(ANIMAL NEWS) Monday, a massive tornado struck the Oklahoma City area around 3 p.m. and stayed on the ground for a grueling 40 minutes. The violent cyclone swept through the region in a destructive furry, leveling businesses, demolishing homes, and destroying two elementary schools. Many are desperately trying to reach and find loved ones affected by the life-changing event, and organizations, like Google, the Oklahoma Humane Society, and Reddit, are working around the clock to help confirm the safety of tornado survivors. Continue reading for more on the Oklahoma tornado and the catastrophic event's ongoing rescue efforts. — Global Animal

(ANIMAL SHELTERS) Whether they are promoting a healthy vegan diet, curbing the fur trade, influencing cruelty-free product marketing, or working to implement non-animal testing methods, PETA has been the driving force behind many groundbreaking successes for millions of individual animals. However, the question behind PETA's euthanization policy remains in the center of hot debate as many activists believe it is wrong, and even hypocritical for one of the world’s leading animal rights organizations to support the practice. The organization is once again under attack following a scathing blog post published in the Huffington Post in April. In the detailed article, Nathan Winograd, executive director of the No Kill Advocacy Center, unveils the shocking numbers behind PETA's "kill rate," positing that shelters should only euthanize animals who are essentially unadoptable and cannot be rehabilitated due to aggression or health reasons. However, President and co-founder of PETA Ingrid Newkirk's rebuttle entitled Euthanasia: We Won't Run From What Needs To Be Done! claims, "PETA's statistics are also often used, as they are being used now, in a truly perverted way by some 'no-kill' evangelists to try to turn people away from the 'evil' of what is actually a dignified, merciful release from suffering." Read on to learn more about the ongoing debate between PETA and supporters of the no-kill movement. — Global Animal

(ANIMAL VIDEO) Every musician needs a muse...and a meow! With music festival season in full swing, now's the time to check out these purrfect pictures of some very talented musicians and their adorable feline friends. — Global Animal

(DOG PICTURES) Dogs are more than just pets. In fact, to many of us, they are family. That's why it's no surprise that many people choose to include their dogs in their wedding. Even celebrities like Mark Zuckerberg incorporate their fluffy friends into their special day. With wedding season fast approaching, check out how other people have incorporated their pets into their nuptials. — Global Animal

(CUTE ANIMAL PICTURES) These Hedgehogs, while providing love and joy to their companions, have also been moonlighting in secret jobs that their companions thankfully documented. Some hedgehogs enjoy sailing while others enjoy playing piano and ruling kingdoms. Scroll through the gallery to learn more about these working critters. — GlobalAnimal

(CAT PICTURES) Haven't got the chance to see Baz Luhrmann's The Great Gatsby in theaters just yet? How about The Great Catsby? No need to wait any longer—just take a look at this purrfect feline cast in the photos below, courtesy of Buzzfeed. We promise this ending won't be nearly as catastrophic. — Global Animal

(DOG PICTURES) Relationships between pets and companions are some of the strongest ones we can have. In the case of Xena, a Staffordshire terrier/pit bull mix, and Jonny Hickey, the bond between pet and human also serves as an effective therapy. Jonny, an 8-year-old boy diagnosed with autism, would seldom speak, and often isolated himself from others, until Xena came into his life. Since their new found friendship Jonny has completely changed his demeanor, and has become exponentially expressive. His mother told the Today Show, "He is the happiest child that I've ever seen him be in eight years." Xena also benefits from this relationship. Abandoned at a young age, Xena's journey has lead her to a loving family and a new best friend. Their tale shows the power of human-animal relationships. Here's a glimpse of their story. — Global Animal

(PET CARE) Exposure to lawn and garden chemicals has been linked to bladder cancer in dogs, according to a new study. Common herbicides are the culprits, and pet guardians need to consider when and how they treat their lawns. Certain breeds, including beagles and Scottish terriers, are at particular risk because of their high genetic propensity for bladder cancer, yet all dogs are still susceptible. Researchers also discovered that canines contaminated by the chemicals can potentially transfer them to their guardians. Continue reading for more on the new study and for tips on pet-friendly lawn care. — Global Animal