Veterinarian Gets Heartfelt Note Begging Her To Save Dog’s Life

No matter how much we love our dogs, that doesn’t change the fact that they’re expensive. Not only do they need essentials like food, but dog parents also need to be prepared for an emergency. But sadly, times are currently tough for a lot of people, so not everyone has that kind of money.

11-year-old Zykirah Hilton never expected that her 1-year-old dog named Scrappy would need life-changing surgery. Scrappy was perfectly healthy until he injured his front right paw out of the blue. He seemed like he was in a lot of pain, but Hilton’s family couldn’t afford a vet visit at the moment.

Saving Scrappy

Scrappy is Hilton’s best friend. He means the world to her and she has no idea what she’d do without him. So, when Scrappy got hurt, it was heartbreaking for her to see him in pain.

Image: @chicknpups/Facebook

“If he was in pain, it made me sad,” said Hilton. “Limping around the house, like he was limping on his little foot. So when Scrappy hurt it makes me hurt.”

Hilton’s dad couldn’t afford serious medical care for Scrappy, but he wanted to save the dog in any way possible. So, he reached out to Jennifer Gallagher, the founder of Chick n’ Pups Canine Crusade. He asked her if there was anything she could do to help.

Being the animal lover that she is, Gallagher came to meet Scrappy right away. She spent some time with the little dog and examined his leg as closely as she could. She wanted to help, but she quickly realized that this had to be handled by a vet.

Image: @chicknpups/Facebook

Gallagher understood the family’s struggles. She knew that vets were expensive and that not every family could afford a sudden medical procedure. So, she suggested that Hilton write a letter to Dr. Jessica Loch at Taylor Crossing Animal Hospital.

Hilton’s Letter

Hilton got to work on her letter right away. She explained the situation to Loch and talked about how important Scrappy was to her. She spent more time and effort on her letter than most young kids would. It’s clear that she truly loves her dog.

“I really hope that you all can please help me with my little puppy Scrappy,” Hilton wrote. “Scrappy is a good little dog to me. I am really hoping y’all can fix his little foot. He’s my everything to me. If it wasn’t for Scrappy, I wouldn’t be this brave.”

Image: Screenshot, wsfa.com

When Loch read Hilton’s letter, she was very touched. She realized that Scrappy is more than just a dog to her, Scrappy is her world. So, she agreed to take a look at Scrappy’s leg with no charge to Hilton’s family.

Scrappy’s Surgery

Scrappy’s wound turned out to be an untreatable fracture. So, Loch decided that the best way to save him was to amputate his leg. With donations from Chick n’ Pups Canine Crusade and Wags 4 Wishes, Loch was able to give Scrappy surgery without charging Hilton at all.

Image: @chicknpups/Facebook

Hilton was sad when she found out that Scrappy would lose his leg, but she was ultimately happy that he would be okay. Scrappy stayed with Loch for about a week as he healed from surgery, but then he was ready to head home. Finally, things were happy again for Hilton and Scrappy.

“He is my best, best, best, best friend,” Hilton said. “When I am sad or crying he just licks the tears off my face and puts new ones up there, like happy tears, tears of joy.”

Loch plans to stay in touch with Hilton and Scrappy through letters and through in-person visits. Now, Hilton wants to be a vet one day, so Loch wants to help her as much as she can.

Image: @chicknpups/Facebook

Chick n’ Pups Canine Crusade doesn’t usually help with surgeries like this, but they felt that this was a special circumstance. If they received more donations, they would be more than happy to save more dogs in need too. If you want to support other dogs like Scrappy and many rescue dogs, please donate to Chick n’ Pups.

H/T: wsfa.com
Featured Image: @chicknpups/Facebook and Screenshot, wsfa.com

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Protect Your Dog from Hawks and Other Birds of Prey

Hawks, owls and other raptors (birds of prey) don’t know the difference between a pet dog and, say, a rabbit or a rat. To them, they’re all on the menu. Learn how to keep you dog out of their talons and safely on the ground.

While hawks and other raptor attacks on humans are quite rare, their attacks on pets—including dogs—are far more common. Sadly, most people learn this by losing a pet to one of these hunters from the sky.

My friend Dave lives in an upscale neighborhood nestled amongst a dense stand of mature Ponderosa pine trees. One late summer evening, Dave, his wife, Sushi (their eight-pound Pomeranian), and another couple took a walk in the woods. Chit-chatting as close friends do, they were absorbed in their conversation, making for an enjoyable evening.

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Golden Retriever Gives Dad Trouble When It’s Time To Walk

For most dogs, walks are exciting. They usually freak out just hearing the four-letter word. However, Elsie the Golden Retriever is not amused. She has figured out that walks are just a way to get her to exercise and lose some weight, so she’s not interested. She’d much rather go home and eat than walk around the block again and again.

This stubborn pup makes her opinions very clear too. In a viral video, Elsie is shown throwing a fit when her dad tries to walk her. She will clearly do anything to stop herself from having to exercise and work hard.

Elsie’s Daily Walks

Mike Cook, Elsie’s dad, is sick of putting up with her shenanigans. When he was trying to get Elsie to walk, a neighbor recorded a hilarious video of their interactions. In the video, whenever Cook tried to keep walking, Elise would lay down and sulk. If he tried to pull her or pick her up, she’d just sit right back down. Cook even tried pretending to walk away and leave her behind, but Elsie was not impressed.

Image: Screenshot, @WoofWoofTV/Facebook

While Elsie’s resistance was annoying to Cook, the rest of the world found it hilarious. They couldn’t help but laugh at Cook’s struggles to get his dog to move. Plus, Elsie’s attitude is something many of us can relate to when it comes to working out.

After the video went viral, Cook made sure to explain that there is nothing wrong with Elsie. She’s just a stubborn dog that always has to have her way. This isn’t the first time she has refused to walk, and he knows it won’t be the last.

“She hadn’t had her dinner yet so she did not want to go walking,” Cook explained. “We got almost 150 meters and it took around 15-20 minutes. It then took 2 minutes to get home.”

Image: Screenshot, @WoofWoofTV/Facebook

A Failed Weight Loss Routine

Unfortunately, Elsie’s vet recommended that Elsie should get longer walks and fewer treats. So, Cook tried to put in extra efforts to help Elsie lose some weight, but she refused to cooperate. Clearly, she found a loophole: longer walks, but shorter distances. The longer she put up a fight, the sooner Cook would give up and feed her. At least, that’s how she seemed to see it.

Cook said that Elsie is not impressed with the vet’s recommendations. In fact, luring her with treats is usually the easiest way to get her to listen. But that method seems to be rather counterintuitive. Lifting her back onto her feet or pretending to keep walking without her are methods that both worked in the past, but now Elsie is catching on. She no longer falls for her dad’s silly tricks.

Image: @kaaylaaevanss/Instagram

“If that really doesn’t work you can try lifting her up and carrying her for a bit, but after those three that’s pretty much it, game over,” Cook said.

While Elsie’s habits are not benefiting Cook, they’re definitely helping Elsie get more attention. She has so many fans now, and some neighbors have even stopped to get their picture taken with her. She might not lose weight anytime soon, but she seems to be okay with that. As long as she gets food and attention, she’ll be as happy as possible.

Watch the Hilarious Video Here:

Golden Retriever Refuses To Walk With Owner

I’m not going back to that damn house Jeff. You can’t make me.Join The Woof Club for more dogs!

Posted by Woof Woof on Sunday, April 19, 2020

H/T: 10daily.com.au
Featured Image: Screenshot, @WoofWoofTV/Facebook

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Has Your Furry Best Friend Developed A “Quarantine Quirk”?

As the weeks have worn on, quarantine has made us all behave a little differently. Example? Pajama pants have become acceptable workwear for a lot of us.

And in this strange time of undefined schedules and isolation, humans aren’t the only ones feeling kind of weird. Our cats and dogs know things aren’t quite right too.

But the manifestations of their unsettled feelings often leave us scratching our heads in confusion.

Shannon Shoaf, a cat mom in Clearwater, Florida, reports one of her cats has literally started bouncing off the walls, something he’s never done before.

Catia, a cat who loves the outdoors of New Zealand, has lost her desire to explore the yard. Instead, she’s staying inside and hanging super close to mom, Ramona Misilei. “In the four years since we adopted her, this is the first time she has behaved like this,” according to Ramona.

And the kitties aren’t the only critters acting out of sorts.

Theo Savini has been working from home and his dog Zelda has developed an adventurous streak very unlike her. She craves being outside, whining at the door with urgency as though she’s not been in hours. Even after she’s just returned from a long walk.

“As soon as we get in, she runs right back to the door as if she wants to go out again,” said Theo.

And while parents are baffled, there are a few likelihoods behind your furball’s new quarantine quirks.

Stress & Anxiety

Feline and canine family members are used to us leaving the house for work and recreation, giving them the much-needed personal space some animals require. But suddenly, everybody’s at home in their furry faces all day, every day. This can cause stress, which in turn leads to anxiety. If your animal companion is displaying anxiety symptoms, maybe give them some space.

Schedule Disruption

Like us, cats and dogs are creatures of habit. Once coming to live with us, furry ones adapt to our schedules and they get used to having meals, taking naps, and going out at certain times. Cat parents are well aware of the dirty looks and destruction that follows a late feeding. A dog whose missed dinner at the scheduled hour is no happy camper either. Best to keep everybody as close as possible to normal routines and schedules.

Picking Up on Our Emotions

Our furry loves are good at reading us. Without realizing it, we send off physical cues signaling our state of mind and feelings. As creatures who respond to body language, animals are adept at reading our every move. So, if your worried, your best bud can feel it too.

Too Much Time Together

Some behaviors aren’t really new ones, they’re just ones you’re seeing now that you and your sidekick are together all the time. Believe it or not, cats and dogs are probably learning about quirks they never knew we had too. After all, most of our family members don’t observe us at work. So, this is a time of discovery all the way around!

Has your fuzzy best friend developed a new quarantine quirk?

H/T: www.vox.com

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Veteran Saves Beagle That Was Hit By Car On Interstate

When Iraq war veteran Aaron Schneider was driving down the interstate in Missouri he witnessed an innocent 5-year-old Beagle get hit by a car. The person responsible kept on driving, leaving the poor pup there to die.

Schneider had seen so many horrific things in his life, but this was by far one of the most shocking. Without hesitation, he pulled over and walked across three busy lanes to save the dog. The traffic was going 70 miles per hour, but Schneider was willing to put himself at risk to save the little dog.

The Rescue

Schneider was able to pull the Beagle off to the side of the busy road. However, the poor dog was in so much pain that he didn’t want to be lifted into the car. So, Schneider called 911 immediately, hoping that they could rush to the scene.

Image: @fox4kc/Facebook

911 told Schneider that he had to wait for animal control to arrive. So, the veteran waited and waited beside the pup for help to come. Rain began pouring down, but he refused to leave the dog’s side. Eventually, 3 hours passed and still no sign of animal control. Schneider realized that he had to take matters into his own hands.

After spending a few hours together, the Beagle seemed to trust Schneider enough to be picked up. So, Schneider made a makeshift stretcher for the dog and carried him into his friend’s truck. With animal control still not there, they rushed the dog to Chipman Road Animal Clinic. At the clinic, the staff gave him the name Buster.

“At the end of the day, my combat lifesaver training kicked in, and I’m thankful I was able to use it to help him,” Schneider said. “Having served in Iraq, you see a lot of loss, which is one of the reasons I was determined to see him make it.”

Image: @fox4kc/Facebook

Buster’s Recovery

At the clinic, they were able to stabilize Buster, but his injuries were too severe for their care. Unfortunately, he had five broken ribs, a torn windpipe, and some internal bleeding. So, the clinic staff brought him to BluePearl Veterinary Partners Emergency Hospital for proper medical care. He was kept in extensive care while he made his full recovery.

“Without question, had Mr. Schneider not have helped Buster get to a veterinarian, he would have died from his injuries,” said Dr. Brian Lucas with BluePearl.

A kind organization called Friends of KC Animals stepped forward to help Buster too. They paid for all the medical costs during Buster’s time at the hospital. Like Schneider, they couldn’t stand to see a dog in pain, so they wanted to help in any way possible.

Image: @ChipmanRoadAnimalClinic/Facebook

During Buster’s time at the hospital, Schneider realized that he couldn’t leave without the sweet little dog. After all, no one came to claim the Beagle, so he didn’t have a place to call home. Once Buster was healthy again, Schneider adopted him. Now, the two of them are living together happily.

In fact, Buster is doing so well that you would never even know he was in a car accident. Schneider is the type of hero we should all strive to be because if it weren’t for him, Buster never would’ve gotten a second chance at life.

H/T: fox4kc.com
Featured Image: @fox4kc/Facebook and @ChipmanRoadAnimalClinic/Facebook

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Empathetic Bulldog Becomes Blind Shelter Pup’s Guide Dog

Is there anything more powerful a bonding force than empathy? Even dogs can know this love derived from shared experience. Two rescues living at the RSPCA Halifax/Huddersfield in the UK have a friendship unlike any other, and it stems from their similarities. In addition to finding themselves at the RSPCA together, both dogs suffered issues with their eyesight.

Meet Paddy, a blind Collie puppy. Paddy came into the RSPCA without his vision in February. Staff believed he suffered from inattention at the puppy farm he came from.

“Although this adorable collie boy won’t ever be able to see, the vet told us that Paddy will most likely have suffered from an infection as a new born puppy that wasn’t dealt with and that he probably has never had use of his eyes – but that it isn’t causing him any pain or discomfort.”

The visible bulge in Paddy’s right eye is just damaged tissue. Surgery won’t be necessary.

@RSPCAHalifaxHudds/Facebook

This beautiful dog here is Sheeva. Her former family got evicted from their home in December. As a result, they sadly had to surrender her and she found herself at the RSPCA as well.

@RSPCAHalifaxHudds/Facebook

Sheeva previously suffered from entropion, a condition that causes the lower eyelids to fold inwards. That meant that she too understands what it’s like to struggle with poor vision.

A Match Made In Heaven

When Sheeva arrived at the shelter, she was a bit wary of everyone. But she really started to come out of her shell when it came to interacting with the other dogs. Initially, shelter staff figured the 2-year-old Sheeva could show 6-month-old Paddy the ropes. Their relationship became much more than just that.

Fundraising Manager Lauren Moore told Metro it’s as if Sheeva understands Paddy’s struggle and that shared experience bonds them.

“She’s a big dog and she’s very bouncy, but she’s so gentle – particularly with Paddy. It’s as if she knows she has to take extra special care around him.”

The RSPCA shared an adorable video of the dogs playing together on Facebook.

Daily Smile – Blind Paddy & Sheeva

Hey, you! 🖐Stop scrolling❗️ ….it's time for your #DailySmile and mega dose of cuteness😍 ……Do you remember our blind puppy Paddy? Well, here he is with Sheeva – she's the perfect pal to show Paddy around the field and enjoy some playtime together but Paddy lives life to the maximum, even without his sight and we think it's just the sweetest of friendships….don't you? We'd like to say another big well done to all of our keyworkers at the Animal Centre who've made sure all 79 animals in our shelter get their usual round-the-clock care, training and love throughout the Covid Crisis…❤️

Posted by RSPCA Halifax, Huddersfield, Bradford & District Branch on Wednesday, April 1, 2020

“She’s the perfect pal to show Paddy around the field and enjoy some playtime together but Paddy lives life to the maximum, even without his sight and we think it’s just the sweetest of friendships….don’t you?”

@RSPCAHalifaxHudds/Facebook

Sheeva and Paddy are now best friends and spend their days playing side by side.

“Understandably there are certain things that can prove a little tricky for [Paddy] – such as navigating his way around when he’s off-lead. But Sheeva has been fabulous with him and acts as a guide dog to him.”

Both dogs are still awaiting their permanent homes. Paddy will need some support for his vision impairment. Sheeva needs a home without very young children. The RSPCA remains operational during the COVID-19 crisis for fosters and adoptions. Reach out to them about these cuties’ availability!

H/T: ilovemydogsomuch
Featured Image: @RSPCAHalifaxHudds/Facebook

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Humping, Scooting And Eating Poop – Why Are Dogs So Weird!

Dogs perform many behaviours that we and our friends think are adorable. They also perform some quite unsavoury ones, with many of us trying to stop them in their tracks. However as off-putting as it might be, our dogs are usually just carrying out very instinctive animal behaviours. Dogs are dogs at the end of the day. They have gelled well with human domestic life, but they are still animals. Understanding why they carry out particular behaviours will make it easier to know what is normal and what is not. It is also important to know when leaving them to get on with it is the best policy.

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