Assateague Island Pony Pictures

The Assateague Island off the east coast of America is world famous for its herds of feral ponies that were immortalized in the much-loved children's book Misty of Chincoteague written by Marguerite Henry and published almost eighty years ago. This barrier island comprises of several national parks - the Assateague Island National Seashore and Assateague State Park on the Maryland side and the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge on the Virginia side, and the topic of whether the feral equines of the island should be named Assateugue horses or Chincoteague ponies is a matter of debate, but this Facebook group is more interested in sharing the photographs of visitors and residents to the island. The cute foals, of course take center stage, but there are also photographs of adult horses interacting. According to legend, the horses of Assateague are descended from a shipment of Spanish horses that were shipwrecked here. If you love horses, you would really enjoy this space. I did.

Members 60.5k, at the time of writing

Trigger warnings: None 

Go here to visit or join. 

Gypsy Cob Owners Group

With their two-tone coat color and distinctive shaggy mane and tail, the Gypsy cob, also known as the Gypsy Vanner is one of the equine world's best loved breeds. These charming and showy horses are popular for pleasure riding or just as pets. Which is why it is not at all surprising that there's a Gypsy Cob Owner's Group to share the awesomeness of cob horses around the world. Share photos of your beloved equine darlings. Ask questions about care and, of course, tips on how to fluff up those gorgeously feathered hooves. Post zany two-of-a-kind cob-and-owner snapshot. Above all share the love.

Members: 41,7k, at the time of writing.

Trigger warnings: None

Go here to visit or join. 

Dogspotting

Still thinking of World Animal Day, which is tomorrow, let's meet some dogs. 

Meet all the dogs of Facebook and the big wide world. Meet dogs on trains and in pubs. Meet dogs in cars, on balconies and on park benches. Meet dogs in bags, in trucks and wearing bow ties. Meet dogs at the farmer's market. Meet dogs in Japan, in Manhattan and the Cotswolds. Meet dogs at concerts and fundraisers. Meet dogs on campus. Meet dogs on the beach and in bistros. Meet dogs in departure lounges and dogs with their own golf carts. Meet dogs on roof tops or on bicycles. Meet dogs everywhere you go. Snap and share. That's what this popular Facebook group is for. 

Members: 1.9 million, at the time of writing.

Trigger Warnings: None.

Go here to visit or join.

(Photo credit: Seadog on Pixabay)

Animal Lovers Society

With World Animal Day upcoming on October 4th, we  will be featuring a few animal friendly communities this week.

Animal Lovers Society is one of those Facebook groups that will surely tug at your heartstrings, especially if you are a pet parent yourself. Dogs and the magic of dog ownership is definitely at the heart of many of the posts. There's plenty of love for dearly departed doggy angels and also everyday moments that define life with dogs. Here and there a feline inevitably pops up as well, and there are some posts featuring other animals - rare albinos and barnyard newborns for example. 

Members: 239.2k, at time of writing

Trigger Warnings: None

Go here to visit or join.

(Photo credit: Pexels on Pixabay)