World's Gentlest Dog Befriends A Little Boy With Down Syndrome [Video]

A little boy named Hernán and a female yellow lab called Himalaya have been melting hearts around the web with a viral video of the moment the two became friends.

Hernán, of Buenos Aires, has Down Syndrome, which causes him to shy away from physical contact, according to his mother Ana.

In a comment on YouTube she wrote, "He does not like be touched, but Himalaya insisted so patiently, and she was so soft that's why it is so moving, she is left to do anything."

In the video, which now has over 10 million views, Hernán sits on a patio, with a persistent Himalaya inching closer to him. Himalaya makes several attempts to touch Hernán with her paw, but he keeps pushing her away. She rolls onto her back in a playful fashion, while little Hernán presses closer to the wall behind him.

Finally Hernán begins to play with Himalaya's feet and nose, and by the end of the video, what began as an attempt to move away from the dog has turned into something of a game.

Dogs are often used by those with special needs, like Hernán. On its website, Assistance Dogs for Achieving Independence (ADAI) writes:

"There are times when the simple presence and loving nature of a dog can help persons with special needs to open up to the world around them. Special needs therapy dogs have been particularly beneficial for persons with Autism, developmental disabilities, Down's Syndrome and those who have suffered a stroke. With the presence of these dogs, persons can work on therapies that help improve speech, coordination, and social skills."
According to Assistance Dogs International, Golden Retrievers and Labs in particular have good characteristics for service to special needs individuals, including confidence and sociability. They are also easy to care for, and not overly protective.

Watch the video of Hernán and Himalaya below, then jump into the comments and share your favorite stories of loving and amazing pets.


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The Heart-Wrenching Moment Firefighters Resuscitate Dying Labrador Using Oxygen Mask

This is the heart-wrenching moment firefighters carried an injured dog away from a house blaze in New Jersey after risking their lives to rescue two pet canines - but only managing to save one.

Fire crews were called to the multi-family home on Frances Street in Totowa on Sunday afternoon following reports of a three-alarm fire. They quickly determined no people were at the residence.

However, two dogs were inside the property - a Labrador retriever belonging to the unidentified family on the second floor, and a Shih Tzu owned by Carmen and Julio Valencia on the first floor.

Firefighters set about tackling the blaze and initially appeared to have it under control. But before long, flames were flaring up through the house's roof, sending black smoke billowing into the sky.

In an effort to save the pet dogs, officials wearing masks pulled up a ladder to the side of the building and climbed up to a second-floor window, which at one point, flames were spotted shooting out of.

They managed to pull the yellow Labrador through the window, before carrying the panting dog to safety in bedding. They then laid the terrified animal on the ground and gave it oxygen and water.

The Labrador was treated at a veterinarian following the fire, which occurred at around 2.30 p.m., according to NorthJersey.com. Its current condition is unknown and its owners remain unnamed.

But despite the dog's escape, the Valencias' pet Shih Tzu, Luke, was not so fortunate. Firefighters asked the couple where their six-month-old puppy might be hiding, before entering the first floor.

However, when they found Luke, he was already dead.

The Valencias, who have two sons, apparently broke down when they were told their beloved pet had been killed in the blaze. They were handed the deceased puppy in a white bag by officials.

Speaking to the news site, Mr. Valencia, 49, said his wife was 'freaking out' about the death of the Luke, whom she had been worrying about during their frantic drive back to their burning home.

She was also reportedly so shocked about the fire that she had to be given oxygen at the scene.

Firefighters from Totowa, Little Falls, Woodland Park and Wayne spent several hours battling the blaze on Sunday afternoon. The property was left severely damaged, with huge holes in its roof.

No injuries to officials were reported, and the cause and origin of the fire remain unknown.

Police were also at the scene. An investigation is ongoing. 

Saved: This is the heart-wrenching moment firefighters carried an injured dog away from a house blaze in Totowa, New Jersey, after risking their lives to rescue two pet canines - but only managing to save one.

Assistance: Firefighters managed to pull the yellow Labrador retriever through a second-floor window of the burning property. After rescuing the animal, they laid on the ground and gave it oxygen and water (above).

Street Emergency crews were called to the multi-family house on Frances Street (pictured) in Totowa on Sunday afternoon following reports of a three-alarm fire. No family members were at home at the time.

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Meet Nicholas an Adorable 6 ½ Month Old Yellow Lab Raised with a Special Needs Child - Family Can No Longer Care for Him - Do You Have Room in Your Heart and in Your Home for Nicholas?

Meet adorable Nicholas, a 6 ½ month old, 60 lb, Yellow Lab. Nicholas has found himself in the shelter through no fault of his own. This extra special boy was being raised with a special needs child but the family had several family issues that prevented them from continuing to care for Nicholas.

This is a gentle sweet boy, loves people, was living with several other dogs, and is housebroken. He would do best in a home with at least one other dog for companionship, a playmate, and to help him gain confidence in himself as he explores the world around him. Do you have room in your heart and in your home for Nicholas?

If you are interested in adopting Nicholas, click here: Nicholas


Operation Paws For Homes

Operation Paws for Homes, Inc. operates throughout Northern Virginia, Maryland, DC and southern Pennsylvania; OPH is devoted to the rescue, rehabilitation and placement of animals from high kill shelters in the southern region of the United States

To learn more about them, click HERE.

Website: Operation Paws For Homes



General Information: operationpawsforhomes@gmail.com
Adoptions: adopt@ophrescue.org

Operation Paws for Homes, Inc.
P.O. Box 90813
Alexandria, VA 22309
Fax: (804) 302-7975

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Meet Buck-O, the First Dog to Have Cardiac Ablation on the Ventricle On His Heart - "Like" Him on Facebook, and Follow His Journey

Bakersfield, CA - After Scott Clare's wife passed away he taught himself how to love again, but this time with a four-legged companion.

"He makes me laugh and smile every day," said Scott about his dog Buck-O. "He's just a crack-up, he's lots of fun."

He adopted the now 14-month-old dog who is named after baseball player Buck O'Neil, a direct reflection of his love for baseball.

When Scott took Buck-O to get neutered the doctors noticed something was different with the puppy. He was diagnosed with a congenital heart defect called tricuspid (heart) valve dysplasia and frequent ventricular arrhythmias. The irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmias) result in high heart rates that put Buck-O at risk for developing heart enlargement, decreased ability of the heart to contract, and possible sudden death.

"My choices were to spend a lot of money or hang on to him until he has a horrible death and I wasn't gonna do that," said Scott.

The only option was to take Buck-O to Cincinnati, Ohio where he could undergo ventricular ablation, a surgery that has never been done before at MedVet.

Scott and Buck-O made the 2,300-mile trek and made many friends along the way.

"I think they liked the story, the story of him being the first ever," said Scott, "and look at his face, he has a beautiful face."

Eight hours and more than $10,000 later, Buck-O made it through the surgery.

Buck-O is doing well so far and goes for weekly checkups to the vet to make sure his heart beat stays regular.

To read more on Buck-O's story click here: Dogs cross the U.S. for local vet

To follow Buck-O's progress you can 'Like' his Facebook page .

You can follow Buck-O's progress on his Facebook page.
https://www.facebook.com/pages/I-Heart-Buck-O/657745927628685?fref=nf, or at: Follow Buck-O

Buck-O checked into MedVet this morning at 8:00 AM. Here, he sports the latest in heart monitor fashions. This time the IV ports are in the right, hind leg.

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