When residents in northern Michigan witnessed a man walk into the woods but never reemerge, they grew concerned. Not only had the sun already set, but temperatures had also dropped to a frigid eleven degrees (-11°C).
Could he even survive the night? Bystanders recognized the urgent need to call the police, and once they did, the officers on duty grew even more concerned.
The local police believed they knew the identity of the lost hiker and that he may be cognitively impaired. So they spared no time in reaching out for help from the Roscommon County Sheriffs, who dispatchedDeputy Dakota Darsow and his K9 partner, Ghost, to the scene.
“The things that the dog can do would take five officers hours-upon-hours to do,” said Dakota Darsow, Ghost’s Handler.
Ghost, a gorgeous German Shepherd, has been rigorously trained in the skills of search and rescue. He is also well known for successfully recovering missing persons in the past. His professional police training, coupled with his heightened senses of hearing and smell, make him an excellent asset to a search and rescue team. Plus, this was a winter rescue mission. And as you can see in the photo below, Ghost absolutely loves snow!
Together, Ghost and his partner tracked the lost man through half a mile of dense, dark woods. But neither the bitter temperatures nor the thickness of the trees was going to slow down K9 Ghost. He was hot on the trail.Finally, the pair was able to find the lost man and lead him out of the pitch-black, bone-chilling forest.
Luckily, bystanders noticed the man when they did and instantly identified the need to reach out to local authorities. Had no one seen, or if local police hesitated to reach out to the Roscommon County Sheriffs Office, the outcome might have been much more grim.
“Excellent job by the Gerrish Township Police in recognizing the urgency of the situation, and another great job by Ghost,” said the sheriff’s department.
When asked what had happened, the missing hiker explained that he was in town visiting from Pennsylvania. He said he had gone for a walk in the woods and simply gotten lost. Once found, he was taken to a local hospital where he was treated for exposure.
K9 Ghost deserves tons of extra treats for being such a good boy!
When a woman spotted a dog running along I-84 in Middletown, New York, on January 19, 2022, she called Pets Alive Animal Sanctuary for help. Nicole Asher of New Jersey-based Buddha Dog Rescue & Recovery had also received a call about a loose dog that month.
The dog spotted in both New Jersey and New York states was, in fact, one and the same: Teddy. Officials estimated this skinny, frightened Shepherd mix had been running along the highway for at least two weeks.
New York State Troopers attempted to catch Teddy, but he was too quick. Eventually, Asher discovered fresh tracks on January 21, and followed them to a farm where Teddy was hiding out.
The farm’s owner said Teddy had been hiding there for two days, but the anxious pup wouldn’t let anyone approach. Asher was eventually able to lure him into a trap with some rotisserie chicken and hot dogs.
Finally recovered, Teddy was taken to the Catskill Animal Hospital for assessment. They also scanned him for a microchip and were shocked to learn that he had one. This dog wasn’t dumped; someone was missing him.
Reunited After 7 Long Months
Since the chip was registered, Asher was able to contact Teddy’s family. She said:
“We were able to locate the owner and she was beside herself. She was crying and screaming, she couldn’t believe it was true … they never thought he would be able to survive, so when the call came in, she was in an absolute state of shock.”
Teddy reunited with his parents seven whole months after he went missing, thanks to the help of Buddha Dog Rescue, Pets Alive, and the New York State Troopers. Shocked and overjoyed to see their dog again, Teddy’s parents cried and thanked his rescuers.
Becky Tegze, Executive Director of Pets Alive, credits Teddy’s eventual reunion with his family to his up-to-date microchip.
“Sometimes we get very lucky that there are microchips, and we are able to find the owner. A lot of times we’re not … Teddy traveled over 80 miles. If he was not microchipped, we would not have had a reunion like there was, because no one would have known to look [for] a family in Washington, D.C. when you’re in New York.”
Teddy’s family initially saved him from a high-kill shelter in California. They saw his photo on social media in May of 2021 and his story broke their hearts.
Teddy’s previous owner surrendered him after he “was brutally attacked by other dogs,” the dog’s new adopters said.
“He had severe bite wounds on both shoulders and had surgery on both, followed by a very difficult recovery.”
After being placed on the adoption list, no one expressed any interest in Teddy. The dog’s fearful behavior made him shy and resistant to new people and other dogs.
“He was traumatized by his experience and fearful of his surroundings and people/dogs. He refused to interact with handlers or shelter staff and just sat in the corner shaking in fear.”
So, Salvatore Della Monica flew from their D.C. home to Los Angeles to pick Teddy up. Then, less than a month later in June, the dog escaped through a hole in the fence during a family vacation in Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania.
Teddy’s family set up a GoFundMe page for help covering his extensive medical costs. After his time on his own, the pup returned with some brutal injuries and conditions, including Lyme disease and bullet wounds.
“We don’t know everything he’s gone through but can tell from his injuries that it was a lot. He was shot and has bullet fragments in his left hind limb. He has severe bilateral hip dysplasia and will most likely need a hip replacement and months of therapy.”
You can donate to the GoFundMe here to help Teddy with his recovery. Follow Teddy on Instagram to see how he’s doing now that he’s home safe. And again: MICROCHIP YOUR PETS!
A family in Cobb County, Georgia has been tirelessly searching for their lost dog, Marley, every day for five long months. In fact, they haven’t missed a single day of searching since she went missing. But now, they’re running out of time and resources. So they’ve decided to not only increase the amount of money they’re offering, but to add a sports car to the deal, as well.
“Marley is a gentle soul. She’s 4 years old, a Whippet mix. She means the world to us,” said Alex Kirchner.
It was back in September of last year that theKirchnerfamily took their sweet pup Marley with them on their family vacation to Hilton Head, South Carolina. A family member accidentally left a door open, and Marley went missing. Losing a dog is a nightmare to many, but to lose your best friend while far from home? It’s unimaginable.
The family extended their trip for a couple of weeks while they started their search, but shortly after that,Alex (Derek’s wife) and their young son had to return home to Georgia. Derek, however, stayed behind in South Carolina and has continued searching every day since.
“I wake up in the morning, go out and start my morning searches. I have posters on the bike, ‘Lost dog’ and I ride around Hilton Head searching. Almost everyone in Hilton Head knows me as Marley’s dad,” said Derek.
Derek rides his poster-covered bicycle around the island every day, spreading the word and asking if anyone has seen his sweet pup. He also has trail cameras set up all around the area, and often scours the island in his car after dark. Meanwhile, back home in Atlanta, Marley’s mom has been busy creating online ads and posting from specific Facebook groups and pages that were specifically created to help bring their lost dog home. The couple has even consulted a psychic, searching for any clue that may lead to their beloved dog.
But now, after months of both living and searching states apart, they have exhausted their savings, and Derek is being forced to leave the island. In a last-ditch effort to find their furry family member, Derek is offering $4,000 and the title of his 2016Z51 Corvette Stingray,no questions asked, to anyone who is aware of their search and is still choosing to keep her.
“This is a last ditch effort here; This specific reward is for if someone has Marley, is aware, and still deciding to keep her,” Derek wrote on Facebook.
Derek may be heading home soon, but that doesn’t mean they will stop searching.
For more information, to report a sighting, or to receive daily search updates, you can check out the “Find Marley” Facebook group by clicking here.
Most families wish their pets could live forever, but if you bring home a giant tortoise, they just might! A Seychelles tortoise named Jonathan recently celebrated his 190th birthday, making him the oldest tortoise on record. Seychelles tortoises are a type of Aldabra tortoise, which usually have a lifespan of about 100 years.
Even though Jonathan has surpassed his life expectancy by a long shot, he’s not slowing down anytime soon. He has no problem getting around and enjoying life to the fullest. He outlived his human decades ago and has even been alive during many firsts in history.
Before Jonathan’s recent birthday, Guinness World Records already labeled him the oldest living land animal. Now that he’s 190, he has also earned the title of “oldest chelonian,” which includes turtles and tortoises.
The previous oldest chelonian was a radiated tortoise named Tu’i Malila, who was at least 188. Tu’i Malila was a gift to the royal family in 1777, and they continued to care for her until she died in 1965.
Jonathan was born in 1832, but there’s a good chance that he’s even older than that. In 1882, Jonathan was given to former governor Sir William Grey-Wilson as a gift. Since he was full-grown at the time, they knew he had to be at least 50 years old. Photo evidence confirms his size at the time.
“Jonathan could actually be 200 because the information regarding his arrival on the island is not exact and because there’s no real record of his birth,” said Matt Joshua, head of tourism on St. Helena.
Even though Jonathan’s human died about 100 years ago, the tortoise continues to live at his residence on St. Helena Island. He shares the grounds of a Georgian mansion with three other tortoises named David, Emma, and Fred.
The Life of Jonathan the Tortoise
Jonathan has been alive through many milestones in history, including when the first photograph of a human was taken, when the first telephone call was made, and when the Eiffel Tower was built. If he could talk, he’d have so many stories to tell!
“[Jonathan] enjoys the sun but on very hot days takes to the shade. On mild days, he will sunbathe – his long neck and legs stretched fully out of his shell to absorb heat and transfer it to his core,” said his vet, Joe Hollins.
The giant tortoise spends most of his days eating, sleeping, and mating. His sight and smell aren’t as great as they used to be, so humans often hand feed him. However, his energy hasn’t dwindled. He still regularly mates with the other tortoises, especially Fred and Emma. The sex of the tortoise doesn’t matter to him.
Jonathan lives a simple life, but he seems like a very happy tortoise. He’s a celebrity on St. Helena, and many tourists will come to meet him. 190 years might seem really old, but Jonathan continues to enjoy life and make the most of it every day!
Dogs of all ages can suffer from joint pain and mobility issues. Arthritis is the number one chronic pain dogs face, affecting even young dogs. No dog should have to suffer silently every time they walk, which is why dog parents are doing everything they can to prevent future joint pain. There are many joint products on the market, but green lipped mussels for your dog could be a safe, natural option.
Most people have never heard of green lipped mussels. Yet, these mollusks have a long history of aiding human joints. So, researchers have found that the same properties may work for dogs as well. Let’s look at how these unique creatures can benefit your dog and how you can safely serve them.
What are Green Lipped Mussels?
Green lipped mussels, also known as GLM, are a mussel species native to the coast of New Zealand. They’re named after the bright green stripe that lines the edge of the shell. They’re a natural filter for seawater, so they soak up many nutrients and minerals. These potent mussels are relatively small, but they have massive health benefits.
New Zealand natives have long used green lipped mussels. The Maori, the indigenous Polynesian people of New Zealand, started consuming the mussels centuries ago. Eventually, scientists realized that their arthritis rates were much lower than those living on the mainland. The key difference seemed to be the green lipped mussels.
At first, scientists were unable to uncover much about green lipped mussels because they could only look at the meat rejected after processing. However, when they could freeze-dry mussels in the 1980s, they uncovered more about what the mussels contained. They realized that the initial testing didn’t show that the mussels were rich in omega fatty acids and other beneficial nutrients.
After further research, scientists learned how these mollusks were benefitting human joints. Green lipped mussels seem to have a similar effect on the average dog too.
Yes, green lipped mussels are good for dogs. They’re rich in beneficial nutrients, such as glucosamine and chondroitin, along with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. All of these items can improve your dog’s joints, and they may be able to benefit them in other ways too.
Even though green lipped mussels aren’t common, they may be a safer alternative to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) used for dog joint pain. They’re a natural option with fewer side effects. They can help with all kinds of joint concerns, including arthritis, luxating patella, hip dysplasia, and any general mobility pain.
A 2009 study demonstrated the improvements of arthritis in dogs taking these mussels. The dogs took green lipped mussels for eight weeks and were evaluated four different times. The dogs who took the mussels showed a significant advance in joint health compared to the control group. Those improvements continued for four weeks after the dogs stopped taking the mussels.
All the studies that have been done with green lipped mussels and dogs have shown that the mussels have no significant risks for canines.
How Can Green Lipped Mussels Benefit Your Dog?
The main benefit of green lipped mussels for dogs is relieving joint pain. At least one in five dogs suffers from worsening osteoarthritis, so taking a joint supplement may reduce that risk. Joints only deteriorate as dogs get older, so it’s best to give them relief at an early age.
Here are some specific benefits of green lipped mussels for dogs:
Has natural inflammatory properties
Reduces joint pain
Protects, builds, and repairs cartilage
Boosts dog immunity
Makes bones stronger
Prevents arthritis
Prevents slow damage to cells
Supports joint tissue
It’s hard to believe that some mussels can do the same work as prescribed medications, but many dogs have experienced positive results because of them. Scientists examined what makes these mussels strengthen joints to understand better how they work.
Dogs suffering from joint pain may experience limping, flinching when touched near joints, reluctance to walk, or inability to climb stairs. Even if your dog shows no signs of pain, joint supplements can still reduce their risk of mobility issues in the future. Arthritis affects 20% of dogs over one-year-old and 80% of dogs over eight years old.
How Do Green Lipped Mussels Benefit Joints?
Green lipped mussels include all the ingredients you’d find in joint supplements and more. Some beneficial items include glucosamine, chondroitin, omega-3 fatty acids, zinc, copper, iodine, manganese, and vitamin B12. Glucosamine and chondroitin make up glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), which can protect dog joints from wear and tear.
Dog joints are surrounded by capsules that have water in them. More water in the case means more protection for the joints. So, chondroitin can strengthen those capsules and give them more space to hold water. Even a month after taking green lipped mussels, the GAGs can still protect your dog’s joints.
Then, omega-3 fatty acids in the mussels give them anti-inflammatory effects. Omega fatty acids are most commonly associated with keeping a dog’s skin and coat healthy, but there are actually 90 different types of fatty acids in green lipped mussels. Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) are the ones that are crucial for preventing inflammation.
Can Green Lipped Mussels Replace Medications?
NSAIDs are often given to decrease inflammation in dogs, which is something green lipped mussels are used for. You may be able to provide these mussels instead of medication because they have additional benefits.
Even though NSAIDs can help your dog feel better by reducing inflammation, they could cause additional problems. Some medications destroy cartilage and liver lining, especially if taken in high doses. Less cartilage can cause more damage to the joints, making the drugs counterintuitive in some instances. Green lipped mussels don’t cause these potential risks.
In fact, green lipped mussels build healthy cartilage to help strengthen joints. Thus, they do more than decrease inflammation because they can use other beneficial ingredients to prevent joint problems from developing. They have fewer risks and side effects than most medications, which is why they might be the better alternative.
However, you should always consult your vet before switching to a different remedy. Certain situations may require a medication instead of mussels, so your vet can give you the best advice based on your dog’s health.
Green Lipped Mussels for Dogs Dosage
The dosage of green lipped mussels for dogs can vary based on how you serve it and what your dog needs it for. Most experts suggest that you should give your dog about 15 to 20 mg for every pound of body weight.
Here are the suggested green lipped mussel doses for dogs:
10 pounds or less – 200 mg
11 to 25 pounds – 400 mg
26 to 50 pounds – 800 mg
51 to 75 pounds – 1,200 mg
76 pounds or more – 2,400 mg
You only need to give your dog a dose once per day. If you buy a supplement that has green lipped mussels in it, the recommended dose will be on the container. Of course, if you’re ever uncertain how much to give your dog, you can consult your vet.
After giving your dog their first few doses, you may choose to increase or decrease their dosage slightly based on how it affects them.
Are There Any Side Effects of Green Lipped Mussels?
There are no known side effects of green lipped mussels for dogs, so they’re the safer alternative to medications. But like all new supplements, you should be cautious when first giving them to your dog. Pay close attention to your furry friend’s behaviors and contact your vet if anything seems unusual.
While it’s not necessarily a risk, it’s important to note that not all green lipped mussels are equal. Some green lipped mussel products don’t have enough fatty acids in them to make a significant impact on your dog’s joints. When choosing a product, look for mussels with at least 6% omega fatty acids. Otherwise, the supplement might not do much for them.
Green lipped mussels can also take more time to have an impact than NSAIDs. Yet, many dog parents agree that it’s worth it for the lower risk of adverse effects. If you know your dog is allergic to shellfish, ask your vet about other safe remedies instead.
Is it Safe to Take with Medications?
Green lipped mussels can be taken with any other medications. There are no reported drug interactions with these items. They’re even safe for dogs of all ages to consume, but no one has researched if the mussels are safe for pregnant or lactating dogs yet.
Finding Quality Green Lipped Mussels
As mentioned earlier, not all green lipped mussels are created equal. The way they’re sourced, harvested, and manufactured can play a role in how nutritious they are. That’s how some mussels end up with fewer nutrients, such as a lower percentage of fatty acids.
Green lipped mussels are one of the most sustainable forms of aquaculture, but where they’re sourced from can affect their quality. To guarantee a high percentage of omega-3 fatty acids, the mussels should come from a reputable farmer in one of the best-performing areas. The farmers should know the best time to harvest the mussels in each bay.
All products are manufactured differently, but it’s important to ensure the nutrients aren’t cooked out of the mussels. Many companies freeze-dry the mussels, which may slightly damage the nutrients, but not enough to ruin the quality. However, using a rapid vacuum-drying process is more likely to keep all the essential ingredients safe. Cooking the mussels for too long may remove too many nutrients.
The company should also have a solid quality check before the supplements go on the market. Many companies will test the levels of all the characteristics, including bioactivity, oxidative stability, and the levels of all the omega fatty acids. It might be challenging to find out all the manufacturing information of these products, but if you can, it could help you make an educated decision.
How Can You Serve Green Lipped Mussels to Your Dog?
The most common way to serve green lipped mussels to pets is to use joint powder. It might not be appealing to your dog on its own, but you can sprinkle it on their food to give them the benefits. The powder is usually made of 100% green lipped mussels. The mussels can also be freeze-dried, which is a great way to keep the nutrients intact. Freeze-dried whole mussels can be a crunchy snack for dogs.
Some joint supplements also include green lipped mussels as one of their beneficial ingredients. Supplements in the form of treats are great for picky eaters because your dog will think they’re getting a snack instead of a healthy meal enhancer. You may even find some dog food with green lipped mussels as an ingredient.
Whichever type of supplement you choose, it’s a good idea to talk to your vet about it first. Also, check the label yourself to ensure that it only includes safe, beneficial ingredients.
Picky Dogs Rejoice!
If you’re worried about your dog’s joints but they’re uninterested in most supplements, giving green lipped mussels in the form of a treat might be beneficial for them. Of course, you’ll still want to make sure you choose a reliable company that uses ingredients you feel comfortable giving to your dog.
The iHeartDogs Advanced 8-in-1 Hip & Joint Chews are a great way to improve your dog’s mobility without them realizing they’re taking a supplement. The eight key ingredients are Glucosamine HCI, omega-rich organic hemp powder, MSM, chondroitin, green lipped mussels, organic turmeric, and Boswellia serrata. Together, they can help reduce inflammation and improve joint function.
These tasty chews can help reduce pain, prevent long-term damage, and improve mobility. Plus, every bag sold provides 14 healthy meals for shelter dogs. So, helping your pup’s health can also benefit dogs in need!
It’s heartbreaking to watch your dog struggle with joint pain, especially when some medications only seem to make it worse. If you’re worried about your furry friend’s mobility, green lipped mussels might be the solution. These special New Zealand mollusks are a safe, natural way to prevent arthritis for both humans and dogs.
Finding a good boarding facility for your dog is tricky. Many options look depressing when they should be like a vacation for your pup. A dog hotel in South Africa has the right idea, offering services that they describe as “six-star.” Dogs who stay there probably have more luxurious vacations than their humans.
The hotel offers 24-hour supervision to ensure that the dogs aren’t lonely, along with plenty of amenities to keep them busy. It sounds like the dream, but you need to be willing to pay the costly rates. Despite being an adorable business, not everyone is pleased with it.
Superwoof Dog Hotel has been open for about a year and a half, and it’s the ideal destination for pampered pups. Right away, the lobby is full of places to relax. Dogs can spend their visits playing in indoor and outdoor dog runs, including a city sky deck with pools and a “dog bar.”
“We’ve really tried to make sure that we offer a six-star service,” said Watson Mpala, a dog handler at Superwoof. “With 24-hour supervision and the luxuries of our splash pool, the giant lounges, all of that jazz, we really want to provide a luxury experience for the doggos.”
During each dog’s stay, a handler is with them at all times to make sure they don’t have to be locked up in a kennel. They get to go for long walks every day along the beautiful countryside. Inside the hotel, soft jazz music usually plays.
It’s unclear if the dogs at the hotel appreciate all the extra luxury, but of course, pawrents feel more at ease knowing their pups are treated so well.
It’s easy to fall in love with this canine resort, but not all residents of South Africa are on board with the idea. About half the country lives in poverty, and a homeless shelter is right across the street from Superwoof. So, many of the dogs staying at the hotel probably have better lives than some humans do.
While a luxury dog hotel might seem extreme in an area with so much poverty, the facility isn’t just in it for the money. The dog hotel also has a dog adoption center on-site known as the WOOF Project. Every time a dog stays at the hotel, they’re helping more pets find homes.
Most dog parents might not be willing to afford a five-star pet resort, let alone one that goes above and beyond that. But the hotel has plenty of guests and lots of people adopting dogs, so they must be doing something right. No matter how you feel about this extravagant hotel, it sure is an adorable idea!
When this Westie saw her new home, we all know she got excited – jumping and screeching and tail wagging. You can bet that this dog is happy to go anywhere it feels appreciated. And we know for a fact because her pet parents uploaded the video of the first time she sees her new forever Florida home to Facebook.
Christy and her dad have moved into a new home in a new state. But while it can be stressful, it can also be a once-in-a-lifetime adventure for them both. Christy is uncertain. Will she like her new neighbors? Will the dogs at the dog park welcome her? Ultimately, though, it comes down to one thing for her. Will she have that epic backyard she has been dreaming about?
Christy has the most adorable reactions to life around her. Once she gets distracted by nature outside, her playfulness becomes unmissable and the video is even funnier.
Watch Christy get excited about her new pool! Be sure to SHARE this with a fellow friend or family member!
A 9-month-old Cane Corso named Buddy is a big and beautiful dog, so it doesn’t seem like he’d be hard to spot. Yet, when he went missing after his training class, his family spent over 500 days looking for him. During that time, sightings kept occurring, so his humans never gave up hope.
When someone finally found Buddy, he didn’t look like the same dog. Not only was he much older, but his ears had been cropped. His humans are just happy to have him back, but dog lovers everywhere want answers. Who would do this to an innocent lost dog?
Jacquawn Cummings took Buddy to a training session at PetSmart moments before he went missing. She said he got spooked by something and made a getaway. Somehow, he managed to run out the door.
That was the last time Cummings was with Buddy for 538 days. But during that time, she never stopped trying to get him back. She shared his photos all over social media, so people started recognizing him and posting sightings.
“I started getting calls, and Buddy was in the area,” said Cummings.
Several people shared their security footage, showing that a dog like Buddy had crossed through their yard. Cummings considered every lead, hoping that one of them would bring her furry friend home.
After almost a year and a half of searching, someone saw Buddy at the animal shelter, and they recognized him from the social media posts. They reached out to Cummings, who couldn’t believe it!
At first, she was hesitant because the shelter thought the dog was much older than Buddy. But as soon as she saw him, she knew he was her long-lost dog. Even though he’d been gone longer than he’d lived with the family, he remembered them and was overjoyed to see them. Cummings said he was especially excited to see her son.
Sadly, Buddy’s ears were cropped while he was away, which means someone took him during that time. Cummings reported it to the police. No dog should have to suffer through that, but of course, his family loves him no matter what he looks like. They’re grateful to all the dog lovers out there that helped them with sightings.
Now that Buddy returned, Cummings said she’s going to get him microchipped right away. She never wants to be apart from her pup for that long ever again.
When over 150 dogs who had been for walks on the beach along the northeast coast of England were reported to have contracted a mysterious illness, investigators were led to believe that the cause of their sickness was from something exclusively in thesand or sea.
But now, the same illness is spreading farther and farther inland, and this has experts second-guessing their current theories.
Initially, the mysterious illness was believed only to be affecting dogs who had walked along the shore. But now, local vets are seeing a sudden surge of cases in dogs who not only live farther inland, but who also haven’t set a single paw on the beach. This calls any theories regarding the illness’s ties to being completely “coastally related” into question.
Most dogs who have contracted the illness are experiencing mild nausea and diarrhea. But, there is a small percentage of pups requiring veterinary care and even hospitalization.Ali Cutting, a local dog walker, shared that a quarter of her regular client’s pups have contracted the illness, but there has yet to be a clear clue for how they became ill.
“Most of them have been mild, but one of my dogs, Rocco, had it quite badly. He had to go to the vets for four or five days, but thankfully all OK now,” said Ali.
Ali doesn’t believe her clients contracted it from each other, which has left her wondering how so many dogs have fallen ill.Current speculation has entertained the possibility that this illness is a regular, seasonal occurrence that happens to have more cases than usual this year, butnot all pet parents are convinced.
ExpertDavid McCreadie, a former senior lecturer in marine biology and oceanography, suspects that dredging, or underwater excavation, could be the cause.
“I am 99.9 percent certain that this week-long dredging operation unearthed some historical toxins. It dumped the spoil about three to four miles off. Fishermen found hundreds of dead seabirds floating at the site,” said McCreadie.
However, the Environment Agency dismissed dredging as the cause of the dead crustaceans.So while multiple theories are currently being entertained and investigated, experts still haven’t agreed on a definitive cause for the source of the illness.
The British Veterinary Association has advised residents to remain calm and reminded them that their local vet is well versed in the care of gastroenteritis. They also urged residents to call their local vet with any concerns regarding their pup’s health.
When Walter Hickox Jr. told his wife that a bear had just attacked him on their front porch, she was hesitant to believe him. But luckily for him, and the entire internet, a doorbell camera in Daytona Beach, Florida, captured the heroic moment.
Motivated by his desire to protect his beloved Dachshunds, Pickles, Pepper, and Piper, Walter didn’t hesitate to spring into action when the bear pounced.
As the video begins, Walter stands near his front door as the bear charges the entrance. He had just taken his two tinyDachshunds outside, so he was terrified for their safety. He immediately leaps into action, attempting to steal the bear’s attention away from Pepper and direct it onto himself instead.
“Not a lot went through my head at the moment, other than what’s going to happen if he gets past me and into the house where the rest of my dogs and my wife was at,” said Walter.
Luckily, Walter had the advantage, and the bear didn’t see him until he “shoulder checked” her, bringing them face-to-face. Walter kept low to the ground and made tons of noise in an attempt to startle her. He pushed forward and did his best to block the bear from reaching his pups. In the process, he even received a bite on the shoulder that was initially intended for tiny Pepper.
Most of the action was down low, as his dogs are tiny and close to the ground, but it was obvious in the video that Walter had successfully startled her. Once he was able to knock her back, Walter slid a bench across the entrance and closed off the space between him and the bear.
“I was just attacked by a bear,” Walter screams inside to his wife as the bear backs down and scampers away.
In the end, Walter was able to protect his pups, and escape with non-life-threatening injuries, including scratches, bruising, and treatment for rabies.
Walter’s property borders a wildlife preserve where bears and other animals are frequently spotted. However, this was the first time he ever had a close encounter on his property with a dangerous wild animal.After the incident, Walter contacted the Florida Wildlife Commission, but they were unable to locate or capture the bear.
“I can’t believe how close to death I was, and I did it for my dogs,” Walter said.
You can check out the full video of this heroic dog dad down below. Be warned; it’s pretty intense!
As we all know, we enjoy watching videos of dogs, cats and all animals that bring us joy. However, there are times when we need to get that word out for safety and bring awareness to help avoid future tragedies to our 4-legged friends.
This is the story about Petey. Please meet Christina Young who lost her best friend Petey and wanted to get the word out to other pet parents.
Christina said, ‘good bye’ to Petey, after a tragic accident took his life. She wanted other pet parents to know that this was preventable, and for most of us, “this accident” has already happened in our own homes.
She came home one day with the expectation of seeing a tail wagging Petey to a quiet house. Along with this quiet house, her somber boyfriend Christian had devastating news about their boy, Petey. Young posted this on her Facebook page:
“As [Christian] walked in further he saw our sweet boy laying lifeless with a stupid chip bag over his head. He was able to get them off the counter that we will forever blame ourselves for leaving out. He ate every chip out but of course went back for crumbs…which made the bag tighter and tighter with there being nothing left inside every time he would go for more he would inhale making the bag tighter & tighter around his head.. ultimately resulting in suffocation.”
Christina simply couldn’t understand how this could happen. Why didn’t Petey pull the bag off of his head with his paws?
He was very bright, smart and agile. So, she did research of her own and found information that nobody ever talks about online. Young wanted to ‘spread the word’ so pet owners know the dangers of leaving potato chip, popcorn, cereal, bread and even dog treat bags lying around. They can pose a serious threat to our beloved animals.
“3-5 pet suffocation’s get reported every week and 42% of those occur while the owner is in the next room. It only takes about 3 minutes for their oxygen to drop to fatal levels. With this happening so often we were so surprised by the lack of awareness on this topic out there.”
Pet parents have no idea about these daily food related hazards, and before it’s too late, awareness wants to be spread for others. Jennifer Young and Christian want to raise such awareness. The two want such things to happen so another pet doesn’t suffer the same fate as their pet did.
“So I just ask that in honor of my boy Petey that you be extra careful, warn other dog owners & give your fur babies some extra love today and every day after this. I pray none of you ever have to experience your heartbreaking this way. We love you papas you were the best boy in the whole world & we will remember our good times forever”
We’re so very sorry for the loss of Petey and send our condolences to Christina and Christian. Rest in peace Petey.
We ask all of you that in honor of Petey and his grieving parents, please share this story to protect other pets and pet parents from this hidden danger.
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