Fearless Yorkie Chases Bear Up Tree To Teach Him A Lesson

When most people look for a guard dog, they look for a large breed known for protecting. Those who adopt a toy breed probably aren’t expecting much beyond unlimited cuddles. Yet, one family was surprised to find out that their Yorkie was secretly a guard dog.

Bella the tiny Yorkshire Terrier is fearless. She doesn’t let anyone hurt her loved ones, no matter how strong they might look. The sweet pup recently went viral for scaring off a bear that was at least four times her size. She certainly doesn’t regret it, and she would do it again in a heartbeat!

Image: Screenshot, ViralHog YouTube

Big Dog in a Tiny Body

In June 2021, a bear entered a family’s yard in Hibbing, Minnesota. A camera overlooking the bird feeders caught the creature in the act. He appeared to be just a young bear, but Bella the Yorkie could tell he was a threat. Security footage caught the pint-sized pup charging toward the bear at full speed.

As soon as the bear saw the ferocious guard dog barreling toward him, he sped off and climbed up the nearest tree. The Yorkie stayed at the base of the tree to make sure the bear didn’t get any ideas. Every time the Yorkie put her paws on the trunk of the tree, the bear climbed up higher. It was like a human’s reaction when a spider comes running toward them.

“Our Yorkie, Bella, was let out for the first time of the day and went berserk. I quickly discovered that she had chased a young bear up a tree. Off-camera, I was calling and trying to coax her away from the situation,” Bella’s human said.

When Bella’s human finally got her attention, she ran off-screen for a minute. The bear took that moment to climb down from the tree and run away at full speed. Once Bella saw the bear taking off, she was right on his heels again until he was finally out of her yard.

Image: Screenshot, ViralHog YouTube

Just Be Yourself

Luckily, both animals left with no injuries, but Bella had extra pride after that moment. She proved that no dog needs to fit exactly into their breed descriptions, but instead, they can be whoever they want to be. Bella decided she wanted to be a guard dog, and she proved that she could be.

Bella’s family is aware that wildlife shows up in their yard at times, so they try to take extra precautions. Yet, this bear seemed determined to find something to snack on until a protective Yorkie showed up.

“I have set up this camera overlooking our bird feeders to capture the occasional wildlife that comes especially at night. I take the feeders in for the night but there are always some remnants on the ground,” said Bella’s family member.

Of course, bears can be dangerous animals. Not all of them will flee the scene like this one. So, even if you have a brave pup like Bella, make sure you keep them safe from wildlife at all times.

Watch Bella’s Guard Dog Skills Here:

H/T: people.com
Featured Image: Screenshot, ViralHog YouTube

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Volunteer Honored For Fostering 300 Dogs And Counting!

Every dog fostered saves lives. So, imagine how many dogs are saved if 300 dogs are fostered! Volunteer Claudia Buckmaster has fostered 300 dogs in the course of just six years, and she’s not stopping anytime soon. Buckmaster knows that there are millions of dogs out there who need a second chance at life. Plus, she loves surrounding herself with loving canines.

She hopes that her story encourages more people to foster and adopt. Not everyone can take in 300 dogs like her, but even fostering once could make a difference. Plus, fostering is such a fulfilling experience!

Image: @emilyslegacyrescueinc/Facebook

300 Dogs and Counting!

Buckmaster fosters dogs through Emily’s Legacy Rescue, of which she is also the vice president and treasurer. On June 29th, 2021, she broke records by taking in her 300th foster dog in only six years. On the latest rescue dog transport, she took in four puppies to foster, causing her to reach the 300 mark. One of those puppies includes Derby the Husky-Heeler mix.

To honor this incredible achievement, fellow volunteers hosted a celebration for Buckmaster. They gifted her a custom keychain and a plaque to honor her. News channels even arrived to interview her. But of course, Buckmaster isn’t in it for the fame and recognition. She just wants to save dogs.

Image: Amy Wenk Facebook

“I enjoy the dogs, the company and saving lives,” Buckmaster said. “It’s nice to come home to them, lay with them, it is even though they’re a mess sometimes.”

Buckmaster also explains that fostering isn’t as difficult as many people assume it will be. You just need to focus on basic care like food, walks, and some training. For dogs that take longer to find homes, you can take them to adoption events as well. Of course, finding forever homes for the dogs is one of the most rewarding parts of fostering.

Image: Claudia Buckmaster Facebook

Not All Heroes Wear Capes

To foster so many dogs in only a few years, Buckmaster had to take in more than one dog at a time, on top of her own dogs. Currently, she has six foster dogs at once. Although, she revealed that she has had up to 17 dogs in her house at the same time before.

“We don’t have enough fosters. The fosters we have take more than one,” said Buckmaster.

Image: Screenshot, timesrecordnews.com

Buckmaster says that as long as there are dogs that need help, she will continue to foster. She hopes she will inspire others to do the same. She’d never ask for the recognition she deserves, but she truly is a hero.

Watch the Heartwarming Celebration Here:

H/T: timesrecordnews.com
Featured Image: Screenshot, timesrecordnews.com

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Abandoned & Differently-Abled Miniature Horse Lives Indoors With 3 Dog Friends

When Faith Smith found out that six-week-old Peabody the miniature horse, may be deaf, blind, and unable to walk, she wasn’t swayed. When she was told that a veterinarian had advised his first family to euthanize him, she still didn’t change her mind.

She knew that Peabody deserved the chance to live a life surrounded by love. So she rented a van and drove across the country to rescue him. 

Image Credit: Faithful Minis / Facebook

Faith trains miniature horses for therapy, emotional support, mobility services, and love. Due to their calm demeanor, miniature horses can be trained to be excellent therapy animals and companions. But Peabody is no ordinary miniature horse. An average mini weighs between 150 and 350 pounds. Whereas, at 6-weeks-old, Peabody weighs only 19 pounds. That’s smaller than most dogs!

His mother abandoned him because he was too small to reach her to nurse. 

“Peabody is the smallest horse in the world at his age,” shares Faith.

Image Credit: Screenshot / Youtube

In order to be classified as a “miniature horse,” they must be less than 34 inches (three feet) tall. He has grown a little since his rescue, but Peabody’s mom isn’t sure whether or not he will get much bigger. 

When Peabody was first welcomed into their home, his jaw was misaligned. Since then, his head has grown a bit, and his jaw is no longer out of alignment. He has also learned to walk. With the help of some special shoes and training with his new mom, Peabody can now walk, run, and even play.

“Horses are never indoor animals, but Peabody is so small that he could never live outside unless he gets bigger, and we’re not sure if he will. At present, he lives inside the house with the dogs,” says Faith.

Image Credit: Screenshot / Youtube

Due to his small size, Peabody lives inside Faith’s home in the company of multiple pups, including two French Bulldogs. Initially, Peabody was frightened by his furry siblings, but since acclimating to his new home, they have become fast friends. Seeing them run and play together is absolutely adorable. How often do you see a horse and small dog that are comparable in size? It’s cuteness overload. No wonder he has attracted thousands of social media followers.

“I’ll keep him forever, but I hope he gets bigger so he can go out with other horses. Otherwise, he’s just gonna be a house horse,” says Faith.

Image Credit: The Drive Tuscan / Facebook

While his previous family believed he was blind and deaf, only one of these conditions has been confirmed to be true. Peabody can see perfectly fine, but he is indeed deaf. Despite this, he is thriving in his new life as a happy house horse, and is surrounded by so much love. Potty training is the latest hurdle for this adorable animal, but with everything he has already overcome and accomplished, he will surely master that too. 

Peabody is inspiring people and spreading joy all over the world. If you would like to keep up with his journey, you can follow him on social media via @faithfulminis. Or you can learn more about his farm by visiting their website: https://www.faithfulfriendsinsandiego.com. 

H / T: people.com
Featured Images:  The Drive Tuscan / Facebook  & Faithful Minis / Facebook

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Senior Dog Found In MI Rain Turns Out To Be FL Pooch Missing For 7 Years

A 13-year-old Yorkie mix named Sgt. Pepper has been reunited with his rightful owner after seven years, multiple caretakers, and more than 1,000 miles.

Pepper was six when he went missing from Laurie Davies’ Florida yard back in 2014. This past Monday, he was discovered wandering down a rainy street in Charlotte, Michigan. The soggy pooch was taken in by Eaton County Animal Control, where he was routinely scanned for a microchip. This led straight to Davies, who rushed to Michigan to hold her boy again.

Image via Facebook/Eaton County Animal Control

Like any good dog mom, Davies began a frantic search seven years ago when Sgt. Pepper went missing. She soon discovered his photo in a “Found Dog” posting on Craigslist, but when she reached out, Davies was told that Pepper had already been “claimed by someone who was not his real owner.”

Despite this devastating setback, Davies refused to give up. She filed a police report and notified the microchip company that Pepper had been stolen. Although seven years passed with no trace of her dog, she never gave up home. She kept his microchip current, updating her contact information as recently as February 2020.

And now that diligence has finally paid off!

Image via Facebook/Eaton County Animal Control

“While we don’t know every detail of Sgt Pepper’s journey, we did discover how he made it to Michigan,” animal control officials said in a statement. “Sgt Pepper had been living with a family for the last 5 years who were unaware of his microchip and stolen status.”

“We are grateful for their understanding that Sgt Pepper had to be reunited with his original family, and we ask that people please be sensitive towards their situation,” the department said. “This incredible story is a testament to the value of microchipping your pet and keeping your contact info current.”

Sgt. Pepper’s current microchip info meant that Eaton County Animal Control was able to contact Davies “within minutes of having the dog in possession.” Stunned and overjoyed, she hopped a plane to Michigan.

Image via Facebook/Eaton County Animal Control

Although Davies sees changes in Pepper after 7 years—he’s frailer and his eyesight is going— she says he still recognized her when they were reunited.

“Oh it was amazing,” Davies told CBS4. “Absolutely amazing. I’m telling you I got tears in my eyes, that’s for sure.”

Sergeant Pepper has also been reunited with his long-lost brother and another family dog. Davies says he has already made himself at home and is fitting in well.

“He may only have a couple of years left in him,” she said. “But it’s nice to have him have comfort with people who he loves, and I love him.”

Laurie and Sgt Pepper are one lucky pair, but there is one key factor that made this wonderful story possible.

“This story also serves as a reminder why it is SO IMPORTANT to have all found dogs scanned for a microchip,” Eaton County Animal Control said in their statement. “It is also a great idea to have any new dog you acquire scanned for a microchip just in case, especially if any portion of the pet’s history is unknown.”

H/T to People.com & CBS4.com
Featured Image via Facebook/Eaton County Animal Control

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Low-Noise Fireworks Exist, So Why Won’t We Use Them?

Fourth of July weekend is upon us, but for millions of Americans—both human and animal—it will be a time of terror, not celebration. The American Pyrotechnics Association (APA) estimates there are more than 14,000 noisy fireworks displays across the country each year. With the pandemic having shut down many public festivities, we can also expect plenty of backyard booms.

While we all admire the beauty of these colorful displays, as most dog parents can attest, they are a major nuisance for their pups. More dogs go missing due to Fourth of July fireworks than at any other time of the year. Some become so frightened they put their lives at risk trying to escape.

But what many people don’t realize is that we have the technology to take the fear out of fireworks. We simply choose not to use it.

What Are Low-Noise Fireworks?

Low-noise fireworks have been around for more than 30 years, and while they certainly aren’t silent, they are a much quieter option. Average fireworks crack off at anywhere from 140 – 170 decibels, enough to cause hearing damage. Comparatively, low-noise fireworks are about 70 decibels, reducing the noise for our animal friends by more than half.

If you are wondering whether quieter fireworks put on as impressive of a display, it depends on personal preference. You’ve probably seen a few examples of low-noise pyrotechnics mixed in at your local July 4th display. The comet-type rockets with long, sparking tails and “flying fish” that erupt in a silent boom spilling little tadpoles of color are examples.

Those who delight in the high-pitched whizzing and earth-shaking blasts of traditional displays will be disappointed. However, if it is the vibrant cascades you enjoy, silent fireworks actually display the most stunning colors. Fireworks with the biggest booms must compromise on color because the force of the explosion often shatters the color pellets. This is why the most resounding crackers tend to be basic white.

Just How Much Damage Do Noisy Fireworks Cause?

Apart from the 10,000 or so accidents and injuries attributed to traditional fireworks each year, the sound of these colorful explosives also wreaks havoc on millions of pets, livestock, wildlife, and humans.

People with PTSD

For veterans who have served in battle, victims of gun violence, and refugees from war-torn countries, noisy fireworks can bring back the most terrifying moments of their lives, triggering debilitating anxiety.

People with Autism Spectrum Disorder

An estimated 5,437,988 adults and 1 in 59 children in the United States are on the Autism spectrum. The intensity and unpredictability of fireworks can be incredibly disturbing to these folks, causing sensory overload and extreme distress.

Domestic Pets

Dogs hear over three times more acutely than humans. Imagine how scared you would be if you heard something three times as loud as traditional fireworks and had no idea what it was! The sheer terror that results has caused dogs to tear apart doors, crash through windows, scramble over fences, and dart wildly into the streets.

Veterinarians commonly see injuries such as cuts, bruises, and torn toenails. Some unlucky pups are hit by cars and killed while trying to escape the deafening sounds. Others go missing, never to be seen by their families again. A few may even die from fear.

While we most commonly hear about the effects of fireworks on dogs, cats, birds, and other pets also suffer. Even livestock can panic and become lost or injured due to firework noise.

Wildlife

Wildlife is not immune to shocking sounds either. There are accounts of deer and coyotes crashing onto roads and causing devastating accidents, as well as tragic stories such as this one from Beebe, Arkansas:

On New Year’s Eve 2010, approximately 5,000 red-winged blackbirds crashed into houses, buildings, and trees during the annual fireworks display, dropping to the ground dead. It happened again the following year, causing police to impose an impromptu fireworks ban.

Why Won’t Americans Embrace Low-Noise Fireworks?

Individual towns in Europe, Canada, and the U.K. are changing their fireworks laws. Collechio, Italy completely banned loud fireworks years ago. As for availability, low-noise pyrotechnics are readily obtainable through companies like Phantom Fireworks with commercial distribution across the country. 

So why aren’t more Americans making the switch to quieter fireworks? Sadly, the answer comes down to preference. When given a side-by-side comparison, most people prefer traditional fireworks. For them, the booms, squeals, and pops are part of the experience, and it just isn’t a true fireworks show without them.

Using low-noise fireworks may take away a bit of excitement from our Fourth of July celebrations, but isn’t it worth it to protect our people, pets, and wildlife?

H/T to The Hill

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Finally Ready To Adopt, Woman Finds The Dog She Lost Years Ago

Sadly, many lost dogs never find their way home. And the longer they’re missing, the harder it is to stay positive. So, when Aisha Nieves had a chance encounter with her long-lost dog, she was shocked. She assumed she would never see him again, so it was like fate.

Kovu, a Pit Bull/Rottweiler mix, escaped his yard two years ago after a vehicle ran into the home’s fence. He was soon adopted out to a different family, so Nieves was devastated. Once she was ready to adopt a new dog, that’s when she saw that Kovu was up for adoption again. She couldn’t wait to share a beautiful reunion with the canine!

Image: Screenshot, 69News WFMZ-TV YouTube

Lost Dog with New Family

Kovu has been with Nieves since he was only seven weeks old. In May 2019, a truck drove into the family’s fenced-in yard, leaving a hole big enough for the pup to squeeze through. At first, Nieves hadn’t realized that Kovu escaped, but he didn’t come when he was called. She looked all over the house and yard, but Kovu was gone.

“I was four months pregnant with my younger son at the time,” Nieves said. “I had a lot of emotions going through me. I was crying, thinking the worst, thinking somebody kidnapped or hurt him. I was just devastated. He was there for me through everything, heartbreaks, ups and downs, and now he was gone. It was so hard to accept.”

Image: Screenshot, 69News WFMZ-TV YouTube

Later that year, Nieves located Kovu on the adoption page at Lehigh County Humane Society (LCHS). He was named “Ash.” When Nieves reached out to the shelter, they explained that Kovu had been there for four months, and another family had recently adopted him. When he arrived, he also had fleas and skin inflammation. The shelter treated all those things before sending him off to a new home.

Of course, it was good to know that Kovu was at least in a loving home, but Nieves was still heartbroken. At that point, it seemed like there was nothing she could do. So, she accepted that she would never see her beloved canine again.

Image: Screenshot, 69News WFMZ-TV YouTube

Just Like Old Times

For two years, Nieves wondered how Kovu was doing. But eventually, she decided that it was time for their family to get a new dog. So, she hopped back on the LCHS website. This time, she was surprised to see a familiar dog named Ash up for adoption. Nieves knew it was Kovu because he has a small scar over one of his eyes.

“On June 12 of this year, the family returned, stating they were facing possible eviction and needed to surrender him,” said Deirdre Snyder, the director of development at LCHS. “We accepted him and waived the surrender fee. Kovu was in good health.”

Image: Screenshot, 69News WFMZ-TV YouTube

Nieves quickly contacted the shelter, hoping things would be different this time. She explained that Kovu was the dog she lost two years ago. So, the shelter asked her to come in and bring her ID and a photo of her with Kovu. Yet, Nieves didn’t really need to prove anything because Kovu’s reaction was proof enough.

Nieves had worried that Kovu wouldn’t remember her after all this time, but the pup was ecstatic. He pulled toward her, wagged his tail like crazy, and covered her with kisses. It was as if no time had passed at all.

The family is thrilled to celebrate Kovu’s 7th birthday together this year. Nieves has vowed to be extra careful from now on to ensure that her furry friend never gets lost again. Now, their family finally feels whole thanks to the cheerful, loving canine.

Watch Kovu’s Reaction Here:

H/T: mcall.com
Featured Image: Screenshot, 69News WFMZ-TV YouTube

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These Swimming Dachshunds Are Making The Most Of “Hot Dog Summer”

As the temperatures continue to rise, summer is in full swing — and one group of lovable Dachshunds is giving a new meaning to the phrase “the dog days of summer.”

In an adorable video posted to TikTok by user Daneandadoxie on June 25, four cute sausage dogs are shown paddling about in an inflatable pool. Complete with the sun’s rays, these dogs sure are showing the world how to cool down and chill out this summer. 

Image: Daneandadoxie/ TikTok

The sweet clip is accompanied by a mashup soundtrack of 50 Cent’s “In Da Club” and the Bee Gees’ “Stayin’ Alive.” The dogs wade, paddle, and splash throughout the water, and in traditional sausage dog fashion, wiggle their short little legs through the pool. 

If there was any wonder how to truly relax this summer season, these dogs sure know how to kick it. 

Text across the video reads “Hot Dog Summer,” which is a tribute to Megan Thee Stallion’s hit track “Hot Girl Summer,” as well as to the nickname for the dog breed.

The adorable footage of the Daschunds has since gone viral, having been viewed by over 3 million people. The video has also received over 487,000 likes on TikTok. 

The little inflatable pool is perfect for short-legged dogs and provides the best place for them to cool off in the hot summer heat. If your dog loves the water, it would be a wonderful addition to playtime for them to have a blow-up pool of their very own to wade around in and keep cool. 

Image: Daneandadoxie/ TikTok

Besides not wanting them to be uncomfortable, letting a dog get too warm puts them at a higher risk of heatstroke. When a dog’s body temperature exceeds 106° F, this is considered heatstroke. So this summer, taking a dip is the perfect way to help your dog stay cool.

These four Dachshunds have taken the internet by storm, captivating people from all over the world with their cuteness. 

“Oh my gosh the cute bouncing, this is how happy I am in a pool too!” one TikTok user, named Rosie, wrote. “So stinking cute.”

@daneandadoxie##Hotdogsummer ##dachshund ##dachshundsoftiktok ##dogsoftiktok ##petsoftiktok ##dogs ##doglovers ##weinerdogs ##dogmom ##summer ##poolparty ##fyp♬ BEE GEES VS 50 cent – EZ

Another user, Fullerton1963, commented on the post about how unique it was to see the little sausage dogs swim about in the pool. 

“I have never seen Dachshunds swim!” they commented. “I am laughing at how cute! Love it! Their own pool!”

H/T: Newsweek
Featured Image: Daneandadoxie/ TikTok

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