What Hastings Is Talking About Today (Animal Edition ▲ July 22, 2025)
AI image by Local Pigeon.
Good morning, Hastings! As I sip my coffee and watch the sun dance over the Mississippi, I’m struck by how our town’s animal stories are really just people stories with paws and hooves. From rescue heroes venting over breakfast to cat‑astrophic reunions, let’s dive into what everyone’s wagging about today.
Rescue Reflections
A rescuers’ morning rant – and a poop update
Not all heroics happen quietly. In a recent post, Emotional Rescue LLC shared the raw frustration that comes with managing a rescue. The writer admits having to redo a thank‑you video five times to avoid swearing while calling out another rescue’s negative commenters. Instead of sparring online, they decided to focus on animals that need help, even when the comments feel like pebbles hitting a mountain. The rant ends on a humorous note: Mama Soleil finally pooped, giving the team a vital sample for her vet. There’s grit, humour and honesty in equal measure.
👉 Link: Emotional Rescue LLC
Joey’s wheelie good life
If there’s a dog that embodies resilience, it’s Joey. Eight years ago, this southern shelter dog arrived paralyzed. Today, he zips around in a customised cart and has become a community celebrity. In a long post, his rescuer chuckles about Joey’s knack for losing his wheels and hiding calmly until someone finds him. Reflective stickers and failed flags later, the takeaway is clear: Joey’s story isn’t just about mobility aids; it’s about building a community where strangers cheer for a little dog. The post even credits a “young Whipper Snapper” who pushed the rescue onto social media; Joey now has fans across the country.
👉 Link: Emotional Rescue LLC
Adoption Appeals & Success Stories
Lamb Chop beats the itch
Meet Lamb Chop, an “invisible” dog who is winning his battle with mange. His skin has gone from angry red to a healthy pink, and his personality is blossoming. The rescue celebrates the fact that this once anonymous pup now has a name, regular meals and a future filled with love. Readers are invited to raise their hands if they suggested his cute name – and to consider adopting or donating so Lamb Chop and his friends continue thriving.
👉 Link: Animal Ark
Blaze is ready for his forever home
Blaze isn’t like other puppies – and that’s what makes him special. The Chow mix was born with Shaking Puppy Syndrome, which causes uncontrollable tremors. His rescue has chronicled his journey through dozens of videos, watching his tremors decrease and his confidence soar. Now that Blaze is ready for adoption, the team is bewildered that he hasn’t received much interest. They remind potential adopters that Blaze lives life like any other puppy, just with extra sparkle. The post encourages readers to like, comment and share to broaden Blaze’s reach and notes that out‑of‑state adopters are welcome.
👉 Link: Emotional Rescue, LLC
Happy adoption day, Buddy!
After arriving at Animal Ark with pals Chaos and Poker, Buddy – a sleek, black domestic shorthair – has finally found his family. His adoption post reads like a love letter: Buddy is now destined for cosy naps and endless snuggles. The shelter thanks his new family for giving him a second chance and invites those still seeking feline companionship to browse available cats on their website. The tone is joyous, reminding us that patience and care pay off.
👉 Link: Animal Ark
Smokey & Flare find peace after tragedy
Flare and Smokey survived a devastating house fire alongside 20 other cats. Thanks to Animal Ark and loving foster homes, these two have been nursed back to health and have now been adopted together. The shelter writes that the pair’s new life will be filled with cuddles, treats and warmth. They also encourage readers to check out other adoptable animals on their site. It’s a heartwarming reminder that even after trauma, community support can create happy endings.
👉 Link: Animal Ark
Lost & Found
Found dog alert – help reunite a furry friend
A recent “Found Dog Alert” called on Hastings residents to help reunite a lost dog with its family. The post notes that the dog may be someone’s beloved companion and urges anyone who recognises the pup to contact Animal Ark by email or phone. Sharing the post is also encouraged to widen the search net. It’s a classic example of how social media can turn a few clicks into a reunion.
👉 Link: Emotional Rescue, LLC
Is this your cat?
On the east side of St. Paul, a friendly, neutered male cat was found wandering without a microchip. The young couple who brought him in ensured he was healthy and are now seeking his human. He’s about five years old, super friendly and clearly well cared for. If you recognise this handsome lad, reach out and spread the word. Reuniting pets with their people is one of the most satisfying tasks a community can accomplish.
👉 Link: Emotional Rescue, LLC
Equine & Exotics
Kevlar the bullet‑proof horse seeks a patient partner
Not all rescue stories involve dogs and cats. Kevlar is a 15‑hand, bay Arabian gelding whose name comes from a bullet that ricocheted off his head. After arriving underweight and unhandled, he’s made huge strides with his foster family. Kevlar loves to play but can quickly slip into flight‑or‑fight mode, so he needs an experienced, calm handler. He’s currently in Durand, Wisconsin, and ready to meet the right person willing to earn his trust. If you’re horse‑savvy and have a herd to offer, Kevlar might be your next partner.
👉 Link: Emotional Rescue, LLC
Community Events & Volunteer Stories
Come to Rivertown Days and meet adoptable pets
If you’ve ever wanted to combine an arts fair with animal cuddles, here’s your chance. Volunteers invite everyone to Rivertown Days Arts & Crafts Fair at Jaycee Park to meet adoptable dogs and kittens. The fair runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and promises conversation, cute animals and plenty of opportunities to learn about local rescues. Bring your friends, family and your dog to enjoy the river breeze and maybe fall in love with a new companion.
👉 Link: Animal Ark
Weekly volunteers make rescue work possible
Rescues can’t function without human help. One post features Tookie and Bella, a high‑school friend and her daughter who visit every week to help care for dogs. The post captures them giving extra love to Koda and emphasises that teamwork really does make the dream work. If you’ve ever wondered how to get involved without adopting, volunteering a few hours of your time can make a world of difference.
👉 Link: Emotional Rescue, LLC
Looking Ahead
The rescue community never sleeps. Upcoming posts hint at more animals arriving, including a senior dog with a broken jaw from northern Minnesota. Meanwhile, Georgia advocates are asking if Hastings can help a litter of puppies. From horses to hamsters, our town’s heart for animals keeps growing.
As always, these summaries are just part of the story. Visit HastingsNow.com for the full LOCAL 10 roundups and keep supporting our furry and feathered neighbours.
Conclusion and Disclaimer
We’re proud to celebrate the wins and share the challenges of our local rescues. Hastings is a town where neighbors rally to reunite lost pets, adopt animals who need a second chance, and volunteer time to lighten the load. If you spot a misstatement or have a hot tip, drop us a line at HastingsNow.com/contact—our newsroom loves neighborly notes! Together, we’ll keep Hastings’ animal stories honest, uplifting and utterly adorable.
