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Friday, 29 November 2019
Thursday, 28 November 2019
Dog’s New Family Searches For Hospice Patient Who Had To Give Him Up
One of the unique aspects of adopting a shelter dog is the fact that, so often, there is little information known about the dog’s previous life. We may always have to wonder: were they loved, were they lost, were they okay before I found them? Even the smallest snippet of background information can make a dog’s personality and temperament more easily understood.
Evan Strand and his girlfriend Hannah Dordal had recently gotten a Labrador puppy. Like all Labrador puppies, little Waylon was energetic, curious, playful, and a fair but mischievous pup. The couple decided that they would adopt an older dog to serve as a good example for him. An older dog that knew the ins and outs of being a model companion would be good for little Waylon and the family overall.
The couple found Willie through the Humane Society in Woodbury, Minnesota. He seemed like a calm, collected, and sweet dog so they went to meet him. It seemed fated, with the names Willie and Waylon but they took Willie on a walk to seal the deal. While signing the adoption papers, they learned a fact about Willie’s past: he had been surrendered by a man that was going into hospice care.
This broke the couple’s heart but also painted a clear and impossible to ignore picture about Willie. He had been loved. He had been wanted. He had been okay. Now that Evan and Hannah had found Willie, they wanted to let Willie’s former family know that Willie was going to continue being loved, wanted, and okay.
They asked the Humane Society if they could have the previous family’s contact information, but of course they couldn’t release that information to Evan and Hannah. The couple threw a long shot and took to social media instead. Evan posted,
“Willie is a very loving and well trained dog, this leads me to believe his owner was attached to him and would appreciate being able to see him again and know that he made it to a good home.”
The post was shared an incredible 13,000 times. It was eventually seen by a member of Willie’s extended family who informed Evan and Hannah that Willie’s previous caregiver had succumb to his illness and passed away in hospice. Evan and Hannah were so very sad to hear of his passing and disappointed that they could not deliver the comfort they hoped to deliver with a last visit from Willie.
We believe that there is truth in the adage, “it is the thought that counts.” Thanks go out to Evan and Hannah for bringing Willie to his new forever home.
H/T kare11.com
Featured Image Evan Strand/Facebook
The post Dog’s New Family Searches For Hospice Patient Who Had To Give Him Up appeared first on iHeartDogs.com.
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Dog Stolen In 2015 Is Found With Criminals Nearly 3,000 Miles Away
Maggie the Bulldog never asked for a life of crime, but that’s what happened after she was stolen in 2015. She had been living happily with her dad in Northern California until a couple snatched her from her home one day. Her dad was unable to find her after that, and unfortunately, she ended up in the wrong hands. She found herself living with two criminals that would bring her with them whenever they went to rob a house.
A rise in house robberies was noticed in Lido Key, Florida one week. Usually, the police have a difficult time describing suspects due to masks and other disguises. However, all these reports included one important detail: a white Bulldog. During every robbery, the duo made sure to have Maggie by their side, so the police warned people to be on the lookout for two individuals with a dog of that description.
Catching the Criminals
After the announcement about Maggie was made, an individual in the area happened to run into a man and a white Bulldog. When they reached down to pet Maggie, they realized that she fit the police description perfectly. So, that person called the police right away.
Officers rushed to the area, searching for the criminals and their dog. They found them hiding in a bathroom, and sure enough, Maggie was right by their side.
The two criminals were faced with multiple charges including trespassing, burglary, and grand theft. Most importantly, Maggie was taken away from them. The poor dog had never wanted to be an accomplice to their crimes. She just wanted to be a normal dog.
Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office Animal Services took Maggie in. They scanned her for a microchip, and they learned that she actually had a family in California. They learned that the burglars had stolen her back in 2015, so the officers were determined to get her home to her true family.
Bringing Maggie Home
When the officers contacted Maggie’s dad, he was very excited and grateful that she had finally been found. However, Maggie was still nearly 3,000 miles away! The reunion would take a lot of work, but everyone involved was eager to help.
Maggie’s dad scheduled her to stay at West Coast Veterinary Center of Sarasota for her required 14-day quarantine. They would make sure she was healthy and properly treated before making the long journey.
The police department was able to raise $800 to transport Maggie back to her dad. She was brought home by a service called Haulin’ Paws. Maggie’s dad requested to not have his identity shared on the news, but the person who brought Maggie to him said that the reunion was beautiful.
“As soon as Maggie saw him, she took off bolting, running to him. She actually ripped the leash out of my hand to get to him faster,” said Todd Grippe from Haulin’ Paws.
Of course, no matter how long a dog is separated from their loved ones, they’re always excited to be reunited. Dogs can’t forget their families that easily. So, both Maggie and her dad are very happy that they were brought back together after all these years. She is relieved that her life of crime is finally over too.
H/T: heraldtribune.com
Featured Image: Screenshot, fox8.com
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7 Ways Your Kids Can Volunteer At A Shelter
Volunteers are an absolutely essential component to an animal shelter’s success. Just ask any shelter director, veterinarian, or staffer. They will tell you that it would be impossible to keep up with the shelter’s demands without the help of dedicated and big-hearted volunteers. It takes a whole lotta love and hard work to keep homeless dogs safe, healthy, and happy while waiting to go home with a forever family.
Children stand to benefit in immeasurable and innumerable ways through volunteer work. It fosters empathy, teaches responsibility, and allows kids to build social and working skills that they will take into every classroom and job they enter throughout their lives. There are plenty of ways that shelters can put smaller hands to work. Today we will share 9 ways your kids can volunteer at shelters along with some practical tips to keep everyone safe and happy while doing it.
(Note: Every shelter has their own volunteer policies. Call your local shelter to ask about age requirements.)
#1 – Give a Shelter Dog Attention and Love
The most important and immensely rewarding gift a child can give to a homeless dog is love. Dogs end up in shelters for a wide variety of reasons. Some of them end up in shelters because their humans cannot care for them anymore. Others end up there because their humans never cared. Still others end up needing to be sheltered because something unexpected happened.
That was the case with Tye. He is residing at the Humane Society of St. Joseph County, where my family volunteers. He was a member of a large and loving family but when his human passed away, a former service dog trainer, all twelve of the orphaned dogs had to be taken into the shelter. Imagine going from living with a family, surrounded by those you love to being in a new place all alone.
Tye, and all the dogs in shelters, need love. They need as much human touch and interaction as they can get. Children can deliver affection and attention to dogs in need, helping them feel more safe and secure in an unfamiliar and frightening situation. And the best part? Kids will enjoy giving the love and affection just as much as the dogs will enjoy getting it.
#2 – Take a Shelter Dog on a Walk
As much as the dedicated staffers at shelters would love to be able to take each dog out for a satisfying and invigorating walk each day, it is just not possible. This is an area where volunteers can really step up and make a big difference in the daily lives of sheltered dogs. Even a short walk allows a shelter dog to get outside, smell all the exciting and engaging scents around the property, and get some exercise. Just the opportunity for a dog to be able to do their business outside is hugely satisfying and important.
Our local shelter has a fairly large outdoor area where dogs can be walked. Depending on the location, some shelters allow volunteers to take dogs off property for longer walks. Check with your local shelter’s director to see what is and isn’t allowed.
#3 – Practice Commands
When dogs are able to perform basic commands, such as sit, it really improves their chances of getting adopted. When they meet potential adopters, they can put their best paw forward by showing off what good manners they already have. It also shows potential adopters how smart they are and that they are responsive to training. Kids learn valuable lessons in tenacity, positive reinforcement, and consistency when command training.
#4 – Help Stuff Kongs or Make Other Treats
My boys love to help out in the kitchen. If they can get a little messy and lick their fingers in the process, they are all the more excited to get involved. Kids can get their kitchen fix making treats for local shelter dogs. To keep dogs active and engaged, shelters keep treat puzzles on hand for the dogs. A bored shelter dog will find plenty of entertainment in licking a frozen peanut butter-stuffed Kong. It’s an easy and fun way for your kids to contribute.
#5 – Read to Dogs
Ingham County Animal Control recently launched a new program that recruits community kids to read books to shelter dogs. They call the program S.P.A.C.E. Tails. Kids ages 6-16 can sign up for designated times lots to come read to shelter dogs. The shelter says of the program, “The shelter environment can be overwhelming for many pets, we have found reading to our residents reduces anxiety and creates a calming environment.” If your kiddo loves to read and loves dogs, this could be a great way to volunteer at your local shelter.
#6 – Play with a Shelter Dog
On top of loving up shelter pups from head to toe and taking them outside for a leashed walk, shelter dogs greatly benefit from some off-leash play sessions in or outside. Many shelters have meet and greet rooms and outdoor dog runs that can be used by volunteers to let a dog off leash and loose for some good old fashioned play time. Throw a tennis ball, squeeze a squeaky toy, or play a loud of keep away. Whatever games your kids like to play with pups, let them have it with a willing and excited shelter dog participant.
#7 – Bathing and Brushing Shelter Dogs
To help shelter dogs look and feel their best, you and your kids can spend time bathing and grooming them. The human interaction that happens with grooming can be helpful in and of itself. Being touched and paid attention to makes shelter dogs feel more at ease. Beatifying shelter dogs can help make them look and feel more attractive to potential adopters, too. Ask your local shelter if there are certain days or times of the month when it would most benefit the dogs to get a bath and brush. Is there a big adoption event coming up? Get those puppers ready for their big day with some primping and pampering.
Tips for Successful Junior Volunteering
Shelters welcome helping hands of all sizes. Genny Carlson-Brown is the Executive Director of the Humane Society of St. Joseph County. She told iHeartDogs, “I love when children come to volunteer at the shelter. I grew up on a farm surrounded by animals but here in our urban area, those opportunties don’t happen so often for our youth. Not only do they learn basic animal handling and how to care for the pets, junior volunteers learn compassion for the animals and really come away with a sense of accomplishment after volunteering. They gain confidence and learn all while giving back. It’s truly a win win.”
Naturally, there are some tips you should bear in mind as you serve with your kids at an animal shelter. The prime concern is safety for the dogs and children alike. Some of the guidelines we learned during our volunteer orientation include:
- Kids must be supervised by their parent or guardian at all times.
- Kids should wait outside of the kennel while the adult gets the dog leashed.
- Adults should be the only ones opening and closing doors. This avoids any animals getting loose or any fingers getting smashed.
- Exercise common sense with leash walking. If your kid weighs 35 pounds, let them walk small and medium dogs but leave the big dogs to an adult. It’s also a good idea to take the lead when encountering another dog or human.
Approximately 3 million dogs enter shelters in the US every single year. That’s 3 million bellies that could use a good rub. 3 million backs that could use a good scratch. 3 million pets looking for a forever home. You and your kids can make a difference for the shelter dogs near you. Check out your local shelter and find out all the good that you and yours can do.
The post 7 Ways Your Kids Can Volunteer At A Shelter appeared first on iHeartDogs.com.
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Former Bait Dog Finally Has The Loving Home He Always Deserved
The Street Dog Foundation has rescued so many dogs in need of urgent care throughout the years. Though they have been a part of several desperate rescue situations, Liam’s story is forever imprinted on their hearts.
The rescuers at the Street Dog Foundation were made aware of an abandoned dog living behind a warehouse in Memphis. Once they arrived at the scene, they couldn’t believe their eyes.
Hiding between two dumpsters was a pitiful pup who’s spirit had been broken. He was covered in wounds from head to toe, and had the look of absolute fear in his eyes. After further assessing his wounds, it was clear that he had been used as a bait dog.
After everything he had been through, he was of course terrified to be surrounded by unfamiliar humans. Luckily, the rescuers of the Street Dog Foundation were prepared to do whatever it took to gain his trust and bring him to safety.
After hours of reassuring conversation and the offering of treats, they were finally able to scoop the injured dog into a blanket. They carried him to their car as they promised that his life of pain was now behind him.
The rescue team immediately took him to a nearby animal hospital where he received the medical care he so desperately needed. He was covered in wounds that needed to be treated and severely dehydrated from a life of neglect.
“The vet told us that in the 28 years she’s been practicing, she’s never seen a dog with as many bite wounds and live.” – The Street Dog Foundation
His stay in the animal hospital was documented day by day, and it was incredible to watch him come out of his shell more and more each day. What began as a terrified dog that could barely stand to look anyone in the eye, ended up a joyful pup who happily carried his new stuffed toy around the yard. He also seemed to enjoy having a special name of his own. His rescuers now called him Liam, and he truly glowed each time they spoke his name.
Even more amazing than his miraculous recovery was his reaction to other dogs at the clinic. Unfortunately, many bait dogs carry around a chronic fear of other dogs which can make it difficult to re-home them. While at the animal hospital, Liam not only tolerated the presence of other dogs, but actually made friends!
After a long hospital stay with a staff that was dedicated to get him well, Liam was finally ready to experience life as a loved indoor dog! He then set off to his foster home where he continued to heal and come of out his shell.
After some much-needed TLC and being medically cleared, Liam was finally ready to head off to his forever home. Luckily for Liam, his future family had been following his progress and knew they wanted to be the ones to give him the future he had always deserved.
Liam now spends his days in a loving home with his new furry best friend Dalia, who was also rescued by the Street Dog Foundation. This match was meant to be!
We cannot wait to watch Liam and Dalia thrive in their forever home together! Thank you to the Street Dog Foundation for making this incredibly transformation happen.
If you would like to watch Liam’s transformation week by week when he was first rescued, you can search the hashtag #sdfLiam on Instagram, or follow Liam and Dalia’s Instagram.
Image Source: MemphisLovesLiam/Instagram & StreetDogFoundation/Instagram
The post Former Bait Dog Finally Has The Loving Home He Always Deserved appeared first on iHeartDogs.com.
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Prancing Pup Runs The Westminster Agility Course At His Own Leisurely Pace
The Agility Competition at the Westminster and Crufts dog shows are a source of pure entertainment for dog lovers. It’s exciting to watch the incredible canine athletes, but the real fun is the unpredictability of the dogs themselves.
Take for example, Mia the Beagle. During her 2017 Westminster run, Mia was more interested in the crowd and the state of her lady parts than the competition.
And then there was Kratu’s 2019 Crufts performance. The shaggy Romanian rescue dog created his own path through the obstacle course, occasionally sprinting over to the sidelines to visit onlookers.
This year, a jaunty little Bichon Frise named Winky stole the Westminster show. His performance was excellent. He hit every obstacle just as he should. However, he did so at a glacial pace!
It seems sweet Winky forgot that speed is a big part of winning an agility competition! Maybe he mistook the course for the show ring? Watch as he prances through the course like he’s out for an afternoon walk!
Perhaps Winky and company aren’t used to such large crowds when they compete. Maybe they find the announcers distracting.
Whatever the reason for Winky’s leisurely performance, he certainly seemed to have a good time. Better still, the crowd adored him!
In contrast to the show portion of the competition, agility is all about fun. Every dog that qualifies to compete at Westminster or Crufts is already a champion, and the seasoned handlers understand they occasionally have “off” days.
I don’t know about you, but I enjoyed Winky’s performance just as much (if not more) than Verb the Border Collie’s winning run! It’s a great reminder that it’s not whether you win or lose, what matters is that you have a good time!
The post Prancing Pup Runs The Westminster Agility Course At His Own Leisurely Pace appeared first on iHeartDogs.com.
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Publix Employees Surprise Loyal Customer With A Dog After His Pup Dies In An Accident
Everyone handles the loss of their dog differently. Some people find it’s helpful to seek new love in another dog. Others just aren’t ready to move on. And sometimes, just interacting with a certain dog can help make those decisions for you.
That’s what happened to a man in Lakewood Ranch, Florida named Bob Eck. His dog Bobo, formerly his best friend, had been hit by a car and killed. After that, his whole life changed.
Eck often brought Bobo with him when he shopped at his local Publix grocery store. The employees there had grown fond of both Bob and little Bobo. One day, they asked about the dog and were heartbroken to learn the answer.
“I asked him how Bobo was and he told me the sad story of how he had gotten hit by a car, so we all cried.”
Two Publix employees in particular, Kathy Clifton and Leslie Hinton, became invested in their long-time customer’s emotional recovery. They initially suggested adopting another dog for Eck, but he wasn’t ready for that.
At the very least, they hoped just going to the shelter to see the dogs would cheer him up. Clifton told WFLA she had to be pretty insistent to even get Eck to visit Bishop Animal Shelter with them.
“Maybe I was stubborn to talk Bob into it, but he didn’t need much coaxing when we started looking at the dogs. And when we saw Peppy, that was it.”
Peppy is a 4-year-old Chihuahua with the superpower of love capable of melting a mourner’s heart. The pup and Eck instantly connected, he said.
“He had heartworm and he was scheduled to get euthanized. And I adopted him and took him down to have the heartworm treatment, and now he [doesn’t] have heartworm anymore and he’s happy.”
The Publix employees paid Peppy’s adoption fee out of their own pockets. Eck only found out when he went to sign Peppy’s paperwork that the adoption fee had already been covered.
These women didn’t go above and beyond like this just because they care about their jobs. They really care about people, and dogs too.
“He comes in to visit us all the time and we love him.”
Eck and his new best friend are so happy together, and the employees at Publix are happy to see them happy!
Peppy isn’t replacing Bobo, but he is filling a new place in Eck’s heart.
“It’s great. He stays right with me and he loves me. He flies around, chasing rabbits, chasing all my cats. And then we he gets there he don’t do nothing, just snuggles up. He just loves the chase.”
I wish I lived near this Publix store!
H/T: WFLA
Featured Image: Screenshot, WFLA.com
The post Publix Employees Surprise Loyal Customer With A Dog After His Pup Dies In An Accident appeared first on iHeartDogs.com.
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