A cat who was found hiding her kittens in a closet is finally living the good life she's always longed for. McGonagallTheStrayCatClubAbout two months ago, a cat wandered into a yard and gave birth to a litter of kittens.Not long after, she managed to sneak into the house and hide her newborns in a closet. "She was desperate for safety, doing the only thing she could to protect them," shared The Stray Cat Club, a volunteer-run rescue. Unfortunately, the situation inside was unsafe, and by the time rescuers arrived, only two kittens had survived.The mother cat clung to her remaining kittens as they were transported to a foster home, where warmth and comfort awaited them. TheStrayCatClub"She needed kindness, patience, and a safe place a day earlier. If you see a cat in need, reach out, offer food, and give them shelter."In the weeks that followed, the surviving kittens, Viktor and Cedric, thrived under their mother's devoted care and unconditional love. They blossomed into curious, playful little souls, as though they had never known a life without affection. Viktor and CedricTheStrayCatClubTheir mother, McGonagall, could finally take some time for herself, but the moment she heard a kitten cry, she hurried to their side. Her maternal instincts remained strong as long as her babies were near.She watched over them every step of the way, doing everything in her power to keep them safe. TheStrayCatClub"McGonagall has settled beautifully into foster care and is such a devoted, gentle mother. Viktor and Cedric are growing fast, gaining weight, becoming confident little kittens, and hitting all the milestones we could hope for."From the moment she gave birth, McGonagall always put her kittens first, often neglecting her own needs to ensure theirs were met. TheStrayCatClubAs the kittens grew into tiny whirlwinds, dashing, tumbling, and getting into all sorts of mischief, McGonagall was finally able to relax. She watched proudly as they chased toys, wrestled one another, and even pounced on her tail in playful bursts."It's hard to believe the situation they were found in, from cold, scared, and at risk to warm, safe, and deeply loved." TheStrayCatClubWhen playtime ended, the kittens curled up beside their mom, leaning in as she groomed them before drifting off to sleep, lulled by the sound of their purrs. "Their future is finally looking bright. Fostering truly saves lives."After several weeks in foster care, Viktor and Cedric were ready to spread their wings and begin their next adventure. TheStrayCatClubThe two feline brothers were quickly adopted, while their mom patiently waited for her turn. For the first time in a long while, she no longer had kittens depending on her and could focus entirely on herself. She soon discovered just how freeing that felt."She's enjoying not being a mom and has come a long way now that the kittens have left her." TheStrayCatClubMcGonagall began playing like a kitten again and seeking affection from her humans, allowing her true personality to shine. "She's a gentle soul who takes things slowly, observing quietly and choosing calm moments to come forward for a stroke or reassurance.""She is a cat who builds trust steadily, and once she does, you see just how soft and loving she truly is." TheStrayCatClubOnce a timid stray, McGonagall has embraced her indoor life, soaking up all the love and attention she's always hoped for."Now that her kittens have flown the nest, it's finally her turn—her turn to have a home where she's cherished, and her turn to learn that life isn't something she has to survive. It's something she gets to enjoy." TheStrayCatClubShare this story with your friends. More on McGonagall and The Stray Cat Club (in London) on Instagram @thestraycatclub and Facebook.Related story: Cat Finds Someone to Help Him After Years on the Street, His Eyes Light Up and He Blooms into True King

Puppy Bowl 2025 is coming, and if you’re thinking about adopting, you need to know the adoption times and how to participate. We at DogingtonPost want to help you navigate this annual event so you can find your perfect match. This guide covers everything from where to find official Puppy Bowl 2025 adoption time details to how shelters and rescue organizations are involved. Whether you’re a first-time adopter or looking to expand your family, you’ll find the practical information you need here. What Puppy Bowl 2025 Actually Is Puppy Bowl XXI airs on Sunday, February 9, 2025 at 2 PM ET and 11 AM PT on Animal Planet and discovery+. This isn’t a traditional sports broadcast-it’s a three-hour adoption event disguised as entertainment. Animal Planet features 131 puppies from 73 shelters and rescues across 36 states and territories competing in Team Ruff versus Team Fluff for the Lombarky Trophy. The real purpose is straightforward: connect rescue puppies with potential adopters nationwide. Every puppy featured has a specific shelter or rescue organization attached, which means you’re not just watching cute dogs play-you’re viewing an active adoption catalog. The event has grown substantially since its inception, with past editions showcasing puppies from well-known organizations like SPCA Westchester, Brandywine Valley SPCA, and Helen Woodward Animal Center. How Adoption Times Work During the Broadcast Most first-time viewers assume adoption happens immediately after watching their favorite competitor, but that’s not how it works. Each participating shelter operates independently with its own adoption process, hours, and requirements. A puppy featured on Team Ruff might become available for adoption the same day through its listed shelter, while another might have a waiting list or require advance applications. The Puppy Bowl website lists participating shelters, but it doesn’t provide specific adoption time slots or availability windows. This is where most people get stuck. You need to contact the shelter directly to learn their adoption hours, appointment requirements, and whether they’re running special Puppy Bowl adoption events. Some shelters coordinate extended hours during the broadcast weekend, while others maintain standard schedules. The earlier you identify which puppy interests you and which shelter holds that dog, the faster you can secure an adoption time. What Happens When Your Favorite Puppy Finds a Home Even if a specific Puppy Bowl star finds a home before or during the broadcast, shelters still have many other adoptable puppies waiting. The puppies featured represent just a fraction of dogs available through these organizations. Animal Planet’s partnership with these shelters emphasizes adoption advocacy, not just entertainment value. The event also includes Rescue Puppy Yoga events in New York City, Toronto, Chicago, and Houston-90-minute sessions where 100% of net proceeds go directly to local rescue organizations. The number 100% seems to be not appropriate for this chart. Please use a different chart type. These sessions provide valuable one-on-one time with adoptable puppies in a low-pressure environment, letting you observe personalities and interaction styles before committing to adoption. Preparing Before Game Day Attending one of these events or visiting your local shelter before game day gives you realistic expectations about what puppies need and whether you’re genuinely ready for the responsibility. Contact shelters early to understand their specific adoption processes and timelines. This preparation puts you ahead of other potential adopters who wait until broadcast day to start their search. With shelters participating across multiple states and territories and many puppies available, your next step is identifying which organizations operate near you and what they require from adopters. Where to Find Puppy Bowl 2025 Adoption Details Animal Planet and Official Puppy Bowl Resources Animal Planet’s official website and discovery+ streaming platform serve as your starting points, but they won’t provide everything you need. The Puppy Bowl XXI page lists participating puppies and their affiliated organizations, along with puppy profiles and photos. However, adoption times and availability windows don’t appear there. You must search for your chosen puppy’s name and shelter on Google, then navigate directly to that organization’s adoption page. Many shelters update their availability during Puppy Bowl weekend, so check back frequently starting February 7. Some organizations like SPCA Westchester and Helen Woodward Animal Center may post special Puppy Bowl adoption hours, but you must verify this directly rather than assuming all shelters extend their hours. Contacting Shelters for Specific Adoption Times Local animal shelters and rescue organizations are your actual adoption partners, not Animal Planet. The Puppy Bowl website provides shelter contact information and links to their pages, making it straightforward to reach out. Contact the shelter by phone at least three days before February 9 to confirm appointment availability, application requirements, and whether they accept walk-ins or require advance registration. If a puppy interests you, that shelter’s adoption process and timeline determine when you can bring the dog home. Some shelters operate on a first-come, first-served basis while others require completed applications before you visit. The shelters themselves provide the most accurate and current adoption details you’ll find anywhere. Meeting Puppies Through Rescue Yoga Events Puppy Bowl is teaming up with Best Friends Animal Society to help more dogs and cats find homes, with adoption fees covered for pets from February 5-12. These events let you observe puppy personalities in a controlled setting before committing to adoption through the affiliated shelter. You interact with dogs in a low-pressure environment, which helps you assess whether a particular puppy matches your lifestyle and expectations. This hands-on approach beats scrolling through photos online and gives you confidence in your adoption decision. Taking Action Before Game Day Don’t wait until February 9 to start this process. Contact shelters now to understand their specific requirements, typical wait times, and whether they’re coordinating special Puppy Bowl events. This preparation puts you ahead of other potential adopters who wait until broadcast day to start their search. With shelters participating across multiple states and territories and many puppies available, your next step involves identifying which organizations operate near you and what they require from adopters-information that shapes how quickly you can move forward with adoption. How to Adopt a Puppy During Puppy Bowl Weekend Identify Your Match and Contact Shelters Early Start with the Puppy Bowl XXI page and identify which puppies appeal to you, then note their affiliated shelters. Contact those specific organizations directly by phone or email at least three days before February 9 to learn their adoption hours, appointment requirements, and whether they extend availability during the event. Some shelters like SPCA Westchester and Brandywine Valley SPCA may offer special Puppy Bowl weekend hours, but you cannot assume this without verification. Ask directly whether they accept walk-ins, require pre-approved applications, or maintain standard schedules. Many shelters operate on a first-come, first-served basis, meaning your application timing determines your position in the adoption queue. Submit Applications Immediately If a puppy interests you but the shelter requires completed applications beforehand, submit yours immediately rather than waiting until game day. This single action puts you ahead of other potential adopters who assume they can simply show up and adopt. Document each shelter’s requirements in a spreadsheet with contact information, hours, fees, and application deadlines so you have everything organized when February 9 arrives. The shelters themselves provide the most accurate and current adoption details you’ll find anywhere. Prepare Your Home and Budget Stock puppy essentials including appropriate food, water bowls, a comfortable bed, toys designed for puppies, and containment options like a crate or playpen. Set aside emergency funds for veterinary care, vaccines, and training classes since adoption fees vary widely, with shelters reporting rates anywhere from $50 to $350 or more depending on the puppy’s age, breed, and medical needs. Identify a local veterinarian now and schedule a first appointment for the week after adoption. Find a certified trainer who specializes in puppies and research pet-sitting options for when you return to work. This support network prevents chaos during those critical first weeks. Assess Your Home and Schedule Walk through your home and remove hazards like electrical cords, toxic plants, and small objects puppies could swallow. Puppies require substantial daily time for training, socialization, and exercise, so honestly assess whether your schedule accommodates these demands before adoption day arrives. If you cannot commit to this level of care, fostering provides a valuable alternative that helps shelters while building your confidence for future adoption. Final Thoughts Puppy Bowl 2025 adoption time details determine whether you can actually bring home a rescue dog during this nationwide event. The real work happens before February 9 when you contact shelters, submit applications, and prepare your home. Animal Planet’s broadcast sparks interest, but your local shelter makes adoption possible. Supporting adoption events like Puppy Bowl XXI directly impacts rescue organizations nationwide. The 142 puppies from 80 shelters featured this year represent thousands more waiting in facilities across the country. Rescue Puppy Yoga events in New York City, Toronto, Chicago, and Houston demonstrate how creative partnerships amplify adoption reach, with 100% of net proceeds funding local rescue operations (medical care, food, and shelter needs). Start now by identifying puppies on the Puppy Bowl XXI page and contacting their shelters to confirm puppy bowl 2025 adoption time availability. If you’re not ready for adoption yet, fostering and volunteering still make a meaningful difference in rescue communities. We at DogingtonPost provide ongoing resources on dog health, nutrition, and responsible ownership to support your journey as a dog parent.

Aggressive Cat Melts When She Gets To Know Her New Mom | The Dodo