Mindblown: a blog about philosophy.

When Rocía H. first saw Quesito’s face on her friend’s Instagram Story, she wasn’t looking to adopt. She was still grieving the loss of Whiskey, her beloved soul dog, and couldn’t imagine opening her heart again so soon. But something about Quesito — his golden fur, bright eyes, and joyful smile — stopped her in…

Three years ago, a puppy named Franny left PAWS Chicago for what she thought would be her forever home. But before long, she was returned — and she’s been waiting ever since. Finding a new family hasn’t been easy for Franny. She’s best suited for a home without cats, young kids, or other dogs, which…

For many cat parents, their feline isn’t just a pet — they’re the center of their world. In fact, new research from Whiskas and the Waltham Petcare Science Institute, released for International Cat Day, reveals that nearly one in five UK cat owners (18%) describe their cat as their “reason for being.” The study highlights…

In Hemet, California, a police officer is turning to the public to help protect his most loyal partner — a 3-year-old Belgian Malinois named Barry. Officer Vera, recently promoted to K-9 handler with the Hemet Police Department in Riverside County, wants to make sure Barry has every safeguard possible while serving the community. But there’s…

When Iris first trotted into doggy daycare last April, her mom, Ebony Magyar, had zero doubts she’d fit right in. “She’s a social butterfly,” Magyar told The Dodo. “She loves making friends.” But just a week later, the daycare staff at Alpha Doggy PlayCare sent Magyar a photo that made her laugh out loud — instead…

At first glance, the eastern quoll could be mistaken for an ordinary, cat-sized marsupial. Native to Tasmania, Australia, these nocturnal creatures sport brownish-gray or black fur peppered with white spots — charming, but hardly extraordinary. Ben Alldridge But hidden beneath their modest coats is a dazzling secret: under ultraviolet light, their fur glows like molten…

For artist Becca S., family game nights are already full of laughter and friendly competition — but when those games also spark fond memories of the pets they’ve loved over the years, they’re even more special. So when she spotted a blank game board at an art store just weeks before Father’s Day and her…

Scuba diver Casey Barrick has an ambitious goal: to explore 500 of Florida’s natural springs — crystal-clear oases teeming with wildlife. But during one dive earlier this year, his mission was briefly (and adorably) interrupted. While exploring a spring in Central Florida, Barrick noticed a small group of manatees gliding peacefully nearby. Knowing it’s illegal…

While out on her usual rounds, animal control officer Priscilla Wolcott of Fresno Humane Animal Services was approached by a concerned passerby. The stranger told her about dogs in desperate need of help at an abandoned property nearby. According to them, there were two adult dogs and a litter of puppies hiding under an old…

While walking along a quiet canyon trail in Mission Viejo, California, a man named Jake paused when he heard something unexpected echoing through the still air — soft, high-pitched grunts coming from an old, empty pool tucked beside the path. City of Mission Viejo “At first, I didn’t realize what I was hearing,” Jake told…