2017 was a tough year in more ways than one but, thanks to the animal kingdom, there were a few glimpses of hope. Here are some of our favourite silver-lining stories of the year gone by.
When Air New Zealand cabin crew saved a dog in Japan
In August last year, a group of Air New Zealand cabin crew spotted a neglected pup outside a service garage in Narita during a stopover. The pup – named Mosako – had been living in less-than-desirable conditions with an owner
who didn't have the means to look after her. Since then, crew members have ensured Mosako is treated better and check in on their now thriving four-legged buddy regularly.
When firefighters revived a dog rescued from a burning home
When fire took hold of a home in Bakersfield, California, a family pet named Jack appeared lifeless when rescued by firefighters in July this year. Poor Jack had inhaled too much smoke but emergency services were able to save him, using a specialised animal oxygen mask, and reunite him with his relieved owners.
Two species of kiwi were no longer considered endangered
The North Island brown kiwi and the rare rowi (or Okarito kiwi) were moved off an internationally endangered list. They're now classed by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) as vulnerable, thanks to the past 30 years of conservation efforts from the government, tangata whenua, and community groups like Forest & Bird. It's a small upgrade, sure, but a hopeful sign for our wee national icon. Kia kaha, little kiwi.
When Judge Judy let a dog decide the outcome of a tragic case
Anyone who's ever watched daytime television knows Judge Judy. In this particular episode, a dog owner was fighting to get his lost dog back from a woman who claimed she had legally purchased the dog from another party. Eventually, Judge Judy brought the dog in to decide for itself – and when placed on the floor, it happily ran towards its original owner. A tear-jerker if we ever saw one.
