscoe sooner if the dog had just been able to tell him what happened? Thus, the idea of Shazam was born.
Speak!
Oh yeah, the collar is called Shazam, though it has no relation to either the superhero movies or the very well known music discovery service of the same name. Shazam (for pets) has both a microphone and voice box inside, allowing it to hear your voice and respond with one of its own. The idea is to make owners feel like they’re having conversations with their pet when really, they’re talking to a chatbot on the collar.
“We start with states of being,” McHale says. “We measure all sorts of things about the human, about the pet, and about the world. And all those variables are essentially ongoing and changing and are inputs to what we call the cognitive cortex, which we build, which is based on machine learning and large data sets.”
That sort of world-building for your pet won’t come cheap. The collars start at $495 for cats and $595 for dogs. There are also subscription fees—$195 a year for the feline and “ultra” collars, or $295 a year for the BrainBoost service, which a rep for Shazam says is “what brings all of the truly sentient qualities such as empathy, reasoning, social awareness, and self awareness.” Both of those subscription fees are waived for the first year but will automatically renew after a year. Without the BrainBoost subscription, the band falls back to a generic voice and loses its dynamic qualities, so if you want the best experience, you have to keep paying the $295 yearly fee after the first (free) year ends.
Fetching isn’t just for slobbery canines, new research reveals. Surveying thousands of pet owners, scientists have found that a large minority of cats do like to play fetch at least some of the time. That said, dogs are still much more likely to go and chase after a toy or stick.
Scientists at Purdue University conducted the research, hoping to quantify our pets’ aptitude for fetching. While dogs are considered prolific fetchers, there hasn’t been much research on how common the behavior truly is in the canine world, according to the researchers. Similarly, while recent research has found that some cats will fetch to their heart’s content, it’s not clear how often this happens.
To better understand this phenomenon, the researchers analyzed data from two long-running research projects involving cat and dog owners respectively: the Fe-BARQ and C-BARQ. As part of these projects, owners are given extensive surveys that delve into their pets’ behavior, including how they like to play.
Based on data from over 8,000 cat owners, the scientists found that about 41% of cats exhibited classic fetching behavior. Some owners used the word “fetch” directly to describe their cat’s playing style in their responses, while others instead remarked that their cats like to “retrieve thrown objects or toys.” Dogs were still the champs at fetching, though. Based on responses from 78,000 dog owners, the researchers found 78% of dogs would play fetch regularly.
“The data from these two surveys reveal that fetching behavior may be more common in cats than previously estimated and provides, to our knowledge, the first estimate of fetching behavior prevalence among dogs,” the researchers wrote in their paper, published Wednesday in the journal PLOS-One.
The researchers also found plenty of similarities and differences between fetching cats and dogs. Fetching tended to be more common among both cats and dogs if they were younger, male, and/or in generally good health, for instance. But whereas fetching was associated with better overall trainability in dogs (the better trained they could be, the more likely they fetched), cats were more likely to fetch if they were generally more playful and active, as well as if they lived indoors.
Fetching was seen throughout all cat and dog breeds, but some stuck out. Burmese, Siamese, and Tonkinese cats were more common fetchers, for instance, and the researchers note that these cats originate from populations taken to and isolated to eastern Asia early on during cat domestication, suggesting that their love of fetching may be genetically influenced. Among dogs, retriever, labrador, and other breeds bred to hunt or move livestock were more likely to fetch.
The authors hypothesize that, while fetching can resemble natural hunting behaviors in both animals, it’s more likely to be connected to their love of playing. Fetching might also be one way that both cats and dogs form and reinforce the bonds they make with their humans. Either way, there’s plenty more to be learned about our furry feline and canine friends.
“We hope that the study draws more attention to fetching behavior in cats—who are often portrayed as independent or aloof! In fact, they can be very social and this is a nice example of one way they are interactive with humans,” said lead study researcher Mikel Delgado, in an interview with PLOS, publishers of the study.
A paralyzed dog who overcame the toughest possible start to life has been breaking hearts for altogether different reasons.
Kahlua was adopted by her current owner four years ago after a life-changing injury as a puppy. “She suffered a fall from a three-story balcony that broke her spine and hip and left her paralyzed,” Kahlua’s owner told Newsweek. “A pet rescue came in and saved her and a foster family prepared her for a forever home which ended up being us.”
While the internet is littered with stories of shelter dogs finding forever homes, the reality is that it can often be a struggle for these pet pooches to get adopted.
Kahlua at home. The rescue pup has been known to be a little dramatic at times but on this occasion she had cause for feeling unwell. kahluasadventure
A 2014 study published in the journal Applied Animal Behavior Science found that the vast majority of shelter visitors only request to interact with one dog and that this interaction amounts to an average of just eight minutes. Kahlua could have easily been left stuck in the system, but her owner saved her from that.
There’s no denying the fact that, because Kahlua can’t use her back legs or back, she required a lot more extra care. “She wears diapers and can’t hold her bladder and bowels like other dogs. She’s okay with holding her bowels but still has accidents,” her owner said. “Every potty trip requires a harness lift that holds her back legs up. There’s no being lazy and just opening the back door.”
Kahlua is able to get around by hopping and dragging her legs, but this also causes abrasions that her owner has to treat.
Aside from the physical limitations caused by her injuries, Kahlua’s owner had to consider the psychological impact. “Because of her past she doesn’t trust people easily and it took months to get her to trust us,” they said. “She eventually warmed up to us and realized we weren’t going to hurt her.”
However, Kahlua’s human companion was always determined to give her the best possible life. “She doesn’t realize she’s different and wants to do everything our other dog does,” they explained.
Through a mix of hard work, love and the support of two canine siblings, Sully and Caleb, they have been able to achieve that. “She may be paralyzed but she’s definitely living her best life,” Kahlua’s owner said. “She loves Fetch and is obsessed with her ball.”
Kahlua and Sully. The canine siblings enjoy a happy life together. kahluasadventure
Kahlua sometimes gets by using a wheelchair, though her owner stresses “dogs aren’t meant to be in it all the time.” They said: “She gets some backyard play in it and occasionally a walk when the weather is nice.”
All of this has given Kahlua the kind of secure base she needed to live a happy and full life, just like any family dog. And just like any family dog, Kahlua is known to occasionally exhibit a flair for the dramatic.
One such incident came to the fore in a video posted to her TikTok page, Kahluaadventures. The clip shows Kahlua, lying down on her bed, appearing unwell.
According to her owner, she had been sick earlier that day and was keen to let everyone know. So, her human companion decided to capture a video of her sad face for her followers on social media.
“Those big brown eyes will get her everything,” she said. “It made me laugh because she’s full of such sass and will do anything for attention. I work from home and she sleeps almost all day long. I just caught her looking sad.”
Kahlua in a diaper and in her wheelchair. Despite being paralyzed, Kahlua enjoys a happy and active life. kahluasadventure
The clip had the desired effect, with viewers flocking to post messages of support alongside the video. “Poor baby. She needs extra cuddles,” one user wrote, with another commenting: “Don’t be sad we love you.” A third added: “Aww feel better soon sweet girl.”
Kahlua’s owner has been blown away by the response to their dog’s TikTok channel but ultimately hopes it will inspire others to take a chance on dogs just like her.
“I started her page to educate people and bring some smiles to people’s faces,” they said. “Maybe seeing her journey will prompt someone else to rescue a dog with a disability. These dogs want to live and in the right homes they can thrive.”
Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? Send them to life@newsweek.com with some details about your best friend and they could appear in our Pet of the Week lineup.
Uncommon Knowledge
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
Tearjerking footage of one delivery driver’s sweet gesture towards a dog owner who lost a beloved pup has been shared online.
In a video posted to TikTok, a user posting as @then8tivedogfather, said how a delivery driver known to him had a habit of leaving dog treats outside for each of his six canines. However, since their last visit, several months ago, one of his beloved pets, Champ or “Chomper” as he was also affectionately known, had sadly died.
The loss of a beloved pet can have a lasting emotional impact. In one case, it proved heartbreaking. In 2017, the New England Journal of Medicine reported on the case of a 61-year-old woman who was admitted to the E.R. with severe chest pain.
On first observation, her symptoms matched those of a heart attack. However, after a series of tests, doctors concluded that she had suffered Takotsubo cardiomyopathy, or stress cardiomyopathy, a condition often referred to as “broken-heart syndrome.”
When looking for triggers, doctors said that the woman had “multiple recent stressors, including the death of her dog.” Though she ultimately recovered, the case is a reminder of just how heartbreaking the loss of a beloved pet can be.
It is a heartache that @then8tivedogfather likely felt strongly given that, according to his TikTok bio, he’s a dog trainer based out in Nashville, Tennessee. That’s what made what the delivery driver did that extra bit special.
One of the comments said that the driver works for UPS and goes by the name of Sid, though Newsweek has been unable to verify this.
File photos of a delivery driver and a dog. A delivery driver’s simple tribute to a homeowner’s dog has got people tearing up. BlessedSelections/Claudia Luna/Getty
Regardless, the video shared to TikTok by @then8tivedogfather perfectly captured the small but powerful gesture he made during this particular delivery.
Having learned that one of the homeowner’s dogs had died, the driver decided, as a small tribute, still to leave what the caption on the video describes as “one last dog treat” for Champ.
In the heartbreaking clip, then8tivedogfather is then seen transferring the dog biscuit to be placed next to a wooden plaque paying tribute to his recently deceased pet.
It is a small reminder that his dog was important, that he mattered to someone else and that he hasn’t been forgotten and never will.
It is also a gesture that resonated with many on social media. At the time of writing, the video has been watched over 564,000 times, with fellow dog owners and animal lovers flocking to comment on the clip.
“What an amazing driver,” one wrote. “I’m so sorry for your loss.” A second posted: “We lost our dog this year too. Also our delivery driver left treats and we had to tell him what happened. It was the hardest thing to think he wouldn’t.”
Elsewhere, one TikTok user commented, “As a UPS Driver kudos to him! I always leave treats for my pups. This hit me in the feels,” while a fourth added: “That’s so sweet of that man to do, miss you chomper.”
Champ may be gone but he’ll never be forgotten.
Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? Send them to life@newsweek.com with some details about your best friend, and they could appear in our Pet of the Week lineup.
Uncommon Knowledge
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
A new study in Animal Behaviour has found that bumble bees do, in fact, like to play. Although we know that humans aren’t the only animals that engage in play behavior—see, for example, your dog racing joyfully after that stick—we usually think of play as something that’s reserved for vertebrates like mammals and birds. However, a research team led by PhD student Samadi Galpayage found that bumble bees appeared to enjoy rolling wooden balls around an enclosure, demonstrating that they’re much smarter than we give them credit for.
According to the study, the bees played with the balls by standing on top of them and rolling them across the floor of the enclosure. The researchers controlled for other possible ball-rolling motivations and concluded that the bees’ behavior met the criteria for play. The bees didn’t have to roll the balls to accomplish anything, and they didn’t get any additional rewards for doing it. They seemed to just like it.
Science reached out to Galpayage, saying that “the finding indicates a level of cognitive sophistication in bees that [Galpayage] hopes will encourage policies to protect them.” New conservation policies for bees can’t come soon enough, considering that bees are in serious need of protection: according to the Bee Conservancy, 1 in 4 species of bee in North America alone is at risk for extinction, even though bees pollinate the majority of the crops we depend on for food.
So, the next time you see a bumble bee, remember that it’s not just a helpful pollinator. That bee is a playful scamp who deserves your love—and your support.
(featured image: Thijs van der Weide via Pexels.com)
