Weekly Dish June 24-30

Hilary Swank Helps Romania's Stray Dogs

Academy-Award-winning actress Hilary Swank is throwing her attention to the dogs. Literally. Swank visited Romania, a country that suffers from a severe stray-dog problem, and encouraged residents and animal groups to adopt a no-kill policy. The actress also worked to get Romanians interacting with the animals. (Read the rest.)

Bear Fight Breaks Out in Front Yard

Florida resident Tammy Snell got quite a show when two black bears decided to paw out their problems in her front yard. A neighbor was able to catch the brawl on her cell-phone camera. Snell says that bear sightings are common in the area, and that she always makes sure to give the animals their space. (Watch the footage.)

Kitten Thrives with No Back Legs

Anakin looks like any other adorable kitten except for one thing: he has no hind legs. Born in a feral colony without back legs or a pelvis, this kitten has beat the odds. Anakin has  adapted to his disability and found a home. (Find out more.)

Trio of Owlets for ZooAmerica

Pennsylvania's ZooAmerica North American Wildlife Park welcomed three winged cuties recently. The facility helped hatch three burrowing owlets. The babies are currently not on exhibit, but will join the park's education and outreach program in the near future. (See more.)

Zoo Animals Use Paws for a Good Cause

Australia's Taronga and Western Plains Zoo recently launched a new conservation project to help the elephants of Thailand, and the animals are on board. To show their support, various zoo residents put paw to paint and left their mark on paper as a pledge to their dedication. (Get more.)

Fire Dogs Memorialized 

The National Fire Dog Monument completed its tour across the country this week, reaching its final destination of Washington D.C. The 450-pound statue depicts a firefighter with his Labrador Retriver. The creators of the monument hope that this piece will remind people of the hard work and dedication arson dogs offer every day. (Get the details.)

Kitten Saved After Being Mistaken for a Ringtone

A Scottish kitten was rescued from abandonment after a man followed the animal's  calls thinking it was a ringing cell phone. The man brought the 4-week-old kitten to the Scottish SPCA who took her in and named her Annie. She is now at a local animal rescue, receiving care until she is ready for adoption. (Read more.)

Zoo Elephant Paints to Help Other Animals

Shanti the elephant is all about using her creative talents in a helpful way. The Prague Zoo is selling the animal's paintings to help fund an elephant zoo in Sri Lanka. Shanti just had her first art opening, where proceeds went towards purchasing animal ultrasound equipment. (See the paintings.)

Michael Phelps Wants to Make His Dog a Swimmer

Olympic gold medalist Michael Phelps isn't just preparing himself for some big swims this summer; he's readying his dog too. The athlete recently tweeted that he wants to teach his adopted dog, Stella, how to swim. (Get the full story.)

Stray Cat Saves Woman from Fire

A New Zealand woman is crediting a stray cat with saving her life. Dawn Bennie said that she became friendly with the stray and that the feline usually greeted her at her door. When the cat started acting oddly and wouldn't approach her, Bennie knew something was wrong, and soon realized her house was on fire. (Read the rest.)