Unconditional Love Foundation

03/31/2024

Spring is here and it's COMPLETELY NORMAL TO SEE RACCOONS OUT DURING THE DAY.
1) Raccoons are NOT nocturnal, they are diurnal, which means they are active during the day also! They also become more active during the day if they live near humans, especially in towns.
2) They are foraging more for food because of lost calories during their torpor season (kind of like hibernation in winter).
3) Moms are needing extra calories for their milk production preparation for their newborns or on-the-way cubs.
So PLEASE, if you see a raccoon out during the day, it is NORMAL, Do NOT ASSUME it's sick.🦝🦝🦝

06/23/2023

Red foxes are important members of their ecosystems - and sometimes that ecosystem is your neighborhood!!

Red foxes are important members of their ecosystems - and sometimes that ecosystem is your neighborhood!! Learn more about foxes in my blog https://www.foxrunenvironmentaleducationcenter.org/new-blog/2019/1/28/the-fantastic-fox

12/30/2022

IMPD officer rescues dog dumped in trash

The dog's whiskers were also cut off. It's now in the care of Indianapolis Animal Care Services.

11/05/2022

First Pit Bull k9 in Indiana

“He definitely makes the day go by fast, sometimes I find myself talking to him while we are driving, and asking him what he’s thinking and then I laugh,” Money said. 

08/15/2022

Norway euthanizes Freya the walrus, who drew crowds to Oslo

A massive walrus that became a popular attraction in Norway in recent weeks was euthanized on Sunday. after officials concluded the marine mammal posed a risk to humans.

07/14/2022

BSL-

Battersea is calling on the Government to review the 1991 Dangerous Dogs Act after being forced to put down almost 1,000 innocent dogs in the last decade - including stray Murphy and puppy Georgie, due to their physical appearance

04/24/2022

Python caught chilling on shelves at Walmart in Bloomington

Nothing says "Happy Tuesssssday" like a sneaky snake found slithering through a Bloomington Walmart.

04/21/2022

Bloomington man arrested after he drowned puppies in bathtub

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. — A Bloomington man is under arrest after he reportedly told police that he drowned two puppies in his bathtub after adopting them from the Monroe County Animal Shelter. Connor Da…

04/18/2022

Baby zebra spooked by ostriches dies at Disney World https://www.wthr.com/article/life/animals/baby-zebra-dies-disney-world/67-f48c9d7d-3247-4fce-83fa-810959b7ef44?fbclid=IwAR2JKKN8LFtnRQ6QJPMntgdUC6-DeZxcG7JNFLu4n4JqSaBqfC4SCnDJ-gQ

The zebra ran full speed into a gate, according to reports.

04/14/2022

Keep your eyes open. Its common to come across a nest when mowing.

Now is the time when lots of people find baby rabbits in the yard. Here's what to do...

04/13/2022

Stop using poison- Mountain lion kittens that died in Thousand Oaks test positive for rat poison https://www.foxla.com/news/mountain-lion-kittens-rat-poison?utm_campaign=trueanthem&utm_medium=trueanthem&utm_source=facebook&fbclid=IwAR1hDfaEOQ_L_wpsRrS47OmOHUTtIJ2HqmgTT5vKKVXuEpaOE8NdwnYyG54

Two mountain lion kittens that died just days after being discovered last November in a Thousand Oaks office complex tested positive for rat poison, National Park Service officials reported Wednesday.

01/26/2022

Keep them inside-

12/20/2021

"The incredible 'Vick dog' era is over."
Today, BAD RAP shared the news that sweet, shy Frodo crossed the rainbow bridge on Saturday with his family at his side. His passing happened only a few days after the beloved Jonny Justice, whose family posted about his last moments shared at home with his loving family. 🌈
This means that the last of the 47 dogs rescued from Michael Vick’s dogfighting operation has passed on. After an astonishing legacy, from coast to coast, from warm homes to state capitals, these beloved dogs have been the living embodiment of resiliency. Their courage proved that there's no such thing as "too damaged" or "beyond hope.” Their story has been captured in television, print, and The Champions film, and the impact of their lives will live on in our hearts forever.
Be sure to read this Washington Post article about their legacy from 2019: https://wapo.st/3FiZkhy.

"The incredible 'Vick dog' era is over."

Today, BAD RAP shared the news that sweet, shy Frodo crossed the rainbow bridge on Saturday with his family at his side. His passing happened only a few days after the beloved Jonny Justice, whose family posted about his last moments shared at home with his loving family. 🌈

This means that the last of the 47 dogs rescued from Michael Vick’s dogfighting operation has passed on. After an astonishing legacy, from coast to coast, from warm homes to state capitals, these beloved dogs have been the living embodiment of resiliency. Their courage proved that there's no such thing as "too damaged" or "beyond hope.” Their story has been captured in television, print, and The Champions film, and the impact of their lives will live on in our hearts forever.

Be sure to read this Washington Post article about their legacy from 2019: https://wapo.st/3FiZkhy. -emily

12/20/2021

The incredible 'Vick dog' era is over.

The incredible 'Vick dog' era is over.

On Saturday, we had the great honor and privilege of attending the transition of the sweet, shy Frodo as his family helped him pass over to be with the rest of the dogs from the group.

He was the last of 48 brave survivors from that game changing case. Seized and rescued in 2007, we estimate that he would've been 15 years old - and THIS is the important part - the last 14 years of his life were spent being pampered like a prince with the Ramirez family and dogs. Sweet Frodo - How we loved him. He was one of the bravest survivors we've ever met.

We didn't realize at the time that Jonny Justice had just passed away in a private moment with his people, Cris & Jen, just two days earlier. Oh Jonny! We thought you might live forever.

And finally - in the first week of October, Letti de Little's sweet man Uba passed over. We've been grappling to find the words, and now Uba's friends have pushed that door wide open.

Warm sympathies and gratitude to the families. We'll come back with more on each special dog and the lives they lived, but for now, it's time to have a little cry and say good-bye to them all.

(Photo: Frodo gobbled that big bag of steak under the tears of his mama, Kim Ramirez and her daughter Dominique. Thank you Dr. Williams for tending to his medical needs up until the end. He trusted you and you made this moment so perfect.)

11/30/2021

52 Dogs Saved from Death After Rescuers Intercept Truck Taking Tied Up Pets to Slaughterhouse

Police officers and rescuers from Dog Meat Free Indonesia saved the dogs, who were found bagged and bound, from a truck heading to an illegal dog meat slaughterhouse in Indonesia

08/18/2021

Some species just go for a simple cup of coffee

And this is why you do not kill snakes (especially non-venomous) if you see them in your yard. Awesome photo of a black snake having a rattlesnake for breakfast.

07/21/2021

A young bear was struck and killed by a vehicle and her grieving mother spent hours by her side hoping to wake her up.

A Yosemite National Park ranger has shared a heartfelt, heartbreaking story about a young bear that was struck and killed by a vehicle and her grieving mother that spent hours by her side hoping to wake her up.

07/20/2021

JUVENILE ARRESTED FOR ANIMAL TORTURE RESULTING IN DEATH

On Tuesday, July 13, 2021, Marion County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) Deputy Gomez arrested 13-year-old James William Basener for Aggravated Animal Cruelty, which is a felony offense, and Petit Theft.

On Tuesday, July 13, around 7:00pm, Deputy Gomez was dispatched to assist Marion County Animal Control in reference to the death of a domesticated cat. Upon arrival, Animal Control Officers McClure and Swen advised they were investigating allegations that Basener had severely injured and ultimately killed a neighbor’s cat. Deputy Gomez began a criminal investigation and made contact with Basener and his parents, who agreed to speak about the allegations.

Initially, Basener denied any incident involving a cat. However, he recanted his statement and stated approximately one week prior, he saw a cat in the neighborhood and brought it back to his home. Basener placed the cat in a trashcan and kept it trapped there for several days. A few days later, he used a pole to strike the cat inside the can and left it trapped. On July 13, Basener attempted to stab the animal and it bit him. At this point, he stuffed the cat in a garbage bag and started slamming it against the pavement. The cat was able to escape from the bag, but Basener recaptured it by the tail, slammed it on the pavement and blood began to flow from its mouth. After the cat was deceased, Basener then proceeded to throw the animal into the yard of a nearby home, where he believed dogs would further mangle the body.

After the interview, Deputy Gomez examined the deceased animal and its injuries were consistent with Basener’s account of events. Basener was placed under arrest and transported to the Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ). He was processed by DJJ and released to his parents.

06/29/2021

If you own a flock of backyard chickens or more, be aware of the current songbird situation

Science Board of Animal Health Warns Poultry Owners Should Take Precautions Over Bird Illness Enrique Saenz June 28, 2021 The agency that oversees animal health in the state warns that hobby poultry flock owners should take steps to protect their poultry from an illness affecting songbirds across th...

06/15/2021

This momma skunk is a superhero

My heart is so full! Her babies were finally found!
A HUGE thank you to Lowell Animal Control
Officers Courtney and Melinda for not giving up on finding them.
They came in last night around 9 pm. After being a few days without mom they were a bit dehydrated and lethargic. We stabilized them last night and introduced them this morning.
Now they are a family once more - plus two new adopted siblings that came in before we found them.
This mama skunk is our hero, despite all she went through after being caught in an illegal leg hold trap.

05/06/2021

The babies are here! We all have a role in caring for them

Helpful information gathered by our educational staff.

04/11/2021

04/08/2021

Judge orders dog to be euthanized after scratching 4-year-old

MOUNT VERNON, Ind. (WEHT) – A dog is set to be euthanized after what family members consider to be a freak accident. May Robinson says on January 30, her four-year-old granddaughter Kinley Newman a…

04/02/2021

Add sending an email on Saturday and making a phone call early Monday morning to your to-do list.

State reps. will be meeting mid-day Monday (4/5) to decide the fate of the anti-wetlands bill, SB 389. Email your state rep. (bitly.com/INLegis) or leave a voicemail by 11:00 am Monday asking them to oppose SB 389 or any revision that would reduce protection for state wetlands. A solid policy alternative has been endorsed by more than 60 organizations; you can see the alternative in our letter at https://www.hecweb.org/issues/water-wilderness/water-protection/protecting-wetlands/.

03/27/2021

A Dog Who Kept Sneaking into a Dollar General for a Unicorn Toy Gets His Plush and a New Start

The animal control officer who moved Sisu from the North Carolina Dollar General store to the shelter bought the stray dog his unicorn toy before bringing the canine in

03/19/2021

Wildlife killing contests are "allowed" in 43 states. They promote killing raccoons, foxes, bobcats, and coyotes for fun. The "winner" of the most kills wins prize money.

Teams can and do use electronic devices "mimicking the cries of dependent young " and "AR-15 with night vision". According to a participant of the contest held by the Williamsport Fire Department in Warren County Indiana, the contests and killings are "fun".

https://blog.humanesociety.org/2021/02/hsus-investigations-indiana-texas-wildlife-killing-contests.html

It is a bloody scene at the Texas weigh-in of the “De Leon Pharmacy and Sporting Goods’ Varmint Hunt #1” on a cold January morning this year. Participants in this wildlife killing contest are unloading

03/19/2021

Be a human who brings good to all

❤

03/15/2021

GRAPHIC IMAGE WARNING

This is horrific! Those responsible for abandoning these dogs MUST be held accountable!!!

03/15/2021

They are only seeking safety

DON'T HURT THEM.....THEY HAVE BABIES THAT NEED THEM AND ONLY COMING CLOSER TO RESIDENTIAL AREAS TO GET AWAY FROM COYOTOES.

Are You Seeing Foxes Suddenly? This is Fox Pup Season!

People are seeing adult foxes near their homes and becoming alarmed. What they don't realize is that foxes are coming in close to people to raise their families because coyotes are in the further out areas. If a coyote finds a fox den, it may dig up the den and kill all the young. Foxes know this so they choose what they believe to be the lesser of two evils and come in closer to humans and away from the coyotes to have their litters. Please be kind and "rent" out your space to momma fox. You will be glad you did.

Foxes may have a den under your shed, porch, barn or in the back yard in a hill. The family will likely be moved in a few weeks to a new place. When the pups are older (July, August) they will start to be seen less and less. By September, the fox family will be gone and everything will be back to normal. Red foxes will not live in a den year round. They only den to raise their families. Out of a litter of 6, it is likely that only two or three foxes will live to see September.

People are often alarmed, thinking their family pets and children are being stalked or will be attacked. Not so. Foxes do not want to kill or eat your child, cat or dog.They eat primarily mice, rats, rabbits and woodchucks. They may certainly watch your pets with concern, bark at them and may even chase your cat back into your yard or up a tree if it goes near the den. Of course, thankfully, many cat owners realize the many risks of allowing their cats to roam free, and that cats kill young wildlife, so hopefully, they keep their cats supervised when outdoors. Your 16 pound kitty will be able to hold his or her own against a fox, and in fact, foxes and cats often develop friendships and play. Remember, it is the nature, and the fox belongs there.

Please allow the mother fox to raise her pups in peace. Do not hire someone to "relocate the family" this will not work! The most that will happen is that one or two pups will be caught (and surely killed by the hired person) and the mother will get scared and move her family. Most states have laws that state captured wildlife must be killed. Be patient, enjoy the fox family. it is a lot of fun to watch the pups scampering and tumbling with each other. In fact, it is a lot better entertainment than most TV shows on these days. Enjoy the breath of fresh air and the beauty in your back yard- it may be a once in a life time event for you.

Many people are afraid they can't let their animals out to go potty now. keep in mind that before you realize the family was there, you let your pets out and everything was OK.

Red foxes are Not nocturnal! Momma works very hard to feed her family. She will work all day and night catching rodents, snatching roadkill and bringing it back to her growing babies. Foxes also eat a great deal of grasses and insects too. They are omnivores.

If you really can't have a fox family in your yard, you may place an object such as a punch balloon, chair or a bucket near the den, but not too close as to scare momma away from grabbing her pups and moving them away from the scary object. About 10 feet from the den should be enough to concern her. Think about this though, momma felt safe enough in your yard to have her pups there. Where else will she be able to move those pups where they will be safe?

Sharing from Wildlife Rehabilitation

03/11/2021

The Grizzly Bear State Management Act 2021 would not only remove protection of Yellow National Park's grizzly population, it would remove the possibility of the court's authority to review or intervene.

Wyoming’s Congressional delegation is again pushing to remove federal protections from the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem’s grizzly bear population. Park County commissioners unanimously …