Read on to learn more about fostering a kitten from our friends at KitNipBox.
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Tuesday 30 June 2020
Five Tips for Fostering a Kitten
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Pit Bull Reunited With Mom’s Family 9 Months After Deadly Crash
Nine months ago, Smash the Pit Bull was in a deadly crash with his mom, Tabitha Leslie. Unfortunately, Leslie didn’t survive, but Smash made it out alive. He was in shock after the incident, so he must have run off in fear. When officers and other bystanders neared the scene, they didn’t see any sign of a dog nearby.
However, Leslie’s family members knew how important Smash was to her. So, they searched for him right away. They frequently drove around the area of the crash, determined to find the lost pup and bring him to safety.
The Search for Smash
Jennifer Burkart, Leslie’s sister, spent a lot of her time searching for Smash. She lived about 2 hours away from the scene, which was in Tulare County, California. Even so, she kept driving back and forth to search for Smash. She also posted about Smash in local Facebook groups, where she quickly gained lots of support. Soon, everyone was hoping that the Pit Bull would return home safely.
It was unclear as to whether or not Smash had any injuries from the accident. Burkart prayed that he was safe and sound, and she never gave up hope that he’d return. She knew that her sister would want her to find the pup, so she couldn’t give up.
Finally, about nine months after the deadly crash, Smash was located. An animal control officer found him tied to another dog and a cowbell. When Tulare County Animal Services took the dogs in, they scanned them for microchips. Smash’s microchip was still connected to Leslie’s information. Luckily, the employees remembered seeing posts about Smash, so they contacted one of the numbers on the lost dog poster.
Smash is Safe!
A connection was quickly made thanks to Smash’s microchip and all the posts online. Burkart did an amazing job spreading the word about Smash. Family members of Leslie traveled to Tulare that same day to pick up the dog.
Burkart shared the good news all over Facebook groups. She also shared a photo of Smash being reunited with them and a photo of him on his way home. He looks excited to see familiar faces again.
“I just want to say a huge thank you to Tulare Animal Services and everybody in Visalia that’s helped,” Burkart wrote on Facebook. “It’s been 9 months since my sister’s accident and we never gave up hope. I just want to say thank you. WE DID IT SISTER!!”
No one knows where Smash was for those nine months, but what’s important is that he’s safe and healthy now. He might not be able to be reunited with his mom, but he’s lucky to have other family members to care for him. They truly love him so much.
H/T: kmph.com
Featured Image: @FriendsofTAS/Facebook
The post Pit Bull Reunited With Mom’s Family 9 Months After Deadly Crash appeared first on iHeartDogs.com.
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Calling All Dog Parents: Science Needs Your Help
Does your officemate now have four paws, a sniffy nose and a waggy tail? Instead of chatting by the coffee machine at work, are you playing tug, giving belly rubs, and going on walkies between Zoom calls? If so, the Humane Rescue Alliance could use your help.
The pandemic has caused major changes to people’s lives across the globe. We do not know for sure how this stressful time might be impacting the welfare of pet dogs or what carryover effects it might have when dogs suddenly find themselves home alone down the road, but the Humane Rescue Alliance has embarked (pardon the pun) on a study to find out. While we obviously hope we will not experience anything similar again, this does give us a unique opportunity to examine the effects of major changes to routine on our canine companions.
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Monday 29 June 2020
Working at Trupanion: A Day in the Life on the Trupanion Claims Team
Read on to learn more about this team member's journey with Trupanion.
The post Working at Trupanion: A Day in the Life on the Trupanion Claims Team appeared first on The Trupanion Blog.
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Security Guard Becomes Hero After Protecting Dog From Rain
Even the little things in life can have a huge impact on others. After all, one kind gesture can go a long way. When a security guard extended his kindness to a dog he just met, he never expected he would become a hero. He just wanted to do the right thing.
Ethan Dearman is a security guard at Morrisons. On a particularly rainy day, he saw a dog sitting alone in the rain, and he didn’t have to think twice. He knew that dog would want someone to keep him dry.
Dearman approached the dog, who appeared to be a Golden Retriever. The pup looked like he was tied to a pole outside while his parent ran inside. It might not have been the safest option for the poor dog, but at least he wasn’t trapped in a hot car. However, the dog didn’t seem too pleased about the rain.
Without hesitation, Dearman offered his own umbrella to the dog. He held it over the pup’s head to keep him safe and dry. He felt that the dog needed shelter much more than he did, so he was willing to sacrifice his own comfort to help a dog in need. The best part of the photo is that the dog looks happy and grateful for Dearman’s kindness.
“Well you never know how dogs feel about the rain,” said Dearman.
An Act of Kindness Goes Viral
One shopper caught an adorable photo of Dearman’s interaction with the dog. She shared it on Twitter, where it immediately gained popularity. After only a day, the post already had over 96,000 likes and 12,000 shares! Even Dearman shared the post, saying how grateful he was that he made others happy.
“Looks like I made a lot of people happy today,” wrote Dearman.
Soon, everyone was calling Dearman a hero and demanding he get a raise. Morrisons replied to some of the comments, so maybe this kind security guard will soon get even more recognition. After all, not every security guard would go above and beyond for a dog in need.
As it turns out, Dearman has always been a huge dog lover. He has a small dog of his own named Sanchez, who is currently recovering from a leg injury. He posted an update on Twitter to share that his sweet pup is slowly healing. He’s just making sure the pup has plenty of time to relax in the meantime.
It’s true that not all heroes wear capes. In fact, some heroes wear high visibility jackets. Plus, Dearman proved that being kind to animals is the best way to become a role model. The other security guards could learn a thing or two from him.
H/T: themanc.com
Featured Image: @MelGracie_/Twitter
The post Security Guard Becomes Hero After Protecting Dog From Rain appeared first on iHeartDogs.com.
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Friday 26 June 2020
Dog Or Hooman? You Be The Judge
They say that dogs and their people start to resemble each other after a while, but this pup’s face just looks strikingly… human!
Yogi is an adorable pooch whose photo is making dog lovers scratch their heads. Sure he’s a breed mix, but does that include being part person?
Actually, 1-year-old Yogi is a Shih-Poo (a Shih Tzu / Poodle mix) who was recently groomed. Perhaps it’s his stunning green eyes, his full pink pout, or his model-like bone structure that have people giving his picture a double-take.
Mom Chantal Desjardins has an observation: she says he tends to look more “human” after getting a haircut! But aside from his dashing good looks, this pooch is just like any other dog. Desjardins told iHeartDogs:
“He’s a crazy puppy! Super cuddly and playful. He’ll army crawl to me and just plop on his back so he can get a belly rub.”
In fact, in some pictures — especially when his hair is a little bit longer — Yogi looks like your regular, every day, cute and curly-haired pooch!
…or maybe a little like a Muppet.
Yogi has an 8-year-old sister named Darla, a Shih Tzu who maintains her sassy attitude despite having a now-famous bother.
And if you think Yogi looks a bit familiar, you may be recalling another Shih-Poo, named Tonik, whose photos went viral in 2013 for a similar reason.
Perhaps it’s his less-than-impressed, curl-lipped expression, or maybe it’s his bright irises that make him look human… but isn’t it strange that Tonik is also a cocoa-colored Shih-Poo like Yogi?
When he found internet fame, Tonik was up for adoption, but this handsome boy has since found a forever home.
We think all dogs are beautiful, but some have characteristics that are truly unique!
Does your dog look like you… or any other human? Share a photo with us in the comments below!
Special thanks to Chantal Desjardins for letting us share Yogi’s story!
The post Dog Or Hooman? You Be The Judge appeared first on iHeartDogs.com.
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How We Celebrate Pride Month at Trupanion Remotely
Learn more about how we're here to help support our team members and community.
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TSA Canine Has Epic Last Bag Search Before Retirement
One of the best parts about flying the friendly skies is getting to watch TSA canines at work. They’re as serious about their jobs as they are adorable. TSA canines’ noses keep us safe from explosives and put a little smile on our faces while we wait in those endless security checkpoint lines and cringe at the thought of taking off our shoes!
One of these airport heroes recently retired after eight proud years of service. TTirado was given one last bag search that was full of some pretty spectacular surprises! Luckily, his co-workers captured it all on video and shared it with us!
An Unforgettable Last Bag Search
Mark Howell is TSA’s Regional Spokesperson and he shared the video on Twitter.
“After more than 8 years of service @INDairport, @TSA explosive detection canine TTirado has officially retired,” he tweeted.
His TSA career began in 2012 when he graduated from the third class of screening canines. His training took place at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas. He was one of TSA’s longest-serving canine employees!
TTirado will spend his retirement getting cuddles and treats with his furever family. He was adopted by his handler, Keith Gray. I don’t know about you, but I can’t think of any of my co-workers that I would want to adopt, but when you work cuties like TTirado, it’s a no-brainer.
Twitter has exploded (no pun intended) with comments congratulating TTirado on his retirement. His last bag search video has collected over 1,000,000 views!
TTirado Has A First Class Ticket To Retirement From Here On Out
If you’re curious about his name, you aren’t seeing a typo. TTirado was named in honor of Hector Luis Tirado, Jr. – a firefighter in New York who lost his life on 9/11. Canines who are named in honor of fallen heroes are given the distinction of a double first letter in their name. TTirado diligently carried out a legacy and the hard work necessary to keep our country safe.
When he wasn’t busy sniffing out explosives, TTirado moonlighted as an undercover skunk.
Just kidding. But he wasn’t afraid to dress like one. After all, every good boy knows that life can’t be all work and no play! But, now that he’s retired, it will be 100% all play from here on out.
“Happy Friday! Any weekend plans? Asking for a friend (who has lots of free time now),” Howell shared.
Look at what he found on his last bag search! Congratulations, TTirado!
After more than 8 years of service @INDairport, @TSA explosive detection canine TTirado has officially retired. He was adopted by his handler Keith Gray and will spend retirement at home with his family. Check out this clip of his final bag search and reward! ❤️❤️❤️ pic.twitter.com/efRwPFrmDi
— Mark Howell (@TSAMedia_MarkH) June 17, 2020
The post TSA Canine Has Epic Last Bag Search Before Retirement appeared first on iHeartDogs.com.
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Dog With Head Injury Found Hiding In A Drain
Dogs are creatures who still rely largely on their instincts. It’s why they follow you to the bathroom, chase squirrels, and bark at the UPS guy. Usually it’s fun to watch our dogs behave like they’re still in the wild. But when you’re a pup living on the streets, those instincts become extremely valuable.
Zeus, a black and white dog found on the streets in India, relied on his instincts to help an injury. Seeking relief from his terrible pain, Zeus climbed into a sewer drain to lie in cool water. Animal Aid Unlimited India wrote on Instagram:
“Zeus was hiding in a sewer because he may have instinctively thought cold water would bring down his terrible pain from a head wound. Many dogs will do this when their pain is overwhelming.”
Fortunately, Zeus’s hiding place was not too secret and he was spotted. Animal Aid Unlimited India pulled poor Zeus from the drain and carried him to safety. Animal Aid Unlimited India is a street animal rescue and sanctuary in Udaipur, Rajasthan, India. Most employees come from neighboring villages, but over 100 people work to make life better for India’s street animals.
Rescuers had to sedate Zeus in order to clean and bandage his wounds. Still, in a way he seemed to know that he needed their help.
Organizations like this rely heavily on donations, and they’re grateful for those who help them help animals like Zeus.
“Thank you for transforming Zeus from hurt to healed. You also turned deep sadness to sweet happiness.”
If you want to donate to help them continue their selfless mission, you can do so here.
What To Do If You Spot An Injured Dog
Should you find an injured animal somewhere like a sewer drain, it’s probably best not to try and move it yourself. You might worsen the injury or even be hurt by a frightened dog yourself. Dogs in stressful situations like those who are trapped or injured might lash out and bite. And who could blame them?
Comfort the dog not necessarily by touching them, which they might be averse to, but by speaking to them in a calm voice. You can also offer food by placing it within their reach, not by sticking your hand in their face.
But most importantly, call your local rescue or county Animal Services for back up. They’ll know how to address the injury and how to transport the dog to a hospital for care.
It warms the heart to see so many people all across the globe go out of their way to help animals in need!
H/T: The Animal Rescue Site
Featured Image: @animalaid_india/Instagram
The post Dog With Head Injury Found Hiding In A Drain appeared first on iHeartDogs.com.
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Basketball Player Jayson Tatum Names Puppy In Kobe Bryant’s Honor
Many celebrities have been finding ways to tribute Kobe Bryant after his tragic death in a helicopter crash. Some players wore Brant’s jersey to honor him while the NBA even renamed the All-Star Game MVP trophy after him. However, basketball player Jayson Tatum found an even better, and cuter, way to honor his late friend.
Tatum is about to welcome a new member into his family: a French Bulldog puppy. When it came to naming the pup, he didn’t have to think twice. He thought of a name that would honor Bryant for years to come.
Honoring Bryant
Bryant was the star of the Los Angeles Lakers. However, Tatum plays for the Boston Celtics, the Lakers greatest rival team. In fact, the two of them never actually crossed paths in the league. Bryant retired in 2016 while Tatum started playing in 2017.
Even so, they formed a close bond away from the court. The two of them worked out together during offseasons. Therefore, Tatum missed Bryant just as much as he would’ve missed any of his teammates.
“Heartbroken. My hero. My idol,” Tatum wrote on Instagram after Bryant’s death. “The reason I started playing this game, the reason I fell in love with this game. Growing up wanting to be just like you, to you becoming a mentor, beyond thankful for everything you’ve done for me.”
Now, Tatum announced that he will be bringing home a puppy in Bryant’s honor. The pup will be named Bean, which was Bryant’s middle name.
Meet Bean!
Tatum even found Bean in Philadelphia, which is where Bryant attended high school before he was drafted in 1996.
Nicole Yang, a journalist for the Boston Globe, was the first to share adorable photos of Bean on Twitter. As expected, fans are already in love with the little pup. She also joked that Bean should set up a playdate with Weezy, the Boston Celtic’s manager’s French Bulldog. After all, it would be heartwarming to see!
Tatum already has two other dogs named Creek and Deuce, who are both Boxers. Boxers are his favorite breed, but he’s also excited to welcome a smaller dog into the family for a change.
H/T: bleacherreport.com
Featured Image: @nicolecyang/Twitter and @jaytatum0/Instagram
The post Basketball Player Jayson Tatum Names Puppy In Kobe Bryant’s Honor appeared first on iHeartDogs.com.
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Meet Arlo
After starting life as a feral dog covered in ticks, Arlo became a real "porch dog." If lying on the porch was a trick he would have been a master!
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Meet Milkyway
Milkyway loves spending time in the beautiful and relaxing woods near his home in Italy. He loves fetching balls and gets crazy for them.
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Thursday 25 June 2020
Grieving Woman Gets Sign That Late Dog Is Watching Over Her
Some things in life are a mystery, but Instagram influencer Lucy Ledgeway knows exactly what she saw after her dog passed away. Sunny, her family’s beloved Parson Russell Terrier, had died only hours earlier. Ledgeway was devastated and didn’t know how to handle her sadness.
But then, as she was going for a drive, she spotted something incredible. Out her window, she was given a beautiful reminder that Sunny will forever be in her heart. That’s because she saw the little pup looking down on her in the sky.
Remembering Sunny
Sunny was 14 years old and had diabetes. The family knew she was nearing the end of her life, but they were scared to say goodbye. Sadly, they were on their way to the vet when Sunny passed away.
Ledgeway’s dad had been holding the pup in the passenger seat during the drive. Before they even reached the vet, Sunny had a seizure and passed away in his arms. The little dog’s death was even more sudden than they had expected.
“Sleep tight my gorgeous girl,” Ledgeway wrote on Instagram. “I can’t believe you’re gone, it just doesn’t feel right. You’ll make the most amazing friend to all the other dogs in dog heaven.”
After Sunny’s death, Ledgeway’s boyfriend took her for a drive to help her clear her head. In the car, she sat in the same seat that Sunny had passed away in. It only made her miss the pup even more. But then, she saw something magical.
All Dogs Go to Heaven
When Ledgeway looked out the window, she saw the most incredible sight. There, in the clouds, was Sunny’s face. The clouds formed the dog’s head, along with her eyes and nose. It was clear that Sunny was looking down on her. It was the most comforting thing Ledgeway had ever experienced.
“I was crying to my boyfriend in the seat she died in just hours before, telling Tom ‘All I want is a sign she’s okay,” Ledgeway said. “I was looking at the clouds and I just felt in me that I’d see her and I did. I looked up and she was looking at me through the clouds. After that, I just felt happiness and I was content just knowing she’s okay.”
Ledgeway posted images of the event on her Twitter page. To her surprise, she was quickly overwhelmed with positive responses. In fact, many people even commented to say that they’d also experienced a sign that their dogs were looking down on them. Then, they shared photos of their late dogs along with a cloud formation of them. The resemblances are truly incredible!
Some people might not believe in miracles, but there’s no denying that this experience was heartwarming. It proves that all dogs go to heaven, and many of them likely watch over us to make sure we’re okay. After all, when we lose a dog, they remain in our hearts forever. Rest in peace, Sunny.
H/T: bbc.com
Featured Image: @LLedgeway/Twitter
The post Grieving Woman Gets Sign That Late Dog Is Watching Over Her appeared first on iHeartDogs.com.
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Wednesday 24 June 2020
20-Year-Old Dog Becomes World’s Oldest Golden Retriever
August, also nicknamed “Augie”, the Golden Retriever recently celebrated an exciting milestone. She turned 20 years old on April 24th, 2020. Every birthday calls for a celebration, but this one was extra special. That’s because GoldHeart Golden Retrievers Rescue announced that this 20th birthday made Augie the oldest known Golden Retriever in history!
Most Golden Retrievers only live to be 10 to 12 years old. Some have lived beyond that, even reaching 19 years old. But no Golden Retriever has been known to reach 20 before Augie.
Meet Augie!
Augie lived with a few different families throughout her life. While she was at GoldHeart Golden Retrievers Rescue, she was adopted and returned twice. She was a great dog, but the reasons for being returned were out of her control. Luckily, Jennifer and Steve Hetterscheidt from Oakland, Tennessee adopted Augie again at 14 years old. They became her true forever family.
14 years old is already old for a Golden Retriever, but Jennifer and Steve said that Augie was fairly healthy when they adopted her. She was diagnosed with kidney issues not long after her adoption, but she has been doing better since then. She takes special supplements to help with her kidneys and joints.
Throughout Augie’s 6 years with Jennifer and Steve, she has been just as healthy as any younger dog. She loves to go on RV trips and play fetch outside. Sometimes, it takes her a bit longer to get up in the morning, but she still walks well.
Breaking a World Record
Even at 20, Augie is just as happy and full of life. Her family never expected that they would have her with them for so long, but they’re extremely grateful. They love caring for senior Golden Retrievers. In fact, Augie has three Golden Retriever siblings: Sherman, Belle, and Bruce.
To celebrate this exciting event, Jennifer and Steve threw a birthday party for her. They set up some adorable birthday decorations and they even gave her a dog-friendly carrot cake. She also got to spend some quality time with her dog siblings. It was the perfect day for any pup. The Guinness World Records doesn’t usually give out awards for the oldest dog of a certain breed, but Augie’s family knows she has set a record, and that’s enough.
Jennifer says the key to keeping their Golden Retrievers healthy is taking them to the vet often. She has a very good relationship with Augie’s vet, so they’re able to tackle any potential health concerns right away. After all, she wants to make sure all her furry friends live a long, healthy life.
“We care for them as long as we have them, and love them forever,” said Jennifer.
20 years old is nearly twice Augie’s expected lifespan, and she’s still going strong. She’s lucky to have finally found a family that cares about her so much. We don’t always get a lot of time with our loving dogs, so we need to make the most of it and ensure that they stay as healthy as possible.
Happy Birthday, Augie!
H/T: goldenhearts.co
Featured Image: @GoldHeartGoldenRescue/Facebook
The post 20-Year-Old Dog Becomes World’s Oldest Golden Retriever appeared first on iHeartDogs.com.
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