Australian Shepherds are full of surprises. Their name makes it sound like they came from Australia, but the breed’s story took shape on American ranches. Basque shepherds heading West brought tough, capable herding dogs that had come through Australia. In wide-open pasture, those dogs proved smart, gritty, and steady on sheep. Ranchers started calling them “Aussies,” and the nickname stuck. An Aussie is always watching and thinking. These dogs notice everything! The Australi

Birdwatching in winter connects people of all ages to nature, supports mental health, and helps protect birds through simple actions that anyone can take at home.

In a proactive move, Madison, Wisconsin, has enacted a ban prohibiting the sale of cats and dogs in all retail pet stores. The ordinance bars pet stores from selling, offering for sale, or delivering dogs or cats within city limits. Civil penalties apply for violations. Motivated by concerns about shelter overpopulation and the welfare of animals from commercial breeders or puppy mills, city leaders acted before any stores began sales.