A puppy named Bear swims across Hudson River from NY to NJ

Talk about an adventure for one pet! A dog escaped from his owner while out for a walk in Manhattan and swam across the Hudson River to New Jersey, where he was rescued a few days later.

Firefighters rescue 6 dogs from structure fire in Bastrop County

Six dogs were rescued from a burning building this week thanks to North Bastrop County Fire Rescue and the Elgin Police Department.

Officials grant Los Angeles girl’s request to keep unicorn

Rules are rules. Animal control officials in Los Angeles County have granted permission for a little girl to keep a unicorn at home, provided she follows strict guidelines.

Pet of the Week: Clifford from P.A.W.S.
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Clifford is a loveable, gentle giant who came in as a stray. He's 1 to 2 years old and is likely a Great Pyrenees mix. P.A.W.S. is hosting Pet Pictures with Santa on Sunday, December 18 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at The Best Little Plaza in Texas on E. Main Street in Pflugerville.

Roosters in need of adoption after APD busts cockfighting ring

After a court found the owners were engaging the birds in fighting, 43 chickens, nine hens and 34 roosters were seized.

Mountain lion drags dog from Sonoma County home: Video

A mountain lion was euthanized last weekend after terrorizing a Sonoma County home. The lion dragged the dog outside, then returned a day later and killed two goats, the homeowner said.

Man who shot Lady Gaga’s dog walker sentenced to 21 years in prison

James Howard Jackson, 20, pleaded no contest to an attempted murder charge and was immediately sentenced to 21 years in prison.

Photogenic pups help raise money for San Marcos Regional Animal Shelter

The Porch in San Marcos held the annual Santa Paws event to raise awareness, funds and product donations for the San Marcos Regional Animal Shelter.

Cat of the Weekend: Thumbelina at Austin Pets Alive!
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Three-month-old Thumbelina is ready to go to her perfect home. This adorable little domestic shorthair loves to wear scarves and little sweaters. Austin Pets Alive! says she is very friendly and really curious, and would be a fun cat to harness, train and take on hikes.

Coyote attacks toddler outside Woodland Hills home

A toddler was bitten by a coyote in Woodland Hills. Experts say the attack could be related to people feeding coyotes in the area.

Mom fights off raccoon attacking young daughter waiting for school bus

The whole thing was captured on her home surveillance video — including when she grabbed the raccoon by the scruff and flung it across the yard.

Dog of the Weekend: Lindsey at Austin Pets Alive!
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2-year-old Lindsey is ready for her home for the holidays. This black Labrador-retriever mix came to APA! with two puppies and a bullet wound, but she hasn't let any of that hold her back. Lindsey is also being treated for heartworms and severe hip dysplasia, according to her adoption bio. She is an absolute sweetheart to both people and dogs and may have some anxiety initially, but still has some of that playful puppy energy.

Jonathan the tortoise celebrates 190th birthday, oldest living land animal

Jonathan the tortoise has outlived both World Wars. He is older than the first photograph and has lived through the administrations of 39 U.S. presidents.