Great Spirit Animal Sanctuary

07/25/2025

TRANSPORT HELP NEEDED! Three small adult dogs need a rescue ride from the Snowflake AZ animal impound on TUESDAY 7/29 if possible. We can loan a crate or crates. Each dog weighs 16 to 20 lbs. We can meet you in Snowflake, Show Low or Overgaard to get the dogs to you. They are going to a rescue on E. Bell Rd in Phoenix and need to arrive there before 5 pm. If you can help, call or text Great Spirit's foster coordinator and rescue outreach volunteer Tedi Falco at 928-245-8704. Thanks. 🧡

07/24/2025

We could use 4 of these. Our one GPS collar is getting moved around a lot lately with the number of dogs we house.

Shop Halo GPS Wireless Virtual Dog Fences & accessories, including indoor & outdoor beacons, charging cables, and protective cases

07/24/2025

Our annual pig spa treatment from last year. Almost time again. This is where your tax-deductible donations go towards care.

07/24/2025

Yes canine species especially normally fast.

https://www.facebook.com/share/1ApZFYtuEo/

You've heard of IF for humans, but can it benefit your dog...? 🧐

Intermittent fasting mimics the natural eating patterns of wild dogs, who typically hunt & eat in a feast-or-famine pattern.

So, if you believe your dog should follow their ancestral habits, you might want to try this.

But what do the studies say? 🤔

They're quite positive 😄 One study randomly assigned 10 healthy dogs to 3 different diets. Dogs in the intermittent fasting group tended to lose more weight and had lower blood glucose and insulin concentrations.

However, 10 dogs on 3 diets is a rather small sample size... that's 3.33 dogs who were practicing IF.

But! A study using data from The Dog Aging Project looked at 10,474 dogs (that's more like it!). This study found that adult dogs fed once daily showed better average cognitive scores and were less likely to experience gastrointestinal, dental, orthopedic, kidney, and liver or pancreas health issues compared to those fed more frequently.

While this study doesn’t establish direct cause and effect, it aligns with previous research in mice and humans suggesting that time-restricted feeding may contribute to improved cognitive function and overall physical health.

Other possible benefits include:

Weight management
Fasting can help dogs burn stored fat for energy, promoting weight loss and preventing obesity-related health problems.

Improved digestion
Giving the digestive system a break can allow it to rest and reset, which may be beneficial for dogs with sensitive stomachs or digestive issues.

Reduced inflammation
Fasting can help reduce inflammation throughout the body by lowering insulin levels and triggering processes like cellular repair and autophagy.

Cellular repair and renewal
Fasting can trigger autophagy, a process where cells remove damaged components and promote the regeneration of healthy cells.

Improved insulin sensitivity
Fasting can improve the body’s sensitivity to insulin, potentially reducing the risk of developing diabetes and metabolic syndrome.

Detoxification
Fasting can help the body eliminate toxins by giving the digestive system a break and promoting the removal of toxins stored in fat cells.

Despite this, our in-house expert, Laura Ward, is careful to point out that, as with everything diet-related, it's important to figure out what works for your own dog. She says: “Although there is science that suggests once-a-day feeding is beneficial and many dog parents have incorporated such feeding methods over the years, it ultimately comes down to the individual dog.

“It’s also important to note that some dogs can vomit bile when they are hungry so if this starts happening during a fast, it indicates that more regular feeding times suit your dog best,” says Laura.

Laura also cautions that you should generally avoid fasting puppies. “We initially feed puppies four times a day because their fast growth means they cannot regulate their blood sugar over longer periods of time,” says Laura. “Puppies should continue to be fed smaller meals, regularly, to ensure they receive the nutrition they require for their development.”

For more information on intermittent fasting for dogs, see our article 🔗
https://www.dogfoodadvisor.com/canine-nutrition/is-intermittent-fasting-good-for-dogs/

07/24/2025

Last year's donation from Lorraine.

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1AgatHMLB8/

07/24/2025

Of course they do. Animals are not isolists. They are mostly pack animals except a very few species.

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/19vFgVJ4z5/

According to a massive new study from Arizona State University, dogs that live with other animals live healthier, longer lives. And we’re not just talking about other dogs. Cats, chickens, goats, even the occasional ferret counts.

Dr. Noah Snyder-Mackler and his team analysed data from over 21,000 dog owners through the Dog Aging Project, and what they found is kind of wild. Social support was the biggest predictor of a dog’s health. Not the owner’s income. Not how big the house is. Not even how often the dog gets walked.

In fact, the impact of having animal companions was five times stronger than financial status. That’s right. A broke dog with a bestie is likely to be healthier than a lonely rich one.

These dogs showed lower disease risks, better physical mobility, and overall longer lives. It’s like nature's saying: “Hey, friendships matter more than fancy food bowls.”

And it makes sense. Just like humans, dogs are social creatures. They need company. They need interaction. They need to feel like part of a pack. Even if that pack includes a sassy cat who refuses to share the couch.

This doesn’t mean you need to go out and adopt a mini zoo. But if your pup seems lonely, maybe a companion could do more for their well-being than any supplement or vet bill ever could.

So yes, your dog wants cuddles and walks… but also, maybe a roommate.

The real secret to a long dog life? Friendship. Because even dogs know life’s better when you don’t do it alone.

07/24/2025

Unbelievable in MOORESVILLE, N.C

https://www.azfamily.com/2025/07/23/dog-groomer-fired-after-videos-allegedly-show-her-punching-slapping-customers-pets/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR7P7_QQijNnyqOh0WfgGsXDJOBnUA-sn5yRB24US_SbfFK6wlYEfmPdHeXX5Q_aem_LTxkeRWOBfSDNPip7osq6g&sfnsn=mo

Officials say an investigation into the alleged abuse is underway, but no one has been arrested or charged so far.

07/24/2025

UPDATES on two of the euthanasia listed dogs that Great Spirit saved in April through our foster program. Lola is the black and white girl in the photo shown with her lab brother in her adoption home. Lola was so stressed after several months at an animal control shelter that she wasn't getting along with any dogs, which got her e-listed. Fostering saved her life. Clearly, she's in love with her lab. Thank you to the Hickey family for giving Lola a great home!

The other image is a screen capture from a video of Sunshine and one of the chihuahuas playing in their home. We knew that Sunshine was good with big dogs in her foster home but were unsure how she was with small dogs. Clearly Sunshine loves all dogs, big and small. Sunshine was only a year old and slated to be euthanized for lack of space. Thank you to the Taylor family for giving Sunshine a great home!

Thank you too to all who support Great Spirit Animal Sanctuary so we can continue to do what we do.

07/24/2025

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1AhCQfado8/

07/24/2025

People ask what I do on a sick day. You're looking at it, really no different than probably you, after all, you still need to care for your family right?

07/23/2025

ADOPTER WANTED. Wicket is looking for a new place to share his darling face! Wicket's family is on the road, or in flight, more than they are home, so they seek a better option for Wicket than being in boarding much of his time. Wicket is in good health, has a current rabies vaccination, and is neutered. He's 14 years young but full of pep with good years left to share. Wicket likes adults, kids, cats, and other dogs with a friendly introduction. Wicket would be happy in any home where he had a fenced area to explore, a daily walk, and a lap to rest on. If you think Wicket might be the dog of your future, please contact our foster coordinator, Tedi Falco, at 928-245-8704. Wicket is located in the AZ White Mountains. 🧡