Kelli Bender
Verified
As seen in:
People,
IMDb,
MSN,
MSN Canada,
MSN Malaysia,
MSN Philippines,
MSN Singapore,
Yahoo Entertainment,
Yahoo Life,
Business Insider Singapore,
TIME
and
Is this you? As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.
Claim your profile
Articles by Kelli Bender
And the Winner Is…Champ!
Eyes may be the windows to the soul, but for Champ, his impressive ears were the doorway to a forever home. In 2023 his “signature” feature caught Susan Carmody’s attention when she was searching for a dog to fill the void left by her recent pet’s death. “I saw his ears. I saw he was missing his leg, and I thought, ‘I could help him,’ ” Carmody, 58, says of seeing Champ’s photo for the first time.
Chrissy Teigen and John Legend Lead Hundreds of Costumed Canines for N.Y.C.’s Famous Halloween Dog Parade Original
Chrissy Teigen and John Legend took part in one of New York City’s most iconic canine events. On Oct. 17, the couple helped host the 36th Tompkins Square Halloween Dog Parade, presented by the nonprofit New York Dog Parade and Kismet, Teigen and Legend’s pet food brand. Legend, 47, and Teigen, 40, led the parade of Halloween-ready pooches through N.Y.C.’s East Village alongside Fern Watt.
Chrissy Teigen and John Legend Lead Hundreds of Costumed Canines for N.Y.C.’s Famous Halloween Dog Parade
From Left: John Legend, Chrissy Teigen, and Fern Watt at the 36th Tompkins Square Halloween Dog Parade in New York City on Oct. 17, 2026. Credit: Courtesy of New York Dog Parade Chrissy Teigen and John Legend took part in one of New York City's most iconic canine events. On Oct. 17, the couple helped host the 36th Tompkins Square Halloween Dog Parade, presented by the nonprofit New York Dog Parade and Kismet, Teigen and Legend's pet food brand.
Celebrity Horse Trainer Noëlle Floyd Reveals How a 25,000-Mile Journey Changed Her Formerly ‘Aggressive’ and Untrusting Mare Original
Floyd’s six-part YouTube docuseries follows her North American road trip with horses Lady and G The trio moved cattle in Colorado and camped untethered in Wyoming’s Wind River Range Floyd says understanding each horse’s individual needs can deepen the human-animal relationship Noëlle Floyd, an accomplished horse rider, trainer, and overall enthusiast, still isn’t done learning about the equine world.
Meet Champ! An ‘Invincible’ 3-Legged Therapy Dog and the Winner of the 2026 World’s Cutest Rescue Dog Contest Original
Champ is the winner of the 2026 PEOPLE’s World’s Cutest Rescue Dog Contest Presented by the PEDIGREE® brand His win includes a year of PEDIGREE® food and a $1,000 donation to a pet rescue The 10-year-old Yorkie mix was saved from the streets of Texas and now is a beloved therapy dog in New York Champ is the champion of the PEOPLE’s World’s Cutest Rescue Dog Contest Presented by the PEDIGREE® brand, and he got there with a little help from his ears.
12 Stars Who Rescued Their Dogs in Surprising Ways
A big swirling bucket of the latest rumors, celebrity news and Hollywood gossip. The premier celebrity gossip app. The only apps that gives you a comprehensive real time celeb news stream. Gossip Bucket aggregates and streams the latest gossip news and headlines from the top sources in one place.
12 Stars Who Rescued Their Dogs in Surprising Ways Original
Kelly Ripa with her dog Chewie; Chris Evans and his dog Dodger.
15 Rare 5-Millimeter-Long Frogs — The Size of a Pencil Tip — Born in Captivity for the First Time to Protect Species
A Afia Birago’s puddle frog next to a pencil at the London Zoo.
15 Rare 5-Millimeter-Long Frogs — the Size of a Pencil Tip — Born in Captivity for the First Time to Protect Species
The Afia Birago’s puddle frog was discovered in Ghana eight years ago and is already on the brink of extinction Kelli Bender Thu, 15 October 2026 at 3:00 pm UTC 3 min read Add Yahoo as a preferred source to see more of our stories on Google.
15 Rare 5-Millimeter-Long Frogs — the Size of a Pencil Tip — Born in Captivity for the First Time to Protect Species
NEED TO KNOW • The critically endangered Afia Birago’s puddle frog was discovered just eight years ago in Ghana • The species’ wild population is threatened by mining, prompting an emergency breeding partnership between the London Zoo and Ghanaian conservationists • The froglets are now on display at the U.K. zoo as experts plan a dedicated amphibian conservation facility in Ghana One of the world’s smallest amphibians just got a big boost. On Oct.
15 Rare 5-Millimeter-Long Frogs — the Size of a Pencil Tip — Born in Captivity for the First Time to Protect Species
NEED TO KNOW The critically endangered Afia Birago's puddle frog was discovered just eight years ago in Ghana The species' wild population is threatened by mining, prompting an emergency breeding partnership between the London Zoo and Ghanaian conservationists The froglets are now on display at the U.K. zoo as experts plan a dedicated amphibian conservation facility in Ghana One of the world's smallest amphibians just got a big boost. On Oct.
15 Rare 5-Millimeter-Long Frogs — the Size of a Pencil Tip — Born in Captivity for the First Time to Protect Species
NEED TO KNOW The critically endangered Afia Birago's puddle frog was discovered just eight years ago in Ghana The species' wild population is threatened by mining, prompting an emergency breeding partnership between the London Zoo and Ghanaian conservationists The froglets are now on display at the U.K. zoo as experts plan a dedicated amphibian conservation facility in Ghana One of the world's smallest amphibians just got a big boost. On Oct.
Alison Roman Shares Her Secrets to Throwing a Stress-Free Party, Even with a Litter Box in the Next Room Original
The chef and cookbook author partnered with Arm & Hammer Cat Litter to encourage cat owners to host confidently Roman’s social long-haired cat Lenny often joins her dinner parties and wants to be part of the action She recommends keeping litter boxes in a tucked-away spot and cleaning them 30 minutes before guests arrive Alison Roman is proof that cat people are party people.
Mariska Hargitay Shares How Animal Lovers Can Help Domestic Violence Survivors and Their Pets Make ‘One Less Impossible Choice’ (Exclusive)
Mariska Hargitay is blending her love of soccer and animals to do good. On Saturday, Oct. 10, the Law & Order: SVUstar attended the U.S. Women’s National Team match against Spain, presented by Purina, at Audi Field in Washington, D.C., where she participated as Purina’s Honorary Captain and joined the pre-match coin toss alongside Cassidy, a 75-pound golden retriever and therapy dog with Pet Partners.
Mariska Hargitay Shares How Animal Lovers Can Help Domestic Violence Survivors and Their Pets Make ‘One Less Impossible Choice’ (Exclusive)
Hargitay appeared at the U.S. Women’s National Team match against Spain as Purina’s Honorary Captain and an advocate for domestic violence survivors and their pets Mariska Hargitay is blending her love of soccer and animals to do good. On Saturday, Oct.
Mariska Hargitay Shares How Animal Lovers Can Help Domestic Violence Survivors and Their Pets Make ‘One Less Impossible Choice’ (Exclusive)
Hargitay appeared at the U.S. Women’s National Team match against Spain as Purina’s Honorary Captain and an advocate for domestic violence survivors and their pets Kelli Bender Tue, 13 October 2026 at 8:48 pm UTC 4 min read Add Yahoo as a preferred source to see more of our stories on Google.
Mariska Hargitay Shares How Animal Lovers Can Help Domestic Violence Survivors and Their Pets Make ‘One Less Impossible Choice’ (Exclusive)
Mariska Hargitay with therapy dog Cassidy and her handler, Pat Eller, at the U.S. Women's National Team match against Spain on October 10, 2026 Credit: Purina Mariska Hargitay is blending her love of soccer and animals to do good. On Saturday, Oct.
Jeff Corwin Visited Over 100 Countries Introducing TV Viewers to Animals, Now He Wants to Reveal the Beauty in Your Backyard Original
Jeff Corwin’s new series explores North Carolina wildlife, including bats, alligators, sea turtles, and hellbenders The show will highlight conservation efforts in the state, like the work being done to save red wolves Southern Wild premiered Oct. 3 and airs weekend mornings on ABC stations nationwide Jeff Corwin is back on national TV to show animal lovers the wonders of the wild world, this time focusing on one U.S. state’s splendor.
Rock star performs private piano concert to brighten the day of formerly abused bears
; ; ; Continue reading More for You ; ; ; ; Continue reading More for You
Rock Star Performs Private Piano Concert to Brighten the Day of Formerly Abused Bears Original
Rick Wakeman played bear-inspired piano pieces during a live performance at Animals Asia’s Vietnam sanctuary Eleven rescued moon bears gathered near the piano to hear the rocker play, with some listening for a full hour The rescue bears were all saved from bear bile farms Eleven moon bears rescued from neglect and abuse were treated to a front-row seat at a private concert. On Sept.
Rock Star Performs Private Piano Concert to Brighten the Day of Formerly Abused Bears
Jimmy Kimmel calls out Fox's reaction to a 'joke' from him versus one from Trump "I'm going to report him to the FCC." Trump recently made a comment about LA and San Francisco that sparked backlash followed by a swift defence from the White House and Fox News, all of which has Jimmy Kimmel questioning the network's reaction to what it classifies as a "joke". "It's a small price …
Kim Novak Reveals How Animals, Including a Snake Named Sincerely, Gave Her a ‘Sense of Value’ After Leaving Hollywood
Kim Novak, 93, moved to an Oregon ranch after leaving Hollywood 60 years ago The actress says animals helped her rediscover her identity beyond the roles she played Novak hopes people will listen to animals more and treat them with greater respect Kim Novak left Hollywood 60 years ago for a ranch in Oregon and has been learning from some of her favorite teachers ever since. “People are always trying to teach animals, especially dogs.
Kim Novak Reveals How Animals, Including a Snake Named Sincerely, Gave Her a ‘Sense of Value’ After Leaving Hollywood
NEED TO KNOW • Kim Novak, 93, moved to an Oregon ranch after leaving Hollywood 60 years ago • The actress says animals helped her rediscover her identity beyond the roles she played • Novak hopes people will listen to animals more and treat them with greater respect Kim Novak left Hollywood 60 years ago for a ranch in Oregon and has been learning from some of her favorite teachers ever since. “People are always trying to teach animals, especially dogs.
Kim Novak Reveals How Animals, Including a Snake Named Sincerely, Gave Her a ‘Sense of Value’ After Leaving Hollywood
“The Birds” star, 93, told PETA she thinks animals are the best teachers and the key to a better, kinder world Kelli Bender Tue, 6 October 2026 at 9:45 pm UTC 3 min read Add Yahoo as a preferred source to see more of our stories on Google.
Rescue Dog Who Survived Neglect Wins Award for His Heroic Post-Adoption Career (Exclusive) Original
Canyon went from a sick stray in Mississippi to a FEMA-certified search and rescue dog He has assisted with disaster response efforts across the country, from the Maui wildfires to the 2025 Texas floods Canyon won the 2026 ASPCA Humane Awards’ Dog of the Year honor Canyon is a survivor who helps others through life’s most difficult moments, and now he is being recognized for it. In 2021, Hancock County Animal Shelter rescued the dog from the streets of Mississippi as a neglected and ill stray.
A 40-Pound Snake Named Princess Is the Scaly New Star of N.Y.C.’s Metropolitan Opera. And She Had to Audition, Too (Exclusive) Original
Princess was chosen for her calm temperament after a day of auditions with snake charmer Zoe Ziegfeld The 7-year-old boa constrictor has an understudy and never performs if she seems uncomfortable Audiences worldwide can watch Princess in a livestreamed Oct. 3 performance of Mozart’s Così fan tutte The standout star of the Metropolitan Opera’s new season doesn’t have legs.
Kumail Nanjiani Says He Took His Latest Role as a Litter Detective Because ‘I Love Cats’ and Scooping Litter ‘Is an Act of Love’ (Exclusive) Original
Jordan Howlett and Kumail Nanjiani in Special Litter Unit for Tidy Cats. Credit : Tidy Cats Nanjiani stars alongside content creator Jordan Howlett in Purina Tidy Cats’ three-part Special Litter Unit series The comedian was drawn to the part because of his love for cats, especially his feline Biscuit Nanjiani says caring for Biscuit helps ease work anxiety and has connected him with fellow cat lovers Kumail Nanjiani is on the case for his new role.
Meet the Top 3 Finalists of the 2026 World’s Cutest Rescue Dog Contest Who Inspired Thousands of Votes Original
Rescue dogs Bean, Tiberius, and Champ earned the most votes out of the contest’s 10 furry finalists Celebrity judges, including The Dogist and Dolores Catania, will select the grand prize winner CBS Mornings will reveal the winner Oct. 19 The 2026 PEOPLE’s World’s Cutest Rescue Dog Contest Presented by the PEDIGREE® Brand has found its final three contenders. On Sept.
Woman Who Became Legally Blind at 17 After a Stroke Now Teaches and Explores the Country’s Caves with Her Guide Dog (Exclusive)
Rebecca Pacter and Bear love exploring Missouri’s caves and running 5Ks Kelli Bender Mon, September 28, 2026 at 4:10 PM EDT 5 min read Add Yahoo as a preferred source to see more of our stories on Google. Add Yahoo on Google Rebecca Pacter in a cave with her guide dog, Bear Credit: Dogs Inc. (2) Rebecca Pacter met her guide dog Bear in August 2025 through Dogs Inc.
Kaia Gerber’s Friends and Lewis Pullman Work to Find Model’s Missing Cat Days After Presley Gerber’s Death: Report
NEED TO KNOW • Kaia Gerber’s friends and boyfriend Lewis Pullman helped post flyers for her missing cat, Tony • Posters for the lost pet say the feline is shy and wearing a tracker • Tony’s disappearance comes shortly after the death of Kaia’s brother, Presley Gerber, at age 27 Kaia Gerber’s friends are finding ways to support the model during a tumultuous week. On Sept.
Kaia Gerber’s Friends and Lewis Pullman Work to Find Model’s Missing Cat Days After Presley Gerber’s Death: Report
Jake Shane, Lewis Pullman, and others were photographed posting “Lost Cat” signs for a gray feline named Tony Kelli Bender Thu 24 September 2026 at 12:32 pm GMT-4 2 min read Add Yahoo as a preferred source to see more of our stories on Google.
In the 1960s, He Trained Dolphins for the TV Hit Flipper . After Bonding with the Animals, He Switched to Fighting for Their Freedom Original
Ric O’Barry with a dolphin. Credit : Dogwoof/Copper Island/Bay Rock/Appian Way Ric O’Barry trained the dolphins for the 1960s TV show Flipper and bonded deeply with the animals Witnessing a captive dolphin’s death inspired O’Barry to dedicate his life to ending marine mammal captivity His nonprofit, Dolphin Project, has fought dolphin hunts, changed marine parks, and promoted sea sanctuaries worldwide There are few dolphins more famous than Flipper, and Ric O’Barry was part of that stardom.
The Finalists of the World Cutest’s Rescue Dog Contest Share How They Are Better Now Thanks to Adoption
The 2026 finalists of the World’s Cutest Rescue Dog Contest overcame challenges like neglect, medical issues, and anxiety with the help of their adoptive families Each dog’s transformation highlights the power of adoption and the joy they bring to their new homes Voting for the World’s Cutest Rescue Dog Contest is open through Sept. 28 on people.com/rescuedogcontest The adorable finalists of PEOPLE’s World’s Cutest Rescue Dog Contest Presented by the PEDIGREE® brand are adoption experts.
Scrawny, Severely Ill Husky Dog Left Abandoned in a Texas Backyard for Years, Transforms After Leaving Neglect and Finding a Foster Home Original
Rocky, a husky, was rescued after years stuck in a Texas backyard, where he developed severe health issues A foster program helped place Rocky in a temporary home, where he received medical care and affection The dog’s foster parent adopted him after seeing his transformation, and Rocky now enjoys an active, happy life Rocky the rescue dog has bounced back. The husky spent years forgotten, confined to a yard.
The Finalists of the World Cutest’s Rescue Dog Contest Share How They Are Better Now Thanks to Adoption
Vote for your favorite finalist for the PEOPLE’s World’s Cutest Rescue Dog Contest Presented by the PEDIGREE® brand every day now through Sept. 28 Kelli Bender Wed, September 16, 2026 at 3:30 PM EDT 7 min read Add Yahoo as a preferred source to see more of our stories on Google.
Large Snake Plummets Into Family’s Yard While They’re Relaxing Outside and Survives the Drop
Wildlife SOS rescuer with a large snake removed from a home’s yard. Credit : Wildlife SOS A bird of prey accidentally dropped a live snake into a family’s yard during their morning tea Wildlife SOS safely relocated the non-venomous rat snake, which survived both the fall and the bird encounter The incident is one of several recent surprising snake encounters, including a venomous bite in Scotland Tea time saw an unexpected guest slither out of the sky.
Snake Crashes Tea Party After Hungry Bird Sends the Reptile Plummeting Into Home’s Yard
NEED TO KNOW • A bird of prey accidentally dropped a live snake into a family’s yard during their morning tea • Wildlife SOS safely relocated the non-venomous rat snake, which survived both the fall and the bird encounter • The incident is one of several recent surprising snake encounters, including a venomous bite in Scotland Tea time saw an unexpected guest slither out of the sky.
Show More
loading
Actions
Get in touch with Kelli
Contact Kelli, search articles and posts on X, monitor coverage, and track replies from one place.
Learn more about Muck Rack