So there goes another year! As 2015 draws to a close, let’s take a look back at some of the animals that made the News through the year:
January
Two new rugs installed in the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office are in place for several weeks before somebody spots that they read “In Dog We Trust”!
February
The Guinness Book of Records names Tortoiseshell cat Tiffany Two from California the world’s oldest cat, after she reaches the ripe old age of 27 years (equivalent to roughly 125 human years!)
March
In keeping with annual tradition, the Duchess of Cambridge presented sprigs of shamrocks to soldiers from the Irish Guards in celebration of St. Patrick’s Day, including one for the regiment’s mascot three-year-old Irish Wolfhound Domhnall.
April
In California, record numbers of sea lions are stranded after venturing onshore in search of food. 2,250 were rescued during the first quarter of the year, a situation blamed on lack of food in the area’s warming seas.
May
The Canal & River Trust installed temporary Duck Lanes along waterways in London, Birmingham and Manchester as part of its “Share the space, drop your pace” campaign to encourage cyclists and pedestrians to be more considerate of surrounding wildlife.
June
The world’s ugliest dog is named as Quasi Modo, a 10-year-old Pit Bull and Dutch Shepherd cross from California who was born with a short spine and adopted from an animal shelter by a local vet. Of course he is a beautiful soul like all other animals. Read the full story here.
July
Prosecutors in Australia charged Johnny Depp and his wife Amber Heard with illegally bringing their two Yorkshire Terriers Pistol and Boo into the country. The couple were told that the animals must be returned to the US or face euthanasia for breaching the country’s strict quarantine rules.
August
A video of a baby elephant being rescued by local villagers after falling into a well in southern India goes viral. You can watch the heart-warming scene here.
September
Major Tom the cat saved the life of his human companion when the yacht they lived on began to fill with water during the night whilst anchored off the coast of Australia. Grant McDonald was woken by the clever cat and they had just minutes to evacuate the sinking craft together, spending several hours on a raft before being rescued by a passing Chinese ship.
October
Ruby the yellow Labrador helped Jane and Alan Slater from the Isle of Wight win £149,089.30 when she found a winning ticket in the back of their car. The couple were already celebrating after winning the same amount with another ticket when 2-year-old Ruby found the second forgotten ticket!
November
One of only four northern white rhinos left in the world dies in San Diego. Nola, 41, had been under veterinary care for a bacterial infection. The remaining three rhinos live at the Ol Pejeta Conservancy in Kenya, protected by armed guards.
December
Images of endangered pandas, fish and leopards are projected onto the Vatican as global leaders gather in Paris to discuss the actions required to halt global warming and secure the future of natural habitats for our fellow creatures.
And so, as we say goodbye to 2015 and head towards 2016, all that remains is to wish you and yours all the very best for the New Year!
Until next time, very best wishes from Shailen and The Ralph Site team
The Ralph Site, non-profit pet loss support
Please note: The Ralph Site is not affiliated with the third-party organisations in any of the links shared here, and the views, ideas and suggestions expressed in this and other blogs are simply shared with the intention of helping you, our friends, take care of the special animals in your lives.