Pets Aren’t Feeling Phil
On Groundhog Day February 2, 2025, Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow, predicting six more weeks of winter. And many pets and their people aren't happy. This is a shift from 2024 when the famous groundhog predicted an early spring. The 139th celebration of this tradition took place in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, drawing large crowds to witness the annual forecast. The tradition, which dates back to the 1800s, remains a beloved event.
Long-range meteorologists are releasing their spring forecasts for the U.S. later this week. Of course, they will offer more complex prediction than Punxsutawney Phil's outright call for six more weeks of winter. AccuWeather reports spring is already taking place in parts of the South, but it may take longer to arrive in the northern parts of the country. The meteorological spring starts on March 1st, while astronomical spring begins on March 20th at 5:01 AM EST.
[Photo credit: Niklas Jeromin]
Pet Parent Survey
BY: ANSLIE KROGH, THE MUTTLY CREW
Paw-rents and pet lovers across the U.S. answered a few questions about their furry friends. Our Crew fetched responses during the fall of last year and in 2024. The first question asked was “Do you snuggle/cuddle more with your pet or your partner?” Out of 100 people, 53% said they cuddle more with their pet than their human partner while 31% said they cuddle more with their spouse or significant other. The remaining 16% said they only cuddle with their pet because they do not have a partner! The next question asked was, “What is the most annoying part of walking your dog(s)”? 39% of people said the most annoying part was their furbabies taking their sweet time to go, followed by 24% saying dogs off leash annoyed them the most! The third question was “Is your pet into music”? 31% responded yes, 60% said no and 9% said none of the above! Let’s talk, bark, and meow about outfits! Do you dress up your pet? 45% of our dog lovers answered only on holidays and occasions, followed by 22% saying they do occasionally while 20% never dress up their furbabies. The last question asked to our friends was how many nicknames do you have for your pet? 51% said they have 3 or more nicknames for their furry friends while 28% said 2 or more names! For our full survey, responses, and comments, email us at info@themuttlycrewstore.com.
Survey Highlights
53% rather cuddle with their pets over their partners
Nearly 1/2 of paw-rents dress up their pets on holidays and occasions
51% have 3 or more nicknames for their pets
The most annoying thing about dog walks is the time it takes them to go!
WHAT THE FLUFF CAT FACTS?!
SOURCE: PETMD
Many Cats Get the Zoomies After Using the Litter Box
Cats Have the Same Number of Brain Cells in Their Cerebral Cortex as Brown Bears
Only 20% of Orange Cats Are Estimated to Be Female
Cats Have Fewer Taste Buds Than Dogs or People
Cats Don’t Get Cavities
France Launched the First Cat Into Space in 1963
Cat Whiskers Are as Sensitive as Human Fingertips
Cats are Nearsighted, but See Great in the Dark
Cats Use Dewclaws to Help Them Grip
The Cute Paunch on a Cat’s Belly Is Also Found in Lions and Tigers
Cats That Scratch Furniture Are Often Marking Their Territory
Felix the Cat is Widely Considered the World’s First Feline Cartoon Star
most paw-pular dog breeds in the world (2024)
Source: American Kennel Club
1. French Bulldog
2. Labrador Retriever
3. Golden retriever
4. German shepherd
5. Poodle
6. Bulldog
7. Rottweiler
8. Beagle
9. Daschund
10. German shorthaired pointer
FURTASTIC HISTORY!
Titanic Dogs
Three dogs survived the Titanic sinking, including a Pomeranian disguised as a baby.
Appalachian Trail
In 1990, a blind man named Bill Irwin hiked the Appalachian Trail with his guide dog, Orient.
Star Wars Ewoks
The Ewoks in Star Wars were inspired by George Lucas's family dog.
Space Dogs
Laika was not the only dog used in space missions. Belka and Strelka were the first animals to orbit Earth and return safely in 1960.
Sputnik 2, which was launched on November 3, 1957, carried sweet Laika, the first living creature to be shot into space and orbit the earth.
Unfortunately, there were no plans for her to Earth, and she lived only a few hours in orbit. (RIP Laika).
Rin Tin Tin
A German Shepherd starred in over 20 Hollywood films, starting from being rescued in World War 1.
Crufts Dog Show
The world’s largest dog show, Crufts in England, features about 28,000 dogs annually since 1891.
Celebrity Dog Influences
Zeppo Marx brought Afghan hounds to the US. Helen Keller introduced Akitas, and Gypsy Rose Lee popularized Chinese crested dogs.
Sources: Purina, Reader’s Digest
CATS ARE PURRFECT!
Record Setter
Didga, a cat owned by Robert Dollwet, set the Guinness World Record in 2017 for performing the most tricks by a cat in one minute, completing 20 tricks in Tweed Heads, Australia.
Ancient Treasure
Cats have been popular pets for centuries, starting with the ancient Egyptians who considered them family members and even depicted them in hieroglyphics as sacred animals.
Ancient Egyptians would shave off their eyebrows when their cats died.
Space Cat
In 1963, a French cat named Félicette survived a trip to outer space, earning a bronze statue in her honor.
Cat for Office
In 2013, a cat named Morris ran for mayor in Mexico and gained a significant following despite not being on the official ballot.
Caught on Video
The first known cat video was recorded in 1894.
E-Cat
Nikola Tesla's investigations into electricity were inspired by his cat giving him a static shock.
Presidential Paws
Abraham Lincoln had a fondness for cats and would feed them at the dinner table. His beloved pets were Tabby and Dixie.
Mail Cat
In 1837, Belgium attempted to use 37 cats as mail carriers, but the endeavor was unsuccessful.
Sources: Ancient History Encyclopedia, BuzzFeed, Purina