From alcoholic bears to cats on treadmills, why animals are seriously the best.
Novelist and playwright Thornton Wilder once wrote that “the best thing about animals is that they don’t talk much” but while he may have been technically correct we think animals actually have quite a lot to say—in their own way.
Cutest critters of 2019
Written content by Charlotte Hilton Andersen via Reader’s Digest
Even better, everything they communicate is often hilarious and always adorable. Read on to see what these cute critters got up to this year. You’ll also want to check out these 12 incredible stories of animals acting just like humans.
Service dog helps Disney characters
Nala the service dog is an invaluable helper and friend to her owner, Megan Leigh, who trained the dog to help her with her autism and other health conditions. But Nala wasn’t content to just support Megan. The pair goes to Disney World several times a week where she’s well-known to the cast. In between riding the rides, she can be seen snuggling up to Donald Duck, Ariel the mermaid, Jack Sparrow, and other characters being played by actors in costumes. The pictures made absolutely everyone’s day. Oh, and yes, Nala is named after “The Lion King” lioness! Find out the most popular dog names for the most popular breeds.
The whale who was a spy
Hvladimir, a Beluga whale, rocketed to fame when South African researchers found that he could play catch, as reported by The Guardian. How the whale, discovered off the coast of Norway, acquired such a, well, human skill is an even more interesting story. When he was found, Hvaldimir was wearing a Go-Pro camera on a harness imprinted with “property of St. Petersburg” causing people to surmise he was trained by Russia as part to be an underwater spy. It’s not that strange of an idea, actually—the CIA has tried to use cats, dogs, and rats as secret agents. Researchers are now trying to find a whale pod for him to live out his retirement with.
Police dog gets a new job after being too nice
Gavel, a German shepherd was trained from puppy-hood to be a police dog, and his crime-fighting future seemed certain—until officers started taking him out in the field. The dog was super smart and good at the details of his job but he had one major “flaw.” He loved nothing more than to run up and greet strangers, all strangers, including criminals. So he was given a new job, as the Vice-Regal Dog for Queensland, Australia. He lives at the governor’s mansion and gives welcome tours to visitors, acting as a canine ambassador. Here’s what happens to service dogs when they retire. Read more from Reader’s Digest.
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