June 30, 2026

Good Furrends of June 2026

10 animal stories from June we're still thinking about.

The World Cup had unlikely mascots, Larry outlasted another Prime Minister, and a pony spent his nights in a 4th-floor apartment. June also brought heartwarming rescue stories, long-awaited reunions, and a few reminders that animals have a habit of stealing the spotlight, even when they're nowhere near the main event.

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

1. The World Cup Belonged to the Animals

In Mexico, a duck named Merlin became an internet celebrity after wearing the team jersey during celebrations following Mexico's opening victory. Fans embraced him as an unofficial mascot, Netflix Mexico invited him to its headquarters, and even the country's president stopped to meet him.

Then there was Gorda the dog. She had been missing for nearly a month when her owner, Ale García, spotted her in the background of a livestream showing fans celebrating Mexico's World Cup win over Czechia. By recognizing landmarks in the video, García found the exact location and was reunited with Gorda.

2. Larry Outlasted Another Prime Minister

Following the resignation of the UK's latest Prime Minister, Larry has now served under six prime ministers during his twelve years as Chief Mouser at 10 Downing Street. While governments continue to change around him, Britain's most famous political cat remains exactly where he's always been.

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

3. Jonathan the Tortoise Became a Guinness World Records ICON

Jonathan, the Seychelles giant tortoise living on Saint Helena, added another remarkable milestone to an already extraordinary life.

Estimated to be at least 194 years old, Jonathan was named a Guinness World Records ICON this month. He has lived through monarchs, presidents, wars, the invention of the telephone, the first Moon landing, and the birth of the internet. Very few living creatures can say they've witnessed nearly two centuries of history.

4. A Baseball Team Tracked Down the "Sad Dog"

One dog accidentally became an internet obsession after cameras caught him watching another pup enthusiastically eating a hot dog during a Miami Marlins game.

The internet immediately wanted to know who he was, and the Marlins found him. His name is Jonah. The team invited him back for a dream day at the ballpark, complete with plenty of attention and treats.

5. An NBA Champion Helped Rescue Cats Find Homes

Fresh off helping the New York Knicks win their first NBA championship in more than 55 years, OG Anunoby turned his attention toward animal shelters.

Working with Royal Canin, VCA Animal Hospitals, and New York City's Animal Care Centers, he introduced "OG's Starting Five," a group of adoptable rescue cats whose adoptions include a year's worth of food and veterinary care. Royal Canin also pledged $300,000 to support shelters across the United States.

6. A Pony Slept in a 4th-Floor Apartment

When a newborn pony named Mile was rejected by his mom, his owner, Andjelka Josipovic, refused to give up on him.

Every evening, Andjelka carries the pony up 4 flights of stairs to her apartment in Croatia, where she could bottle-feed and care for him through the night before taking him back to the ranch each morning.

7. Kendi the Rhino Could See Again

Kendi, a 27-year-old white rhinoceros at Disney's Animal Kingdom, underwent rare eye surgery that restored her vision.

Veterinarians said they hope the procedure will significantly improve her quality of life, allowing her to move more confidently and interact more naturally with the world around her.

8. Rescue Stories

June brought no shortage of rescue stories.

In Pennsylvania, authorities rescued 78 Ragdoll cats from overcrowded and heartbreaking conditions.

In Vietnam, police rescued more than 400 live cats destined for the cat meat trade, leading to emotional reunions with dozens of owners whose pets had been stolen.

Also, rescue dogs arrived in Venezuela to help search for earthquake survivors.

9. Choupette's Fortune Is Still Complicated

Karl Lagerfeld famously said his beloved cat Choupette would be well looked after after his death.

This month, Choupette's longtime caretaker revealed that neither she nor the cat has received any inheritance so far, despite years of public speculation.

French law doesn't allow animals to inherit directly, making Choupette's story a little bit complicated.

10. Gracie Was Finally Found Safe

For two weeks, people across Texas searched for Gracie, a missing giraffe who had wandered away from her ranch. The search attracted national attention and countless hopeful updates. Then came the news everyone had been waiting for. Gracie was found safe.

More good furrends