Connect with us

OMG

Cat Named A Hero After Saving Infant

Dogs often get top-billing as man’s best friend, but cats have proven themselves to be capable of winning the title as well. That was the case with one very tuned-in tuxedo cat that picked up right away there was something wrong with a babysitter. As if smelling the issue on the person, the cat was not only able to sense the problem, but the feline was also able to warn its owners to the issue effectively enough that a bigger tragedy was averted.

A Cat That Earned Its Keep

Even dog people will have to agree this story proves one particular cat was definitely a keeper in the family it ended up protecting, especially in how the feline was able to protect a newborn boy while the parents were away. The family repeatedly highlights their cat as a hero and should. After all, what might have occurred if the babysitter had gotten away with what she was doing?

Cats and Babies

When a new baby comes home, cat owners are regularly warned by medical staff that the feline will likely have a problem with the new family member, acting out and being a problem. They also warn parents to keep the cat away from a child because of the risk of the claws. There’s been more than one story of a spoiled cat making its anger known peeing somewhere when a new baby showed up. That said, cats do just fine with new babies when a parent is around, and that was the case with Zara, their family cat.

Pet Bonding

Cats tend to pick out a particular person in a family in the house they live in as their primary human, and that was the case with Zara. When Carrie and Dennis had their baby boy, it became very clear their cat was quite enamored with the baby and decided Ollie, the new family member, was her particular focus of attention. In fact, Zara made a point to be available every morning so she could sniff Ollie and be nearby.

A Pleasant Surprise

Carrie and Dennis as expectant parents were assuming Zara was going to be a bit grumpy when Ollie was born and showed up. Fortunately, Zara was a very different feline and became very attentive of the newborn and infatuated with him. Zara seemed to love snuggling with Ollie, never scratching or clawing him, and her meowing and purring soothed the baby regularly, especially at nap time. As soon as the baby was moved, Zara was glued to him whichever room the baby was in.

Early Months

With the initial newborn months, Carrie was present all the time and found it interesting and amusing how much attention Zara gave the newborn. More than a few times she would catch Zara walking into Ollie’s room while he was napping to see the baby and check on him. It turned out to be an unknown premonition.

Transition Time

Unfortunately, Carrie was a working mother, and her maternity leave was coming to an end. She was going to have to go back to work. Carrie and Dennis made everything work with their income but they both needed to be employed. Ollie was nine months old by then, and it was time for Carrie to find a nanny for him.

Trust

Carrie didn’t want to just pick someone out of the newspaper or phone book, so she opted for a known person to be a nanny for her boy. That turned out to be a family friend named Alyssa. It seemed to make sense. Carrie and Dennis both knew Alyssa and were very familiar with her. Plus, the young woman needed income, so there seemed to be a win-win fit with the arrangement.

Getting Started

Alyssa was 21 and needed additional income for her own living support and expenses. Taking on a babysitting job was just what she needed. Carrie knew her for years and came to the conclusion it was the best situation for Ollie in terms of his safety. However, appearances were deceiving. Unknown as to why, Ollie as a baby started acting very different after a few weeks after the babysitting started.

Watch the Cat

When Alyssa had visited previously, Zara was there to inspect and snuggled with the young lady every time. However, once Alyssa became the nanny for Ollie, Zara switched gears dramatically. The cat flat out hated her physically. The feline would hiss at Alyssa in front of Carrie and Dennis, especially as Alyssa moved closer to Ollie. Carrie didn’t pick up on it right away but in hindsight she remembered her cat’s behavior later.

Chalk Things Up to a Smell

Alyssa brushed off the cat’s behavior quickly. She had a dog and figured out loud to Carrie that the dog’s smell probably freaked out Zara. This seemed to make sense. However, one day when she came home she found Ollie with a break on his lip. Alyssa dismissed it as the boy playing with a toy in his crib. Carrie got a weird feeling. A few days later Ollie was acting odd again. Specifically, the baby would flinch if Carrie and Dennis were across rooms and she had to yell to get Dennis’ attention. Ollie flinched again as Carrie saw his behavior and tried to relax the boy. What was going on?

Paranoid Parent

Carrie found herself wondering if her thoughts were bleeding into paranoia. There had been plenty of examples on TV or the news of babysitters abusing kids without their parents knowing. Was that happening to Ollie? Dennis picked up on Carrie’s concern and decided to go a step further. He put a recording device on the cat’s collar that would be nondescript, not easy to see. Zara was an easy observer; the cat was always around Ollie daily.

Meowing and Something Else

At first, the recording picked up usual sounds. The cat generally walked around the house and would meow to trigger a presence with Ollie. However, then Alyssa’s voice could be heard. They also heard Ollie crying. Alyssa’s voice wasn’t a calming one. Instead, it turned to yelling, and then Carrie and Dennis realized Alyssa was screaming at their kid to shut up. It went on again and again and again. Profanity and swearing were all included. Alyssa was also swearing at the cat. Zara started hissing viciously at the same time.

Appearances Don’t Match

By the time Dennis and Carrie got home, however, Alyssa was acting as if nothing had happened. Everything was in order, no yelling or swearing was happening and the home looked like it was all order. Did Dennis and Carrie just imagine what they heard? It was clear to them Ollie was being abused, and the behavior of him and the cat all made sense now.

The First Police Report

When Ollie’s lip had been cut and they found blood on his pajamas, the parents did file a police report, but the prosecutor’s office said there was not enough to pursue any charges with, so the case was dropped. This time Carrie and Dennis felt with the recording they had the evidence. But they decided they needed more.

More Cameras

The couple decided to make sure there were cameras both in Ollie’s room as well as the living room. Both were the most common areas Alyssa would be with the baby when she was present. They left that day hoping Zara would warn them on the camera, but they weren’t prepared for how fast the abuse began. It was only 15 minutes after they left that Alyssa lit into Ollie again.

Shock and Parental Horror

On live footage they could see Alyssa screaming at the baby boy, and it was clear to them Alyssa was unstable. They called the police rushing back to the house. The babysitter was sitting on Ollie, putting her weight on him while screaming at the infant.

The Confrontation

The parents were in shock the abuse had been as bad as it was. As Carrie charged into the house, Alyssa was surprised to see here. Soon enough she started to become defensive, starting to ask questions like what was going on and if there was something going on with Ollie she didn’t know about. Carrie didn’t have to engage much. The police were there in minutes, and Alyssa was arrested for child endangerment based on what they initially saw on the camera. 60 days later, Alyssa appeared in court and this time she was going to be charged.

Not Taken Serious Enough

The court, however, gave Alyssa a second chance. She was offered counseling and anger management before ending up with jail time. If she participated, she would avoid jail. Alyssa wasn’t an idiot, and she picked the diversion path. For Carrie and Dennis, however, they couldn’t let someone take care of their boy again. However, Zara the cat had in fact saved the day.

A Good Recovery

Ollie’s behavior went back to normal, and he has grown like a normal, happy boy with loving parents. Zara continues to chase and watch after him wherever the boy goes, and she’s constantly talking to him with her meows and purring. Peace seems to have returned in the household, and Dennis and Carrie don’t want it to be any other way ever again.

OMG

Eight Puppies Rescued from Texas Heat Will Soon Be Ready for Adoption

Kevin Wells

Published

on

Eight puppies left in the scorching Texas heat have been rescued and are now safe, thanks to some quick-thinking deputies and animal control officers.

The puppies were abandoned in a carrier on a field in Tarrant County, Texas, where temperatures reached over 100 degrees. The Tarrant County Sheriff’s Office shared this on their Facebook page.

A kind person found the puppies without any water and alerted the authorities. Unfortunately, since there were no cameras in the area, it’s unlikely they will find out who left the puppies behind.

Deputies Collin Stephenson and Haley Drew from the Tarrant County Sheriff’s Office, along with the Fort Worth Animal Care and Control team, rescued the puppies.

Fort Worth Animal Care and Control shared an update on Facebook, including photos of the puppies, saying, “The puppies that were rescued from a carrier in 100-degree weather by Tarrant County Sheriff’s Office are doing much better.”

The puppies, about six weeks old, are now at the Chuck & Brenda Silcox Animal Care and Adoption Center. They are believed to be shepherd mixes and have been given names after popular chip brands: Cheetos, Fritos, Ruffles, Lays Potato, Cheese Itz, Doritos, and Pringles.

Deputy Stephenson told Fort Worth Animal Care and Control that he plans to adopt one of the puppies.

The animal shelter is looking for people to foster or adopt the puppies, who should be ready for adoption next week.

Tips to Keep Your Pets Safe in the Heat

  1. Provide Plenty of Water: Always make sure your pets have access to fresh, cool water.
  2. Avoid Midday Heat: Walk your pets early in the morning or late in the evening when it’s cooler.
  3. Never Leave Pets in Cars: Cars can quickly become dangerously hot, even with windows cracked.
  4. Shade and Shelter: Ensure your pets have a shady place to rest if they’re outside.
  5. Watch for Signs of Overheating: Signs include excessive panting, drooling, and weakness. If you notice these, get your pet to a cool place and offer water.
  6. Limit Exercise: On very hot days, reduce the amount of exercise your pets get.

By following these tips, you can help keep your pets safe and healthy during the hot summer months.

Continue Reading

OMG

Diver Makes Stunning Ancient Find Off Florida Coast: ‘Very Rare’

Renee Yates

Published

on

A diver in Florida recently made an incredible discovery while exploring the waters off the state’s coast.

Kyle Lundberg, who studied marine biology at the University of South Florida, was diving off Manasota Key, about 90 miles south of Tampa, when he stumbled upon an ancient mastodon tusk. He found this remarkable relic back in April while searching for fossils.

The tusk, which hasn’t been dated yet, could be millions of years old. Although he’s only 29 years old, Lundberg has been scuba diving for 12 years and has been hunting for fossils since he was “old enough to walk.”

“My dad would take us out to construction sites all the time to look for fossils as a kid,” Lundberg shared. He mentioned that while finding small pieces and chunks of tusk is common, discovering one as large and well-preserved as this is very rare. Tusks found in Florida are usually very delicate and often crumble apart.

According to the National Park Service (NPS), American mastodons went extinct around 10,500 years ago. Their fossils have been discovered across North America and Central America, from Alaska to Mexico. Despite what some people might think, mastodons are not the same as mammoths, though they are related and share a common ancestor with mammoths and elephants. Mastodons could grow as tall as 10 feet.

The NPS explains that while mastodons have been around since 4 to 3 million years ago, mammoths didn’t arrive in North America until much later, during the Pleistocene ice ages, which spanned from 2.6 million years ago to 11,700 years ago. Mastodons did live alongside mammoths in many areas, but all of these large creatures went extinct by about 10,500 years ago.

Lundberg has some advice for aspiring fossil hunters: remember to get a fossil permit. In Florida, these permits only cost five dollars each. “My best tip is to get out and explore and keep your head down,” he said. “This stuff is out there and all over the state.”

As for what will happen to the ancient mastodon tusk, Lundberg plans to keep it unless experts decide it is important enough to donate. “I plan on keeping it, but I do have to report it at the end of the year to the Florida Museum of Natural History,” he said. “If they deem it scientifically important, I have to donate it, but that is very unlikely.”

Continue Reading

OMG

Daring Rescue: Duluth Firefighters Save Dog from Frigid Lake Superior

Kevin Wells

Published

on

In a heart-pounding rescue mission on the shores of Duluth, Minnesota, a brave dog found himself in a perilous situation after leaping into the icy waters of Lake Superior. The daring rescue unfolded amidst eight-foot waves that crashed against the shore, creating a challenging environment for both man and canine.

The intense situation began when the adventurous dog managed to slip out of his leash, enticed by the allure of a chilly swim. Unbeknownst to the canine, Lake Superior’s vast expanse presented a danger he hadn’t anticipated. The situation quickly escalated, prompting the owner to dial emergency services.

To pinpoint the distressed dog’s location, dispatchers utilized cameras on a life bridge, offering a bird’s-eye view of the unfolding drama. The dog, buffeted by the relentless waves, struggled to stay afloat as firefighters donned specialized ice suits to brave the frigid waters.

These ice suits, designed for extreme cold-water rescues, provide a crucial barrier between the icy environment and the rescuers. Comprising layers of insulated materials, these suits not only keep firefighters warm but also offer buoyancy and protection against the harsh elements.

As the brave firefighters plunged into the turbulent waters, the dog faced the dual challenges of the waves and the numbing cold. Despite the difficult conditions, the rescue team, guided by the worried owner who remained on the shore, managed to locate the struggling canine.

The dog, large and frightened, repeatedly disappeared beneath the waves, making the rescue a daunting task. Through effective communication between the owner and the firefighters, the team successfully secured the dog by the collar, preventing him from slipping away.

Once the dog was safely in their grasp, both the firefighters and the canine were brought to safety aboard a waiting boat. The dog, now shivering and scared, received prompt medical attention. After warming up, the resilient pup even leaped happily into his owner’s car, a heartwarming conclusion to a potentially tragic event.

The Duluth Fire Department, often questioned about responding to animal-related emergencies, emphasized the significance of such actions in a Facebook post. They highlighted the deep bond between pets and their families, explaining that in their experience, if emergency responders did not intervene, well-meaning bystanders might take unnecessary risks.

The post also revealed a chilling detail: one of the dog’s owners had considered jumping into the treacherous waters. The fire department strongly discouraged such actions, emphasizing the importance of leaving water rescues to trained professionals equipped with the necessary gear.

“The Duluth Fire Department wants to stress to the public the importance of not putting yourself into a situation you are neither trained nor equipped to handle,” the post warned. “Given the wave and temperature conditions in the canal last night, anyone entering the water without the proper training and equipment would most likely have ended in tragedy.”

Continue Reading

OMG

Teenager Sam Sieracki Soars to New Heights, Solving Rubik’s Cube in Free Fall

Jess

Published

on

By

Seventeen-year-old Sam Sieracki has etched his name into the Guinness World Records by solving a Rubik’s Cube while skydiving over West Australia. Jumping out of an airplane at 14,000 feet, Sam achieved the remarkable feat in just 28.25 seconds, breaking the previous record of 30.14 seconds held by Nitin Subramanian of the United States.

In a daring display of skill and concentration, Sam described the intense experience of solving the Rubik’s Cube in free fall. “It’s really intense. It’s very loud because you’ve got all the wind in your face,” Sam explained. “So it’s a lot harder to concentrate than if I’m just on the ground solving it… my record on the ground is a lot faster than in the air – it’s about 6.5 seconds.”

Despite facing challenges in the sky, Sam, who is both a speed-cuber and a skydiving enthusiast, tackled the feat with enthusiasm. It took him five attempts to surpass the previous record, showcasing his determination and resilience.

Sam, who has been attending speed-cubing competitions since 2017, expressed confidence in breaking the record but admitted that the challenge proved to be more demanding than expected. “Having attended speed-cubing competitions since 2017, I was confident about breaking the record, but it ended being far more challenging than expected and took me five attempts to achieve,” Sam remarked.

The teenager’s passion for both speed-cubing and skydiving has been a driving force in his pursuits. “I decided that I want to be a solo skydiver, so waited impatiently to turn 16 … so that I could become a licensed skydiver and go by myself,” Sam shared. “Since then, I’ve gone up to Jurien Bay every school holidays to do a few jumps, and am now up to 80 jumps in my second year of skydiving.”

Acknowledging the support of his loved ones, Sam expressed gratitude to his biggest fans and supporters, his mother and girlfriend, who encouraged him to break the world record. As a self-proclaimed rookie in the skydiving world, Sam doesn’t set grand goals but aims to continue improving his skills with each jump, all while enjoying the thrilling experience.

Continue Reading

OMG

Daughter Overwhelms Parents Restaurant With Customers By Posting On TikTok

Renee Yates

Published

on

A seven-second video posted on TikTok by Jennifer Le has saved her parents’ Vietnamese pho restaurant from going out of business. In the video, Le showed the empty restaurant and her dad looking sad at the register. She then asked for social media’s help to keep the restaurant in business. The restaurant is in California and was doing ok before the pandemic, but has since had trouble getting customers to dine in.

The video went viral, and within hours, it had garnered millions of views and shares. People all over the world were touched by Le’s message and began sharing the video on their social media accounts. The response was overwhelming, with people expressing their support for the restaurant and their willingness to help.

As a result of the video, the restaurant was flooded with customers, many of whom had never heard of the place before. The increased business allowed Le’s parents to keep the restaurant open and the phones are ringing off the hook. The family was overwhelmed by the outpouring of support and expressed their gratitude to everyone who had shared the video and visited the restaurant.

Le’s video is a perfect example of the power of social media to effect change. In just seven seconds, she was able to capture the attention of millions of people and inspire them to take action. The video also highlights the struggles faced by small businesses during the pandemic and the importance of community support in keeping these businesses afloat.

Le’s video has since become a source of inspiration for many people who are struggling with similar issues. It serves as a reminder that even the smallest actions can have a significant impact, and that we all have the power to make a difference in our communities.

Continue Reading

Trending