July 31, 2026

Good Furrends of July 2026

10 animal stories that defined July 2026.

Every month leaves behind a few stories that stick with us. Some made us laugh, others gave us hope, and a few reminded us why we keep paying attention to animals in the first place.

Here are ten stories from July 2026 that we're still thinking about.

1. Everyone's little guy

Every summer seems to find its own mascot. This year, it's Jimothy. A wild raccoon with a short spine wandering Seattle neighborhoods somehow became everyone's little guy. Now we've seen fan art, memes, and local businesses also join the fun. "Hot Jimothy Summer" took on a life of its own. What we love the most are the messages people share online, like "Jimothy believes in you" and "Do it for Jimothy."

2. Larry welcomed another Prime Minister

Britain welcomed a new Prime Minister this month, but one familiar face stole the spotlight. On the first day of the new government, Larry emerged outside Number 10 carrying a dead mouse for the waiting press. A little later, he reportedly slapped a police sniffer dog that wandered too close. As one commenter joked, Larry might have been the only one doing his job that day.

Read our interview with Larry and explore the history of the Chief Mousers of 10 Downing Street.

3. The tiniest wheelchair

Gelato was too small for any wheelchair the shelter already had. So staff at Cincinnati Animal CARE built one using cardboard, rulers, and Hot Wheels. After the story spread online, supporters helped provide Gelato with a custom 3D-printed wheelchair designed just for him. It's one of those stories that reminds you how creative kindness can be.

4. Danny finally went home

Danny spent more than 550 days waiting for a family, around fifteen times longer than the average dog at Battersea Dogs & Cats Home. Staff celebrated birthdays, Valentine's Day, and every milestone they could while hoping someone would finally choose him. This month, Danny went home.

5. Punch turned one

Punch celebrated his first birthday on July 26. The baby Japanese macaque received more than 2,500 birthday cards from around the world, a remarkable milestone for the little monkey who began life being hand-raised by keepers before learning to find his place with the troop.

Explore Punch's story.

6. 29 days later

11-year-old poodle Beyli survived an astonishing 29 days beneath the rubble after Venezuela's devastating earthquakes. Rescuers found her severely dehydrated beside the body of her young owner's mother. Her survival has become a symbol of hope as recovery efforts continue.

7. Neil came back

Neil returned to Tasmania this month, once again reminding everyone that a one-tonne elephant seal has absolutely no interest in anyone's travel plans. After causing his usual traffic jams and delighting locals, Neil headed back to sea a little earlier than expected.

Read Neil's story.

8. The crime-solving otter

Splash isn't your typical search-and-rescue partner. The two-year-old otter works with the Peace River K9 Search & Rescue team, diving underwater to help locate evidence and missing people. So far, he's taken part in 32 deployments and helped with 10 recoveries.

9. A long-awaited journey

Six beluga whales finally left Marineland this month after years of controversy surrounding the Canadian marine park. Their move to accredited facilities in the United States marks a major milestone, though advocates say the whales' long-term welfare will continue to be closely watched.

10. Bear season is back

Summer means salmon season at Brooks Falls, and that means Bearapalooza. Every year, dozens of brown bears gather at Alaska's Katmai National Park to feast on migrating salmon while millions of people watch through Explore.org's live cameras. It's one of nature's best annual shows, and it's back.

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