This story was originally shared on The Animal Rescue Site. Submit your own rescue story here. Your story just might be the next to be featured on our blog!
My Rescue Story: Panda & Bella
I rescued Panda in 2008, and from that moment on, she was my baby.
We went through everything together — moves, marriage, divorce, and life’s ups and downs. Through every season, Panda was my constant. She wasn’t just my dog; she was my heart.
Christine Bennett
In 2024, I had to say goodbye to her. The grief was overwhelming. After six months of mourning, I decided to channel my heartbreak into something meaningful. I threw myself into rescue work — fostering and volunteering at a local shelter — hoping to give other dogs the love I had given Panda.
Then, in March 2025, almost to the exact day Panda had passed, something extraordinary happened.
During one of my volunteer shifts, in the middle of the barking and stress of shelter life, I saw the happiest puppy I had ever seen. While chaos surrounded her, she sat quietly in her crate, tail wagging, radiating pure joy.
I took her home that day.
Christine Bennett
Bella has been healing my heart ever since.
Panda led me down the path of positive, force-free dog training — a journey that became so meaningful that I earned my certification in 2019. Now, I’m using those same skills with Bella, continuing the legacy Panda unknowingly started.
Both Panda and Bella are rescue stories.
One changed my life.
The other helped rebuild it.
And I am forever grateful to them both.
Story submitted by Christine Bennett
This story was originally shared on The Animal Rescue Site. Share your very own rescue story here!
The “gear doesn’t matter” phrase pops up constantly in street photography circles. It may encourage beginners, but it rarely holds up once you’re actually on the street.
When you thought that there would be a pause in the release of pocketable digital cameras, the Haru Mini Retro Camera arrives to prove otherwise.
This miniature camera packs a 20‑megapixel sensor and 2K video recording into a body small enough to carry on a strap or in your pocket while still feeling like a real camera in your hand.
With a nostalgic aesthetic that recalls classic film cameras and a set of modern features more capable than what you’d expect at this price and size, the Haru Mini Retro offers a surprising blend of character and functionality compared to other micro shooters.
What It Is and How It Works
The Haru Mini Retro is designed for photographers who appreciate compact, fun photographic tools rather than traditional high‑end gear.
It weighs around 67 grams, which makes it easy to carry without being burdensome. The rear 1.47‑inch IPS screen lets you frame and review images, and the camera supports photo resolutions from 2 MP up to 20 MP and video recording in 2K, 1080p, or 720p formats.
The camera includes essentials such as a microSD card, neck and hand straps, and a data transfer connector that is compatible with newer iPhones, although that feature may not work with every device or operating system version.
A Type‑C port handles charging and file transfers, and the 200 mAh battery provides about 65 minutes of use per charge.
Despite its tiny size, the Haru Mini Retro functions as a real digital camera rather than a toy. It can even be used as a webcam when connected to a computer via USB‑C, making it versatile for casual creators.
Performance and Limitations
Early reports and hands‑on impressions indicate that you should keep your expectations grounded when it comes to image quality.
The small sensor and simple lens design limit dynamic range and low‑light performance compared with larger compacts or smartphones, and sample images suggest that the real‑world results may not reflect the full detail implied by a 20 MP label.
Image stabilization is not part of the feature set, so you will want to shoot in steady lighting conditions or use external support if possible.
Many of the physical controls and aesthetic elements are more decorative than functional, a choice that reinforces the camera’s retro look but can feel less intuitive if you are accustomed to feature‑rich modern interfaces.
Things to Consider Before You Buy
If you are contemplating a purchase, there are several factors to weigh so you understand what the Haru Mini Retro will and will not deliver:
Build and handle matter with tiny cameras. A lightweight body is great for portability, but mini cameras often lack robust environmental protections and can feel less sturdy in everyday use. Shock resistance and overall durability will influence how long the camera will last in active use.
The sensor size in devices this small is inherently tiny, which affects image quality more than the megapixel count alone. Higher pixel specifications on very small sensors do not necessarily translate into better real‑world resolution or low‑light performance.
Battery life is another practical consideration. The Haru Mini Retro’s battery provides around 65 minutes of use per charge, which is modest. If you plan to shoot regularly, you will need to manage charging carefully and consider carrying a power bank for extended outings.
Think about how you will transfer and manage files. Although the included data transfer cable is designed for convenience, compatibility is not guaranteed with every device or operating system version, so you may need to rely on manual offloading via microSD.
Finally, reflect on why you want this camera. If your goal is highly technical image quality, a traditional compact or mainstream tool will outperform the Haru in most scenarios. If you value charm, portability, and creative experimentation, this camera’s quirks may actually be part of the appeal.
The Haru Mini Retro is part of a broader trend of pocketable, novelty digital cameras that have appeared in the last year.
These include keychain‑style cameras like the Kodak Charmera, which became popular for its compact size and retro look, albeit with a much smaller sensor. Other tiny cameras from Japanese brands emphasize ultra‑lightweight bodies and collectible appeal, often prioritizing design over imaging performance. The OPT100 Neo Film Camera is another example, featuring a low‑resolution sensor in a body shaped like a 35 mm film roll.
What sets the Haru apart is its effort to push specs beyond novelty levels. Even so, its image quality remains modest compared with mainstream digital cameras and smartphones, and its value is strongest in playful, casual photographic use rather than technical precision.
The Haru Mini Retro Camera represents an intriguing case study in how design, nostalgia, and modern digital capability intersect. It challenges assumptions about how much imaging power can be packed into an ultra‑small package and demonstrates that there is room for creative expression outside traditional camera formats.
If your interest lies in casual photography, collectible gear, or playful tools that encourage you to think differently about image capture, the Haru Mini Retro is worth examining in context. Just be clear about its limitations and align your expectations with the realities of tiny sensor performance and modest feature sets.
The 5 Most Important Cameras Panasonic Made for Photography
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Welcome to our “Ask Dr. Paola” series, where every Monday we bring expert advice straight from Dr. Paola Cuevas (MVZ) to help our readers better understand their cat’s health and well-being.
Whether you’re a new pet parent or a seasoned cat lover, Dr. Paola is here to provide answers to your most pressing questions. From nutrition tips and preventive care to troubleshooting common behavioral issues, Dr. Paola is ready to offer insights that will keep your kitty happy, healthy, and feline fine. Stay tuned for expert guidance on a range of topics that matter most to you and your cat, so you can make informed decisions and provide the best possible care for your furry companion.
Have a question? Send it in here!
Help! My Cat Poops Out of Spite!
“My 13-year-old Yoruichi recently started to poop outside of the box when he gets mad about something. Is that normal? His brother, who’s also 13, doesn’t do that, so I am concerned if there’s any other underlying cause.“– Kumi
Dear Kumi,
Your concern is very appropriate, especially at Yoruichi’s age. Cats do not eliminate outside the litter box out of spite or anger in the human sense, so when this happens, it is best thought of as communication rather than misbehavior. In senior cats, while sometimes the trigger is stress or frustration, very often there is a physical or cognitive reason underneath that lowers their tolerance or changes how comfortable the litter box feels.
At 13, medical causes always need to be considered first, even if the behavior seems situational and even if his brother is unaffected. Conditions such as arthritis can make climbing into a box painful, gastrointestinal discomfort can create urgency, and age-related cognitive changes can reduce flexibility in routines. Stressors that seem minor to us, such as changes in schedule, noise, or interactions with his brother, can also tip the balance when a cat already feels physically vulnerable. Unlike dogs, cats tend to externalize discomfort through behavior long before other obvious signs appear.
Because this is a new change, I would not consider it normal aging, but rather a signal that Yoruichi needs closer evaluation. A veterinary exam is important to rule out pain, digestive disease, or neurologic changes, and adjustments to the litter box setup are often part of the solution. In the meantime, observing patterns around when it happens can be helpful. But it’s best for all that you take him in sooner rather than later. I hope this helps!
– Dr. Paola
Help! My Cat Needs More Water!
“My overweight male cat Chunk doesn’t care for wet food. I give him Chuuru in addition to his dry food, which is probably why he’s so large. How can I make sure he’s getting enough water without turning him into a sumo wrestler cat?” – Kathryn
Hi Kathryn,
You’re asking a very thoughtful question, and you’re right to connect hydration, calories, and weight. Cats evolved to meet most of their water needs through food rather than drinking, so when a cat eats primarily dry food, hydration can quietly become a challenge. Dry food is a bit like crackers compared to soup; both provide nutrition, but only one contributes meaningful moisture. Churu is highly palatable and contains a lot of water, but it is also calorie-dense for its volume, so frequent use can unintentionally contribute to weight gain in a cat like Chunk.
One of the most effective ways to improve hydration without adding calories is to focus on how water is offered rather than adding more food. Many cats drink more from fountains because moving water taps into their natural curiosity and feels safer than still water. Placing multiple wide, shallow bowls in quiet locations and away from food can also increase intake. If wet food is consistently refused, offering a very small amount of a lower-calorie canned diet mixed with warm water, presented separately and without pressure, can sometimes be accepted gradually.
Because Chunk is already overweight, hydration and weight management should support each other rather than compete. Calorie control needs to be slow and deliberate, since rapid weight loss in cats is unsafe. Using treats like Churu sparingly and intentionally, while keeping portions measured, helps prevent him from becoming that sumo wrestler you’re trying to avoid. If you ever notice signs such as concentrated urine, straining in the litter box, or reduced appetite, those warrant prompt veterinary guidance. For general support with hydration strategies and safe weight planning, the Pangovet teletriage service can be a helpful first step to talk through options and decide whether an in-person exam is needed, while keeping Chunk comfortable and protected. Good luck!
– Dr. Paola
If you’d like to talk with a vet, like Dr. Paola or one of our other expert veterinarians, you can head over to PangoVet. It’s our online service where you can talk with a vet online and get the advice you need for your cat — all at an affordable price!
Catster reader exclusive deal: Save 65% on your first call, use code ASKDRPCATSTER65 at checkout.
Why Do Cats Hate Water So Much?
“Why, in general, do cats not like water? Is there something evolutionary about it? Like, tigers love water, but lions not so much, and most house cats I know, like my Ernie, like looking at it, but would rather die than go into the tub or even a puddle after the rain.“– Carlie
Hi Carlie,
This is a wonderful observation, and yes, there is a strong evolutionary thread running through it. Most domestic cats descend from desert and semi-arid ancestors, particularly African wildcats, who evolved in environments where standing water was scarce and unpredictable. For those cats, staying dry mattered. Wet fur is heavy, takes a long time to dry, and interferes with insulation and scent control, which are essential for hunting and self-protection. To a cat, being soaked is a bit like wearing cold, soggy clothes with no way to change them, an experience that offers no survival advantage.
Big cats help illustrate how the environment shapes behavior. Tigers evolved in habitats with dense vegetation, rivers, and high humidity, so water became part of daily life, even a tool for cooling and hunting. Lions, much like domestic cats, come from drier regions and tend to avoid water unless necessary. Your Ernie’s fascination with watching water fits perfectly here. Cats are natural observers and problem solvers, so moving water catches their attention like a puzzle, but stepping into it goes against deeply ingrained instincts that say wet equals vulnerable.
Individual experience also matters. A cat that was never gently exposed to water during early development is more likely to avoid it later, just as a child unfamiliar with swimming may hesitate at the pool’s edge. Respecting that preference is part of good welfare, since forcing water exposure creates stress without benefit. When hygiene or medical care requires water contact, keeping sessions brief, warm, and calm helps reduce anxiety. For curious but cautious cats, offering safe ways to interact, such as drinking fountains or watching raindrops from a window, honors their instincts while letting them engage on their own terms. Although water avoidance is deeply rooted in feline evolution, coat characteristics and breed history mean that some cats are more likely to take the plunge.
– Dr. Paola
This article is a part of our weekly Ask Dr. Paola series
This story was originally shared on The Animal Rescue Site. Submit your own rescue story here. Your story just might be the next to be featured on our blog!
My sweet little girls, Cookie and Blubelle! These bonded sisters were rescued two years ago by my son and me. A Facebook post was shared with me about three kittens hiding under a car in a driveway who needed to be removed immediately before the homeowner’s husband returned from work and did the unimaginable.
Christina Rodgers
I quickly reached out and went to rescue them. They were the tiniest little balls of fur—three in total. I scooped them up and took them straight to the vet. Unfortunately, one was very sick and did not make it. However, these two were spunky, full of life, and thriving.
Christina Rodgers
They have been the most wonderful addition to our already existing cat family of three, now making it five. Cookie, the calico, is calm, patient, and loves to cuddle. Blubelle is a ball of energy who practices parkour all throughout the house. She is endlessly curious and has become the pack leader of the home!
Christina Rodgers
They may be very different sisters, but one thing shines clearly—their deep love for one another. They have been the best addition to our family and are truly a blessing to have.
Story submitted by Christina Rodgers
This story was originally shared on The Animal Rescue Site. Share your very own rescue story here!
Photoshop just updated Generative Fill with the new Firefly Fill and Expand model, and yes, it changes what you can realistically create. If you rely on AI inside Photoshop, this affects how large you can generate, how real people look, and whether hands and cars still fall apart.
High-angular-resolution observations of evolved stars often reveal complex circumstellar structures. However, few systems have produced results as unexpected as the recent study of Mira A. This well-known asymptotic giant branch (AGB) star has expelled a large, asymmetric envelope of gas and dust that now appears distinctly heart-shaped. At the same time, the central star illuminates the surrounding material unevenly, producing a striking “lighthouse” effect.
Researchers led by Theo Khouri at Chalmers University of Technology reported these findings after analyzing multi-epoch data from major observatories in Chile. The observations indicate that Mira A recently underwent a powerful mass-loss episode that far exceeds standard expectations for Mira-type variables. As a result, the system now offers an unusually clear window into the late evolutionary stages of low- to intermediate-mass stars.
A well-studied variable star reveals new complexity
Mira A lies roughly 300 light-years away in the constellation Cetus. It serves as the prototype of Mira variables, a class of pulsating red giants characterized by large brightness changes and extended atmospheres. Astronomers have monitored its variability since the late sixteenth century. Because of this long observational record, the star has often been treated as a benchmark object for late-stage stellar evolution.
Yet the new observations reveal behavior that standard models did not predict. Like other AGB stars, Mira A loses mass through a dusty stellar wind driven by radiation pressure and pulsation. Under typical conditions, this process produces a relatively smooth and roughly spherical outflow. Over time, the lost material builds a circumstellar envelope that later contributes to planetary nebula formation.
In this case, however, the mass loss appears neither smooth nor symmetric. Instead, Mira A produced a concentrated and highly structured ejection. The resulting morphology immediately stood out when researchers examined the combined datasets.
One of the most famous red giants in the sky is called Mira A, part of the binary system Mira, which lies about 400 light-years from Earth. In this image, ALMA reveals Mira’s secret life. Credit: ESO/S. Ramstedt (Uppsala University, Sweden) & W. Vlemmings (Chalmers University of Technology, Sweden)
Multi-wavelength data expose the heart-shaped envelope
The research team assembled observations obtained between 2015 and 2023 using two premier facilities in Chile. The Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array traced molecular gas in the circumstellar environment. Meanwhile, the Very Large Telescope provided detailed optical views of dust and scattered starlight.
This multi-wavelength approach proved essential. Gas and dust respond differently to radiation and stellar winds, so observing both components allows a more complete reconstruction of the outflow geometry. When the datasets were combined, the team identified a clear two-lobed structure expanding away from Mira A.
Viewed together, the lobes form a shape that strongly resembles a heart. The morphology is not an imaging artifact. Instead, it reflects real asymmetry in the distribution of circumstellar material. The observations also reveal internal stratification. Gas dominates the interior of the lobes, while dust concentrates along the outer boundaries. This separation indicates that the ejection involved complex physical processes rather than a simple isotropic wind.
By measuring the expansion velocity, the researchers estimated that the mass-loss event occurred around 2010 to 2012. That timing makes the structure extremely young in astrophysical terms. Consequently, astronomers are observing the system during a relatively early phase of its evolution.
Gas forms a heart-shaped cloud around the star Mira A, in this image from 2017, while dust seems to be confined almost exclusively to the outer edges. Credit: Chalmers University of Technology
An unusually massive and asymmetric ejection
The scale of the outburst represents one of the most significant aspects of the discovery. The team estimates that Mira A expelled material equivalent to roughly seven Earth masses during this episode. For a single event in a Mira-type star, that figure is remarkably high.
Standard AGB models predict more gradual mass loss driven by pulsation-enhanced dust winds. Although episodic variations can occur, they typically remain modest in magnitude. Mira A appears to have deviated strongly from this pattern.
Equally important, the outflow is highly asymmetric. The heart-shaped morphology indicates that the ejection did not occur uniformly in all directions. Instead, the star released material preferentially along specific axes.
This behavior has direct implications for stellar evolution theory. The rate and geometry of mass loss determine how quickly an AGB star sheds its envelope and transitions toward the planetary nebula phase. If large, directional bursts occur more often than expected, existing evolutionary tracks may require revision.
The heart-shaped expansion was caught in the image from 2022. Credit: Chalmers University of Technology
The origin of the “Cosmic Lighthouse” effect
In addition to the unusual morphology, researchers identified strong spatial variations in the brightness of the surrounding dust. Certain regions appear significantly more illuminated than others, and the pattern changes with time. This behavior led the team to describe Mira A as acting like a cosmic lighthouse.
Several physical mechanisms may contribute to this effect. Mira variables possess enormous convective cells that can produce substantial surface inhomogeneities. These structures can alter the local radiation field emerging from the star. At the same time, the star’s pulsation cycle changes its temperature and luminosity on timescales of months.
Dust formation near the stellar photosphere adds further complexity. Newly formed dust clouds can absorb and scatter radiation unevenly, creating shifting illumination patterns across the circumstellar envelope.
Taken together, these processes likely produce the observed beacon-like behavior. Importantly, the lighthouse effect provides a rare diagnostic of the dynamic outer atmosphere of an AGB star. Continued monitoring may help disentangle the relative roles of convection, pulsation, and dust formation.
The four Unit telescopes of the VLT are illuminated by the bright glow of the Milky Way above them. Credit: R. Wesson/ESO
Binary Interaction with Mira B
The Mira system is not a single-star environment. Mira A has a companion, Mira B, which is a white dwarf located roughly seventy astronomical units away. Binary interaction often plays a key role in shaping circumstellar structures, and this system appears to be no exception.
Observations indicate that Mira B is already accreting some of the material expelled by the primary star. Even modest accretion can alter the geometry of the outflow by introducing gravitational focusing and tidal effects. Over longer timescales, such interactions can produce the complex morphologies commonly observed in planetary nebulae.
In the present case, the expanding heart-shaped envelope may represent an early stage of binary-driven shaping. As the material continues to move outward, the gravitational influence of Mira B could further distort the structure. Astronomers therefore plan continued monitoring to track any evolving interaction between the two stars.
Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array. Credit: ESO
Will the New Voigtlander 40mm f2 Septon Fail on Sony Cameras?
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A pet’s reaction to other animals and birds is often unpredictable. To provide an apt example, this Instagram video shows how an orange cat named Kurt reacts to his bird-watching activity. He seems to take it very seriously as he responds to his owner, who chats about the sighting. In the caption, the uploader writes, “Kurt never misses a bird.” Meanwhile, the clip features the feline making adorable sounds, trying to express his thoughts on what he’s seeing. Viewers have also loved the video and dropped heart emojis while calling Kurt “adorable.”
Cat never misses a bird in funny video
In an adorable and funny video on Instagram, a cat named Kurt seemingly never misses a bird on his watch. It begins with the fur baby looking outside a glass window with full concentration. Soon, the owner approaches him and asks in a rush voice, “What was it?” It seems the pet parent understands their feline and confirms if it’s a bird.
Kurt appears to communicate by making cute sounds (more like teeth almost clattering), which makes the owner continue their conversation. “I saw it too, buddy,” the man said, and received a gentle reply from the cat. When Kurt’s expression and sound changes, the owner plays along and gasps, understanding that the fur baby has spotted another bird. It looks like the pet parent is having fun with the feline’s bird-watching job.
Meanwhile, viewers have enjoyed watching the cat bird video, especially Kurt’s “adorable cat noise.” A user wrote, “I’ve never seen him chirp before. So adorable. He really is a sweet cat.” Another commented, “The way his lil nose scrunches up, so cute!!!” Many found it lovely, while some dropped laughing emojis in the comments. One individual also mentioned, “The bird is lucky the window was there. Kurt was ready.” Furthermore, the cat bird video has garnered over 31K likes at the time of writing.
