Man Wants Life-Saving Surgery For His Dog, Girlfriend Says No

Being dog moms and dads, we hold the responsibility to make sure our furbabies are cared for at all times. After all, that’s what they are: babies. They are like children to so many of us. It’s often hard to fathom how anyone could think otherwise. When our dogs get sick or injured, naturally we all want to do whatever we can to help them. We also understand that our time with them is never enough and there will come a day when we wish for their cold-nosed kisses and muddy pawprints on our freshly mopped floors.

What Would You Do?

Put yourself in this scenario: Your young, healthy pup was diagnosed with an early stage of skin cancer. The good news is that it’s entirely treatable and your dog will have a good quality of life afterward. More trips to the dog park, more years of snuggles on the couch, plenty more games of fetch. The bad news? Treatment costs $10,000. So… would you follow through with treatment?

$10,000 is a lot of money, especially right now when the world is in turmoil and job loss is at a remarkably high rate. One Reddit user is in this exact predicament. He took to a subreddit r/AmItheAsshole recently and presented this exact scenario, with one catch. The poster is all in on spending his rainy day fund to treat his dog’s cancer but his girlfriend is staunchly against it.

A Bitter Girlfriend And A Devoted Dog Dad

Summer is only 4-years-old and she means the world to her dad. But, the girlfriend of Summer’s dad is angry that he wants to spend that much money. You see, the girlfriend is currently out of work and the couple lives together. She feels that the money should be saved for when they get married and have children.

She has a point, but can you really put a price on love? Would she hesitate to spend $10,000 on a human to have life-saving surgery? There was a bit more to her negative feelings. Here’s what Summer’s dad said:

“When I told her about the money and that I was going to pay for the surgery, she was upset because 1. She didn’t know about the account and 2. I’d be spending so much money when she’s out of a job and struggling. She moved in with me a few months ago and doesn’t have to pay rent.”

Summer’s dad followed-up with his original post and suggested that his girlfriend would be giving him an ultimatum. He said he will, without a doubt, choose Summer’s health over his girlfriend if he has to.

Well done, daddy-o!

What are your thoughts? Would you do the same?

h/t: reddit.com

The post Man Wants Life-Saving Surgery For His Dog, Girlfriend Says No appeared first on iHeartDogs.com.

from iHeartDogs.com https://ift.tt/3f9NeLd

Pitties Who Bonded In Shelter Find A “Together Forever” Home

Cynics will deny it, but I bet many people out there still believe in the power of love at first sight. Or in this case, love at first sight/sniff. This is the love story of two dogs who met under less than ideal circumstances, but it bonded them for life.

Agatha and Jukebox, two Pit Bulls, both spent a long time at Pima Animal Care Center in Tucson, Arizona. Even though they came in separately, they would go on to stick together for life. Kristen Hassen-Auerbach, director of animal services at the animal center told The Dodo their amazing friendship began during a playgroup session.

“Typically when a bonded pair of dogs come in the shelter, they’ve spent their whole life together. But with these two, they didn’t know each other. They met in a playgroup one day and from the second they laid eyes on each other they became inseparable.”

@PimaAnimalCareCenter/Facebook

These two dogs fell head over heels for each other right away. Physical touch definitely seems to be Agatha and Jukebox’s love language, because they insist on sleeping in the same bed.

“There’s plenty of space for them to stretch out but they share that tiny little bed together and that’s how they prefer it.”

Since the PACC takes in thousands of animals every year, the meeting (and immediate befriending) of these two dogs is a true miracle.

Becoming Inseparable

According to Nikki Reck, public information officer for Pima Animal Care Center, the two besties were later allowed to share a kennel.

“You walk by their kennel and they’re always doing one of 20 cute things. They’re either laying upside down on their backs together, or one of them is licking the other one.”

@PimaAnimalCareCenter/Facebook

It thrills Hassen-Auerbach that Agatha and Jukebox found love in a hopeless place. The fact that these two pups had each other to lean on made shelter life more bearable.

“Despite the fact that they are living this life of confinement, which is super stressful on most dogs, they take so much comfort in each other’s presence.”

Naturally, seeing how close these two got meant the shelter couldn’t have them adopted separately. They posted photos of the dogs cuddling, hoping someone would see and want to take both home.

“Typically we don’t say ‘these two have to be adopted together’ because that makes it take longer for them to find a home. But with these two, we just can’t bring ourselves to split them up, so we’re hoping against hope that we can find a home for them together because the two of them are meant to be.”

As it turns out, a family out there was more than willing to maintain this precious bond.

A Bond To Last Two Lifetimes

Due in part to their viral hugging picture shared on PACC’s Facebook and in part to their plain old cuteness, Jukebox and Agatha were adopted together! That means they’ll never spend a day without one another again. They’ll also never spend another day living in an animal shelter!

@PimaAnimalCareCenter/Facebook

Sorry cynics, but this story simply has to be evidence for fate.

H/T: The Dodo
Featured Image: @PimaAnimalCareCenter/Facebook

The post Pitties Who Bonded In Shelter Find A “Together Forever” Home appeared first on iHeartDogs.com.

from iHeartDogs.com https://ift.tt/2VVQ2DX

Dog Jumps For Joy When He Recognizes Himself On TV

Some dogs are fascinated by things on the TV while others don’t recognize it at all. For Bronn the Labradoodle, the TV is exciting, especially when he’s on it. A few days ago, Bronn’s mom, Angela Labat, took a cute video of him playing with his human baby brother named Liam.

WWL-TV thought the video was so cute that they decided to air it on their news channel. They expected it to warm the hearts of all the people watching, but they didn’t realize how much Bronn would appreciate it too.

In the original video, Labat captured a heartwarming moment between Bronn and Liam. Liam is crawling on the floor right next to the giant dog. Bronn seems to think Liam’s stance means he wants to play, so the Labradoodle happily bounces around the tiny human. He occasionally stops to lick his brother or bark at him. The poor pup is probably wondering why the small child isn’t playing in return.

Image: Angela Lally Labat Facebook

Throughout the entire exchange, Liam laughs like crazy. He clearly loves Bronn’s silly attitude. His adorable laugh only makes Bronn want to play even more, so it’s an endless cycle of Bronn jumping and Liam laughing. The video goes on for about a minute and a half. It’s clear that the two of them adore each other, and it’s been that way for Liam’s whole life.

WWL-TV decided that this adorable video was the perfect way to bring joy during this confusing time. So, they shared it online and on the news. However, they had no idea that a follow-up video would be even cuter.

Watch the First Video Here:

I'd be selfish to not share this! The love of a boy and his dog! 💙🐾*To use this video in a commercial player or in broadcasts, please email licensing@storyful.com

Posted by Angela Lally Labat on Sunday, April 26, 2020

After the first video aired on TV, Labat’s family gathered around to watch. They were so excited to see Bronn and Liam’s first moment in the spotlight. When the video finally came on, they were thrilled. But no one was more excited than Bronn.

When Bronn’s video came on, he bolted toward the TV to get a better look. Sure enough, that was him on the screen! He couldn’t believe his eyes. As soon as he recognized himself, he began jumping up and down to celebrate.

Image: Angela Lally Labat Facebook

For the entire time that the video was on the TV, Bronn continued bouncing up and down. He kept barking as he jumped as if to say, ‘Hey, look! That’s me!’. Then, when the video came to an end and Bronn was no longer being shown, he settled down and went back to his normal routine. Clearly, the pup’s dream was to be a famous actor and now his goals had been achieved.

Of course, the news channel couldn’t deny that the second video was even better than the first. So, they aired Bronn on TV yet again to show his adorable reaction to his TV premier. These two videos are the perfect distractions from the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, and Bronn definitely agrees!

Watch the Second Video Here:

I think it's safe to say that Bronn likes seeing himself and his baby brother on the big screen! 😂🤣*To use this video in a commercial player or in broadcasts, please email licensing@storyful.com

Posted by Angela Lally Labat on Monday, April 27, 2020

H/T: wwltv.com
Featured Image: Screenshots, Angela Lally Labat Facebook

The post Dog Jumps For Joy When He Recognizes Himself On TV appeared first on iHeartDogs.com.

from iHeartDogs.com https://ift.tt/3d1gSQO

Pets And COVID: New CDC Guidelines For Pets And What You Need To Know

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, the CDC has recommended exercising caution when it comes to exposing domestic cats and dogs to known infected humans. There have been conflicting reports on how the virus may or may not be transmitted from humans to animals and vice versa. We all want to keep our pets safe so what is the right course of action? The CDC is now recommending that pets practice social distancing just the same way that their humans do.

Starting Now, Practice Social Distancing with Pets

We all have a pretty good idea of what social distancing looks like between humans at this point. When you go to the grocery store, there are X’s on the floor to keep you six feet away from your fellow shopper at the deli counter. When you go to the post office, there are signs hanging six feet apart marking the distance you should keep from the person in front of you. Until now, though, most of us have felt okay letting our dogs continue to rub noses or take a sniff of one another in greeting. Not anymore. When you are out and about with your dog, you should keep them safely distant from those outside of your family.

 

Go Outdoors with Your Dog, But Do it at a Distance

Dr. Catherine Barnette, DVM recently wrote on the VCA Hospital website that outdoor exercise still has benefits that outweigh the known risks. She said, “Fresh air and exercise will likely alleviate some of the stress and anxiety that you may be feeling while giving your dog some fun and exercise.” That being said, you should get this fresh air and exercise with your dog at a distance. Don’t let your dog approach others, avoid off-leash dog parks, and give fellow humans and their dogs six feet of space when passing.

The Official CDC Guidelines on Social Distancing

The CDC website shows the following guidelines that sound very similar to the human social distancing guidelines. We are all very familiar with how to keep ourselves “socially distant.” Now, the CDC says you should do the same with your pets.

The CDC.gov website says, “Until we learn more about how this virus affects animals, treat pets as you would other human family members to protect them from a possible infection.

• Do not let pets interact with people or other animals outside the household.
• Keep cats indoors when possible to prevent them from interacting with other animals or people.
• Walk dogs on a leash, maintaining at least 6 feet (2 meters) from other people and animals.
• Avoid dog parks or public places where a large number of people and dogs gather.”

The Official CDC Guidelines on Protecting Pets from Infected People

We now know that infected humans can, in fact, spread the human COVID-19 virus to animals. We still do not understand how the virus affects them, if at all. Due to that uncertainty, the CDC recommends that infected humans limit interactions with companion animals. The CDC.gov website says:

“If you are sick with COVID-19 (either suspected or confirmed by a test), you should restrict contact with your pets and other animals, just like you would with people. Until we know more about this virus, people sick with COVID-19 should avoid contact with pets and other animals.

• When possible, have another member of your household care for your pets while you are sick.
• Avoid contact with your pet including, petting, snuggling, being kissed or licked, and sharing food or bedding.
• If you must care for your pet or be around animals while you are sick, wear a cloth face covering and wash your hands before and after you interact with them.

If you are sick with COVID-19 and your pet becomes sick, do not take your pet to the veterinary clinic yourself. Call your veterinarian and let them know you have been sick with COVID-19. Some veterinarians may offer telemedicine consultations or other plans for seeing sick pets. Your veterinarian can evaluate your pet and determine the next steps for your pet’s treatment and care.”

This crisis is teaching us all how to be flexible and adaptable for the well being of everyone around us. This now extends to our pets. Until we fully understand what can happen to dogs and other pets if infected with COVDI-19, let’s do our part to protect those precious fur babies.

The post Pets And COVID: New CDC Guidelines For Pets And What You Need To Know appeared first on iHeartDogs.com.

from iHeartDogs.com https://ift.tt/35o3xiP

Meet Sammy

via The Bark https://ift.tt/2VSnVph

Cronos – 5 year old male Cross-Breed

Cronos is a 5 year old medium size (shoulder height: 54 cm, weight: 20 kg) male Cross-Breed who was rescued from death row in February 2018. He’s been living in a crowded shelter ever since, which is totally beyond our comprehension as he is a lovely natured, peaceful doggie who would so deserve a loving home. He is a happy and peaceful doggie with a medium energy level. He looks like a Labrador cross but slightly smaller. He is a handsome boy, the photos are not showing his real glamour. He also has a nice temperament, he’s quite adaptable and easy going. He is neutered.

He is quite well balanced, likes being around people and loves cuddles. He lives peacefully with his doggie mates who keep changing around him. He lives with dogs of all sizes and ages in the shelter and he gets on well with everyone. He is not pushy and is quite patient and well behaved. He has also been tested with cats and he is compatible. He is not taken out for walks currently and we don’t know how he walks on the lead, it will be down to his family to train him to walk on and off the lead. As he lives in a kennel outdoors, we are unsure about his toilet training needs.

Cronos would be best suited with a family without or with children over 14 where he is not left alone for long periods of time and there’s time for his training. He wants to become a treasured member of the family and live the rest of his life in a loving and supporting environment. He could easily live with a friendly doggie mate, but he may as well be happy living with his humans to care for him only. As all rescue dogs, he will need time, patience, love and commitment from his adopting family to become a happy, well balanced dog.

Cronos is currently in Hungary and can travel to the UK as soon as the right family is found for him. He comes fully vaccinated, neutered, microchipped, dewormed, flea and tick treated, with an EU passport and DEFRA approved paperwork.

Adoption is subject to Home Check and Adoption fee.

from Dogs for Adoption – dogsblog.com https://ift.tt/3aUO9vI

Treacle – 3 month old male Cross-Breed

Cute puppy alert! This is Treacle who is a 3 month old male Cross-Breed and will be a small-medium sized adult. He is in Romania until he has a home to go to. He will be similar to a Corgi in shape – long bodied and short legged, and approximately 12kg when fully grown. Unusually we know who Mum and Dad are for these pups (see photo). The owners have agreed to have Mum and Dad neutered to stop any future litters.

We do not home a puppy to anyone who works full time. Puppies take up a lot of time and they need someone at home most of the day. Treacle will need a lot of socialisation with as many adults, children, dogs (puppies and adults), and other animals as possible. He needs to become used to a wide range of events, environments and situations. Any resident children need to be gentle, dog savvy 6+.

Treacle will need training in all aspects. He is too young to be neutered and this will have to be done as part of the adoption contract. He will start his vaccinations and will be microchipped and have a passport.

Treacle can travel in late May once he is 16 weeks old. Homecheck and adoption fees apply.

from Dogs for Adoption – dogsblog.com https://ift.tt/2KLmt1A