Special Offer: US50¢ a week. Billed as US$2 every 4 weeks for the first year. US$7 every 4 weeks every 4 weeks thereafter. Cancel anytime. →

PUBLISHED BY

READ ONLINE | SIGN UP


Stories that inspire.

By Sydney Page

Hello, and welcome back to The Optimist!

This week, I wrote about a three-pound husky puppy who was found in a trash can in Austin and rescued by a Good Samaritan. The dog was in critical condition when she arrived at Austin Pets Alive, a local animal rescue. Staff named the pup Kiss "because everyone wanted to give her a big kiss," Jordana Moerbe, medical director at Austin Pets Alive, told me.

Kiss received specialized veterinary care and stabilized within a few days. She was recently adopted and already has nearly doubled in weight.

Staff at Austin Pets Alive told me that stories like Kiss's aren't uncommon – they regularly care for puppies abandoned on the street or found in the trash.

Thanks to a stranger's kindness and a dedicated veterinary team, Kiss got a second chance – and now she's living her best life.

3-pound puppy left in trash is rescued, now thriving

(Austin Pets Alive!)

The veterinary staff named the pup Kiss, "because everyone wanted to give her a big kiss," said Jordana Moerbe, medical director at Austin Pets Alive.

By Sydney Page

At the capybara cafe, people line up to snuggle the world's largest rodents

Retired firefighter finds new hobby: Rescuing hikers on mountain trails


	Feel-good recs

🐱 Are you a cat lover? Here's a guide … for getting your feline fix while traveling.

🐰 I can't believe … there's a store in Arkansas where a bunny is the cashier.

📸 I had no idea … a mini photo printer was a thing! Check out these tech products for summer fun.


	In Your Own Words

Each week, we highlight a comment from our readers. This week, a commenter shared a poem written by AI on my colleague Kyle Melnick's story about a capybara cafe. Here's an excerpt.

"	In a realm where laughter and joy abide, The capybara culture's exemplified. With rounded forms and spirits so meek, At Capybara Café, they're Capybara chic.
- WellWisherOne