It’s the time again already! Hard to believe, but it’s been yet another year in the midst of a pandemic. Just as it has affected pretty much all areas of life, COVID has had an impact on the pet world. Since the pandemic began, the stories we have covered have changed somewhat. For example, many yearly pet events were cancelled or moved online, which has meant less events to write about overall but also a chance to look at how organizations holding an event online have been able to reach a wider audience than they would have in person. Many people adopted pets during the pandemic, leading to related stories, including what it was like to work from home while caring for pets and then, later, how to help pets adjust as owners began returning to the office instead of working remotely.
In spite of all the changes in the world, as with previous years, Wow My Pet Did That! has covered a wide variety of pet-related stories. And, as in previous years, there were so many funny, inspiring, entertaining or helpful stories that it was incredibly hard to narrow it down to ten. Pandemic or not, animals are an incredibly important part of our lives and a source of never-ending fascination, not to mention love and happiness.
Here’s hoping this coming year brings us closer to a healthier world, and, without further ado, here is our list of our top ten favorite stories from this year:
1. Ikea stuffed animal contest for kids shows a worldwide love for pets
IKEA stuffed animal contest for kids shows a worldwide love for pets
A great idea for a contest and a chance for kids to unleash their creativity by submitting ideas for plush animals.
2. Fun facts about cat yoga
https://wowmypetdidthat.com/fun-facts-about-cat-yoga/
Yes, cat yoga, is a thing, and this article looks at the benefits and more of this trend toward involving cats in one’s yoga routine.
3. Checking out what it’s like to take a cat on a walk
I loved this story for a number of reasons. It’s a great reminder to get out and enjoy the simple things in life, such as taking a walk. Add to that a cat who likes to come along and it can be a great experience for human and feline.
4. Artist’s 90th birthday exhibition includes monumentally-scaled detailed paintings of cats’ coats
Artist’s 90th birthday exhibition includes monumentally-scaled detailed paintings of cats’ coats
This story about an artist who paints large and up-close images of the fur coats of cats is a great example of how our feline friends have inspired artists over the years.
5. Chicken website debuts chickens got talent contest and results show
https://wowmypetdidthat.com/chicken-website-debuts-chickens-got-talent-contest-and-results-show/
Chicken website debuts Chickens Got Talent contest and results show
Chickens do have talent and intelligence and they are also very cute, something more people are discovering through contests such as this.
6. Recyling feed bags into cute items, like this tote bag:
This how-to article about re-using feed bags (and other types of bags) shows how upcycling can be a way of taking something destined for the trash and turning it into a practical item with lots of charm.
7. Real-life hero cow assists police with apprehension of suspect:
Real-life hero cow assists police with apprehension of suspect
It was not just another day on the farm for a woman who witnessed as her cow chased after a tresspasser. This moo-ving story of a cow protecting its humans and terrirtory just goes to show that loyalty and bravery isn’t just a human trait.
8. Update on tiny, injured kitten
When my neighbor showed up at my door with a tiny kitten that was soaking wet and bleeding, I didn’t think the odds were good. But, as you can see from this “update,” the kitten (now named Slugger) was a lot tougher than she looked. P.S. Slugger is now almost a full grown cat and a happy,
9. Old dogs are full of new tricks; new online dog game to benefit real life senior dogs
This story looks at how an app that people can download and play was designed to benefit real-life animals at a sanctuary.
Old dogs are full of new tricks in this new dog game app to benefit real-life senior dogs
This story looks at how an app that people can download and play was designed to benefit real-life animals at a sanctuary.
10. Does your dog remember what you say? Researchers find that some dogs have a gift for learning and remembering new words
I love a research study that looks at the abilities of animals. This one was extra special since it involves giving dog owners a chance to provide information about their own gifted dogs by going to http://geniusdogchallenge.com/
Those were sure some goodies but ya gotta love that hero cow!
Definitely! The pic of her standing there proudly as the officers walk away in the background is classic.