Big wags for this pet protection

One of the most loved stories in Paw Print Post this year was our shelter pet contest, where you, the readers, picked your favorites. Walter, an elderly black Labrador retriever, and Eva, an adorable cat, won that contest, which enabled many readers to tell stories about pets they'd rescued, and who in turn, many said, rescued them.

The group behind the rescues in this photo album is on a distant shore, but their commitment to helping animals is near and dear to all of us. I thought you'd enjoy looking at the photos and learning more about Battlesea Dogs & Cats Home. It is one of the oldest and best known animal welfare charities in England and in the world. It is 150 years old and has found homes for three million cats and dogs since its opening.

Security device up your animals this New Year

As the fireworks and celebrations are underway, Animals around South Australia will be terrified by the loud noises and lights. With some animal hearing around 10 times more sensitive than human, that loud bang from a firework that makes you jump, can send your pets into unmanageable panic. It's not just dogs either, as the RSPCA prepares for a 30 percent increase in housing of dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, horses and all kinds of domesticated animals.

With many revellers heading out to enjoy the celebrations, RSPCA SA chief inspector Simon Richards said it is value treating your animals like they are young children. If possible, organize a friend that is not caption out to baby sit your pet animals. If you do return home and find your animal is missing, Simon recommends calling councils, local vets, the RSPCA and Animal Welfare League. If travelling on the roads whilst fireworks displays are happening, or heading home after the events, also ensure you are aware that Animal charities may be fleeing or in a panicked state, and may flit out in front of vehicles

Vick backing animal movement

Shamed NFLer Michael Vick is urging kids across America to be kind to their pets as part of his new-establish dedication to animal welfare organizations. The quarterback was arrested for animal abuse and promoting dog fighting in 2007 and subsequently spent 23 months in jail. Since his release last year, Vick has worked with animal charities and he's now joined the Humane Society's End Dogfighting movement to teach kids about the importance of looking after animals.

The 30-year-old Philadelphia Eagle has been promoting the system across the U.S., and during a visit to a Connecticut high school on Tuesday he told the youngsters about how his attitude towards pets has changed."I didn't really care what people felt about animals, I didn't care about the welfare of animals," he told the students. And Vick is certain it was his destiny to become an animals rights campaigner.