What Hastings Is Talking About Today (Animals Edition ▲ August 13, 2025)

Image by HastingsNow.com/ashley

Hastings neighbors, have you heard? Our furry friends are the talk of the town! From kittens finding forever homes to heroic fund‑raisers and a beagle begging for a name, there’s no shortage of heart‑warming, tail‑wagging news in our community. Let’s dive in and celebrate together!

Adoption Day Celebrations

Bootsie Finally Finds Her Lap

Bootsie and her family were rescued from life outdoors last winter. While her siblings quickly charmed their way into new homes, shy Bootsie quietly waited for her match. This sweet tabby stole everyone’s heart with her gentle spirit and has now been adopted! Her new family is ready to provide the love, patience and cozy spots she deserves. If your household is missing a feline friend, Animal Ark has plenty of adoptable cats waiting for your visit.

👉 Link: Animal Ark

Binx’s Polydactyl Magic

Binx, a ten‑year‑old black cat with extra toes, charmed his rescuers after living outside on his own. Despite his past as a stray, Binx remained affectionate and ready to make new friends. Those extra toes weren’t boxing gloves – they’re polydactyl magic! This week he found a forever home, proving that older animals and unique features often lead to the best stories. Thank you to the family who saw beyond the polydactyl paws and gave Binx the comfortable retirement he deserves.

👉 Link: Animal Ark

Harley’s Second Chance

Harley, an eight‑year‑old gray tabby, has lived quite a life. He was rescued from neglect, rehomed once, and then left behind when his guardian moved. Described as shy but affectionate, Harley warms up slowly and becomes a lap cat who loves batting around toy mice. This week Harley finally found the forever family he’s longed for. His story reminds us that senior pets deserve love and second chances, too. If you’re thinking of adding a cat to your home, Animal Ark encourages you to check their adoption page for more sweet souls like Harley.

👉 Link: Animal Ark

Health & Safety Updates

Time for Shots!

August is National Immunization Awareness Month, and the Town & Country Veterinary Clinic reminds us that staying up to date on vaccines protects our pets and our community. Shots against rabies, distemper and parvo keep cats and dogs healthy for years. Whether your companion is a couch potato or an adventure buddy, preventive care matters. The clinic encourages everyone to schedule appointments and learn what vaccines their pets need. Healthy pets mean happy homes, so don’t wait to check your pet’s records!

👉 Link: Town & Country Veterinary Clinic

Rafael Begins Heartworm Treatment

Rafael, a two‑year‑old, ten‑pound pup recently arrived at Emotional Rescue and is battling heartworm disease. He has been on antibiotics for a month and is now starting a series of injections to kill the worms in his heart. Unlike intestinal parasites, heartworms decay in the heart, causing dangerous blockages. Rafael’s caregivers warn that the injections will make him feel rough for a few days, so he’ll need extra TLC while recovering. The good news? With proper treatment and prayers from the community, this brave little guy has a bright future ahead.

👉 Link: Emotional Rescue

Fundraisers & Community Support

Pampered Chef Fundraiser Fuels Rescues

Emotional Rescue’s founder shares that a big part of keeping the rescue going is community support—and this month, Jodi’s Pampered Chef fundraiser is doing exactly that. In just a few days the campaign raised $894, and supporters are only $48 away from the higher 30 % donation rate. Early‑morning gratitude posts thank everyone who has placed orders and invited friends to join the drive. The founder reflects on how the rescue started as “extreme fostering” and grew into Emotional Rescue when other rescues declined to take in medical cases. She credits Jodi for nudging her to form a nonprofit, run fundraisers and share her story. With pups arriving from Texas and surgeries ahead, every order counts. Feeling inspired? There’s still time to buy some kitchen gadgets and help save more dogs!

👉 Link: Emotional Rescue

Special‑Needs & Everyday Moments

Wheelie Dogs and Muddy Buddies

Rescuer life isn’t always glamorous—it’s often muddy, messy and full of heart. Blind dogs Sunny and Noodle are teaching each other that if there’s mud, you must find it. Halo proudly showed off her freshly clipped nails, while Joey celebrated a “wheelie recess,” spending another day happily zooming in his wheels. Noodle, the little blind glue puppy, keeps volunteers laughing with his expressive faces and cuddles. These everyday moments remind us that special‑needs dogs live full, joyful lives when given love and adaptive care. Seeing them play in mud or master wheelchairs is the kind of feel‑good news we all need.

👉 Link: Emotional Rescue

Naming & Community Engagement

Name That Beagle (and Her Friends)

Emotional Rescue introduced two beagle fosters—one wearing a green collar and one with a black collar—and asked the community to help name them. The green‑collared girl beamed in her photo, eager to learn her new moniker. Her black‑collared friend, a beagle mix, wagged her tail while volunteers brainstormed name ideas. In another update, a “crusty, gooey” little pup snuggled into a volunteer’s arms while she waited for a name. These posts illustrate how rescue groups engage the community—inviting neighbors to be part of each dog’s story. If you have a clever name suggestion, drop it in the comments and help these pups start their new chapters with style!

👉 Link: Emotional Rescue

Lost & Found

Friendly Pup Found in Cottage Grove

A handsome dog was discovered wandering around Cottage Grove’s Heritage Park without a microchip. He’s very friendly, and rescuers are hoping to reunite him with his family. If you recognize this gentleman or have any information, please call 651‑772‑8983. Thanks to quick‑thinking neighbors, lost dogs often find their way back home. Let’s work together and keep spreading the word!

👉 Link: Animal Ark

Fritz’s Journey to a Forever Home

A Dog on the Brink of Adoption

Fritz, an Emotional Rescue alum, is almost ready to be listed for adoption. Volunteers asked readers to guess how many days it will take before this good boy finds his family. After arriving depressed and withdrawn, Fritz is now curious and excited, exploring everything like it’s brand new. Recent updates show him enjoying lap time with fellow rescue Rudy and learning to trust humans. When Fritz’s adoption goes live, keep your eyes peeled—you might just know the perfect home for this resilient hound.

👉 Link: Emotional Rescue LLC

Conclusion

From kitty cuddle sessions to pups splashing in the mud, Hastings’ animal stories remind us why we cherish our community. Whether you donate to a fundraiser, share a lost‑dog post, schedule your pet’s shots or simply smile at a beagle naming contest, your involvement makes a difference. For the full rundown of local stories, visit HastingsNow.com and savor the LOCAL 10.

If you spot a misstatement or have a hot tip, drop us a line at HastingsNow.com/contact—our newsroom loves neighborly notes!