As the old proverb goes, “bad news goes about in clogs, good news in stockinged feet“. It’s that time of the week again, where we celebrate the wonderful things happening quietly around the world. This week’s set of good news features giant pandas, a cat rescue and the invention of wine you can share with your furry friends.
Let’s get happy!
Asteroid named after shooting star, Freddie Mercury
To honour what would have been rock legend Freddie Mercury’s 70th birthday, scientists have named an asteroid discovered in 1991 ‘Asteroid 17473 Freddiemercury’. This name was approved by the International Astronomical Association, making it truly official – any time this asteroid is mentioned in scientific papers, it will be referred to as ‘17473 Freddiemercury’. Now Freddie truly is a shooting star, leaping through the sky.
Two cats pulled from rubble in Italy
After the earthquake in Italy weeks ago which claimed the lives of 300 people, hopes have quickly faded of finding anyone else alive. However, two weeks after the quake two cats have been pulled alive from the rubble. One cat, Pietro, was found after his owners returned to their ruined house to collect their belongings and heard meowing. The other, Giorgiana, was found by animal rescue volunteers, Oipa – its owners had died in the earthquake and their daughters, who survived, requested the cat be found. Both cats were dehydrated and shaken up, but after a trip to the vets, both are doing fine.
Animal wine exists to make all of our dreams come true
Yep, you read that right. If you’ve ever felt as though your furry friend was missing out while you enjoyed your glass of vino in the evening (or afternoon, or morning – you do you), then have I got some news for you. Apollo Peak has created 100% organic and non-alcoholic wine for cats – Pinot Meow and MosCATo – and dogs – CharDOGnay and Zinfantail. If you think I am making those names up, I can guarantee you I’m not. All pet wines are created from ingredients that are actually beneficial to your cat or pooch, helping to keep them calm and aid digestion.
Gentle giants bounce back from place on endangered list
In huge news this week, it’s been announced that giant pandas are officially no longer an endangered species. Through decades of conservation, research and protection, the number of giant pandas has risen to an estimated 1,864 adults, with around 2,060 total, taking their status from ‘endangered’ to ‘vulnerable’. This has been achieved by recreating lost bamboo forests, after destruction of the pandas’ natural habitats is what sparked the population decline in the first place.
Grandfather and granddaughter attend college together
82-year-old Rene Neira is currently in his second semester at a community college in Texas, which he attends alongside his 18-year-old granddaughter, Melanie. Self-described best friends, the pair often get lunch or study together, and Melanie says she couldn’t be prouder. “My grandpa is very hardworking,” she told Huffington Post. “He will spend hours in the library studying on his own time because he’s that dedicated to his education.” After he completes his associate’s degree in economics, Rene plans on getting his bachelor’s at the University of Texas.
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What awesome things happened to you this week? What’s inspiring you and astounding you? Let me know in the comments below! Make sure you stop back next Sunday for your weekly dose of good news, or check out previous editions here!
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