Wednesday, 1 September 2021

You Gave This Great Pyrenees A Feeding Chair That Saved His Life

iHeartDogs partners with Greater Good Charities and donates a portion of profits to the causes they support. Greater Good’s Rescue Bank is one of the causes. It gives quality dog food to shelters and rescues, allowing them to use their own money for other aspects of the animals’ care. Every time you purchase products from the iHeartDogs store, you’re helping dogs like Talon get a second chance at life!

Talon resting

Talon is a Great Pyrenees mix that weighs over 100 pounds. His human in Alabama fell ill, so they surrendered the gentle giant to Saving Pyrs in Need, Inc (SPIN). But as it turns out, Talon was also ill, making it hard for him to find a new home. Vets later diagnosed Talon with megaesophagus, which means his esophagus malfunctions. Instead of pushing food into his stomach, his esophagus causes him to vomit up a slimy mess several times a day.

Of course, this unfortunate health concern made it hard for someone to consider adopting him. He later developed aspiration pneumonia on top of his other condition. He was so uncomfortable and sick all the time that rescue volunteers feared they’d have to put him down.

Talon and friend

Luckily, after his diagnosis, SPIN connected with a group of dog lovers who are dedicated to finding homes for dogs with megaesophagus. They showed SPIN how to help Talon live his best life.

Talon’s Special Chair

SPIN quickly learned that the best way to feed Talon was to use a Bailey chair, which allows him to sit upright while eating. So, the rescue asked for donations to help them purchase one for Talon. Many generous donors helped come up with the funds to give him a chair, which greatly decreases the number of times he vomits.

Talon using Bailey chair

A few months after Talon received his Bailey chair, he was adopted! He now lives in Wichita, Kansas with his new mom, her two grandsons, and a canine companion that he was once fostered with. SPIN provided the family with Talon’s Bailey chair and his special blue bibs. Despite him needing more unique care than most dogs, his humans are dedicated to giving him as much love and support as possible.

Rescue Bank saves SPIN from spending thousands of dollars a month to feed about 60 dogs in foster care. Donations are the rescue’s only income, so with the food costs covered, they can focus more on fundraising for medical needs, like in Talon’s situation. Every item purchased from the iHeartDogs store helps feed dogs like Talon. So, thank you to all the heroes who have purchased products to save shelter dogs!

Talon Gets Adopted

Shop & Give Back!

The following products provide quality dog food for shelters and rescues, helping them reserve more of their precious funds for medical expenses, supplies, and spreading the word about their adoptable pups.

Images Provided By Saving Pyrs in Need (SPIN)

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Animal Rescues Everywhere Step Up To Save Pets In Hurricane Ida’s Path

Hurricane Ida made landfall in Louisiana Sunday as a Category 4 storm. Typically during large storms, the priority is making sure people can evacuate or shelter safely. Fortunately, animal lovers across the country made sure dogs, cats, and other pets could get out before the height of the storm too.

Transporting animals out of Louisiana would also make room in the shelters for pets injured or separated from their owners during Hurricane Ida. So, Greater Good Charities organized a transport flight to bring over 150 animals from the path of the hurricane to safety and second chances in southern California.

This flight was a coordinated effort to assist multiple Louisiana animal rescues at risk. Organizations and individuals all across the country really stepped up to help.

Animal Rescuers From Other States Lend A Hand And Some Space

One rescue, Helen Woodward Animal Center in California, took in 40 adoptable cats and 25 dogs who arrived on the emergency transport flight Saturday. Greater Good Charities had organized the flight in less than 24 hours.

Hella Tyler, Helen Woodward Animal Center’s adoption services director, said:

“Greater Good Charities reached out to us yesterday, hoping we could help. This is one of those moments when animal rescue really becomes a life-saving mission. Without a place to put these dogs and cats, many of these orphan pets would face a tragic end. We couldn’t say no.”

Those 65 pets will need foster families and eventually forever homes, and you can learn more about them here. After the rescue’s medical team clears them, they’ll be ready for adoption.

The Helen Woodward Animal Center is just one of many rescues that stepped up to take in dogs from Greater Good Charities’ transport flight. Greater Good Charities was able to connect with organizations all over the United States.

Another organization, Operation Kindness in Dallas, Texas, drove 20 dogs and 31 cats in a transport van from Jefferson Parish Animal Shelter in Ida’s path. Many of those animals are still looking for homes in Texas. You can see them on Operation Kindness’ adoption page.

Even those who couldn’t take in animals themselves have been gathering supplies and hosting donation drives to help Louisiana pets and the people helping them. This nationwide compassionate response shows how animal rescuers step up during a crisis.

How You Can Help Those Affected By Hurricane Ida

If you’re looking for ways to help in the aftermath of Hurricane Ida, you can donate to the emergency relief fund. Your donation will fund desperately needed emergency relief efforts, providing cash grants, medication, food, and other supplies and services to vulnerable people and pets.

We’ve also learned of a desperate need for blankets, and if you purchase a blanket here, iHeartDogs can then donate blankets to the pets in need. Other most needed items include:

Bottled water
Cleaning supplies and towels
Dry/wet pet food (unopened)
Kitten/puppy milk replacer (unopened)
Leashes and collars (new or used)
Flea and tick medication
Single-use aluminum baking tins for makeshift litter boxes

See if your local shelter is hosting a donation drive or donate through a Louisiana shelter’s official website. Your donations will help both people and pets during a scary and stressful time!

H/T: People
Featured Image: @GreaterGoodCharities/Facebook, @helenwoodwardanimalcenter/Facebook

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Meteorologists’ Dog Interrupts Weathercast In Search Of Treats

Fellow fans of both dogs and news bloopers: you’re going to love this one. A routine weather forecast on Global News Toronto suddenly became a starring vehicle for the meteorologist’s dog last week.

Storm, as the dog is adorably named, wandered casually into his dad’s broadcast in search of treats. A total pro, Anthony Farnell continued his report as Storm kept on unintentionally stealing focus.

In a caption on the YouTube video of the segment, Global News wrote:

“Last Friday, a hungry-for-treats Storm invaded the set in the middle of Anthony’s weather report, demanding treats even as Farnell was explaining to Ontarians what weather they would be facing that weekend, and discussed the dangers posed by Hurricane Ida further south.”

“Storm Is In The Building”

The best part of this whole news clip is the fact that Storm seems welcome in the broadcast despite his interruption. When the pup walks in front of the green screen, Farnell continues his report casually:

“Storm is in the building, getting some treats, walking around on thin air…”

The whole time Farnell continues to discuss upcoming temperatures and international weather updates, Storm nonchalantly strolls around the set. He sniffs the ground and pants obliviously while watching his dad point to things he can’t see.

Blooper Or Effective Broadcasting Tactic?

Though this could technically be considered a blooper, viewers seem to think a regular segment like this would make for higher news ratings.

“TV news broadcasts everywhere should be required to have random dog cameos.” – Kimberley B via YouTube

“I’m not sure I heard a single word of what he said, Storm had all my attention, lol.” – Lisa N via YouTube

“If I knew the dog was going to make an appearance I’d probably watch the weather more often.” – 1020Shane via YouTube

Apparently, dogs watching at home were also huge fans. One user shared a delightful video of their similar-looking pup riveted by Storm’s appearance on the news.

This is the cutest!!! https://t.co/O1YsrdOcTW

— StormtheWeatherDog (@StormWeatherDog) August 31, 2021

Watch Storm’s unintentionally hilarious broadcast below.

Storm The Weather Dog

Though not a broadcast journalist or meteorologist himself, Storm has a bit of his own following. He’s affectionately known as “Storm The Weather Dog.” Apparently, this isn’t even Storm’s first appearance on Global News.

Lucky for us, Storm has his own Twitter account. Follow him for updates on his TV career!

H/T: Huffington Post
Featured Image: Global News via YouTube

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UK Officials Criticize Rescue Of Dogs From Kabul As “Prioritizing Pets Over People”

Animal rescuer and former Royal Marine Pen Farthing has finally made his “Operation Ark” a reality. But now that the animals are safe, people are criticizing the rescue effort.

Farthing, the founder of animal rescue, Nowzad based in Kabul, Afghanistan, had been rushing to get his nearly 200 rescued dogs and cats to safety via a charter plane to the UK following the Taliban takeover of the country. Amid this, two blasts near the airport in Kabul killed 13 American servicemembers and countless other civilians.

The rescuer himself was nearly killed when his car was targeted by a gunman last week, but he escaped unharmed. His plane was given the green light to leave with the animals — but Farthing’s staff, however, was not. The Taliban officials at the airport reportedly told the staff that they did not have the correct paperwork to leave.

“Arrived [in] Heathrow with partial success of #OpArk,” Farthing tweeted Sunday afternoon. “Mixed emotions and true deep feeling of sadness for Afghan today.”

The animals arrived at the UK’s Heathrow Airport over the weekend and have entered into the legally required quarantine period at various animal sanctuaries. But now that the animals are safe, not everyone is happy about it.

Politicians and others across the UK have expressed that they don’t understand why the animals were prioritized amid the unrest in Afghanistan.

“I’m afraid I don’t understand why you didn’t prioritize your staff over animals,” one Twitter user Tweeted at Farthing. “I can’t help but wonder if you had sent your staff to the airport right at the beginning of the evacuation, things might be different. I realize it’s an unpopular opinion, but I just don’t get it.”

It’s not just UK residents online criticizing the rescue effort. According to The Guardian, British Defense Minister Ben Wallace told members of Parliament during a Wednesday conference call that Operation Ark had “diverted” the British military’s focus somewhat from saving human lives, adding that rescuing the animals was “not something I would be proud of.”

“What I was not prepared to do is prioritize pets over people,” he said. “I’m afraid you may dislike me for that but that’s my view. There are some very, very desperate people under threat.”

In an interview with LBC Radio on Saturday, Tom Tugendhat, chairman of Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Select Committee, said he was displeased with the usage of troops to ensure the animals’ safety.

“The difficulty is getting people into and out of the airport, and we’ve just used a lot of troops to bring in 200 dogs, meanwhile my interpreter’s family are likely to be killed,” said Tugendhat, according to the BBC.

However, a worldwide community of supporters is elated that Farthing was able to return to the UK with his animals in tow.

“You’ve been so brave and determined to save your staff/families, we are all behind you,” one supporter tweeted. “Please give all Nowzad our love and thoughts, they are constantly in our minds. We hope and pray they’re brought to the UK as soon as possible.”

While Farthing is devastated that he couldn’t bring his staff, the fight is not over, he said on Twitter Tuesday.

“Yes, I managed to get the animals of Nowzad on a flight to safety,” Farthing said. “ I couldn’t take my staff as the Taliban put an AK47 in my face and told me they were staying. Not much I could do. BUT that does not mean we have given up. It was always and will BE ‘people and animals’ #OperationArk.”

Dr. Iain McGill, a vet working with Nowzad, said the animals are all doing well for the most part after their long trip. Once they are finished quarantining, they will be available for adoption throughout various shelters in the UK.

“The animals, considering what they’ve been through, are in very good shape on the whole,” McGill told the BBC.

One of the rescues that helped transport the animals from the airport is Lozzas Lurcher Rescue, based in Hertfordshire. In photos and text updates posted on the rescue’s Facebook page, the dogs were being cuddled, given treats, and cherished — after the long journey so many have advocated for.

“I know Nowzad [is] desperately trying to help the people left behind, but today is a celebration that lives have been saved that wouldn’t have been if it wasn’t for Pen’s sheer guts and determination,” the group said on Facebook. “[Every dog] needed to be fussed, fed treats and told how lucky and wonderful they were by me before being put into their kennel.”

Featured Image: Pen Farthing/ Twitter

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Chatty Dog Asks Mom “Where Are You Going?” In Near-Perfect English

Many humans and dogs can understand each other through actions alone. But wouldn’t it be so much easier if your dog could talk to you? One TikTok user has a dog who seems to be able to do that.

In a viral video, Hugo the Alaskan Malamute comes up to his human and makes the silliest sound. When you listen closely, it sounds like he’s saying, “where are you going?” Perhaps it’s just a coincidence, or maybe Hugo is smarter than his human gives him credit for. He’s a very vocal dog, but now he’s finally figuring out how to put his thoughts into words.

Did Hugo Really Speak? You Be the Judge!

In the video, Hugo’s mom is filming herself wearing a new outfit. She admires her style and turns around to show it off from different angles. But then, Hugo interrupts her modeling experience.

The white, fluffy dog gets one look at her and immediately makes a low, grumbling sound. It’s hard not to think he’s saying, “where are you going?” Plus, it’s even more shocking since his mom looks like she’s dressed up to go out somewhere.

Dog speaks English — Image: Screenshot, @cheekclapper24_7_365/TikTok

“I was just trying to see if my outfit was cute,” the TikTok user captioned.

Of course, the comments section couldn’t contain their excitement about the dog speaking. Many people agreed that it sounds like Hugo is speaking perfect English. However, the video cuts off before you can see his mom’s reaction. While it’s probably just a funny coincidence, you can decide for yourself whether or not he really talked.

@cheekclapper24_7_365I was just trying to see if my outfit was cute @carlainquarantine 😭❤️ ##SHEINcares ##VirginMediaSpeedMC ##fypシ ##malamutes ##malamutesoftiktok ♬ original sound – Cheekclapper

The Many Sounds of Hugo

While this video is Hugo’s moment in the spotlight, it’s not the first time he’s tried to speak up. His mom regularly posts videos of him and his canine brother named Buddy. Buddy is quiet in the videos, while Hugo often makes funny sounds.

Hugo’s mom has filmed him rating her outfits, arguing with her, and even just saying “wow.” Of course, these videos mostly sound like Hugo is speaking gibberish, but he’s very adamant about what he’s saying. Plus, his sounds are undeniably cute and funny. Maybe he’s still getting the hang of speaking English.

Alaskan Malamute Speaking — Image: Screenshot, @cheekclapper24_7_365/TikTok

Dogs speaking with humans might not be as crazy as it sounds, though. A Sheepadoodle named Bunny can have conversations with her mom using buttons programmed with words. So, we might be closer to talking to our dogs than we think.

Whether or not Hugo actually asked, “where are you going?” is unclear. But hopefully, his silly voices brought a smile to your face!

@cheekclapper24_7_365Hugo likes to talk 🐺 ##malamute ##BurberryTB ##loud ##howl ##fypシ ##fypage ##fypシ゚viral ##talkingdog ##talking ##husky ##chatty ##noisy ##fluffy ##compliation ##m ♬ original sound – Cheekclapper

H/T: dailypaws.com
Featured Image: Screenshots, @cheekclapper24_7_365/TikTok

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A Dog’s Coat Patterns Hold Clues to Their Wolf Ancestors

Discovering ancient origins in DNA

New research sheds light on a subset of dog coat patterns. The findings raise new questions about long-held tenets of dog evolution.

The study findings reveal structural variants that control expression of the agouti signaling protein, or ASIP, gene at two separate locations to produce five distinctive dog color patterns. These different patterns are widespread, occurring in hundreds of dog breeds and hundreds of millions of dogs around the world.

The question of when these changes arose surprised the researchers.

They discovered that the genetic combination for one of the coat patterns—dominant yellow, or DY—is shared with arctic white wolves and, based on phylogenetic analysis, originated from an extinct canid that diverged from gray wolves more than 2 million years ago.

Tags:

research

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Tuesday, 31 August 2021

8 Popular Herding Breeds You Need To Know About

Herding breeds are a favorite of many active dog owners because of their fun-loving personalities. They are energetic, intelligent dogs that excel in training and make great active companions and performance competition dogs.

While many are not used for their original purpose of herding, they do still need jobs to do and should be provided adequate mental and physical stimulation.

#1 – German Shepherd Dog

14934071762_fee9cb9de9_z — Image source: Harold Meerveld via Flickr

The German Shepherd Dog has been one of the most popular canine companions in the United States for many years. They are loyal, intelligent and energetic dogs that enjoy spending time with their families. Also used as police and military dogs, they are noble guardians and will look after their families.

#2 – Australian Shepherd

15776587614_3401c2ef70_z — Image source: Ted Van Pelt via Flickr

This breed originated in the United States, despite its name, and is a very popular herding dog. They excel at various dog sports such as obedience, herding, and agility, and make great running and hiking companions. Always ready for fun, the Australian Shepherd needs an active home.

#3 – Shetland Sheepdog

7927487882_22935f9830_z — Image source: Rick Derevan via Flickr

The Shetland Sheepdog is a big dog in a small package. They are active and intelligent and love working with their owners. They enjoy training in agility, obedience, and many other sports, and make a great companion for someone looking for an active, smaller dog.

#4 – Pembroke Welsh Corgi

430619149_a15b234cc3_z — Image source: mr_wahlee via Flickr

The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is known for its adorable looks and strong personality. Despite their size, there is a lot of dog in that tiny package. They are very active, very intelligent dogs that need a job to do. Even with short legs, they make great hiking companions and enjoy many performance dog sports.

#5 – Collie

314654819_3a77b1636a_z — Image source: Christian Madden via Flickr

The Collie is recognized by the character Lassie, who shows the breed in its best form. Collies are gentle dogs that are deeply loyal to their families. They are not as active as many of the other herding breeds, but they do still require adequate exercise and mental stimulation.

#6 – Border Collie

15739965574_ca30c999d7_z — Image source: Harold Meerveld via Flickr

The Border Collie is probably the most widely used herding breed today. They are still very strong herding dogs across the world and are one of the most popular breeds for performance sports like obedience, agility, and disc dog. They are quirky dogs with unique personalities and are generally not recommended for novice owner.

#7 – Australian Cattle Dog

14516871788_07db3c6590_z — Image source: Jen via Flickr

The Australian Cattle Dog is a stubborn, active breed that does best in an active home. They make great hiking and running companions and are easily trained and competed in performance dog sports. They are often stubborn, as required for their work herding cattle, but form very strong bonds with their owners.

#8 – Belgian Malinois

13006573_10101881587874917_1353429957788372412_n — Image source: Brian Aghajani

The Belgian Malinois is arguably one of the most versatile dog breeds today. They are used widely in police and military work as well as competing at high levels of many performance dog sports. They are very active and intelligent dogs that need a job to do. Although not recommended for the novice owner, they are one of the most affectionate dog breeds and make wonderful companions for a truly active owner.

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