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When Domestic Violence Turns Deadly and Why Protecting Pets Saves Lives

A devastating tragedy in Pennsylvania this September underscores a heartbreaking truth: domestic violence often endangers not only people but also the animals they love.

According to New York Times, five police officers were ambushed while responding to a domestic violence call in York County. Three officersβ€”Sergeant Detective Cody Becker, Detective Isaiah Emenheiser, and Detective Mark Bakerβ€”were killed when the gunman, who had been stalking his ex-girlfriend, opened fire. Investigators later discovered that he had killed her dog before the shooting.

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Tackle Pet Hunger 2025: Keeping Pets and People Together

Across central Ohio, many families are struggling to make ends meet. According to the United Way of Central Ohio, nearly 40% of Ohio households live below the ALICE threshold (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed)β€”meaning they’re working hard but still unable to cover basic needs like housing, childcare, and food.

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NIH Faces Scrutiny for Funding New Dog Tests Despite Pledge to Reduce Animal Research

Earlier this year, the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH) announced an initiative to reduce animal testing and invest in β€œhuman-based technologies” such as organ-on-a-chip systems, AI tools, and clinical data modeling. The move was celebrated as a major step toward more humane, human-relevant science.

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Wyandot County Humane Society: A Legacy of Compassion

In Wyandot County, compassion has a home β€” and it started in a garage.

Founded in 1985 by Dave and Lynda Balz, the Wyandot County Humane Society (WCHS) began as a simple effort to help stray and unwanted animals find safety and care. Forty years later, that small act of service has evolved into a multi-faceted organization that includes the HOPE (Helping Our Pets Everywhere) Clinic and the Wyandot County Equine Rescue, all working together to save lives of every species imaginable.

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Beaver Deceiver Saves Lives in Vermont

In Orange, Vermont, beavers have been given a chance to thrive thanks to an innovative flow device known as a β€œbeaver deceiver.” Installed by Beaver Deceivers LLC and funded primarily by In Defense of Animals (IDA), the device allows beavers to remain in their natural habitat while also preventing flooding that can damage roads and culverts.

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Driving Change for Pets and People: A Conversation with Claire of AWI

Claire Coughlin, Director of the Companion Animal Program at the Animal Welfare Institute (AWI), describes her position as her β€œunicorn job”, a perfect match of her passion and purpose. With a career spanning human services, support for abuse survivors, and animal welfare, Claire has long worked at the intersection of compassion for both people and pets. β€œA central part of my role is ensuring that policies and programs translate into real outcomes,” Claire shared. β€œThe work we do at AWI isn’t abstract; it’s about creating tools and resources that truly help people and animals in crisis.”

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The PUPP Act: Keeping Families and Pets Together

Hundreds of thousands of Americans experience homelessness every year. For many, their greatest source of comfort and unconditional love is their pet. Sadly, too many unhoused individuals face a heartbreaking choice: seek shelter and give up their beloved companionβ€”or remain on the streets together.

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β€œWe can change the world and make it a better place. It is in your hands to make a difference.”

β€” Nelson Mandela

Person petting a tabby cat with green eyes, the cat appears content and relaxed.
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